bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancements in Oil-Based Mud Micro-Resistivity Imaging - How Enhanced Dynamic Range Improves Feature Detection in Low and High Resistivity Formations
Authors: Elshurafa Basil , El Khamry Ayman , Osman Adham , Fakhry Waleed
Published: November 2024

Subsurface imaging is essential in exploration and field development, primarily for resolving and integrating geological complexities to the reservoir structures & depositional environments. Acquiring high resolution image data in non-conductive drilling muds has been one of the key challenges which led to the development of a new measurement technique in recent generation Oil Based Mud (OBM) imaging tools. Further challenges arise while acquiring high resolution OBM image in maintaining the quality across a broader formation resistivity range and with coverage in large borehole sizes. Among all, resolving features in both the high and low end of formation resistivity ranges was one of the most difficult to achieve.

Qualification of the new generation 8-pad / multi-frequency micro-resistivity imager tool was the primary objective which was deployed throughout the field-test runs. The tool was deployed in a number of selective wells covering a wide range of trajectories, hole sizes, lithologies and formation resistivities, stand-alone or combined with other existing OBM imaging technologies that utilizes similar or different measurement techniques. The result of the field-test runs outline the added value of each measurement independently and when compared and/or combined with others.

This paper delineates the principal characteristics of the new generation high resolution OBM imaging tool and presents key findings from the acquired image logs in variety of formation types, resistivity ranges and trajectories. Illustrative examples underscore the enhancement in image quality, dynamic range, coverage as well as the ability to resolve features for successful geological interpretation, decision-making, and risk management.

The results from this field testing marks an outstanding milestone on the range of apparent formation resistivities that can be covered using a higher number of frequencies with a broader range, show the value of combining different OBM imaging technologies for achieving optimum results.
Advanced Fault Diagnosis and Prognostic Maintenance Strategies for Continuous Operation of Permanent Downhole Gauge Systems
Authors: Mohammed Ali Dheyaa , Anuar W M Anas W Khairul , Kamat Dahlila , Amat Hadi , Choon Tan Boon
Published: November 2024

"Over the past thirty years, Permanent Downhole Gauge (PDG) systems have become essential in reservoir and production engineering. However, maintaining their ongoing functioning requires reliable fault diagnosis and proactive maintenance procedures. This study explores fault diagnosis methodologies and prognostic maintenance approaches specifically designed for PDG systems. The objective is to improve the reliability and longevity of these systems while minimizing non-productive time (NPT). By doing so, this research aims to enhance production efficiency and reduce costs in oil and gas development and production processes.

We perform a comprehensive evaluation of the current PDG behaviour, examine data collected from the field, and employ diverse fault diagnostic techniques to compile a list of spare components for internal maintenance purposes. The Plant Information platform consolidates data for monitoring and surveillance, facilitating real-time remote monitoring of all PDGs from an office setting. A significant obstacle faced by oil and gas operators is the decline in production efficiency and the rise in costs associated with development and production procedures. This study examines various approaches for identifying defects and their underlying causes, as well as predictive maintenance techniques aimed at ensuring the reliability and durability of PDG systems.

We investigate prognostic maintenance strategies, including as condition monitoring and predictive analytics, to identify imminent failures and improve maintenance schedules. The integration of these several techniques aims to enhance the dependability and efficiency of permanent downhole gauge systems, enabling uninterrupted data collection and prompt repairs to prevent expensive periods of inactivity. We assess the efficiency and real-world use of the suggested methods by creating a defect diagnosis database, maintaining an inventory of spare parts on-site, and integrating them with the Plant Information (PI) platform. The utilization of fault detection methods, root cause databases, various troubleshooting techniques, and the accessibility of spare parts collectively enhance the maintenance of PDG systems, hence ensuring their consistent and reliable operation in oil and gas production environments. This exercise enhances the flow rate by approximately 5 kbopd, reduces downtime by 47%, and minimizes the cost of slickline intervention by 35%."
Novel Density-Controlled Acidizing Approach: Weighted Single-Phase Retarded Acid System in Conjunction with Light-Density Gel Slugs and Fluidic Oscillator Technology Shows a Two-Fold Oil Production Increase and 10% Water Cut Reduction in a Single Run, Case Study from Iraq
Authors: Masoodi A. S. , Corrales J. S. , Nunez M. J. Ramirez , Tellez J. R. , Al-Iedani K. H. , Alarcon X. A. , El Beltagy A. H. , Taha I. M. , De Leonardis M.
Published: November 2024

A novel strategy to optimize hydrocarbon recovery from low-permeability carbonate reservoirs under challenging high-pressure/high- temperature (HP/HT) conditions is discussed, along with water intrusion from higher-permeability layers. The strategy uses coiled tubing (CT), a tailored 60-cp gel slug, and a single-phase hydrochloric retarded acid (SPHRA) system, densified via the density control acidizing (DCA) principle. This approach was tailored to the reservoir complexities and an HP/HT environment.

Rigorous simulation studies informed the acid solution formulation, focused on leakoff control in the upper high-permeability layer. The high gel load (60 cp) strategy combined with CT assistance facilitated precise placement and isolation of the water-bearing zone to mitigate reservoir challenges.

Enhanced CT placement using a fluid oscillating tuned frequency and amplitude (FOTFA) tool, coupled with DCA for the hydrochloric retarded acid (HRA), resulted in deep penetration into the near-wellbore (NWB) region. Post-operation analysis confirmed successful mitigation of water intrusion from higher-permeability layers, with no increase in water cut observed. Strategic HRA deployment led to substantial and sustained improvements in hydrocarbon production.

The strength of the HRA, combined with meticulous FOTFA deployment planning and a tailored DCA-enhanced acid solution, demonstrated adaptability and efficacy in extreme reservoir environments. This integrated methodology overcame challenges posed by layered reservoir structures and sets a new standard for precision in HP/HT reservoir management.

The innovative synergy of a high-viscosity gel slug and the novel HRA with FOTFA placement, customized and densified via the DCA principle, are presented. The integration of DCA into the acid system ensures adaptability and optimal performance in extreme reservoir conditions, which marks a significant advancement in reservoir stimulation practices.
AI Driven Autonomous Adaptative Feedback Welding Machine
Authors: von Querfurth Benedikt , Belhout Shems-Eddine , Knaak Christian , Mann Stefan , Abels Peter , Holly Carlo , Tatman Jonathan , Barborak Darren , Hargadine Mitch
Published: November 2024

The Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) is a primary method for nuclear component fabrication and repair. Recent advancements in monitoring and automation technologies have made the shift toward fully automated arc welding more feasible, reducing the necessity for continuous human oversight. Two artificial intelligence-based networks were developed that utilize sensor-based feedback on a mechanized GTAW head. We present an image-based semantic segmentation convolutional neural network that identifies crucial features such as the weld pool, groove, wire, and electrode based on which geometric measurements are derived. A separate novel neural network predicts the weld bead geometry for multi-pass welds and inconsistent groove geometries. The application of both neural networks is a pre-requisite that enables the autonomous planning and execution of multi-pass welds to fill a groove.
Influence of TiC Particles on the Properties of AA2017 Friction Surfaced Coatings
Authors: Chludzinski Mariane , Vivas Javier , Vázquez-Martínez Juan Manuel , Sol Irene Del , Begiristain Egoitz Aldanondo
Published: November 2024

Friction Surfacing (FS) is a solid-state process employed for coatings that has demonstrated advancements in manufacturing aluminium matrix composites with ceramic particle reinforcements. This study explored the effect of AA2017 aluminium rods packed with TiC in the FS process and the subsequent post-processing Friction Stir Process (FSP). The analyses were carried out by light optical and scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), microhardness, and pin-on-flat wear testing. Therefore, the reinforcement significantly enhanced the FS deposition efficiency and rate (about 31%) without affecting rod consumption. It also increased the microhardness (13.6%) and the wear resistance (13% wear volume reduction) with particles spread in layers. However, the FSP thermomechanical processes modified this morphology and generated concentrated particle lines in the upper zone. It improved the wear resistance (48% wear volume reduction) compared with free-TiC coating and relieved the previous reinforcement coating hardness. In addition, the XRD analyses revealed that both processes hardly generated new phases, indicating no interaction between the matrix and the reinforcements.
A 27 cm long straight square microchannel in viscoelastic fluid for submicron- sized particle and bacteria focusing
Authors: Cho Youngseo , Lee Min-Ho , Lee SangWook , Cho Younghak
Published: November 2024

Particle focusing within a flow cell is an essential step in performing flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Viscoelastic particle focusing, in which particles suspended in a synthetic polymer solution migrate laterally against the main flow direction, has attracted considerable attention because it enables particle focusing without any external force. In this work, we demonstrate a viscoelastic flow focusing device that enables simple and robust focusing of submicron-sized particles in the channel center by optimizing operating conditions such as channel length, flow rate and PEO (poly(ethylene oxide)) concentration. The device was fabricated using a common soft lithography technique for the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) channel, which has a width of 50 µm and a height of 50 µm with a channel length of 27 cm. The focusing performance was first demonstrated using submicron-sized polystyrene (PS) beads ranging from 870 nm to 50 nm and then using biological particles such as E. coli bacteria to demonstrate the biological feasibility of the device. The PS beads, which ranged in diameter from 870 nm to 100 nm, were focused to the center of the channel, achieving over 90% of the focusing efficiency for down to 510 nm beads, and 62% of focusing efficiency even in 100nm sized bead. The device also was able to align a bacterial suspension in the center of the channel at flow rates up to 30 µL/min, demonstrating its biological relevance. The developed viscoelastic flow focusing device was able to align submicron particles within a narrow flow stream in a highly robust manner, validating its use as a flow focusing platform for high throughput and accurate flow cytometry of submicron objects.
Prediction of Ki-67 expression and malignant potential in gastrointestinal stromal tumors: novel models based on CE-CT and serological indicators
Authors: Tian Jun , Chen Weizhi
Published: November 2024

Background and study aims To identify more reliable imaging and serological indicators for predicting Ki-67 expression and malignant potential in gastrointestinal stromal tumors, as well as to develop a preoperative prediction model with clinical utility.
Patients and methods Patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University between May 2018 and May 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate logistic analyses, multivariate logistic analyses, stepwise regression analyses, and LASSO regression analyses were utilized to identify Ki-67 high expression and high malignant potential risk factors for GIST. Prediction models were then constructed and nomograms developed.
Results Tumor diameter and EVFDM were found to be closely associated with Ki-67 expression, while tumor volume and IBSC were closely related to malignant potential. The two-way stepwise regression model demonstrated high accuracy and good fit. The AUCs for the Ki-67 expression model in the training and validation groups were 0.865 (95%CI 0.807-0.922) and 0.784 (95%CI 0.631-0.937) respectively. The AUCs for the malignant potential model in the training and validation groups were 0.950 (95%CI 0.920-0.980) and 0.936 (95%CI 0.867-1.000) respectively.
Conclusion The maximum diameter, growth pattern, EVFDM, peritumoral vessels, PLR, OPNI are correlated with Ki-67 high expression. Volume, contour, ulcer, IBSC and OPNI are correlated with malignant potential of gastrointestinal stromal tumors; Preoperative models developed using enhanced CT imaging can respectively predict the malignant potential and Ki-67 expression of GIST. Furthermore, when combined with serological indicators, the predictive accuracy of this model can be further enhanced.
Structural and molecular basis of FAN1 defects in promoting Huntington's disease
Authors: Pluciennik Anna , Li Fenglin , Phadte Ashutosh , Bhatia Mayuri , Barndt Sarah , III Anthony Monte Carlo , Hou CF David , Yang Ruoyu , Strock Sarah
Published: November 2024

FAN1 is a DNA dependent nuclease whose proper function is essential for maintaining human health. For example, a genetic variant in FAN1, Arg507 to His hastens onset of Huntington’s disease, a repeat expansion disorder for which there is no cure. How the Arg507His mutation affects FAN1 structure and enzymatic function is unknown. Using cryo-EM and biochemistry, we have discovered that FAN1 arginine 507 is critical for its interaction with PCNA, and mutation of Arg507 to His attenuates assembly of the FAN1-PCNA on a disease-relevant extrahelical DNA extrusions formed within DNA repeats. This mutation concomitantly abolishes PCNA-FAN1-dependent cleavage of such extrusions, underscoring the importance of PCNA to the genome stabilizing function of FAN1. These results unravel the molecular basis for a specific mutation in FAN1 that dramatically hastens the onset of Huntington’s disease.
Intracerebroventricular B7-H3 CAR T cells for children and young adults with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma
Authors: Vitanza Nicholas , Ronsley Rebecca , Choe Michelle , Huang Wenjun , Seidel Kristy , Rawlings-Rhea Stephanie , Beam Madison , Steinmetzer Leonel , Wilson Ashley , Brown Christopher , Beebe Adam , Lindgren Catherine , Gustafson Joshua , Wein Amy , Holtzclaw Susan , Hoeppner Corinne , Goldstein Hannah , Browd Samuel , Hauptman Jason , Lee Amy , Ojemann Jeffrey , Crotty Erin , Leary Sarah , Perez Francisco , Wright Jason , Alonso Marta , Dun Matthew , Foster Jessica , Hurst Diana , Kong Ada , Thomsen Alison , Orentas Rimas , Albert Catherine , Pinto Navin , Annesley Colleen , Gardner Rebecca , Ho On , Pattabhi Sowmy , Wendler Jason , Gust Juliane , Park Julie , Jensen Michael
Published: November 2024

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a fatal central nervous system (CNS) tumor with a median survival of 11 months. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are clinically effective against hematologic malignancies, but there are limited data on their utility against CNS tumors. As B7-H3 is expressed on pediatric CNS tumors, we conducted BrainChild-03 (NCT04185038), a single-center, dose-escalation phase 1 study of repetitive intracerebroventricular (ICV) B7-H3 CAR T cells for children with recurrent/refractory CNS tumors and DIPG. Here, we report on Arm C restricted to patients with DIPG. The primary objectives were to assess feasibility and tolerability. The secondary objectives were to assess CAR T cell distribution and overall survival. Twenty-three patients with DIPG enrolled and 21 were treated with ICV B7-H3 CAR T cells using intra-patient dose escalation dose regimens (DR) beginning at 1x107 CAR T cells/dose. We established the DR4, the highest planned DR that escalated to 10x107 cells/dose, as the maximally tolerated dose regimen (MTDR). Common adverse events included fever and headache. There was 1 DLT (intratumoral hemorrhage). An intent-to-treat analysis of median overall survival of enrolled patients (n = 23) from study enrollment was 11.4 months (range: 2.7–36.8) and the median time from initial diagnosis to death (or last contact for survivors) was 18.6 months (range: 6.5–40.5) with 4 patients still alive at 18.6, 37.2, 38.3, 40.5 months from diagnosis. Ultimately, the report of this completed first-in-human trial demonstrates that repetitive ICV B7-H3 CAR T cells in pediatric and young adult patients with DIPG is tolerable, even over repeated multi-year dosing, and may improve overall survival. Main Text
Assessing shared genetic and causal links between vascular calcification, Alzheimer's disease, and cognitive traits
Authors: Adewuyi Emmanuel O , Laws Simon M
Published: November 2024

Observational studies suggest a link between vascular calcification and dementia or cognitive decline, but the evidence is conflicting, and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we investigate the shared genetic and causal relationships between vascular calcification—coronary artery calcification (CAC) and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC)—and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), as well as cognitive traits, by analysing large-scale genome-wide association studies summary statistics. We observed a nominally significant positive genome-wide genetic correlation between CAC and AD, which became non-significant after excluding the APOE region. CAC and AAC demonstrate significant negative correlations with cognitive performance and educational attainment. Mendelian randomisation revealed no causal association between CAC or AAC and AD or cognitive traits, except for a bidirectional borderline significance of AAC with fluid intelligence scores. Pairwise-GWAS analysis identified no shared causal SNPs (posterior probability of association [PPA]3 < 0.5). However, we found pleiotropic loci (PPA4 > 0.9), particularly on chromosome 19 with ‘mBAT-combo’ analyses revealing significant genes in shared regions, including APOE, TOMM40, NECTIN2, and APOC1. Moreover, we identified suggestively significant loci (PPA4 > 0.5) on chromosomes 1, 6, 7, 9 and 19, highlighting pleiotropic genes, including NAV1, IPO9, PHACTR1, UFL1, FHL5, and FOCAD. Current findings reveal limited genome-wide genetic correlation and no significant causal associations of CAC and AAC with AD or cognitive traits. However, significant pleiotropic loci and genes underscore shared genetic susceptibility of CAC and AAC with AD and cognitive traits, identifying targets for further investigation.
Circadian rhythms in the critical human pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Mussi María Alejandra , Permingeat Valentín , Mora Bárbara Perez , Migliori María , Arana Natalia , Fernández Julia , Allasia María Belén , Lamberti Melisa , Venanzio Gisela Di , Feldman Mario , Golombek Diego
Published: November 2024

Acinetobacter baumannii is recognized as the paradigm of multidrug resistant superbug, topping the WHO priority list of critical human pathogens. Interestingly, it senses and responds to blue light, which modulates global aspects of its physiology including the pathogenicity. We hypothesized that light could serve as a signal to synchronize the bacterial physiology to the host’s behavior, or to the environment. At environmental temperatures, light regulation is mainly governed by the BLUF-type photoreceptor BlsA. In this work, we identified the existence of daily rhythms in blsA expression displaying a robust response to light, as well as endogenous circadian rhythms in A. baumannii. In fact, we show that blsA gene expression can be synchronized to 24-hour blue light-dark cycles, which immediately resynchronizes after a phase shift due to a longer night. Upon release to constant darkness, bacterial populations present free-running oscillations with a period close to 24 hours. Furthermore, our data indicate that BlsA is involved in synchronization to the zeitgeber during light-dark cycles. Importantly, β-lactamase activity varied along the day in cultures under light-dark period, establishing a new paradigm. Our work contributes to the developing field of circadian clocks in bacterial human pathogens, which could impact the microorganisms’ lifestyle and pathogenicity.
VITALS: An Implantable Sensor Network for Postoperative Cardiac Monitoring in Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Kight Ali , Haidar Moussa , Shibata Masafumi , Ono Yoshikazu , Ikeda Gentaro , Sharir Amit , Semproni Federica , Palagani Yellappa , Taheri Sawson , Han Amy , Ma Michael , McElhinney Doff , Dual Seraina , Cutkosky Mark
Published: November 2024

Heart Failure (HF) is a global epidemic, with high readmission rates and significant morbidity persisting due to gaps in post-acute care. Traditional follow-up assessments often miss gradual postoperative cardiac deterioration occurring outside hospital settings. Advances in remote patient monitoring (RPM) show promise, but continuous, sensitive, and practical methods are lacking. Building on previous work introducing a durable, soft strain sensor, this research presents VITALS, an implantable strain sensing network that enables continuous biventricular, multiaxial monitoring of cardiac function. The sensor’s novel design affords a longer fatigue life than previously possible for soft, large-deformation strain sensors, while effectively minimizing shear loading effects to enhance accuracy. Additionally, the system integrates a sensor on the aorta for synchronous systolic pressure monitoring. Animal studies demonstrate VITALS’ ability to track epicardial strain with high fidelity, detect preload changes rapidly, and differentiate inotropic states. Validation against echocardiographic chamber volumes and global longitudinal strain underscores the sensor’s clinical relevance, offering a practical solution for continuous, accurate cardiac monitoring to improve patient outcomes.
Hydrodynamic Performance of a Multi-Cylinder LiDAR Buoy Prototype for Wind Assessment
Authors: Liu Tongmu , Xiang Ming , Zhou Baocheng , Zhang Xinwen
Published: November 2024

This paper introduces an innovative multi-cylinder LiDAR buoy prototype, designed to overcome the limitations of traditional wind towers in the realm of deep-sea wind energy assessment. Through rigorous physical model experiments, we have investigated the hydrodynamics of this novel buoy under various wave conditions, including free decay in calm water, regular wave exposure, and irregular wave simulations. Our analysis reveals that the multi-cylinder buoy's natural frequency effectively evades resonance with primary wave frequencies, offering a significant advancement in technology. In regular wave tests, the buoy showed minimal motion, highlighting the impact of wave height on its dynamic behavior. In irregular wave tests, a pronounced response peak was observed near the natural frequency, yet the overall motion amplitude remained low, indicating excellent wave resistance. Comparatively, the multi-cylinder buoy demonstrated a lower motion response and superior stability than traditional single-cylinder buoys. This study not only facilitates the development and deployment of multi-cylinder buoys but also lays the groundwork for future hydrodynamic performance studies through numerical simulations, enriching the scientific understanding of buoyancy technology in wind energy applications.
Evaluation of Hop Varieties (Humulus lupulus L.) for Their Response to HLVd, HSVd, and CBCVd Viroids in tissue cultures
Authors: Volk Helena , LAP Patricija , ČERENAK Andreja , JAKŠE Jernej
Published: November 2024

This study evaluates the susceptibility of various hop varieties to three viroids: Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd), Hop Stunt Viroid (HSVd), and Citrus Bark Cracking Viroid (CBCVd), all of which pose significant threats to Slovenian hop production. The experiment was conducted under in vitro conditions, involving the cultivation of 13 different hop varieties in tissue cultures, alongside the in vitro synthesis of viroid transcripts and subsequent inoculation of the plants. The plants were then monitored for growth, development, and their responses to viroid infection. The findings reveal the complex interactions between hops and viroids, with successful inoculation observed in all varieties. However, infection rates varied, with HSVd showing the highest rates of infection, followed by CBCVd and HLVd. This research enhances the understanding of viroid dynamics in hop plants, which is crucial for developing effective disease management strategies. Despite the insights gained, no resistance or tolerance to the viroids was identified in any of the tested hop varieties.
Exploring the link between white matter hyperintensities volume and cerebral blood flow in normal-appearing white matter using dual post label delays of arterial spin labeling
Authors: Cao Zhenyu , Tu Gaofeng , Cao Yulin , Wei Fuquan , Wang Jian , Sun Qiwen , Xu Zhihua
Published: November 2024

Objective
To explore the link between white matter hyperintensities (WMH) volume and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) using dual-post label delays (PLD) arterial spin labeling (ASL) techniques.
Methods
Imaging and clinical data were analyzed from 83 patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) collected between November 2022 and July 2023. WMH volume was segmented using ITK-SNAP software. The difference in CBF between the two PLDs, ΔCBF, was calculated as CBF(PLD = 2.5s) - CBF(PLD = 1.6s). CBF values for both PLD times (PLD = 1.6s, PLD = 2.5s) and ΔCBF were quantified for NAWM regions.
Results
Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant associations between WMH volume and both CBF (PLD = 2.5s) (r = 0.298, P < 0.05) and ΔCBF (r = 0.287, P < 0.05) in NAWM. When WMH volume was stratified into tertiles, significant differences in CBF (PLD = 2.5s) and ΔCBF were observed among the tertile groups (P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that CBF (PLD = 2.5s) and ΔCBF in NAWM were independently associated with WMH volume after adjusting for age, sex, and vascular risk factors (P < 0.05). The β coefficient for CBF (PLD = 2.5s) was 0.258 (95% CI: 0.063, 0.453), and for ΔCBF, it was 0.327 (95% CI: 0.109, 0.545).
Conclusions
Elevated WMH volume is linked to increased CBF (PLD = 2.5s) and ΔCBF in NAWM, suggesting that prolonged arterial transit time may contribute to WMH development in CSVD patients.
Enhancing 5G Communication Systems with Intelligent Reflecting Surface Assisted MIMO with Secure Multiuser scenario
Authors: Prasad Anitha S , N soujanaya
Published: November 2024

This study examines the application of Hybrid Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (HRRIS) and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) to improve security and efficiency in edge computing environments, particularly against eavesdropping threats for multiple users. By simulating an edge computing scenario with multiple users, edge servers, and an eavesdropper, assessed the effects of various HRRIS and RIS configurations on data rates, secrecy rates, and offloading latency. The findings reveal that dynamically adjusting the phase shifts of these intelligent surfaces can substantially enhance secrecy rates and reduce latency, thereby providing a robust solution to secure data transmission and improve performance in edge computing systems
Changes in the healthfulness of food and beverage purchases from 2006 to 2022 in formal, mixed, and informal outlets in Mexico
Authors: Domínguez-Barreto Ana Paula , Farah Irene , López-Olmedo Nancy , Perez-Ferrer Carolina , Ramírez-Toscano Yenisei , Langellier Brent A , Colchero M Arantxa , Rivera-Dommarco Juan A , Barrientos-Gutiérrez Tonatiuh , Stern Dalia
Published: November 2024

Background
To better inform retail food environment policies in the global south, it is necessary to further understand the healthfulness of food and beverages purchased by type of food outlet over time.
Methods
Using repeated cross-sectional data from the National Income and Expenditure Survey (ENIGH) in Mexico (2006 to 2022), we categorized food outlets as formal (supermarkets, chain convenience stores), informal (street markets, street vendors, acquaintances), fiscally mixed (public markets, small neighborhood stores, specialty stores), and others. We estimated the proportion of total purchases in each food outlet and the percentage of the types of foods purchased by outlet for the overall sample and stratified by education level and urbanicity.
Results
In 2006, the food outlets with the largest proportions of ultra-processed foods purchases were chain convenience stores (49%), small neighborhood stores (37%) and supermarkets (35%). In contrast, the outlets with the highest proportions of minimally processed food purchases were street markets (83%), public markets (81%), and specialty stores (75%). Over time, households improved the proportion of expenditure in minimally processed foods in supermarkets and slightly in small neighborhood stores (49 to 54% and 46 to 47%, respectively). Conversely, the proportion of expenditures in minimally processed foods decreased from 70 to 62% in street vendors. Households without formal education and residing in rural localities increased their minimally processed food purchases in specialty stores, but decreased in street vendors, acquaintances and public markets. Households with higher education and residing in more urbanized areas increased their purchases of minimally processed foods in supermarkets and small neighborhood stores and decreased in street vendors. These households also increased in ultra-processed foods in chain convenience stores.
Conclusions
Over time, purchases from informal outlets were healthier compared to purchases from the formal and mixed sectors, but no outlet sold only healthy or unhealthy foods. To ensure access to healthy foods, food policies should consider where the largest proportion of food purchases is being made, where the healthiest and unhealthiest purchases are, and why some purchases from certain food outlets are becoming healthier, while in others they are becoming less healthy.
Complete genome sequence of a novel iflavirus from wheat sawfly (Dolerus tritici)
Authors: Guo Jiashu , Liu Wenwen , Chen Chen , Francis Frederic , Wang Xifeng
Published: November 2024

Little is known about the commensal viruses in wheat sawfly, Dolerus tritici, which is an important agricultural insect feeding on wheat leaves. Here, we identified a novel single positive-strand RNA virus from the larvae of wheat sawfly collected in northern China through RNA sequencing, and then determined its complete genome sequence by rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The complete genome consists of 9,594 bp in size including a poly A tail at 3′ terminus, which is predicted encoding a 326.3 kD polyprotein. The phylogenetic tree analysis of deduced polyprotein revealed that this RNA virus was clustered in the clade with deformed wing virus in genus Iflavirus, family Iflaviridae. The full genome of this RNA virus shows 38.9-50.0% sequence identities with other iflaviruses. Sequence identity at the amino acid level of coat proteins shows this RNA virus has highest identity with slow bee paralysis virus at 33.6%, which no more than 90% suggesting that it is a new member in the genus Ifavirus. Thus, we tentatively designated as “Dolerus tritici iflavirus 1” (DtIV1). According to our knowledge, this is the first report of the commensal virus in wheat sawfly.
Rapid Detection of Soybean Nutrient Deficiencies Using YOLOv8s: Advancing Precision Agriculture
Authors: Jeong Minsoo , Park Sihyun , Kwon Sook-Min , Lim KyeongMo , Jung Da-Ryung , Lee Hong-Seok , Kim Hei Jung , Shin Jae-Ho
Published: November 2024

Early detection of nutrient deficiencies is crucial for optimizing crop yields and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. This study presents a novel application of the YOLOv8s object detection model for identifying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium deficiencies in soybean plants. Employing a unique dataset from a long-term nutrient-deficient field maintained for over 40 years, we trained and evaluated the model on 6,020 red, green, and blue images of soybean leaves exhibiting nutrient stress conditions. The YOLOv8s model achieved exceptional performance, with a mean average precision (mAP@0.5) of 99.18% during training and 98.51% for validation. Precision rates for individual nutrient deficiencies ranged from 90.03–96.54%, with highly accurate potassium deficiency detection. The model demonstrated robust generalization across diverse field conditions, processing images in 3.46 ms each, making it suitable for real-time applications. This research significantly advances the field of precision agriculture by providing a fast, accurate, and scalable method for detecting early nutrient deficiency in soybean crops, potentially revolutionizing fertilizer management practices and contributing to more sustainable farming systems.
FocusNet: Multi-Scale Parallel CNN Model with an Attention-Based Feature-Fusion Technique
Authors: Mehta Akash , Paul Rahul , Setua Sanjit Kumar
Published: November 2024

FocusNet is a new Multi-Scale Parallel CNN model. The model is a parallel backbone architecture with a self-attention mechanism. The attention-based feature-fusion technique averages out the parallel backbone's feature maps. This model introduces the desirable properties of ViT into the CNN architecture. We validate the working of FocusNet by conducting extensive experiments on the CIFAR-10 Dataset. We display that the induction of self-attention in the model's backbone and our attention-based feature-fusion technique dramatically improve the model's accuracy.
TNMD in pan-cancer analysis: Exploring its impact on immune modulation and uncovering functional insights in colorectal cancer
Authors: Chen Jingfeng , Hu Qin , Zhang Cong , Guan Bihua , Wang YiFan , Zhang Min , Li Xia , Chen Biao , Zeng Lulu , Chen Minjiang , Wu Bing , Wang Jianping , Yang Yang , Ji Jiansong
Published: November 2024

Background
Tendomodulin (TNMD) is pivotal in various malignancies, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, its comprehensive impact across cancers, particularly its immunomodulatory function in CRC, remains underexplored. This study explored the role of TNMD in CRC by focusing on its immunomodulatory functions through comprehensive molecular and clinical analyses.
Methods
Multiple bioinformatics databases and analytical tools were utilized for the TNMD in pan-cancer analysis. To validate the role of TNMD in CRC, we performed experiments, including immunofluorescence (IF), immunohistochemistry (IHC), real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qPCR), Western blotting, and cell migration assays.
Results
TNMD expression and gene mutation vary across cancers and offer high diagnostic value. Survival analysis has found that TNMD is associated with prognosis in multiple cancers. Notably, in patients with high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) CRC, TNMD expression correlated positively with various immune cells, particularly natural killer (NK) cells, whereas it was inversely correlated with regulatory T cells (Tregs). Crucially, in patients with microsatellite stability (MSS) CRC, high TNMD expression was associated with better immunotherapy outcomes, indicating its potential as a biomarker for patient stratification and tailored treatment approaches. Furthermore, single-cell sequencing data revealed stronger interactions between TNMD-positive tumor cells and fibroblasts or macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. Finally, TNMD was overexpressed in CRC tumor tissues and cell lines, thereby promoting invasion and metastasis.
Conclusions
Our findings reveal a critical immunomodulatory role of TNMD in CRC, particularly in influencing tumor–immune interactions. Beyond its potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, TNMD promotes CRC metastasis and invasion, thus emerging as a promising therapeutic target. These findings highlight TNMD's significance in CRC and potentially other malignancies.
Factors on Affecting Engagement of Physical Activity: Anderson Behaviour Model
Authors: Badarali Mishbahuddin , Rungsihirunrat Kanchana
Published: November 2024

Indonesia's national policy on non-communicable diseases focuses on modifying health behaviours. The implementation of this policy faces significant challenges, particularly in promoting physical activity. This study aims to examine factors influencing physical activity engagement, using three factors of the Anderson Behavioural Model as independent variables, while the dependent variable is engagement in the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Key factors associated with physical activity included age, awareness, and motivation to engage in physical activity. Lower engagement was observed in males, and Muslims. Enabling factors such as flexible work schedules, availability of public sports facilities, and community empowerment for communal physical activity also significantly influenced physical activity engagement. Need factors, including BMI and regular health check-ups, were not significantly associated. Strengthening the national NCD policy requires raising awareness of healthy living initiatives, providing accessible venues for physical activity, and empowering communities to engage in group activities.
Dual Clinical Practice (DCP) policy to improve the Retention of Human Resources for Health in Rwanda: A mid-term review using a cross-sectional and retrospective study design
Authors: Kayumba Kizito , Ntihabose Corneille , Musange Sabine , Ngabo Bernard , Irakiza Piero , Rubuga Felix K. , Umutoni Nathalie , Kalisa Ina Rukundo , Birindabagabo Pascal , Rwamasirabo Emile , Kayibanda Emmanuel , Mukundirukuri Patience , Absolomon Gashaija , Dhanani Sumana , Condo Jeanine
Published: November 2024

Background
Despite the high demand for public services globally, ensuring the quality of services provided by public health facilities is challenging. Poor remuneration from public sector health care providers (HCPs) drives their migration to private health facilities. The Dual Clinical Practice (DCP) Policy in Rwanda represents a strategic initiative aimed at retaining healthcare professionals in public health facilities, allowing them to engage in private practice concurrently. This study assesses the implementation challenges and identifies opportunities for potential reformulation of DCP schemes.
Methods
This study employed a mixed methods approach, incorporating both cross-sectional and retrospective designs across six Rwandan public hospitals. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through key informant interviews (KIIs) and joint interviews (JIs), as well as through the analysis of health facility records obtained from the Health Management Information System (HMIS) and the Electronic Medical Record (EMR). Qualitative data were analyzed using Atlas.ti software, while quantitative data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel.
Results
The study involved participants from six Rwandan hospitals, including 20 healthcare providers and 32 patients. Qualitative results revealed that a substantial majority of health care providers supported the DCP policy, with a high patient satisfaction rate of 81% regarding DCP services. However, challenges emerged, including limited awareness of the policy and difficulties in tracking DCP engagements. Quantitative data from the HMIS and EMR indicated an increase in patient enrollment across most facilities, with DCP outpatient visits accounting for a significant percentage of total visits in some hospitals. While the DCP contributed positively to hospital revenues, concerns about the sustainability of the scheme and the adequacy of health care remuneration were highlighted, calling for a review of DCP policy involving stakeholders beyond the Ministry of Health.
Conclusion
This paper underscores the need for a multifaceted approach involving tax authorities, hospital administrations and health insurance companies to address the challenges identified. Ultimately, there is a pressing need for collaborative efforts to revise policies and enhance physical infrastructure, balancing healthcare quality with provider retention. This study provides valuable insights applicable to addressing similar global healthcare challenges.
Throughput enhancement of High-Bandwidth Wireless Network using Deep Double Q-Network Algorithm
Authors: Wang Chengman , Aljohani Abeer , Khan Fazlullah
Published: November 2024

In high-bandwidth network environments, multiple users and devices frequently share similar high-frequency bands, but signal propagation limitations lead to unstable network links. These can affect the throughput of high-bandwidth wireless networks, reducing the continuity and efficiency of data transmission. Therefore, this paper constructs a high-bandwidth wireless network throughput performance enhancement model based on the Double Deep Q-Network algorithm (Double DQN). This method designs a mathematical model for high-bandwidth wireless networks, visually presents node connections using undirected graphs, and constructs a throughput performance enhancement model based on channel allocation and link scheduling by combining interference model analysis. In addition, this method introduces the Double DQN algorithm, integrates the reinforcement learning framework, and realizes dynamic adjustment of optimal channel allocation and link scheduling strategies through continuous interaction and learning between the agent and the environment. Experimental results confirm that this model significantly improves the throughput of high-bandwidth wireless networks to above 2500kb/s and reduces the call drop rate of voice and video network services to 0.01–0.02%, meeting the demand for high data continuous transmission.
TaIncBC: Topic-aware In-context Prompt with Bias Calibration for Event Causality Identification
Authors: Xiang Wei , Zhan Chuanhong , Du Xu , Wang Bang
Published: November 2024

Event Causality Identification (ECI) is to determine whether there exists a causal relation between two event mentions. Recently, the prompt learning paradigm has been applied in the ECI task to leverage a large-scale pre-trained language model through carefully designed prompts, yet their contexts do not describe causal relations. In this paper, we propose to include some topic-aware demonstration samples with their ground-truth labels into the query prompt to form an in-context input prompt, so as to facilitate PLM’s understanding and comprehending of universal causal relations. Although including demo samples into prompts may enrich in-context causality information, care must be taken for potential bias that could also be introduced into the event prediction model by such demo samples. To address this challenge, we further design a nearest neighbour-based bias calibration to help alleviating demonstration deviations for our topic-aware in-context prompt learning. Our model, called TaIncBC, is experimented on the widely used EventStoryLine and Causal-TimeBank corpus and results validate our design objective in terms of significantly performance improvements over the state-of-the-art algorithms.
Vacuum Electrospray Deposition for Face-on Orientation and Interface Preservation in Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Lee Younjoo , Jeong Junkyeong , Jung Kwanwook , Lee Jeihyun , Youn Yungsik , Park Soohyung , Lee Hyunbok , Yi Yeonjin
Published: November 2024

Despite recent advancements in organic photovoltaics (OPVs), further improvements in power conversion efficiency (PCE) and device lifetime are necessary for commercial viability. Strategies such as optimizing the molecular orientation and minimizing the charge traps of organic films are particularly effective in enhancing photovoltaic performance. In this study, we successfully utilized vacuum electrospray deposition (VESD) to achieve favorable face-on stacking geometries while preserving the integrity of the interfaces in poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT):[6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) bulk heterojunction (BHJ) films. Unlike conventional spin-coated (SC) P3HT:PCBM BHJ films, which predominantly exhibit an edge-on orientation, VESD facilitates a beneficial face-on orientation, improving vertical charge transport through enhanced π-π stacking interactions. Furthermore, VESD effectively eliminates residual solvents during film formation, ensuring well-defined interfaces between the layers in the OPV devices. As a result, the VESD OPVs demonstrated enhanced PCE and extended operational lifetimes compared to their SC counterparts. Impedance spectroscopy analysis confirmed that the VESD OPVs possessed significantly higher electron mobility and longer electron lifetimes, indicating reduced charge traps and improved charge dynamics. These results highlight the potential of VESD as a versatile technique for controlling molecular orientation in solution-processable organic semiconductors, enabling the development of highly efficient devices with fewer charge traps without relying on synthetic or epitaxial methods.
Global Optimization for Road Traffic Accident
Authors: Kussia Bulbula Kumeda , ALWAN Ghanim , HUSSAIN Sadiq , ASSEFA Maregu , BORA Pranjal Kumar
Published: November 2024

The exponential growth in road traffic accidents worldwide is resulting in severe difficulties in every scene of human life. The paper builds a reliable optimization frame to find the global minimum injury severity versus 20 attributes. A new method to find optimal values for the nonlinear frame of road traffic accidents was implemented here. To design and construct a reliable simulated model to improve the quality of the road traffic accident optimization process by using an advanced optimization technique. Even though the solving problems of non-linear optimization configuration were solved in some cases. The programming for solving optimization problems for 20 attributes is complicated; especially for integer constraints. Advanced work will be needed to achieve this task. Optimization aims to discover the values of a model's variables that produce the best value for the objective function, subject to any limiting conditions placed on the variables. The complexity of integer programming was solved based on good formulating of the integrated optimization model and the selection of a suitable matrix of constraints to avoid sharp changes for optimal results. Our experimental results show that Impactype (X8) and Invtype (X9) are still effective and sensitive attributes for injury severity.