bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The sharp form of the Kolmogorov–Rogozin inequality and a conjecture of Leader–Radcliffe
Authors: Juškevičius Tomas
Published: August 2024

Let be a random variable and define its concentration function by
For a sum of independent real‐valued random variables, the Kolmogorov–Rogozin inequality states that
In this paper, we give an optimal bound for in terms of , which settles a question posed by Leader and Radcliffe in 1994. Moreover, we show that the extremal distributions are mixtures of two uniform distributions each lying on an arithmetic progression.
Research on sound quality prediction of vehicle interior noise using the human-ear physiological model
Authors: Zhao Yu , Liu Houguang , Guo Weiwei , He Zhiheng , Yang Jianhua , Zhang Zipeng
Published: August 2024

In order to improve the prediction accuracy of the sound quality of vehicle interior noise, a novel sound quality prediction model was proposed based on the physiological response predicted metrics, i.e., loudness, sharpness, and roughness. First, a human-ear sound transmission model was constructed by combining the outer and middle ear finite element model with the cochlear transmission line model. This model converted external input noise into cochlear basilar membrane response. Second, the physiological perception models of loudness, sharpness, and roughness were constructed by transforming the basilar membrane response into sound perception related to neuronal firing. Finally, taking the calculated loudness, sharpness, and roughness of the physiological model and the subjective evaluation values of vehicle interior noise as the parameters, a sound quality prediction model was constructed by TabNet model. The results demonstrate that the loudness, sharpness, and roughness computed by the human-ear physiological model exhibit a stronger correlation with the subjective evaluation of sound quality annoyance compared to traditional psychoacoustic parameters. Furthermore, the average error percentage of sound quality prediction based on the physiological model is only 3.81%, which is lower than that based on traditional psychoacoustic parameters.
Nonlinear simulation for contrast ultrasound imaging
Authors: Cheng Shuangyi , Xu Kailiang
Published: August 2024

Contrast ultrasound (CUS) has received much interest because of its sensitivity enhancement for blood flow imaging. However, there is still a lack of nonlinear simulation method for CUS, as conventional simulators cannot deal with the microbubble acoustic nonlinearity. In this paper, a nonlinear simulation method of CUS is developed based on a combination strategy of the k-space pseudospectral method and Rayleigh-Plesset Marmottant model. Different contrast pulse sequence strategies as well as the radial modulation imaging are simulated and compared using the proposed method. For blood flow imaging, simulations under different scenarios such as power Doppler and ultrasound localization microscopy are also carried out. Furthermore, a face-to-face comparison is performed between simulations and phantom experiments to validate the proposed method.
A self-reciprocity calibration of spherical transducers using boundary reflection in a spherical shell
Authors: Yang Liuqing , Zhang Jun
Published: August 2024

A self-reciprocity method is described for calibrating a spherical transducer in a spherical shell. The reciprocity constant is calculated using Green's function and the electroacoustic reciprocal principle in the spherical shell. A sensitivity correction is developed by calculating the transducer's receiving force in different fields. An experimental measurement setup is described to calibrate transducers with diameters of 20 and 30 mm in the frequency range from 25 to 63 kHz, calibrated in a 500 mm diameter spherical shell with a thickness of 2 mm. The largest discrepancy in calibration results between the self-reciprocity and three-transducer spherical-wave reciprocity method is around −1.4 dB. The self-reciprocity calibration method, with a smaller volume required than the three-transducer spherical-wave reciprocity method, has a potential advantage in calibrating the transducer at high hydrostatic pressure and varying water temperatures.
Hypoxia protects the gut
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: August 2024

Antibiotic-induced loss of intestinal hypoxia boosts the growth of
C. albicans
in mice.
A retrospective analysis of
P. falciparum
drug resistance markers detects an early (2016/17) high prevalence of the k13 C469Y mutation in asymptomatic infections in Northern Uganda
Authors: Ogwang Rodney , Osoti Victor , Wamae Kevin , Ndwiga Leonard , Muteru Kelvin , Ningwa Albert , Tuju James , Kinyanjui Sam , Osier Faith , Marsh Kevin , Bejon Philip , Idro Richard , Ochola-Oyier Lynette Isabella
Published: August 2024

The emergence of drug-resistant
Plasmodium falciparum
parasites in sub-Saharan Africa will substantially challenge malaria control. Here, we evaluated the frequency of common drug resistance markers among adolescents from Northern Uganda with asymptomatic infections. We used an established amplicon deep sequencing strategy to screen dried blood spot samples collected from 2016 to 2017 during a reported malaria epidemic within the districts of Kitgum and Pader in Northern Uganda. We screened single-nucleotide polymorphisms within: kelch13 (
Pfk13
), dihydropteroate synthase (
Pfdhps
), multidrug resistance-1 (
Pfmdr1
), dihydrofolate reductase (
Pfdhfr
), and apical membrane antigen (
Pfama1
) genes. Within the study population, the median age was 15 years (14.3–15.0, 95% CI), and 54.9% (78/142) were
Plasmodium
positive by 18S rRNA qPCR, which were subsequently targeted for sequencing analysis. We observed a high frequency of resistance markers particularly for sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), with no wild-type-only parasites observed for
Pfdhfr
(N51I, C59R, and S108N) and
Pfdhps
(A437G and K540E) mutations. Within
Pfmdr1,
mixed infections were common for NF/NY (98.5%). While for artemisinin resistance, in kelch13, there was a high frequency of C469Y (34%). Using the pattern for
Pfama1,
we found a high level of polygenomic infections with all individuals presenting with complexity of infection greater than 2 with a median of 6.9. The high frequency of the quintuple SP drug-resistant parasites and the C469Y artemisinin resistance-associated mutation in asymptomatic individuals suggests an earlier high prevalence than previously reported from symptomatic malaria surveillance studies (in 2016/2017). Our data demonstrate the urgency for routine genomic surveillance programs throughout Africa and the value of deep sequencing.
With age comes resilience: how mitochondrial modulation drives age-associated fluconazole tolerance in
Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Yoo Kyungyoon , Bhattacharya Somanon , Oliveira Natalia Kronbauer , Pereira de Sa Nivea , Matos Gabriel Soares , Del Poeta Maurizio , Fries Bettina C.
Published: August 2024

Cryptococcus neoformans
(
Cn
) is an opportunistic fungal microorganism that causes life-threatening meningoencephalitis. During the infection, the microbial population is heterogeneously composed of cells with varying generational ages, with older cells accumulating during chronic infections. This is attributed to their enhanced resistance to phagocytic killing and tolerance of antifungals like fluconazole (FLC). In this study, we investigated the role of ergosterol synthesis, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, and mitochondrial metabolism in the regulation of age-dependent FLC tolerance. We find that old
Cn
cells increase the production of ergosterol and exhibit upregulation of ABC transporters. Old cells also show transcriptional and phenotypic characteristics consistent with increased metabolic activity, leading to increased ATP production. This is accompanied by increased production of reactive oxygen species, which results in mitochondrial fragmentation. This study demonstrates that the metabolic changes occurring in the mitochondria of old cells drive the increase in ergosterol synthesis and the upregulation of ABC transporters, leading to FLC tolerance.

IMPORTANCE

Infections caused by
Cryptococcus neoformans
cause more than 180,000 deaths annually. Estimated 1-year mortality for patients receiving care ranges from 20% in developed countries to 70% in developing countries, suggesting that current treatments are inadequate. Some fungal cells can persist and replicate despite the usage of current antifungal regimens, leading to death or treatment failure. Aging in fungi is associated with enhanced tolerance against antifungals and resistance to killing by host cells. This study shows that age-dependent increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species drive changes in the regulation of membrane transporters and ergosterol synthesis, ultimately leading to the heightened tolerance against fluconazole in old
C. neoformans
cells. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of this age-associated antifungal tolerance will enable more targeted antifungal therapies for cryptococcal infections.
Identifying stakeholder preferences for rebuilding a Canadian Atlantic redfish fishery—limitations and benefits of different opinion survey approaches
Authors: Deith Mairin C.M. , Skerritt Daniel J. , Varkey Divya , McAllister Murdoch K.
Published: August 2024

Fisheries management authorities seek to improve the incorporation of stakeholders’ preferences into decision-making but conventional approaches to assessing stakeholder viewpoints may risk under-representing a diversity of opinions. In Atlantic Canada's Units 1 and 2 redfish fisheries, there are competing visions about re-developing the fishery following historical overfishing. A management strategy evaluation (MSE) sought to identify which fishery objectives should guide the formulation of performance metrics. Following the MSE, we carried out a study to further sample the social, economic, and ecological objectives for the fishery using multiple questioning methods, i.e., workshops, questionnaires, and interviews. Results of interviews and questionnaires identified areas of consensus and complexity of opinion among the different groups (commercial, government, and Indigenous), and showed that the workshop-based performance metrics defined in the MSE underrepresented the diversity of stakeholder preferences, particularly regarding social and economic goals. Multi-method and multi-disciplinary approaches to formalizing objectives are resource-intensive. However, there is value in applying multiple methods to systematically develop and formalize performance metrics that accurately reflect a diversity of stakeholders’ priorities for the fishery.
Weather, climate, and entry into migration of northern fur seal pups
Authors: Pelland Noel A. , Sterling Jeremy T. , Lea Mary-Anne , Johnson Devin S. , Melovidov Paul I. , Lestenkof Aaron P. , Divine Lauren M.
Published: August 2024

In the migration of young animals, environmental cues can play an outsized role in dispersal, ontogeny, and potentially survival. Identifying and quantifying such cues promotes an understanding of individual species’ migratory evolution and response to long-term environmental change. This study examines weather as a proximate factor for initiating first migration in a wide-ranging subpolar marine predator, the northern fur seal (laaqudax̂, in Unangam Tunuu; Callorhinus ursinus (Linnaeus 1758)). Observations of satellite-telemetered pups on three islands in the eastern Bering Sea, Alaska (US) are used to quantify how inclement weather (high winds, snow, and low temperatures) increases departure rate. Historical weather is then used to reconstruct departure, from the mid-20th century onward. Contemporary surveys provide a test for reconstructed estimates and highlight behavioral processes near the entry to migration. Reconstructions provide novel climate context for large-scale population declines in the eastern Bering Sea since the 1950s; within their limitations, there is a lack of evidence for trends in departure or significant influence on demography. Results here build upon and support historical knowledge regarding the role of weather, while also highlighting potential areas of future study – such as maternal behavior – in influencing the entry into first migration in this species.
Charmonium states in a coupled-channel model
Authors: Man Zi-Long , Shu Cheng-Rui , Liu Yan-Rui , Chen Hong
Published: August 2024

We systematically investigate the mass spectrum and two-body open-charm strong decays of charmonium states in a coupled-channel model where the $$^3P_0$$

3

P
0

quark-antiquark pair creation mechanism is employed. The results of masses, mass shifts, proportions of the $$c\bar{c}$$

c

c

¯

component, and open-charm decay widths are provided. The S-D wave mixing angles and di-electric decay widths for vector mesons are also presented. Based on our results, we find that the $$\psi (3770)$$

ψ
(
3770
)

, $$\psi (4040)$$

ψ
(
4040
)

, $$\psi (4160)$$

ψ
(
4160
)

, $$\psi (4360)$$

ψ
(
4360
)

, and $$\psi (4415)$$

ψ
(
4415
)

can be assigned as the $$1^3D_1$$

1
3

D
1

-, $$3^3S_1$$

3
3

S
1

-, $$2^3D_1$$

2
3

D
1

-, $$4^3S_1$$

4
3

S
1

-, and $$3^3D_1$$

3
3

D
1

-dominated charmonium states, respectively. The $$\psi _3(3842)$$

ψ
3

(
3842
)

is a good candidate of the $$\psi _3(1D)$$

ψ
3

(
1
D
)

charmonium state. The calculated mass and strong decay width of $$\chi _{c1}(2P)$$

χ

c
1

(
2
P
)

with significant continuum contribution ($$\sim $$
∼
57%) favor the charmonium interpretation for the mysterious $$\chi _{c1}(3872)$$

χ

c
1

(
3872
)

. When considering the large uncertainty in the observed decay width, the possibility to assign the $$\chi _{c0}(3860)$$

χ

c
0

(
3860
)

as the $$\chi _{c0}(2P)$$

χ

c
0

(
2
P
)

charmonium state cannot be ruled out. One may describe well the properties of $$\chi _{c2}(3930)$$

χ

c
2

(
3930
)

with the $$\chi _{c2}(2P)$$

χ

c
2

(
2
P
)

charmonium. The predictions on properties of other $$c\bar{c}$$

c

c

¯

states can be tested by future experiments.
Abundant optical solutions for the stochastic Schrödinger–Hirota equation in quantum mechanics, science and engineering
Authors: Al-Askar Farah M.
Published: August 2024

The stochastic Schrödinger–Hirota (SSH) equation perturbed by multiplicative noise is taken into consideration here. The mapping approach and the [Formula: see text]-expansion method are used to generate new elliptic, hyperbolic, rational, and trigonometric stochastic solutions. Since the SSH equation is extensively used in optical fiber, the generated solutions can be applied to explore a wide variety of significant physical phenomena. To explain the impacts of multiplicative noise, the dynamic behavior of the various solutions is illustrated using 3D and 2D graphs. We conclude that the solutions of the SSH equation are affected by and stabilized by multiplicative noise.
From ambiguous sets to single-valued ambiguous complex numbers: Applications in Mandelbrot set generation and vector directions
Authors: Singh Pritpal
Published: August 2024

The concept of an ambiguous set (AS) was initially introduced by Singh et al. [P. Singh, Y.-P. Huang and T.-T. Lee — A novel ambiguous set theory to represent uncertainty and its application to brain MR image segmentation, in Proc. IEEE Int. Conf. Systems, Man and Cybernetics (SMC), Bari, Italy, 2019, pp. 2460–2465]. Can we examine the possibility of expanding it to introduce ambiguous complex numbers? This study aims to answer this question by first introducing the concept of an AS and then providing a set of formulas that aid in determining the membership degrees of the set. Then, this study expands the idea of AS to a single-valued ambiguous number (SVAN). Based on SVAN, the concept of single-valued ambiguous complex number (SVACN) is illustrated. Following that, various theories and properties of SVACN are addressed in terms of their complex conjugate, polar, exponential forms, and roots. Furthermore, the study proposes an algorithm tailored to generating the Mandelbrot set using varying numbers of SVACNs. Additionally, this approach furnishes directional vectors for the SVACNs within a two-dimensional plane. The study also deliberates on the manifold advantages of this methodology, particularly emphasizing its capacity to provide directional guidance for SVACNs.
A GENERAL FRACTAL-BASED MULTI-SCALE QUIN-MEDIUM MODEL FOR GAS TRANSPORT IN DEEP SHALE RESERVOIR
Authors: SONG WENHUI , LU YUNHU , QIAO XIN , LIU LIJUN , YAO YA , JIN YAN , CHEN MIAN
Published: August 2024

The complexities of deep shale reservoirs are expressed in terms of multi-scale pore structure, abundant micro-fractures, strong stress dependence and multiple gas transport mechanisms. The current macro-scale numerical simulation models have not fully considered the influence of multi-scale pore-fracture structure on gas transport in deep shale reservoirs. In this work, we propose a general fractal-based multi-scale quin-medium model for gas transport in deep shale reservoirs. The quin-medium is composed of organic matter, inorganic matter, micro-fracture medium, induced hydraulic fracture network and hydraulic fracture. The shale matrix is modeled by multiple interacting continua (MINC) with intersected organic matter, inorganic matter and micro-fracture medium. Organic matter is distributed at the center of MINC while the micro-fracture medium is embedded into inorganic matter with layered distribution. The organic/inorganic pore structure and micro-fracture are characterized by fractal geometry, respectively. The apparent gas permeability in each medium is derived considering gas slippage and stress-dependence while the adsorbed gas surface diffusion and Langmuir volumetric strain are additionally considered in organic matter. The apparent gas permeability models are further substituted into the quin-medium continuity equations and the hydraulic fracture is described by an embedded discrete fracture model. The influences of pore structure fractal parameters, gas transport mechanisms and stress dependence on deep shale gas productivity are analyzed in detail. We found that the influence of stress dependence on deep shale gas productivity is more pronounced than the gas transport mechanism. Furthermore, the pore structure fractal parameter of inorganic matter has a more notable influence on deep shale gas productivity than that of organic matter and micro-fracture medium.
Myocardial Involvement in a Patient with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Cheung Chris Ching Lam , Choi Wan Man
Published: August 2024

Myocarditis is an uncommon presentation in systemic sclerosis. We report the case of a patient who developed myocarditis on the initial diagnosis of systemic sclerosis and was successfully managed with optimal medical treatment, including immunosuppression. This case was able to raise awareness in recognizing the heart as an organ of involvement in systemic sclerosis and showed the importance of screening for heart involvement in the management of systemic sclerosis. The management of primary myocardial involvement in systemic sclerosis was also reviewed.
Reliable and Energy-Efficient Communications in Mobile Robotic Networks by Collaborative Beamforming
Authors: He Min , Chen Yali , Liu Min , Fan Xiaokun , Zhu Yuchen
Published: August 2024

For mobile robotic networks in industrial scenarios, reliable and energy-efficient communications are crucial yet challenging. Fortunately, collaborative beamforming (CB) emerges as a promising solution, which can increase the transmission gain and reduce the transmit power of robots by constructing a mobile robot-enabled virtual antenna array (MRVAA). The performance of CB is tightly related to robot positions, necessitating proper robot selection. However, robot selection may expose the network to the risk of unbalanced energy distribution, reducing network lifetime. Additionally, the mobility and variable numbers of robots require flexible and scalable robot selection algorithms. To tackle these challenges, we first formulate a multi-objective optimization problem to reduce the maximum sidelobe level (MSLL) of MRVAA while minimizing the standard deviation of the network energy distribution (SDNED) by selecting robots for CB. Then, based on distributed multi-agent learning (MARL), we propose an effective and scalable robot selection algorithm with energy considered (RoSE) to solve the problem, where difference-rewards function (DRF) and policy sharing are designed for enhancing convergence rate and policy stability. Simulation results show that the RoSE has the scalability to positions and numbers of robots. Furthermore, RoSE surpasses existing selection algorithms in network lifetime and time efficiency, while still maintaining comparable MSLL.
Federated Recommender System Based on Diffusion Augmentation and Guided Denoising
Authors: Di Yicheng , Shi Hongjian , Wang Xiaoming , Ma Ruhui , Liu Yuan
Published: August 2024

Sequential recommender systems often struggle with accurate personalized recommendations due to data sparsity issues. Existing works use variational autoencoders and generative adversarial network methods to enrich sparse data. However, they often overlook diversity in the latent data distribution, hindering the model’s generative capacity. This characteristic of generative methods can introduce additional noise in many cases. Moreover, retaining personalized user preferences through the generation process remains a challenge. This work introduces DGFedRS, a Federated Recommender System Based on Diffusion Augmentation and Guided Denoising, designed to capture the diversity in the latent data distribution while preserving user-specific information and suppressing noise. In particular, we pre-train the diffusion model using the recommender dataset and use a diffusion augmentation strategy to generate interaction sequences, expanding the sparse user-item interactions in the discrete space. To preserve user-specific preferences in the generated interactions, we employ a guided denoising strategy to guide the generation process during reverse diffusion. Subsequently, we design a noise control strategy to reduce the damage to personalized information during the diffusion process. Additionally, a stepwise scheduling strategy is devised to input generated data into the sequential recommender model based on their challenge levels. The success of the DGFedRS approach is demonstrated by thorough experiments conduct on three real-world datasets.
Performance Evaluation of Thermography-Based Computer-Aided Diagnostic Systems for Detecting Breast Cancer: An Empirical Study
Authors: Gupta Trasha , Agrawal R. K. , Sangal Rishu , Rao S. Avinash
Published: August 2024

Among women, breast cancer is one of the most commonly occurring cancers besides skin and cervix cancer. Developing countries are at a higher risk of mortality due to late-stage presentation, inaccessible diagnosis, and treatment. Thermography-based technology, aided with machine learning, for screening/diagnosing breast cancer is non-invasive, cost-wise appropriate, and requires very little equipment in rural areas with limited facilities. In this article, we systematically compare the state-of-the-art feature extraction approaches on a uniform platform, using two common datasets, three feature selection methods, four well-known classifiers, and three cross-validation strategies and analyze the results, for a fair comparison. Also, we evaluated the performance when all the features were combined (Unified Model) on the same platform. Experimental results show that the classification accuracy improves considerably with the use of feature selection methods. Among all the combinations considered, the classification model with Union

\(\_\)

FeatureSet and mRMR gave the best performance for both datasets. We obtained a feature subset of 26 and 34 features (from Union

\(\_\)

FeatureSet) with a combination of mRMR and SVM, which are relevant, non-redundant, and distinguish normal and abnormal thermal patterns with the accuracy of 95.73% on the DMR-IR dataset and 92.533% on the RGC-IR dataset.
PT-HMC: Optimization-based Pre-Training with Hamiltonian Monte-Carlo Sampling for Driver Intention Recognition
Authors: Vellenga Koen , Karlsson Alexander , Steinhauer H. Joe , Falkman Göran , Sjögren Anders
Published: August 2024

Driver intention recognition (DIR) methods mostly rely on deep neural networks (DNNs). To use DNNs in a safety-critical real-world environment it is essential to quantify how confident the model is about the produced predictions. Therefore, this study evaluates the performance and calibration of a temporal convolutional network (TCN) for multiple probabilistic deep learning (PDL) methods (Bayes-by-Backprop, Monte-Carlo dropout, Deep ensembles, Stochastic Weight averaging - Gaussian, Multi SWA-G, cyclic Stochastic Gradient Hamiltonian Monte Carlo). Notably, we formalize an approach that combines optimization-based pre-training with Hamiltonian Monte-Carlo (PT-HMC) sampling, aiming to leverage the strengths of both techniques. Our analysis, conducted on two pre-processed open-source DIR datasets, reveals that PT-HMC not only matches but occasionally surpasses the performance of existing PDL methods. One of the remaining challenges that prohibits the integration of a PDL-based DIR system into an actual car is the computational requirements to perform inference. Therefore, future work could focus on optimizing PDL methods to be more computationally efficient without sacrificing performance or the ability to estimate uncertainties.
Race and Ethnicity in the Sociology of Cultural Production and Consumption
Authors: Banks Patricia A.
Published: August 2024

This review examines cultural production and consumption through the lens of race and ethnicity. Although the sociological study of race, ethnicity, and cultural production and consumption (RECPC) is growing, it is scattered across various subfields. This review aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how race and ethnicity intersect with cultural production and consumption by bringing this scholarship together. I discuss five dominant themes in the scholarship: classification, valuation and evaluation, representations, market outcomes, and cultural capital. The article concludes with implications for future sociological research on RECPC.
Political Demography: The Political Consequences of Structural Population Change
Authors: Lu Yao
Published: August 2024

This article surveys the growing field of political demography, which explores the political consequences of structural population change. It underscores the importance of integrating demography and political sociology research to better understand the complex and nuanced relationship between demography and political dynamics. The existing research demonstrates profound and multifaceted impacts of demographic shifts on the political landscape, with different demographic factors having distinct political consequences. Notably, population composition and distribution tend to hold greater political significance than sheer population size and growth. Furthermore, while more research is needed, the existing work suggests that the effect of structural demographic factors is neither inevitable nor without limit; rather, the political consequences of demographic change often exhibit nonlinear patterns and interact with prevailing socioeconomic and institutional contexts. As demographic shifts continue to unfold globally, political demography stands as a promising and enlightening area of research that merits further inquiry.
Enhanced Porous Electrode Theory Based Electrochemical Model for Higher Fidelity Modelling and Deciphering of the EIS Spectra
Authors: Mele Igor , Zelič Klemen , Firm Marko , Moškon Jože , Gaberšček Miran , Katrašnik Tomaž
Published: August 2024

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is essential for non-invasive battery characterization. This paper addresses the challenge of adequate interpretation of EIS spectra, which are often complicated by overlapping internal phenomena occurring on similar time scales. We present, for the first time, a high-fidelity numerical time-domain electrochemical model that can virtually replicate experimental EIS spectra with three superimposed high-frequency semicircles, a transition to the diffusion tail at elevated imaginary values, and a tilted diffusion tail at low frequencies. These advanced features were made possible by extending state-of-the-art porous electrode model with innovative sub-models for the double layer phenomenon at the carbon black/electrolyte and metal Li-anode/electrolyte interfaces, and transport phenomena of charged species through the solid electrolyte interphase at the Li-anode interface. Additionally, we modelled the diffusion tail inclination by introducing representative active particles of varying sizes. Results from custom-made half-cells confirm the model’s ability to decipher EIS spectra more accurately compared to existing models. Moreover, innovative physics-based battery model that is capable of accurately modelling intra-cell phenomena can reveal internal states and physical parameters of batteries using measured EIS spectra. The model, therefore, also enables functionality of an advanced virtual sensor, which is an important diagnostics feature in next-generation battery management systems.
Atypical Aggressive Hemangioma of Thoracic Vertebrae Associated With Thoracic Myelopathy—A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Timilsina Krishna , Shrestha Sandesh , Bhatta Om Prakash , Paudel Sushil , Lakhey Rajesh Bahadur , Pokharel Rohit Kumar
Published: August 2024

Aggressive thoracic hemangiomas are rare, benign tumors that extend into the spinal canal and cause neurological symptoms. Delayed diagnosis and treatment, due to a paucity of literature on optimal treatment strategies, can increase morbidity. This case report describes a 19‐year‐old male patient with aggressive thoracic hemangioma who presented with upper back pain and progressive weakness of the lower extremities. The patient underwent preoperative embolization and sclerotherapy, followed by decompression, posterior instrumentation, and stabilization. The final diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy, and there was a significant improvement in neurology after the surgical intervention. The diagnosis of rare lesions, such as aggressive hemangiomas, requires a high level of clinical suspicion and the assistance of imaging modalities in patients with features of compressive myelopathy. A combination of endovascular and surgical approaches can lead to optimal outcomes.
Autolytic Ideation, Family, Minors, and Confinement during the COVID‐19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study
Authors: González-Luis Julio , Cuesta-Santamaría María Luisa , Bernal-Collantes María del Mar , Corral-Liria Inmaculada , Arango Celso , Alonso-Maza Miriam
Published: August 2024

Background. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is a serious public health problem worldwide. Preventing and addressing suicidal behavior is complicated due to the multiple causes that cause it and the agents involved. Aim. The purpose of this study was to examine and describe qualitatively the effect of confinement due to the COVID‐19 pandemic on minors’ families who presented autolytic ideation. Method. 12 semistructured interviews with minors’ families who attended the Child and Youth Emergency Service of a third level hospital were conducted. Transcripts were analyzed using the interpretative phenomenological approach. Results. The analysis of the experiences of families with younger children with suicide ideation during confinement gave rise to the following four themes: (1) “my family is my strength and my weakness”; (2) “sometimes you have to forget what you feel and remember what you deserve”; (3) “the scars that you cannot see are the ones that hurt the most” and (4) “relearning how to care.” Conclusions. The most significant findings are based on the following six effects of the pandemic: loneliness during confinement, fear of families for minors’ wellbeing, anxiety and generalized fear due to ignorance of the health crisis, concern about maladaptive behaviors (self‐harm), verbalization of death ideas, and difficulties accessing the healthcare system. All these factors have significant implications for developing new health policies and enhancing nursing care from mental health perspective. Future research should investigate the perception of minors and analyze findings by sex.
Fish Diversity Assessment in the Malaysian Straits: Insights into Climate Change Resilience
Authors: Hazri Mai Izatul Nuraishah Mior , Noor Noorashikin Md
Published: August 2024

The Malaysian Straits, a region of significant ecological and economic importance, face growing challenges due to climate change and human activities. This study aimed to assess fish diversity in the Pulai River, situated within the Malaysian Straits, and examine the impact of urbanization and climate change on these fish populations. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural runoff have contributed to habitat degradation and water pollution, exacerbating stressors on marine ecosystems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the current status of fish diversity and understand how environmental changes affect fish diversity. Field surveys were conducted to identify fish species in the Pulai River, with specimens collected and categorized into families. The study identified representatives from families such as Latidae, Serranidae, Lutjanidae, Polynemidae, Sciaenidae, Scombridae, and Carangidae, with Carangidae emerging as the dominant family, accounting for 163 individuals out of a total of 380 fish observed. Diversity indices for the marine fish community were calculated, yielding a diversity index (H′) of 2.02143, a species richness index (R′) of 2.474168, and an evenness index (E′) of 0.877896. The analysis revealed a positive allometric growth pattern (b = 1.73), indicating that as fish length increases, their weight decreases disproportionately. These findings highlight the complex responses of fish populations to environmental stressors such as water quality deterioration and habitat alteration. This study provides valuable insights into the fish ecology of the Malaysian Straits, particularly regarding the impacts of urbanization and climate change on fish diversity. The research supports informed conservation efforts aimed at preserving biodiversity in this ecologically significant region. Recommendations for future studies include ongoing monitoring of fish populations, assessment of specific pollutants and habitat changes, and the implementation of targeted conservation strategies to mitigate the impacts of urbanization and climate change on marine ecosystems in the Malaysian Straits.
A Testing Field for Studies of Environmental and Operational Effects in Structural Damage Localization of Mechanical Structures
Authors: Rohrer Maximilian , Moeller Max , Lenzen Armin
Published: August 2024

Methods of structural health monitoring (SHM) are often challenged by changing environmental and operational conditions (EOC). This paper presents a novel experimental testing field specifically designed for studying the effects of EOC on black box vibration‐based output‐only SHM methods. The experimental testing field consists of two identical mechanical structures that are exposed to mass and stiffness perturbations: one in a controllable laboratory setup and one under the influence of varying EOC in a field setup. The paper demonstrates the feasibility and usefulness of the dual experimental testing field for studies about EOC influences on SHM. The results of a preliminary study of the occurring EOC in the field setup are presented, and a modular measurement system that provides high‐quality data is introduced. By providing the experimental acceleration data, a new experimental benchmark dataset for various studies and future use in the field of SHM is presented.
Molecular Detection of Virulence‐Associated Markers in Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni Isolates From Water, Cattle, and Chicken Faecal Samples From Kajiado County, Kenya
Authors: Wanja Daniel W. , Mbindyo Christine M. , Mbuthia Paul G. , Bebora Lilly C. , Aboge Gabriel O.
Published: August 2024

Campylobacter is a zoonotic foodborne pathogen that is often linked with gastroenteritis and other extraintestinal infections in humans. This study is aimed at determining the genetic determinants of virulence‐encoding genes responsible for flagellin motility protein A (flaA), Campylobacter adhesion to fibronectin F (cadF), Campylobacter invasion antigen B (ciaB) and cytolethal distending toxin (cdt) A (cdtA) in Campylobacter species. A total of 29 Campylobacter coli isolates (16 from cattle, 9 from chicken, and 4 from water samples) and 74 Campylobacter jejuni isolates (38 from cattle, 30 from chicken, and 6 from water samples) described in an earlier study in Kajiado County, Kenya, were examined for the occurrence of virulence‐associated genes using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and amplicon sequencing. The correlations among virulence genes were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (R) method. Among the 103 Campylobacter strains screened, 89 were found to harbour a single or multiple virulence gene(s), giving an overall prevalence of 86.4%. C. jejuni strains had the highest prevalence of multivirulence at 64.9% (48/74), compared to C. coli (58.6%, 17/29). The ciaB and flaA genes were the most common virulence genes detected in C. jejuni (81.1% [60/74] and 62.2% [46/74], respectively) and in C. coli (each at 62.1%; 18/29). Campylobacter isolates from chicken harboured the most virulence‐encoding genes. C. jejuni strains from chicken and cattle harboured the highest proportions of the cdtA and ciaB genes, respectively. All the C. coli strains from water samples harboured the cadF and flaA genes. The results obtained further revealed a significant positive correlation between cadF and flaA (R = 0.733). C. jejuni and C. coli strains from cattle, chicken, and water harbour virulence markers responsible for motility/colonization, invasion, adherence, and toxin production, evoking their important role in campylobacteriosis development among humans and livestock. The identification of cattle, chicken, and water samples as reservoirs of virulent Campylobacter spp. highlights the possible risk to human health. These data on some virulence genes of Campylobacter will assist food safety and public health officials in formulating policy statements.
Evaluation of Atrioventricular Valve Regurgitation in Detection of Atrioventricular Septal Defects at First Trimester Ultrasound
Authors: Guo Zhen , Yan Yang , Zhili Yang , Juhua Xiao , Xiaojuan Xiao , Jia Chen , Haiyan Luo , Xin Zhou
Published: August 2024

Objective. To assess the effectiveness of atrioventricular valve regurgitation (AVVR) detection using color Doppler in the four‐chamber view (4CV) for identifying atrioventricular septal defects (AVSDs) during 11–13 + 6 weeks’ gestation. This study compares AVVR detection to conventional 2D ultrasound and investigates associations between AVSD and increased nuchal translucency thickness (NT), as well as additional cardiac, extracardiac, and chromosomal abnormalities in the first trimester. Materials and Methods. This prospective study analyzed data from singleton pregnancies diagnosed with AVSD at 11–13 weeks gestation. It included routine ultrasound examinations focusing on fetal anatomy, NT measurement, and blood flow analysis across AVVR using both color and directional power Doppler. Evaluations targeted the 4CV and the three‐vessel and trachea views (3VT). Ratios such as LAVV/RAVV and main pulmonary artery‐to‐aorta (PA/AO) diameter were also calculated. Results. Over three years, 452 fetuses were diagnosed with congenital heart disease in the first trimester, including 25 cases of AVSD (21 complete, 1 partial, and 3 intermediate). Seventeen cases were isolated AVSDs, 13 associated with heterotaxia syndrome, one with tetralogy of Fallot, and two survived. Among these, 92% showed AVVR, 61.54% had NT above the 95th percentile, and 32.0% lacked a nasal bone. AVVR was a more reliable indicator of AVSD than other ultrasonic markers. Conclusion. AVSD exhibits a diverse range of clinical presentations. A comprehensive review of both intracardiac and extracardiac anomalies is essential. AVVR detected during NT scanning in the first trimester can confirm the presence of AVSD.
Are We Aware of Hepatitis C Infection? HCV Results from the Tertiary Reference Center in the Aegean Region from Turkey
Authors: Derviş Hakim Gözde , Şamlıoglu Pınar , Aysin Murat , Kara Taner , Köse Şükran
Published: August 2024

Background. With the advent of direct‐acting antiviral agents, the rate of sustained virological response in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has reached 100%. However, it has been observed that many patients still do not have access to treatment. Aim. The aim of this study was to identify patients who are anti‐HCV and HCV‐RNA‐positive, to reveal undiagnosed cases, and thus to reveal the necessity of increasing HCV follow‐up tests and diagnosis. Methods. The microbiology database of Tepecik Research and Training Hospital was examined for patients who were tested for anti‐HCV and HCV‐RNA from January 2013 to January 2023. Patients were indexed based on their entry date, and duplicate values were manually removed. The data were then grouped according to the clinics that requested the analysis. Results. Between 2013 and 2023, a total of 334,537 anti‐HCV tests were conducted without duplications. The annual average number of tests was 33,454 ± 10,027. During the ten‐year period under review, the total number of patients with a positive result for the anti‐HCV test was 3,943. The positivity rate among all anti‐HCV tests was 1.18%. The annual average number of positive test results was 394 ± 54. Between 2013 and 2022, out of the 3,943 patients who tested positive for anti‐HCV, HCV‐RNA analysis was conducted on 2,500 of them (63.4%). Among the 2,500 patients who underwent HCV‐RNA analysis, 682 were found to be HCV‐RNA‐positive (27.4%), while 1,818 were HCV‐RNA‐negative (72.6%). In the ten‐year period, when the distribution of the 334,537 anti‐HCV tests according to internal and surgical branches was evaluated, it was found that 157,680 tests (47.1%) were requested from internal branches, while 176,857 tests (52.9%) were requested from surgical branches. Of the 2,500 patients who tested positive for anti‐HCV and underwent HCV‐RNA analysis, 2,273 (90.9%) were requested by internal branches, while surgical branches requested 227 tests (9.1%). Among the 1,443 patients who tested positive for anti‐HCV but did not have HCV‐RNA tests ordered, 788 (54.6%) were evaluated in internal branches, and 655 (45.4%) were evaluated in surgical branches. Conclusion. In this study, it was observed that multiple anti‐HCV tests were requested for the same individual, and HCV‐RNA tests were not ordered for those testing positive for anti‐HCV. Moreover, patients were not referred to the infection or gastroenterology clinics for HCV‐RNA testing. Consequently, it was concluded that sufficient and necessary tests for diagnosis were not conducted, leading to the inability to access treatment. To achieve the World Health Organization’s goals for HCV eradication, it is imperative to increase the rates of HCV‐RNA testing, enhance the utilization of reflex testing, and ensure proper referral to the necessary clinics.
Expandable Orbit Decay Prediction Using Continual Learning
Authors: He Junhua , Wang Hua , Wang Haitao , Fang Xuankun , Huo Chengyi
Published: August 2024

Very low earth orbit (VLEO) spacecraft have become an attractive proposition with obvious advantages in various missions, including communication and ground observation. Higher requirements for precise orbit decay prediction (PODP) technology are requested, which provides accurate state references for orbit maintenance and necessary database for space situational awareness. The effectiveness of the traditional orbital prediction method for PODP is limited by inaccurate estimation of the spacecraft’s physical parameters and space environments. Generalization performance of machine learning techniques (MLTs) is blocked by the universal challenge known as catastrophic forgetting, resulting in limited improvement on PODP. In this study, a method of expandable orbit decay propagator (EODP) for spacecraft PODP in VLEO, based on model‐agnostic MLTs, is proposed. The plasticity of the proposed model is discussed, which originates from the uncertainty of neural network (NN) parameters. The proposed method overcomes the negative effects of uncertain physical parameters and complex space environments. The model achieves at least a 70% improvement in accuracy compared to the high‐precision orbital propagator (HPOP) and presents a novel approach for the future implementation of machine learning–based methods in the field of orbit prediction.
Geo-Insurance: Improving Big Data Challenges in the Context of Insurance Services Using a Geographical Information System (GIS)
Authors: Asabere Nana Yaw , Asare Isaac Ofori , Lawson Gare , Balde Fatoumata , Duodu Nana Yaw , Tsoekeku Gifty , Afriyie Priscilla Owusu , Ganiu Abdul Razak Abdul
Published: August 2024

Both large and small information flows can have a significant impact on how consumers obtain trustworthy financial information, ultimately leading to an improvement in their daily lives when they interact dynamically with local geographic conditions. In economies that face both geographical and socioeconomic challenges, such as those in Africa, this kind of context is crucial. Large information flows provide significant issues such as big data challenges in the insurance sector, which calls for robust, demand‐driven, and adaptive innovation solutions. In this paper, we present a geographic information system (GIS)–based location‐aware recommender algorithm, called Geo-Insurance. Using some selected insurance companies in Accra, Ghana, as a point of view for location and customer data, our proposed Geo-Insurance solution addresses the big data challenges of customers finding the closest insurance companies with specific services through a web‐based map created using a geodatabase file, ArcCatalog, and ArcGIS (among others). We conducted a series of benchmarking experiments. Our evaluation results show that Geo-Insurance performs better than other contemporary methods in terms of F‐measure (F1), recall (R), precision (P), mean absolute error (MAE), and normalized MAE (NMAE).
Innate Immune Response to MPOX Infection: Mechanisms and Immune Escape
Authors: Parnian Reza , Heydarifard Fatemeh , Mousavi Fatemeh Sadat , Heydarifard Zahra , Zandi Milad
Published: August 2024

The re-emergence of the Mpox (formerly monkeypox) in 2022 in non-endemic countries has raised many concerns for global health due to its high transmissibility and mortality rate. A major challenge in fighting Mpox is its ability to evade the host's innate immune system, which is the first line of defense against viral infections. Mpox encodes various proteins that interfere with key antiviral pathways and mechanisms, such as the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling, cytokine production, complement and inflammasome activation, and chemokine binding. These proteins modulate the expression and function of innate immune mediators, such as interferons, interleukins, and toll-like receptors, and impair the recruitment and activation of innate immune cells, such as natural killer cells. By suppressing or altering these innate immune responses, Mpox enhances its replication and infection in the host tissues and organs, leading to systemic inflammation, tissue damage, and organ failure. This study reveals new insights into the molecular and cellular interactions between Mpox and the host’s innate immunity and identifies potential targets and strategies for antiviral interventions.