bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The orthogonal analysis of selected influence factors for bioaerosol samplers in an aerosol generating chamber
Authors: Ma Xuezheng , Si Nianpeng , Tian Feng , Yang Pengfei , Zheng Fei , Niu Yu , Li Huipeng , Hu Kongxin
Published: December 2023

A high-efficiency bioaerosol sampler is a necessary tool to capture airborne pathogenic microbes, and can effectively ensure the concentration and biological viability of the microbes for further biological and medical analysis.
Methods: The Andersen sampler and Fuji cyclone were applied in the bacteria and virus under a bioaerosol emission chamber. The four factors selected for this study were temperature, microbial culture concentration, aerosol emission time, and the placing position of biosamplers, and each influencing factor with its varying levels were optimized by orthogonal analysis to evaluate the sampling efficiency of alternative biosamplers under both bacterial and viral environment in a bioaerosol generating chamber.
Results:The Andersen impactor had a better collecting effect than Fuji cyclone under four influence factors in bacterial aerosol environment. In the viral aerosol collection, a high air flow rate Fuji cyclone has a better performance for collecting viral aerosol without considering the viability. The two best factors from both Andersen and Fuji were the emission concentration and the angle of 45° sampler placing position under bacteria environment. The two best factors from both Andersen and Fuji were the temperature and the emission time under the virus environment.
The “Rejuvenating Factor” - Platelet Factor 4 in Platelet Transfusion - Myth or Reality?
Authors: Cognasse Fabrice , Duchez Anne-claire , Heestermans Marco , Hamzeh-Cognasse Hind , Arthaud Charles-Antoine , Eyraud Marie-Ange , Portier Mailys , Prier Amélie
Published: December 2023

Population in the world, is ageing. World Health Organization estimated an increase of 60years and more human, to 30% of the population, with a growing frequency of cognitive and cardiovascular disease. Recently, platelet Factor 4 (PF4) was presented as a pro-cognitive factor when administered to mice. This molecule is released by platelet in circulation and could be present in blood product destined to transfusion. We wondered if PF4 levels could be correlated to blood donor age or to the process of platelet concentrate (PC) preparation intended for transfusion? We observed higher levels of PF4 in elderly compared to younger donor PCs, while PC processing & storage did not alter PF4 expression.
Phantom-Powered Nested Sampling
Authors: Albert Joshua G.
Published: December 2023

We introduce a novel technique within the Nested Sampling framework to enhance efficiency of the computation of Bayesian evidence, a critical component in scientific data analysis. In higher dimensions, Nested Sampling relies on Markov Chain-based likelihood-constrained prior samplers, which generate numerous 'phantom points' during parameter space exploration. These points are too auto-correlated to be used in the standard Nested Sampling scheme and so are conventionally discarded, leading to waste. Our approach discovers a way to integrate these phantom points into the evidence calculation, thereby improving the efficiency of Nested Sampling without sacrificing accuracy. This is achieved by ensuring the points within the live set remain asymptotically i.i.d. uniformly distributed, allowing these points to contribute meaningfully to the final evidence estimation. We apply our method on several models, demonstrating substantial enhancements in sampling efficiency, that scales well in high-dimension. Our findings suggest that this approach can reduce the number of required likelihood evaluations by at least a factor of 5. This advancement holds considerable promise for improving the robustness and speed of statistical analyses over a wide range of fields, from astrophysics and cosmology to climate modelling.
Influence of Dufour/Soret and Space-Dependent Internal Heat Source on Combined Convection of non-Newtonian Fluids Flow past a Vertical Full Cone in Porous Media: the VHF/VMF Case
Authors: Yih Kuo-Ann , Hsu Heng-Pin
Published: December 2023

This paper numerically analyzes the influence of Dufour/Soret and space-dependent internal heat source (exponential decaying form) on combined convection (entire regime) of non-Newtonian fluids (power-law model of Ostwald-de-Waele) flow past a vertical full cone in porous media with the boundary conditions of VHF/VMF case. The transformed governing equations (non-similar equations) are solved by Keller box method (KBM). Comparison with previously published work is very good. Numerical data for the dimensionless temperature profile, the dimensionless concentration profile, the local Nusselt number and the local Sherwood number are graphically and tabularly presented for the nine parameters: the buoyancy ratio N, the Lewis number Le, the Dufour parameter Df, the Soret parameter Sr, the cone angle parameter m, the mixed convection parameter ξ, the VHF/VMF exponent λ, the non-Newtonian fluid power-law index n, the space-dependent internal heat source coefficient * A . The physical aspects of the problem are discussed in details.
Interplay of Serum Apoptotic Proteins and Oxidative Stress Markers in Prostate Cancer and Benign Prostate Hyperplasia.
Authors: Popoola Olayiwola , Samuel Titilola Aderonke , Habeeb Muhammad , Tijani kehinde Habeb , Magbagbeola Olubunmi , Akinloye Oluyemi
Published: December 2023

Background
Apoptotic evasion is one of the genuine hallmarks of cancer and appears to be a critical component of most therapeutic options in prostate cancer treatment. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species play a critical role in the execution of apoptosis. Redox and antioxidant changes are involved in malignant transformation and are associated with therapeutic intervention in prostate cancer.
Method
The study population were prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia subjects and age-matched controls (45–85 years). Oxidative stress (OS) markers; Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), antioxidant enzymes; Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total antioxidant status (TAS) were determined by spectrophotometric methods while apoptotic proteins were determined by ELISA methods.
Findings
: Higher plasma concentration of MDA and H2O2 were found in prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia than in controls (p < 0.05), Plasma concentration of nitric oxide was significantly lower in prostate cancer than in controls (P < 0.05). We found a significantly increase activity of catalase in prostate cancer (11.9 ± 2.28) and BPH (12.89 ± 3.22) than controls (8.95 ± 2.25). SOD and GPx were significantly lower in the prostate cancer group (p < 0.05), an increased activity of GPx was observed in the BPH group versus PCa and controls. We found an increased concentration of p53 protein and a reduced concentration of cytochrome C (CYTc) and TNF-α in the prostate cancer group compared to the control group. Similarly, we observed reduced activity of CASP3 in the PCa group. A negative correlation was observed between CAT and CYTc (p = 0.003), while a negative correlation was found between CAT Vs P53 (p = 0.001) in the BPH group. In the control group, a positive correlation exists between GPx and TNFα (p = 0.04).
Conclusion
The interplay between oxidative stress and the antioxidant molecule is associated with prostate cancer. The presence of antioxidant species may significantly modify the apoptotic process by reducing the level of redox molecules thereby preventing the activation of apoptotic mechanism. Low levels of Nitric oxide stand out in our prostate cancer cohort, and this could be explored to redirect pro-apoptotic mechanisms in prostate cancer.
A Comprehensive Approach to Total Organic Carbon Prediction: Dual-Output Neural Networks and Ensemble Learning
Authors: Rui Jianwen , Zhang Hongbing , Zhang Jun , Zhu Xinyi
Published: December 2023

This paper explores a neural network-based approach for constructing prediction intervals (PIs) of total organic carbon (TOC) content. In contrast to conventional methods that focus solely on minimizing prediction error, the proposed method utilizes a dual-output neural network optimized by a novel loss function called \({\mathcal{L}}_{QCE}\) that emphasizes overall PI quality through a balanced consideration of coverage probability, interval width, and cumulative deviation. Consequently, this approach facilitates the generation of higher-quality PIs under specified significance levels. Case studies illustrate that, in comparison to prevailing techniques such as Pearce's method and Gaussian process regression, our proposed approach achieves a notable over 40% reduction in invalid intervals, accompanied by an approximate 50% improvement in interval quality. Additionally, we introduce ensemble learning to assess inherent model uncertainties, further augmenting the precision of PIs. In summary, the presented methodology offers a competitive solution for uncertainty quantification and well log data mining, providing an innovative and effective approach to enhance the quality of PIs for TOC content.
Exploring the Feasibility of Data-Driven Models for Short-Term Hydrological Forecasting in South Tyrol: Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Torre Daniele Dalla , Lombardi Andrea , Menapace Andrea , Zanfei Ariele , Righetti Maurizio
Published: December 2023

Short-term hydrological forecasting is crucial for suitable multipurpose water resource management involving water uses, hydrological security, and renewable production. In the Alpine Regions such as South Tyrol, characterized by several small watersheds, quick information is essential to feed the decision processes in critical cases such as flood events. Predicting water availability ahead is equally crucial for optimizing resource utilization, such as irrigation or snow-making. The increasing data availability and computational power led to data-driven models becoming a serious alternative to physically based hydrological models, especially in complex conditions such as the Alpine Region and for short predictive horizons. This paper proposes a data-driven pipeline to use the local ground station data to infer information in a Support Vector Regression model, which can forecast streamflow in the main closure points of the area at hourly resolution with 48 hours of lead time. The main steps of the pipeline are analysed and discussed, with promising results that depend on available information, watershed complexity, and human interactions in the catchment. The presented pipeline, as it stands, offers an accessible tool for integrating these models into decision-making processes to guarantee real-time streamflow information at several points of the hydrological network. Discussion enhances the potentialities, open challenges, and prospects of short-term streamflow forecasting to accommodate broader studies.
Wastewater based genomic surveillance reveals circulating pathogenic bacteria and associated resistome in Nairobi-Kenya sewerage system
Authors: Oyola Samuel , Mware Bernard , Kibet Gilbert , Mwangi Kennedy , Lugano Doreen , Osiany Shebbar , Kiritu Edward , Dobi Paul , Muli Collins , Juma John , Njeru Regina , Machuka Eunice , Bett Bernard , Ouma Ahmed Ogwell , Okoth Edward , de Oliveira Tulio , Tessema Sofonias
Published: December 2023

Wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) has become a useful public health tool as an early warning system revealing emergence/re-emergence of pathogenic diseases and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). WBS is crucial in development of rapid response and increasing public health awareness to curb dangers associated with disease emergence and antibiotic resistance. In this study, we characterized bacterial pathogens detected in wastewater, their composition, relative abundance and associated antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) from different sewerage sites covering distinct epidemiological (socio-economic) population zones within Nairobi – the busiest East African city of Kenya representing a low- and middle-income country (LMIC). We show detection, abundance, spatio-temporal surveillance profiles of pathogens of interest and demonstrate WBS’s utility as an early warning system to inform public health response.
Arcobacter disease-causing bacteria associated with gastroenteritis (stomach flu) and persistent diarrhoea was the most abundant pathogen detected, depicting its significance in public health challenges in the city of Nairobi. The ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp) group of pathogenic bacteria associated with multidrug resistance and linked to several clinical infections were detected across all the sampled time points and sites. This study also investigated the presence/abundance of ARGs and detected several (n>600) antibiotic resistance gene (ARGs) sequences linked to many pathogenic bacteria capable of rendering more than thirty classes of antibiotics ineffective.
Detection of pathogenic bacteria, and associated ARGs they harbour in wastewater samples from the Nairobi City population contributes to the global surveillance efforts needed for prediction, monitoring and reporting of harmful microorganisms in the context of One Health. The current effort demonstrates the utility of wastewater surveillance as an early warning system to inform public health response and mitigate potential outbreaks through timely interventions.
Effect of intravenous anesthetic drugs on fertilization rate in oocyte retrieval
Authors: Liu Yanfang , Gao Yongtao , Lu Cuie , Chen Junjie , Huang Saisai
Published: December 2023

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of intravenous anesthetic drugs on fertilization rate in subjects receiving oocyte retrieval by assisted reproduction technology (ART).
Methods: Aretrospective cohort study was designed. The clinical information of subjects who received oocyte retrieval procedure was collected. The subjects were divided into two groups based on the type of anesthesia used: the no-anesthesia group and the intravenous anesthesia group. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Fertilization rate was compared between the two groups before and after PSM.
Results: A total of 765 subjects were divided into two groups: the no-anesthesia group (n=482) and the intravenous anesthesia group (n=283). According to propensity scores, 258 pairs of subjects were well matched, and the baseline data between the two groups were not significantly different (P>0.05). Fertilization rate was 77% in the intravenous anesthesia group, and 76% in the no-anesthesia group, without significant between-group difference (P=0.685). Before matching, Poisson regression analysis showed no effect of intravenous anesthetic drugs on fertilization rate (RR=0.859, 95%CI: 0.59 to 1.25, P＞0.05). After matching, no difference was found either (RR=0.935, 95%CI: 0.67 to 1.29, P＞0.05).
Conclusion: Intravenous anesthetic drugs may exert no effects on fertilization rate in subjects receiving ART.
A distinct look at a transcendental phenomenon: The grounded theory model of leader humor
Authors: Gholami Mohammad , Rahimnia Fariborz , Malekzadeh Gholamreza , Khorakian Alireza
Published: December 2023

Humor is an important quality and a key factor in communication. This qualitative study aims to design a sense of humor model for university leaders by adopting grounded theory and an interpretive paradigm. The study population was 24 Iranian university professors who were selected via targeted sampling until theoretical saturation was reached. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The axial category was named “leader humorous behavior” and the main attributes of humor were “benign violation” and “moderation.” This study is the first to highlight the importance of moderation in humorous behavior (frequency and repetition) as an important attribute of leader humor rather than benign violation, which can have negative and unwanted outcomes for both leader and followers despite positive and constructive content. The final model identifies sense of humor as the cause of leader humorous behavior, organizational factors as the correlated cause, and the mediators, moderators, context, and consequences of the leader humorous behavior. The results show that sense of humor is the most important factor in followers’ perception and interpretation of leader humorous behavior. Moreover, the positive outcomes of leader humorous behavior increase humor expression in organizations over time, prevent misunderstandings of leader humorous behavior, and enrich leaders’ sense of humor by increasing their experience and insights into norms and appropriate situations. This study lays the foundation for a proper understanding of the different aspects of leader humorous behavior and its implementation in organizations, and introduces humor as a positive ethical behavior with potentially positive outcomes.
Clinical characteristics of inpatients with diabetic foot ulcer admitted with non-ulcer complaints: a retrospective study
Authors: Li Lan , Li Yue , Qin Shuang , Zeng Jing , Ma Wanxia , Wei Dong
Published: December 2023

Background: Patients with diabetic foot (DF) typically have other diabetic complications and comorbidities. DF inpatients admitted with non-ulcer complaints are a neglected group, that might suffer from more non-standard treatments. This study intends to address their clinical characteristics, and clarify the problems existing in the diagnosis and treatment process.
Methods: This study was retrospective. Subjects were eligible inpatients with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) identified through the relevant International Classification of Disease tenth revision (ICD-10) codes. A structured questionnaire was designed and constructed in sections to collect medical records data. Admission complaints were determined by combining final diagnosis and clinical documentation, and categorized as: ulcer-related or non-ulcer complaints. All discharged patients were followed for readmission and death.
Results: A total of 264 DFU inpatients were included in the final analysis, of which, 80 (30.3%) were admitted with non-ulcer complaints. A total of 82.5% of the DFU inpatients with non-ulcer complaints were admitted to departments without DF specialists. IWGDF/IDSA grade, cerebrovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, infection in other parts, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c and source of hospitalization expenses were the independent influencing factors for admission with non-ulcer complaints (all P < 0.05). Only 11.3% of the patients with non-ulcer complaints had ever been treated by a DF specialist and/or in a clinical setting with DF specialists, and up to 81.4% had never sought medical help before admission. After admission, 75.0% of the DFU inpatients with non-ulcer complaints received local wound care, and only 12.5% received symptomatic analgesic treatment. There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between the two groups either in or out-of hospital after discharge (all P > 0.05).
Conclusions: Approximately one-third of inpatients with DFU were admitted with non-ulcer complaints and most of them were admitted to departments without DF specialists. Inpatients with non-ulcer complaints had a milder wound severity but more and heavier comorbidities and worse organ function. These patients did not receive standardized diagnosis and treatment for DFU either before or after admission. They and the medical staff in related departments should receive more attention, education and training.
Sciatica? Eh-lers think again
Authors: Gowdy Adam , Tweedie Adam , Collum Niall
Published: December 2023

Background
Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) is a rare disease with life-threatening complications. We present a case of a patient with a known history present to the ED with a seemingly benign case of sciatica.
Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a rare group of inherited connective tissue disorders with a total of 13 different subtypes. Symptoms are typically of increased joint mobility, easily stretched skin, recurrent dislocations, hernias and prolapses.
vEDS (previously type IV EDS) is the most dangerous subtype and is rarer than the more common EDS subtypes (Classical and hypermobile) and is thought to affect 1 in 200,000 people. It is autosomal dominant affecting the COL3A1 or COL1A1 genes. Symptoms include those above alongside being easily bruised, visible blood vessels on chest, unusual facial features and crucially aneurysms/dissections, bowel perforation and uterine perforation and late miscarriage
Case Presentation
A young woman with a history of vEDS presented to ED with acute onset back pain radiating down her right leg after bending over to pick up a heavy object. Her assessment was in keeping with sciatica, she was written up for analgesia and at that point a red trauma (another patient) arrived, delaying her discharge.
One hour later the patient had deteriorated and was noted to be hypotensive and tachycardic and subsequently she was transferred to resus.
She underwent a CT angiogram which revealed a ruptured external iliac aneurysm. She underwent emergency repair that night and thankfully has had no serious long term sequalae.
Conclusions
Thankfully the patient made a full recovery, but had her discharge not been delayed she may very well have been sent home and had a much worse outcome.
Our case serves to highlight the potential dangers of vEDS and act as a reminder to all clinicians to be aware of such patients and treat them with extreme caution.
This case is also a clear example of how younger patients can compensate for illness/haemorrhage with minimal changes in vital signs until a late stage in the presentation.
There may be benefit in the extension of PoCUS in emergency medicine beyond the traditional “core competencies”.
Inadequate Annotation and Its Impact on Pelvic Tilt Measurement in Clinical Practice
Authors: Chai Yuan , Maes Vincent , Boudali A. Mounir , Rackel Brooke , Walter William
Published: December 2023

Purpose
Accurate pre-surgical templating of the pelvic tilt (PT) angle is pivotal for hip and spine surgeries. Yet, the reliability of these annotations is often questioned due to human errors, inherent subjectivity, and variations in radiographic quality. This research delves into the precision of PT annotations, identifies challenges leading to suboptimal annotations, and evaluates their impact on PT parameters.
Methods
126 consecutive sagittal pelvic radiographs were recruited, with 11 excluded for various reasons. A team of five annotators performed PT measurements based on two definitions: one using the anterior pelvic plane and the other connecting the center of the femoral head to the midpoint of the sacral plate. Images annotated by all five annotators underwent a secondary assessment to identify inadequacies. The complete dataset was then statistically compared with a subset containing only adequate annotations.
Results
Over 60% of the cases had at least one landmark annotation deemed inadequate by two or more assessors. Notably, the ASIS and femoral head center, when determined by estimation, often had subpar annotations (over 30%). Annotations derived from clear anatomical contours proved more reliable than estimated ones. While inadequate annotations led to PT discrepancies between − 2° to 2°, their overall influence on data interpretation was minimal.
Conclusion
This study underscores the high occurrence of suboptimal annotations in pelvic tilt radiographic measurements. Such inaccuracies, although showing minimal impact on a broader scale, can cause significant deviations in individual cases, potentially affecting clinical outcomes. Emphasizing precise annotation and anatomical contour identification is crucial for both orthopedic education and the development of more accurate deep learning models for landmark localization. Addressing these annotation challenges is key to enhancing clinical decision-making and improving patient care.
Simulation application study of different fixation materials in nephrostomy tube fixation
Authors: Qin Qiuxia , Wang Hongjiao , Yang Ting , Liu Juan , Chen Xiaoqin
Published: December 2023

Objective
We are aiming to compare the three kinds of tapes of medical adhesive plaster, medical athletic tape, medical non-woven tape on their fixing strengths of renal fistula and harm to the skin.
Methods
In February 2022, 30 healthy people from a community activity center in Wuhan were selected to conduct a randomized block experiment with their ages used as the block factor. Three different fixation materials were used: medical rubber paste, medical breathable tape and medical non-woven tape for nephrostomy tube fixation. The extubation force and skin redness of three kinds of medical tapes were compared to evaluate the fixation strength and skin injury severity of three kinds of medical tapes.
Results
The experimental results show that the three medical tapes have significant differences in their fixing strength and damage size on the skin (p < 0.05). The medical adhesive plaster has the largest fixation strength and the maximum damage to the skin (p < 0.05), and the medical athletic tape and medical non-woven tape show no obvious statistic difference in the fixing strength and damage size to the skin (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
The randomized block experiment was used to study the fixation strength and skin damage of different fixation materials of nephrostomy tube.The experiment was carried out under the simulated experiment of force display.The operation was simple and intuitive, which could provide reference and basis for the selection of clinical tube fixation scheme.
Sulfur Amino Acid Restriction alters mitochondrial function depending on tissue, sex, and Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) status.
Authors: Thyne Kevin M. , Camones Raechel , Salmon Adam B.
Published: December 2023

Methionine restriction (MR) has been shown to affect mitochondrial function including altering oxygen consumption, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, Complex expression, and oxidative damage. The sulfur-containing amino acid methionine can become oxidized forming methionine sulfoxide which can lead to changes in protein function and signaling. Methionine sulfoxide reductases are endogenous enzymes capable of reducing methionine sulfoxide, with Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) being ubiquitously expressed in mammals. Here we investigated if the effects of MR on mitochondrial function required functional MsrA in the liver and kidney which are the major tissues involved in sulfur biochemistry and both highly express MsrA. Moreover, MsrA is endogenously found in the mitochondria thereby providing potential mechanisms linking diet to mitochondrial phenotype. We found sex-specific changes in oxygen consumption of isolated mitochondria and females showed changes with MR in a tissue-dependent manner – increased in liver and decreased in kidney. Loss of MsrA increased or decreased oxygen consumption depending on the tissue and which portion of the electron transport chain was being tested. In general, males had few changes in either tissue regardless of MR or MsrA status. Hydrogen peroxide production was increased in the kidney with MR regardless of sex or MsrA status. However, in the liver, production was increased by MR in females and only slightly higher with loss of MsrA in both sexes. Mitochondrial Complex expression was found to be largely unchanged in either tissue suggesting these effects are driven by regulatory mechanisms and not by changes in expression. Together these results suggest that sex and MsrA status do impact the mitochondrial effects of MR in a tissue-specific manner.
Influence of the reaction conditions on the degree of substitution of carboxymethyl seriguela gum for application as a flocculant aid
Authors: Pinheiro Henety Nascimento , Almeida João Lucas Isídio Oliveira , Veloso Flavia Freitas , Abreu Flavia Oliveira Monteiro da Silva
Published: December 2023

Seriguela gum is a barely explored polysaccharide, whose carboxymethylation can expand its applications for water treatment by the increase of negative charges in the chain. This work aimed to extract gum from seriguela’s exudate and to produce carboxymethyl derivatives under different reaction condition, aiming for increased substitution degree to apply as a flocculation aid in water treatment. The derivatives were characterized by titration, FTIR, NMR and GPC techniques. The reaction condition parameters, NaOH concentration and chloroacetic acid molar ratio, were significant on the degree of substitution, with values between 0.35 and 0.51. Optimal results were achieved using lower levels of NaOH and intermediate chloroacetic acid levels. Based on the results, the derivative with the highest degree of substitution was used as a flocculation aid, combined with Aluminum Sulfate, where tests demonstrated that the use of 5 mg.L− 1 of the carboxymethyl seriguela gum achieved a maximum turbidity removal rate of 99.62%, reducing turbidity to levels accepted by legislation, being more efficient than Aluminum Sulfate. The study showed that carboxymethylated seriguela gum with increased negative charges can be obtained with a high degree of substitution by a simple and high-yield process, and the tests showed high potential for application as a flocculation aid in water treatment processes.
Infinite Horizon Forward-Backward Stochastic Evolution Equations in Hilbert Space and Application to LQ Optimal Control Problems
Authors: Xu Maozhong , Tang Maoning , Meng Qingxin
Published: December 2023

This paper focuses on the study of infinite horizon forward-backward stochastic evolution equations (FBSEEs) in Hilbert spaces. By imposing a restriction on the unbounded operators A and B, that is, both operators are maximal dissipative, the Itô inequality can be utilized to address the problem that Itô's formula is not directly applicable. Based on this, a pair of priori estimates for the solution to (forward) stochastic evolution equations (SEEs) and backward stochastic evolution equations (BSEEs), respectively are established. In the study of infinite horizon FBSEEs, for wider applicability, we apply a set of domination-monotonicity conditions that are more relaxed compared to general conditions. Within this framework, we employ the method of continuation to establish the unique solvability result and provide a pair of solution estimates. Notably, to address the challenges posed by the infinite-dimensional setting, we employ an approximation technique to obtain the dual relationship between x and y. Actually, these results find application in various linear- quadratic (LQ) problems, where the stochastic Hamiltonian systems precisely correspond to the FBSEEs satisfying the aforementioned domination-monotonicity conditions under certain assumptions. Consequently, by solving the corresponding stochastic Hamiltonian systems, we can obtain explicit expressions for the unique optimal controls. Finally, due to the features of the stochastic evolution systems, two specific examples are given to further demonstrate the application of our results.
Design, Analysis and Optimization of Plasmonic Nanoparticles for Steam and Heat Generation Application under Solar Irradiance
Authors: bagheri Mahdi Aghlmandi sadig , Yadipour Reza , Asgharian Amir
Published: December 2023

Metal nanoparticles (NPs) with subwavelength dimensions exhibit plasmonic phenomena in resonance frequency and can absorb a portion of light non-radiatively and thermally. This property of NPs can be used in various applications such as seawater desalination, where the thermal power generated by them can be utilized. In this paper, we have designed and analyzed NPs to achieve maximum absorption and heat generation under solar irradiance. The NPs were arranged on a glass substrate in the most optimal pattern to obtain the highest possible absorption and heat generation. We utilized a numerical method to determine the total absorbed power of the NPs under solar irradiance. The shape, material, size and arrangement and interaction of the NPs determine their optical behavior, and, as a result, their thermal behavior. Therefore, we designed cylindrical, cubic, triangular, and hexagram-shaped NPs with the same volume of metal, choosing the material from noble metals such as Ag, Au, Cu, and Al. In the first step, we calculated the absorption cross-section of NPs using the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method. We then multiplied the solar irradiance intensity by the cross-section obtained in the first step. In the final step, we integrated the graph obtained in the solar spectrum to obtain the total absorbed power of the NPs. To determine the best arrangement period of the NPs, we utilized the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) method. This algorithm helped us find the period with the highest absorbed power. Aluminum hexagram nanoparticles, having the highest absorbed power and cost-effectiveness in manufacturing, were considered as the main candidates for the structure.
A national survey of the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on training and wellbeing of Restorative and Monospecialty Specialist Trainees in the UK and Ireland
Authors: Mylonas Petros , Spicer Olivia , Chin J. S.
Published: December 2023

Introduction
Covid-19 emergency and associated measures across the UK and Ireland during first and third waves of the pandemic disrupted mainstream dental services and training across all specialties.
Aims
Investigate effect of COVID-19 pandemic on training, mental health, and wellbeing of specialty trainees (STs) in Restorative Dentistry and associated monospecialties across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Materials and Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted exploring the experiences of STs in Restorative Dentistry, Prosthodontics, Endodontics, and Periodontics (n=101) across the United Kingdom and Ireland during the first (March 2020) and third (July 2021) waves of the pandemic. Results were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively.
Results
From 101 postgraduate trainees invited, 28 responded:yielding 28% response rate. 81% (n=22) STs in March 2020 and 64% STs (n=18) in July 2021 felt concern regarding impact on training. 36% (n=10) STs were redeployed at any point between March 2020 and July 2021; 100% (n=10) redeployed to urgent dental care duties. Reduction in speciality-level clinical activities was reported by 75% (n=21) in March 2020 compared to 46% (n=13) in July 2021. Negative impact on mental health and wellbeing was reported during March 2020 (58%, n=15) and July 2021 (57% n=16), with stress reported by 81% (n=21) in March 2020 and 68% (n=19) in July 2021. 43% (n=12) STs felt Covid-19 negatively impacted their future careers.
Conclusion
COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted clinical training and mental health of STs in restorative dentistry and associated monospecialties across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Increased flexibility and accounting for lost clinical activities could have improved ST morale and wellbeing.
Good syndrome combined with neutropenia and multiple microbial pulmonary infections: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ye Yucai , Wang Juan , Bao Bahu , Chen Guorong , Hu Aoyan , Sun Jingzi , Liu Weiying
Published: December 2023

Introduction
Good syndrome (GS) is a rare acquired immunodeficiency disease characterized primarily by thymoma and hypogammaglobulinemia that predisposes to the risk of recurrent infections with multiple pathogens.
Case representation
We describe the case of a 37-year-old male GS with a history of thymoma resection who was hospitalized for multiple pulmonary infections with neutropenia and whose empirical antimicrobial therapy and promotion of granulopoiesis resulted in the resolution of the pulmonary infections and return of the neutrophil count to normal. The patient was hospitalized again for lung infection with neutropenia. Experienced antimicrobial treatment and promotion of granulocytosis were ineffective, and the alveolar lavage fluid was detected by high-throughput sequencing (NGS) to be infected with Bordetella parapertussis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, cytomegalovirus, Torque teno virus, Candida albicans, and Pneumocystis jirovecii, and the patient's neutrophil counts returned to normal after targeted anti-infective treatment and immunity-enhancing therapy. After targeted anti-infection and immunity-boosting treatment, the patient's lung infection subsided and his neutrophil count normalized.
Conclusion
When patients with thymoma have recurrent abnormal infections, immunologic testing should be performed to clarify whether GS is present, and anti-infective therapy should be aggressively administered.
Guduru District in Western Ethiopia as Assessing the Status of Biogas Use and Its Contributions to Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Authors: Hirbo Hirbo Geremu , Bacho Sori Sima , Kuse Kenenisa Abdisa
Published: December 2023

More than twenty (20) biogas digesters have been recently installed in the rural area of ​​Guduru. However, there is no information yet on the legal use of biogas and its contribution to reducing greenhouse gases. The study investigated the status of twenty (20) biogas digesters in rural areas of four kebeles (Hula Guto, Guto Abay, Illamu) using primary data (survey, interview and observation) and secondary data using SPSS Software version. 21 analysis Tarako and Kanani in Guduru District. All twenty digesters (20) are SINDU type fixed dome digesters. Although there are other animals in the study area, the use of the substrate is limited to cow dung. This includes reductions in CO2 emissions from biogas plants. According to calculations, all 18 biogas facilities can save 118.8 tons of carbon dioxide per year. Even if the quantities are small, when used widely throughout the country, the overall reduction of emissions from biogas plants will have a significant impact on the environment; it will primarily reduce carbon monoxide emissions while also reducing the burden on the country's natural forests. Before establishing the biogas plant, the research family used 3072 kg of fuel wood/HH/year and emitted 4806 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) gas/year. Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) fuel (50%) can reduce fuel consumption by 1536 kg. In the biogas study area, families use biogas for cooking and lighting. Research shows that when investing in domestic biogas, some of the greenhouse gas emissions (such as fire and gas) in the home are reduced and completely replaced, saving 4697.72 kg CO2e/household/year by reducing gas in the home.
Roo-tine Obstacles: Uncovering the spatio-genetic barriers for Eastern Grey Kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) in an urbanising landscape
Authors: Urbanek Christopher , Conroy Gabriel , Leon Javier X. , Katrin Hohwieler , Brunton Elizabeth
Published: December 2023

Context
Urban landscapes present a diverse matrix of structures and habitats containing significant physical and behavioural barriers to terrestrial wildlife dispersal. As a result, large mammals, with large home ranges, may be negatively impacted as behavioural and physical barriers are created. However, our understanding of these barriers in the context of genetic connectivity within urbanising landscapes is limited, particularly so for herbivores occupying these spaces.
Objective
We investigated the effects of landscape composition on the genetic differentiation of a large herbivorous macropodid, the Eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), within the Sunshine Coast region of Australia. We tested whether genetic differentiation and gene flow in this rapidly urbanising environment was best explained by landscape structures (Isolation-by-Resistance) or geographical distances (Isolation-by-Distance) at multiple spatial scales.
Methods
We simulated ecological succession from genetic (n =130), and spatial datasets (n =56) to determine the magnitude of relationships between observed genetic distances and landscape composition. A multiscale design was used to assess spatio-genetic impacts at different spatial scales. Circuit theory methods were used to simulate ecological successions and subsequently infer landscape effects on observed genetic differentiations.
Results
Both Isolation-by-Distance and Isolation-by-Resistance explained the interpopulation genetic differentiation of our 12 surveyed populations. Genetic differentiation was explained primarily by vegetation structures, major waterways, roads and built infrastructure. Variables were scale-dependent, with biophysical and built infrastructures exhibiting the most variability across scales.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that gene flow between M. giganteus populations is highly dependent on the structure of the landscape, and influenced by anthropogenic structures. As such, emphasis on gene flow pathways of M. giganteus, and other large mammals, is required in conservation planning to preserve populations under urban pressures. The findings of this study can inform spatially-guided management decisions and long-term conservation strategies for large mammals under growing urban pressures worldwide.
Escape Room Methodology for the Assessment of Basic Operational Skills of Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Feng Xinyi , Zhou Chunqing , Gao Yazhuo , Ma Xiaoqin
Published: December 2023

Objective: The study analysed the learning experience of undergraduate nursing students in basic nursing operations using escape room teaching method.
Methods: Using descriptive phenomenology, we conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 12 undergraduate nursing students whose basic nursing skills were assessed using the escape room method. The Colaizzi seven-step analysis was used to organise and analyse the data.
Results: Two themes including learning effect and learning feedback were identified. Six sub-themes also emerged including novel assessment to stimulate learning interest and increase learning commitment; assessment under relaxed conditions, and weakened role of the invigilator; group cooperation for improved communication and collaboration; enhanced clinical thinking via combination of theory and practice; improved classification mechanism; and the need for optimal process.
Conclusion: The escape room teaching method should be combined with the training needs of nursing personnel, and further improve the training programme.
Synoptic weather variables and data mining methods for predicting regional heavy precipitation over the southwest of Iran
Authors: Shahgholian Kokab , Bazrafshan Javad , Irannejad Parviz
Published: December 2023

Due to the socioeconomic impacts, hazards, and losses associated with floods, it is crucial to adopt advanced and more accurate methods for predicting regional heavy precipitation events, especially in flood-prone areas like southwest Iran. This study is aimed to predict regional heavy precipitation events over the southwest Iran using synoptic weather variables and data mining methods. Regional heavy precipitation events are identified by utilizing an innovative multi-frequency-based approach over the study area. Daily total precipitation data were collected from 12 meteorological stations located in the southwest Iran spanning 1987–2018. Furthermore, NCEP/NCAR reanalysis gridded data of six synoptic variables (covering a broad geographical range, including the study area) are used as predictors one to five days before heavy precipitation. Four feature selection methods and ten binary classifier machine-learning models are utilized in this study according to two time-delay scenarios. The top models identified in each scenario were tested to determine their ability to predict regional heavy precipitation events. As a result of this study, the Random Forest classification model with the selected synoptic variables of 1–4 days before the event had the highest efficiency in distinguishing heavy precipitations from non-heavy ones. The proposed model exhibited successful predictions for four out of five recent heavy precipitation events in southwest Iran. Among the synoptic variables, relative humidity and wind speed are most frequent.
T-cell responses to ancestral SARS-CoV-2 and Omicron variant among unvaccinated pregnant and postpartum women living with and without HIV in South Africa
Authors: McMahon William C. , Kwatra Gaurav , Izu Alane , Jones Stephanie A. , Mbele Nkululeko J. , Jafta Nwabisa , Lala Rushil , Shalekoff Sharon , Tiemessen Caroline T. , Madhi Shabir A. , Nunes Marta C.
Published: December 2023

SARS-CoV-2 cell-mediated immunity remains understudied during pregnancy in unvaccinated black African women living with HIV (WLWH) from low- and middle-income countries. We investigated SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell responses one-month post infection in 24 HIV-uninfected women and 15 WLWH at any stage during pregnancy or postpartum. The full-length spike (FLS) glycoprotein and nucleocapsid (N) protein of wild-type (WT) SARS-CoV-2, as well as mutated spike protein regions found in the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) were targeted by flow cytometry. WT-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells elicited similar FLS- and N-specific responses in HIV-uninfected women and WLWH. SARS-CoV-2-specific T-lymphocytes were TNF-α monofunctional in pregnant and postpartum women living with and without HIV, with fever cells producing either IFN-γ or IL-2. Furthermore, T-cell responses were unaffected by Omicron-specific spike mutations since similar responses between Omicron and the ancestral virus were detected for CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Our results collectively demonstrate comparable T-cell responses between WLWH on antiretroviral therapy and HIV-uninfected pregnant and postpartum women who were naïve to Covid-19 vaccination. Additionally, we show that T cells from women infected with the ancestral virus, Beta variant (B.1.351), or Delta variant (B.1.617.2) can cross-recognize Omicron, which may suggest an overall preservation of T-cell immunity. MAIN TEXT
A Recovery-point Mechanism for Low-power Embedded ML Applications
Authors: Cheung Peter , Beckett Paul , Kumar Dinesh Kant
Published: December 2023

Increasingly, machine learning applications are being run on systems comprising lowpower CPUs driven by unreliable or intermittent power sources. In the event of a system failure, these applications typically have to be re-run from the beginning, which can waste both time and energy, as well as potentially compromising the training process in a ML algorithm. This paper proposes a model to allow an embedded operating system to auto-discover a suitable recovery and restart point so that a failed application can be restarted with minimal effect on its performance. The proposal encompasses a complete software stack that comprises a modified cross-compilation tool chain, a modified XV6 OS kernel, and a custom executable loader. The model exhibits time savings of over 50% in case where the application has passed the midpoint of its run, but is less effective if the failure point occurs earlier in the application’s run time.