bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single and Mixed Strains of Probiotics Reduced Hepatic Fat Accumulation and Inflammation and Altered Gut Microbiome in a Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Rat Model
Authors: Chayanupatkul Maneerat , Machchimapiro Panrawee , Chuaypen Natthaya , Wanpiyarat Natcha , Tumwasorn Somying , Siriviriyakul Prasong , Werawatganon Duangporn
Published: August 2024

As gut dysbiosis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), probiotic supplementation might be a potential treatment for this condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of single- and mixed-strain probiotics on the severity of NASH induced by a high-fat, high-fructose (HFHF) diet and their mechanisms of action. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n = 7 per group): control group, NASH group, NASH + single-strain group, and NASH + mixed-strain group. In the single-strain and mixed-strain groups, rats received Lactobacillus plantarum B7 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus L34 + Lactobacillus paracasei B13 by oral gavage once daily, respectively. The duration of the study was 6 weeks. Liver tissue was used for histopathology, hepatic fat content was assessed by Oil Red O staining and hepatic free fatty acid (FFA), and hepatic TLR4 and CD14 expression were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Fresh feces was collected for gut microbiota analysis. Liver histology revealed a higher degree of fat accumulation, hepatocyte ballooning, and lobular inflammation in the NASH group, which improved in probiotics-treated groups. The amounts of hepatic fat droplets and hepatic FFA levels were more pronounced in the NASH group than in the control and treatment groups. Serum TNF- α levels were significantly higher in the NASH group than in control and probiotic groups. The expression of CD14 and TLR4 increased in the NASH group as compared with the control and probiotics-treated groups. Alpha diversity was reduced in the NASH group, but increased in both treatment groups. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus significantly decreased in the NASH group, but increased in both treatment groups. The relative abundance of Akkermansia significantly increased in the NASH group, but decreased in both treatment groups. In conclusion, both single-strain and mixed-strain probiotics could improve NASH histology by suppressing inflammatory responses in the liver, with this improvement potentially being associated with changes in the gut microbiota.
Neural Network-Based Surrogate Modeling for Buckling Performance Optimization of Lightweight-Composite Collapsible Tubular Masts
Authors: Palmeri Flavia , Laurenzi Susanna
Published: August 2024

The collapsible tubular mast (CTM) can be compactly folded for transport and deployed in orbit to serve as a key structural element. Once deployed, the CTM is vulnerable to buckling under axial load and bending moments, compromising its load-bearing capacity. The intricate relationship between the CTM’s cross-section and its buckling behavior poses a significant challenge for designers. This is due to the ultra-thin nature of the CTM, which gives rise to highly localized buckling modes rather than global ones. To overcome this challenge, we developed surrogate models using a neural network (NN) trained with data from finite element analysis (FEA). These NN-based surrogate models provide high computational accuracy in predicting nonlinear buckling loads under axial force and bending moments around the two principal axes of the CTM’s cross-section, achieving R2 values of 0.9906, 0.9987, and 0.9628, respectively. These models also significantly improve computational efficiency, reducing prediction time to a fraction of a second compared to several minutes with FEA. Furthermore, the NN-based surrogate models enable the usage of the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) for multi-objective optimization (MOO) of the CTMs. These models can be integrated in the NSGA-II algorithm to evaluate the objective function of existing and new individuals until a set of 1000 non-dominated solutions, i.e., cross-sectional configurations optimizing buckling performance, is identified. The proposed approach enables the design of ultra-thin CTMs with optimized stability and structural integrity by promoting design decisions based on the quantitative information provided by the NN-based surrogate models.
Reproductive Success of Tree Swallows at Abandoned Mine Drainage Treatment Ponds
Authors: Kellam James S. , Lott Julianna E. , Doelling Anna R. , Ladisic Isabella
Published: August 2024

Abandoned mine drainage treatment ponds could have contrasting effects on the reproductive success of birds living in the vicinity. The ponds and associated vegetation may, like any other body of freshwater, provide beneficial habitats for the insects that the birds use to feed their young; or instead, the ponds may act as an ecological trap, attracting the birds to a habitat that is poor in quality and negatively impacting their productivity. We monitored nests of an aerial insectivore, the Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), to determine whether the distance between the ponds and the nests affected various reproductive parameters including clutch size, hatch rate, number of nestlings, nestling size and mass, number of fledglings, fledging rate, and fledge date. Data were collected over two breeding seasons (2022 and 2023) from a swallow population in southwestern Pennsylvania, USA. We found that the nests closest to the treatment ponds had significantly more nestlings and fledglings, earlier fledge dates, and a better fledging rate when compared to nests that were more distant from the ponds. However, all these parameters were well below previously published values, which suggests that the mine drainage ponds provide good nesting habitats relative to what is available in the region but that they do not represent high-quality habitats for this species overall.
A Scientific Discussion of Post-Materialism Values and Environmental Behavior
Authors: Peterson Ted , Tollefson Kacey
Published: August 2024

Inglehart developed a theory examining the changes of values in post-industrial societies from materialist towards post-materialist views. Inglehart contended that the rise of post-materialism helps explain the rise of environmentalism since the 1960s. Through a 2022 survey targeting individual utility customers, we employed Inglehart’s post-materialist index examining the impact of environmental behavior and other attributes. This study considers demographic profiling for material and post-materialist views in light of recent social movements and inflationary pressures. We observed that materialists, predominately Asians and Whites, tend to be older, are homeowners, are either married or widowed, and have lived in their homes the longest. Post-materialists were also found to be young, partnered, politically liberal, and least likely to be Asian. While investigated, environmental behavior was not explained by any of the demographic characteristics. We suggest research assessing any value shifts pertaining to attitudes and behaviors towards environmental behavior. Future research should obtain a more representative minority-group sample.
Autophagy and Female Fertility: Mechanisms, Clinical Implications, and Emerging Therapies
Authors: Harrath Abdel Halim , Rahman Md Ataur , Bhajan Sujay Kumar , Bishwas Anup Kumar , Rahman MD. Hasanur , Alwasel Saleh , Jalouli Maroua , Kang Sojin , Park Moon Nyeo , Kim Bonglee
Published: August 2024

Autophagy, an evolutionarily conserved cellular mechanism essential for maintaining internal stability, plays a crucial function in female reproductive ability. In this review, we discuss the complex interplay between autophagy and several facets of female reproductive health, encompassing pregnancy, ovarian functions, gynecologic malignancies, endometriosis, and infertility. Existing research emphasizes the crucial significance of autophagy in embryo implantation, specifically in the endometrium, highlighting its necessity in ensuring proper fetal development. Although some knowledge has been gained, there is still a lack of research on the specific molecular impacts of autophagy on the quality of oocytes, the growth of follicles, and general reproductive health. Autophagy plays a role in the maturation, quality, and development of oocytes. It is also involved in reproductive aging, contributing to reductions in reproductive function that occur with age. This review explores the physiological functions of autophagy in the female reproductive system, its participation in reproductive toxicity, and its important connections with the endometrium and embryo. In addition, this study investigates the possibility of emerging treatment approaches that aim to modify autophagy, using both natural substances and synthetic molecules, to improve female fertility and reproductive outcomes. Additionally, this review intends to inspire future exploration into the intricate role of autophagy in female reproductive health by reviewing recent studies and pinpointing areas where current knowledge is lacking. Subsequent investigations should prioritize the conversion of these discoveries into practical uses in the medical field, which could potentially result in groundbreaking therapies for infertility and other difficulties related to reproduction. Therefore, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the many effects of autophagy on female fertility would not only further the field of reproductive biology but also open new possibilities for diagnostic and treatment methods.
Remarks on the Connection of the Riemann Hypothesis to Self-Approximation
Authors: Laurinčikas Antanas
Published: August 2024

By the Bagchi theorem, the Riemann hypothesis (all non-trivial zeros lie on the critical line) is equivalent to the self-approximation of the function ζ(s) by shifts ζ(s+iτ). In this paper, it is determined that the Riemann hypothesis is equivalent to the positivity of density of the set of the above shifts approximating ζ(s) with all but at most countably many accuracies ε>0. Also, the analogue of an equivalent in terms of positive density in short intervals is discussed.
Using Systematic Conservation Planning to Identify Climate Resilient Habitat for Endangered Species Recovery While Retaining Areas of Cultural Importance
Authors: Leopold Christina R. , Berio Fortini Lucas , Sprague Jonathan , Sprague Rachel S. , Hess Steven C.
Published: August 2024

The effective management of at-risk species often requires fine-scale actions by natural resource managers. However, balancing these actions with concurrent land uses is challenging, particularly when compounded by the interplay of climate shifts, and escalating wildland–urban interface conflicts. We used spatial prioritization tools designed for biodiversity conservation to help resource managers on the Island of Lānaʻi prioritize mutually exclusive land use objectives: endangered species recovery and subsistence and recreational hunting. We weighed the current and anticipated future distributions of threatened and endangered plant species against the distribution of non-native game mammals to plan for species recovery more effectively. Prioritization results identified multiple footprints that could support recovery of all endangered species targets in climate resilient areas while retaining the majority of existing hunting areas. However, very little native vegetation was retained in conservation footprints without deliberate inclusion, which increased footprint area by 268%. Scenarios which prioritized contiguous conservation areas also dramatically increased conservation footprint area, although these scenarios may reduce associated fencing costs. This work demonstrates how spatial prioritization may guide localized species recovery efforts by supporting long-term conservation planning that addresses anticipated climate-driven increases in conflict between conservation and other land uses, with clear applicability beyond Lānaʻi.
Gibberellin Inhibitors Molecules as a Safeguard against Secondary Growth in Garlic Plants
Authors: Barbosa Iandra Rocha , Cruz Luciana de Paula , Costa Raissa Iêda Cavalcanti da , Rocha Bruno Henrique , Nasser Vinícius Guimarães , Silva Geraldo Humberto , Macedo Willian Rodrigues
Published: August 2024

Secondary growth in garlic depreciates its visual aspect and thereby renders the crop unviable for trade. Therefore, farmers commonly reduce fertilization and impose drought and oxidative stress caused by high-dose pesticides to reduce secondary growth in garlic plants. However, these procedures can be considered adverse, unhealthy, and environmentally inappropriate. To remedy this scenario, we investigated whether spraying growth inhibitors would prevent secondary growth in garlic plants. First, we evaluated the effects of abscisic acid, trinexapac-ethyl, chlormequat chloride, and paclobutrazol treatments on garlic plants grown in polyethylene tanks (250 m3). We then analyzed the effects of deficit irrigation combined with the application of trinexapac-ethyl (sprayed two or three times) and the application of trinexapac-ethyl, chlormequat chloride, or paclobutrazol alone (each sprayed two or three times) on garlic plants grown in the field, comparing them with the effects of deficit irrigation (control treatment) alone. The in-field experiment was replicated with the following treatments: control (deficit irrigation) and trinexapac-ethyl (sprayed two or three times) treatments. We analyzed the physiological, biometric, and production parameters affecting secondary growth in garlic plants. We observed that trinexapac-ethyl could efficiently regulate secondary growth without causing physiological disturbances in garlic plants. Our results provide valuable information that will contribute to the development of a sustainable technique to replace the current practices used by farmers to prevent secondary growth in garlic plants.
Biodiversity Assessment of a Mississippi River Backwater Complex Using eDNA Metabarcoding
Authors: Ludwig Eric J. , Lee Veronica M. , Berkman Leah K. , Geheber Aaron D. , Duvernell David D.
Published: August 2024

The backwater lowland habitats of large rivers, like the Mississippi River in North America, present complex and often inaccessible environments for traditional capture-based fish biodiversity sampling. Our knowledge of the assemblages of the fishes that occupy such habitats is often incomplete, and this can compromise management efforts. We employed environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding methods to sample a Mississippi River bottom wetland system to assess the ichthyofaunal diversity and the assemblage structure across habitat types, and we compared our results with capture-based survey records for the same habitats. We collected water samples in the spring and fall of 2022 from slough, ditch, shallow lake, and bayou habitats that varied in depth, vegetation, seasonal variability, and connectivity to the Mississippi River channel. We detected a diverse array of fish species that included 51 taxa. Nearly all the species previously documented in the habitats were detected using eDNA metabarcoding, and we increased the number of documented species by more than a third. Most of the species were ubiquitous across the range of habitats, but there was also a substantial assemblage structure, with some species exhibiting clear habitat specificity. Fall sampling was limited to the deeper bayou habitats where seasonal variation between the spring and fall was minimal. eDNA metabarcode sampling was demonstrated to be effective at detecting invasive species as well as uncommon species, which included several species of conservation concern.
Effects of Land Use on the Community Structure of Aquatic Invertebrate in Subtropical Streams
Authors: Bohn Isabel Cristina , Branco Joaquim Olinto , Cionek Vivian de Mello , Costa Vinícius Soares Correa da , Silva Aurea Luiza Lemes da , Ribeiro Eduardo Augusto Werneck
Published: August 2024

Streams constitute the water supply of the watersheds and provide the transfer of energy along the course of water, ensuring water biodiversity. Due to the different uses of the earth, the benthic community is being suppressed. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of changes in land use on the abundance, richness, and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates in subtropical streams, considering the physical and chemical variables of streams seasonally. In total, 144 samples were collected between February 2022 and November 2023 at 12 sites distributed in a watershed in southern Brazil, four sites for each land use. Herein, 83.520 individuals were identified, comprising 67 taxa. There was a decrease in richness along the forested–rural–urban gradient and a greater abundance in the urban environment, without the significant influence of seasonality. We conclude that the diversity of benthic macroinvertebrate in the streams is influenced not only by environmental variables but also by the spatial distribution between streams. The proximity of the streams generates a similarity in dominance. This study contributed to understanding the relationships of the environment with the benthic community and considering the spatial distribution among the streams sampled in future investigations.
Understanding the Importance of Daily Imaging in the Treatment of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer with Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy
Authors: Stricker Jeffrey B. , Hopkins Janine , Farberg Aaron S. , Harris Peyton M.
Published: August 2024

Image-guided superficial radiation therapy (IGSRT) combines superficial radiation therapy (SRT) with full dermal visualization (FDV) via high-resolution dermal ultrasound (HRDUS) for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). The gold standard for IGSRT delivery includes a comprehensive cancer care model with support for dermatologists from a multidisciplinary team. When delivered in this model, IGSRT can achieve cure rates of 99% for treatment of NMSC. This paper focuses on the benefits of HRDUS used in conjunction with SRT for NMSC. Medical records from 7 dermatology clinics of 883 patients with 1507 cases of NMSC treated with IGSRT between 2017 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. In total, 92% of the NMSC lesions showed daily depth fluctuations, 60.32% of lesions did not require changes during therapy, and nearly 40% of lesions required at least one compensatory change during therapy. In total, 83% of NMSC lesions were labeled as high risk based on the 2024 NCCN guidelines. Increasing and decreasing tumor depth measurements during IGSRT inform dermatologists when adaptive changes in energy (kV), TDF, and dose will result in more efficacy and less toxicity, respectively.
Clinicopathological Challenge: A New Article Type in Dermatopathology
Authors: Kaya Gürkan
Published: August 2024

As the Editor-in-Chief of Dermatopathology, I have the great pleasure of announcing a new article type: “Clinicopathological Challenge” [...]
Cone Beam Computed Tomography Panoramic Mandibular Indices in the Screening of Postmenopausal Women with Low Bone Mass: Correlations with Bone Quantity and Quality
Authors: Poiană Ioana Ruxandra , Burcea Iulia Florentina , Pițuru Silviu-Mirel , Bucur Alexandru
Published: August 2024

Objective. This study examined the potential use of computed tomography panoramic mandibular indices on cone beam CT (CBCT) for assessing bone density in postmenopausal women with low bone mass. Study design. The study enrolled 104 postmenopausal women who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) using a DXA scanner and mental foramen region CBCT alongside the NewTom VGi EVO Cone Beam 3D system. We assessed the relationship between the following DXA parameters: lumbar, femoral neck, and total hip T score, bone mineral density (BMD), and lumbar trabecular bone score (TBS). The following panoramic mandibular indices were also considered: the computed tomography mandibular index superior (CTI(S)), computed tomography mandibular index inferior (CTI(I)), and computed tomography mental index (CTMI). Results. The study revealed moderate correlations between CBCT indices and BMD/TBS scores: CTMI showed the highest correlation with the femoral neck T-score (r = 0.551, p < 0.0001). TBS scores were also moderately correlated with CBCT indices: CTMI showed a moderate positive correlation with TBS (r = 0.431, p < 0.0001); CTI(S) had a similar moderate positive correlation with TBS (r = 0.421, p < 0.0001). AUC values ranged from 0.697 to 0.733 for osteoporosis versus the osteopenia/normal group and from 0.734 to 0.744 for low versus normal bone quality groups, p < 0.0001. The comparison of the values of the studied indices between low versus normal bone quality (quantified with TBS) groups showed high sensitivity but low specificity. Conclusions. CBCT-measured indices CTI(S), CTI(I), and CTMI are useful in assessing patients with low bone mass to improve, by specific treatment, the prognosis of dental implants.
Evaluating and Developing Transversal and Sustainability Competencies in University Classrooms to Empower New Generations
Authors: Tójar-Hurtado Juan-Carlos , Lechuga-Jiménez Clotilde , Esteban-Ibáñez Macarena
Published: August 2024

This study examines the convergence of sustainability competencies in Spanish university curricula. The objective is to analyse and contrast opinions among university teaching staff and students from different fields of study in relation to the presence of competencies and curricular improvements concerning sustainability. The procedure comprised two surveys applied to professors (n2 = 70) and students (n3 = 698). The instrument employed was the Register for Evaluating Curricular Sustainability at the University (RECSU), which permits the collation of data pertaining to sustainability-related transversal competencies, including sustainability values, the use of sustainable methodology in the classroom, the Sustainable Development Goals, and principles of action. In its entirety, this study’s approach uses a mixed QUAN (qual) QUAL design. The results indicate which sustainability-aligned competencies and teaching practices are the most and least utilised by teaching staff, as well as which competencies present the greatest opportunity for improvement from the perspective of teaching staff. The findings highlight the relevance of empowering new generations through the development of transversal competencies in university studies. Sustainability competencies should be a priority to ensure that students are prepared to face future eco-social challenges.
The Implementation of Bilingual Education in Taiwan: A Case Study of Two Junior High Schools with a Bilingual Curriculum in Taipei City Using the FERTILE Model
Authors: Tsai Po
Published: August 2024

The development of bilingual education has rapidly grown in the past few decades, with v and ying implementations reflecting each country’s political, social and cultural contexts. In response, the Taiwanese government launched the Bilingual 2030 policy in Taiwan to improve international competitiveness and communication. Employing the FERTILE model as the theoretical framework, this case study focuses on (1) comprehending the role of the administrative team in implementing bilingual education within schools and (2) exploring the function of bilingual teacher professional learning communities. The results indicate that the involvement of school administrative teams, along with the support from BPLCs, are essential for implementing bilingual education in schools. More importantly, this research highlights the importance of administrative teams in providing a supportive environment. Also, the support from administrative teams is significant for enhancing the function of BPLCs, which play a key role in improving teachers’ instructional strategies. The findings of this study can generate both theoretical and practical contributions to bilingual education in Taiwan. First, the findings provide schools and policy makers in Taiwan with valuable insights for fostering bilingual teacher professional learning communities. Second, the findings from the two case studies, which utilised the FERTILE model to implement bilingual education, can serve as references for its nationwide promotion.
Modeling the Dynamics of Supercapacitors by Means of Riemann–Liouville Integral Definition
Authors: Avila-Rodriguez Ventura , Leon-Zerpa Federico , Quintana-Hernandez Jose Juan , Ramos-Martin Alejandro
Published: August 2024

The application of fractional calculus to obtain dynamic models for supercapacitors represents an alternative approach to obtaining simpler and more accurate models. This paper presents a model for the supercapacitor in the time domain, based on the use of the fractional or non-integer order integral. This fractional model is compared with the conventional simple model, which is typically used in industrial applications. This fractional integral-based model provides satisfactory fits in relation to the number of parameters used in the model. Furthermore, an interpretation of the effect of the application of fractional integration is presented for constant current charging and discharging processes at constant current, using the Riemann–Liouville definition for the non-integer order integral. Supercapacitors are devices that exhibit non-linear behavior, with a distinct charging and discharging operation. There are several methods of dynamic analysis for the characterization of supercapacitors. The information extracted from these methods is essential for understanding the behavior of supercapacitors and, thus, ensuring that processes involving supercapacitors are as efficient as possible. This paper presents a dynamic analysis based on charge and discharge operations with constant currents. The conclusion is that the fractional model provides fairly accurate fits.
S-ZAC: Hardening Access Control of Service Mesh Using Intel SGX for Zero Trust in Cloud
Authors: Han Changhee , Kim Taehun , Lee Woomin , Shin Youngjoo
Published: August 2024

In cloud services, the zero-trust security paradigm has emerged as a key strategy to reduce the large attack surface created by the complexity of cloud systems. Service mesh is a popular practice to realize the zero-trust architecture, which relies heavily on network access control to achieve the desired security. Building a service mesh-based solution in the cloud is not straightforward because privileged adversaries (e.g., malicious cloud insiders) can easily compromise the control plane where the access control function is implemented. In this paper, we propose S-ZAC, an access control hardening technique for service mesh-based solutions in the cloud. S-ZAC uses Intel SGX to provide a trusted execution environment for the control plane, which is responsible for enforcing access control for the service mesh. By isolating all access-control-related functions within an SGX enclave, S-ZAC ensures high resilience of the service mesh solution even in the presence of privileged adversaries. Due to the design limitations of SGX, implementing S-ZAC in the cloud for zero trust faces several challenges that can lead to serious scalability and failover issues. The first challenge is to establish secure communication channels between the S-ZAC components, even in the presence of privileged attackers. The second challenge is the limited memory capacity of the SGX enclave. Finally, the third challenge is that the inherent design of SGX does not support persistent enclave states, meaning that any state of running enclaves is volatile. We address these challenges by proposing our novel solutions. By implementing a prototype of S-ZAC, we evaluate its performance in terms of security and performance. The evaluation results validate the effectiveness of S-ZAC to enhance the security of the service mesh control plane in cloud environments.
An Improved Series 36-Pulse Rectifier Based on Dual Passive Pulse-Doubling Circuit on the System DC Side
Authors: Mu Xiuqing , Chen Xiaoqiang , Ma Chungui , Wang Ying , Bai Tun , Ge Leijiao , Ma Xiping
Published: August 2024

The series-type 12-pulse rectifier generates a large amount of harmonics in the AC side current due to the strong nonlinearity of its rectifying diodes, causing serious harmonic pollution to the power grid. This article proposes a series 36-pulse rectifier based on a DC side dual passive frequency-doubling circuit to suppress the AC side current harmonics of a 12-pulse rectifier. The rectifier uses two symmetrical passive pulse multiplication circuits to regulate the circulation in the DC side circuit, increasing the output voltage and current state of the rectifier bridge, thereby increasing the number of pulses in the rectifier from 12 times to 36 times. Firstly, the working principle of the rectifier and the working mode of the dual passive frequency-doubling circuit were analyzed. Secondly, the harmonic suppression mechanism of the rectifier input current was revealed, and the frequency-doubling characteristics of the load voltage were analyzed. Finally, the correctness of the theoretical analysis was verified through a semi-physical platform. The verification and comparison results show that under the optimal conditions of the injecting transformer turns ratio, the DPPC can not only reduce the THD value of the input current by about 1/3 (from 14.87% to 4.78%) but can also increase the fluctuation frequency of the load voltage by 3 times (from 12 to 36), while improving the power quality of the AC/DC side rectifier and achieving the low harmonic operation of the rectifier. The proposed 36-pulse rectifier can effectively suppress harmonics; it has the advantages of simple structure, strong robustness, and high output voltage gain, and it is suitable for medium-voltage and high-voltage high-power rectification applications.
FQTrack:Object Tracking Method Based on a Feature-Enhanced Memory Network and Memory Quality Selection Mechanism
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Zhang Mengya , Zhang Huanlong , Cai Zengyu , Zhu Liang
Published: August 2024

Visual object tracking technology is widely used in intelligent security, automatic driving and other fields, and also plays an important role in frontier fields such as human–computer interactions and virtual reality. The memory network improves the stability and accuracy of tracking by using historical frame information to assist in the positioning of the current frame in object tracking. However, the memory network is still insufficient in feature mining and the accuracy and robustness of the model may be reduced when using noisy observation samples to update it. In view of the above problems, we propose a new tracking framework, which uses the attention mechanism to establish a feature-enhanced memory network and combines cross-attention to aggregate the spatial and temporal context information of the target. The former introduces spatio-temporal adaptive attention and cross-spatial attention, embeds spatial location information into channels, realizes multi-scale feature fusion, dynamically emphasizes target location information, and obtains richer feature maps. The latter guides the tracker to focus on the area with the largest amount of information in the current frame to better distinguish the foreground and background. In addition, through the memory quality selection mechanism, the accuracy and richness of the feature samples are improved, thereby enhancing the adaptability and discrimination ability of the tracking model. Experiments on benchmark test sets such as OTB2015, TrackingNet, GOT-10k, LaSOT and UAV 123 show that this method achieves comparable performance with advanced trackers.
MST: Multiscale Flow-Based Student–Teacher Network for Unsupervised Anomaly Detection
Authors: Yang Yi , Yang Yi , Zhou Shubo , Gao Yongbin , Zhu Yadong , Wan Xuefen , Hu Weiyu , Jiang Xueqin
Published: August 2024

Student–teacher networks have shown promise in unsupervised anomaly detection; however, issues such as semantic confusion and abnormal deformations still restrict the detection accuracy. To address these issues, we propose a novel student–teacher network named MST by integrating the multistage pixel-reserving bridge (MPRB) and the spatial compression autoencoder (SCA) to the MMR network. The MPRB enhances inter-level information interaction and local feature extraction, improving the anomaly localization and reducing the false detection area. The SCA bolsters global feature extraction, making the detection boundaries of larger defects clearer. By testing our network across various datasets, our method achieves state-of-the-art (SOTA) performance on AeBAD-S, AeBAD-V, and MPDD datasets, with image-level AUROC scores of 87.5%, 78.5%, and 96.5%, respectively. Furthermore, our method also exhibits competitive performance on the widely utilized MVTec AD dataset.
Effects of Lean Burn on Combustion and Emissions of a DISI Engine Fueled with Methanol–Gasoline Blends
Authors: Zhang Miaomiao , Cao Jianbin
Published: August 2024

Methanol has significant potential as an alternative fuel for internal combustion engines. Using methanol–gasoline blends with lean-burn technology in traditional spark-ignition engines can enhance fuel economy and reduce emissions. This paper investigates the effects of lean burn on the combustion and emissions in a commercial direct-injection gasoline engine fueled with methanol–gasoline blends. The lean-burn mode is adjusted by controlling the injection strategy. The results show that homogeneous lean burn (HLB) has earlier combustion phase and better power performance when the excess air ratio (λ) is less than 1.3, while its combustion phase extends more than stratified lean burn (SLB) when λ exceeds 1.4. Both lean-burn modes achieve optimal fuel economy at λ = 1.2–1.3. Under stable conditions, BSFC decreases with higher methanol blending ratios, with SLB being more economical at low blending ratios and HLB at higher ratios. The lowest HC and particulate matter emissions for both modes are achieved around λ = 1.3. SLB has lower NOX emissions when λ < 1.3, while HLB shows lower NOX emissions when λ > 1.3. The particulate size distribution is bimodal for blending lean-burn conditions, with SLB having the highest nucleation mode peak and HLB the highest accumulation mode peak. M20 (20% volume of methanol) corresponds to the highest particle emissions under lean-burn conditions. This study can provide a deeper understanding of methanol–gasoline blending lean burn, and provide a reference for emission control of spark-ignition engines.
Characteristics and Simulation of Icing Thickness of Overhead Transmission Lines across Various Micro-Terrains
Authors: Huang Guosheng , Wu Mingli , Qiao Zhen , Fu Songping , Liu Qiujiang , Huai Xiaowei , Yan Pengcheng
Published: August 2024

The hazard of ice accretion on overhead power circuits is significant, yet predicting it is very difficult. The key reason lies in the shortage of sufficient observational data on ice thickness, and previous studies have also rarely taken into account micro-terrain and micro-meteorological conditions. In response to the challenge of simulating overhead line icing, this study introduces a new icing simulation technique that fully considers the effects of micro-terrain and micro-meteorology. For this technique, typical micro-terrains of overhead line areas are first identified by using high-resolution elevation data, and the icing thickness characteristics in different micro-terrains are analyzed. Subsequently, icing thickness simulations for different micro-terrains are conducted. The results indicate that during the icing process, the icing thickness ranges from 5 mm to 8 mm under three types of micro-terrain, namely, “uplift type”, “alpine drainage divide type” and “canyon wind channel type”, whereas the icing thickness is less than 5 mm in the “flat type” of micro-terrain. This finding suggests that the first three micro-terrain types facilitate icing on overhead transmission lines due to the condensation and uplifting effects of water vapor caused by terrain. However, flat terrain lacks the conditions necessary for water vapor accumulation and thus is not easy to form icing. The results are advantageous for the deployment of overhead power lines in intricate terrain. It is advisable to steer clear of regions susceptible to icing, and endeavor to install circuits in level territories whenever feasible. In addition, the simulated icing thickness under different terrains is in good agreement with the observations. Specifically, the correlation coefficient between simulated and observed icing thickness is significant at the 0.99 confidence level, and the deviations between them are within 0.5 mm. This signifies that the forecasting methodologies employed are dependable and possess significant implications as a reference for disaster prevention and mitigation efforts.
Qualitative Analysis and Quantitative Evaluation of Fracturing Disturbance in the Mahu 18 Block
Authors: Han Xianzhu , Li Junjie , Ji Yongjun , Liu Yang , Wang Qing , Zhang Jizhuo , Chen Xianjiang , Cheng Fushan , Wang Lifeng , Ma Xinfang
Published: August 2024

In response to the fracturing disturbance problem in the Mahu 18 block, based on the production data of on-site fracturing disturbance well groups, the actual fracturing disturbance cases in the block were first statistically divided. The complex fracturing disturbance situation in the block was divided according to the relationship between the number of fracturing wells and the number of production wells. Then, the disturbance types were classified based on the production dynamic response characteristics of the disturbed wells, and the degree of disturbance was quantitatively evaluated for the different types. The results indicate two main types of fracturing interference in the Mahu 18 block: the fracture communication type, and the pressure wave interference type formed through inter-well connectivity through the reservoir matrix. The fracturing disturbance dominated by fracture communication can cause serious water channeling to the production well through the direct connection of inter-well fractures, leading to a surge in water production. This type of fracturing disturbance often has a severe negative impact on the production well. In addition, the pressure and production (water production, liquid production, oil production) in the production dynamic response characteristics of disturbed wells during fracturing disturbance were used as evaluation indicators to quantify the impact of different types of fracturing disturbance from multiple perspectives.
The Use of Air Cooling System in Combined Cycle Power Plant as Atmospheric Water Generator
Authors: Chantasiriwan Somchart
Published: August 2024

There is an enormous amount of water vapor in ambient air that can be converted into liquid water by several methods. A method that is capable of producing a large amount of water is a vapor compression system. However, this method requires significant power input, which may cause the cost of producing water to be prohibitive. In this paper, it is proposed that a vapor compression refrigeration system that is used to cool air in a combined cycle power plant has the potential to be a viable method of atmospheric water generation. This system produces saturated air by mixing atmospheric air with water, and reduces air temperature and humidity using a mechanical chiller. The reduction in inlet air temperature enables the combined cycle power plant to generate more power output, which is used to operate the air cooling system. Therefore, the air cooling system can harvest atmospheric water without requiring external power input. This concept is proven by simulating system performance in various atmospheric air conditions using system models of mass and energy balances.
Existence and Stability of Solutions for p-Proportional ω-Weighted κ-Hilfer Fractional Differential Inclusions in the Presence of Non-Instantaneous Impulses in Banach Spaces
Authors: Aladsani Feryal , Ibrahim Ahmed Gamal
Published: August 2024

In this work, we introduce a new definition for the fractional differential operator that generalizes several well-known fractional differential operators. In fact, we introduce the notion of the p-proportional ω-weighted κ-Hilfer derivative includes an exponential function, Da,λσ,ρ,p,κ,ω, and then we consider a non-instantaneous impulse differential inclusion containing Da,λσ,ρ,p,κ,ω with order σ∈(1,2) and of kind ρ∈[0,1] in Banach spaces. We deduce the relevant relationship between any solution to the studied problem and the integral equation that corresponds to it, and then, by using an appropriate fixed-point theorem for multi-valued functions, we give two results for the existence of these solutions. In the first result, we show the compactness of the solution set. Next, we introduce the concept of the (p,ω,κ)-generalized Ulam-Hyeres stability of solutions, and, using the properties of the multi-valued weakly Picard operator, we present a result regarding the (p,ω,κ)-generalized Ulam-Rassias stability of the objective problem. Since many fractional differential operators are particular cases of the operator Da,λσ,ρ,p,κ,ω, our work generalizes a number of recent findings. In addition, there are no past works on this kind of fractional differential inclusion, so this work is original and enjoyable. In the last section, we present examples to support our findings.
Efficient Numerical Implementation of the Time-Fractional Stochastic Stokes–Darcy Model
Authors: Baishemirov Zharasbek , Berdyshev Abdumauvlen , Baigereyev Dossan , Boranbek Kulzhamila
Published: August 2024

This paper presents an efficient numerical method for the fractional-order generalization of the stochastic Stokes–Darcy model, which finds application in various engineering, biomedical and environmental problems involving interaction between free fluid flow and flows in porous media. Unlike the classical model, this model allows taking into account the hereditary properties of the process under uncertainty conditions. The proposed numerical method is based on the combined use of the sparse grid stochastic collocation method, finite element/finite difference discretization, a fast numerical algorithm for computing the Caputo fractional derivative, and a cost-effective ensemble strategy. The hydraulic conductivity tensor is assumed to be uncertain in this problem, which is modeled by the reduced Karhunen–Loève expansion. The stability and convergence of the deterministic numerical method have been rigorously proved and validated by numerical tests. Utilizing the ensemble strategy allowed us to solve the deterministic problem once for all samples of the hydraulic conductivity tensor, rather than solving it separately for each sample. The use of the algorithm for computing the fractional derivatives significantly reduced both computational cost and memory usage. This study also analyzes the influence of fractional derivatives on the fluid flow process within the fractional-order Stokes–Darcy model under uncertainty conditions.
Graduate Student Resilience: Exploring Influential Success Factors in U.S. Graduate Education through Survey Analysis
Authors: Collier Karen M. , Blanchard Margaret R.
Published: August 2024

Graduate education holds the potential to stimulate personal growth in individuals that leads to economically viable career opportunities. First-generation college students, underrepresented minorities (URM), and females often face unique obstacles that can undermine their progress in graduate programs. These obstacles may be more pervasive in fields where these students have lower enrollment, such as STEM graduate programs. The Graduate Student Success Survey+ (GSSS+) was broadly distributed to a national population of graduate students in the United States, with a particular focus on seeking the participation of students from universities that serve first-generation, URM, and female graduate students, capturing both STEM and non-STEM programs. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to test the survey’s validity and reliability, with 648 participants from 23 universities. A 7-factor, 40-item model was determined with the following subscales: mentor support, imposter phenomenon, financial support, microaggressions (race and gender), access and opportunity, resilience, and peer support. Item analysis revealed differences in students’ perceptions of their graduate school experiences based on gender identity, racial and ethnic groups, residency status, enrollment type, program type, and program area. Findings lead to recommendations related to financial support, mental health counseling, and access and opportunity, to enhance graduate student success.
Beyond Anticoagulation: A Comprehensive Review of Non-Vitamin K Oral Anticoagulants (NOACs) in Inflammation and Protease-Activated Receptor Signaling
Authors: Jannati Shirin , Patnaik Rajashree , Banerjee Yajnavalka
Published: August 2024

Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have revolutionized anticoagulant therapy, offering improved safety and efficacy over traditional agents like warfarin. This review comprehensively examines the dual roles of NOACs—apixaban, rivaroxaban, edoxaban, and dabigatran—not only as anticoagulants, but also as modulators of inflammation via protease-activated receptor (PAR) signaling. We highlight the unique pharmacotherapeutic properties of each NOAC, supported by key clinical trials demonstrating their effectiveness in preventing thromboembolic events. Beyond their established anticoagulant roles, emerging research suggests that NOACs influence inflammation through PAR signaling pathways, implicating factors such as factor Xa (FXa) and thrombin in the modulation of inflammatory responses. This review synthesizes current evidence on the anti-inflammatory potential of NOACs, exploring their impact on inflammatory markers and conditions like atherosclerosis and diabetes. By delineating the mechanisms by which NOACs mediate anti-inflammatory effects, this work aims to expand their therapeutic utility, offering new perspectives for managing inflammatory diseases. Our findings underscore the broader clinical implications of NOACs, advocating for their consideration in therapeutic strategies aimed at addressing inflammation-related pathologies. This comprehensive synthesis not only enhances understanding of NOACs’ multifaceted roles, but also paves the way for future research and clinical applications in inflammation and cardiovascular health.
Quantification of Photoreceptors’ Changes in a Diabetic Retinopathy Model with Two-Photon Imaging Microscopy
Authors: Bautista-Elivar Nazario , Avilés-Trigueros Marcelino , Bueno Juan M.
Published: August 2024

Emerging evidence suggests that retinal neurodegeneration is an early event in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR), preceding the development of microvascular abnormalities. Here, we assessed the impact of neuroinflammation on the retina of diabetic-induced rats. For this aim we have used a two-photon microscope to image the photoreceptors (PRs) at different eccentricities in unstained retinas obtained from both control (N = 4) and pathological rats (N = 4). This technique provides high-resolution images where individual PRs can be identified. Within each image, every PR was located, and its transversal area was measured and used as an objective parameter of neuroinflammation. In control samples, the size of the PRs hardly changed with retinal eccentricity. On the opposite end, diabetic retinas presented larger PR transversal sections. The ratio of PRs suffering from neuroinflammation was not uniform across the retina. Moreover, the maximum anatomical resolving power (in cycles/deg) was also calculated. This presents a double-slope pattern (from the central retina towards the periphery) in both types of specimens, although the values for diabetic retinas were significantly lower across all retinal locations. The results show that chronic retinal inflammation due to diabetes leads to an increase in PR transversal size. These changes are not uniform and depend on the retinal location. Two-photon microscopy is a useful tool to accurately characterize and quantify PR inflammatory processes and retinal alterations.