bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of QCNN-LSTM for Disability Forecasting in Multiple Sclerosis using Sequential Multisequence MRI
Authors: Mayfield John , Naqa Issam El
Published: January 2024

Introduction
Quantum Convolutional Neural Network (QCNN) - Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) models were studied to provide sequential relationships for each timepoint in MRIs of patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In this pilot study, we compare three QCNN-LSTM models for binary classification of MS disability benchmarked against classical neural network architectures. Our hypothesis is that quantum models will provide competitive performance.
Methods
Matrix Product State (MPS), Reverse Multistate Entanglement Renormalization Ansatz (MERA), and Tree-Tensor Network (TTN) circuits were paired with LSTM layer to process near-annual MRI data of patients diagnosed with MS. These were benchmarked against a Visual Geometry Group (VGG16)-LSTM and a Video Vision Transformer (ViViT). Predicted logits were measured against ground truth labels of each patient’s Extended Disability Severity Score (EDSS) using binary cross-entropy loss. Training/Validation/Holdout Testing was partitioned using 5-fold cross validation with a total split of 60:20:20. Levene’s test of variance was used to measure statistical difference and Student’s t-test for paired model differences in mean.
Results
The MPS-LSTM, Reverse MERA-LSTM, and TTN-LSTM had holdout testing ROC-AUC of 0.70, 0.77, and 0.81, respectively (p-value 0.915). VGG16-LSTM and ViViT performed similarly with ROC-AUC of 0.73 and 0.77, respectively (p-value 0.631). Overall variance and mean were not statistically significant (p-value 0.713), however, time to train was significantly faster for the QCNN-LSTMs (39.4 seconds per fold vs. 224.3 and 217.5, respectively, p-value <0.001).
Conclusion
QCNN-LSTM models perform competitively compared to their classical counterparts with greater efficiency in train time. Clinically, these can add value in terms of efficiency to time-dependent deep learning prediction of disease progression based upon medical imaging.
Effects of Autoclaving and Disinfection on 3D Dental Surgical Guides: Evaluating Mechanical Integrity and Dimensional Accuracy in LCD Technology for Implant Procedures
Authors: labakoum badreddine , Farhan Amr , taleb Lhoucine ben , Mouhsen Azeddine , lyazidi Aissam
Published: January 2024

The utilization of surgical guides can improve the precision of implant placement and minimize procedural errors and their related complications. This research aims to evaluate the impact of disinfection and sterilization methods on the dimensional changes of drill guide templates and the mechanical characteristics of 3D-printed surgical guides produced using LCD technology. A total of 100 samples were produced. Forty surgical guides were fabricated to assess implant drill guides' surface and geometric properties. Sixty samples were subjected to mechanical tests to analyze the materials' tensile, flexural, and compressive properties. Based on each analytical method, the samples were classified into four groups: GC, control group; GA, subjected to autoclave sterilization at 121°C (+ 1 bar, 20 minutes); GB, subjected to autoclave sterilization at 134°C (+ 2 bar, 10 minutes); and GL, disinfected with 70% isopropyl alcohol for 20 minutes. The results show that sterilization at 121°C and 134°C affects the mechanical and geometric characteristics of the surgical guides, while disinfection with 70% isopropyl alcohol gives better results.
Genetic association between immune cells and gout: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Qing , Liu Tian , Jia Changxin , Shen Liyan , Wang Ping , Li Chengqian , Wang Yangang , He Qing
Published: January 2024

Background
Numerous studies have demonstrated a significant correlation between immune cells and the initiation and progression of gout. Nevertheless, the existing body of evidence concerning immune cells implicated in gout and the establishment of a causal relationship remain limited.
Objective
To evaluate the causal connection between immune cells and gout, Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables (IVs).
Methods
This investigation revealed genetic variations known as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with 731 immune cell signatures from the International Working Group (IEU) open genome-wide association study (GWAS). The gout-associated GWAS dataset was obtained from ebi-a-GCST001790. The finn-b-M13_GOUT dataset was subsequently used for validation. We conducted MR analyses separately for the two gout datasets, followed by a meta-analysis. Causal effects were estimated using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) and MR‒Egger methods for MR analyses. Horizontal pleiotropy, heterogeneity and leave-one-out analyses were performed for sensitivity analysis. SNP annotations were performed to identify significant risk genes associated with immune cells and gout.
Results
IVW analyses revealed that 42 and 45 immunophenotypes were causally associated with gout in the discovery dataset and the validation dataset, respectively. A meta-analysis of the MR estimates from the two datasets revealed that CD25 on CD39 + CD4 + T cells and CD11b on CD14 + monocytes were risk factors for gout, while CD27 on switched memory B cells was a protective factor against gout. No evidence was found for horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity in the sensitivity analysis of any causal associations. At the locus-wide significance level of immunophenotyping, we annotated SNPs and identified 46 host genes that may be associated with the pathogenesis of gout.
Conclusion
The present study used MR analysis to demonstrate the causal associations between immune cells and gout via genetic means. This study provides some instructive suggestions for clinical treatment and experimental research in the future.
Traffic Sign Sensing: A Deep Learning approach for enhanced Road Safety
Authors: Gupta Amogh , Mhala Prit , Mangal Manan , Yadav Krish , Sharma Sanjeev
Published: January 2024

There exists paramount importance of traffic signs in ensuring road safety and efficiency, emphasizing their role in communicating vital informa- tion and regulations, transcending language barriers, and aiding drivers in navigating roads and avoiding potential dangers. In light of this significance, our study focuses on harnessing object detection technology, specifically ap- plied to traffic signs, with the goal of accident prevention and enhanced road safety. The dataset employed for our research is Road Sign Detection, and this paper has implemented the latest YOLOv8 versions and YOLO-NAS-l for object detection. Notably, this work achieved impressive mAP50 values, with YOLOv8m at 94.3%, YOLOv8x at 91.9%, YOLOv8l at 92%, YOLOv8s at 94.9%, and YOLOv8n at 95.3%. However, the best results were obtained by YOLO-NAS-l, with an outstanding mAP50 score of 95.72%. In addition to these individual results, this work conducted a comprehensive comparative study, demonstrating that our model leads to an 8% increase in performance over existing approaches. This paper is of great significance as it addresses a critical aspect of road safety and presents a cutting-edge solution that not only outperforms previous models but also sets a new standard for the industry. This research holds the potential to substantially reduce road accidents and enhance overall road safety, making it an invaluable contribution to the field of computer vision and its practical applications in the real world.
Molecular identification and seasonal prevalence of Entamoeba in wild Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) from Mount Gongga, China
Authors: Li Xin , Yao Yongfang , Yu Mengshi , Xiao Hongtao , Yang Shengzhi , Liu Xue , Xie Meng , Xiong Ying , Xiao Yao , Tan Cui , Xu Huailiang
Published: January 2024

Entamoeba species are common intestinal parasites in primates. The Tibetan macaque (Macaca thibetana) is an endemic species in China, and the habitat of the wild population in Mount Gongga has the highest altitude. In this study, we collected 84 fecal samples from wild Tibetan macaques in Mount Gongga. PCR amplifications of SSU rRNA genes were used to detect seven Entamoeba species, and the differences in seasonal prevalence were further analyzed. Additionally, we genotyped the potentially pathogenic E. nuttalli based on the tRNA-linked short tandem repeat (STR) loci and further analyzed the phylogenetic relationship among the genotypes obtained from Tibetan macaques and other primates. The results indicate a high prevalence of Entamoeba spp. (88.1%, 74/84), and four species were identified: E. chattoni (86.90%), E. coli (60.71%), E. hartmanni (48.81%), and E. nuttalli (73.81%), meanwhile, there are common mixed infections (67/74, 79.76%). The prevalence of four Entamoeba species was all lower in spring and higher in winter. In addition, phylogenetic analysis revealed a potential new subtype (ST4) of E. hartmanni in wild Tibetan macaques. Based on tRNA-STR loci, there was a high genotype diversity and genetic differentiation of E. nuttalli: 14 genotypes of E. nuttalli were obtained, and the phylogenetic tree showed the genotypes obtained in this study were distinct from that found in Myanmar and Nepal. Present results indicate the general prevalence of potentially pathogenic E. nuttalli in Tibetan macaques, which suggests we should pay attention to the risk of zoonotic transmission of these Entamoeba species.
Brans-Dicke gravity with scalar matter coupling and its cosmological probe
Authors: Ri SongChol , Yun IlMyong , Kim JikSu , Kim Ryong Gwang
Published: January 2024

In this work we investigate the Brans-Dicke gravity with self-interacting potential and potentialess model, the scalar field depends on redshift. But our model includes both potential and coupling, so we put the redshift dependence of the scalar in other form. Making use of CMB, BAO and SNIa observational data, we probe the model and determine model parameters, but our main concern is the dependence of model parameters on the temporal and spatial scales. Therefore we separate the probes for high(CMB) and low (BAO + SN) redshift observational data.
Design and Implementation of a Microplastic Detection and Classification System Supported by Deep Learning Algorithm
Authors: Dal Ekrem Kursad , Kilic Recai
Published: January 2024

Microparticles are challenging to detect due to their small size and can harm living things when exposed. Especially microplastics are one of the harmful microparticles. For this reason, detecting microplastics in a vital consumer item such as water is essential. Machine learning in the detection method allows the learning of different types and sizes of microplastics, allowing such systems to work unremittingly in real time. The present study has designed a low-budget, high-accuracy device with a deep learning algorithm that can autonomously classify microplastics according to their size and type. Three lasers with dual beam wavelengths of 405nm, 655nm, and 534nm-807nm, frequently used in laser pointers, are light sources in the sensor. The beams formed by the lasers were combined employing a beam combiner, allowing beams to emerge from a single point. Classification success of up to 100% has been achieved, thanks to the different interference patterns of light sources of various wavelengths. 10µm polystyrene, 8µm polystyrene, and 8µm melamine prepared in different constancy were used as samples in the experiments.
Self-reported sleep quality among elite athletes: what is it telling us?
Authors: Gooderick Julie , Harry Fisher , Maxwell Neil , Hayes Mark
Published: January 2024

Background
Sleep is often compromised in athletes. The monitoring of athlete’s sleep is an important preventative and educational tool. With many athletes using daily questionnaires to estimate sleep quality, there is a need to understand what this term is indicating when self-reported, and thus whether a self-report of this factor is useful.
Aims
This study aimed to compare self-reported and actigraph reported sleep quality, with a view to further understanding the constructs of this parameter.
Methods
Twenty-two national level female footballers provided a daily self-report of sleep quality (Likert scale) across 7 days, whilst also wearing an actigraph across the same testing period. Linear regression analysis was carried out to see which actigraph derived factors contributed to self-report score.
Results
The incorporation of SE, number of wakings and SFI could only account for 27.5% of variance in self-reported sleep quality scores. Number of wakings was the only significant predictor for self-reported sleep quality score (p = 0.000).
Conclusions
When asking for self-report of sleep quality, coaches should infer that number of wakings may be predicting for the Likert score given. Further discussion around this is advised, given the multifactorial nature of sleep quality and the potential for many contributing factors to affect scoring.
Diagnostic Model for Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Cirrhotic Patients with Ascites
Authors: Yin Xuehong , Qin Enqiang , Song Rui , Bao Xuli , Dong Jinling , Hou Wei , Hua Wei , Tu Bo , Zhang Yuening , Meng Qinghua
Published: January 2024

Introduction Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a potentially life-threatening complication of cirrhotic ascites. Early diagnosis and treatment of SBP are essential to improve the survival rates and prognosis of patients. We aimed to identify the predictors of SBP to establish a new noninvasive early diagnostic tool. Methods We screened 1,618 patients who underwent paracentesis due to cirrhotic ascites between January 2017 and December 2018 in three hospitals. We evaluated the symptomatic, clinical, and laboratory parameters to identify the predictors of SBP. The primary diagnostic model was displayed as a nomogram. Results The model included abdominal pain, diarrhea, white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, Glucose, and Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. Using a cutoff value of 0.358 points, the area under the curve, sensitivity and specificity for identifying SBP were 0.84, 0.79, and 0.74, respectively, in the learning set, 0.87, 0.82, and 0.73, respectively, in the internal verification set, and 0.90, 0.92, and 0.67, in the external verification set, respectively. Moreover, the model showed good diagnostic performance in the modeling and validation groups. The decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical utility of the nomogram model. In addition, we developed a Microsoft Excel calculation model to allow convenient adoption of the model in clinical practice. Conclusion We developed good performing diagnostic models for SBP.
Efficient nitrogen removal via simultaneous ammonium assimilation and heterotrophic denitrification of Paracoccus denitrificans R-1 under aerobic and anaerobic conditions
Authors: Hong Yiguo , Sun Wei , Hu Chunchen , Wu Jiapeng , Wei Mingken , Lin Jih-Gaw
Published: January 2024

Although multiple microorganisms can remove ammonium and nitrate simultaneously, their metabolic mechanisms are not well understood. Strain R-1, isolated from the activated sludge of a sewage treatment plant, was identified as Paracoccus denitrificans, and was found to efficiently remove ammonium and nitrate under anaerobic and aerobic conditions. The maximal NH4+ removal rate (RR = 9.94 mg·L− 1·h− 1) was significantly higher under aerobic conditions than under anaerobic conditions (RR = 2.91 mg·L− 1·h− 1). Analysis of the nitrogen balance and isotope tracers indicated that NH4+ was consumed through assimilation, but not nitrification. The maximal NO3− RR of strain R-1 was 18.05 and 19.76 mg·L− 1·h− 1 under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, respectively, and NO3− reduction was able to support the growth of R-1 under anaerobic conditions. The stoichiometric consumption ratios of acetate and lactate to nitrate were 0.902 and 0.691, respectively. The 15NO3− isotopic tracer experiment demonstrated that NO3− was reduced to N2 by aerobic and anaerobic denitrification. These results indicated that the NO3− reduction by strain R-1 was a respiratory process coupled with the oxidation of electron donors. Genomic analysis showed that strain R-1 contained complete genes for the nitrogen metabolism pathways of ammonium assimilation and denitrification, but not for nitrification, which is consistent with the physiological process of inorganic nitrogen metabolism in strain R-1. Moreover, we found that ammonium assimilation and nitrate denitrification effectively promoted each other. Our findings demonstrate that the mechanism of the simultaneous removal of NH4+ and NO3− by strain R-1 involves ammonium assimilation and denitrification under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. These findings provide new insights into microbial nitrogen transformation and facilitate the simultaneous removal of NH4+ and NO3− in a single reaction system.
Development of microsatellite markers for Afrotropical Ornithodoros ticks
Authors: Taraveau Florian , Bru David , Quembo Carlos , Jourdan-Pineau Hélène
Published: January 2024

Background
Soft ticks of the genus Ornithodoros are responsible for the maintenance and transmission of the African swine fever (ASF) virus in the sylvatic and domestic viral cycles in Southern Africa. They are also the main vectors of Borrelia species causing relapsing fevers. Currently, no genetic markers are available for Afrotropical Ornithodoros ticks. As ASF spreads globally, such markers are needed to assess the role of ticks in the emergence of new outbreaks. The aim of this study was to design microsatellite markers that could be used for ticks of the Ornithodoros moubata complex, particularly Ornithodoros phacochoerus, to assess population structure and tick movements in ASF endemic areas.
Methods
One hundred and fifty-one markers were designed using the O. moubata and O. porcinus genomes after elimination of repeated sequences in the genomes. All designed markers were tested on O. phacochoerus and O. porcinus DNA to select the best markers.
Results
Twenty-four microsatellite markers were genotyped on two populations of O. phacochoerus and on individuals from four other Ornithodoros species. Nineteen markers were selected to be as robust as possible for population genetic studies on O. phacochoerus.
Conclusions
The microsatellite markers developed here represent the first genetic tool to study nidicolous populations of Afrotropical Ornithodoros.
The Predictive Value of Lesion-Specific Fat Attenuation Index for Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Liu Meiju , Zhen Yanhua , Shang Jin , Dang Yuxue , Zhang Qian , Ni Weishi , Qiao Yujuan , Hou Yang
Published: January 2024

Background
The purpose of this study was to explore the prognostic significance of the lesion-specific Fat Attenuation Index (FAI) in forecasting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods
This study conducted a retrospective analysis of 304 patients diagnosed with T2DM who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in our hospital from December 2011 to October 2021. All participants were followed for a period exceeding three years. Detailed clinical data and CCTA imaging features were carefully recorded, encompassing lesion-specific FAI, FAI of the right coronary artery, features of high-risk plaques, and the coronary artery calcium score (CACS). The spectrum of MACE included in the study comprised cardiac death, acute coronary syndrome (which encompasses unstable angina pectoris and myocardial infarction), late-phase coronary revascularization procedures, and hospital admissions prompted by heart failure.
Results
Within the three-year follow-up, 76 patients with T2DM suffered from MACE. The lesion-specific FAI in patients who experienced MACE was notably higher compared to those without MACE (-84.87 ± 11.36 Hounsfield Units (HU) vs. -88.65 ± 11.89 HU, P = 0.016). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that CACS of 100 or greater (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.766, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.045–6.938, P < 0.001) and lesion-specific FAI higher than − 83.5 HU (HR = 2.172, 95% CI: 1.336–3.532, P = 0.002) were independently associated with heightened risk of MACE in T2DM patients over a three-year period. Subgroup analysis indicated that a lesion-specific FAI higher than − 83.5 HU (HR = 2.017, 95% CI: 1.143–3.559, P = 0.015) independently correlated with MACE in T2DM patients exhibiting severe coronary calcification. Moreover, the combination of CACS ≥ 100 and lesion-specific FAI>-83.5 HU significantly enhanced the predictive value of MACE in T2DM patients within 3 years.
Conclusions
The elevated lesion-specific FAI emerged as an independent prognostic factor for MACE in individuals with T2DM, inclusive of those with severe coronary artery calcification. Incorporating lesion-specific FAI with the CACS provided incremental predictive power for MACE in the T2DM patients.
Development and validation of an ICPMS method and its application in assessing heavy metals in whole blood samples among occupationally exposed Lead smelting plant workers
Authors: Upadhyay Kuldip
Published: January 2024

Occupational exposure to heavy metals affecting various organ systems, poses a significant health risk to workers. Consequently, its precise estimation is of clinical concern and warrants the need for an analytical method with reliable precision and accuracy. Current study aimed to develop an analytical method using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) to detect trace to elevated levels of potentially toxic elements in human blood. The sample preparation optimized using a two-step ramp temperature microwave acid digestion program. The toxic elements quantified using ICPMS operating in kinetic energy dispersion (KED) mode, adjusting data acquisition parameters and instrumental settings. The analytical method was validated using standard performance parameters. Each validation parameter aligned with the acceptable criteria outlined in standard guidelines. The method achieved optimal linearity (r2 > 0.99), recovery (85.60–112.00%), precision (1.35–7.03%), capable of detecting the lowest concentration of 0.32, 0.28, 0.28, and 0.19 µg/L, and quantifying trace levels of 1.01, 0.88, 0.90, and 0.62 µg/L for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb), respectively. Post-validation, the method was applied to estimate heavy metals in blood samples from 250 Pb smelting plant workers, revealing potential health implications of occupational exposure. The cohort analysis revealed demographic and employment factors were associated with elevated blood lead levels (BLL), leading to symptoms and health risks. Clinical analysis indicated 33.6% participants experienced hypertension, and 20 were anemic at BLL above 300 µg/L. It emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring, interventions, and improved occupational hygiene to protect the well-being of workers.
Uranium Translocation From Water Soil and Rock System to Various Plants and Their Components
Authors: Singh Ranu , Mitra Jayati Chatterjee , Sar Santosh Kumar , Wadhwa Daljeet Singh
Published: January 2024

Uranium is a highly hazardous heavy metal and radionuclide. The distribution of uranium in rock, soil, fruit, and water has been measured in the Balod area. Samples were collected using one square kilometer griding technique from Jhalmala Paragaon, Parsoda, Dewerbatt, Pakurbatt, and Jagarata Deur tarai. The distribution of uranium is quantified within the ranges of 0.7 to 3.6 (ppb) in soil, 0.5 to 4.4 ppb in rock, 0.2 to 52.6 ppb in groundwater, and 0.2 to 0.7 ppb in fruit. The distribution of uranium has been confirmed through a satisfactory two-way Anova analysis of the Hβ 1,2,3 results.
Globally distributed marine Gemmatimonadota have unique genomic potentials
Authors: Baker Brett , Gong Xianzhe , Xu Le , Langwig Marguerite , Chen Zhiyi , Huang Shu J , Zhao Duo , Su Lei , Zhang Yan , Francis Christopher , Liu Jihua , Li Jiangtao
Published: January 2024

Gemmatimonadota bacteria are widely distributed in nature, but their metabolic potential and ecological roles in marine environments is poorly understood. Here, we obtained 495 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), and associated viruses, from coastal to deep-sea sediments around the world. We used this expanded genomic catalog to compare the protein composition, and update the phylogeny of these bacteria. The marine Gemmatimonadota are phylogenetically different from those previously reported from terrestrial environments. Functional analyses of these genomes revealed these marine genotypes are capable of degradation of complex organic carbon, denitrification, sulfate reduction, and oxidizing sulfide and sulfite. Interestingly, there is widespread genetic potential for secondary metabolite biosynthesis across Gemmatimonadota, which may represent an unexplored source of novel natural products. Lineages associated with coral reefs are enriched in genes encoding secondary metabolites, which are likely utilized for ecological interactions there. Furthermore, viruses associated with Gemmatimonadota have the potential to ‘hijack’ and manipulate host metabolism, including the assembly of the lipopolysaccharide in their hosts. This expanded genomic diversity advances our understanding of these globally distributed bacteria across a variety of ecosystems and reveals genetic distinctions between those in terrestrial and marine communities.
Gut microbiome in endometriosis: a cohort study on 1,000 individuals
Authors: Pérez-Prieto Inmaculada , Vargas Eva , Salas-Espejo Eduardo , Lüll Kreete , Canha-Gouveia Analuce , Pérez Laura Antequera , Fontes Juan , Salumets Andres , Andreson Reidar , Aasmets Oliver , team Estonian Biobank research , Whiteson Katrine , Org Elin , Altmäe Signe
Published: January 2024

Background
Endometriosis, defined as the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside of the uterus, is one of the most prevalent gynecological disorders. Although different theories have been proposed, its pathogenesis is not clear. Novel studies indicate that the gut microbiome may be involved in the etiology of endometriosis, nevertheless, the connection between microbes, their dysbiosis and the development of endometriosis is understudied. This case-control study analyzed the gut microbiome in women with and without endometriosis to identify microbial targets involved in the disease.
Methods
A subsample of 1,000 women from the Estonian Microbiome cohort, including 136 women with endometriosis and 864 control women, was analyzed. Microbial composition was determined by shotgun metagenomics and microbial functional pathways were annotated using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. Partitioning around medoids (PAM) algorithm was performed to cluster the microbial profile of the Estonian population. The alpha- and beta-diversity and differential abundance analyses were performed to assess the gut microbiome (species and KEGG orthologies [KO]) in both groups. Metagenomic reads were mapped to estrobolome-related enzymes’ sequences to study potential microbiome-estrogen metabolism axis alterations in endometriosis.
Results
Diversity analyses did not detect significant differences between women with and without endometriosis (Alpha-diversity: all p-values > 0.05; Beta-diversity: PERMANOVA, both R2 < 0.0007, p-values > 0.05). No differential species or pathways were detected after multiple testing adjustment (all FDR p-values > 0.05). Sensitivity analysis excluding women at menopause (> 50 years) confirmed our results. Estrobolome-associated enzymes’ sequences reads were not significantly different between groups (all FDR p-values > 0.05).
Conclusions
Our findings do not provide enough evidence to support the existence of a gut microbiome-dependent mechanism directly implicated in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest metagenome study on endometriosis conducted to date.
Corrosion Performance of Electrodeposited Ni Nanocomposite Coatings Reinforced with Metal Oxide Particles
Authors: AK AZEM Funda , BİRLİK Işıl , KOÇ DELİCE Tülay , DALMIŞ Ramazan
Published: January 2024

The properties of traditional nickel coatings were enhanced by preparing Ni nanocomposite coatings reinforced with metal oxide nanoparticles by using electrodeposition technique. The impact of applied current density was investigated by changing SiO2 nanoparticle concentration. Phase structure study and morphological investigation of the samples were performed by X-Ray Diffractometer and Scanning Electron Microscopy, respectively. Vickers indentation method was utilized to determine the mechanical properties of obtained nanocomposite coatings. Potentiodynamic polarization technique was performed to evaluate electrochemical behavior of nanocomposite coatings. As a result, introducing SiO 2 nanoparticles to Ni matrix improves both mechanical and electrochemical properties of produced nanocomposite coatings.
Quantitative Performance Analysis of BLAS Libraries on GPU Architectures
Authors: ÖZ Işıl
Published: January 2024

Basic Linear Algebra Subprograms (BLAS) are a set of linear algebra routines commonly used by machine learning applications and scientific computing. BLAS libraries with optimized implementations of BLAS routines offer high performance by exploiting parallel execution units in target computing systems. With massively large number of cores, graphics processing units (GPUs) exhibit high performance for computationally-heavy workloads. Recent BLAS libraries utilize parallel cores of GPU architectures efficiently by employing inherent data parallelism. In this study, we analyze GPU-targeted functions from two BLAS libraries, cuBLAS and MAGMA, and evaluate their performance on a single-GPU NVIDIA architecture by considering architectural features and limitations. We collect architectural performance metrics and explore resource utilization characteristics. Our work aims to help researchers and programmers to understand the performance behavior and GPU resource utilization of the BLAS routines implemented by the libraries.
İzmir’in Sokak ve Cadde Ağlarının Çizge Teori Tabanlı Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: AKRAM Vahid
Published: January 2024

Şehirlerin cadde ve sokak ağları insanların günlük faaliyetlerini ve yaşam kalitesini önemli derecede etkilemektedir. Bu çalışmada çizge teorisine dayanarak İzmir ve ilçelerinin sokak ve cadde ağının topolojik yapısı ve güvenilirliği incelenmiştir. İlçelerin sokak ve cadde ağları Open Street Map platformu aracıyla oluşturulup, çizge modeline dönüştürüldükten sonra düğüm derece dağılımı, çap ve yarıçap, dış merkezlilik, kümeleme katsayısı ve en küçük bağlı hakim küme gibi 17 farklı özellik hesaplanmıştır. Örneğin, İzmir ilçelerinin çıkmaz sokaklarının sayısı ve yoğunluğu, konumlar arası alternatif patikaların sayısı, en kısa patikaların uzunluğu, seçili konumlardan geçen en kısa yollar ve kritik caddeler ve kavşaklar gibi çeşitli veriler üretilmiştir. Bu veriler, ilçelerin gelişme durumunu değerlendirmek için alternatif ve somut ölçekler ortaya koyarak ilçeler arasında ve İzmir ile diğer şehirler arasında somut karşılaştırma olanaklarını sağlamaktadır. Yapılan hesaplamalara göre, İzmir’in ilçelerinde ortalama 4196.33 ve 6140.9 kenar bulunmaktadır. En çok düğüm ve kenara sahip Bornova ilçesinde 10223 düğüm ve 15772 kenar ve en az düğüm ve kenara sahip Beydağ ilçesinde 427 düğüm ve 557 kenar bulunmaktadır. Tüm ilçelerin ortalama düğüm derecesi 2.88, ortalama kritik düğüm sayısı 680.6, ortalama kritik kenar sayısı 808.56, çıkmaz sokakların ortalama sayısı ve oranı sırayla 657.26 ve %16.88, en küçük kapsayan ağaçların ortalama kenar sayısı 4195.33 ve bu ağaçların ortalama uzunluğu 591493.84 m olarak hesaplanmıştır. En az orana sahip Karabağlar ilçesinde kenarların %61.64’u en küçük kapsayan ağaçta kullanılırken en yüksek orana sahip Kiraz ilçesinde kenarların %78.49’u en küçük kapsayan ağacında kullanılmıştır. İlçelerinin sokak ve cadde ağında rastgele seçilen iki konum arasında ortalama 1.91 bağımsız patika bulunmaktadır.
Performance Assessment of the Modified Kernel Ridge Predictors in the Partially Linear Mixed Measurement Error Models via Covid-19 Data Analysis
Authors: KURAN Özge , YALAZ Seçil
Published: January 2024

In this article we describe new predictors under multicollinearity situation in the partially linear mixed measurement error models. In order to achieve this aim, we refer to some preliminary information and use it in order to suggest the modified Kernel ridge predictors in the partially linear mixed measurement error models. In addition, we also attain some mean square error comparisons between our new described modified Kernel ridge predictors and predictors previously described in literature for the partially linear mixed measurement error model. In conclusion, the article showcases real data analysis and a simulation study to illusrate our theoretical findings.
Denim Kumaşlarda Farklı Atkı Sıklıkları ve Terbiye Koşullarının Dikiş Kaynaklı Kumaş Büzülmesine Etkisinin İncelenmesi
Authors: CİVAN YİĞİT Deniz , DOBA KADEM Füsun
Published: January 2024

Bu çalışmada 3 farklı atkı sıklığına sahip denim kumaş 3/1 Z dimi örgüsünde dokunup 2 farklı ön terbiye işleminden ve 3 farklı fikse sıcaklığından geçirilip mamul kumaşlar elde edilmiştir. Yapılan deneysel çalışmada çözgü ve atkı iplikleri, tarak eni, tarak numarası ve örgüler aynı olup toplam 18 adet mamul kumaş üretilmiştir. Literatür incelendiğinde, denim kumaşlarda ön terbiye ve fikse sıcaklığı değişiminin dikiş büzülmesine nasıl bir etki yaptığı konusunda bir çalışma ile karşılaşılmamıştır. Bu sebeple, farklı ön terbiye ve farklı fikse sıcaklıklarında işlem görerek üretilmiş 18 adet kumaştan paça formunda numune dikilip 3 farklı endüstriyel yıkama işlemine tabi tutulmuş, endüstriyel yıkamalar sonrası toplam 54 adet paçada atkı yönündeki dikiş kaynaklı kumaş büzülmeleri (puckering) değerlendirilmiştir. Numunelerin subjektif olarak değerlendirilmesi ile atkı sıklığı ve terbiye ramöz sıcaklıkları arttıkça kumaşlardaki büzülme görüntüsünün azaldığı sonucuna varılmıştır.
Cam Elyaf Takviyeli Poli-amit 6 Kompozitler ile Poliamit-6 Polimerinin %30 Cam Elyaf Takviyeli Poli-amit 6 Kompozitine Karşı Aşınma ve Sürtünme Davranışları
Authors: SAYLAN Tacettin , ÜNAL Hüseyin , YETGİN Salih Hakan
Published: January 2024

Bu çalışmada, katkısız poli-amit polimeri ile ağırlık olarak farklı oranlarda (%10-%20-%30) kısa cam elyaf (CE) takviyeli poli-amit kompozitlerin aşınma ve sürtünme davranışları incelenmiştir. Aşınma deneyleri %30 kısa cam elyaf takviyeli poli-amit 6 (PA6+%30CE) kompozit diske karşı kuru ortam şartları altında gerçekleştirilmiştir. Cam elyaf takviyeli PA6 esaslı kompozitler önce ikiz vidalı bir ekstruderde granül formunda üretilmiş ardından enjeksiyon makinasında aşınma test numuneleri basılmıştır. Aşınma testleri 0,5 m/s kayma hızı, 20-30-40 N yükte ve 1500 m kayma mesafesinde yapılmıştır. Deneyler, pim-disk aşınma test cihazı kullanılarak ortam sıcaklığında gerçekleştirilmiştir. Deneyler sonucunda, katkısız PA6 polimerinin sürtünme katsayısı ve aşınma oranı uygulanan yük ile artış göstermiştir. Kısa CE takviyeli PA6 kompozitlerin sürtünme katsayısı da artarken aşınma oranında ise pek artış gözlenmemiştir. En düşük sürtünme katsayısı ve aşınma oranı %30 CE takviyeli PA6 kompozitinde elde edilmiştir. PA6 polimerine %30 oranında CE takviyesi ile kompozitin aşınma direnci katkısız PA6 polimerine göre en az %48 oranında artmıştır.
Prediction of Associations between Nanoparticle, Drug and Cancer Using Variational Graph Autoencoder
Authors: İNAN Emrah
Published: January 2024

Predicting implicit drug-disease associations is critical to the development of new drugs, with the aim of minimizing side effects and development costs. Existing drug-disease prediction methods typically focus on either single or multiple drug-disease networks. Recent advances in nanoparticles particularly in cancer research show improvements in bioavailability and pharmacokinetics by reducing toxic side effects. Thus, the interaction of the nanoparticles with drugs and diseases tends to improve during the development phase. In this study, it presents a variational graph autoencoder model to the cell-specific drug delivery data, including the class interactions between nanoparticle, drug, and cancer types as a knowledge base for targeted drug delivery. The cell-specific drug delivery data is transformed into a bipartite graph where relations only exist between sequences of these class interactions. Experimental results show that the knowledge graph enhanced Variational Graph Autoencoder model with VGAE-ROC-AUC (0.9627) and VGAE-AP (0.9566) scores performs better than the Graph Autoencoder model.
The Effect of some secondary metabolites on food consumption and pupal parameters of male and female Malacosoma neustria L. (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) larvae
Authors: BİLGENER Mahmut , ALTUN Nurver
Published: January 2024

Plants produce secondary metabolites for defense against herbivorous insects. In this study, the effects of different concentrations of quinine, nicotine, and tannic acid on food consumption and pupal parameters of the larva of a severe pest, Malacosoma neustria L. (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae), were investigated in 2007. Artificial diets containing 0.125%, 0.25%, and 0.5% concentrations of quinine or nicotine were prepared. In addition, diets containing 1.25%, 2.5%, and 5% tannin and a control diet without secondary metabolite were prepared. The feeding experiments revealed that the food consumption and pupal parameters of male and female larvae were different, and all parameters of female individuals were higher than those of male larvae. It has been determined that tannins cause more reductions in food consumption and pupal parameters than alkaloids in male and female individuals. We observed an increase in male larvae's pupal mass with increased concentration of nicotine to 0.5%. Nicotine did not cause a decrease in pupal parameters of larvae compared to quinine. In addition, all parameters of female individuals decreased with the addition of secondary metabolite. Although food consumption in alkaloid-containing diets was less than in the control group, there was a positive relationship between food consumption and pupal lipid and protein content. However, quinine had a more significant effect on triggering protein storage than nicotine. In diets containing tannins, more lipids were stored. A decrease was observed in the food consumption and pupal parameters of all individuals in the tannin-containing diets compared to the other diets.
Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase and cholinesterase enzymes by acetone extract of Bryoria capillaris (Ach.) Brodo & D.Hawksw.
Authors: KARAGÖZ Yalçın , UZUN Naim , ALPARSLAN Bayram , ŞENTÜRK Murat
Published: January 2024

In traditional medicine, people commonly consume Bryoria capillaris (BC) as flour and tea, particularly in Northeast Anatolia, where it is one of the most prevalent lichen species. This study aimed to obtain an acetone extract of BC and investigate its inhibitory effects on carbonic anhydrase (CA) I, CA II, acetylcholine esterase (AChE), and butyrylcholine esterase (BChE) enzymes. We determined IC50 values of BC for each enzyme to measure the level of inhibition. The IC50 values for CA I and CA II were 8.77 μg/mL and 7.56 μg/mL, respectively. Acetazolamide, a specific CA I and II inhibitor, had IC50 values of 1.65 and 0.016 μg/mL, respectively. The IC50 values of BC for AChE and BChE were 7.96 and 8.58 μg/mL, respectively. Galantamine had IC50 values of 4.68 and 16.07 μg/mL for AChE and BChE, respectively. These results indicate that BC extract has a high potential to provide new drug candidates for all the tested enzymes, particularly for BChE.
The bosonic skin effect: Boundary condensation in asymmetric transport
Authors: Garbe Louis , Minoguchi Yuri , Huber Julian , Rabl Peter
Published: January 2024

We study the incoherent transport of bosonic particles through a one dimensional lattice with different left and right hopping rates, as modelled by the asymmetric simple inclusion process (ASIP). Specifically, we show that as the current passing through this system increases, a transition occurs, which is signified by the appearance of a characteristic zigzag pattern in the stationary density profile near the boundary. In this highly unusual transport phase, the local particle distribution alternates on every site between a thermal distribution and a Bose-condensed state with broken U(1)U(1)-symmetry. Furthermore, we show that the onset of this phase is closely related to the so-called non-Hermitian skin effect and coincides with an exceptional point in the spectrum of density fluctuations. Therefore, this effect establishes a direct connection between quantum transport, non-equilibrium condensation phenomena and non-Hermitian topology, which can be probed in cold-atom experiments or in systems with long-lived photonic, polaritonic and plasmonic excitations.
Quien canta, sus males espanta. Juventud femenina pentecostal: violencia y música en la novela La muerte es una vieja historia de Hernán Rivera Letelier
Authors: Mansilla Miguel Ángel
Published: January 2024

Este artículo aborda dos temáticas de la novela La muerte es una vieja historia de Hernán Rivera Letelier: la construcción de la identidad de la mujer pentecostal y el uso de la música tanto en el templo como en la vida de un fiel pentecostal. En el primer apartado abordamos tres aspectos del primer tema relacionados con la mujer pentecostal: la inteligencia social y cognitiva, la corporalidad y sensualidad, y la violencia sexual. En el segundo apartado hacemos referencia a la importancia que tiene la música en los templos y la vida cotidiana de los pentecostales, que en la novela se refleja en las anécdotas y experiencias que se cuentan de la protagonista, la hermana Tegualda.
Entretanto, Perseitas
Authors: Zuluaga Mesa David Esteban
Published: January 2024

El acontecer de nuestra vida sucede en una temporalidad distinta a la del acontecer del mundo. Para hacerme una idea de esto utilizo la palabra entretanto para referirme a aquello que ocurre en nosotros o con nosotros, mientras otros acontecimientos tienen lugar en el mundo y que, por su naturaleza particular, importa solo a un grupo reducido de personas.
Spor Köşe Yazılarında 4 Büyük Kulübün Olumlu-Olumsuz Kavramlarla Birlikte Anılma Durumları ve Kulüp İmajı
Authors: KARACA Mehmet Fatih , YAZICI Ömer Faruk
Published: January 2024

Kulüpler hakkındaki köşe yazılarının olumlu veya olumsuz olması, kulüplerin imajı ve geleceği açısından oldukça önemlidir. Bu durumun araştırılması amacıyla bu çalışmada, 4 büyük kulübün spor köşe yazılarında olumlu ve olumsuz kavramlarla birlikte anılma durumları ve bunların kulüp imajına etkileri ortaya konulmuştur. Tirajı en yüksek 5 gazeteden 52 spor köşe yazarına ait 2017-2021 yılları arasındaki yazılardan içeriğinde Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, Beşiktaş ve Trabzonspor geçen 9862 köşe yazısıyla çalışma yürütülmüştür. İşlemlerin tamamında Doğal Dil İşleme teknikleri ve Visual Studio ortamında C# dilinde geliştirilen yazılımdan faydalanılmıştır. 42 alt kavrama sahip 19 olumlu üst kavram ile 62 alt kavrama sahip 23 olumsuz üst kavramın köşe yazılarında kulüplerle birlikte anılma durumları, geliştirilen yazılımla belirlenmiştir. Araştırma bulgularında 4 kulüple farklı sıralamalarda olsa da en çok vurgulanan 3 olumlu kavramın “saygı, dost, adalet”; en az vurgulananlarınsa bütün kulüplerde aynı sıralamada “merhamet, şefkat, kibar” olduğu görülmüştür. Öte yandan en çok/en az vurgulanan 3 olumsuz kavramdaysa kulüpten kulübe farklılık belirlenmiştir. Fenerbahçe’yle en çok “kavga, sinir, düşman”, en az “vahşi, argo, hile”; Galatasaray’la en çok “hakaret, kavga, düşman”, en az “argo, vahşi, kışkırt”; Beşiktaş ve Trabzonspor’la en çok “haksız, kavga, sinir”; Beşiktaş’la en az “argo, vahşi, holigan”; Trabzonspor’la en az “argo, kışkırt, vahşi” olumsuz kavramları birlikte anılmıştır. Bununla birlikte, köşe yazılarında olumlu kavramlara olumsuz kavramlardan daha fazla yer verildiği tespit edilmiştir. Olumlu kavramlarla daha sık anılan kulüplerin kurumsal imajının ve saygınlığının artabileceği; olumsuz kavramlarla daha çok anılan kulüplerinse zihinlerde olumsuz yer ederek kulüp imajına uzun yıllar zarar verebileceği değerlendirilmiştir.
Otomobil Tercihlerinin Markov Analizi İle İncelenmesi: Kilis İli Örneği
Authors: POLAT Yadigar , SÜZÜLMÜŞ Seval
Published: January 2024

Günümüzde otomobil markalarındaki değişim ve gelişme oldukça hızlı olduğundan otomobil marka ve özelliklerinin seçiminde tüketici tercihleri önem kazanmıştır. Çalışmada 2022 yılında Kilis ilinde ikamet eden 571 otomobil kullanıcısı ile gerçekleştirilen anket çalışmasından elde edilen anket verileri markov analizi ile değerlendirilerek kadın ve erkek; düşük, orta ve yüksek gelirli; genç, orta ve ileri yaştaki bireyler olarak nitelendirilen otomobil kullanıcıların gelecekte otomobil markası, yakıt türü ve vites türü tercih olasılıkları tahmin edilmeye çalışılmıştır. Markov analizi yardımı ile geçişlerin frekans matrisi, geçişlerin olasılık matrisi ve uzun dönem denge durumu matrisi belirlenmiştir. Uzun dönem denge durumu matrislerine bakıldığında gelecekte düşük gelirli katılımcıların Tofaş, orta gelir grubundakilerin Toyota, yüksek gelir grubundakilerin ise Audi markasını tercih edecekleri belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca düşük ve orta gelirlilerin LPG yakıt türünü ve manuel vitesi, yüksek gelirli grubun ise motorin yakıt türünü ve otomatik vitesi en çok tercih edecekleri tespit edilmiştir. Genç kişilerin Volkswagen; orta yaş ve ileri yaştaki bireylerin ise Toyota markasını, gençlerin LPG, orta yaşlıların motorin, LPG ve ileri yaştaki bireylerin ise motorin yakıt türünü gelecekte tercih edecekleri tahmin edilmiştir. Gelecekte en çok gençlerin manuel, orta yaşlıların manuel, otomatik; ileri yaştaki bireylerin ise otomatik vitesi, ayrıca kadın sürücülerin Volkswagen, erkek sürücülerin ise Toyota markasını, vites ve yakıt türlerinde ise kadın sürücülerin otomatik, benzinli; erkek sürücülerin ise manuel, motorin ve LPG özelliğe sahip otomobilleri tercih edecekleri sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
Examining the Relationship Among Leisure Satisfaction, Emotional Intelligence, Hedonia and Eudaimonia
Authors: KAMA Selin , AĞBAY Nurulah Cihan
Published: January 2024

This study aims to examine and understand the relationships between leisure satisfaction, emotional intelligence, hedonia and eudaimonia. The research data were gathered from 222 academic and administrative staff of Bitlis Eren University in Turkey using a questionnaire technique through previous studies measurement scales. Firstly, SPSS 23 Program was used to make an explanatory factor analysis. In the following step, the data were analysed through SmartPLS statistical software to test the structural equation model of the study. In order to examine the measurement model of the study, Cronbach Alpha, CR and AVE values as well as discriminant validity findings were evaluated. Bootstrapping technique was used for the structural model analysis. As a result of the analysis, all three research hypotheses were accepted. Namely, analysis results prove that, from an in-depth perspective, leisure satisfaction affects emotional intelligence, and emotional intelligence affects hedonia and eudaimonia. On these results, promoting and spreading leisure activities throughout Bitlis by the university seems necessary for the staff to perform better. It is expected to increase the productivity of both academic and administrative staff and create a healthier working environment for Bitlis Eren University and other universities in Turkey. Therefore, it is crucial that various universities, especially Bitlis Eren University, encourage their staff to participate in some form of activities and take the initiative to organize these activities. Based on the results of this study, several theoretical and practical contributions are discussed.