bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Higher-Order Numerical Scheme for System of Nonlinear Load Flow Equations
Authors: Zafar Fiza , Cordero Alicia , Maryam Husna , Torregrosa Juan R.
Published: February 2024

Power flow problems can be solved in a variety of ways by using the Newton–Raphson approach. The nonlinear power flow equations depend upon voltages Vi and phase angle δ. An electrical power system is obtained by taking the partial derivatives of load flow equations which contain active and reactive powers. In this paper, we present an efficient seventh-order iterative scheme to obtain the solutions of nonlinear system of equations, with only three steps in its formulation. Then, we illustrate the computational cost for different operations such as matrix–matrix multiplication, matrix–vector multiplication, and LU-decomposition, which is then used to calculate the cost of our proposed method and is compared with the cost of already seventh-order methods. Furthermore, we elucidate the applicability of our newly developed scheme in an electrical power system. The two-bus, three-bus, and four-bus power flow problems are then solved by using load flow equations that describe the applicability of the new schemes.
Transfer Reinforcement Learning for Combinatorial Optimization Problems
Authors: Souza Gleice Kelly Barbosa , Santos Samara Oliveira Silva , Ottoni André Luiz Carvalho , Oliveira Marcos Santos , Oliveira Daniela Carine Ramires , Nepomuceno Erivelton Geraldo
Published: February 2024

Reinforcement learning is an important technique in various fields, particularly in automated machine learning for reinforcement learning (AutoRL). The integration of transfer learning (TL) with AutoRL in combinatorial optimization is an area that requires further research. This paper employs both AutoRL and TL to effectively tackle combinatorial optimization challenges, specifically the asymmetric traveling salesman problem (ATSP) and the sequential ordering problem (SOP). A statistical analysis was conducted to assess the impact of TL on the aforementioned problems. Furthermore, the Auto_TL_RL algorithm was introduced as a novel contribution, combining the AutoRL and TL methodologies. Empirical findings strongly support the effectiveness of this integration, resulting in solutions that were significantly more efficient than conventional techniques, with an 85.7% improvement in the preliminary analysis results. Additionally, the computational time was reduced in 13 instances (i.e., in 92.8% of the simulated problems). The TL-integrated model outperformed the optimal benchmarks, demonstrating its superior convergence. The Auto_TL_RL algorithm design allows for smooth transitions between the ATSP and SOP domains. In a comprehensive evaluation, Auto_TL_RL significantly outperformed traditional methodologies in 78% of the instances analyzed.
On the Use of Data Envelopment Analysis for Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis
Authors: Pascoe Sean
Published: February 2024

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) has been proposed as a means of assessing alternative management options when there are multiple criteria with multiple indicators each. While the method has been widely applied, the implications of how the method is applied on the resultant management alternative ranking have not been previously considered. We consider the impact on option ranking of ignoring an implicit hierarchical structure when there are different numbers of indicators associated with potential higher-order objectives. We also consider the implications of the use of radial or slacks-based approaches on option ranking with and without a hierarchical structure. We use an artificial data set as well as data from a previous study to assess the implications of the approach adopted, with the aim to provide guidance for future applications of DEA for multi-criteria decision making. We find substantial benefits in applying a hierarchical approach in the evaluation of the management alternatives. We also find that slacks-based approaches are better able to differentiate between management alternatives given multiple objectives and indicators.
Optical Properties of AgAu Alloy Clusters: Effect of Chemical Configuration along a Rearrangement Pathway
Authors: Weissker Hans-Christian , Calvo Florent
Published: February 2024

Gold and silver are, for all their chemical similarities, optically very different. Small Ag clusters show a localized surface-plasmon resonance (LSPR), whereas in Au clusters smaller than about 300 atoms, the resonance is absent due to the coupling with the interband transitions from the d electrons. This opens the possibility of tuning the cluster properties depending on their composition and chemical configuration. Earlier work on AgAu alloy clusters has shown that the outermost shell of atoms is crucial to their overall optical properties. In the present contribution, we consider the optical spectroscopic properties associated with the structural rearrangement in 55-atom AgAu alloy clusters in which the core transforms from pure silver to pure gold. Calculations using time-dependent density-functional theory are complemented by an in-depth study of the subtle effects that the chemical configuration has on the details of the materials’ d bands. Although the cluster surface remains alloyed, the geometrical changes translate into strong variations in the optical properties.
Exploratory Analysis of Distributional Data Using the Quantile Method
Authors: Ichino Manabu
Published: February 2024

The quantile method transforms each complex object described by different histogram values to a common number of quantile vectors. This paper retraces the authors’ research, including a principal component analysis, unsupervised feature selection using hierarchical conceptual clustering, and lookup table regression model. The purpose is to show that this research is essentially based on the monotone property of quantile vectors and works cooperatively in the exploratory analysis of the given distributional data.
Make Way for the Wind—Promoting Urban Wind Corridor Planning by Integrating RS, GIS, and CFD in Urban Planning and Design to Mitigate the Heat Island Effect
Authors: Wu Kang-Li , Shan Liang
Published: February 2024

Under the trend in climate change, global warming, and the increasingly serious urban heat island effect, promoting urban wind corridor planning to reduce urban temperature and mitigate the effect of urban heat islands has received widespread attention in many cities. With emerging awareness of the need to explicitly incorporate climate considerations into urban planning and design, integrating current spatial analysis and simulation tools to enhance urban wind corridor planning to obtain the best urban ventilation effect has become an increasingly important research topic in green city development. However, how to systematically carry out urban wind corridor planning by employing related technology and simulation tools is a topic that needs to be explored urgently in both theory and practice. Taking Zhumadian City in China as an example, this study proposes a method and planning approach that uses remote sensing (RS), geographic information system (GIS), and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in an integrated way to understand urban landscape and to conduct urban wind corridor planning. The research results reveal that the urban form of Zhumadian City favors the development of urban wind corridors, and that the railway lines and some major roads in the city have the potential to be developed as the city’s main wind corridors. However, there are still ventilation barriers resulting from the existing land use model and building layout patterns that need to be adjusted. In terms of local-level analysis, the CFD simulation analysis also reveals that some common building layout patterns may result in environments with poor ventilation. Finally, based on the results of our empirical analysis and local planning environment, specific suggestions are provided on how to develop appropriate strategies for urban wind corridor planning and adjustments related to land use planning and building layout patterns in order to mitigate the impact of the urban heat island effect.
Spline Model: A Hydrostatic/Non-Hydrostatic Dynamic Core with Space-Time Second-Order Precision and Its Exact Tests
Authors: Gu Xuzan , Wang Zhibin , Guo Yinglian
Published: February 2024

We present a new explicit quasi-Lagrangian integration scheme with the three-dimensional cubic spline function transform (transform = fitting + interpolation, referred to as the “spline format”) on a spherical quasi-uniform longitude–latitude grid. It is a consistent longitude–latitude grid, and to verify the feasibility, accuracy, convergence, and stability of the spline format interpolation scheme for the upstream point on the longitude–latitude grid, which may map a quasi-uniform longitude–latitude grid, a set of ideal, exact test schemes is adopted, which are recognized and proven to be effective internationally. The equilibrium flow test, cross-polar flow test, and Rossby–Haurwitz wave test are used to illustrate the spline scheme uniformity to the linear scheme and to overcome the over-dense grid in the polar region and the non-singularity of the poles. The cross-polar flow test demonstrates that the geostrophic wind crosses the polar area correctly, including the South Pole and North Pole. A non-hydrostatic, fully compressible dynamic core is used to complete the density flow test, demonstrating the existence of a time-varying reference atmosphere and that the spline format can simulate highly nonlinear fine-scale transient flows. It can be compared for the two results of the density flow test between the solution with the spline format and the benchmark reference solution with the linear format. Based on the findings, the non-hydrostatic dynamic core with the spline format is recommended for adoption. When simulated for the flow over an ideal mountain, through the “topographic gravity wave test”, the bicubic surface terrain and terrain-following height coordinates, time-split integration, and vector discrete decomposition can be derived successfully. These may serve as the foundations for a global, unified spline-format numerical model in the future.
Effects and Mechanisms of Exercise on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Levels and Clinical Outcomes in People with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kaagman Daan G. M. , van Wegen Erwin E. H. , Cignetti Natalie , Rothermel Emily , Vanbellingen Tim , Hirsch Mark A.
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Exercise therapy may increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and improve clinical outcomes in people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This systematic review was performed to investigate the effect of exercise therapy on BDNF levels and clinical outcomes in human PD and to discuss mechanisms proposed by authors. Method: A search on the literature was performed on PubMed up to December 2023 using the following key words: Parkinson’s disease AND exercise, exercise therapy, neurological rehabilitation AND brain-derived neurotrophic factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor/blood, brain-derived neurotrophic factor/cerebrospinal fluid AND randomized clinical trial, intervention study. Only randomized clinical trials comparing an exercise intervention to treatment as usual, usual care (UC), sham intervention, or no intervention were included. Results: A meta-analysis of BDNF outcomes with pooled data from five trials (N = 216 participants) resulted in a significant standardized mean difference (SMD) of 1.20 [95% CI 0.53 to 1.87; Z = 3.52, p = 0.0004, I2 = 77%], favoring exercise using motorized treadmill, Speedflex machine, rowing machine, and non-specified exercise. Significant improvements were found in Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), UPDRS-III, 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Methodological quality of trials was categorized as “good” in three trials, “fair” in one trial, and “poor” in one trial. Conclusion: Key results of this systematic review are that exercise therapy is effective in raising serum BDNF levels and seems effective in alleviating PD motor symptoms. Exercise therapy confers neuroplastic effects on Parkinson brain, mediated, in part, by BDNF.
Thermal Ablation Combined with Immune Checkpoint Blockers: A 10-Year Monocentric Experience
Authors: Bonnet Baptiste , Tournier Louis , Deschamps Frédéric , Yevich Steven , Marabelle Aurélien , Robert Caroline , Albiges Laurence , Besse Benjamin , Bonnet Victoire , De Baère Thierry , Tselikas Lambros
Published: February 2024

Purpose: We report a 10-year experience in cancer therapy with concomitant treatment of percutaneous thermal ablation (PTA) and immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs). Material and methods: This retrospective cohort study included all patients at a single tertiary cancer center who had received ICBs at most 90 days before, or 30 days after, PTA. Feasibility and safety were assessed as the primary outcomes. The procedure-related complications and immune-related adverse events (irAEs) were categorized according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0 (CTCAE). Efficacy was evaluated based on overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and local progression-free survival (LPFS) according to the indication, ablation modality, neoplasm histology, and ICB type. Results: Between 2010 and 2021, 78 patients (57% male; median age: 61 years) were included. The PTA modality was predominantly cryoablation (CA) (61%), followed by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (31%). PTA indications were the treatment of oligo-persistence (29%), oligo-progression (14%), and palliation of symptomatic lesions or prevention of skeletal-related events (SREs) (56%). Most patients received anti-PD1 ICB monotherapy with pembrolizumab (n = 35) or nivolumab (n = 24). The feasibility was excellent, with all combined treatment performed and completed as planned. Ten patients (13%) experienced procedure-related complications (90% grade 1–2), and 34 patients (44%) experienced an irAE (86% grade 1–2). The only factor statistically associated with better OS and PFS was the ablation indication, favoring oligo-persistence (p = 0.02). Tumor response was suggestive of an abscopal effect in four patients (5%). Conclusions: The concomitant treatment of PTA and ICBs within 2–4 weeks is feasible and safe for both palliative and local control indications. Overall, PTA outcomes were found to be similar to standards for patients not on ICB therapy. While a consistently reproducible abscopal effect remains elusive, the safety profile of concomitant therapy provides the framework for continued assessment as ICB therapies evolve.
Skull-Base Chondrosarcoma: A Systematic Review of the Role of Postoperative Radiotherapy
Authors: Ravindran Pawan Kishore , Keizer Max E. , Kunst Henricus (Dirk) P. M. , Compter Inge , Van Aalst Jasper , Eekers Daniëlle B. P. , Temel Yasin
Published: February 2024

Surgery and radiotherapy are key elements to the treatment of skull-base chondrosarcomas; however, there is currently no consensus regarding whether or not adjuvant radiotherapy has to be administered. This study searched the EMBASE, Cochrane, and PubMed databases for clinical studies evaluating the long-term prognosis of surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. After reviewing the search results, a total of 22 articles were selected for this review. A total of 1388 patients were included in this cohort, of which 186 received surgery only. With mean follow-up periods ranging from 39.1 to 86 months, surgical treatment provided progression-free survival (PFS) rates ranging from 83.7 to 92.9% at 3 years, 60.0 to 92.9% at 5 years, and 58.2 to 64.0% at 10 years. Postoperative radiotherapy provides PFS rates ranging between 87 and 96.2% at 3 years, 57.1 and 100% at 5 years, and 67 and 100% at 10 years. Recurrence rates varied from 5.3% to 39.0% in the surgery-only approach and between 1.5% and 42.90% for the postoperative radiotherapy group. When considering prognostic variables, higher age, brainstem/optic apparatus compression, and larger tumor volume prior to radiotherapy were found to be significant factors for local recurrence.
Cross-Cultural Validation of the Portuguese Version of the Quality of Oncology Nursing Care Scale
Authors: Gomes Pedro , Ribeiro Susana , Silva Marcelle , Cruchinho Paulo , Nunes Elisabete , Nascimento Carla , Lucas Pedro
Published: February 2024

Background: Quality assessment in oncology nursing care has been a growing topic in the literature, gaining relevance as oncological nursing care becomes more complex as the science progresses. However, there are no instruments that assess the perception of the quality of oncology nursing care from the point of view of patients for the Portuguese population. Thus, the cross-cultural translation and validation of the Quality of Oncology Nursing Care Scale (QONCS) was performed for the Portuguese context. This instrument allows nurses to assess patients’ self-perception of the quality of nursing care provided in an oncological setting. It also allows researchers to compare the results obtained internationally with the application of this scale. Methods: This is a methodological study, with two distinct phases: the first corresponded to the translation and cultural adaptation of the scale to the Portuguese context, and the second consisted of the psychometric validation of the QONCS, which included factor analysis and the evaluation of the psychometric properties of the instrument. We obtained responses from 402 patients from a Portuguese oncology hospital. Results: The Portuguese version of the Quality of Oncology Nursing Care Scale (QONCS_PT) consists of 34 items inserted into a tetra-factorial model, which explains a total variance of the instrument of 69.8%. A Cronbach’s alpha of 0.93 was obtained for the complete instrument. Conclusions: QONCS_PT has a competent and reliable structure. The scale’s validity was assured and can be used in the Portuguese population, as it is useful for direct care provision but also for researchers and managers.
JAK Inhibitors in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: Friend or Foe? A Systematic Review of the Published Literature
Authors: Vahabi Seyed Mohammad , Bahramian Saeed , Esmaeili Farzad , Danaei Bardia , Kalantari Yasamin , Fazeli Patrick , Sadeghi Sara , Hajizadeh Nima , Assaf Chalid , Etesami Ifa
Published: February 2024

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are a group of lymphoid neoplasms with high relapse rates and no curative treatment other than allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). CTCL is significantly influenced by disruption of JAK/STAT signaling. Therefore, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors may be promising for CTCL treatment. This study is a systematic review aiming to investigate the role of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of CTCL, including their efficacy and safety. Out of 438 initially searched articles, we present 13 eligible ones. The overall response rate (ORR) in the treatment with JAK inhibitors in clinical trials was 11–35%, although different subtypes of CTCL showed different ORRs. Mycosis fungoides showed an ORR of 14–45%, while subcutaneous-panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) displayed an ORR ranging from 75% to 100%. Five cases were reported having a relapse/incident of CTCL after using JAK inhibitors; of these, three cases were de novo CTCLs in patients under treatment with a JAK inhibitor due to refractory arthritis, and two cases were relapsed disease after graft-versus-host disease treatment following allo-SCT. In conclusion, using JAK inhibitors for CTCL treatment seems promising with acceptable side effects, especially in patients with SPTCL. Some biomarkers, like pS6, showed an association with better responses. Caution should be taken when treating patients with an underlying autoimmune disease and prior immunosuppression.
Maintain Efficacy and Spare Toxicity: Traditional and New Radiation-Based Conditioning Regimens in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Dogliotti Irene , Levis Mario , Martin Aurora , Bartoncini Sara , Felicetti Francesco , Cavallin Chiara , Maffini Enrico , Cerrano Marco , Bruno Benedetto , Ricardi Umberto , Giaccone Luisa
Published: February 2024

Novelty in total body irradiation (TBI) as part of pre-transplant conditioning regimens lacked until recently, despite the developments in the field of allogeneic stem cell transplants. Long-term toxicities have been one of the major concerns associated with TBI in this setting, although the impact of TBI is not so easy to discriminate from that of chemotherapy, especially in the adult population. More recently, lower-intensity TBI and different approaches to irradiation (namely, total marrow irradiation, TMI, and total marrow and lymphoid irradiation, TMLI) were implemented to keep the benefits of irradiation and limit potential harm. TMI/TMLI is an alternative to TBI that delivers more selective irradiation, with healthy tissues being better spared and the control of the radiation dose delivery. In this review, we discussed the potential radiation-associated long-term toxicities and their management, summarized the evidence regarding the current indications of traditional TBI, and focused on the technological advances in radiotherapy that have resulted in the development of TMLI. Finally, considering the most recent published trials, we postulate how the role of radiotherapy in the setting of allografting might change in the future.
Co-Creating Strategies to Optimize Traditional Silvopastoral Systems through the Management of Native Trees in Caívas in Southern Brazil
Authors: Hanisch Ana Lúcia , Pinotti Lígia Carolina Alcântara
Published: February 2024

The conservation of forest remnants in southern Brazil is closely related to historical land use, for example in systems such as caívas that occur within remnants of the Araucaria Forest and include livestock production and the extraction of yerba mate. Over the last decade, technologies adapted for these systems have been developed that promote a significant increase in animal productivity, without harming forest regeneration or the maintenance of the tree layer. However, the fertilization of pastures proposed in the technology has also promoted greater growth of native trees, with a consequent increase in shade levels. This, in turn, has affected the maintenance of pasture and yerba mate in the understory. Thus, this study sought to develop a methodology to adjust shade levels based on forest management that adheres to the limits permitted by current legislation. The objective was to evaluate the effect of tree management to maintain 50% shade levels on environmental indicators in a caíva that has been implementing pasture improvement technology since 2013. Native tree management occurred in 2020 and 2022 and the results were compared with data from the floristic survey of the area carried out in 2013. The results indicate that although the adoption of forest management to adjust shade levels reduced the density of individuals, it did not affect forest diversity, nor the basal area of the caíva tree layer. As such, it is possible to maintain pasture and yerba mate production in the area. Strategies like this are fundamental so that the forest landscape can continue to offer a source of production while also supporting environmental conservation.
A Mitogenome-Based Phylogeny of Pilargidae (Phyllodocida, Polychaeta, Annelida) and Evaluation of the Position of Antonbruunia
Authors: Huč Sonja , Hiley Avery S. , McCowin Marina F. , Rouse Greg W.
Published: February 2024

Pilargidae is a family of free-living and burrowing marine annelids. A lack of available molecular data for most of these species has precluded a molecular assessment of their phylogenetic relationships and has left uncertain the placement of Antonbruunia, which is hypothesized to be either a member of Pilargidae or its sister clade, the monotypic family Antonbruunidae. In this study, we describe the new species Antonbruunia milenae sp. nov., found at 845 m of depth off the coast of San Diego, California, USA, and we address the phylogeny of these organisms using 15 novel mitogenomes and multiple Sanger-sequenced loci. Our results show that Antonbruunia falls within Pilargidae, making Antonbruunidae a junior synonym of Pilargidae. Glyphohesione was transferred from Pilarginae to Synelminae, the previously unassigned genera Otopsis and Antonbruunia were shown to belong within Synelminae, and Hermundura was assigned to Phyllodocida incertae sedis. Sigambra was found to be non-monophyletic. Four different mitogenome gene orders were found among Pilargidae. Changes between the gene orders and the ancestral state gene order of the family were inferred. Two species have introns within the COI gene. These efforts represent a significant expansion of the available molecular resources for pilargids, as well as the basis for a more stable taxonomy.
Plant-Derived Natural Products: A Source for Drug Discovery and Development
Authors: Chaachouay Noureddine , Zidane Lahcen
Published: February 2024

For thousands of years, nature has been a source of medical substances, and an astounding numeral of contemporary remedies have been identified from natural origins. Plants have long been used as folk herbal medicines to treat various disorders, and their different natural products have inspired the design, discovery, and development of new drugs. With the invention of recent molecular targets based on proteins, there is a growing need for fresh chemical diversification in screening. Natural products will play a vital part in supplying this need via the continuous exploration of global biodiversity, the majority of which remains unexplored. Even though drug discovery from medicinal plants remains an important source of novel therapeutic leads, various hurdles exist, including identifying and executing suitable high-throughput screening bioassays, scaling up the supply of bioactive molecules, and acquiring plant materials. Investigating these natural resources takes multi-disciplinary, nationwide, and global partnerships in design, synthesis, discovery, and drug development techniques. This review article discusses current advancements and future approaches for discovering natural items such as health- and wellness-promoting remedies. It also summarizes strategies to unify the therapeutic use of plant-derived natural products worldwide to support future drug discoveries derived from plant sources.
The Effect of Bulk Modification of the MF-4SK Membrane with Phosphorylated Hyper-Branched Dendrimer Bolthorn H20 on the Mechanisms of Electroconvection/Dissociation of Water and Specific Selectivity to Divalent Ions
Authors: Achoh Aslan , Bondarev Denis , Nosova Elena , Melnikov Stanislav
Published: February 2024

This study focuses on the modification of ion-exchange membranes by incorporating a phosphorylated dendrimer into sulfonated polytetrafluoroethylene membranes to enhance the specific selectivity between mono-/divalent ions, using the Ca2+/Na+ pair as an example. This research employs mechanical, physicochemical, and electrochemical analyses to explore the effects of P-H20 incorporation on membrane properties. Bulk modification significantly increases membrane selectivity towards calcium ions (the specific permselectivity coefficient rises from 1.5 to 7.2), while maintaining the same level of the limiting current density. Other findings indicate that bulk modification significantly changes the transport-channel structure of the membrane and alters the mechanism of over-limiting mass transfer. The over-limiting current for the pristine membrane is mainly due to non-equilibrium electroconvection, while modified membranes actively participate in the water-splitting reaction, leading to the suppression of the electroconvection. Despite this drawback, the decrease of the over-limiting potential drop results in a decrease in specific energy consumption from 0.11 to 0.07 kWh/mol. In the underlimiting current mode, the specific energy consumption for all studied membranes remains within the same limits of 0.02–0.03 kWh/mol.
A Detailed Comparative Analysis of You Only Look Once-Based Architectures for the Detection of Personal Protective Equipment on Construction Sites
Authors: Elesawy Abdelrahman , Mohammed Abdelkader Eslam , Osman Hesham
Published: February 2024

For practitioners and researchers, construction safety is a major concern. The construction industry is among the world’s most dangerous industries, with a high number of accidents and fatalities. Workers in the construction industry are still exposed to safety risks even after conducting risk assessments. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to help reduce the risks to laborers and engineers on construction sites. Developments in the field of computer vision and data analytics, especially using deep learning algorithms, have the potential to address this challenge in construction. This study developed several models to enhance the safety compliance of construction workers with respect to PPE. Through the utilization of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and the application of transfer learning principles, this study builds upon the foundational YOLO-v5 and YOLO-v8 architectures. The resultant model excels in predicting six key categories: person, vest, and four helmet colors. The developed model is validated using a high-quality CHV benchmark dataset from the literature. The dataset is composed of 1330 images and manages to account for a real construction site background, different gestures, varied angles and distances, and multi-PPE. Consequently, the comparison among the ten models of YOLO-v5 (You Only Look Once) and five models of YOLO-v8 showed that YOLO-v5x6’s running speed in analysis was faster than that of YOLO-v5l; however, YOLO-v8m stands out for its higher precision and accuracy. Furthermore, YOLOv8m has the best mean average precision (mAP), with a score of 92.30%, and the best F1 score, at 0.89. Significantly, the attained mAP reflects a substantial 6.64% advancement over previous related research studies. Accordingly, the proposed research has the capability of reducing and preventing construction accidents that can result in death or serious injury.
The Influence of Treatment Methods on Bending Mechanical Properties of Bamboo Strips
Authors: Cao Shiyu , Ji Jiagui , Yin Haowei , Wang Xuehua
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to obtain a comprehensive understanding on bamboo as a curve-member manufacturing material by comparative analysis of how different treatment methods on bending properties improve the effect on bamboo strips. In order to achieve this purpose, bamboo strips were subjected to water boiling, 15% NaOH, and 25% NH3 impregnation; the impact of physical, mechanical and chemical properties were explored. The results revealed that: (1) Water boiling significantly affected crystallinity, cellulose, and lignin content, with a treatment duration of 10 h showing the most favorable results for flexibility and plasticity, greatly improving bending performance. (2) An amount of 15% NaOH treatment significantly increased bending MOE and plastic displacement by 73% and 122.7%. However, it led to a noticeable decrease in bending strength (MOR). A treatment above 8 h could cause irreversible damage to bamboo strips. (3) The improvement of 25% NH3 on bamboo bending ability was lower than water boiling. The effects of chemical composition were obvious in the initial five days and changed little after five days. Generally, water boiling for over 10 h is suitable for applications with significant bending requirements. While for maintaining bamboo color, original strength, and bending performance, 25% NH3 for five days was recommended, and 15% NaOH was not advised for improving bamboo bending performance and its applications.
Changes in Relationship between Forest Biomass Productivity and Biodiversity of Different Type Subtropical Forests in Southern China
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhou Ping , González-Rodríguez Miguel Ángel , Tan Zhaowei , Li Zehua , Yan Ping
Published: February 2024

Forest productivity is influenced by various factors, including biodiversity, environmental factors, functional traits, and forest types. However, the relative importance of these factors in determining the productivity of subtropical forests in southern China remains controversial. In this study, we analyzed a dataset of 24 forest plots from four subtropical forest types in the Nanling Mountains with the main goal of identifying and quantifying the relative contribution of the main driving factors of forest productivity in these forests. Generalized linear regression and structural equation modeling were used to examine the relationship between forest biomass productivity (aboveground, belowground and total), biodiversity (taxonomic diversity, phylogenetic diversity and functional diversity), and environmental variables (i.e., physiography and climate). The results indicated that both environmental factors and biodiversity played pivotal roles in explaining the biomass productivity of the Nanling subtropical forests. Environmental factors had the greatest influence on total productivity, while the impacts of different types of biodiversity on various productivity components (aboveground and belowground) varied notably. Taxonomic diversity showed the strongest positive effect on the aboveground and belowground biomass productivity. However, phylogenetic and functional diversity had negative effects on productivity. Furthermore, these relationships also exhibited variations when considering different altitude gradients, with low altitudes generally leading to negative biodiversity–productivity correlations. We contextualized our results regarding the three state-of-the-art theories about biodiversity–productivity relationships (selection probability, niche complementarity, and biomass ratio) and concluded that both selection probability and niche complementarity are the driving mechanisms of productivity in the subtropical forests of the Nanling Mountains. This study offers valuable insights into the functioning and biodiversity mechanisms of subtropical forest ecosystems in southern China.
Effects of Stand Density, Age, and Drought on the Size–Growth Relationship in Larix principis-rupprechtii Forests
Authors: Li Jiajing , Chen Dongsheng , Yang Xin , Fan Niqiao , Wang Yiwen , Zhang Zhidong
Published: February 2024

The size–growth relationship (SGR) quantifies growth partitioning among different sized trees in a stand and helps to elucidate stand growth dynamics during stand development. SGR strongly correlates with stand density, stand age, and drought severity. This study focused on larch (Larix principis-rupprechtii (Mayr)) forests with different stand ages (17–19 years, 20–29 years, 30–39 years, and 40–46 years) and stand densities (300–1400 trees·ha−1 and 1400–3300 trees·ha−1) as the research subjects. Employing a linear mixed model, we aimed to quantify the effects of stand density, stand age, and drought index on SGR. The results revealed that the Gini coefficient had a significant variation between high-density and low-density larch stands (p < 0.01). Stand age, stand density, and drought index exerted varying degrees of influence on the growth dominance coefficient (GD) and SGR of larch forests. In stands aged less than 39 years, a pronounced growth advantage of large trees over small trees was evident (typically SGR > 1 and GD > 0), indicating a positive growth dominance stage where large trees dominated. Compared to high-density stands, low-density stands exhibited a notably greater positive growth dominance. After 40 years, the growth stage transitioned to a relatively symmetric stage (SGR approximately equal to 1), with a discernible shift towards a reverse growth dominance stage (GD < 0). Compared to stand density and stand age, the drought index had a more influential effect on SGR. As drought severity increased, SGR increased, amplifying the growth advantage of large trees over small ones. The findings underscored the significance of adjusting stand density and optimizing tree size structure to enhance larch resilience against the warming and drying effects.
Application of Poloxamer for In Situ Eye Drop Modeling by Enrichment with Propolis and Balsam Poplar Buds Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Jokubaite Monika , Marksa Mindaugas , Ramanauskiene Kristina
Published: February 2024

In situ poloxamer-based gels are increasingly being explored as ocular drug delivery carriers to extend the release of active substances, thereby enhancing bioavailability. The objective of this study was to develop thermally stable in situ gels incorporating balsam poplar bud extract, propolis extract, and p-coumaric acid solution and to evaluate the physicochemical parameters of these gelified eye drops. This research assessed the compatibility of poloxamer-based eye drops with active components, their physicochemical properties, stability post-sterilization and during storage, and the release profiles of the active compounds. Fifteen eye drop formulations were prepared and categorized into three groups based on active components. One of the active components was propolis extract. As an alternative to propolis, eye drops containing the plant precursor, balsam poplar bud extract, were developed. The third group’s active component was p-coumaric acid, a dominant phenolic acid in propolis and balsam poplar bud extracts. The study reported phenolic contents of 76.63 CAE mg/g for propolis and 83.25 CAE mg/g for balsam poplar bud aqueous extracts, with balsam poplar bud extracts showing higher SPF values (14.0) compared to propolis (12.7), while p-coumaric acid solution exhibited the highest SPF values (25.5). All eye drops were transparent, with pH values meeting the requirements for ocular drops. Formulations containing 8–10% poloxamer 407 met the criteria for in situ gels. All formulations remained stable for 90 days. Conclusion: The study results indicate that the formulated gels possess suitable physicochemical properties, are resistant to applied autoclaving conditions, and exhibit an extended release of active compounds with an increase in poloxamer content.
Cross-Omic Transcription Factor Analysis: An Insight on Transcription Factor Accessibility and Expression Correlation
Authors: Martini Lorenzo , Bardini Roberta , Savino Alessandro , Di Carlo Stefano
Published: February 2024

It is well known how sequencing technologies propelled cellular biology research in recent years, providing incredible insight into the basic mechanisms of cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing is at the front in this field, with single-cell ATAC sequencing supporting it and becoming more popular. In this regard, multi-modal technologies play a crucial role, allowing the possibility to simultaneously perform the mentioned sequencing modalities on the same cells. Yet, there still needs to be a clear and dedicated way to analyze these multi-modal data. One of the current methods is to calculate the Gene Activity Matrix (GAM), which summarizes the accessibility of the genes at the genomic level, to have a more direct link with the transcriptomic data. However, this concept is not well defined, and it is unclear how various accessible regions impact the expression of the genes. Moreover, the transcription process is highly regulated by the transcription factors that bind to the different DNA regions. Therefore, this work presents a continuation of the meta-analysis of Genomic-Annotated Gene Activity Matrix (GAGAM) contributions, aiming to investigate the correlation between the TF expression and motif information in the different functional genomic regions to understand the different Transcription Factors (TFs) dynamics involved in different cell types.
Regulation of myo-miR-24-3p on the Myogenesis and Fiber Type Transformation of Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Fan Danyang , Yao Yilong , Liu Yanwen , Yan Chao , Li Fanqinyu , Wang Shilong , Yu Mei , Xie Bingkun , Tang Zhonglin
Published: February 2024

Skeletal muscle plays critical roles in providing a protein source and contributing to meat production. It is well known that microRNAs (miRNAs) exert important effects on various biological processes in muscle, including cell fate determination, muscle fiber morphology, and structure development. However, the role of miRNA in skeletal muscle development remains incompletely understood. In this study, we observed a critical miRNA, miR-24-3p, which exhibited higher expression levels in Tongcheng (obese-type) pigs compared to Landrace (lean-type) pigs. Furthermore, we found that miR-24-3p was highly expressed in the dorsal muscle of pigs and the quadriceps muscle of mice. Functionally, miR-24-3p was found to inhibit proliferation and promote differentiation in muscle cells. Additionally, miR-24-3p was shown to facilitate the conversion of slow muscle fibers to fast muscle fibers and influence the expression of GLUT4, a glucose transporter. Moreover, in a mouse model of skeletal muscle injury, we demonstrated that overexpression of miR-24-3p promoted rapid myogenesis and contributed to skeletal muscle regeneration. Furthermore, miR-24-3p was found to regulate the expression of target genes, including Nek4, Pim1, Nlk, Pskh1, and Mapk14. Collectively, our findings provide evidence that miR-24-3p plays a regulatory role in myogenesis and fiber type conversion. These findings contribute to our understanding of human muscle health and have implications for improving meat production traits in livestock.
Transcriptomic Insights and Cytochrome P450 Gene Analysis in Kadsura coccinea for Lignan Biosynthesis
Authors: Fu Hanyu , Guo Chuan , Peng Jiqing , Shao Fengxia , Sheng Song , Wang Sen
Published: February 2024

Kadsura coccinea is a medicinal plant from the Schisandraceae family that is native to China and has great pharmacological potential due to its lignans. However, there are significant knowledge gaps regarding the genetic and molecular mechanisms of lignans. We used transcriptome sequencing technology to analyze root, stem, and leaf samples, focusing on the identification and phylogenetic analysis of Cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes. High-quality data containing 158,385 transcripts and 68,978 unigenes were obtained. In addition, 36,293 unigenes in at least one database, and 23,335 across five databases (Nr, KEGG, KOG, TrEMBL, and SwissProt) were successfully annotated. The KEGG pathway classification and annotation of these unigenes identified 10,825 categorized into major metabolic pathways, notably phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, which is essential for lignan synthesis. A key focus was the identification and phylogenetic analysis of 233 Cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes, revealing their distribution across 38 families in eight clans, with roots showing specific CYP gene expression patterns indicative of their role in lignan biosynthesis. Sequence alignment identified 22 homologous single genes of these CYPs, with 6 homologous genes of CYP719As and 1 of CYP81Qs highly expressed in roots. Our study significantly advances the understanding of the biosynthesis of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans, offering valuable insights for future pharmacological research and development.
Excess Mortality Stratified by Age and Sex for Croatia and Croatian Counties during the 2020–2021 COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Šošić Mara , Boban Zvonimir , Erceg Marijan , Boban Nataša
Published: February 2024

Excess mortality is often used to estimate the effect of a certain crisis on the population. It is defined as the number of deaths during a crisis exceeding the expected number based on historical trends. Here, we calculated excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic for Croatia in the 2020–2021 period. The excess was calculated on the national and county level for different age and sex categories. In addition to the absolute number, the excess mortality was also expressed as a ratio of excess deaths to the predicted baseline and excess mortality rate. We showed that using both measures is necessary to avoid incorrect conclusions. The estimated excess mortality on the national level was 14,963, corresponding to an excess percentage of 14.3%. With respect to sex, there was a higher excess mortality rate for men compared to women. An exponential relationship was observed between age and the excess mortality rate.These trends wee representative of most counties as well, with large variations in the magnitude of the effect. However, there were also exceptions to the general rule. The reasons for these deviations were discussed in terms of between-county differences in demographic structure, population density and special events that took place during the pandemic.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in Patients with Tick-Borne Illness: A Scoping Review of 98 Cases
Authors: Jevtic Dorde , da Silva Marilia Dagnon , Haylock Alberto Busmail , Nordstrom Charles W. , Oluic Stevan , Pantic Nikola , Nikolajevic Milan , Nikolajevic Nikola , Kotseva Magdalena , Dumic Igor
Published: February 2024

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) secondary to tick-borne infections is a rare but potentially life-threatening syndrome. We performed a scoping review according to PRISMA guidelines to systematically analyze the existing literature on the topic. A total of 98 patients were included, with a mean age of 43.7 years, of which 64% were men. Most cases, 31%, were reported from the USA. Immunosuppression was present in 21.4%, with the most common cause being previous solid organ transplantation. Constitutional symptoms were the most common, observed in 83.7% of the patients, while fever was reported in 70.4% of cases. Sepsis was present in 27.6%. The most common laboratory abnormalities in this cohort were thrombocytopenia in 81.6% of patients, while anemia, leukopenia, and leukocytosis were observed in 75.5%, 55.1%, and 10.2%, respectively. Liver enzyme elevation was noted in 63.3% of cases. The H-score was analyzed in 64 patients, with the mean value being 209, and bone marrow analysis was performed in 61.2% of patients. Ehrlichia spp. was the main isolated agent associated with HLH in 45.9%, followed by Rickettsia spp. in 14.3% and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in 12.2%. Notably, no patient with Powassan virus infection or Lyme borreliosis developed HLH. The most common complications were acute kidney injury (AKI) in 35.7% of patients, shock with multiple organ dysfunction in 22.5%, encephalopathy/seizure in 20.4%, respiratory failure in 16.3%, and cardiac complications in 7.1% of patients. Treatment included antibiotic therapy alone in 43.9%, while 5.1% of patients were treated with immunosuppressants alone. Treatment with both antibiotics and immunosuppressants was used in 51% of patients. Appropriate empiric antibiotics were used in 62.2%. In 43.9% of cases of HLH due to tick-borne disease, patients received only antimicrobial therapy, and 88.4% of those recovered completely without the need for immunosuppressive therapy. The mortality rate in our review was 16.3%, and patients who received inappropriate or delayed empiric therapy had a worse outcome. Hence, we suggest empiric antibiotic treatment in patients who are suspected of having HLH due to tick-borne disease or in whom diagnostic uncertainty persists due to diagnostic delay in order to minimize mortality.