bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metamaterials for a Passive Wave Control and Energy Absorption Using Soft-Walled Billiard Effects
Authors: Pilipchuk Valery
Published: March 2024

Physical principles for designing cellwise mechanical met-amaterials with energy-absorbing/harvesting and wave guiding properties are discussed in the present work. The evolution of both propagating and standing waves in a one-dimensional lattice of 3D massive potential wells with light particles inside is analyzed. The potential wells/containers represent soft-wall versions of chaotic billiards that coupled with elastic springs as a one-dimensional chain. The proposed shape function allows for a switch from the repelling to the stadium type of container walls by varying the shape control parameter. The results reveal how the geometry of containers affects the intensity and ir-reversibility of energy flows from the chain of containers into the ensemble of light inclusions. Typically, cells with repelling boundaries generate a chaotization of inclusions and hence the energy absorption in a faster temporal rate. As a result, propagating waves are trapped by giving rise to standing waves of chaotic mode shapes with decaying amplitudes.
Effects of human activities on the genetic characteristics of Phaius flavus populations
Authors: Liang Cuiyi , Li Jun , Li Shixing , Zhang Huayuan , Zheng Jiahao , Miao Jianglin , Hao Siyuan , Wu Shasha , Liu Zhongjian , Zhai Junwen
Published: March 2024

Human activity often has profound effects on plant growth and evolution. Orchids are the most diverse group of flowering plants and are threatened by habitat fragmentation, over-harvesting, and urbanization. A population of Phaius flavus from Beikengding Mount (BM) in Fujian Province was divided into two patches by road construction, and its genetic characteristics were evaluated using restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) data. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of road construction on the evolution of different patches within a population. Analysis revealed that the genetic diversity of patch B was slightly higher than that of patch A in the BM population of P. flavus. Principal component and phylogenetic analyses, genetic structure, genetic differentiation, and bottleneck detection indicated phase-independent genetic differentiation between the two patches. Thus, the construction of the Y013 village road may have influenced different patches of this population on a genetic level. This study provides a rational basis for research on the impact of human activities on biodiversity conservation.
Predictive value of coagulation profiles for Kawasaki Disease Shock Syndrome: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Bowen , Liu Xiaoliang , Shao Shuran , Wu Ping , Wu Mei , Liu Lei , Hua Yimin , Duan Hongyu , Zhou Kaiyu , Wang Chuan
Published: March 2024

Background
Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute febrile inflammatory disorder that can progress to a more severe condition known as Kawasaki disease shock syndrome (KDSS). The aim of this study is to comprehend the clinical characteristics of KDSS and investigate the predictive value of the coagulation profiles in the occurrence of KDSS.
Method
Patients with KD were prospectively enrolled and divided into the KDSS group (n = 29) and non-KDSS group (n = 494). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to ascertain the relationship between coagulation profiles and KDSS. Furthermore, ROC curve analysis was conducted to assess the predictive value of the coagulation profile in the occurrence of KDSS.
Result
Among the KDSS patients, the median age was higher and the proportion of cervical lymph node involvement was greater compared to the non-KDSS group. Adverse events including pericardial effusion, valve regurgitation, cardiac enlargement, coronary artery lesions (CALs), and Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance were also significantly higher in the KDSS group than in non-KDSS group. Notably, Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), D-dimer, and fibrin degradation products (FDP) were significantly elevated in the KDSS group compared to the non-KDSS group. Conversely, total thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen, and antithrombin III (ATIII) activity were significantly reduced. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that PT, APTT, D-dimer, and ATIII were independent risk factors for predicting KDSS occurrence. ROC curve analysis established critical values for PT, D-dimer, FDP, and ATIII as 13.45 s, 2.03 mg/L, 7.45 µg/mL, and 77.5%, respectively. Sensitivity for predicting KDSS occurrence was 76%, 79%, 83%, and 76%, while specificity was 51%, 72%, 63%, and 80%, respectively.
Conclusion
Characteristic features of KDSS include older age, a greater likelihood of experiencing pericardial effusion, valve regurgitation, cardiac enlargement, CALs, and IVIG resistance. KD patients with a hypercoagulable state during the acute phase are at a higher risk of developing KDSS.
Green polyurethane foams: Replacing petrochemical polyol with castor oil through factorial design
Authors: Alves Lucas Repecka , Carriello Giovanni M. , Pegoraro Guilherme M. , Moraes Carlos E. , Rezende Maira de L. , de Menezes Aparecido J.
Published: March 2024

Polyurethanes are renowned for their incredible versatility. They are available in various forms, such as foams, thermoplastics, elastomers, and paints. These polymers are synthesized from two chemical substances: isocyanates and polyols. The increasing interest in the utilization of materials from renewable sources has spurred significant research in search of replacements for these two substances. For instance, castor oil can be used as a substitute for polyol, in addition to being an abundant renewable source. In this context, the objective of this study is to investigate how the variables temperature (2°C, 24°C, and 70°C) and mass ratio (2:1, 1:1, and 1:2) influence the final properties of polyurethane foams. The foams were prepared using the one-shot method under controlled agitation. The results indicated that replacing polyol with vegetable oil was successful, as evidenced by the appearance of reference bands in the FTIR spectra. XRD and DSC analyses confirmed the amorphous nature of the polyurethanes, and TG tests demonstrated that a temperature of 70°C significantly reduced the thermal stability of the foams, especially those based on vegetable sources. However, synthesis temperatures of 2°C and 24°C did not show considerable alteration in thermal stability.
A resilient Digital Watermarking Approach for Digital Images using Probabilistic Neural System
Authors: Battarusetty Lakshmana Rao , B Showri Rayalu , V Chiranjeevi S
Published: March 2024

The Digital data and information can be distributed more easily due to the rapid expansion in the use of individual computers, the internet, and digital multimedia technologies. The accessibility of a widespread assortment of image processing tools, however, makes it easier for such data to be used improperly. Digital data can be easily copied, deleted, or modified by unauthorized users or attackers. The prevalence of unauthorized alteration and replication of digital data prompts the development of new methods for safeguarding the IPR of digital information. Watermarking has emerged as a key technique for achieving authentication and copyright protection. All the spatial and frequency domains of host data may incorporate a digital watermark. The present article presents a hybridized technique that syndicates discrete wavelet transformation and singular value decomposition.
Comparative transcriptome profile of embryos at different developmental stages derived from somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and In-vitro fertilization (IVF) in riverine buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Tiwari Manish , Goel Pallavi , Singh Manoj Kumar , Selokar Naresh Lala , Palta Prabhat
Published: March 2024

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is a very important reproductive technology with many diverse applications, such as fast multiplication of elite animals, the production of transgenic animals and embryonic stem (ES) cells. However, low cloning efficiency, a low live birth rate and the abnormally high incidence of abnormalities in the offspring born are attributed to incomplete or aberrant nuclear reprogramming. In SCNT embryos, the aberrant expression pattern of the genes throughout embryonic development is responsible for the incomplete nuclear reprogramming. The present study was carried out to identify the differential gene expression (DEGs) profile of the SCNT and IVF embryos at different developmental stages (2 cells, 4 cells and blastocyst stages). In the present study, 1164 (2 cells), 1004 (8 cells) and 530 (blastocyst stage) DEGs were identified in the SCNT embryos as compared to IVF embryos. In addition, several genes such as ZEB1, GDF1, HSF5, PDE3B, VIM, TNNC, HSD3B1, TAGLN, ITGA4 and AGMAT were affecting the development of SCNT embryos as compared to IVF embryos. Different molecular functions, biological process, cellular component and molecular pathway affected the development of embryos throughout the different developmental stages in SCNT. Apart from this, q-PCR analysis of the GDF1, TMEM114, and IGSF22 genes were utilized to validate the RNA-seq data. These data sets offer the vital information regarding embryo development in SCNT embryos as compared to IVF embryos.
Clinical significance of postoperative cardiothoracic ratio for postoperative pleural effusion following hepatectomy
Authors: Sakamoto Akimasa , Sakamoto Katsunori , Hikida Takahiro , Ito Chihiro , Iwata Miku , Shine Mikiya , Uraoka Mio , Nagaoka Tomoyuki , Honjo Masahiko , Tamura Kei , Funamizu Naotake , Ogawa Kohei , Takada Yasutsugu
Published: March 2024

Background: Although several preoperative risk factors for postoperative pleural effusion (POPE) after hepatectomy have been reported, few postoperative predictors have been investigated. We aimed to examine risk factors for clinically relevant POPE (CR-POPE) and whether cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) could be a predictive factor.
Methods: Participants in this retrospective investigation comprised 382 patients who underwent hepatectomy between January 2012 and December 2021. Perioperative characteristics that were considered potential risk factors for CR-POPE were evaluated. CR-POPE was defined as having undergone thoracentesis or thoracic drain placement.
Results: Patients were divided into a CR-POPE group (n = 38; 10.0%) and a non-CR-POPE group (n = 344; 90.0%). The CR-POPE group showed significantly higher intraoperative infusion volume (P < 0.001) and lower intraoperative urine volume (P = 0.015). In multivariate analysis, abdominal incision with a reversed L-shape or inverted T-shape (odds ratio [OR] = 3.07, P = 0.023], estimated blood loss >772 g (OR = 2.71, P = 0.049), diaphragm incision (OR = 8.31, P = 0.008), major postoperative complications excluding CR-POPE (OR = 7.99, P < 0.001), intraoperative infusion volume per body weight > 80 mL/kg (OR = 4.80, P = 0.007) and CTR on postoperative day (POD)1 >59.0% (OR = 4.34, P = 0.001) were all independently associated with occurrence of POPE.
Conclusion: We clarified risk factors for CR-POPE following hepatectomy. The occurrence of CR-POPE might be predictable from the CTR on POD1.
Breastfeeding and family history of atopy as predictors of clinical course for acute uncomplicated bronchiolitis in infants: a prospective, longitudinal, cohort study.
Authors: Sánchez Pablo Francisco Oliva - , Álvarez Alejandro Villagomez - , Levin Samuel Grobeisen - , Trejo Diego Arturo Velázquez - , Cueto Eduardo Bustillo - Del , Prado Rodrigo Vázquez - , Ortega Felipe Vadillo -
Published: March 2024

Background: Acute bronchiolitis (AB) is the most common lower airway disease in infants. The high incidence of this pathology and the risk of severe complications make it necessary to identify prognostic factors. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association between a family history of atopy and breastfeeding for more than six months and clinical outcomes in patients with AB.
Methods: This was a prospective, longitudinal cohort study. Patients who visited the emergency department of the General Hospital of Cuautitlán from October 1, 2020, to January 31, 2021 were included. Data collection was performed by means of a questionnaire with open-ended questions. Oxygen saturation data were collected at admission at 6, 12, 24, 24, 48, 72 and 120 hours.
Results: A sample of 108 participants was analyzed. We found a decrease of -3.69% (p=0.005, 95% CI: -6.24, -1.14) in oxygen saturation at admission in participants with a history of paternal atopy and an increased risk for hospitalization. Breastfeeding increased SaO2 by 2.41% (p=0.001, 95% CI: 1.02, 3.81) but was also a protective factor against hospitalization (OR=0.13, p=0.001 95% CI: 0.041 - 0.44).
Conclusions: A history of paternal atopy is a poor prognostic factor for the clinical course of AB. Breastfeeding proved to be a protective factor.
Prediction-based multi-objective optimisation method for 3D Printing Resource Consumption
Authors: Yang Jimeng , Wang Feibo , Dun Yiheng , Huang Zhipeng , Zhang Andi , Liu Ying
Published: March 2024

A prediction-based multi-objective optimisation (PBMO) method is proposed for 3D printing (3DP) technology to predict and reduce resource requirements on-demand, including time, energy and material. In the authors’ previous research work, a hybrid code-based and data-driven modelling (HCDM) scheme has been proposed to forecast 3DP resource consumption. The predictive models are customised based on process parameters, material deposition paths and machine behaviours. Aiming at the appropriate process parameters that consume the least resources, this study further utilises the models as three objectives to be minimised. Meta-heuristic algorithm is adopted to construct the optimisation framework, in which the HCDM process is embedded in the fitness evaluation step. To validate the proposed method, the corresponding computing program is compiled using Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) and demonstrated on two material extrusion (MEX) machines. Hypervolume is used as the Lebesgue measure to evaluate the superiorities of near-optimal solutions on the non-dominated Pareto front. In three-dimensional objective space, the solution set that occupies the maximum hypervolume will be recommended as the optimal-found solutions for 3DP. In addition to 3DP, the proposed optimisation method is applicable to mainstream computer numerical control (CNC) manufacturing technologies, and will guide process design to promote resource conservation for cleaner production.
Neoadjuvant Combination Immunotherapy for Colorectal Cancer: Clinical and Molecular Predictors of Pathological Complete Response and Safety Assessment
Authors: Li Yuegang , Zhuang Meng , Mei Shiwen , Hu Gang , Zhao Wei , Qiu Wenlong , Wang Xishan , Tang Jianqiang
Published: March 2024

Purpose
To identify the clinical and molecular factors that effectively predict pathological complete response (pCR) and assess the safety of patients receiving neoadjuvant combination immunotherapy.
Materials and Methods
This retrospective study evaluated 81 patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) at a Chinese tertiary center between 2015 and 2023. The cohort included 24 patients with deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) tumors and 57 patients with proficient mismatch repair (pMMR) tumors. Patients were treated with a neoadjuvant combination of immunotherapy and surgery.
Results
We enrolled 81 patients who were divided into pCR (39.3%) and non-pCR (79.7%) groups. The factors significantly associated with a higher pCR rate after neoadjuvant combination immunotherapy were younger age, low carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level, high tumor mutational burden (TMB) level before treatment, clinical stage III, absence of lymph node metastasis before treatment, MSI-H level, dMMR, and pole status mutation. Preoperative combined chemotherapy and targeted therapy also influenced the pCR rate. Neoadjuvant combination immunotherapy showed an overall adverse event (AE) rate of 29.6%, with none of grades 3–4. Surgery-related adverse reactions (srAEs) were also absent for grades 3–4, and 14 of the 81 patients experienced grade 1–2 AEs.
Conclusion
Neoadjuvant combination immunotherapy resulted in a favorable pCR rate in patients with CRC. Young age, pretreatment CEA level, TMB level, clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, MSI, MMR, and pole status can be used as indicators of the efficacy of neoadjuvant combination immunotherapy. The incidence of AEs from neoadjuvant combination immunotherapy and surgery was low, indicating that this regimen is safe and feasible.
Spin current control of magnetism
Authors: Chen Lin , Sun Yuhan , Mankovsky Sergiy , Meier Thomas , Kronseder Matthias , Ebert Hubert , Weiss Dieter , Back Christian
Published: March 2024

Exploring novel strategies to manipulate the order parameter of magnetic materials by electrical means is of great importance, not only for advancing our understanding of fundamental magnetism, but also for unlocking potential practical applications. A well-established concept to date uses gate voltages to control magnetic properties, such as saturation magnetization, magnetic anisotropies, coercive field, Curie temperature and Gilbert damping, by modulating the charge carrier population within a capacitor structure1-5. Note that the induced carriers are non-spin-polarized, so the control via the electricfield is independent of the direction of the magnetization. Here, we show that the magnetocrystalline anisotropy (MCA) of ultrathin Fe films can be reversibly modified by a spin current generated in Pt by the spin Hall effect. The effect decreases with increasing Fe thickness, indicating that the origin of the modification can be traced back to the interface. Uniquely, the change in MCA due to the spin current depends not only on the polarity of the charge current but also on the direction of magnetization, i.e. the change in MCA has opposite sign when the direction of magnetization is reversed. The control of magnetism by the spin current results from the modified exchange splitting of majority- and minority-spin bands, and differs significantly from the manipulation by gate voltages via a capacitor structure, providing a functionality that was previously unavailable and could be useful in advanced spintronic devices.
Cardiovascular autonomic failure in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis and TTR carriers is an early and progressive disease marker
Authors: Chiaro Giacomo , Stancanelli Claudia , Koay Shiwen , Vichayanrat Ekawat , Ingle Gordon T , McNamara Patricia , Carr Aisling , Wechalekar Ashutosh D , Whelan Carol J , Gillmore Julian , Hawkins Philip , Reilly Mary M , Mathias Christopher J , Iodice Valeria
Published: March 2024

Background. The cardiomyopathic and neuropathic phenotype of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis are well recognized. Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction is less systematically and objectively assessed.
Methods. Autonomic and clinical features, quantitative cardiovascular autonomic function, and potential autonomic prognostic markers of disease progression were recorded in a cohort of individuals with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis and in asymptomatic carriers of TTR variants at disease onset (T0) and at the time of the first quantitative autonomic assessment (T1). The severity of peripheral neuropathy and its progression was stratified with the polyneuropathy disability score.
Results. A total of 124 individuals were included (111 with a confirmed diagnosis of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis, and 13 asymptomatic carriers of TTR variants). Symptoms of autonomic dysfunction were reported by 27% individuals at T0. Disease duration was 4.5 ± 4.0 years (mean ± SD) at autonomic testing (T1). Symptoms of autonomic dysfunction were reported by 78% individuals at T1. Cardiovascular autonomic failure was detected by functional testing in 75% individuals and in 64% of TTRcarriers. Progression rate from polyneuropathy disability stages I/II to III/IV seemed to be shorter for individuals with autonomic symptoms at onset (2.33 ± 0.56 versus 4.00 ± 0.69 years [mean ± SD]).
Conclusions. Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction occurs early and frequently in individuals with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis within 4.5 years from disease onset. Cardiovascular autonomic failure can be subclinical in individuals and asymptomatic carriers, and only detected with autonomic function testing, which should be considered a potential biomarker for early diagnosis and disease progression.
Assessment of Color Effect in Cadmium and Lead Content in the Most Popular Cosmetics Sold in Saudi Market
Authors: Albugami Mashael M. , Buzaid Alyah , Shah Faheem , Ahmed Amel Y.
Published: March 2024

This study focuses to decide the concentration of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in some colored cosmetic products of four types (lipstick, blusher, eyeshadow, and hair dye) available at local markets in Saudi Arabia.48 cosmetic samples were analysed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) to measure the content of Pb and Cd.Quality control of the data was achieved by the analysis of Hay Powder, IAEA-V-10 standard reference material from IAEA. The results show that the concentration of Pb in the lipstick, blusher, eyeshadow, and hair dye was within the range of 0.052–2.823, 0.204–1.097, 1.100-2.519 and 0.142–0.187 ppm, respectively, while the concentration of Cd was within the range of 0.001–0.071, 0.003–0.019, 0.022 − 0.0061 and 0.000-0.001 ppm, respectively. The effect of color on concentration was also investigated. The results of this study were compared with those of the previous studies. According to Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA), the concentration of Pb and Cd in all samples that were examined were within the permissible levels. Results derived from the utilization of Hazard Quotient (HQ) indices show that Pb had the highest HQ values while Cd had the lowest values in all cosmetics under study. In addition, the hazard index (HI) for lipstick, blusher, eyeshadow, and hair day ranged from 0.02 t- 1.179, 0.08–0.457, 0.459–1.375, and 0.059–0.077, respectively.
A graph theory approach to heuristic generation of cyclic permutations
Authors: Freyre-Echevarría Alejandro , Rodríguez-Aulet Ramses , Alfonso-Peñate Adrián
Published: March 2024

The design of substitution boxes (S-boxes) used in block ciphers to resist linear, differential and algebraic cryptanalysis is a wide studied field in cryptography today. In this paper, we present a graph representation of S-boxes combined with optimization algorithms to produce cryptographically strong full cycle permutations. Furthermore, some results related to these permutations are analyzed from their graph representation.
A novel variant in the GNE gene in a Malian patient presenting with distal myopathy
Authors: KOTIOUMBE Mahamadou , Maiga Alassane B. , Bamba Salia , Cissé Lassana , Diarra Salimata , Diallo Salimata , Yalcouyé Abdoulaye , Kané Fousseyni , Diallo Seybou H. , Coulibaly Dramane , Coulibaly Thomas , Dembélé Kékouta , Maiga Boubacar , Guinto Cheick O. , Landouré Guida
Published: March 2024

Background: GNE myopathy (GM) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by variants in the GNE gene and characterized by progressive distal muscle weakness and atrophy. We report a novel variant in theGNE gene causing GM in a consanguineous Malian family.
Case presentation: A 19-year-old male patient from a consanguineous family of Bambara ethnicity was seen for progressive walking difficulty and frequent falls. Neurological examination found distalmuscle weakness and atrophy and reduced tendon reflexes in four limbs. Electroneuromyography (ENMG) showed an axonal neuropathy pattern with reduced distal motor amplitudes. Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) gene panel testing (Medical Neurogenetics LLC, Atlanta, GA) was negative. However, whole exome sequencing (WES) revealed a novel biallelic variant in GNE (c.1838G>A:p.Gly613Glu), segregating with the phenotype in the family. This variant is predicted to be pathogenic by several in silicoprediction tools including CADD= 29. Moreover, protein folding model showed major structural disruptions in the mutant protein.
Conclusion: This study reports a novel variant in the GNE gene causing GM, the first molecularly diagnosed in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It highlights the diagnosis challenges in this region and broadens the genetic spectrum of this rare disease.
Angiopoietin-Like Protein 2 Inhibits Thrombus Formation
Authors: Zhang Tiantian , Zhang Mingliang , Guo Lingyu , Liu Dongsheng , Zhang Kandi , Bi Changlong , Zhang Peng , Wang Jin , Fan Yuqi , He Qing , Chang Alex C. Y. , Zhang Junfeng
Published: March 2024

Backgroud: Acute myocardial infarction is mainly caused by a lack of blood flood in the coronary artery. Angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) induces platelet activation and thrombus formation in vitro through binding with immunoglobulin-like receptor B, an immunoglobulin superfamily receptor. However, the mechanism by which it regulates platelet function in vivo remains unclear. Methods: In this study, we investigated the role of ANGPTL2 during thrombosis in relationship with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with spontaneous recanalization (SR). In a cohort of 276 male and female patients, we measured plasma ANGPTL2 protein levels. Using male Angptl2-knockout and wild-type mice, we examined the inhibitory effect of Angptl2 on thrombosis and platelet activation both in vivo and ex vivo. Results: We found that plasma and platelet ANGPTL2 levels were elevated in patients with STEMI with SR compared to those in non-SR (NSR) patients, and was an independent predictor of SR. Angptl2 deficiency accelerated mesenteric artery thrombosis induced by FeCL3 in Angptl2–/– compared to WT animals, promoted platelet granule secretion and aggregation induced by thrombin and collogen while purified ANGPTL2 protein supplementation reversed collagen-induced platelet aggregation. Angptl2 deficiency also increased platelet spreading on immobilized fibrinogen and clot contraction. In collagen-stimulated Angptl2–/– platelets, Src homology region 2 domain–containing phosphatase (Shp)1-Y564 and Shp2-Y580 phosphorylation were attenuated while Src, Syk, and Phospholipase Cγ2 (PLCγ2) phosphorylation increased. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that ANGPTL2 negatively regulated thrombus formation by activating ITIM which can suppress ITAM signaling pathway. This new knowledge provides a new perspective for designing future antiplatelet aggregation therapies.
Pedestrian Gap Acceptance Behavior at Un-Signalized Intersections under Mixed Traffic Conditions- A Case Study at Dukem City, Ethiopia
Authors: Shanko Samuel Sileshi , Reddy Raju Ramesh , Torban Jiregna Chalchisa
Published: March 2024

Transportation System is the most convenient type of making several arrangements for both vehicles and pedestrians to achieve a smooth flow of traffic on the road. The provision of appropriate pedestrian facilities at the desired location as well as increased pedestrian safety while crossing the road are the main goals of the analysis of pedestrians at Un-Signalized crossroads. In Dukem City, one pedestrian follows the other pedestrians at Un-Signalized intersections when crossing the road. The present study is aimed to model and analysis the gap acceptance behavior of pedestrians at Un-Signalized intersections under mixed traffic conditions in Dukem City. Three Un-signalized Intersections namely ‘Qera’, ‘Qayamba’, ‘Misraq ber’ in Dukem city has been selected on the bases of pilot study and pedestrian- traffic data at the study area. Pedestrian Gap acceptance studies are conducted at the selected study locations and the related data such as pedestrian volume, gaps accepted, rejected, their waiting time, age, gender, headway, traffic volume, speed and road geometry at the respective study locations are collected by video graphic method. A total number of 7200 pedestrian gaps are observed cumulatively in all the study locations, for the purpose of analysis and modeling. Multiple Regression Model is developed from the collected data to analyze the gap acceptance behavior of the pedestrians at un-signalized Intersections at the selected study locations in Dukem City. The developed model is validated and found good fitness with R2 value more than 0.9. The results obtained from the model may be useful for predicting the pedestrian behavior that will be useful to implement pedestrian safety measures at the selected locations. The maximum and minimum pedestrian waiting times recorded at the study locations are found to be varied between 59.9 sec to 16.8 sec respectively.
Evaluation of biomass and vegetative characteristics of mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) afforestation in arid area of Iran
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Jaafar , Heydari Mehdi , Ehsani Ahmad , Bazgir Masoud , Dey Daniel C.
Published: March 2024

Evaluating the degree of success in the growth, effectiveness and durability or replacement of pioneer afforestation in dry areas of the world is one of the important issues of managing these forests. We evaluated the suitability of mesquite for afforesting degraded lands in the dry climate region of Einkhosh, Ilam province, Iran by studying the influence of stand density (180 and 250 trees per ha) and age (15, 27 and 34 years) on tree development, growth and biomass, and soil quality in. We measured tree characteristics (height, crown height, collar diameter and crown area) and calculated above-ground biomass. Soil quality index was determined at two depths (0–15 and 15–30 cm) based on the measured physical, chemical and biological soil properties. The results showed that stand age and density and their interaction significantly affected stem number, crown height growth and soil quality index. The average number of stems was the highest (7.8 per hectare) in the 15-year-old stand and the lowest (1.5 per hectare) in the 34-year-old stand. Height, collar diameter, basal area growth, biomass, and competition between trees were significantly affected by stand age and its interaction with stand density (p < 0.01). The average annual growth of tree collar diameter and height with age was lowest (4.1 mm per year and 17.7 cm per year, respectively) in the 34-year-old stand. In contrast, average annual growth rates of 7.2 mm and 31 cm for collar diameter and height, respectively, in the 15-year-old stand. The surface soil quality index increased with the stand age and density, and it was highest (averaging 0.714) in the dense areas of the 34-year-old stand. In contrast, soil quality index at lower soil depths, decreased with increasing stand age, but it was still highest in the dense areas of the 34-year-old stand. The basal area at the stem collar showed a positive and strong correlation with total height, crown height, degree of competition and crown area. In general, high density mesquite afforestation plantings (250 trees per hectare) in this dry and desert area improved soil quality and increased vegetative and productivity characteristics of mesquite, especially as stands aged. Therefore, mesquite can be a suitable option for revitalization of sites in dry and sparsely vegetated areas.
ASTKD-PCB-LDD:A Lightweight High Performance PCB Defect Detection Algorithm
Authors: Hu Zhelun , Tang Lijun , Zhang Zhao , Liu Shenbo , Zhao Dongxue , Zheng Longhao
Published: March 2024

The YOLOv5 algorithm, widely utilized in printed circuit board (PCB) defect detection, undergoes a reduction in speed when deployed on compact industrial computing platforms due to its substantial parameter count. Consequently, this study proposes a lightweight and high-performance PCB defect detection model based on YOLOv5, named ASTKD-PCB-LDD.Employing the k-means++ algorithm for optimal anchor boxes and the SCYLLA-IoU(SIoU) loss function over the Complete IoU(CIoU) loss function, the model enhances accuracy in locating and detecting small-target defects.It designs the Faster-Ghost lightweight backbone network to replace the YOLOv5 backbone network, and employs a slim-neck neck architecture to supersede the YOLOv5 neck network, which significantly reduces computational requirements and enhances inference speed, yielding a more efficient PCB-LDD network. The align soft-target knowledge distillation(ASTKD) approach is crafted to employ the PCB-LDD model as the teacher and the pruned model (via the Layer-Adaptive Magnitude-based Pruning(LAMP)) as the student, aiming to preserve detection accuracy while reducing parameters. Experimental results demonstrate that the model size has been reduced from 14.5MB to 4MB, achieving a compression rate of 27.6%; the mean average precision (mAP) achieves 98%, and the detection speed is enhanced from 73.2 frames/s to 112.3 frames/s, resulting in a speedup of 153.4%. This approach successfully achieves the goal of combining high performance with lightweight design, significantly enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of PCB defect detection.
Fetal-maternal interactions with gluten immunogenic peptides during pregnancy: a new determinant on the coeliac exposome
Authors: Moreno María de Lourdes , González-Rovira María , Martínez-Pancorbo Cristina , Martín-Cameán María , Nájar-Moyano Ana María , Romero Mercedes , Hoz Esther , López-Beltrán Cristina , Mellado Encarnación , Bartha José Luis , Brodin Petter , Rodríguez-Herrera Alfonso , Sainz-Bueno José Luís , Sousa Carolina
Published: March 2024

Background
The increasing incidence of coeliac disease is leading to a growing interest in active search for associated factors, even the intrauterine and early life. The exposome approach to disease encompasses a life course perspective from conception onwards has recently been highlighted. Knowledge of early exposure to gluten immunogenic peptides (GIP) in utero could challenge the chronology of early prenatal tolerance or inflammation, rather than after the infant's solid diet after birth.
Methods
We developed an accurate and specific immunoassay to detect GIP in amniotic fluid (AF) and studied their accumulates, excretion dynamics and foetal exposure resulting from AF swallowing. 119 pregnant women with different gluten diets and gestational ages were recruited.
Results
GIP were detectable in AF from at least the 16th gestational week in gluten-consuming women. Although no significant differences in GIP levels were observed during gestation, amniotic GIP late pregnancy was not altered by maternal fasting, suggesting closed-loop entailing foetal swallowing of GIP-containing AF and subsequent excretion via the foetal kidneys.
Conclusions
The study shows evidence, for the first time, of the fetal exposure to gluten immunogenic peptides, and establish a positive correlation with maternal gluten intake. The results obtained point to a novel physiological concept as they describe a closed-loop circuit entailing fetal swallowing of GIP contained in AF, and its subsequent excretion through the fetal kidneys. The study adds important new information to understanding the coeliac exposome.
Direct counts underestimate mountain ungulate population size
Authors: Peña-Carmona Genís , Escobar-González María , Dobbins Michael Taylor , Conejero Carles , Valldeperes Marta , Lavín Santiago , Pérez Jesús M. , López-Olvera Jorge Ramón , López-Martín Josep M. , Serrano Emmanuel
Published: March 2024

The topography of mountain habitats limits the accuracy of methods to assess the population size of mountain ungulates. This fact hampers decision-making for monitoring and conservation purposes and thus any attempt to evaluate the precision in known-size populations is more than welcome. In this work, we tested the accuracy of direct counts and distance sampling to assess the size of an Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) flock of known size. We evaluated the influence of observer expertise (beginners and experts) on the detection error of female and male ibexes and whether the training of observers contributes to boosting the accuracy of density estimates. The ibex flock was comprised of 18 individuals (9 males, 8 females, and a male yearling) living in a 17 ha enclosure with natural Mediterranean vegetation in the National Game Reserve of Els Ports de Tortosa i Beseit, northeast Spain. After 27 surveys, experts detected 16% more ibexes than beginners. Male ibexes were ~ 13% easier to detect than females, and experts were more accurate than beginners in sexing. Additionally, the detection error in absolute counts was quite similar among beginners, but different among experts (> 10%). Despite the reduction in detection error over increasing effort scenarios, under-detection was greater than 50% in all events (> 85% for beginners and > 67% for experts). This study suggests the systematic underestimation of direct counts and density estimates of mountain ungulate populations in Mediterranean landscapes and the contribution of expertise to the improvement of the direct observation method. Our results show that wildlife managers assessing mountain ungulate populations for managing purposes should consider completing direct counts with alternative methods to minimize this systematic underestimation. Furthermore, surveys of the impact of infectious diseases on ungulate populations by direct observations may also result in the underestimation of the disease's impact on the host population.
Efficient designs of QCA Full-adder and 4-bit QCA RCA Circuits
Authors: Lee Sang-Woong , Rahmani Amir Masoud , Azimi Nemat , Safaiezadeh Behrouz , Hosseinzadeh Mehdi
Published: March 2024

Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) technology offers several advantages over traditional CMOS technology, including reduced power consumption, higher clock speeds, and increased density. QCA has the potential to overcome the physical limitations of CMOS, making it an attractive choice for the future of VLSI circuits. It uses quantum dots to represent binary information. Digital arithmetic operations are performed by adder circuits. A Ripple Carry Adder (RCA) is a digital circuit used in digital electronics to add multiple binary numbers together. In QCA technology, the implementation of such adders is notably different from traditional CMOS-based implementations due to the unique properties and principles of QCA. It is constructed by interconnecting a series of Full-adders. In this study, we introduce a high-performance single-bit Full-adder as well as 4-bit RCA circuit developed using QCA technology. Our proposed designs are simulated using QCADesigner 2.0.3 in a coplanar crossover way. Our 4-bit RCA design outperforms existing designs by achieving a remarkable 23% reduction in cell counts, 66% and 90% decrease in latency and circuit costs. Furthermore, power dissipation metrics for our single-bit Full-adder were ascertained using the QCAPro tool, with findings showing over 40% energy savings relative to the best current designs.
A Floating Capillary Based Open Microfluidic Device for Stable and On- Demand Generation of Monodispersed Emulsion Droplets
Authors: Deng Yueming , Xie Shuting , Yang Ruizhi , Liu Zhenping , Yao Jiyuan , Wang Haoyu , Li Zhengguang , Wang Jing , Jin Mingliang , Shui Lingling
Published: March 2024

Simple and stable generation of monodispersed droplets with volume from picolitre to nanoliter is one of the key factors in high-throughput quantitative microreactors for chemical and biomedical applications. In this work, a floating capillary based open microfluidic device (FCOMD) is constructed by inserting a capillary with an oblique angle (α) into the continuous phase (CP) to develop a simple method for preparation of monodispersed droplet. The geometrical parameters, including inner diameter and α, present a strong correlation for the controllability of droplet breakage and thus its volume. According to the microfluidic experiments, the mechanism of breakup of dispersed phase (DP) into droplets in the FCOMD was proposed from the aspect of energy. The transition of droplet generating mode between dripping and jetting can be achieved by changing the DP capillary number and α. Water in oil (W/O), oil in water (O/W), double-emulsion, colloidal dispersed droplets and liquid crystal droplets with diameter ranges from 25–800 µm (CVs under 2%) are prepared on-demand by the FCOMD. To improve the generating throughput, different numbers of capillaries are integrated for an integrated FCOMD. This FCOMD shows the features of simple, stable, practicable, and flexible, showing a great potential application in material science, foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
In vitro matured oocytes have a higher developmental potential than in vivo matured oocytes after hormonal ovarian stimulation in Callithrix jacchus
Authors: Tkachenko Olena Y. , Kahland Tobias , Lindenwald Dimitri , Heistermann Michael , Drummer Charis , Daskalaki Maria , Rüger Nancy , Behr Rüdiger
Published: March 2024

Background.
The common marmoset, Callithrix jacchus, is an invaluable model in biomedical research. Its use includes genetic engineering applications, which require manipulations of oocytes and production of embryos in vitro. To maximize the recovery of oocytes suitable for embryo production and to fulfil the requirements of the 3R principles to the highest degree possible, optimization of ovarian stimulation protocols is crucial. Here, we compared the efficacy of two hormonal ovarian stimulation approaches: 1) stimulation of follicular growth with hFSH followed by triggering of oocyte maturation with hCG (FSH + hCG) and 2) stimulation with hFSH only (FSH-priming).
Methods.
In total, 14 female marmosets were used as oocyte donors in this study. Each animal underwent up to four surgical interventions, with the first three performed as ovum pick-up (OPU) procedures and the last one being an ovariohysterectomy (OvH). In total, 20 experiments were carried out with FSH + hCG stimulation and 18 with FSH-priming. Efficacy of each stimulation protocol was assessed through in vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo production rates.
Results.
Each study group consisted of two subgroups: the in vivo matured oocytes and the oocytes that underwent IVM. Surprisingly, in the absence of hCG triggering some of the oocytes recovered were at the MII stage, moreover, their number was not significantly lower compared to FSH + hCG stimulation (2.8 vs. 3.9, respectively (ns)). While the IVM and IVF rates did not differ between the two stimulation groups, the IVF rates of in vivo matured oocytes were significantly lower compared to in vitro matured ones in both FSH-priming and FSH + hCG groups. In total, 1.7 eight-cell embryos/experiment (OPU) and 2.1 eight-cell embryos/experiment (OvH) were obtained after FSH + hCG stimulation vs. 1.8 eight-cell embryos/experiment (OPU) and 5.0 eight-cell embryos/experiment (OvH) following FSH-priming. These numbers include embryos obtained from both in vivo and in vitro matured oocytes.
Conclusion.
A significantly lower developmental competence of the in vivo matured oocytes renders triggering of the in vivo maturation with hCG as a part of the currently used FSH-stimulation protocol unnecessary. In actual numbers, between 1 and 7 blastocysts were obtained following each FSH-priming. In the absence of further studies, FSH-priming appears superior to FSH + hCG stimulation in the common marmoset under current experimental settings.
Benchmarking machine learning methods for the identification of mislabeled data
Authors: Nazaretyan Lusiné , Kircher Martin , Leser Ulf
Published: March 2024

Supervised machine learning recently gained growing importance in various fields of research. To train reliable models, data scientists need credible data, which is not always available. A particularly hard and widespread problem deteriorating the performance of methods are mislabeled samples (Northcutt et al, 2021). Common sources of mislabeling are weakly defined classes, labels that change their meaning, unsuitable annotators, or ambiguous guidelines for labeling. Because mislabeling lowers prediction quality, it is essential for scientists to be able to identify wrong labels before actually starting the learning process. For that, numerous algorithms for the identification of noisy instances have been developed. However, so far, a comprehensive empirical comparison of available methods has been missing.
In this paper, we survey and benchmark methods for the identification of mislabled samples in tabular data. We discuss the theoretical background of label noise and how it can lead to mislabeling, review categorizations of identification methods, and briefly introduce 34 specific approaches together with popular data sets. Finally, 20 selected methods are benchmarked using artificially blurred data with controllable mislabling and a new real-life genomic dataset with known errors. We compare methods varying the amount and the type of noise, as well as the sample size and domain of data. We find that most of the methods have the best performance on datasets with a noise level of around 20-30%, whereas the identification of noisy instances in low and high ranges of noise prevalence is more challenging. Furthermore, none of the methods excels over all others in isolation, while ensemble-based methods often outperform individual models. We provide all data sets and analysis code to enable a better handling of mislabeled data and give recommendations on usage of noise filters depending on various dataset parameters.
RISAT-1A (EOS-4) Medium and Fine resolution data utilization for field crop and plantation monitoring
Authors: Haldar Dipanwita , Thulariraman Dharanya , Mitra Mekhala , Singh Raghavendra Pratap
Published: March 2024

The utility of the multidimension-multiparametric Radar data has been demonstrated in the past in a big way for Agricultural applications and more so with the Radar Imaging SATellite (RISAT)-1 data during the last decade. The advancement of the technology in Radar in the recent times was witnessed by the Indian SAR research community in achieving the hybrid/compact and full-polarimetric mode capability in both high resolution FRS (Fine Resolution Stripmap) mode as well as larger swath MRS (Medium Resolution ScanSAR) data. The later is catering to the multifaceted applications from oceanography to glaciers and particularly for the Agriculture and field crops. The latter applications was limited in the earlier satellite of RISAT-1 but immense potential is demonstrated in this study not only for the crop discrimination and mapping but more so utilizing the value added products for crop growth progress and mapping as well as biophysical parameter retrieval. The various stages of the crop both standing and harvested as well as biophysical parameters was found to have strong sensitivity to this data. Apart from field crops, plantation crops which did not receive much attention in the past, is investigated here.
The Retinex Enhancement Algorithm for Low-light Intensity Image Based on Improved Illumination Map
Authors: Weng Ruidi , Zhang Ya , Wu Hanyang , Wang Weiyong , Wang Dongyun
Published: March 2024

Due to the low brightness of the images taken in low-light intensity conditions, the image processing precision will be affected. In this paper, the Gamma Function based on the brightness average and the weighted fusion method according to gray entropy are proposed. They are combined with the improved Retinex algorithm. Firstly, the maximum values of R, G, and B channels in the original image are extracted to form the primary illumination map. Secondly, the illumination map is optimized by the optimization problems and adjusted by using the Gamma correction function based on the average brightness value. Finally, the illumination map and detail layer are fused by a weighted fusion algorithm of gray entropy to obtain the reflection map. Reflection maps are used as enhancement results. The algorithm proposed in this paper can improve the brightness and can maintain light distribution in the original image and has less color distortion.