bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PRESERFLO ™ MicroShunt versus trabeculectomy: 1-year results on efficacy and safety
Authors: Jamke Melanie , Herber Robert , Haase Maike A. , Jasper Carolin S. , Pillunat Lutz E. , Pillunat Karin R. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To compare the efficacy and safety of the PRESERFLO™ MicroShunt versus trabeculectomy in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) after one year.

Patients and methods
Institutional prospective interventional cohort study comparing eyes with POAG, which had received the PRESERFLO™ MicroShunt versus trabeculectomy. The MicroShunt group was matched with the trabeculectomy group for age, known duration of disease, and number and classes of intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering medications to have similar conjunctival conditions. The study is part of the Dresden Glaucoma and Treatment Study, using a uniform study design, with the same inclusion and exclusion criteria, follow-ups and standardized definitions of success and failure for both procedures. Primary outcome measures: mean diurnal IOP (mdIOP, mean of 6 measurements), peak IOP, and IOP fluctuations. Secondary outcome measures: success rates, number of IOP lowering medications, visual acuity, visual fields, complications, surgical interventions, and adverse events.

Results
Sixty eyes of 60 patients, 30 in each group, were analyzed after 1-year follow-ups. Median [Q25, Q75] mdIOP (mmHg) dropped from 16.2 [13.8–21.5] to 10.5 [8.9–13.5] in the MicroShunt and from 17.6 [15.6–24.0] to 11.1 [9.5–12.3] in the trabeculectomy group, both without glaucoma medications. Reduction of mdIOP (P = .596), peak IOP (P = .702), and IOP fluctuations (P = .528) was not statistically significantly different between groups. The rate of interventions was statistically significantly higher in the trabeculectomy group, especially in the early postoperative period (P = .018). None of the patients experienced severe adverse events.

Conclusion
Both procedures are equally effective and safe in lowering mdIOP, peak IOP and IOP fluctuations in patients with POAG, one year after surgery.
Clinical trial registration: NCT02959242.
Oral cancer awareness campaign in Northern Germany: successful steps to raise awareness for early detection
Authors: Baumann Eva , Koller Michael , Wenz Hans-Jürgen , Wiltfang Jörg , Hertrampf Katrin 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Oral cancer is an underestimated health problem, and its existence and the relevant prevention measures are not sufficiently known by the general population. The project thus aimed to develop, implement and evaluate an oral cancer campaign in Northern Germany, and to increase problem awareness on various levels: draw public attention to the tumour by media coverage increase awareness of early detection opportunities for the target group, and raise awareness of carrying out early detection measures by the professional groups involved.

Methods
For each level, a campaign concept was developed and documented in terms of content and timing. The identified target group was elderly educationally disadvantaged male citizens ≥ 50 years. The evaluation concept for each level included pre-, post- and process evaluations.

Results
The campaign was carried out from April 2012 to December 2014. The issue of awareness within the target group was significantly increased. Media coverage showed that regional media adopted the topic of oral cancer and placed it on their published agenda. Furthermore, the continuous involvement of the professional groups over the course of the campaign led to an increased awareness of oral cancer.

Conclusion
The development of the campaign concept with a comprehensive evaluation showed that the target group was successfully reached. The campaign was adapted to the required target group and specific conditions, and was also designed to be context sensitive. It is, therefore, recommended that the development and implementation of an oral cancer campaign on a national level be discussed.
A data-driven intelligent decision support system that combines predictive and prescriptive analytics for the design of new textile fabrics
Authors: Ribeiro Rui , Pilastri André , Moura Carla , Morgado José , Cortez Paulo 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we propose an Intelligent Decision Support System (IDSS) for the design of new textile fabrics. The IDSS uses predictive analytics to estimate fabric properties (e.g., elasticity) and composition values (% cotton) and then prescriptive techniques to optimize the fabric design inputs that feed the predictive models (e.g., types of yarns used). Using thousands of data records from a Portuguese textile company, we compared two distinct Machine Learning (ML) predictive approaches: Single-Target Regression (STR), via an Automated ML (AutoML) tool, and Multi-target Regression, via a deep learning Artificial Neural Network. For the prescriptive analytics, we compared two Evolutionary Multi-objective Optimization (EMO) methods (NSGA-II and R-NSGA-II) when optimizing 100 new fabrics, aiming to simultaneously minimize the physical property predictive error and the distance of the optimized values when compared with the learned input space. The two EMO methods were applied to design of 100 new fabrics. Overall, the STR approach provided the best results for both prediction tasks, with Normalized Mean Absolute Error values that range from 4% (weft elasticity) to 11% (pilling) in terms of the fabric properties and a textile composition classification accuracy of 87% when adopting a small tolerance of 0.01 for predicting the percentages of six types of fibers (e.g., cotton). As for the prescriptive results, they favored the R-NSGA-II EMO method, which tends to select Pareto curves that are associated with an average 11% predictive error and 16% distance.
Oral and systemic health: is there a “new” link with COVID-19?
Authors: Herrera David , Serrano Jorge , Roldán Silvia , Alonso Bettina , Sanz Mariano 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Objectives
The objective of the present narrative review was to evaluate the evidence of a possible association between periodontitis and COVID-19, and its biological plausibility, using as models the potential associations with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and some respiratory diseases.

Methods
A recent systematic review was used as main reference to explore the associations of periodontitis with different respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, following two focussed questions: a PECOS question, aimed to explore epidemiological evidence, and a PICOS question, designed to explore the evidence derived from intervention studies. In addition to that evidence, other relevant scientific documents, including consensus papers, were carefully selected and appraised.

Findings
Convincing evidence was found to support the association of periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and some respiratory diseases. The biological plausibility behind those associations is based on four factors: (1) bacteraemia of oral bacteria and periodontal pathogens, (2) increased systemic inflammation, (3) common genetic factors, and (4) common environmental risk factors. Limited initial evidence is available to support an association between periodontitis and COVID-19 complications. Among the proposed factors to explain the suggested association, a combination of the previously mentioned factors, plus additional factors related with SARS-CoV-2 characteristics and pathogenicity, has been suggested.

Conclusions
Initial evidence suggests that periodontitis may be associated with a more severe COVID-19 and with a higher risk of death due to COVID-19.

Clinical relevance
Due to the possible association between periodontitis and an increased severity for COVID-19, additional efforts should be made to improve oral and periodontal health, including the promotion of oral healthy habits, such as oral hygiene.
More than stoichiometry: the molecular composition of inorganic and organic substrates controls ammonium regeneration by bacteria
Authors: Guo J. , Cherif M. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe mineralization of nitrogen (N) and especially the regeneration of ammonium are critical processes performed by bacteria in aquatic ecosystems. Quantifying these processes is complicated because bacteria simultaneously consume and produce ammonium. Here we use experimental data on the effects of the molecular composition of the supplied substrates, combined with a classical stoichiometric model of ammonium regeneration, to demonstrate how the quantification of these processes can be improved. We manipulated a batch culture experiment with an isolated bacterial community by adding three different types of N substrates: dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN, nitrate), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON, amino acid) and a mixture of DIN and DON. With such experiment set-up, the ammonium regeneration per se could be easily tracked without using complicated methods (e.g. isotope dilution). We compared the experimental data with the predictions of Goldman et al.’ model (Limnol Oceanogr 32:1239–1252, 1987) as well as with a revised version, using the measured consumption carbon:nitrogen ratio (C:N ratio), rather than an estimated consumption ratio. We found that, for all substrates, and in particular, mixed substrates where C and N are partially dissociated between different molecules, estimates of ammonium regeneration rates can be improved by measuring the actual consumption C: N ratio.
Vibration isolation performance analysis of a bilateral supported bio-inspired anti-vibration control system
Authors: Zhou Shihua , Zhang Dongsheng , Hou Bowen , Ren Zhaohui 
Published: May 2023

AbstractTo achieve better anti-vibration performance in a low frequency region and expand the range of vibration isolation, a bilateral supported bio-inspired anti-vibration (BBAV) structure composed of purely linear elements is proposed, inspired by the motion form of bird legs and the nonlinear extension and compression of muscles and tendons. The kinematic relations and nonlinear dynamic model considering vertical and rotational vibrations are established. The loading capacity and equivalent stiffness are investigated with key parameters. The amplitude-frequency characteristics and force transmissibility are used to evaluate the stability and anti-vibration performance with the effects of the excitation amplitude, rod length, installation angle, and spring stiffness. The results show that the loading requirements and resonant characteristics of the BBAV structure are adjustable, and superior vibration isolation performance can be achieved readily by tuning the parameters. The X-shaped vibration structure is sensitive to the spring stiffness, which exhibits a wider vibration isolation bandwidth with smaller spring stiffness. Besides, depending on the parameters, the nonlinear behavior of the BBAV system can be interconverted between the softening type and the hardening type. The theoretical analysis in this study demonstrates the advantages and effectiveness of the vibration isolation structure.
Aeromonas veronii and ulcerative syndrome in cultured Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and their associated factors
Authors: Aly Salah M. , Abou-El-Atta Mohamed E. , El-Mahallawy Heba S. , Elaswad Ahmed , ElAbyad Fatma A. , ElBanna Noha I. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract This research was carried out to study the bacterial etiology of ulcerative syndrome in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and its associated environmental stressors. A total of 90 live and moribund Nile tilapia showing signs of ulcerative dermatitis were collected from various fish ponds in El-Sharkia Province, Egypt, during the summer seasons from June 2019 to August 2020. Collected fish were subjected to full clinical and postmortem investigation followed by bacteriological and molecular identification of the bacterial agents as well as histopathological examinations. Moreover, water samples from the fish sampling sites were collected and analyzed physiochemically and microbiologically. Furthermore, the pathogenicity of the isolated strains was assessed by challenging apparently healthy Nile tilapia to determine the LD50. Clinically, the examined fish exhibited ulcerative dermatitis as focal or fused large ulcers surrounded by red zones of hemorrhages at different body parts. Bacteriologically, Aeromonas veronii biovar sobria and A. caviae were isolated and identified. Moreover, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis verified the identity of these species. Antibiogram profiling of the recovered Aeromonas sp. isolates showed complete resistance to ampicillin, with high susceptibility to gentamycin, trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole, and erythromycin. Histopathological examination of the affected fish revealed epidermal necrosis with dermal edema and an influx of inflammatory cells into the dermis and hypodermis. The LD50 of A. veronii biovar sobria and A. caviae was estimated as 1.5 × 107 and 1.5 × 108 CFU/fish; respectively. The water temperature and ammonia concentrations recorded a significant rise (P ≤ 0.05) in July and August compared to June; however, the highest pH levels were recorded during August, followed by July. Also, the total bacterial load significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05). Finally, it was concluded that the improvement of water quality helps sustain the health of farmed fish
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Activation of Cerebellum, Basal Ganglia and Thalamus During Observation and Execution of Mouth, hand, and foot Actions
Authors: Errante Antonino , Gerbella Marzio , Mingolla Gloria P. , Fogassi Leonardo 
Published: May 2023

AbstractHumans and monkey studies showed that specific sectors of cerebellum and basal ganglia activate not only during execution but also during observation of hand actions. However, it is unknown whether, and how, these structures are engaged during the observation of actions performed by effectors different from the hand. To address this issue, in the present fMRI study, healthy human participants were required to execute or to observe grasping acts performed with different effectors, namely mouth, hand, and foot. As control, participants executed and observed simple movements performed with the same effectors. The results show that: (1) execution of goal-directed actions elicited somatotopically organized activations not only in the cerebral cortex but also in the cerebellum, basal ganglia, and thalamus; (2) action observation evoked cortical, cerebellar and subcortical activations, lacking a clear somatotopic organization; (3) in the territories displaying shared activations between execution and observation, a rough somatotopy could be revealed in both cortical, cerebellar and subcortical structures. The present study confirms previous findings that action observation, beyond the cerebral cortex, also activates specific sectors of cerebellum and subcortical structures and it shows, for the first time, that these latter are engaged not only during hand actions observation but also during the observation of mouth and foot actions. We suggest that each of the activated structures processes specific aspects of the observed action, such as performing internal simulation (cerebellum) or recruiting/inhibiting the overt execution of the observed action (basal ganglia and sensory-motor thalamus).
Modelling of land use land cover changes using machine learning and GIS techniques: a case study in El-Fayoum Governorate, Egypt
Authors: Atef Islam , Ahmed Wael , Abdel-Maguid Ramadan H. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractLand use/land cover (LULC) changes can occur naturally or due to human activities. In this study, the maximum likelihood algorithm (MLH) and machine learning (random forest algorithm (RF) and support vector machine (SVM)) were investigated for image classification to oversight spatio-temporal land use changes in El-Fayoum governorate, Egypt. The Google Earth Engine has been utilized to pre-process the Landsat imagery, and then upload it for classification. Each classification method was evaluated using field observations and high-resolution Google Earth imagery. LULC changes were assessed, utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques, over the last 20 years in three different periods: 2000–2012, 2012–2016, and 2016–2020. The results showed that socioeconomic changes occurred during these transitions. The SVM procedure provided the most accurate maps in terms of the kappa coefficient (0.916) compared to MLH (0.878) and RF (0.909) procedures. Therefore, the SVM technique was adopted to classify all available satellite imagery. The results of change detection showed that urban sprawl has occurred and most of the encroachments were on agricultural land. The results showed that agricultural land area decreased from 26.84% in 2000 to 26.61% in 2020 and urban area increased from 3.43% in 2000 to 5.99% in 2020. In addition, urban land expanded rapidly on account of agricultural lands by a total of 4.78% from 2012 to 2016, while it expanded slowly by a total of 3.23% from 2016 to 2020. Overall, this study offers useful insight into LULC changes that might aid shareholders and decision makers in making informed decisions.
Ten Years of Positive Impact of a Conservation Education Program on Children's Knowledge and Behaviour Toward Crested Macaques (Macaca nigra) in the Greater Tangkoko Area, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Chanvin Mathilde , Lamarque François , Diko Nona , Agil Muhammad , Micheletta Jérôme , Widdig Anja 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

In areas where primates are threatened, environmental education interventions are a key way to increase the local population’s knowledge of their environment and encourage positive attitudes and habits to preserve the environment and wildlife on a local and global scale. This study assesses the impact of Tangkoko Conservation Education (TCE), the Macaca Nigra Project’s conservation education programme, running since 2011 in North Sulawesi for school children, teachers, and the local population. TCE’s goal is to help people increase their knowledge of their environment and develop more positive habits and behaviours towards their local environment, especially the Critically Endangered and endemic crested macaques (Macaca nigra). We measured the efficacy of TCE’s programme for pupils using questionnaires provided one month before and one month after a year-long conservation education programme at school. Pupils’ knowledge and behaviour scores increased significantly after their participation in the programme. Their habits score also increased but this increase was not statistically significant. Girls scored significantly higher than boys in terms of positive behaviour towards wildlife. Children participating in the programme more than once seemed to obtain higher scores in their second participation, although the sample size was too small for formal analysis. Despite some limitations, this study demonstrates the positive impact of our programme on young people living in an area where primates are threatened. We hope that this research will inspire similar programmes in Sulawesi and elsewhere by providing methods and activities to help prevent primate extinction.
Sustainability Politics and Housing Development in Urban Brazil and Ghana
Authors: Donaghy Maureen M. , Paller Jeffrey W. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Rapid population growth in the Global South places extreme pressure on cities, making it very difficult for governments to provide the necessary housing to city dwellers. The short-term needs and demands of residents often contradict or challenge long-term central urban plans and sustainable solutions. Important but overlooked actors in the politics of sustainable urban development are community organisations that demand housing and rights to the city. Yet these organisations do not adopt the same strategies everywhere. This article examines the pathways of engagement adopted by organisations across different urban contexts and how they affect governance. These organisations contribute to sustainability politics by engaging local and national governments, allying with political parties and politicians, and informing and mobilising local populations. Drawing from a most different case design that compares São Paulo, Brazil with Accra, Ghana, we find that the ideology of the organisation, its relationship to the state and to society, and the credibility of multi-level institutions shape the success or failure of sustainable urban governance and development. We conclude that urban residents often seek change through pathways of engagement that can be generalised across diverse social contexts, but the underlying politics within civil society can undermine a sustainable urban future.
Moving Through a Textual Space Autistically
Authors: Rosqvist Hanna Bertilsdotter , Nygren Anna , O’Donoghue Sarinah 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis article is an investigation of neurodivergent reading practices. It is a collectively written paper where the focus is as much on an autoethnographic exploration of our autistic readings of autism/autistic fiction as it is on the read texts themselves. The reading experiences described come primarily from Yoon Ha Lee’s Dragon Pearl (2019) and Dahlia Donovan’s The Grasmere Cottage Mystery (2018), which we experience as opposite each other in how they depict their neurodivergent characters and speak to us as autistic readers. Through the article, we describe a formation of neurodivergent (critical) collective readings of autism/autistic fiction. The article contributes to an academic and activistic discourse around neurodivergent reader responses and power relations between neurodivergent and neurotypical readers and authors.
Assessing conservation outcomes and maximizing habitat connectivity for multiple species in systematic conservation plans: a case study in Yolo County, California
Authors: Parisi Monica D. , Huber Patrick R. , Greco Steven E. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Context
Habitat connectivity is key when designing reserve networks for conservation of species at risk. Acquiring land over time to achieve connectivity for multiple species in a systematic conservation plan can pose a challenge because not all high priority parcels will be acquired, species occurrence data is often limited, and using multiple species models together is complex.

Objectives
We evaluated four possible land acquisition strategies in a such a plan in their ability to meet each of three objectives. The strategies represent different combinations of what are termed ‘Priority 1’, ‘Priority 2’, and ‘Corridor’ lands in the plan. The objectives are to (1) meet conservation target acreages identified in the plan; these are distinct from connectivity goals, (2) maximize structural habitat connectivity, and (3) maximize connectivity for multiple focal species.

Methods
For this case study in Yolo County, California, we compared the efficiency of strategies to meet conservation targets using MARXAN. We compared structural connectivity of MARXAN solutions for each strategy using FRAGSTATS and distance between patches using ArcGIS. We compared focal species connectivity by using ArcGIS to define species-specific least cost networks and then assessing each network’s conformity with MARXAN solutions.

Results
‘Priority 1’ parcels and ‘Corridor’ parcels together provide (1) the most efficient solution for attaining conservation targets, (2) the highest structural connectivity, and (3) high connectivity for the greatest number of focal species.

Conclusions
Because land acquisition patterns are time sensitive and data may be limited, we recommend using spatial prioritization software often and employing several measures of connectivity in decision-making.