bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of climate change adaptation and mitigation implementation in Canada's forest ecosystems part I: Reporting, science, and institutional/governance supporting practices in Canada
Authors: Antwi Effah Kwabena , Burkhardt Henrike , Boakye-Danquah John , Doucet Tyler , Abolina Evisa
Published: November 2023

Canada is recognized as a global leader in sustainable forest management. Canadian forests and the forest sector remain vital pillars of the Canadian economy and home to many rural and remote communities. However, climate change is an existential threat to the sustainability of forests and forest-dependent communities. While both direct and indirect threats posed by climate change to Canada's forest sector are now well understood, our understanding of specific forest practices that have emerged from the body of science to mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts is not well documented. Through a review of the scientific and grey literature, this study expands our knowledge and operational gaps associated with implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation practices in Canadian forests. The study found a dearth of literature specifically dedicated to reporting on the type of forest practices currently in use across Canada to address mitigation and adaptation. Most reports or studies were published in 2019 or later, with federal and provincial governments being the dominant actors in reporting and monitoring, research, and funding. Across the 15 terrestrial ecozones in Canada, forest practices linked to climate change were reported in 12 ecozones, with most practices reported in the Montane Cordillera located in western Canada. Common forest practices reported include fuel management, assisted migration, enhanced silvicultural activities, and carbon offset projects. We conclude that climate change adaptation/mitigation practices in Canada are in their early stages of implementation. Many practices remain in experimental stages (e.g., genetic trials) or are implemented at a relatively small scale in Canada (e.g., climate-based seed transfer and carbon reserves). The literature suggests that the most mainstream practices associated with climate change mitigation in Canada include tree planting for carbon sequestration and the designation of protected areas to enhance ecosystem resilience. We conclude that despite increasing reports linking climate change benefits with reported forest practices, the reporting in the scientific literature is scarce, poorly reported, and often not grounded in credible evidence.
A solvable walking model for a two-legged robot
Authors: Dilão Rui , Teixeira Nuno
Published: November 2023

We present a solvable biped walking model based on an inverted pendulum with two massless articulated legs capable of walking on uneven floors and inclined planes. The stride of the two-legged robot results from the pendular motion of a standing leg and the articulated motion of a trailing leg. Gaiting is possible due to the pendular motion conservation of energy and the alternating role of the legs, the standing and the trailing leg. The motion on uneven surfaces and inclined planes is possible by imposing the same maximal opening angle between the two legs in the transition between strides and the adaptability of the time of each stride. This model is solvable in closed form and is reversible in time, modelling the different types of biped motion. Several optimisation results for the speed of gaiting as a function of the robot parameters have been derived.
ABSORBING MARKOV CHAINS TO CHARACTERIZE AND PREDICT METASTASIS PATHWAYS IN CHILDHOOD CANCER
Authors: MARGARIT DAVID H. , REALE MARCELA V. , SCAGLIOTTI ARIEL F. , ROMANELLI LILIA M.
Published: November 2023

Cancer and its metastasis in children have a high degree of lethality and side effects, so its characteristics need to be studied independently of adult cancer. The aim of this work is to model the metastasis pathways of the main childhood cancers worldwide by Absorbing Markov Chains, an important mathematical tool used for different applications in science. Statistical information was collected to detect the main affected organs (primary sites) and those where cancer cells generally spread and metastasize (secondary sites). Taking into account that it is a branching process, a directed graph was developed, and the associated transition matrices for the first and second metastases were constructed. Organs whose cancers generally remain encapsulated and do not spread their cancer cells are considered absorbing states in terms of Markov processes. For the selected organs, the probability of ending up in each of the absorption states according to the primary site was calculated, as well as the number of possible previous metastases until reaching one of these states. Although the lung in childhood cancer is not a characteristic primary site, it is one of the main sites of metastasis. Therefore, this work dedicates a section to including this organ as a site of possible metastasis.
HURST EXPONENT ESTIMATION FOR SHORT-TIME SERIES BASED ON SINGULAR VALUE DECOMPOSITION ENTROPY
Authors: ALVAREZ-RAMIREZ J. , RODRIGUEZ E. , CASTRO L.
Published: November 2023

Complex time series appear commonly in a large diversity of the science, engineering, economy, financial and social fields. In many instances, complex time series exhibit scaling behavior over a wide range of scales. The traditional rescaled-range (R/S) analysis and the detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) are commonly used to characterize the scaling behavior via the Hurst exponent. These methods perform well for long-time series. However, the performance may be poor for short times resulting from scarce measurements (e.g. less than a hundred). This work proposes an approach based on singular value decomposition (SVD) entropy for estimating the Hurst exponent for short-time series. In the first step, synthetic time series were used to find the relationship between Hurst exponent and SVD entropy. In the second step, an empirical relationship was proposed to estimate the Hurst exponent from SVD entropy computations of the time series. The performance of the approach was illustrated with two examples of real-time series (consumer price index (CPI) and El Niño Oceanic Index), showing that the estimated Hurst exponent provides valuable insights into the physical mechanisms involved in the generation of the time series.
Molecular Detection and Distribution of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. Infections in Wild and Domestic Animals in Portugal
Authors: Figueiredo Ana M. , Köster Pamela C. , Dashti Alejandro , Torres Rita T. , Fonseca Carlos , Mysterud Atle , Bailo Begoña , Carvalho João , Ferreira Eduardo , Hipólito Dário , Fernandes Joana , Lino Ana , Palmeira Josman D. , Sarmento Pedro , Neves Nuno , Carrapato Carlos , Calero-Bernal Rafael , Carmena David
Published: November 2023

Enteric protozoan parasites Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and, to a lesser extent, the ciliate Balantioides coli are responsible for severe human and animal intestinal disorders globally. However, limited information is available on the occurrence and epidemiology of these parasites in domestic, but especially wild species in Portugal. To fill this gap of knowledge, we have investigated G. duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and B. coli occurrence, distribution, genetic diversity, and zoonotic potential by analyzing 756 fecal samples from several wild carnivores (n = 288), wild ungulates (n = 242), and domestic species (n = 226) collected across different areas of mainland Portugal. Overall, infection rates were 16.1% (122/756; 95% CI: 13.59–18.96) for G. duodenalis and 2.7% (20/756; CI: 1.62–4.06) for Cryptosporidium spp., while no ungulate sample analyzed yielded positive results for B. coli. Giardia duodenalis was found across a wide range of hosts and sampling areas, being most prevalent in the Iberian lynx (26.7%), the Iberian wolf (24.0%), and the domestic dog (23.9%). Cryptosporidium spp. was only identified in wild boar (8.4%), red fox (3.4%), Iberian lynx (3.3%), red deer (3.1%), and Iberian wolf (2.5%). Sequence analysis of G. duodenalis determined zoonotic assemblage A (subassemblage AI) in one roe deer sample, canine-specific assemblages C and D in Iberian wolf, red fox, and domestic dog, and ungulate-specific assemblage E in wild boar, sheep, cattle, and horse. Six Cryptosporidium species were identified: C. scrofarum in wild boar, C. canis in the Iberian wolf and red fox, C. ubiquitum in red deer and wild boar, C. felis in the Iberian lynx, and both C. ryanae and C. occultus in red deer. Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. coinfections were observed in 0.7% (5/756) of the samples. This is the first, most comprehensive, and largest molecular-based epidemiology study of its kind carried out in Portugal, covering a wide range of wild and domestic hosts and sampling areas. The detection of zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis subassemblage AI demonstrates the role of wild and domestic host species in the transmission of these agents while representing a potential source of environmental contamination for other animals and humans.
Dynamic Behaviors of Fiber-Reinforced Cellular Concrete Fabricated with Millimeter-Sized Superabsorbent Polymer
Authors: Ren Junru , Zhou Ling , Yang Chaoshan , Mu Rui , Mao Lei , Zhu Yuhao
Published: November 2023

A novel cellular concrete with millimeter-level pores fabricated with superabsorbent polymers and fiber is introduced. Porous structure with reinforcement of fiber are adopted to improve crack resistance and shock-absorbing ability. To investigate the dynamic mechanical performance of fiber-reinforced cellular concrete, quasistatic compression and split Hopkinson pressure bar tests with strain rate from 15 to 90 s−1 were conducted. Three different fiber volume fractions (0.2%, 0.6%, and 1%), and two types of fibers (polypropylene fiber and basalt fiber (BF)) were adopted. Along with two levels of porosities (20% and 60%), total of 12 mix designs of cellular concrete to three-level axial impacting. The research results show that the novel cellular concrete is sensitive to high strain rates, demonstrating increasing dynamic compressive strength, dynamic elastic modulus, dynamic increase factor (DIF), and peak toughness with the increase in strain rate. In addition to the inertia effect, the locally enhanced porous structure and fiber structure can change the stress field and crack path, along with the energy consumption of deformation and cracks in the pores. The amount of fiber, physicochemical property, distribution, and shape amplify or dampen through its thickening effect, interface reaction, and stress transmission. Recommended fiber types and dosages were proposed to improve strength, stiffness, and toughness. BF showed an enhanced performance in terms of strength, modulus, and sharp strain-rate effect. Rules of DIFs were also studied. Awareness of the dynamic properties provides a foundation for proper design of structural members and increases the use of cellular concrete.
Nose Size Predicts Adult Erectile Penile Length
Authors: Xu Chunlu , Song Tao , Dai Yutian , Sun Guohai
Published: November 2023

Previous studies have proved that nose size has a positive correlation with stretched penile length but stretched penile length does not fully represent erectile penile length. It is considered that the formation and growing ability of the penis is determined by the action of androgen in the fetal period and nose size has also been determined to some extent before birth. If the nose size is indeed related to the length of the penis, there must be a common mechanism behind it. To further confirm the relationship between nose size and penile length, especially erectile penile length, a correlation analysis was carried out by collecting general data and the data related to the nose, ears, and genitals of 377 males aged 20–56 years, including erectile penile length and erectile penile circumference. The results revealed that nose size had the highest correlation with erectile penile length (r = 0.507,

p
=
0

) and flaccid penile length (r = 0.451,

p
=
0

). Therefore, it is believed that nose size is an independent predictor of flaccid and erectile penile length, and the common factors that contribute to this correlation may appear in the fetal period.
Estimating the Genetic Diversity of Oranges Citrus spp. in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, Using RAPD Markers
Authors: Tuwo Mustika , Kuswinanti Tutik , Nasruddin Andi , Tambaru Elis
Published: November 2023

Oranges hold significant economic importance, being cultivated extensively worldwide and having a large global market. Indonesia, ranked eighth globally as a producer of oranges, is one of the countries with high genetic diversity of oranges. This diversity is distributed across various regions of Indonesia, including South Sulawesi. Despite the advancements in DNA-based molecular marker techniques for assessing genetic diversity, information on orange diversity in South Sulawesi is currently unavailable and under-researched. In this study, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were utilized to analyze the genetic diversity of oranges in five production centers in South Sulawesi. Leaf samples of 13 orange varieties were collected from the five production centers: Pangkep, Sidrap, Bantaeng, North Luwu, and Selayar in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Genomic DNA extraction from the orange leaves followed the protocol of the DNA Mini Kit Geneaid. DNA amplification was carried out using the RAPD method with 14 primers: OPE-04, OPH-04, OPH-15, OPN-14, OPN-16, OPR-08, OPR-20, OPW-06, OPW-09, OPX-07, OPX-11, OPX-17, UBC-18, and UBC-51. The RAPD primers yielded 109 amplified fragments ranging in size from 200 to 2000 base pairs (bp), and all RAPD primers showed 100% polymorphism. The genetic diversity value (He) of oranges in South Sulawesi was moderate (0.236). Cluster analysis based on a similarity coefficient of 77% divided the 175 orange genotypes into five groups. The most closely related genotypes were SB6 and SB7, exhibiting 100% similarity, followed by genotypes JS8 and JS9 and JS13 and JS17, with genetic similarities exceeding 99% for each pair. Genotypes P9 and SI5 displayed the highest genetic distance, with a similarity coefficient of 57%. The dendrogram diagram can serve as a basis for selecting desired plant traits in the improvement of plant characteristics through both conventional breeding and genetic engineering activities.
Socioeconomic Drivers of Land Use and Land Cover Change in Western Ethiopia
Authors: Bekere Jembere , Senbeta Feyera , Gelaw Abren
Published: November 2023

A variety of socioeconomic and environmental drivers have contributed to changes in LULC around the world in recent years. This study examines the socioeconomic drivers that accelerated LULC in western Ethiopia. The data were generated from terrestrial satellite images primary and secondary sources. Primary data sources include household surveys, field observations, group discussions, interviews, key informants, and interpreting remote sensing data. Secondary data were reviewed mainly from relevant literature both published and unpublished materials. Landsat images were classified using the supervised classification technique and maximum likelihood classifier using arc GIS 10.3 to create LULC maps of the study area. Accuracy score and kappa coefficient were used to confirm the accuracy of the classified LULC, and agricultural land, settlement, bare land, forest land, and water body were the main LULC classes in the district. Forest cover in three decades (1990–2020) in the study area decreased from 12.1% in 1990 to 2.6% in 2020. The data were also analyzed using a descriptive model, Pearson correlation, and binary logistic regression. The independent variables (age and gender) show a Pearson’s positive correlation with the drivers of LULC dynamics; that is, as these independent variables increase, the drivers of LULC dynamics also increase, whereas educational status and land holding size show a negative correlation. This shows that the drivers of the anthropogenic forces of LULC dynamics decreased as the number of educated populations and the size of land holdings increased, and vice versa. Then, the binary logistic regression model examined the relationship between the dependent and the major socioeconomic (independent) variables. Logistic regression was performed to determine how independent variables and the drivers of LULC (natural forces or anthropogenic forces) change and the model was statistically significant (x2 = 23.971, df = 5,

P

 < 0.001). The model explained 13.9% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance in the drivers of LULC dynamics and correctly classified 66.1% of the cases. The study found that age, gender, and educational status largely determine the drivers of LULC dynamics and have the greatest chance of determining the anthropogenic forces. Therefore, relevant stakeholders should take integrated measures to reduce the drivers of LULC dynamics through landscape restoration.
Paclitaxel plus Eftilagimod Alpha, a Soluble LAG-3 Protein, in Metastatic, HR+ Breast Cancer: Results from AIPAC, a Randomized, Placebo Controlled Phase IIb Trial
Authors: Wildiers Hans , Armstrong Anne , Cuypere Eveline , Dalenc Florence , Dirix Luc , Chan Steve , Marme Frederik , Schröder Carolina P. , Huober Jens , Duhoux Francois P. , Vuylsteke Peter , Jager Agnes , Brain Etienne , Kuemmel Sherko , Pápai Zsuzsanna , Menke-van der Houven van Oordt Catharina Willemien , Perjesi Luca , Mueller Christian , Brignone Chrystelle , Triebel Frederic
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

Eftilagimod alpha (efti), a soluble lymphocyte activation gene (LAG-3) protein and MHC class II agonist, enhances innate and adaptive immunity. Active Immunotherapy PAClitaxel (AIPAC) evaluated safety and efficacy of efti plus paclitaxel in patients with predominantly endocrine-resistant, hormone receptor–positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (ET-resistant HR+ HER2− MBC).

Patients and Methods:

Women with HR+ HER2– MBC were randomized 1:1 to weekly intravenous paclitaxel (80 mg/m2) and subcutaneous efti (30 mg) or placebo every 2 weeks for six 4-week cycles, then monthly subcutaneous efti (30 mg) or placebo maintenance. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) by blinded independent central review. Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), safety/tolerability, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, and quality of life. Exploratory endpoints included cellular biomarkers.

Results:

114 patients received efti and 112 patients received placebo. Median age was 60 years (91.6% visceral disease, 84.1% ET-resistant, 44.2% with previous CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment). Median PFS at 7.3 months was similar for efti and placebo. Median OS was not significantly improved for efti (20.4 vs. 17.5 months; HR, 0.88; P = 0.197) but became significant for predefined exploratory subgroups. EORTC QLQC30-B23 global health status was sustained for efti but deteriorated for placebo. Efti increased absolute lymphocyte, monocyte and secondary target cell (CD4, CD8) counts, plasma IFNγ and CXCL10 levels.

Conclusions:

Although the primary endpoint, PFS, was not met, AIPAC confirmed expected pharmacodynamic effects and demonstrated excellent safety profile for efti. OS was not significantly improved globally (2.9-month difference), but was significantly improved in exploratory biomarker subgroups, warranting further studies to clarify efti's role in patients with ET-resistant HER2− MBC.
Associations of Atopic Dermatitis with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cheng Yu , Lu Jing-Wun , Wang Jen-Hung , Loh Ching-Hui , Chen Tai-Li
Published: November 2023

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) shares similarities with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) regarding pathogenesis involving neuroinflammation and genetics. Nevertheless, evidence on the associations of AD with ADHD and/or ASD is inconclusive. This study aimed to systematically examine the existing evidence on the associations between AD, ADHD, and ASD. Methods: The Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guideline was followed. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases from their respective inceptions to March 4, 2022. Observational studies providing adjusted estimates and/or prevalences for ADHD and ASD in patients with AD were enrolled. A random-effects model meta-analysis was conducted to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses according to AD severity, age, geographic location, and study design were performed. Results: Overall, a total of 24 studies with 71,373,639 subjects were enrolled. Our meta-analysis demonstrated significant associations of AD with ADHD (pooled OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.18–1.40) and ASD (pooled OR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.30–2.68). Subgroup analyses revealed that the associations for ADHD were the most prominent in studies evaluating severe AD patients as well as in studies focusing on school-age children and adolescents. Among patients with AD, the pooled prevalence of ADHD was 6.6%, and the respective prevalence of ASD was 1.6%. Conclusion: The evidence to date suggests significant associations of AD with ADHD and ASD. Psychiatric consultation and an interdisciplinary approach would benefit patients with AD presented with behavioral symptoms suggestive of ADHD or ASD.
Effects of a Web-Based Behavioral Activation Intervention on Depressive Symptoms, Activation, Motivation, and Volition: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mueller-Weinitschke Claudia , Bengel Jürgen , Baumeister Harald , Krämer Lena Violetta
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Behavioral activation (BA) is effective for the treatment of depression. The Health Action Process Approach (HAPA), which is derived from health psychology, can provide a motivational-volitional framework of BA. Objective: This study investigated the efficacy of a HAPA-based internet-delivered BA intervention (iBA; called InterAKTIV) in individuals with depression, also assessing HAPA-based motivational and volitional outcomes. Methods: In a two-arm randomized controlled efficacy trial with a parallel design, 128 participants with a major depressive episode were randomly allocated to the intervention group (IG; TAU + immediate access to iBA) or control group (CG; TAU + access to iBA after follow-up). The primary outcome of clinician-rated depressive symptoms and secondary outcomes were assessed at baseline (T1), 8 weeks (T2), 6-month after randomization (T3). Data were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. Results: Linear mixed model analyses revealed a significant group*time interaction effect on clinician-rated depressive symptoms favoring the IG (F2, 156.0 = 7.40; p < 0.001, d = 0.79 at T2, d = 0.25 at T3). The IG was also superior regarding self-rated depressive symptoms, BA, most motivational, and all volitional outcomes. Conclusion: This study shows that HAPA-based iBA can significantly improve clinician-rated depressive symptoms, as well as outcomes used in the HAPA model in people with depression. Building on these efficacy results, in the next step, the relationship between BA interventions and activity levels should be investigated, taking into account motivation and volition as potential mediators.
Sepiapterin Reductase Deficiency Misdiagnosed as Neurological Sequelae of Meningitis
Authors: Engin Erdal Aysenur , Kıreker Köylü Oya , Ceylan Ahmet Cevdet , Kasapkara Çiğdem Seher , Tunçez Ebru , Topçu Meral
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Sepiapterin reductase deficiency (SRD) is an exceedingly rare neurotransmitter disease caused by an enzyme error involved in the synthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). It has been described in nearly 60 cases so far. The clinical manifestations include motor and speech delay, axial hypotonia, dystonia, weakness, oculogyric crises, diurnal fluctuation, and improvement of symptoms during sleep. Molecular genetic analysis can demonstrate pathogenic mutations in the SPR gene, allowing for a definitive diagnosis. Levodopa/carbidopa and 5-hydroxytryptophan are used for treatment. Case Presentation: We present a 19-year-old male patient who was evaluated for dysarthria, axial hypotonia, limb dystonia, and movement disorder. The parents described the current patient’s history with febrile seizures since 9 months of age, as well as speech and neuromotor developmental retardation, which indicated that the disease began in infancy. The basal metabolic work-up was normal except for hyperprolactinemia. The definitive diagnosis of SRD was confirmed by whole exome sequencing (WES) analysis, which revealed a homozygous pathogenic mutation c.655C>T (p.Arg219*) (rs779204655) in the SPR gene. After treatment, we noted significant improvements in dystonia, axial hypotonia, and dysarthria. Conclusion: WES analysis offers a more expeditious and dependable method for diagnosing difficult cases exhibiting neurodevelopmental problems and thus renders the possibilities of early management.
Correlation of Plasma Adiponectin Levels and Adiponectin Gene Polymorphisms with Idiopathic Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Chen Fang , Ye Yuqin , Wu Guosheng , Wu MeiFang
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Adiponectin is a cellular protein secreted by adipocytes, which is closely related to a variety of diseases, including atrial fibrillation (AF). Idiopathic atrial fibrillation (IAF) is defined as AF without hypertension, diabetes, and other underlying diseases. Genetic polymorphism of adiponectin affects serum adiponectin concentration. However, the association of serum adiponectin concentration and its genetic polymorphism with IAF has not been studied. This study investigated the relationship between serum levels of adiponectin, adiponectin gene polymorphisms, and the risk of developing IAF in a Chinese Han population. Methods: Patients with IAF (n = 172, IAF group) and healthy individuals (n = 150, control group) were consecutively and randomly recruited and fasting peripheral blood samples were collected. All participants were examined for serum adiponectin concentrations and the polymorphisms SNP45T>G (SmaI locus, rs2241766) and SNP276G>T (BsmI locus, rs1501299) of the adiponectin gene were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Related clinical data from the two groups were also collected. Results: Plasma adiponectin levels in the IAF group were significantly lower than those in the control group (9.9 ± 2.6 mg/L vs. 16.1 ± 7.0 mg/L, p = 0.006). There were no significant differences among the three genotypes (wild type, mutant heterozygote, and homozygote) of SNP45T>G or SNP276G>T in the prediction value of IAF. The frequency of the T allele of SNP45 T>G was 70.3% in the IAF group and significantly different from that of the control group (71.3%; p = 0.02). In the case of SNP276G>T, the frequency of the G allele was 68.61% in patients with IAF compared to 73.34% in the control group (p = 0.35). Furthermore, a comparison of the clinical data of individuals in the two groups revealed that the left atrial diameter (LAD) in patients in the IAF group was obviously higher than that in the control group (43.3 ± 6.7 mm vs. 37.9 ± 5.1 mm, respectively; p < 0.001). The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in the IAF group was obviously reduced than that in the control group (54.7 ± 11.9% vs. 60.2 ± 5.6%, respectively; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Low plasma adiponectin levels were significantly associated with IAF. Hypoadiponectinemia can thus serve as an important factor for the incidence of IAF. The genotypes of SNP45T>G and SNP276G>T in the adiponectin gene may not correlate with the occurrence of IAF. However, our results demonstrate that the T allele of SNP45T>G may be responsible for IAF development in the Chinese Han population.
Virtual Pharmacy: An Integrated Collaborative Redesign Targeting Medication-Related Problems in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ong Stephanie W. , Kitchlu Abhijat , Cherney David Z.I. , Leung Karen , Chan Christopher T.M.
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Collaborative management of kidney disease relies on coordinated and effective partnerships between multiple providers. Siloed traditional health systems often result in delays, barriers to treatment access, and inefficient monitoring. Methods: We conducted a 1-year observational mixed-methods study. We included all consecutive referrals except for patients without telephone access. We assessed 4 domains of outcomes: (1) patient and caregiver experience, (2) provider experience (e.g., physicians and pharmacists), (3) clinical outcomes specific to medication-related outcomes (e.g., adherence, adverse drug events [ADEs]), and (4) value and efficiency (i.e., medication access, defined as time to treatment and resolution of medication reimbursement issues). Results: Sixty-five patients were referred to the integrated virtual pharmacy (iVRx) model. Most (72%) patients were male. Patients had a median (min, max) age of 60 (27, 85) years and were taking 8 (4, 13) medications. Compared with traditional care delivery models, medication access improved for 56% of participants. Direct home delivery of medication resulted in 91% of patients receiving prescriptions within 2 days of a nephrologist visit. During more than 2,000 pharmacist-patient encounters, 208 ADEs were identified that required clinician intervention to prevent patient harm. When these ADEs were classified by severity, 53% were mild, 45% were moderate (e.g., delaying dose titration in patients initiated on glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists due to intolerable gastrointestinal side effects), and the remaining 2% of ADEs were severe, meaning clinical intervention was required to prevent a serious outcome (e.g., uncontrolled blood pressure, prevention of acute kidney injury). Nephrologists reported high satisfaction with iVRx, citing efficiency, timely response, and collaboration with pharmacists as key facilitators. Of the 65 patient participants, 98% reported being extremely satisfied. Conclusions: The iVRx is an acceptable and feasible clinical strategy. Our pilot program was associated with improved kidney care by increasing medication access for patients and avoiding potential harms associated with ADEs.
An LSTM-based prediction model for gradient-descending optimization in virtual learning environments
Authors: Ismanto Edi , Effendi Noverta
Published: November 2023

A virtual learning environment (VLE) is an online learning platform that allows many students, even millions, to study according to their interests without being limited by space and time. Online learning environments have many benefits, but they also have some drawbacks, such as high dropout rates, low engagement, and students' self-regulated behavior. Evaluating and analyzing the students' data generated from online learning platforms can help instructors to understand and monitor students learning progress. In this study, we suggest a predictive model for assessing student success in online learning. We investigate the effect of hyperparameters on the prediction of student learning outcomes in VLEs by the long short-term memory (LSTM) model. A hyperparameter is a parameter that has an impact on prediction results. Two optimization algorithms, adaptive moment estimation (Adam) and Nesterov-accelerated adaptive moment estimation (Nadam), were used to modify the LSTM model's hyperparameters. Based on the findings of research done on the optimization of the LSTM model using the Adam and Nadam algorithm. The average accuracy of the LSTM model using Nadam optimization is 89%, with a maximum accuracy of 93%. The LSTM model with Nadam optimisation performs better than the model with Adam optimisation when predicting students in online learning.
Development reference model to build management reporter using dynamics great plain aggregated
Authors: Wijaya Santo Fernandi , Wiratama Jansen , Kuswanto Verri
Published: November 2023

The digital technology transformation impacts changes in business patterns that require companies to innovate to act appropriately in making strategic decisions quickly, precisely, and accurately to increase efficiency, be practical company performance, and impacts changes in business patterns that require companies to innovate to act appropriately in making strategic decisions quickly to improve the performance. An enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is one step toward achieving performance. ERP system is one step to achieving performance. ERP system is essential for companies to automate the efficiency of business processes. The decisions from management in implementing the ERP system are necessary for ERP implementation to be successful. However, in practice, companies still experience complexity. For that, it needs to be considered related a business process reference model is essential to enhance efficiency in implementing the ERP used. This research discusses the business process reference model based on the ERP dynamics great plain (GP) application aggregated using management reporter (MR) to help users better understand the practical overview. The methodology utilizes a reference model based on Microsoft Dynamics GP guidelines with a business process redesign approach. This contributes to developing business processes to help users understand using the ERP dynamics GP application.
Estimation of powerquality in distribution system using fuzzy logic theory
Authors: Saleem Adeel , Ilkhombek Khosiljonovich Kholiddinov , Mashkhurakhon Mutalibjon Qizi Kholiddinova , Sokhib Komolddinov , MirzohidShakhobiddin Ugli Sharobiddinov , Sokhibjon Obidovich Soliev
Published: November 2023

There are several methods are used to calculate the power quality indicators. These objectives are now served by the most recent soft computing theories, such as neural networks, fuzzy time  series, fuzzy logic theory, and other techniques. The fuzzy logic theory is one of the methods used to calculate the power quality indicators for the distribution electric network in this paper. It resolves the issue of forecasting the voltage values on distribution electrical networks' buses and enhances the quality of electricity in the face of fluctuating consumer loads and uncertainty. This paper proposed a device that has the ability for monitoring the quality of electricity domestically which leads to getting rid of many problems such as voltage deviations and asymmetrical  faults. The fuzzy logic theory is implemented to develop the algorithm for this purpose. The actual data is recorded at the distribution transformer and implement the fuzzy logic theory by using a mathematical model as well as the simulation on MATLAB for optimizing the power quality indicators with the help of fuzzy logic theory and results are discussed at the end of the paper.
Restoration of the service and loss minimization in electrical distribution systems
Authors: Poorna Chandra Rao Ganney , Ravi Babu Pallikonda
Published: November 2023

Restoration of service during faults to healthy zones and the minimization of true or real power losses are the main aspects of the satisfactory operation of an electrical distribution system (EDS). These objectives can be achieved with artificially intelligent optimisation techniques through electrical distribution system reconfiguration. The restoration of service is an important part of ensuring a stable power supply. If there is a fault with the EDS, the damaged zone is separated, and the healthy system is restored without breaching limitations. In the distribution system, ohmic losses are 25-35%. It is essential to reconfigure the system toreduce these losses. In this paper, a hybrid artificial rabbits’optimisation and improved mayfly optimisation (ARO-IMO) technique is adopted for restoration of serviceand loss minimization. The method being suggested will be carried out on an IEEE 4-feeder network for restoration of service and on IEEE 33 and69 radial distribution networks (RDN) for diminution of losses.
Field programmable gate array implementation of edge detection system based on an improved sobel edge detector
Authors: Huu Ai Duong , Dat Vuong Cong , Ty Luong Khanh , Truong Le Viet
Published: November 2023

Field programmable gate array (FPGA) is an integrated circuit consisting of internal hardware blocks with programmable link connections for users to customize operations for a particular application. Link connections can be easily reprogrammed, allowing the FPGA to adapt to changes to the design or even support a new application throughout the department's uptime. One of the important tasks in image processing is image edge detection image, with computer aided, image recognition is concerned with the recognition and classification of objects in an image, so edge detection is an important tool. In this paper, we design filter for edge detection in image processing using FPGA kit. We analysis and implementation of algorithm for image processing on FPGA, load the code and run the results. Comparative analysis with images processed by MATLAB software.
Characteristic of graphene-based thick film gas sensor for ethanol and acetone vapor detection at room temperature
Authors: Amaniah Mohd Chachuli Siti , Luqman Hakkim Noor Muhammad , Coban Omer , Hazahsha Shamsudin Nur , Idzdihar Idris Muhammad
Published: November 2023

Ethanol and acetone are volatile organic compound gases widely used in food processing. Health problems such as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat can affect human health if exposed to these gases. Two graphene gas sensors were fabricated using a screen-printing technique onto a glass substrate to compare their performance to the acetone and ethanol vapors at room temperature. The graphene paste was prepared by mixing 95 wt.% of the binder with 5 wt.% of graphene nanoflakes. A silver paste was used asthe interdigitated electrode of the gas sensor and becamethe first layer of the gas sensor. The silver paste was deposited on the glass substrate using a screen-printing technique and fired at 150°C for 15 minutes. Next, the graphene paste was depositedonto the interdigitated electrode using a screen-printing technique and becamethe second layer of the gas sensor. The graphene was annealed at 200°C for 30 minutes. Both graphene gas sensors responded well to ethanol and acetone vapor with an n-typed gas sensor at room temperature. As a comparison, the graphene gas sensor showed better characteristics in terms of response and recovery characteristicsto ethanol vapor than acetone vapor at room temperature. The response and response time of the graphene-based thick film gas sensor to ethanol were approximately 21.89 and 24.08, respectively.
Improving graphics processing unit performance based on neural network direct memory access controller
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Neelappa Neelappa , Bhusare Saroja , Yatnalli Veeramma
Published: November 2023

In this paper proposes the design and implementation of the back propagation algorithm based neural network DMA (Direct Memory Access) Controller for use of multimedia applications. The proposed DMA controller work with the back propagation-training algorithm. The advantages of the back propagation algorithm it will be work on the gradient loss w.r.t the network weights. So this back propagation algorithm is used as training algorithm for the DMA controller. The proposed method is test with the different workload characteristics like heavy workload, medium workload and normal workload. The performance parameters are considered here is like accuracy, precision, recall and F1 score etc. The proposed method is compared with existing methods like CNN (Convolutional Neural Network), RNN (Recurrent Neural Network), LSTM (Long Sort term Memory) and GRU (Gated Recurrent Unit) etc. Finally, the proposed design will give the better performance than existing methods.
Local post-hoc interpretable machine learning model for prediction of dementia in young adults
Authors: Sharma Vandana , Midhunchakkaravarthy Divya
Published: November 2023

Dementia is still the prevailing brain disease with late diagnosis. There is a large increase in dementia disease among young adults. The major reason is over indulgence of young adults on social media resulting in denial of disease and delayed clinical diagnosis. Dementia is preventable and curable if diagnosed at an early stage, however, no attempts are being made to miti gate dementia in young adults. Today artificial intelligence (AI) based advanced technology with real-life consultations in clinical or remote setups are proved beneficial and is used to detect dementia. Most AI-based test is dependent on computer-aided di agnosis (CAD) tools and uses non-invasive imaging technology such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data for disease diagnosis. In this paper, a local post-hoc interpretable machine learning (LPIML) model for prediction of dementia in young adults is proposed. The performance parameters are computed and compared based on accuracy, specificity, precision, F1 score and recall. The proposed work yields 98.87% training accuracy on original images and 99.31% training accuracy on morphologically enhanced images. The performance results are intrinsic and intuitive in learning the prediction results of individual case. The adoption of the proposed work will accelerate the diagnosis process in the era of digital healthcare.
FedLANE: a federated U-Net architecture for lane detection
Authors: Santhiya Santhiya , Johnraja Jebadurai Immanuel , Jeba Leelipushpam Paulraj Getzi , Pavan Venkata Vamsi Polisetti , Aravind Reddy Madireddy , Poulraju Praveen
Published: November 2023

Lane detection is a crucial module for today’s autonomous driving cars. Detecting road lanes is a challenging task as it varies in color, texture, boundaries and markings. Traditional lane detection techniques detect the lane by applying a model trained with centralized data. As roads vary in urban and rural areas, a more localized and decentralized training technique is desired for accurate and personalized lane detection. Federated learning has recently proved to be a promising technology that trains and prunes the model using local data. Applying federated learning-based lane detection improves the accuracy of detection and also ensures the security and privacy of autonomous cars. This paper proposes FedLANE, a federated learning-based lane detection technique. U-Net, U-Net long short-term memory (LSTM) and
 AU-Net architectures were explored using a federated learning approach. Experimental analysis using TuSimple and CuLane dataset shows that the FedLANE based lane detection performs similar to that of the traditional deep learning lane detection models.
Ensemble learning based health care claim fraud detection in an imbalance data environment
Authors: S. Kaddi Shweta , M. Patil Malini
Published: November 2023

Healthcare fraud has become a common encounter in the healthcare finance industry. The financial security of healthcare payers and providers is seriously impacted by healthcare fraud. When incorrect or exaggerated medical services are invoiced for reimbursement, fraudulent healthcare claims result. The effective operation of the healthcare system depends on the detection of such fraudulent actions. This paper develops a healthcare claim fraud detection method based on ensemble learning. Stack ensemble learning algorithm performance is compared to that of methods such as multi-layer perceptron (MLP) classifier, support vector classifier (SVC), logistic regression (LR), and decision tree (DT) algorithm. Because of the healthcare data imbalance, the normal transaction is significantly higher than the fraudulent transaction. The machine learning (ML) algorithm performs poorly because imbalanced data causes it to be biased toward the majority class. As a result, the data is unsampled using the synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) technique to provide balanced data. The experimental results show that for the identification of healthcare claim fraud, the ensemble learning strategy greatly outperforms single learning algorithms. The stack ensemble learning outperforms all the area under the curve for the receiver-operating characteristic (AUC ROC) curves from various algorithms, and the AUC-ROC curve is determined to be producing results that are adequate for all approaches.
Influence of Perivascular Adipose Tissue on Microcirculation: A Link Between Hypertension and Obesity
Authors: Agabiti-Rosei Claudia , Saxton Sophie N. , De Ciuceis Carolina , Lorenza Muiesan Maria , Rizzoni Damiano , Agabiti Rosei Enrico , Heagerty Anthony M.
Published: November 2023

Alterations in microcirculation play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders such as obesity and hypertension. The small resistance arteries of these patients show a typical remodeling, as indicated by an increase of media or total wall thickness to lumen diameter ratio that impairs organ flow reserve. The majority of blood vessels are surrounded by a fat depot which is termed perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT). In recent years, data from several studies have indicated that PVAT is an endocrine organ that can produce a variety of adipokines and cytokines, which may participate in the regulation of vascular tone, and the secretory profile varies with adipocyte phenotype and disease status. The PVAT of lean humans largely secretes the vasodilator adiponectin, which will act in a paracrine fashion to reduce peripheral resistance and improve nutrient uptake into tissues, thereby protecting against the development of hypertension and diabetes. In obesity, PVAT becomes enlarged and inflamed, and the bioavailability of adiponectin is reduced. The inevitable consequence is a rise in peripheral resistance with higher blood pressure. The interrelationship between obesity and hypertension could be explained, at least in part, by a cross-talk between microcirculation and PVAT. In this article, we propose an integrated pathophysiological approach of this relationship, in order to better clarify its role in obesity and hypertension, as the basis for effective and specific prevention and treatment.
Reduced to Brutish Nature: On Racism and the Law of Value
Authors: Egger Lukas
Published: November 2023

Following the work of Peter Schmitt-Egner, this article lays out a value-form theoretical approach to racism. During the debates within German Marxism on the reconstruction of the critique of political economy (Neue Marx-Lektüre), Schmitt-Egner developed a theory in the 1970s that tries to explain racism with reference to Marx’s analysis of the commodity form and circulation. Thereby he developed a highly original theoretical derivation of racism as an ideological reification of the debased position of colonised labour power in comparison with that of metropolitan workers. The bourgeois ideals of freedom and equality, constituted through commodity circulation, according to Schmitt-Egner, are modified by the nature of the colonial production process and thus negated in the case of the racialised worker. Even if his theory, as I am going to show, has some serious flaws, it helps to make sense of past and current patterns of racist inferiorisation.
Defects in the Moral Rights Regimes of the Countries of the Middle East
Authors: Makeen Makeen F
Published: November 2023

This article focuses on the protection of moral rights in Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, and the UAE. While moral rights are recognised in the four jurisdictions subject to this study, the level of protection is unsatisfactory. This article analyses the many defects surrounding the subsistence and exercise of moral rights and makes a host of suggestions to enhance the level of protection granted under national laws.