bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Principle of Hydrogen Isotope Geochemistry Paleo‐altimeter and its Potential in Reconstructing Paleo‐elevation of the Southeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: CUI Fengzhen , LIU‐ZENG Jing , LI Yunshuai , XU Qiang , TANG Maoyun , WANG Heng , SUN Zhaotong
Published: July 2024

The reconstruction of paleo‐elevation serves a dual purpose to enhance our comprehension of geodynamic processes affecting terrestrial landforms and to contribute significantly to the interpretation of atmospheric circulation and biodiversity. The oxygen (δ18Ow) and deuterium (δDw) isotopes in atmospheric precipitation are systematically depleted with the increase of altitude, which are typical and widely applicated paleo‐altimeters. The utilization of hydrogen isotope of hydrous silicate minerals within the shear zone system, volcanic glass, and plant leaf wax alkanes offers valuable insights for addressing evaporation and diagenesis. In this paper, we review the principle, application conditions, and influencing factors of the hydrogen isotope paleo‐altimeter. In addition, we discuss the feasibility of utilizing this technique for quantitatively estimating the paleo‐elevation of the southeastern Tibetan Plateau, where multiple shear zones extend over hundred kilometers parallel to the topographic gradient.
Clinical validation of “spiritual distress (00066)” in parents of children with chronic diseases
Authors: Eshghi Fateme , Shirinabadi Farahani Azam , Zareiyan Armin
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the clinical validation of the nursing diagnosis (ND) of “spiritual distress (00066)” and the sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, and predictive value in parents of children with chronic diseases.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted using the clinical diagnostic validity method proposed by Fehring. The data were collected through structured interviews and using a researcher‐made list that included 5 parts of demographic information, parents’ opinions about spiritual distress, the researcher's diagnosis, 74 defining characteristics (DCs) of the ND of spiritual distress, and the Spiritual Well‐being Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, and predictive value.

Findings

The prevalence of diagnosis was 70% in a sample of 120 parents. Out of the 74 DCs, 39 criteria were validated. Questioning meaning of illness and suffering had the highest sensitivity (98.8%), the highest negative predictive value (88.88%), and the lowest negative likelihood ratio (0.05%). Expressing the lack of meaning in life demonstrated the highest specificity (97.22%), the highest positive predictive value (98.33%), and the highest positive likelihood ratio (25.26%).

Conclusions

Parents who search for meaning of illness and suffering related to a lack of meaning in life are in spiritual distress. The ND was validated.

Implications for nursing practice

These findings can empower clinical nurses to confidently assess and identify patients experiencing spiritual distress, bridging the gaps caused by the absence of standardized tools for assessing spiritual distress in the inpatient setting.
Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from the cattle sector: Land‐use regulation as an alternative to emissions pricing
Authors: Gérard Maxence , De Cara Stéphane , Meunier Guy
Published: July 2024

Reducing animal‐based food production would not only reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions but also free land that could sequester carbon. We examine the efficiency of a subsidy to cattle farmers for setting aside land for natural ecosystem regeneration. We develop a partial equilibrium model of the cattle sector that integrates land use, greenhouse gas emissions, and animal feeding. We compare the subsidy to alternative policies: a meat tax and a standard on animal feeding. We identify the conditions under which the subsidy is the best alternative to these other second‐best policies. The efficiency of the subsidy lies in its effects on both the extensive margin (reduced quantity of meat) and the intensive margin (production intensification, which reduces both the emission and land‐use intensities of meat). An empirical application to France, where spontaneous regeneration corresponds mostly to forest regrowth, shows that the subsidy dominates the other alternative policies considered for a wide range of parameter values but is sensitive to carbon leakage when the economy is open to trade.
Genomic technologies and the diagnosis of 46, XY differences of sex development
Authors: Idris Firman , Sinclair Andrew H. , Ayers Katie L.
Published: July 2024

Differences/disorders of sex development can be caused by disruptions to the molecular and cellular mechanisms that control development and sex determination of the reproductive organs with 1:100 live births affected. Multiple genes are associated with 46, XY differences/disorders of sex development that can cause varying clinical phenotypes. An accurate genetic diagnosis is essential to guide clinical care for individuals with 46, XY differences/disorders of sex development and can contribute to family planning. The use of genomics in differences/disorders of sex development has grown, with several advances employed in genetic diagnosis; however, diagnostic rates have stagnated at less than 50% for these conditions. This review will discuss 46, XY differences/disorders of sex development, its molecular causes, and the genomic technologies currently utilized for diagnosis with focus on reports from the last 5 years. We also touch on the challenges in diagnosing 46, XY differences/disorders of sex development and discuss new and future technologies that promise to improved diagnostic rates for these difficult conditions.
Ureteroscopy vs laparoscopic ureterolithotomy for large proximal ureteric stone: a randomised trial
Authors: Torricelli Fabio C. M. , Srougi Victor , Marchini Giovanni S. , Vicentini Fabio C. , Batagello Carlos A. , Danilovic Alexandre , Arap Marco A. , Andrade Hiury , Mitre Anuar I. , Jordão Ricardo D. , Monga Manoj , Nahas William C. , Mazzucchi Eduardo
Published: July 2024

Objective

To compare the outcomes of retrograde flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) with retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (RLU) for large proximal ureteric stones.

Patients and Methods

A prospective randomised trial was conducted from January 2018 through December 2022 including patients with impacted proximal ureteric stones of 15–25 mm. Patients underwent fURS or RLU. Primary outcome was the stone‐free rate. Demographic data, stone features, and complications rates were also compared between groups.

Results

A total of 64 patients were enrolled, 32 in each group. The mean impacted stone time was similar between groups, as well as stone size (17 mm) and stone density (>1000 Hounsfield Units). The ureteric stone‐free rates between the two groups (93.7% in fURS vs 96.8% in RLU; odds ratio [OR] 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.72 to 3.17; P = 0.554), and overall success rates, which take into account residual fragments in the kidney (84.3% in fURS vs 93.7% in RLU; OR 1.02, 95% CI −0.69 to 2.74; P = 0.23), were similar. Operative time was also not statistically significantly different between groups (median 80 vs 82 min; P = 0.101). There was no difference in hospital length of stay. Retropulsion rate was higher with fURS (65.6% vs 3.1%; p < 0.001). Residual hydronephrosis (34.3% each group) and complication rates did no differ according to treatment.

Conclusion

Flexible URS and RLU are both highly efficient and present low morbidity for large impacted proximal ureteric stone treatment. RLU is not superior to fURS.
Termination of Parental Rights on the Grounds of Intellectual/Developmental Disability: An Overlooked Policy and Health Issue
Authors: Kendrick Jennifer I. S.
Published: July 2024

In the United States, 37 states and 4 territories allow for the termination of parental rights (TPR) due to parental disability. Twenty‐eight of these states and all four of the territories specifically include parental intellectual developmental disability (IDD). Policies that call for the TPR based on factors outside of parental abuse or neglect have myriad negative effects on individuals, families and communities, including long‐term adverse health outcomes for children who have been removed from parental custody, delays in prenatal care for pregnant people whose stigmatized identities may result in involuntary TPR and an increased burden on already overtaxed child welfare systems. This paper analyses policies and proposes an alternative policy modelled after advocacy from other groups of parents with marginalized identities.
Integer‐Sheet‐Pump Quantization for Hexahedral Meshing
Authors: Brückler H. , Bommes D. , Campen M.
Published: July 2024

Several state‐of‐the‐art algorithms for semi‐structured hexahedral meshing involve a so called quantization step to decide on the integer DoFs of the meshing problem, corresponding to the number of hexahedral elements to embed into certain regions of the domain. Existing reliable methods for quantization are based on solving a sequence of integer quadratic programs (IQP). Solving these in a timely and predictable manner with general‐purpose solvers is a challenge, even more so in the open‐source field. We present here an alternative robust and efficient quantization scheme that is instead based on solving a series of continuous linear programs (LP), for which solver availability and efficiency are not an issue. In our formulation, such LPs are used to determine where inflation or deflation of virtual hexahedral sheets are favorable. We compare our method to two implementations of the former IQP formulation (using a commercial and an open‐source MIP solver, respectively), finding that (a) the solutions found by our method are near‐optimal or optimal in most cases, (b) these solutions are found within a much more predictable time frame, and (c) the state of the art run time is outperformed, in the case of using the open‐source solver by orders of magnitude.
Reconstructing Curves from Sparse Samples on Riemannian Manifolds
Authors: Marin D. , Maggioli F. , Melzi S. , Ohrhallinger S. , Wimmer M.
Published: July 2024

Reconstructing 2D curves from sample points has long been a critical challenge in computer graphics, finding essential applications in vector graphics. The design and editing of curves on surfaces has only recently begun to receive attention, primarily relying on human assistance, and where not, limited by very strict sampling conditions. In this work, we formally improve on the state‐of‐the‐art requirements and introduce an innovative algorithm capable of reconstructing closed curves directly on surfaces from a given sparse set of sample points. We extend and adapt a state‐of‐the‐art planar curve reconstruction method to the realm of surfaces while dealing with the challenges arising from working on non‐Euclidean domains. We demonstrate the robustness of our method by reconstructing multiple curves on various surface meshes. We explore novel potential applications of our approach, allowing for automated reconstruction of curves on Riemannian manifolds.
KerGen: A Kernel Computation Algorithm for 3D Polygon Meshes
Authors: Asiler M. , Sahillioğlu Y.
Published: July 2024

We compute the kernel of a shape embedded in 3D as a polygon mesh, which is defined as the set of all points that have a clear line of sight to every point of the mesh. The KerGen algorithm, short for Kernel Generation, employs efficient plane‐plane and line‐plane intersections, alongside point classifications based on their positions relative to planes. This approach allows for the incremental addition of kernel vertices and edges to the resulting set in a simple and systematic way. The output is a polygon mesh that represents the surface of the kernel. Extensive comparisons with the existing methods, CGAL and Polyhedron Kernel, demonstrate the remarkable timing performance of our novel additive kernel computation method. Yet another advantage of our additive process is the availability of the partial kernel at any stage, making it useful for specific geometry processing applications such as star decomposition and castable shape reconstruction.
The teaching and assessment of local anaesthesia in UK dental schools
Authors: Richards Charlotte , Dargue Anna , Mylonas Petros , Morris Dominic , Emanuel Charlotte
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Local anaesthesia (LA) is fundamental to successful dental treatment. Graduating hygienists, therapist and dentists should be confident and proficient in delivering LA. There is one previously published article reviewing LA teaching in United Kingdom (UK) dental schools in 2016, and at this time 10 out of 14 schools allowed peer‐to‐peer administration. The method of teaching LA administration has become an area of debate in terms of legality and morality given the potential complications and issues with valid consent. The aim of the study was to explore current teaching practices and assessment of LA in UK dental schools.

Materials and Methods

Two national surveys (2020 and 2023) were sent out via the ABAOMS Education Committee to all 16 dental schools in the United Kingdom with dental and/or hygiene and therapy programmes.

Results

There was a 100% response rate from all schools. There has been a significant shift from peer‐to‐peer administration of local anaesthesia, with only 4 schools now allowing peer‐to‐peer administration. The majority of schools use simulation methods to deliver the teaching, including LA models, cadavers and ‘cap‐on’ simulation with a peer. When comparing the timing of teaching between 2020 and 2023, BDS students now administer their first LA injection to a patient later in the programme, and there has been a reduction in intra‐professional teaching.

Conclusion

Due to the large shift away from practicing LA on peers, there is a need for further development of simulation methods given the drawbacks with current models and the limited development of haptic technology in relation to LA.
Corynebacterium glutamicum pyruvate:quinone oxidoreductase: an enigmatic metabolic enzyme with unusual structural features
Authors: da Silva Lameira Cristiano , Münßinger Sini , Yang Lu , Eikmanns Bernhard J. , Bellinzoni Marco
Published: July 2024

Pyruvate:quinone oxidoreductase (PQO) is a flavin‐containing peripheral membrane enzyme catalyzing the decarboxylation of pyruvate to acetate and CO2 with quinone as an electron acceptor. Here, we investigate PQO activity in Corynebacterium glutamicum, examine purified PQO, and describe the crystal structure of the native enzyme and a truncated version. The specific PQO activity was highest in stationary phase cells grown in complex medium, lower in cells grown in complex medium containing glucose or acetate, and lowest in cells grown in minimal acetate‐medium. A similar pattern with about 30‐fold higher specific PQO activities was observed in C. glutamicum with plasmid‐bound pqo expression under the control of the tac promoter, indicating that the differences in PQO activity are likely due to post‐transcriptional control. Continuous cultivation of C. glutamicum at dilution rates between 0.05 and 0.4 h−1 revealed a negative correlation between PQO activity and growth rate. Kinetic analysis of PQO enzymes purified from cells grown in complex or in minimal acetate‐medium revealed substantial differences in specific activity (72.3 vs. 11.9 U·mg protein−1) and turnover number (kcat: 440 vs. 78 s−1, respectively), suggesting post‐translational modifications affecting PQO activity. Structural analysis of PQO revealed a homotetrameric arrangement very similar to the Escherichia coli pyruvate oxidase PoxB except for the C‐terminal membrane binding domain, which exhibited a conformation markedly different from its PoxB counterpart. A truncated PQO variant lacking 17 C‐terminal amino acids showed higher affinity to pyruvate and was independent of detergent activation, highlighting the importance of the C‐terminus for enzyme activation and lipid binding.
Fracture behavior analysis and fatigue assessment of the spring clip in heavy‐haul railway
Authors: Wang Yu‐Xuan , Xiao Wen‐Jun , Wang Zhi‐Feng , Liu Yong , Wang Er‐Bo , Chang Hong‐Tao
Published: July 2024

This paper proposes a novel method based on a numerical simulation approach and fatigue fracture theory to analyze the fracture behavior and assess the fatigue life of spring clips. To this end, the finite element (FE) model of the vehicle‐track‐foundation system was developed including the key parts of the type II fastening system. Meanwhile, the spring clip FE model was validated through the natural vibration characteristics. Subsequently, the numerical simulations were performed under various working conditions to obtain the fatigue characteristics of the spring clips. The fatigue crack initiation life and damage were analyzed using FE results for the spring clips with ε‐N curve and Brown‐Miller criterion. Moreover, based on the initial crack geometry of the spring clips, the maximum circumferential stress criterion with the Paris equation was employed to analyze the crack extension behavior and assess the fatigue crack extension life.
The role of the environment and connectivity on multiple facets of local fish diversity in tropical headwater streams
Authors: Ribeiro‐Martins André , Bastos Douglas Aviz , Sousa Leandro Melo , Giarrizzo Tommaso , Milesi Silvia Vendruscolo , Hepp Luiz Ubiratan
Published: July 2024

The identification of multiple facets of biodiversity (e.g., phylogenetic and functional) can help to understand how evolutionary and ecological mechanisms shape the assembly of biological communities.

Here, we employed multiple regressions and variance partitions to investigate the effects of environmental conditions, connectivity and space on aspects of the functional and phylogenetic facets of fish fauna in tropical headwater streams of the Xingu River basin, in Eastern Amazonia.

We found that the functional and phylogenetic diversities of fish communities are related to local environmental conditions and stream connectivity in the drainage network, with marked differences occurring between the rainy and dry periods. Furthermore, we discovered that functional uniqueness was influenced mainly by environmental factors, whereas phylogenetic uniqueness had a more complex relationship with the influence of local environmental factors and connectivity.

Our findings indicate that the fish assemblages of small headwater streams of the Xingu River basin share a close phylogenetic history. This is probably because of the climatic and environmental stability experienced by Amazonian ichthyofauna over evolutionary time.

Our findings emphasise the role of niche‐based processes in shaping the unique functional composition of fish assemblages in headwater streams, and highlight the importance of environmental heterogeneity in maintaining the ecological integrity of these freshwater ecosystems.
Nurses' experiences and perceptions of running nurse‐led clinics: A scoping review
Authors: Pu Xiaomeng , Malik Gulzar , Murray Christine
Published: July 2024

Aim

To explore what is known about nurses' experiences and perceptions of running nurse‐led clinics.

Background

Nurse‐led clinics were established to address health care needs. In collaboration with medical practitioners, advanced practice nurses may take a selected group of patients and manage their ongoing healthcare independently. Their experiences in running nurse‐led clinics directly impact patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes.

Design

Scoping review of the peer‐reviewed literature.

Data Source

Systematic search through CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO and Web of Science databases from January 2010 to September 2023.

Review Methods

This scoping review is guided by the updated methodological guidance for the conduct of scoping review from Joanna Briggs Institute.

Results

Of 2747 retrieved articles, 15 were included in this review. Synthesis of the findings revealed that nurses believed implementing nurse‐led clinics was beneficial to themselves, patients, and healthcare systems. However, they faced challenges in running nurse‐led clinics, including insufficient support, teamwork obstacles and lack of role recognition.

Conclusion

Nurses need to be proactive in promoting their clinics and overcoming challenges. Healthcare organizations are responsible for creating a positive culture to support nurse‐led services. Future research should focus on ways to increase global awareness of nurse‐led clinics.
The dual role of a novel Sinorhizobium meliloti chemotaxis protein CheT in signal termination and adaptation
Authors: Agbekudzi Alfred , Arapov Timofey D. , Stock Ann M. , Scharf Birgit E.
Published: July 2024

Sinorhizobium meliloti senses nutrients and compounds exuded from alfalfa host roots and coordinates an excitation, termination, and adaptation pathway during chemotaxis. We investigated the role of the novel S. meliloti chemotaxis protein CheT. While CheT and the Escherichia coli phosphatase CheZ share little sequence homology, CheT is predicted to possess an α‐helix with a DXXXQ phosphatase motif. Phosphorylation assays demonstrated that CheT dephosphorylates the phosphate‐sink response regulator, CheY1~P by enhancing its decay two‐fold but does not affect the motor response regulator CheY2~P. Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) experiments revealed that CheT binds to a phosphomimic of CheY1~P with a KD of 2.9 μM, which is 25‐fold stronger than its binding to CheY1. Dissimilar chemotaxis phenotypes of the ΔcheT mutant and cheT DXXXQ phosphatase mutants led to the hypothesis that CheT exerts additional function(s). A screen for potential binding partners of CheT revealed that it forms a complex with the methyltransferase CheR. ITC experiments confirmed CheT/CheR binding with a KD of 19 μM, and a SEC‐MALS analysis determined a 1:1 and 2:1 CheT/CheR complex formation. Although they did not affect each other's enzymatic activity, CheT binding to CheY1~P and CheR may serve as a link between signal termination and sensory adaptation.
Ageism in dental students – a multicentric study in southern Brazil
Authors: Guimarães Magáli Beck , Pinto Luciana de Rezende , Bulgarelli Alexandre Fávero , Machry Renan Vaz , Pivetta Hedionéia Maria Foletto , Marchini Leonardo
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Gerontological education and intergenerational contact are proven strategies for effectively combating ageism. In this context, this study investigates the association between gerontological education, intergenerational contact, and ageism among dental students.

Methods

Gerontological education from students’ perspective, intergenerational contact, and ageism were assessed using a questionnaire containing sociodemographical aspects and an ageism scale (ASDS‐Braz). The sample included students enrolled in the final year of dental programs at three public universities in southern Brazil. A multilevel Poisson regression was conducted to assess factors associated with ASDS‐Braz scores.

Results

A modest correlation was identified between dental schools in terms of reducing ageism, and a weak correlation was found between self‐reported race and ageism. Notably, statistically significant findings were observed across family relationship with older individuals: students who reported having a poor relationship with older adults in their families presented 45% higher ageism scores than did those with an excellent relationship.

Conclusion

The results suggested that while some gerontological education was reported by the participants, it may not be sufficient to prepare dental students to provide effective oral healthcare to older adults and to reduce ageism among them. Additionally, reinforcing positive aspects of intergenerational relationships may be an additional strategy in combating ageism within this population.
High‐frequency ultrasonography of the scalp: A comparison between androgenetic alopecia and healthy volunteers
Authors: Li Lin , Ma Qi , Luo Weifeng , Ji Jiang , Zhang Xiaoyan , Hong Dongken
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study aimed to assess differences in various scalp parameters between patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and healthy volunteers using 22 MHz ultrasound.

Methods

Thirty patients with AGA (AGA group) and 30 healthy volunteers (control group) who visited the Department of Dermatology at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from September 2021 to June 2022 were randomly selected. The patients with AGA met the diagnostic criteria outlined in the Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. The severity of alopecia was assessed for males between grades 2 and 4 on the Norwood–Hamilton scale, and for females between stages 2 and 3 on the Ludwig scale. No artificial interventions were conducted at the vertex, and all examination conditions remained consistent. Ultrasound examinations at 22 MHz were performed on the scalp at the vertex in both the AGA and control groups. Seven parameters were measured, namely, epidermis + dermis thickness, entire scalp thickness, subcutaneous tissue thickness, average follicle width, average follicle length, follicle count, and the presence of color flow signals in the subcutaneous tissue. The differences in these parameters were then compared.

Results

The AGA group showed reduced thickness of the entire scalp and subcutaneous tissue, narrower average follicle width, shorter average follicle length, lower hair follicle count, and fewer instances of color flow signals in the subcutaneous tissue at the vertex area (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

High‐frequency (22 MHz) ultrasonography can be employed to visualize the entrance echo, dermis, subcutaneous tissue, and hair follicles of the scalp, thereby providing imaging for the clinical assessment of hair loss.
Genetic support for the causal association between 91 circulating inflammatory proteins and atopic dermatitis: A two‐sample Mendelian randomization trial
Authors: Du Xinran , Shi Hongshuo , Liu Xin , Wang Yi , Du Ting , Wang Peiyao , Cheng Linyan , Zhu Jianyong , Li Fulun
Published: July 2024

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a refractory disease that occurs in clinical practice. One of the most common inflammatory skin diseases, its occurrence and development are related to inflammation. Nevertheless, the precise nature of the relationship between circulating inflammatory proteins and AD remains uncertain.

Methods

A two‐sample MR analysis was performed to determine the causal relationship between the expression of 91 circulating inflammatory proteins and AD by using genome‐wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics data from the FinnGen consortia. The robustness of the MR results was assessed by means of sensitivity analysis.

Results

The causal relationship between the expression of nine specific circulating inflammatory proteins and AD was corroborated by the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method. The findings indicated that three circulating inflammatory proteins, namely, interleukin‐18 receptor 1 [OR (CI) = 1.08 (1.05–1.11); p = 0.000001)], interleukin‐8 [OR (CI) = 1.07 (1.00–1.14); p = 0.036244)], and tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 14 [OR (CI) = 1.05 (1.00–1.10); p = 0.036842)], were positively correlated with AD. Additionally, six circulating inflammatory proteins were negatively correlated with AD: the T‐cell surface glycoprotein CD5 [OR (CI) = 0.89 (0.84–0.95); p = 0.000191)], macrophage colony‐stimulating factor 1 [OR (CI) = 0.93 (0.88–0.99); p = 0.031422)], fractalkine [OR (CI) = 0.91 (0.85–0.97); p = 0.003067)], interleukin‐24 [OR (CI) = 0.91 (0.83–0.99); p = 0.031673)], signaling lymphocytic activation molecule [OR(CI) = 0.94 (0.89–1.00); p = 0.039818)], and urokinase‐type plasminogen activator [OR(CI) = 0.95 (0.90–1.00); p = 0.037037)].

Conclusion

This study confirms the potential causal relationship between circulating inflammatory proteins and AD and provides guidance for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of AD.
Bayesian‐Edge system for classification and segmentation of skin lesions in Internet of Medical Things
Authors: Naseem Shahid , Anwar Muhammad , Faheem Muhammad , Fayyaz Muhammad , Malik Muhammad Sheraz Arshad
Published: July 2024

Background

Skin diseases are severe diseases. Identification of these severe diseases depends upon the abstraction of atypical skin regions. The segmentation of these skin diseases is essential to rheumatologists in risk impost and for valuable and vital decision‐making. Skin lesion segmentation from images is a crucial step toward achieving this goal—timely exposure of malignancy in psoriasis expressively intensifies the persistence ratio. Defies occur when people presume skin diseases they have without accurately and precisely incepted. However, analyzing malignancy at runtime is a big challenge due to the truncated distinction of the visual similarity between malignance and non‐malignance lesions. However, images' different shapes, contrast, and vibrations make skin lesion segmentation challenging. Recently, various researchers have explored the applicability of deep learning models to skin lesion segmentation.

Materials and methods

This paper introduces a skin lesions segmentation model that integrates two intelligent methodologies: Bayesian inference and edge intelligence. In the segmentation model, we deal with edge intelligence to utilize the texture features for the segmentation of skin lesions. In contrast, Bayesian inference enhances skin lesion segmentation's accuracy and efficiency.

Results

We analyze our work along several dimensions, including input data (datasets, preprocessing, and synthetic data generation), model design (architecture, modules), and evaluation aspects (data annotation requirements and segmentation performance). We discuss these dimensions from seminal works and a systematic viewpoint and examine how these dimensions have influenced current trends.

Conclusion

We summarize our work with previously used techniques in a comprehensive table to facilitate comparisons. Our experimental results show that Bayesian‐Edge networks can boost the diagnostic performance of skin lesions by up to 87.80% without incurring additional parameters of heavy computation.
I am Black and I am a girl‐child, can I still be a scientist?
Authors: Oladejo Adekunle I. , Olateju Taibat T. , Okebukola Peter A. , Braimoh Durojaiye Saidi
Published: July 2024

As the world becomes increasingly rooted in all forms of inequities, so does the need to fight its causatives. This study is concerned with ensuring that science education serves to reinforce gender equity against traditional narratives. We explored the potency of culturo‐techno‐contextual approach (CTCA) in leveling the playing field while promoting meaningful learning of chemistry among male and female students. Two separate quasi‐experimental studies were conducted on two perceived difficult topics in chemistry—nuclear chemistry and electrochemistry using senior secondary school two (equivalent of grade 11 in the United States system) students (NStudy 1 = 221, NStudy 2 = 141). In each study, the experimental groups were taught using CTCA, while the control groups were taught with lecture method. The research design was explanatory and sequential with a quasi‐experimental framework. The nuclear chemistry achievement test and the electrochemistry achievement test that were used to collect data had a reliability coefficient of 0.83 and 0.76, respectively. Analysis of covariance was used to analyze the quantitative data, while the qualitative data used a thematic approach. The studies found no significant difference in the achievement (post‐posttest) of the male and female students. Within the study limits, we concluded that CTCA is a viable tool for bridging the gender difference in chemistry learning.
Outcomes of surgically treated sialoceles in 21 cats: A multi‐institutional retrospective study (2010–2021)
Authors: Marti Laura G. , Brisson Brigitte A. , Del Carpio Laura‐Isabela , Goldschmidt Stephanie , Buote Nicole , Gagnon Dominique , Shmon Cindy , Sterman Allyson A. , Scharf Valery F. , MacPhail Catriona M. , Maki Lynn , Arzi Boaz
Published: July 2024

Objective

To report the outcomes of cats that underwent surgical correction for sialoceles.

Study design

Multi‐institutional retrospective cohort study.

Animals

Twenty‐one client‐owned cats.

Methods

Medical records were examined of cats diagnosed with sialocele, which underwent surgical intervention over an 11‐year period at one of 10 referral hospitals. The data collected included signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic imaging, histopathology, surgical procedures performed, and postoperative complications.

Results

The most common presenting complaints for cats with sialocele included dysphagia and ptyalism. Only two cats had a recent history of trauma, and one was diagnosed with a concurrent sialolith. Most displayed visible tissue swelling, with ranulae being most common. Surgical treatment consisted of sialoadenectomy and/or marsupialization. Intraoperative complications occurred in three cats, and postoperative complications in five cats. No recurrence or development of contralateral sialoceles were reported during the follow‐up period (30–968 days).

Conclusion

The majority of cats did not have a clear underlying cause for developing a sialocele. The sublingual and mandibular salivary glands were presumed to be the most commonly affected. Mandibular and sublingual sialoadenectomy and/or marsupialization provided resolution of clinical signs to the 21 cats that underwent these procedures.

Clinical significance

Sialocele, although rare, should remain a differential diagnosis when managing cats with relevant clinical signs. Surgical intervention appears to offer resolution of signs with apparently low overall risk of complication or short‐term recurrence. In cats it is necessary to evaluate whether sialoadenectomy is necessary, or whether marsupialization alone should be attempted as a less invasive first‐line surgical intervention.
Fatigue Shear Strength of Slender Web Plate Girders
Authors: Osman Mohd Hanim , Md Tahir Mahmood , Saad Sarifuddin
Published: July 2024

A study on the fatigue strength of slender web plates subjected to repeated shearloading is described herein. A series of tests on 20 girders with slender web wascarried out. The girders were subjected to cyclic loading of a certain range up tothe formation of fatigue cracking. Stresses along the welded connection betweenthe webs and flanges were measured during the tests. The correlation between thestresses and number of cycles of loading at failure was analysed and a new fatigueresistant curve was developed and incorporated into the standard design curve offatigue resistant given in BS 5400:Part 10 and EC 3:Chapter 9. The resistant tofatigue failure for the welded web under shear loading was found to be highcompared to other standard detail categories.
Rainfall-Runoff Modeling Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Harun Sobri , Ahmat Nor Nor Irwan , Mohd. Kassim Amir Hashim
Published: July 2024

The Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is a method of computation inspired bystudies of the brain and nervous systems in biological organisms. A neuralnetwork method is considered as a robust tools for modelling many of complexnon-linear hydrologic processes. It is a flexible mathematical structure which iscapable of modelling the rainfall-runoff relationship due to its ability togeneralize patterns in imprecise or â€˜noisyâ€™ and ambiguous input and output datasets. This paper describes the application of multilayer perceptron (MLP) andradial basis function (RBF) to predict daily runoff as a function of daily rainfallfor the Sungai Lui, Sungai Klang, Sungai Bekok, Sungai Slim and Sungai Ketilcatchments area. The performance of ANN is evaluated based on the efficiencyand the error. It has been found that the ANN has a potential for successfulapplication to the problem of runoff prediction.
SIMULASI KESAN ARAS AIR BUMI DAN MODULUS ELASTIK TANAH TERHADAP PESONGAN DAN MOMEN LENTUR BAGI CERUCUK TERGEREK BERSEBELA.HAN ('CONTIGUOUS BORE PILE') - KAJIAN KES
Authors: Kasim Fauziah , Kiat Jong Hui
Published: July 2024

Projek ini 'membincangkan penggunaancerucuk tergerek bersebelahari sebagaistruktur penahan bagi suatu kerja pengorekan tanah. Kaedah analisis dan rekabentuktembok penahan cerucuk tergerek bersebelahan .adalah mirip kepada kaedah analisisdan rekabentuk cerucuk keeping manakala teknik pembinaannya adalah sama seperticerucuk tergerek biasa. Satu kajian param etric mengenai penggunaan cerucuk tergerekbersebelahan sebagai tembok penahan julur dijalankan. Program komputer FREWtelahdigunakan untuk menganalisis beberapa parameter y ang berkaitan dengan rekabentukdan prestasi tembok penahan. Aras air bumi dan modulus elastik tanah diubah bagiberbagai nilai untuk:mengkaji kesan perubahan param eter-parameter tersehut terhadappesongan dan momen lentur tembok. Keputusan menunjukkan kenaikan 1 m aras airbumi akan menyebabkan peningkatan nilai pesongan maksimum tembok dalamlingkungan 30 % berbanding dengan nilai asal. Nilai modulus elastik tanah yanglebih rendah akan menghasilkan nilai pesongan yang lebih tinggi. Keputusanprofil pesongan dari analisis program FREW adalah hampir dengan bacaan'inclinometer' di tapak yang menunjukkan kelakuan tembok julur. Kedudukan arasair bumi juga didapati mempengaruhi nilai momen lentur sesuatu tembokpenahan. Walau bagaimanapun modulus elastik tanah tidak begitu mempengaruhinilai momen lentur dalam tembok. Manakala kajian kes prestasi di kawasanpembangunan bercampur di Mukim Sungai Buloh, Petaling Jaya, Selangor DarulEhsan menunjukkan cerucuk tergerek 'contiguous ' merupakan satu alternatifyangbaik sebagai struktur penahan terutama bagi pembinaan yang melibatkanpengorekan. Kajian kes 'ini menunjukkan bahawa tembok tersebut masih bolehberfungsi walaupun mengalami pesongan yang hampir kepada 150 mm. fa jugadapat menanggung momen lentur yang melebihi 1000 ICNm. Taburan menunjukkannilai momen lentur maksimum -adalah berada pada bahagian lebih kurang satupertiga di bawah paras korekan. Ini adalah merupakan sifat tembok julur sepertiyang dinyatakan oleh Padfield & Mair (1983). Taburan ini adalah mirip kapadataburan momen sebuah rasukjulur yang diikat tegar pada penyokong.
RAINFALL RUNOFF SIMULATION USING MIKEI1 NAM
Authors: Shamsudin Supiah , Hashim Norniala
Published: July 2024

_Rainfall runoffestimationfrom a watershed is ofvital importance as these valuesare required in most hydrologic analysis for the purpose ofwater resourcesplanning. This study deals with Layang River rainfall runoff estimation usingMIKE 11 NAM model. The calibration and validation procedures were carriedout to provide a satisfactory estimation. The runoff discharges were simulated fora 12-year period (1988-2000). The simulated peak flow occurred in. 1992and 1995 with approximate values of 20.94 mJls and 18.93 m% respectively.The optimum values -of the model parameters obtained during the calibration procedurewere presented. The reliability ofMIKEl1 NAM was evaluated basedon the Efficiency Index (EI) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). The EI andRMSE obtained during this study are 0.75 and 0.08 respectively.
THE PERFORMANCE OF PRETENSIONED PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BEAMS MADE WITH LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE
Authors: Omar Wahid , Mohamed Roslli Noor
Published: July 2024

A study on the behaviour of prestressed concrete beams made from clinkeraggregate has been carried out at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, UTM. In thispaper, the performance of prestressed lightweight concrete beam under two pointload is discussed and comparisons are made with normal weight prestressedconcrete beam. The clinker is incorporated into the concrete as a directreplacement for both fine and coarse aggregates at 100% replacement level. Theuse of clinker lightweight concrete was found to save the amount of the total deadload up to 18.8%. The test results show that lightweight concrete using clinkerexhibit an almost similar pattern in cracking behaviour and failure modes. Thetest results show that the prestressed lightweight concrete beams can resistloading up to 90% of the normal prestressed concrete beams. The study alsoshows that clinker lightweight concrete exhibit good performance and is suitableto be used in prestressed concrete beam.
GLASS FIBRE REINFORCE POLYMER STRUCTURAL SELECTION AS CONCRETE BEAM REINFORCEMENT
Authors: Mohd. Sam Abdul Rahman , Abu Hassan Shukur , Thye Tan Sim
Published: July 2024

Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) made of a combination of continuous fibre embedded in resin matrix is an advanced composite material that has been identified as a potential new construction material. Some of the advantages of FRP are high tensile strength, lightweight, non-magnetic and durable. Since it is a non-corrodible material it may be used as reinforcement in concrete member. This paper presents the performance of concrete beams reinforced with different types of glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) sections. Two concrete beams, 125x200x2400 mm, reinforced with GFRP I-section and GFRP plate were cast and tested to study their flexural behaviour. Comparison was made with a control beam on the aspect of ultimate load, load-deflection behaviour, load-reinforcement strain behaviour, and mode of failure. The experimental results show that beams reinforced with GFRP sections experienced lower load carrying capacity, lower stiffness, larger deflection and less number of cracks. The failure of the GFRP reinforced concrete beams was either by crushing of concrete at the compression zone or rupture of the GFRP reinforcement.
SYNTHETIC SIMULATION OF STREAMFLOW AND RAINFALL DATA USING DISAGGREGATION MODELS
Authors: Ismail Nurul Adzura , Harun Sobri , Yusop Zulkifli
Published: July 2024

Synthetic hydrological series is useful for evaluating water supply management decision and reservoir design. This paper examines stochastic disaggregation models that are capable of reproducing statistical characteristics especially mean and standard deviation of historical data series. Simulation was carried out on both transformed and untransformed streamflow and rainfall series of Sungai Muar. The Synthetic Streamflow Generation Software Package (SPIGOT) model was found to be the most robust for streamflow simulation. On the other hand, the Valencia-Schaake (VLSH) model is more superior for generating rainfall series.
OBSERVATION OF CORROSION PROCESS OF REINFORCING STEEL
Authors: Ismail Mohammad , Dina Erica , Abdul Rahman Rosly , Ikhsan Sabirin
Published: July 2024

Corrosion of reinforcement is one of the major contributors to the deterioration of reinforced concrete structures. The cause of corrosion can be due to carbonation or chloride attack. Early detection of corrosion process can prevent costly repair or structural collapse. The aim of this study was to look at the possibility of using modified fibre optic sensor to monitor the corrosion process of reinforcing steel. The corrosion process was monitored by an unclad plastic optical fibre sensor attached to a steel bar. A fibre optic spectrometer was used to detect the spectrum of the white light. The light spectrum changes in intensity as corrosion develop and progresses on the bar surface. Three samples of mortar prisms with steel bars inserted at the centre were prepared. One sample was immersed in 10% Sodium Chloride (NaCl) solution and another in 20% NaCl. The results were compared with a reference sample. The corrosion process was observed for a 20-day period. The results show that the initial value of the outgoing light from the optical fibre was 4000 counts and reduced to less than 3600 counts after 20 days. The intensity value decreases slowly as the corrosion progresses.
INFLUENCE OF ELECTROKINETIC PROCESSING OF A TROPICAL SOIL ON THE PHS OF THE ELECTROLYTES
Authors: Ahmad Kamarudin , Kassim Khairul Anuar , Taha Mohd Raihan
Published: July 2024

The pH values of different anolytes and catholytes during electrokinetic (EK) processing of a tropical residual soil were investigated in laboratory. Four opened-anode and opened-cathode systems with different types of catholytes and anolytes were examined. Aluminium chloride, calcium chloride and phosphoric acid were used as electrolytes besides distilled water. Compressed soil samples, up to 90% of the maximum dry density at the optimum moisture content were subjected to a DC electrical potential of 30 V for 168 hrs. The pH values of the anolytes and catholytes were monitored continuously. The investigation showed that the pH values varied with time depending upon their initial values, the types of anolytes and catholytes and the systems employed. The measured pH values of the electrolytes were different from the theoretical values because of low efficiency of the EK experimental set up and complex electrochemical processes.
FLEXURAL BEHAVIOUR OF CONCRETE BEAMS REINFORCED WITH GLASS FIBRE REINFORCED POLYMER BARS
Authors: Mohd.Sam Abdul Rahman , Swamy R. Narayan
Published: July 2024

Corrosion of steel reinforcement is one of the main problems facing the construction industries throughout the world. Many methods have been used to minimize the problem but without success. Thus, more durable reinforcements are highly needed to replace conventional steel. Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars provide a good alternative reinforcement due to its non-corrodible characteristic. This paper presents the flexural behaviour of concrete beams, each measuring 150 x 255 x 2400 mm and reinforced with GFRP and stainless steel bars. The performance of the beams was analysed in terms of their load carrying capacity, load-deflection, load-concrete strain, load-reinforcement strain, cracking and mode of failure. The experimental results show that beams reinforced with GFRP bars experienced lower ultimate load, lower stiffness, and larger deflection at the same load level compared with control beam. However, the performance of the GFRP reinforced concrete beams improved slightly when stainless steel mesh was used as shear reinforcement.
A MODEL STUDY ON METALLIC STRIP-REINFORCED EARTH WALL
Authors: Nabi Khan Iqraz , Saran Swami
Published: July 2024

A model reinforced earth wall with sand backfill of height 1.0 m has been tested in laboratory. Wooden panels were used as skin elements. Aluminium reinforcing strips of length 0.8 m were fixed to the wooden panels and instrumented with strain gauges to measure the stress distribution when the wall was subjected to surcharge free loadings and surcharge loading conditions on the backfill. The maximum tensions induced in the strips were used to determine pressure along the height of model reinforced earth wall. The test results indicated that Rankineâ€™s theory of earth pressure was close to the observed values and therefore they may be adopted in design.
EVALUATION OF PHOTO-FENTON DEGRADATION OF REACTIVE BLACK 5 USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHOD
Authors: Aris Azmi , Sharratt Paul N. S
Published: July 2024

Photo-Fenton degradation of a reactive dyestuff, Reactive Black 5, was investigated in this study. The effects of UV light on Fenton Reagent process and the influence of reagents dosage, UV light intensity and initial dissolved oxygen concentration on photo-Fenton were explored. The experiments were conducted in a 3-L batch-mode reactor and were designed using Response Surface Method. The performance of the systems was assessed based on TOC removal. UV light was found to increase the efficiency of Fenton Reagent process by about 100%, reduce the reaction time by half and lessen the iron requirement by about 85%. Within the range used in the experiments, UV light intensity, and iron and hydrogen peroxide dosages were found to have significant positive influence on the efficiency of the photo-Fenton process. Iron dosage was significant in the early stage, peroxide dosage was significant at the later stage while UV light intensity was significant throughout the reaction period. The initial dissolved oxygen concentration was not a significant factor for photo-Fenton. Depending on the conditions of the reaction, TOC removal of 41.3% to 88.2% was obtained by photo-Fenton oxidation after 30 minutes.