bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving Deep Learning-based Plant Disease Classification with Attention Mechanism
Authors: Alirezazadeh Pendar , Schirrmann Michael , Stolzenburg Frieder 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIn recent years, deep learning-based plant disease classification has been widely developed. However, it is challenging to collect sufficient annotated image data to effectively train deep learning models for plant disease recognition. The attention mechanism in deep learning assists the model to focus on the informative data segments and extract the discriminative features of inputs to enhance training performance. This paper investigates the Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) to improve classification with CNNs, which is a lightweight attention module that can be plugged into any CNN architecture with negligible overhead. Specifically, CBAM is applied to the output feature map of CNNs to highlight important local regions and extract more discriminative features. Well-known CNN models (i.e. EfficientNetB0, MobileNetV2, ResNet50, InceptionV3, and VGG19) were applied to do transfer learning for plant disease classification and then fine-tuned by a publicly available plant disease dataset of foliar diseases in pear trees called DiaMOS Plant. Amongst others, this dataset contains 3006 images of leaves affected by different stress symptoms. Among the tested CNNs, EfficientNetB0 has shown the best performance. EfficientNetB0+CBAM has outperformed EfficientNetB0 and obtained 86.89% classification accuracy. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the attention mechanism to improve the recognition accuracy of pre-trained CNNs when there are few training data.
The Development and Validation of the Firesetting Questionnaire
Authors: Gannon Theresa A. , Olver Mark E. , Alleyne Emma , Butler Helen , Lister Victoria , Ó Ciardha Caoilte , Sambrooks Katie , Tyler Nichola 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis research developed and evaluated a measure to examine fire-specific constructs relevant to fire misuse. In the first study, using UK community members asked to disclose deliberate firesetting, we tested a large pool of theoretically informed questionnaire items. First, we found that 1 in 10 adults reported setting a deliberate fire that they had not been apprehended for. Then, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses suggested an eight-factor measure with broader coverage of theoretically-informed risk factors, relative to previous measures, and acceptable test item validity and robust internal consistencies. In the second study, we tested the Firesetting Questionnaire with imprisoned men who held a record of firesetting and imprisoned and community comparisons. The findings illustrated psychometric robustness. Our results suggest that the Firesetting Questionnaire has the potential to be a useful clinical tool for highlighting fire-specific treatment needs and informing clinical formulation and associated risk management.
Evaluation of the suitability of different methods for determination of the crosslink density in highly filled EPDM compounds
Authors: Spanheimer Vanessa , Katrakova-Krüger Danka , Altenhofer Philipp , Valtchev Kroum 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe crosslink density of elastomers is the essential property that determines many other but especially the mechanical product properties. Different raw materials, especially recycled and bio-based materials, influence the vulcanization and may change the crosslink density when they are used as a substitute to conventional raw materials. Aim of this study is to develop a procedure that allows the reliable determination of the crosslink density in highly filled EPDM compounds as basis for future investigations focussed on substitution with sustainable materials in this compound. Unfortunately, experiences with other rubber compounds like tire treads cannot be directly applied here because of the use of other filler types and amounts as well as the differences in the polymer with regard to active sites (available double bonds). Equilibrium swelling, Flory-stress-strain-measurements, freezing point depression and temperature-scanning-stress-relaxation are applied to a model EPDM compound with high filler and softener amount as typically used for sealings. For sensitivity investigation the amount of the crosslink agent sulfur was varied. Furthermore, the influence of different accelerators was investigated. All methods are able to determine the crosslink density but with different standard deviations due to measurement errors. Partially, they can be optimized for this use case. Based on the results a combination of Flory-stress-strain-measurements and freezing point depression was chosen to be used in the future.
Electoral Competition, the EU Issue and Far-right Success in Western Europe
Authors: Vasilopoulou Sofia , Zur Roi 
Published: December 2022

AbstractWe argue theoretically and demonstrate empirically that to understand the electoral fortunes of far-right parties in Western Europe, we need to consider the advantages and disadvantages these parties encounter in the multidimensional political issue space. We argue that salience changes among the electorate benefit far-right parties more than shifting far-right parties’ policy positions. We further posit that changes in the public salience of European integration are more important for far-right success than other issues -- including immigration. Utilizing similar survey questions from the Chapel Hill Expert Survey (CHES) about parties’ positions and the European Election Studies (EES) about voters’ policy preferences, we estimate multidimensional voting models in 12 West European countries. We then use mathematical simulations to show that the issue that matters most for far-right success is European integration. This research has important implications for the study of electoral competition, parties’ campaign strategies, and voting behavior.
Should We Continue EU Cohesion Policy? The Dilemma of Uneven Development of Polish Regions
Authors: Jagódka Maciej , Snarska Małgorzata 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe European Union and the whole world are facing the problem of increasing income and wealth inequalities at the country and regional levels. Inequalities are a severe obstacle to sustainable and balanced growth. Politicians perceive this problem by trying to implement different types of development models. The cohesion policy is the European Union's response to the development differences between countries and regions. It is clearly defined that development has to be sustainable and inclusive, which is reflected in the objectives of all leading EU development strategies. The aim of this paper is (1) to examine how effective the EU cohesion policy is in reducing regional disparities (2) to assess that the main cause of regional disparities is the misallocation of human capital. The authors base their study on the regions of Poland, estimating the state of their human capital and innovation between 2004 and 2018. We examine the effectiveness of cohesion policy using functional data analysis—the Wilcoxon test, which was used for the first time for this type of issue. The current question is whether to help metropolises and large cities, which will entail the development of smaller units, or whether to try to increase the rate of development of smaller and economically weaker territorial units in the first place.
Consumer acceptance of cultured meat: an empirical analysis of the role of organizational factors
Authors: Lin-Hi Nick , Reimer Marlene , Schäfer Katharina , Böttcher Johanna 
Published: December 2022

AbstractCultured meat, i.e. meat produced in-vitro through the cultivation of animal stem cells, is a radical innovation that prepares to enter the market in the near future. It has the potential to substantially reduce the negative externalities of today’s meat production and consumption and pave the way for a more sustainable global food system. However, this potential can only be realized if cultured meat penetrates the mass-market, which renders consumer acceptance a critical bottleneck. Using structural equation modeling, the present paper investigates the role of hitherto neglected organizational factors (trustworthiness, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and extrinsic motives) as antecedents of consumer acceptance of cultured meat. To this end, a pre-post intervention design in terms of a two-part online questionnaire was used with the final sample consisting of 966 participants. We found that in addition to established antecedents on the product level, organizational trustworthiness and CSR have a significant influence on consumers’ willingness to buy cultured meat. The findings indicate that organizational factors matter for consumer acceptance of cultured meat.
Abrasive Wear Behavior of Nano-Sized Steel Scale on Soft CuZn35Ni2 Material
Authors: Demirsoz Recep , Uğur Abdullah , Erdoğdu Ahmet Emrah , Korkmaz Mehmet Erdi , Gupta Munish Kumar 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis study examines the abrasive wear behavior of nano-sized steel scale on the CuZn35Ni2 Soft material. CuZn35Ni2 Soft material was used as a sample, and the three-body wear mechanism formed by nanoscale particles mixed with lubricating oil was investigated using a ball-on-flat tester. Three different loads, three different sliding speeds and three different environment variables were used in the experiments. A lubricant containing 0.15 and 0.3 wt.% nanoscale and a non-abrasive lubricant was used to form the medium. The experimental results were obtained as mass loss, wear depth and friction coefficient and the wear surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX). The analysis of variance method was used to determine the effect of independent variables on the results. As a result of the study, it was concluded that the most effective parameter for mass loss and CoF was the environment, and the most effective parameter for the depth of wear was the load. It was concluded that there might be a difference of up to 10% in the coefficient of friction between the experiments and the predicted values. Still, in general, the predicted values and the experimental results agree.
The Efficacy Comparison of Endoscopic Bariatric Therapies: 6-Month Versus 12-Month Intragastric Balloon Versus Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
Authors: Kozłowska-Petriczko K. , Pawlak K. M. , Wojciechowska K. , Reiter A. , Błaszczyk Ł. , Szełemej J. , Petriczko J. , Wiechowska-Kozłowska A. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Introduction

Intragastric balloon (IGB) insertion and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) are known to be effective and safe in achieving weight loss. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a 6-month IGB therapy, a 12-month IGB therapy, and ESG.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the weight loss at IGB (Orbera) removal after 6 months (124 patients), at IGB (Orbera365) removal after 12 months (61 patients) and at 6 and 12 months after ESG (42 and 34 patients, respectively). Postprocedural care, including medication and diet, was the same for all procedures.

Results
Mean TBWL in patients undergoing IGB placement for 6 and 12 months and ESG after 6 and 12 months were 15.2, 15.8, 26.5, and 28.7 kg, respectively. There was no significant difference in the mean %TBWL in patients undergoing IGB placement for 6 or for 12 months (15.3% vs. 14.7%, P = 0.7). ESG patients showed a significantly higher mean %TBWL than IGB patients after 6 months (15.3 vs. 19.8, P = 0.005) and 12 months (14.7 vs. 22.5, P < 0.001).

Conclusion
All three studied methods were effective for achieving weight loss. However, there was no significant difference between 6-month and 12-month IGB therapies outcomes. ESG appeared to be a more effective obesity treatment modality than IGB.

Graphical Abstract
Configurations of Technology Commercialization: Evidence from Chinese Spin-off Enterprises
Authors: Fang Qi , Xie Hong-Ming 
Published: December 2022

AbstractDespite numerous studies on understanding effectiveness of technology commercialization, only limited attention is given to the complex relationship inter and inner its conditions, which formed from the policy system between different levels of government networks and the unbalanced regional technology resources in China. Using data from spin-off enterprises, this paper develops an integrated configuration framework for and provide an empirical test of five predictors, namely policy supply, policy coordination, technology source, firm strength, and R&D investment, which capture three contextual features of institutional, organizational, and technological complexity within Chinese technology commercialization context. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fs/QCA) of data identified three distinct effective TC paths: The first, dominator, pertained to the effective regional policy supply and powerful enterprise strength, even if the regional technology source is deficient. The second, devotee, characterized by effective policy coordination, intensive R&D investment, and abundant technology source or powerful enterprise. The last, investor, featured by poor policy coordination and poor regional technical resources, while favorable regional policy supply and R&D investment.
Induction of premature senescence and a less-fibrogenic phenotype by programmed cell death 4 knockdown in the human hepatic stellate cell line Lieming Xu-2
Authors: Perveen Rasheda , Ozaki Iwata , Manirujjaman M. , Mine Keiichiro , Murata Yuzo , Tanaka Kenichi , Xia Jinghe , Takahashi Hirokazu , Anzai Keizo , Matsuhashi Sachiko 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAlthough programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) was initially reported as a tumor suppressor and has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth and metastasis, recent studies have demonstrated that loss of PDCD4 expression also induces growth inhibition by inducing apoptosis and/or cellular senescence. At present, the roles of PDCD4 in the activation and profibrogenic properties of myofibroblasts, which are critically involved in organ fibrosis, such as that in the liver, are unclear. We, therefore, investigated the roles of PDCD4 in myofibroblasts using human hepatic stellate cell line Lieming Xu-2 (LX-2). PDCD4 knockdown inhibited LX-2 proliferation and induced a senescent phenotype with increased β-galactosidase staining and p21 expression in a p53-independent manner together with downregulation of the notch signaling mediator RBJ-κ/CSL. During PDCD4 knockdown, alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA; an activation marker of myofibroblasts), matrix metalloproteinases MMP-1 and MMP-9, and collagen IV were upregulated, but the expression of collagen1α1 and collagen III was markedly downregulated without any marked change in the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1). These results demonstrated that knockdown of PDCD4 induced the cellular senescence phenotype and activated myofibroblasts while suppressing the profibrogenic phenotype, suggesting roles of PDCD4 in cellular senescence and fibrogenesis in the liver.
A French Version of a Voice Recognition Symbol Digit Modalities Test Analog
Authors: Feinstein Anthony , Shen Lingkai , Rose Jonathan , Cayer Caroline , Bockus Caitlyn , Meza Cecilia , Puopolo Juliana , Lapointe Emmanuelle 
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT:We previously showed that a fully automated voice recognition analog of the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (VR-SDMT) is sensitive in detecting processing speed deficits in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). We subsequently developed a French language version and administered it to 49 French-Canadian pwMS and 29 matched healthy control (HC) subjects. Significant correlations between the VR-SDMT and traditional oral SDMT were found in the MS (r = −0.716, p < 0.001) and HC (r = −0.623, p < 0.001) groups. These findings in French replicate our previous findings and confirm the utility of voice recognition software in assessing cognition in pwMS.
Comparing UV-C dosages of emitter placement strategies in a community hospital setting
Authors: Haag Cody W. , Holliday George , Archulet Kenneth , Tang Weiming 
Published: December 2022

AbstractWe measured the amount of UV-C light (254 nm) achieved on hospital surfaces using a modified emitter and competing placement strategies. An autonomous UV-C strategy improved exposure on surfaces that were distant, angled, or shadowed to the nonautonomous strategies, leading to significantly higher overall UV-C dosages.
Association between ultra-processed foods consumption and risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a population-based analysis of NHANES 2011–2018
Authors: Liu Zhening , Huang Hangkai , Zeng Yan , Chen Yishu , Xu Chengfu 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAn increasing number of studies have evaluated the association between ultra-processed foods (UPF) consumption and metabolic disorders. However, the association between UPF intake and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains unclear. In this study, we analysed data from 6545 participants who were recruited in National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2011–2018. UPF were defined in light of the NOVA food classification system and divided into quartiles based on its proportion of total weight intake. Complex logistic regression models were used to assess the association between UPF and NAFLD. Mediation analyses were conducted to reveal underlying mediators. We found that NAFLD patients consumed more UPF than controls (925·92 ± 18·08v. 812·70 ± 14·32 g/d,P< 0·001). Dietary intake of UPF (% weight) was negatively related to the Healthy Eating Index-2015 score (Spearmanr= −0·32,P< 0·001). In the multivariable model, the highest quartile compared with the lowest, the OR (95 % CI) were 1·83 (1·33, 2·53) for NAFLD (OR per 10 % increment: 1·15; 95 % CI: 1·09, 1·22;Pfor trend < 0·001) and 1·52 (1·12, 2·07) for insulin resistance (OR per 10 % increment: 1·11; 95 % CI: 1·05, 1·18;Pfor trend = 0·002). Mediation analyses revealed that poor diet quality, high saturated fat and refined grain intake partly mediated the association between UPF and NAFLD. In conclusion, high UPF intake was associated with an increased risk of NAFLD in US adults. Further prospective studies are needed to verify these findings.
Efficacy of surgeon-performed, intra-operative ultrasound scan for localisation of parathyroid adenomas in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Habib A , Molena E , Snowden C , England J 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundIn the UK, guidance recommends ultrasound scanning alone or in combination with sestamibi scintigraphy to guide surgery in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. If an adenoma is localised on imaging, this can facilitate targeted or minimally invasive surgery. Surgeon-performed ultrasound scan on the operating table benefits from being performed on an anaesthetised patient with optimal positioning. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of intra-operative, blinded, surgeon-performed ultrasound scan in localisation of parathyroid adenomas.MethodsProspective data were collected on consecutive patients undergoing surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism at a single tertiary centre from November 2019 to June 2021. Patients underwent blinded, surgeon-performed ultrasound scan under general anaesthesia immediately prior to surgery. Localisation results from pre-operative imaging and surgeon-performed ultrasound scan were then compared with the intra-operative findings.ResultsForty-nine patients underwent surgery and were found to have single-gland disease. Sestamibi scintigraphy, radiologist-performed ultrasound scan and surgeon-performed ultrasound scan had sensitivities of 59.4, 43.75 and 73.8 per cent, respectively. Surgeon-performed ultrasound scan had a statistically significantly increased sensitivity compared with radiologist-performed ultrasound (p< 0.05).ConclusionIntra-operative, surgeon-performed ultrasound scan is effective in localising parathyroid adenomas and may be a useful adjunct to facilitate minimally invasive parathyroid surgery.
Plasma image classification using cosine similarity constrained convolutional neural network
Authors: Falato Michael J. , Wolfe Bradley T. , Natan Tali M. , Zhang Xinhua , Marshall Ryan S. , Zhou Yi , Bellan Paul M. , Wang Zhehui 
Published: December 2022

Plasma jets are widely investigated both in the laboratory and in nature. Astrophysical objects such as black holes, active galactic nuclei and young stellar objects commonly emit plasma jets in various forms. With the availability of data from plasma jet experiments resembling astrophysical plasma jets, classification of such data would potentially aid in not only investigating the underlying physics of the experiments but also the study of astrophysical jets. In this work we use deep learning to process all of the laboratory plasma images from the Caltech Spheromak Experiment spanning two decades. We found that cosine similarity can aid in feature selection, classify images through comparison of feature vector direction and be used as a loss function for the training of AlexNet for plasma image classification. We also develop a simple vector direction comparison algorithm for binary and multi-class classification. Using our algorithm we demonstrate 93 % accurate binary classification to distinguish unstable columns from stable columns and 92 % accurate five-way classification of a small, labelled data set which includes three classes corresponding to varying levels of kink instability.
The evolution of peace
Authors: Glowacki Luke 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
While some species have affiliative and even cooperative interactions between individuals of different social groups, humans are alone in having durable, positive-sum, interdependent relationships across unrelated social groups. Our capacity to have harmonious relationships that cross group boundaries is an important aspect of our species' success, allowing for the exchange of ideas, materials, and ultimately enabling cumulative cultural evolution. Knowledge about the conditions required for peaceful intergroup relationships is critical for understanding the success of our species and building a more peaceful world. How do humans create harmonious relationships across group boundaries and when did this capacity emerge in the human lineage? Answering these questions involves considering the costs and benefits of intergroup cooperation and aggression, for oneself, one's group, and one's neighbor. Taking a game theoretical perspective provides new insights into the difficulties of removing the threat of war and reveals an ironic logic to peace – the factors that enable peace also facilitate the increased scale and destructiveness of conflict. In what follows, I explore the conditions required for peace, why they are so difficult to achieve, and when we expect peace to have emerged in the human lineage. I argue that intergroup cooperation was an important component of human relationships and a selective force in our species history beginning at least 300 thousand years. But the preconditions for peace only emerged in the past 100 thousand years and likely coexisted with intermittent intergroup violence which would have also been an important and selective force in our species' history.