bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Optimized Machine Learning Model for the Early Prognosis of Chronic Respiratory Diseases with specific focus On Asthma
Authors: Pooja M R , Giri Jayant , Chadge Rajkumar , Sunheriya Neeraj , Mahatme Chetan , mallik Saurav , Alsubaie Najah , Alqahtani Mohammed S. , Abbas Mohamed , Soufiene Ben Othman
Published: June 2023

Clinicians and those into the field of clinical research often evaluate the benefits against costs and inconvenience of preventive interventions for asthma by performing risk identification and assessment through the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) based predictive models. As such, a Weighted Feature Averaging Technique (WFAT), a novel feature extraction strategy that uniquely identifies the risk factors contributing to asthma, by taking into consideration the various aspects of weighing the importance of features with respect to their predictive capabilities. We introduce a weighted feature averaging technique to extract the most relevant and predominant features that score well on their relevance with respect to asthma outcome, the target for the problem under study. To strengthen the classification performance, ensemble machine learning techniques centric to AI techniques that are widely known to do so are explored and a new ensemble machine learning model, which is seen to outperform the weak classifiers by deploying optimization techniques that yield comparatively better results has been proposed. The ensemble model proposed yielded a classification accuracy as high as 85% and 91% with two diverse datasets chosen for modeling early prognosis of asthma disease by deploying only 25% of the features in the reduced feature set.
Biosynthesis, characterization of silver nano particles from Agaricus bisporus (Mushroom) and their antimicrobial activity against foodborne bacterial pathogens
Authors: Amr Maryam , Abd-Elhalim Basma T. , Ismail Radwa , Aboubakr Asmaa , Wael Rahma , Yasser Mariam , Hemdan Bahaa , El-Sayed Salwa M. , Abu-Hussien Samah H. , Bakry Ashraf , Ebeed Naglaa , Elhariry Hesham , Galal Ahmed
Published: June 2023

Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) attracted broad interest in the food sector due to their excellent antimicrobial activities as a new alternative to harmful chemical disinfectants. This work aims to study characterization parameters, antimicrobial and toxicological characteristics of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from Agaricus bisporus (Mushroom) aqueous extract. Mushroom extract was treated with silver nitrate and incubated for 24h until its color was turned brown. AgNPs characterization studies were estimated for their stability, their characteristics using UV and visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (XRD). All synthesized particles had the maximum absorption at 456nm at 1.5 Surface plasmon resonance (SPR), indicating the biosynthesis of nano silver particles. In addition. AgNPs from A. bisporus (Mushroom) exhibited broad antibacterial action against eight foodborne bacterial strains. Among all the tested bacterial strains, P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 was the superlative sensitive strain with inhibition zone of 48mm, while IZD for K. pneumonia ATCC 700603 and B. cereus ATCC 11778 were the most resistant strains with IZD of 20mm. According to the MIC/MBC ratio, the silver cations released by AgNPs had strong bactericidal effects against both G+ ve and G− ve bacteria. Cytotoxicity test against normal human skin fibroblast indicated that silver nano silver particles from the mushroom extract were safe, exhibiting cell viability reached 98.2%. Therefore, AgNPs could be a good alternative source to inhibit the biofilm formation in the food industry sector.
Identifying the Glaze Structure of Historical Clay Bricks: A Case Study of Persepolis Clay Bricks
Authors: Samanian Sasan , Bahmani Sareh
Published: June 2023

Glazes include a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds. During the Achaemenid period, one of the decoration methods of buildings and palaces was the use of colored glazed clay bricks. This experimental-laboratory research was carried out regarding valid scientific documents.
Purpose: to identify the constituent elements of glazes in Achaemenid clay bricks.
Research Question: What are the constituent elements and the main coloring factors in gray and azure blue glazes of Achaemenid clay bricks in Persepolis?
This research aims to identify the structure of the glaze of Persepolis clay bricks. Among the different devices that are used to identify minerals, X-Ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscope laboratory methods were used. The XRD device was used to detect the type of material and determine the type of constituent phases and the SEM device was used to determine the amount of constituent elements of the material. The glazes of Persepolis bricks are white, pale green, dark green, dark brown, gray, fawn yellow, and azure blue. In this article, the structure of gray and azure blue glazes was identified and studied. The study samples were physically sampled as a tiny flake-shaped layer of glaze from the building body on the eastern wall of the exclusive women's palace during the time of Xerxes. In total, three samples of gray glaze and three samples of azure blue glaze were selected. According to the results, the existence of silica and porosity of the body and also the existence of iron and magnesium in the composition of the glazes were confirmed, which were probably present in the original composition (base glaze), showing that besides the color effects, they were also present in them as impurities. Based on the structure of gray and azure blue glazes, both glazes are alkaline. The scientific and academic application of this research is for the protection and restoration of brick glazes and also for the use of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism, as well as students in restoration of cultural and historical artefacts in Art universities.
Rationale for issuing neuroimaging requests for patients with primary headaches: a cross-sectional survey of hospitals and clinicians in China
Authors: Zhong Xuemin , Zhao longchao , Peng Linli , Li Li , Li Changqing
Published: June 2023

Background
Neuroimaging is overused globally in patients with primary headaches. Evidence of this is lacking in China. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of neuroimaging in patients with primary headaches and the clinician-based rationale for requesting neuroimaging in China.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional survey of hospitals and clinicians in China. We used a convenience sampling method to recruit patients with primary headaches admitted to six hospitals in three provincial capitals in 2022. We identified whether neuroimaging had been requested and the types of neuroimaging conducted. We interviewed clinicians using a combination of personal in-depth and topic selection group interviews to explore why doctors request neuroimaging.
Results
Among 2,263 patients recruited for this study, 1,942 (89.75%) underwent neuroimaging. Patients underwent head computed tomography (CT), 628 (27.75%); magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 1,157 (51.13%); or both CT and MRI, 246 (10.87%). Fifteen of the 16 interviewed clinicians would not issue a neuroimaging request for patients with primary headaches. Further, we found that doctors issued a neuroimaging request for patients with primary headaches mostly to exclude the risk of misdiagnosis, reduce uncertainty, avoid medical disputes, meet patients’ medical needs, and complete the hospital assessment indicators.
Conclusions
For primary headaches, the probability of clinicians requesting neuroimaging is higher in China than in other countries. There is considerable room for improvement in finding appropriate strategies for doctors and patients to reduce the use of low-value care.
Symptom Reduction in Advanced Cancer from Multi-session Mindful Breathing: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Tung Yu-Zhen , Ng Diana-Leh-Ching , Lai Natalie-Zi , Ang Chui-Munn , Lim Poh-Khuen Lim , Zainuddin Sheriza Izwa , Lam Chee-Loong , Loh Ee-Chin , Chai Chee-Shee , Tan Seng-Beng
Published: June 2023

Background: Mindfulness-based interventions have shown promising effects among patients with advanced cancer and other health conditions. While evidence of symptom reduction in palliative care from a single session of mindful breathing is available, data on symptom reduction from multi-session mindful breathing remains unavailable. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of multi-session mindful breathing in symptom reduction among patients with advanced cancer.
Methods: Adult patients with advanced cancer who scored ≥4 in at least two or more symptoms based on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) were recruited from January to March 2020. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either four daily sessions of 30-minute mindful breathing and standard care (intervention) or standard care alone (control).
Results: There were statistically significant reductions in the total ESAS scores following all four sessions in the intervention group (n1 = 40: z1 = -5.09, p < 0.001; z2 = -3.77, p < 0.001; z3 = -4.38, p < 0.001; z4 = -3.27, p < 0.05). For the control group, statistically significant reductions in the total ESAS scores were seen only after sessions 1 and 3 (n2 = 40: z1 = -4.04, p < 0.001; z3 = -4.53. p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Our result provides evidence that four daily sessions of 30-minute mindful breathing may be effective in reducing multiple symptoms rapidly in advanced cancer patients.
Trial registration: NCT 05910541, date of registration 9th June 2023. (Retrospectively registered)
Effects of rice-fish symbiosis on the muscle nutrition, intestinal microbes, liver metabolism and of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)
Authors: Zhou Ya , He Xianlin , Xue Xiaoshu , Tang Guo , Mei Jie
Published: June 2023

To investigate the effects of different rice growth periods and different farming modes on the muscle nutrition, intestinal microbes and liver metabolome profiling of yellow catfish in rice-fish symbiosis. 16S rDNA and non-targeted metabolomic methods were used to analyze the differences of muscle amino acids and fatty acids, intestinal microbes’ diversity and liver metabolome profiling of yellow catfish in the rice pre-anthesis paddy group (aRY_tac), the rice post-anthesis paddy group (bRY_tac), the post-harvest paddy group (cRY_tac) and the post-harvest pond group (dRY_tac). The result showed that the muscle total amino acids (TAA), non-essential amino acids (TNEAA), and umami amino acids (TDAA) in bRY_tac group were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those in other groups, the muscle saturated fatty acids in dRY_tac group were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of other groups, and the content of monounsaturated fatty acids in cRY_tac group was significantly higher than that of the other groups (P < 0.05). The dominant bacteria in aRY_tac group wasPseudomonas, in bRY_tac group wereClostridium,OxyphotobacteriaandBrevundimonas, in cRY_tac group wereCetobacteriumandCandidatus_Arthromitus, and in dRY_tac group wasPlesiomonas. Yellow catfish cultured in rice-fish symbiosis mode possessed higher abundance and diversity of intestinal microbes than that in pond mode. Moreover, under rice-fish symbiosis mode, compared with the rice pre-anthesis and post-harvest periods, yellow catfish in rice post-anthesis’s period showed higher abundance and diversity of intestinal microbes and the liver metabolic phenotype, especially in Arginine biosynthesis, Monobactam biosynthesis, Cysteine and methionine metabolism and amino acids biosynthesis, etc. Our study suggested that different rice growth periods in the paddy field had different effects on the muscle nutritional components, microbial diversity and liver metabolism of yellow catfish, the fish nutritional quality in rice post-anthesis periods would be better. This study provides a theoretical reference for the cultivation of yellow catfish under rice-fish symbiosis system.
Crosstalk of cell death pathways implicates heterogeneity among molecular subtypes in colorectal cancer
Authors: Weng Siyuan , Cui Haiyang , Xu Hui , Zhang Yuyuan , Wang Libo , Xing Zhe , Liu Zaoqu , Han Xinwei
Published: June 2023

Background The intricate crosstalk of various cell death forms was recently implicated in cancers, laying a foundation for exploring the association between cell death and cancers. Recent evidence has demonstrated that biological networks outperformsnapshot gene expression profiles at discovering promising biomarkers or heterogenous molecular subtypes across different cancer types. In order to investigate the behavioral patterns of cell death-related interaction perturbation in colorectal cancer (CRC), this study constructed the interaction-perturbation network consisting of 11 cell death pathways and further revealed four cell death network (CDN) derived subtypes (CDN1-4).
Methods We constructed a perturbation matrix of 11 cell death pathways by using colorectal cancer data from TCGA and GTEx, from which four CDNs were decoded and validated by three GEO datasets.
Results Four subtypes were well characterized and displayed distinct clinical and molecular features: (1) CDN1: elevated proliferative activity, frequent KRAS mutations, immune desert, and high tumor purity; (2) CDN2: stronger immune activation, best prognosis, high BRAF mutation frequency, high mutational burden, moderate proliferative activity, neoantigen burden, microsatellite instability, and might be sensitive to immunotherapy sensitivity; (3) CDN3: metabolically hyperactive, immune desert, and moderate prognosis; (4) CDN4: stroma-rich, worst prognosis, immune-suppressed advanced stage, strong tumor invasion, stem cell-like, high levels of EMT and TGF-β signaling, and AOC3 considered as a potentially predictive molecule for CDN4.
Conclusions In general, based on the construction of the cell death crosstalk network, which is more stable and effective than gene features, our study established four stable CRC molecular subtypes that could predict prognosis and guided treatment.
Pumilio RNA binding family member 1 deficiency activates anti-tumor immunity in hepatocellular carcinoma via restraining M2 macrophage polarization
Authors: Yu Yang , Nie Gang , ren yi-wei , Ouyang Liu , Ni Chen-ming
Published: June 2023

Pumilio RNA binding family member 1 (PUM1), which has been implicated in both the progression of colorectal cancer and the regulation of Inflammation, has not yet been associated with hepatocellular carcinoma PUM1 is essential for the transition of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) into the M2 polarization state. It does this by inhibiting anti-tumor immunity in hepatocellular carcinoma through a process mediated by TAMs that target CD8 + T cells, as demonstrated in this study using PUM1-knockout mice. By activating the cAMP signaling pathway, we have shown that PUM1 promotes the transformation of TAMs into pro-tumorigenic M2-like phenotypes. In order to emphasize the potential of PUM1 as an objective for immunotherapy centered on TAMs in the treatment of gastric carcinoma, the present investigation revealed the molecular mechanism underlying the pro-tumor role of PUM1 in this cancer.
GUCA2A Dysregulation as a Promising Biomarker for Accurate Diagnosis and Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Jalali Pooya , Aliyari Shahram , Taher Sahar , Kavousi Kaveh , Salehi Zahra
Published: June 2023

Background:Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of global mortality and presents a significant barrier to improving life expectancy. The primary objective of this study was to discern a unique differentially expressed gene (DEG) that exhibits a strong association with colorectal cancer. By achieving this goal, the research aims to contribute valuable insights to the field of translational medicine.
Methods:We performed an analysis on four colorectal cancer microarray datasets obtained from the GEO database in order to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). In addition, we explored the TCGA colon adenoma carcinoma (COAD) dataset using GEPIA2, which provided high-throughput RNA-Seq data to identify DEGs associated with COAD. To further investigate, we conducted a comprehensive analysis using a pan-cancer model encompassing 33 different cancer types to identify common DEGs between the GEO datasets and the GEPIA2 COAD-TCGA data. We also performed gene set enrichment analysis using Enrichr to gain insights into the functional relevance of these DEGs. To uncover potential regulatory relationships, we constructed a co-expression network utilizing data from the STRING and LinkedOmics databases. Furthermore, we established a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network by integrating information from the miRTarBase and circBank databases. Additionally, correlation between tumor-immune signatures in distinct tumor microenvironments was investigated using the TISIDB database. Finally, we investigated potential interactions between the identified gene and various drugs, providing valuable insights into therapeutic possibilities.
Results:GUCA2A emerged as a significant DEG specific to colorectal cancer (|log2FC| > 1 and adjusted q-value < 0.05). Importantly, GUCA2A exhibited excellent diagnostic performance for COAD, with 98% sensitivity, 95% specificity, and a 99.6% area under the curve (AUC). Moreover, low expression of GUCA2A significantly impacted overall patient survival. Enrichment analysis highlighted the receptor guanylyl cyclase signaling pathway and guanylate cyclase activator activity as the most significant gene ontology terms. A ceRNA network consisting of 8 miRNAs targeting GUCA2A and 183 circRNAs acting as miRNA sponges was constructed. Significant correlations were observed between tumor-immune signatures and GUCA2A expression. Additionally, lactose anhydrous, Atropin, and Volanesorsen sodium were identified as drugs potentially interacting with GUCA2A.
Conclusions:This study identifies GUCA2A as a promising prognostic and diagnostic biomarker for colorectal cancer. Further investigations are warranted to explore the potential of GUCA2A as a therapeutic biomarker.
Weekend Hospital Admissions for Myxedema Coma Linked to Higher Mortality Rates: an insight from National Inpatient Sample from 2016 to 2020
Authors: Hashmi Mariam , Bodla Zubair Hassan , Niaz Fatima , Farooq Umer , Bray Christopher L. , Okonoboh Peters
Published: June 2023

Purpose
Our research focuses on utilizing the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database for investigating the effects of admission day on myxedema coma outcomes.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study examined in-patient mortality and secondary outcomes of patients with myxedema coma from 2016 to 2020 using the NIS database. Patients were selected using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) codes and divided into weekday and weekend admission groups. Statistical analysis was carried out using Stata version 14. Potential confounding variables were accounted for using multivariable logistic and linear regression analysis.
Results
Out of the 174,776,205 discharges, 5,095 patients satisfied the study's inclusion criteria. The average age of admitted patients was slightly higher on weekdays (67.14 year) than weekends (66.52), with females constituting 69.41% and 67.42% of admissions, respectively. Patients admitted on weekends had higher odds of inpatient mortality compared to those admitted on weekdays [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.91, p = 0.009]. The overall mortality rate for myxedema coma rose from 6.76% in 2016 to 13.36% in 2020 (p-value of 0.014). There was no significant difference in the length of stay, total hospitalization charges, hospital cost, blood transfusion, acute kidney injury requiring dialysis, acute respiratory failure requiring intubation and parenteral nutrition between weekday and weekend admissions.
Conclusion
Weekend admissions of myxedema coma patients have a higher risk of inpatient mortality, which has increased from 2016 to 2020. Further studies are needed to identify factors contributing to this disparity and to confirm the findings of increasing mortality related to myxedema.
Climate change increases the number of landslides at the juncture of the Alpine, Pannonian and Mediterranean regions
Authors: Auflic Mateja Jemec , Bezak Nejc , Segina Ela , Frantar Peter , Gariano Stefano Luigi , Peternel Tina
Published: June 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Needle-shaped beam optical coherence tomography angiography visualizing cortical blood perfusion after photothrombotic stroke in vivo
Authors: Huang Yong , Guo Xiangyu , Zhao Jingjing , Sun Liqun , Gupta Varun , Du Lin , Sharma Komal , Vleck Aidan Van , Liang Kaitlyn , Cao Liangcai , Kong Lingjie , Yang Yuanmu , Zerda Adam de la , Jin Guofan
Published: June 2023

Optical imaging techniques provide low-cost, non-radiative images with high spatiotemporal resolution, making them advantageous for long-term dynamic observation of blood perfusion in stroke research and other brain studies compared to non-optical methods. However, high-resolution imaging in optical microscopy fundamentally requires a tight optical focus, and thus a limited depth of field (DOF). Consequently, large-scale, non-stitched, high-resolution images of curved surfaces, like brains, are difficult to acquire without z-axis scanning. To overcome this limitation, we developed a needle-shaped beam optical coherence tomography angiography (NB-OCTA) system, and for the first time, achieved a volumetric resolution of less than 8 µm in a non-stitched volume space of 6.4 mm × 4 mm × 620 µm in vivo. This system captures the distribution of blood vessels at 3.4-times larger depths than normal OCTA equipped with a Gaussian beam (GB-OCTA). We then employed NB-OCTA to perform long-term observation of cortical blood perfusion after stroke, and quantitatively analyzed the vessel area density (VAD) and the diameters of representative vessels in different regions over 10 days, revealing different spatiotemporal dynamics in the acute, sub-acute and chronic phase of post-ischemic revascularization. Benefiting from our NB-OCTA, we revealed that the recovery process is not only the result of spontaneous reperfusion, but also the formation of new vessels. This study provides visual and mechanistic insights into strokes and helps to deepen our understanding of the spontaneous response of brain after stroke.
Sensitivity and vulnerability to summer heat extremes in major cities of the United States
Authors: Li Xiaojiang , Wang Guoqing , Zaitchik Benjamin , Hsu Angel , Chakraborty Tirthankar
Published: June 2023

Many cities are experiencing more frequent extreme heat events during summer because of the global temperature rise and the urban heat island effects. Yet, how the rising temperature impacts urban residents differently is still not clear. Here we leveraged urban microclimate modeling to map the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), a more complete indicator of human heat stress at an unprecedentedly fine spatial resolution (1 m) for 14 major cities in the United States. We also examined the sensitivity and vulnerability to summer heat across different socioeconomic and racial/ethnic groups in these cities, finding that income level is most consistently associated with heat stress. Results show that a hypothetical 1 ºC increase in air temperature would have a substantial impact on human heat stress, with impacts that differ across cities. The results of this study can help us better evaluate the impact of extreme heat on urban residents.
A Hole Plate for Measuring Parametric and Volumetric Errors of a Four-Axis Coordinate Measuring Machine
Authors: Hsieh Tsung-Han , Lin Ming-Xian , Yeh Kuan-Ting
Published: June 2023

Recently, a four-axis coordinate measuring machine, which consists of three linear axes and a single rotary axis, has been more widely used than a traditional three-axis coordinate measuring machine. The volumetric error influences the accuracy of the four-axis coordinate measuring machine. 27 parametric errors contribute to the volumetric error. This study proposes a new methodology to analyze the parametric and volumetric error of the four-axis coordinate measuring machine using a hole plate. First, the hole plate setup sequentially in three different planes. We measured the hole plate by using five different styluses. Second, 27 parametric errors were analyzed using the coordinate deviations. The volumetric error was constructed using the homogeneous transform matrixes. The volumetric error ranges were from 0.35 µm to 1.55 µm and from 0.35 µm to 2.83 µm without and with the single rotary axis. Third, three commercial instruments, namely a laser interferometer, an autocollimator, and a polygon-autocollimator, were used to validate the proposed methodology to verify the measured parametric errors. The absolute maximum differences, compared with the laser interferometer for three parametric positioning errors and the autocollimator for six parametric rotational errors for the three linear axes, were 0.56 µm and 0.54", respectively. Moreover, the absolute maximum difference of one parametric positioning error for the single rotary axis, comparing with the polygon-autocollimator, was 0.75". The En-values were 0.27, 0.54, and 0.27, respectively. The results demonstrate the proposed methodology's effectiveness and reliability to the industry's four-axis coordinate measuring machines.
Liver iron overload and fat content analyzed by Magnetic resonance contributes to evaluate the progress of chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Luo Jinni , Liu Zhenzhen , Wang Qian , Tan Siwei
Published: June 2023

Background
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and its complications still play a major role in liver-related mortality. It has been indicated that hepatic iron and steatosis may have an effect on liver fibrosis and carcinogenesis. This study aimed to access the liver iron and fat in chronic hepatitis B patients by MRI, to estimate the correlations among liver iron, fat and the severity and progress of liver fibrosis.
Methods
In this retrospective study, we enrolled patients with CHB consecutively from 2018 to 2020. Liver iron and fat content were accessed by MRI, which was measured as liver iron concentration (LIC) and proton density fat fraction (PDFF).
Result
340 patients were included in this study. For LIC, the median value was 1.68 mg/g, elevated LIC was seen in 122 patients (35.9%). For liver fat content, the median value of PDFF was 3.1%, while only 15.0% patients had liver steatosis (PDFF ≥ 5%). Age, total bilirubin and sex were independent predictive factors of liver iron overload (OR = 1.036; 1.005; 10.772). A higher platelet count (OR = 1.006) and no portal hypertension (OR = 0.366) independently predict liver steatosis. The AUC of PDFF for identification of liver cirrhosis estimated by different non-invasive tools ranged from 0.629 to 0.704.
Conclusion
Iron overload was common in CHB patients, especially in those with older age, male and high total bilirubin level. Liver steatosis was less common in CHB. Liver iron and fat content analyzed by MRI may contribute to evaluate the severity and progress of CHB.
Red Drum Salinity Tolerance: Comments on Ackerly et al. “Short-Term Salinity Stress During Early Development Impacts the Growth and Survival of Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus)”
Authors: Conway Annaleise , Pauwels Stan , Edwards Melanie , Fontenot Lance , Palachek Randy
Published: June 2023

Technical Communications do not have an Abstract.
A systematic algorithm to compute hazardous area extent for two-phase releases based on an improved low-dimensional (simple) dispersion model
Authors: Araujo Antonio C. B. , Anjos Deborah A. , Neto Antonio T. P. , Alves Jose J. N. , Silva Sidinei K. , Luiz Aurelio M.
Published: June 2023

This contribution aims at systematically determining the extent of classified areas in two-phase releases of pure components. To this end, a novel algorithm is proposed to ensure all proper steps are taken towards accurately computing the required properties of the resulting cloud. The intended framework is based on a refined one-dimensional dispersion model that accommodates (i) the influence of the vapor component on the energy balance of the two-phase jet model, (ii) new decay constants to calculate velocity, concentration, and temperature profiles, (iii) a new normalization ratio to compute the temperature along the centerline, and (iv) a new correlation for the entrainment coefficient in the two-phase region. Altogether, these modifications produced results that are in very good agreement with (scarce) experimental data available in the literature. The hope is that this simple algorithm can predict within reasonable precision the reach of the hazardous cloud in open field situations.
Synthesis and luminescence properties of Eu3+-activated Mg3(PO4)2 phosphors and substitution of phosphate with Molybdate, Tungstate and Sulphate
Authors: Dhiman Dheeraj J. , Parauha Yatish Ratn , Chourasia Ashish B. , Dhoble S. J.
Published: June 2023

In the present work, trivalent europium (Eu3+) ion activated Mg3(PO4)2 red phosphors have been synthesized through solid-state reaction method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the successful formation of Mg3(PO4)2:Eu3+ phosphors with monoclinic phase (space group P21/c (14). The photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy was used to record the excitation and emission spectrum of Eu3+ activated Mg3(PO4)2 phosphor. The resulting samples displayed the typical emissions of Eu3+ ions corresponding to the 5D0 → 7FJ transitions when excited at 395 nm. A 0.5 mol% Eu3 + ion doping concentration was found to be ideal. The best concentration of Eu3+ ions for doping was discovered to be 0.5 mol%. The CIE coordinates of Eu3+ activated Mg3(PO4)2 phosphor is calculated, which shows strong red emission. In addition, phosphate group replaced with molybdate, tungstate and sulfate group and found enhancement in emission intensity of prepared phosphors. The outcomes showed that the Eu3+-activated Mg3(PO4)2 phosphors are excellent red-emitting phosphors for use in white LEDs that are driven by near-ultraviolet light.
Research on novel matching topology and characteristics of rotary ultrasonic machining system with inductive contactless power transmitter
Authors: Ren Kun , Li Hua , Xie Ou , Wei Dong , Wei LI , Dai Chenwei , Yuan Julong
Published: June 2023

The rotary ultrasonic vibration machining is of great advantage in the precision and high efficient machining for hard to machine materials, and is being increasingly applied. In the rotary ultrasonic vibration machining system with inductive contactless power transmitter (ICPT), the inductance of ICPT and its impedance matching with the ultrasonic generator have a great influence on the output power and the efficiency of the system. A new matching topology with C-C double matching capacitance series-parallel on the primary side of transmitter is proposed in this paper. Based on the theoretical analysis, the model of the bilateral resonance of a rotating ultrasonic vibration machining system with C-C double matching capacitance series-parallel matching topology is established, and the matching capacitance calculation method are proposed. The experimental results show that the system can achieve an ideal bilateral resonance after being matched with the calculated C-C double-matching capacitance. The power transmission and load characteristics of the new system have been further studied theoretically and experimentally. It is concluded from the study that the transmission and load characteristics of the system changes with the self-inductance and mutual inductance of the inductive contactless power transmitter under the condition of bilateral resonance. When the self-inductance of primary side is of the same value with that of the secondary side, the system exhibits the excellent comprehensive transmission performance. The results are of great significance to the optimization and engineering application of the rotary ultrasonic vibration machining system.
Balanced segmentation of CNNs for multi-TPU inference
Authors: Villarrubia Jorge , Costero Luis , Igual Francisco D. , Olcoz Katzalin
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we propose different alternatives for CNN (Convolutional Neural Networks) segmentation, addressing inference processes on computing architectures composed by multiple Edge TPUs. Specifically, we compare the inference performance for a number of state-of-the-art CNN models taking as a reference inference times on one TPU and a compiler-based pipelined inference implementation as provided by the Google's Edge TPU compiler. Departing from a profiled-based segmentation strategy, we provide further refinements to balance the workload across multiple TPUs, leveraging their co-operative computing power, reducing work imbalance and alleviating the memory access bottleneck due to the limited amount of on-chip memory per TPU. The observed performance results compared with a single TPU yield super-linear speedups and accelerations up to 2.60x compared with the segmentation offered by the compiler targeting multiple TPUs.
Numerical simulation of arc characteristics in K-TIG welding
Authors: Song BaiYu , Dong Bolun , Cai XiaoYu , Lin SanBao
Published: June 2023

K-TIG welding is a highly efficient welding technique that enables full penetration to be achieved with a single pass, without the need for groove preparation or wire filling. Comprehending the distinct arc characteristics of K-TIG welding is the cornerstone for exploring the metallurgical process, heat, and mass transfer phenomena, and serves as a guide for design considerations. In this study, 2D numerical models of arc plasma in K-TIG welding were established. The arc characteristics of the keyhole state and non-penetrated state were compared, while the influence of welding parameters on arc characteristics was further investigated. Finally, the calculated arc pressure was validated by experiments. Results show that the electric potential gradient in the arc column decreases after the keyhole forms, while the temperature increases at the center of the anode surface and decreases on both sides away from the arc center. Higher welding currents and smaller tungsten tip angles will lead to an increase in the temperature and velocity of arc plasma. As the tungsten tip height increases, the arc temperature increases on both sides but decreases in the arc center, and the pressure in the inner wall of the keyhole shrinks.
Automated imaging coupled with AI-powered analysis accelerates the assessment of plant resistance to Tetranychus urticae
Authors: Złotkowska Ewelina , Wlazło Anna , Kiełkiewicz Małgorzata , Misztal Krzysztof , Dziosa Paulina , Soja Krzysztof , Filipecki Marcin , Barczak-Brzyżek Anna
Published: June 2023

The two-spotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae, is one of the most destructive piercing-sucking herbivores, infesting more than 1,100 plant species. The TSSM has evolved a broad tolerance to different plant xenobiotics, influencing its flexibility to adapt to multiple host plants and pesticides. At the same time, the effective resistance loci in plants are still unknown. To find out more about plant-mite correlation, novel approaches are required allowing the efficient screening of large, genetically diverse populations of two interacting species. Here we propose an analytical pipeline based on high-resolution imaging of infested leaves and an artificial intelligence-based computer program, MITESPOTTER, for analysis of plant susceptibility. Our system precisely identifies and quantifies eggs, feces and damaged areas on phenotypically differentiated leaves. The new method was tested on 14 TSSM-infested Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes derived from diverse world locations and showing remarkable differences in the listed symptoms. The proposed method also demonstrated the ecotype variation in the mite preference to the age of leaf and egg distribution on the ab/adaxial leaf surface. The presented analytical pipeline can be adapted to different pest and host species facilitating diverse experiments with a high number of specimens such as the screening of a large segregating population of plants leading to the identification of loci for efficient breeding of TSSM-resistant plants.
Association between antibiotics use and the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in infants: a Real-World Evidence Study
Authors: Lin Chih-Kang , Tseng Ya-Chun , Hsu Hsing-Yu , Tsai Tung-Han , Huang Kuang-Hua
Published: June 2023

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. Recently, infants using antibiotics showed an increased incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between antibiotics use and the risk of ADHD in infants. In this population-based retrospective cohort study, the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database was used to collect data of infants. Prevalence of antibiotics use was analyzed in the infants (age, < 2 years) included in this study. The risk of developing ADHD was estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model. After controlling for other related influencing factors, infants who used antibiotics had a 1.12 times higher risk of ADHD than those who did not. The risk of ADHD increased through using penicillin and cephalosporin regardless of the duration of antibiotics use. Therefore, antibiotics use in infants—especially penicillin and cephalosporin— was associated with a higher risk of ADHD.
Surgical Management of Gastric Cancer With a History of Liver Transplantation: Case Report
Authors: Alabdallat Belal , Tamam Selim , Culcu Serdar , Unal Ali
Published: June 2023

Rationale: The number of solid organ transplants has increased worldwide. Liver transplantation is an effective treatment of end-stage liver disease and some selected malignancies. The increased life expectancy has resulted in an increase in comorbidities after transplantation, including de novo malignancies. Gastric cancer after a liver transplant is not prevalent. In this case report, we report the case of a patient who presented with gastric cancer after liver transplantation.Patient concerns: Our patient is a 62-year-old male patient who received liver transplantation three years ago. About 36 months after transplantation, the patient presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.Diagnosis: A decision was taken to do upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which revealed a 5-centimeter tumour on the greater curvature. A biopsy of the tumour was done, and the histology revealed Adenocarcinoma.Interventions: The patient underwent open total gastrectomy with D2 dissection and esophagojejunal anastomosis.Outcomes: The postoperative period of the patient was uneventful, and the patient was discharged after 10 days.Lessons: The mainstay of treatment of gastric cancer in recipients of liver transplantation is gastrectomy with D2 dissection. Prompt diagnosis and surgical management are required to treat these patients, and during the perioperative period, the immunosuppressive medications should be continued to prevent graft rejection.
Cost-effectiveness and outcomes of robot-assisted vs laparoscopic bariatric procedures in super obese patients: a propensity score matching analysis from a high- volume center
Authors: Marincola Giuseppe , Procopio Priscilla Francesca , Pennestrì Francesco , Gallucci Pierpaolo , Voloudakis Nikolaos , Ciccoritti Luigi , Greco Francesco , Salvi Giulia , Prioli Francesca , De Crea Carmela , Raffaelli Marco
Published: June 2023

The increased operative time and costs represent the main limitations of robotic technology application to bariatric surgery. Robotic platforms may help surgeon to overcome the technical difficulties in super obese (SO, BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2) patients, in which multiquadrant operations could be challenging. We aimed to evaluate the effect of robot-assisted (R) versus laparoscopic (L) approach in SADI-S and RYGB in SO and Super-Super Obese (SSO, BMI ≥ 60 kg/m2) patients in terms of cost-effectiveness and outcomes. Bariatric procedures performed from 2012 to 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criteria were BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2, primary SADI-S or RYGB. Operative time (OT), early complications, postoperative stay (POS), overall costs and follow-up data were analyzed. A subgroup analysis for surgical procedures and SSO patients was also performed. Among 4139 patients, 170 RYGB and 87 SADI-S in BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 patients were selected. After Propensity Score Matching analysis, two groups of patients were identified (laparoscopic and robot-assisted), each one composed by 16 RYGB and 24 SADI-S. Intraoperative and postoperative complications rates and POS were comparable. Mean OT was longer in robot-assisted procedures compared with laparoscopy (198.3 ± 66.1 and 107.1 ± 38.2 minutes, respectively, p < 0.001). The difference in OT was eliminated after only SSO patients were included in the analysis (172.7 ± 24.1 vs 152.6 ± 26.2 minutes for R-SADI-S and L-SADI-S, respectively, p = 0.107). Robotic surgeries were associated with higher costs (8147.6 ± 2157.7€ and 2427.8 ± 487.3€ in R-RYGB and L-RYGB, respectively; 8057.6 ± 1883.1€ and 3968.6 ± 724.1€ in R-SADI-S and L-SADI-S). Despite increased costs, robot-assisted approach may represent an added value in more complex cases such as SSO patients.
Escrow Protected Cooperative Ciphertext Policy Weighted in Cloud Environment for Resourced Constrained Data
Authors: Ibrahim Zaid Abdulsalam , Ilyas Muhammad
Published: June 2023

The use of IoT for real-time data processing and sharing in various fields such as medical care, finance, and education has become essential. However, the current infrastructure for IoT is expensive and complex, leading to high maintenance costs. The outsourcing cloud paradigm and attribute-based encryption (ABE) are solutions to address data access problems in IoT data sharing. Ciphertext-policy attribute-based encryption (CP-ABE) is a prominent approach for securely utilizing shared data in cloud computing. However, CP-ABE raises concerns regarding key escrow problems and complex access structures. Multi-authority systems can increase communication costs. To address these issues, a scheme called Key escrow-protected Cooperative ciphertext policy with weighted attribute-based encryption (KPC-CP-WABE) is proposed. This scheme involves two authorities: the attribute authority and the Central Trusted Authority Center (CTAC). The user's secret key is generated separately by both parties, with the CTAC also playing a role in key generation. A two-party computation protocol is used to design the user's secret key, ensuring the privacy of the private key. The study mainly focused on looking at KPC-CP-WABE with other methods over encryption performance whole weighted access policies with “AND” gates. The proposed approach introduces weights to the provider's access policy attributes. An information retrieval system is also presented to extract the common access sub-policy, improving encryption performance while avoiding complex access structures. Compared to standard methods, this approach reduces encryption and decryption costs. Overall, the study demonstrates that KC-CP-WABE selectively secures shared data based on CP-WABE, resulting in superior performance in terms of extraction time compared to CP-ABE, CP-WABE, and C-CP-ABE.
Dynamic Programming-based Adversarial Windows Payload Generator
Authors: Kingful Francis , Ahene Emmanuel , Appiah Benjamin , Frimpong Bill K. , Osei Isaac , Hammond Ebenezer N. A.
Published: June 2023

This work presents a behavior preserving Adversarial payload framework against static Windows malware scanners.The framework uses Dynamic Programming to decide on the sequence of static code transformation actions to transform a Windows payload to its adversarial state. In an empirical evaluation with Windows payloads from Metasploit Framework in a black-box settings, static machine learning based and majority of commercial antivirus scanners can still be evaded by these transformations. The potency of these generated Adversarial payload capable of breaching commercial antivirus on users’ devices was demonstrated. The experimental results show a generated Adversarial Backdoor Trojan evade static and also evade its offline dynamic detector and establish a backdoor on the users’ device.
Loss and Conservation of Nonforest Ecosystems: an Integrative Landscape and Climate Approach for Endemic Birds of the Cerrado
Authors: Silva Murilo S. , Marco Paulo
Published: June 2023

Habitat loss in nonforest ecosystems is neglected globally, including in the Cerrado biome, where agriculture and livestock have caused significant changes. In the Cerrado, birds are among the groups most vulnerable to this process. To provide a better overview of this group, we investigated the extent of the impacts and coverage of protected areas on the species' habitats. We selected 23 species and integrated landscape and climate approaches with geospatial data from protected areas in the Cerrado. Between 1985 and 2019, almost all species evaluated in this study lost habitat within the potential distribution. On average, the species kept only 66% of their area of occupation in 2019, which means a 34% loss. Species widely distributed in the Cerrado preserve more habitat in the northern part of the biome, while those with most of their habitats in the southernmost areas of the biome had strong habitat loss. The total area remaining in 2019 represents, on average, only 32% of the extension of occurrence. Of this 32% on average, only 23% of the areas are in protected areas of the Cerrado. Average habitat protection in 2019 was below expectations given the current coverage of protected areas in the biome, averaging only 7.3% of the EOO among species. Our results showed that low protection (1/4) and habitat loss in the Cerrado greatly impacted birds endemic to open habitats. With species in this ecosystem at high risk, it is urgent to deepen the discussion on protecting remaining and restoring already lost habitats.
CO2/CH4 glow discharge plasma. Part I: Experimental and numerical study of the reaction pathways
Authors: Baratte Edmond , Garcia-Soto Carolina Alejandra , Silva Tiago , Guerra Vasco , Parvulescu Vasile , Guaitella Olivier
Published: June 2023

A fundamental study of CO2/CH4 plasma is performed in a glow discharge at a few Torr. Experimentaland numerical results are compared to identify the main reaction pathways. Optical Emission Spectroscopy -based techniques and FTIR (Fourrier Transform Infrared) spectroscopy are used to determine molecules densities and gas temperature.Several conditions of pressure, initial mixture and residence time are measured. The main dissociation productsare found to be CO and H2. The LoKI simulation tool was used to build a simplified kinetic scheme to limitthe uncertainties on rate coefficients, but sufficient to reproduce the experimental data. To this aim, onlymolecules containing at most one carbon atom are considered based on the experimental observations. Obtaininga good match between the experimental data and the simulation requires the inclusion of reactions involving theexcited state O(1D). The key role of CH3 radical is also emphasized. The good match obtained between theexperiment and the simulation allows to draw the main reaction pathways of the low-pressure CO2-CH4 plasmas,in particular to identify the main back reaction mechanisms for CO2. The role of CH2O and H2O in the gasphase is also discussed in depth as they appear to play an important role on catalytic surface studied in the partII of this study.