bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-time segmentation of biliary structure in pure laparoscopic donor hepatectomy: an experimental study using deep learning for augmented surgery
Authors: Oh Namkee , Kim Bogeun , Kim Taeyoung , Rhu Jinsoo , Kim Jong Man , Choi Gyu-Seong
Published: July 2024

Pure laparoscopic donor hepatectomy (PLDH) has become a standard practice for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in expert centers. Accurate understanding of biliary structures is crucial during PLDH to minimize the risk of complications. This study aims to develop a deep learning-based segmentation model for real-time identification of biliary structures, assisting surgeons in determining the optimal transection site during PLDH. A single-institution retrospective feasibility analysis was conducted on 30 intraoperative videos of PLDH. All videos were selected for their use of the indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared fluorescence technique to identify biliary structure. From the analysis, 10 representative frames were extracted from each video specifically during the bile duct division phase, resulting in 300 frames. These frames underwent pixel-wise annotation to identify biliary structures and the transection site. A segmentation task was then performed using a DeepLabV3+ algorithm, equipped with a ResNet50 encoder, focusing on the bile duct (BD) and anterior wall (AW) for transection. The model's performance was evaluated using the Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC). The model predicted biliary structures with a mean DSC of 0.728 ± 0.01 for BD and 0.429 ± 0.06 for AW. Inference was performed at a speed of 15.3 frames per second (FPS), demonstrating the feasibility of real-time recognition of anatomical structures during surgery. The deep learning-based semantic segmentation model exhibited promising performance in identifying biliary structures during PLDH. Future studies should focus on validating the clinical utility and generalizability of the model and comparing its efficacy with current gold standard practices to better evaluate its potential clinical applications.
Sulcation in children with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Burckard Soline , Dupong Irène , Leprince Yann , Fischer Clara , Beggiato Anita , Lefebvre Aline , Cachia Arnaud , Alison Marianne , Guevara Miguel , Frouin Vincent , Mangin Jean-François , Duchesnay Edouard , Leboyer Marion , Delorme Richard , Charman Tony , Wolfers Thomas , Durston Sarah , Moessnang Carolin , Dell'Acqua Flavio , Ecker Christine , Loth Eva , Murphy Declan G.M. , Baron-Cohen Simon , Buitelaar Jan K. , Marquand André , Beckmann Christian F. , Houenou Josselin
Published: July 2024

Background
The neurobiology of autism remains poorly understood. Brain sulcation is a promising proxy to assess the cortical developmental trajectory in autism spectrum disorders. We aimed to explore this neurodevelopmental marker in children with autism and its association with symptoms in a large multicentric dataset.
Methods
841 children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including 145 females, and 872 controls, including 251 females, underwent a high-resolution T1-weighted brain MRI. We processed images with the Brain VISA automatized pipeline to extract the local sulcal indices (l-SI) (the proportion of buried cortex) from 12 a priori determined brain regions for each hemisphere, covering the whole brain. We studied how the variations in regional sulcation were associated with clinical autism assessment scales (ADOS, ADI, SRS, RME), controlling for age and sex.
Results
Between children with ASD and controls, we found a significantly higher sulcation (l-SI) in control children compared with children with ASD in the left (p = 0.015) and right (p = 0.048) precentral regions. Within ASD children, a significant positive association was found between ADOS scores and sulcation in the right intra-parietal fissure (p = 0.049). Significant positive correlations were also found between ADI communication scores and sulcation in the left parietal region (p = 0.037), in the right medial frontal region (p = 0.035) and in the left posterior medial region (p = 0.049). Finally, significant correlations were found between l-SI and RME scores in right parietal (p = 0.037), right calcarine (p = 0.049) (positive) and left precentral regions (p = 0.014) (negative). Of note, most results were driven by girls.
Limitations:
p-values were not corrected for multiple comparisons. Sample size is reduced for girls’ analyses.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that clinical features of ASD are correlated with localized changes in cortical folding in children, mainly driven by girls. Increased symptomatic levels were associated with an increased right and decreased left sulcation, consistent with the decreased asymmetry theory of ASD. The study of cortical sulcation appears to be a promising marker of neurodevelopmental processes and their clinical correlates in ASD.
Practice makes perfect, but to what end? Computerised brain training has limited cognitive benefits in healthy ageing
Authors: Sutton Emma , Catling Jonathan , Zanten Jet J.C.S. Veldhuijzen van , Segaert Katrien
Published: July 2024

Whether brain training programmes are effective and have transferable benefits to wider cognitive abilities is controversial, especially in older adult populations. We assessed, in a randomised controlled intervention study, whether a commercially available brain training programme can induce cognitive improvements in a sample of healthy older adults (N = 103). Participants completed a three-month intervention of either an adaptive computerised cognitive training programme (through a brain training app) or active control. Cognition was measured through a comprehensive battery of tasks pre- and post-intervention to assess working memory, processing speed, attention, and language functioning. Participants in the intervention group significantly improved on all tasks that were trained specifically within the brain training programme (i.e. practice effects). However, for the cognitive tasks tested pre- and post-intervention there was no evidence of any of these practice effects transferring to improvements in cognitive outcome measures compared to the active control group (i.e. transfer effects). Our results indicate that the benefits of brain training programmes appear to be limited to practice effects of trained tasks, while no evidence is found for transfer effects to other, related or unrelated, untrained cognitive tasks.
Outcome of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PcP) in post-CAR-T patients with hematological malignancies
Authors: Zu Cheng , Li Wenxiao , Zhang Mingming , Dong Yetian , Fu Shan , Feng Jingjing , Hong Ruimin , Huang He , Hu Yongxian , Su Junwei
Published: July 2024

Background
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PcP) is an opportunistic infection associated with immunocompromised patients. The development of novel immunotherapies has promoted the incidence of PcP. This study describes the clinical course and outcome of PcP in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell recipients with hematological malignancies.
Methods
This is a retrospective case series of CAR-T recipients diagnosed with PcP in our center. The cases were all confirmed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing of clinical samples. The demographic, clinical, and outcome data were retrieved from the patients’ medical charts and electronic medical record system.
Results
In total, 8 cases of PcP were identified. The underlying malignancies included T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (n = 1), diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (n = 4), and B-ALL (n = 3). One patient received short-term sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SMZ-TMP) while the others had no prophylaxis. Four patients had neutropenia/lymphopenia at the diagnosis of PcP, and two patients had immunosuppressants within one month before PcP manifestation. The median time from CAR-T infusion to PcP diagnosis was 98.5 days (range 52–251). Seven patients recovered from PcP after proper management while one died of septic shock.
Conclusion
PcP can occur after different CAR-T product, and the long-term depletion of immune cells seems to be related to PcP. SMZ-TMP is effective in this setting. More real-world experience of CAR-T therapy is required to assess the incidence and outcome of PcP in this population.
Assessing the environmental footprint of the mining industry: A case study on the bauxite and iron mining projects of Boke and Kerouane, Guinea
Authors: Kolie Benjamin , Elshkaki Ayman , Sunahara Geoffrey
Published: July 2024

The extractive industry has a profound impact on the environment, emphasizing the need for environmentally friendly practices. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the environmental impact of bauxite and iron mining projects in Boke and Kerouane, Guinea. Primary data were collected from October 2022 to January 2023, with a focus on water pollution, soil, noise, air quality, vegetation, fauna, and flora. A reference matrix was used to assess the impact of mining activities, categorizing them as negligible, moderate, or significant. This study analyzed 400 soil samples from 21 sites to evaluate water quality, measured noise levels using an NL52 Class 1 sound level meter, and monitored air quality using the DustMate system. Biodiversity surveys were conducted to identify potential impacts on the receptors. The results showed that the pH of the water averaged between 5.79 and 8.66, and some companies exceeded the average value of electrical conductivity. The soil composition showed the presence of Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn in both the mining regions. Noise and particulate matter pollution exceeded the guideline values at some sites. This project will result in the direct loss of natural and modified habitats, including erosion of lateritic soil in ridge areas. Non-native plant species have been identified in the Kerouane Iron Project. This study underscores the need for policymakers to integrate climate change mitigation strategies into land use planning and use an integrated index of economic and environmental performance to improve sustainability in the mining industry.
Can Clinical Findings at Admission Allow Withholding of Antibiotics in Patients Hospitalized for Community Acquired Pneumonia when a Test for a Respiratory Virus is Positive?
Authors: Ward Ryan , Gonzalez Alejandro J. , Kahla Justin A. , Musher Daniel M.
Published: July 2024

Background. Current guidelines recommend empiric antibiotic therapy for patients who require hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We sought to determine whether clinical, imaging or laboratory features in patients hospitalized for CAP in whom PCR is positive for a respiratory virus enabled exclusion of bacterial coinfection so that antibiotics could be withheld.
Methods. For this prospective study, we selected patients in whom an etiologic diagnosis was likely to be reached, namely those who provided a high-quality sputum sample at or shortly after admission, and in whom PCR was done to test for a respiratory virus. We performed quantitative bacteriologic studies on sputum to determine the presence of bacterial infection or coinfection and reviewed all clinical, imaging and laboratory studies.
Results. Of 122 patients, 77 (63.1%) had bacterial infection, 16 (13.1%) viral infection, and 29 (23.8%) bacterial/viral coinfection. Although upper respiratory symptoms were more common in patients with viral pneumonia, and white blood cell (WBC) counts were higher in patients with bacterial pneumonia, no clinical, laboratory or imaging findings allowed exclusion of bacterial coinfection in patients who tested positive for a respiratory virus. A greater proportion of patients with bacterial/viral coinfection (30%) were admitted or transferred to the ICU during their hospital course, compared to 17% and 19% of patients with bacterial or viral infection, respectively (p<.05).
Conclusions. If a test for a respiratory virus test is positive in a patient hospitalized for CAP, no sufficiently differentiating features exclude bacterial coinfection, thereby supporting the recommendation that empiric antibiotics be administered to all patients who are sufficiently ill to require hospitalization for CAP.
Magnetic DL-methionine grafted to chitosan by EDTA linker nanomaterial: a highly efficient multifunctional organocatalyst for the synthesis of highly substituted imidazole derivatives under green conditions
Authors: Dohendou Mohammad , Dekamin Mohammad G. , Dehnamaki Zahra , Namaki Danial , Mayani Suranjana V.
Published: July 2024

In this research, a novel protocol for the synthesis of imidazole derivatives with various substitutions has been investigated in the presence of a new and highly effective magnetic decorated DL-methionine amino acid grafted onto the chitosan backbone by using EDTA linker (CS − EDTA − MET@Fe3O4) under green chemistry conditions. The CS − EDTA − MET@Fe3O4 nanocomposite was properly characterized by using FTIR, EDX, XRD, FESEM, TGA and VSM spectroscopic, microscopic, or analytical methods. The CS − EDTA − MET@Fe3O4 nanocomposite was used as a highly efficient heterogeneous organocatalyst for the synthesis of a wide range of three- and four-substituted imidazole derivatives, as an important pharmaceutical scaffold, through multicomponent reactioins (MCRs) strategy. The CS − EDTA − MET@Fe3O4 multifunctional nanocatalyst exhibited high catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability to promote the reactions of benzoin or benzyl, different aldehyde derivatives, and ammonim acetate as well as aromatic or aliphatic amine derivatives in EtOH as green solvent. Key advantages of the present protocol are high to excellent yields, the use of a low loading renewable, bio-based and biodegredable chitosan- as well as amino acid-based nanomaterial, and simple procedure for the preparation of CS − EDTA − MET@Fe3O4 nanomaterial and synthesis of a wide range of imoidazole derivatives. In addition, the catalyst's properties, including its magnetic properties and appropriate surface area characteristicscontribute to its excellent catalytic performance. Fuerthermore, the CS − EDTA − MET@Fe3O4 nanocatalyst can be used for up to six cycles for the preparation of imidazole derivatives with only a slight decrease in its catalytic activity.
Mineralogy and geochemistry of the sediments of the Ouaka river, central-eastern Central African Republic: weathering, provenance and tectonic setting
Authors: Ouambeti-Wickon André Jules , Ngueutchoua Gabriel , Wouatong Armand Sylvain Ludovic , Takenne Doria Grace , Danguene Prince Emilien , Ngagoum-Kontchipe Yannick Steve , Sonfack Aristide Nadine
Published: July 2024

Textural, mineralogical and geochemical studies used to characterise the weathering context of the Ouaka River sediments, their provenance and the tectonic conditions of the source zone. All along the Ouaka, the textural data show almost the same granulometric distribution, ranging from very coarse to fine sands. Mineralogical data from X-ray diffraction dominated by quartz, followed by haematite, rutile and feldspar. The heavy minerals found in these sediments are opaque oxides, rutile, tourmaline, zircon, sillimanite, garnet, hypersthene and kyanite. The values of the alteration indices (CIA, PIA and CIW) and the A-CN-K and (A-K)-C-N diagrams indicate a high intensity of chemical alteration in the source zone. The sediments resulting from this alteration phenomenon are immature, as shown by the values of the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio, the ICV and the ZTR index. The use of ternary V-Ni-Th*10 diagrams and binary diagrams (Zr versus TiO2 and Th/Co versus La/Sc) provided evidence of the contribution of the felsic rocks from which these sediments originated. These felsic rocks are probably Archean to post-Archean in age, according to the Eu/Eu* binary diagram as a function of (Gd/Yb)cn. Based on major and trace elements, the discriminant function diagrams, DF1(Arc-Rift-Col)m1 versus DF (Arc-Rift-Col)m1, DF(A-P)M and DF(A-P)MT, of tectonics suggest a rift and passive margin environment of the watershed, consistent with the general geology of the CAR.
Bogdanov-Takens bifurcation and multi-peak spatiotemporal staggered periodic patterns in a nonlocal Holling-Tanner predator-prey model
Authors: Cao Xun
Published: July 2024

A reaction-diffusion Holling-Tanner predator-prey model with nonlocal prey competition involving \emph{purely spatial heat kernel} is investigated. \emph{The first bifurcation curve} is mathematically described, that is a piecewise smooth parameter curve of dividing the stability and instability of the coexistence equilibrium. The concepts of Turing/Hopf instability are extended to the higher codimension bifurcation instability, because the non-smooth points of the first bifurcation curve can be Bogdanov-Takens/Turing-Hopf/Hopf-Hopf instability point. Utilizing normal form method, spatiotemporal dynamics near $Z_2$ symmetric Bogdanov-Takens singularity are theoretically and numerically studied, including the stable coexistence of a pair of steady states with the shape of $\cos \frac{2x}{l}$ and a spatiotemporal staggered periodic solution with the shape of $\cos \omega t\cos \frac{2x}{l}$. It is found that the larger the spatial size of a habitat is, the more complex the distributions of a species can be, while too narrow or wide range of nonlocal interactions inhibit the formations of complex spatiotemporal patterns.
Development of a midwifery regulatory environment index using data from the Global Midwives’ Associations Map Survey
Authors: Clark Emma Virginia , LaNoue Marianna , Clouse Kate , Zuber Alexandra , Neal Jeremy
Published: July 2024

Background: Global policymakers have proposed strengthening midwifery regulation to improve access to and quality of care provided by midwives, thereby enhancing maternal healthcare delivery and outcomes. However, quantifying ‘midwifery regulatory environments’ as a construct across countries has been difficult, limiting our ability to evaluate relationships between regulatory environments and key outcomes and hindering actionable steps toward improvement. The Global Midwives’ Associations Map Survey includes data across five domains of regulation (overarching regulatory policy and legislation; education and qualification; licensure; registration/re-licensure; and scope and conduct of practice). We aimed to use these data to develop a composite index that represents the midwifery regulatory environment in the countries that participated in the survey.
Methods: To develop our composite Midwifery Regulatory Environment (MRE) Index, we analyzed data from 115 countries in the Global Midwives’ Associations Map Survey. We identified five different possible scoring characterizations for thirteen regulatory items. Four characterizations used continuous or categorical cumulative scoring and one used multiple individual components scoring. We compared these characterizations using Clarke’s test and descriptive model fit metrics to identify the best fit and performance for three outcomes: maternal mortality ratio, low birthweight prevalence, and stillbirth rate.
Results: The Aggregated Domain Scoring method, which assigns one point for each of the five essential regulatory domains with activity (possible score range: 0-5), was the best fit and performing characterization for maternal mortality ratio and stillbirth outcomes. The Any-or-None Scoring method, which assigns one point per survey item with regulatory activity (possible score range: 0-13), best fit low birthweight prevalence.
Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that developing composite characterizations of complex constructs, as exemplified by MRE Index development, can enhance the usability of existing global health datasets. Additionally, it highlights how employing model fit prediction provides a transparent, replicable, and accessible approach for identifying the optimal characterization of the construct based on a specific outcome. Specifically, we found that different characterizations for the MRE Index are preferred for different maternal health outcomes. The MRE Index we have developed stands as a valuable tool for future research exploring relationships between midwifery regulation and maternal health outcomes.
A monolithic overset finite element method for CFD with application to bio-inspired fliers
Authors: Zhao Ze , Paudel Shashwot , Xu Yongjia , Wang Xuguang , Zhu Qiming , Yan Jinhui
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a monolithic finite element-based overset approach to simulate turbulent flows around moving structures on overlapping unstructured meshes. The conventional Schwarz alternating method, which iterates between overlapping subdomains by exchanging boundary conditions to obtain the solution, often suffers from slow convergence. Aiming to address this issue, we formulate a computational framework that treats overlapping subdomains as a whole system by evaluating solution continuity across subdomain boundaries as residuals in the nonlinear solving process. The approach does not necessitate iterative procedures between subdomains, leading to a practical monolithic approach. We propose two additional techniques in the framework to enable an efficient parallel implementation. Firstly, an octree-accelerated node location algorithm is developed for fast solution projection between subdomains. Secondly, since no connectivity exists for the overlapping subdomains, a parallel generalized minimal residual method (GMRES) with a composite and partial matrix-free technique is proposed to solve the linear systems covering the entire problem domain. The proposed monolithic concept is combined with arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian and variational multi-scale formulations (ALE-VMS) to simulate turbulent flows on moving meshes. We present the mathematical and implementation details of the proposed overset approach. Then, we verify the proposed approach using Burgers' equation. The proposed approach is thoroughly assessed under different spatial resolutions, time step lengths, and overlapping sizes. The convergence study shows that the proposed monolithic approach outperforms the traditional Schwarz alternating method. The improved performance of the monolithic approach is further demonstrated by simulating flow past a sphere. Finally, we apply the proposed approach to simulate the aerodynamics around a bio-inspired flying system involving two fliers. The proposed approach can simultaneously maintain a boundary-fitted representation and handle the relative motion between the two fliers, delivering results that show good agreement with wind tunnel experimental data.
Constitutive Model with Three State Variables for Coral Sand Considering the Effect of Particle Breakage
Authors: Cai Zheng-yin , Guo Wan-li , Chen Yuan-yi
Published: July 2024

Coral sand is a typical crushable granular soil, and its mechanical properties are not only state-dependent but also significantly affected by particle breakage. The classical state-dependent model only considers the two state variables, i.e., void ratio and confining pressure. To introduce the initial gradation as the third state variable into the constitutive model, a series of triaxial consolidation drainage tests under various gradations, relative densities and confining pressures were conducted on the coral sand from South China Sea. Experimental results demonstrated that the initial gradation and confining pressure have a significant effect on the particle breakage of coral sand. The critical state line of coral sand in the e-(p'/pa)ξ plane can be expressed as a straight line, and the intercept eΓ is related to both the initial void ratio and the initial gradation, while the slope λc is only correlated with the initial gradation. A three state variables-dependent constitutive model considering the effect of particle breakage is developed and validated in this paper, and the simulation results show that the model can well predict the stress-strain behavior of coral sand under various initial gradations, relative densities and confining pressures by using only one set of model parameters.
Pre-extraction Alveolar Buccal Bone Overbuilding: A Preclinical Investigation
Authors: Iida Takahisa , Botticelli Daniele , Miki Michihide , Guzon Fernando M. Muñoz , Ferri Mauro , De Rossi Ermenegildo Federico , Baba Shunsuke
Published: July 2024

Background: The pre-extraction overbuilding procedure was designed with the intent to mitigate buccal bone resorption following tooth extraction. This study aimed to address this gap by comparing the efficacy of pre-extraction and juxta-extraction buccal overbuilding treatments in preserving buccal bone volume following tooth extraction. Material and Methods: At the test sites (pre-extraction sites), an alveolar crest overbuilding was performed on the buccal aspect of the distal root of the fourth premolar using a xenograft covered with a collagen membrane. No treatment was applied at the control sites. After 3 months, the distal roots of both fourth premolars were extracted and the alveoli were filled with a collagenated xenograft. An overbuilt procedure was performed also at the control sites (juxta-extraction sites). After 3 months, biopsies were collected.
Results: at the clinical evaluation, the buccal bone crest was apical to the lingual bone crest 1.4 mm and 1.2 mm at the pre-extraction and juxta-extraction sites, respectively. At the histological evaluation, the resorption of the buccal bone was 3.2 mm at the pre-extraction sites, and 3.3 mm at the juxta-extraction sites. New bone originated from the residual pre-existing bone crest in an attempt to restore the original dimension.
Conclusion: the buccal overbuilding procedures conducted before and at the time of tooth extraction did not aid in preserving the buccal bone crest. Nevertheless, indications of ongoing bone regeneration were evident within the augmented space maintained by the biomaterial, suggesting that a prolonged healing time might be required to attain optimal outcomes.
Cooperative Control Method Combining Signal Control and Eco-Speed Guidance under Non-bus Lane Conditions in the Connected Environment
Authors: Li Hui , Ge Yunfei , Duan Yuzhou , Zhang Xu
Published: July 2024

The transit signal priority (TSP), as an effective method to address public transport operation issues, has been widely applied. With the continuous advancement of connected technology, research on developing bus priority strategies using vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology is gaining increasing attention. However, existing studies on TSP mainly focus on exclusive bus lanes, overlooking the adverse impact of private vehicle queues at intersections on bus priority strategies. To more effectively evaluate the optimization effect of bus priority under non-bus lane conditions, this paper proposes a cooperative control method combining signal control and eco-speed guidance in a connected environment. The objective is to maximize the reduction in delays for both buses and private vehicles at intersections and optimize carbon emission reduction. Initially, an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) is employed to predict the arrival time of buses at intersections and the signal status. Building upon this, optimal timings for phase adjustments and the best bus trajectories are calculated using signal control and eco-speed guidance models. This approach aims to enhance bus operational efficiency while further lowering traffic carbon emissions. The effectiveness of the proposed model is verified using Zhengzhou city as a case study and compared against scenarios involving NTSP, TSP, and speed guidance. The results demonstrate that, in the absence of exclusive bus lanes, the proposed method not only ensures the stability of bus operations but also achieves significant bus priority and carbon emission benefits while mitigating the adverse impact of bus priority on private vehicles to a certain extent.
Heterosis is more important than propagule pressure for the establishment of invasive hybrid cattail (Typha x glauca) populations
Authors: Freeland Joanna , Kowalczyk Olivia , Brennan Margaret , Dorken Marcel
Published: July 2024

A notable proportion of invasive plant taxa are interspecific hybrids, and their success can be influenced by both the frequency with which hybrids are formed (propagule pressure) and their ability to outcompete their parent species. A vast cattail hybrid zone in central Canada and the USA comprises T. latifolia, T. angustifolia, and their hybrid T. x glauca. The maternal parent is T. angustifolia, which in some regions is less common than T. latifolia or T. x glauca; whether this translates into low T. x glauca propagule pressure will depend partly on whether T. angustifolia produces a high proportion of hybrids. The success of hybrids also depends on seedling establishment, and although T. x glauca exhibits heterosis at later life stages, little is known about its competitive ability at the seedling stage. We tested whether propagule pressure and/or competitive ability can help to explain the successful establishment of invasive T. x glauca. We collected fruit from 14 maternal T. angustifolia plants across 12 sites in and around Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, and grew seedlings from each plant both singly (without competition) and in groups (with competition). We used genetic data to assign a subset of seedlings to taxon, and found that overall, most seedlings (78%) were T. angustifolia, suggesting relatively low propagule pressure for hybrids. However, significantly more T. angustifolia seedlings (86%) grew singly - and thus without competition - compared to those grown in a group, competitive environment (71%). Typha hybrids dominate wetlands across a substantial area including the Laurentian Great Lakes and Prairie Pothole regions, and our data suggest that strong competitive ability is more important than propagule pressure for the establishment of these successful invaders.
An effective approach for adaptive operator selection and comparison for PSO algorithm
Authors: Akkaya Ahmet , Közkurt Cemil
Published: July 2024

The search process with metaheuristic algorithms is mostly performed using one operator. The most important problem of using only one operator in the algorithm is that the success of the algorithm is determined by the success of the operator used. If the selected operator fails, it can be said that it is very difficult for the algorithm to be successful. To improve the algorithm's performance, the number of operators can also be increased. Using a total of three operators, a particle swarm optimization technique is suggested in this paper to solve 28 problems, comprising 5 Unimodal functions, 15 Multimodal functions, and 8 Composition functions in the CEC 2013 benchmark problems. In the proposed algorithm, parameter tuning operations were performed to determine the optimal parameters. Then, Adaptive Pursuit and Probability Matching methods were used to select the most successful operator with the optimal parameters. The obtained data were compared with eight different algorithms in the literature. It was observed that the proposed algorithm was more successful than the compared algorithms in 30 and 50 dimensions and showed a competitive behavior in 100 dimensions.
End-to-end fabric defect detection algorithm using lighter feature fusion network
Authors: Zhu Lei , Qiao Yijie , Geng Cuicui , Wang Qianqian , Pan Yang , Zhang Bo
Published: July 2024

In the task of fabric defect detection, there are problems such as missed detection and false detection caused by defects with large aspect ratios and complex fabric backgrounds. We propose an improved fabric defect detection method based on YOLOv7, which can reduce the amount of network parameters while increasing the detection accuracy. Firstly, a double-branch partial convolution module DBPM is added to the backbone network to reduce the network parameters amount while improving detection accuracy. Secondly, the simple attention mechanism SimAM is introduced in the backbone network to enhance the feature extraction ability of various size and shape defects without introducing additional parameters. Finally, the neck network is reconstructed as a lighter feature fusion network to further reduce the number of network parameters. By testing the datasets, it can be concluded that compared with the original algorithm, the FLOPS of the improved algorithm is reduced by 51.1%, the parameters amount decreases by 36.3%, the mean average precision mAP@0.5 is increased by 5.1%, and the missed detection rate is reduced by 3.6%.
In vitro selection, assessment, and identification of potential probiotic features of the Bacillus strains isolated from the intestine of Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Shija Vicent Michael , Amoah Kwaku , Li Yi , Yong Zhong , Zhong Xiaopiao , Cai Jia
Published: July 2024

In this study, we aimed to explore the probiotic potential of bacterial species isolated from the digestive tract of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Through morphological, biochemical, 16S rDNA sequencing, and evolutionary relationship assessments, we identified the isolated species as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens AV5 (OR647358), Bacillus subtilis AV7 (LC781790), and Bacillus velezensis AV50 (OR647359), designated as AV5, AV7, and AV50 strains, respectively. We evaluated their probiotic potential, including tolerance to high bile salt concentrations, low pH levels, and high temperatures, as well as their adhesion abilities (auto-aggregation and cell-surface hydrophobicity), antimicrobial activity, biosafety, compatibility, hemolytic activity, and antibiotic susceptibility. AV5, AV7, and AV50 strains exhibited γ-hemolytic activity and resistance to low pH (1) and high bile salt concentrations (0.5%). They demonstrated higher viability after exposure to elevated temperatures (80, 90, and 100°C) and increased cell surface hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation. These strains showed positive compatibility, indicating their potential for multispecies use. Strains were susceptible to various antibiotics, showing susceptibility to 17 out of 20 tested antibiotics, and displayed significant antimicrobial activity against V. alginolyticus, V. harveyi, S. iniae, and S. agalactiae. Therefore, AV5, AV7, and AV50 are promising probiotic candidates for enhancing the growth and health of aquatic animals, particularly the Nile tilapia.
Integrated Control of Battery and Ultra Capacitor in a EV’S With Regenerative Breaking
Authors: N SARAVANAN , Thilagar S. Hosimin
Published: July 2024

This chapter proposes the centralized control of battery-powered electric vehicles as per reference torque cycle. A nonlinear control structure ensures the stable behavior of a motor in all operating modes of the vehicle. A bi-directional DC-DC converter provides an estimated power as per the requirement to load. This significantly improves battery energy utilization and regulation using ultra- capacitor-aided vehicles with regenerative braking. A 24V, 100Ahr battery, and 63F-30V ultracapacitor are sources connected through a 1kW bi-directional converter. It is driven by a gate pulse generated by a controller named Spartan6-LX9. The output of the converter is connected to a 1hp DC motor. An entire system has been verified using a battery with an ultracapacitor and the battery alone. It is proposed to improve voltage regulation and compensate for battery voltage sag, followed by SOC retention improvement. During deceleration regenerative mode, the vehicle enables power flow reversing from load power to source power, which stores the resultant braking energy into an ultra-capacitor. The speed and torque of the motor were estimated based on the driving cycle, and the same was controlled by reference load voltage and current by the RST control strategy. The proposed circuit has been simulated using Simulink and experimentally validated.
Considerations for establishment of a private virtual hospital: Using an implementation science approach to identify pre-implementation barriers and enablers
Authors: Fisher Olivia J. , Grogan Caroline , Barron Andrew , Kanagarajah Shanthi , Smith Sue-Ellen , Smith Ian , McGrath Kelly
Published: July 2024

Virtual hospitals are rapidly being implemented internationally. Research has predominantly focused on clinical outcomes not implementation. Identifying and addressing implementation determinants pre-implementation enables health services to tailor virtual hospital models, increasing likelihood of suitability, acceptability, uptake, clinical effectiveness, and sustainability. We aimed to inform the design and implementation of a private Australian virtual hospital by identifying contextual barriers, enablers, and considerations. We conducted a qualitative pre-implementation determinant study using snowball sampling and semi-structured interviews (n = 37) between February and July 2023 with consumers/carers/both (n = 11), clinicians (doctors/allied health/nursing/personal carers), hospital, health service and aged care leadership (n = 22), and public health stakeholders (n-4). Deductive framework analysis based on the PERCS implementation science framework was used. An extensive range of determinants was identified, notably: Enablers – strong executive leadership support; enthusiasm for rural and remote services; need for a clear vision; strong tension for change; commitment to high-quality healthcare. Barriers – restrictive funding models stifle opportunities for innovation; technological limitations; communication challenges; workforce issues; clinicians’ opinions varied on safety and suitability of virtual healthcare. This implementation science approach enabled identification of a broad set of determinants not previously reported, relevant locally and for an international audience. Evaluation of implementation outcomes is necessary.
Cultural differences in customer emotions
Authors: Truong Vinh
Published: July 2024

E-commerce platforms have emerged as leading arenas for fostering customer engagement, offering unique pathways for gauging customer satisfaction through reviews and enabling diverse approaches to analyzing content. This inquiry arises from the increasing inclination toward incorporating customer feedback into cultural examinations, addressing a research gap in cultural studies centered on e-commerce platforms across various societies. What sets this study apart is its focus on scrutinizing the emotional expressions of both Eastern and Western consumers as depicted in their online feedback. The findings revealed 27 distinct emotions discernible in both sets of reviews, with notable variations in their distributions. Theoretically, the research posited and verified a novel conceptual correlation between emotions and cultures. On a practical level, it provided businesses with insights into their customers' emotional experiences, facilitating more culturally targeted approaches to customer engagement.
Update of statistical analysis plan for: Effect of fruit smoothie supplementation on psychological distress among people with substance use disorders receiving opioid agonist therapy: protocol for a randomised controlled trial (FruktBAR)
Authors: Arjmand Elaheh Javadi , Druckrey-Fiskaaen Karl Trygve , Furulund Einar , Vold Jørn Henrik , Madebo Tesfaye , Blomhoff Rune , Daltveit Jan Tore , Lid Torgeir Gilje , Chalabianloo Fatemeh , Johansen Kjell Arne , Fadnes Lars Thore
Published: July 2024

This update provides a statistical analysis plan for an earlier protocol version for the randomized controlled trial, FruktBAR. This randomized control trial will evaluate the impact of daily fruit smoothie supplementation on psychological distress in people who are receiving opioid agonist therapy (OAT). The intervention group receives weekly fruit smoothie supplementation along with their standard OAT. The control group receives standard OAT. The intervention period is 16 weeks, and it was completed in October 2023. The primary outcome is the change in psychological distress measured with Hopkins Symptoms Checklist 10 at the end of the intervention and it will be analyzed according to intention-to-treat and per-protocol principles. The main analyses will be intention-to-treat. Additionally, per protocol analyses will also be conducted. Linear mixed models (coefficients with 95% CI) will be analyzed (with the randomization arm as an independent variable as well as its interaction with time).
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05229770. Registered on 08 February 2022
Microbiological air control of food industry enterprises: Relevance, regulatory documents and research methods
Authors: Yushina Yu. K. , Bataeva D. S. , Reshchikov M. D. , Grudistova M. A. , Makhova A. A. , Zaiko E. V.
Published: July 2024

A review of regulatory documents on air control was carried out; approaches to air sampling at food industry enterprises and methods of air disinfection were considered. It has been established that air is one of the important aspects in ensuring the quality and safety of food products. Air is a transport medium for pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms. The concentration of microorganisms and the area of their distribution in the air of industrial premises are influenced by the technological features of the products being manufactured and the design of the enterprise. The transfer of microorganisms at food industry enterprises occurs due to bioaerosols that are formed during high-pressure washing. The use of air filters allows reducing the level of microorganisms in the indoor air. Microbial air monitoring should be carried out during the technological process at critical control points (CCP). To assess air, it is advisable to select those microorganisms that cause spoilage of manufactured products or affected their safety. Passive and active air sampling methods have certain limitations. There are various methods of air disinfection, the main ones being fogging, ozonation and UV irradiation. The choice of the method should be made based on the characteristics of a particular enterprise. In Russian regulatory documents, microbiological indicators when assessing air at food industry enterprises are limited to total microbial count, yeast and mold count, while in foreign practice, the choice of indicators is based on those microorganisms that caused spoilage of finished products released from a particular enterprise. It is necessary to develop modern integrated approaches to ensure air control at food industry enterprises and establish regulatory documents on microbiological indicators and their permissible levels.
Diversity of sate (satay) as Indonesian ancient food
Authors: Rahmah L. , Sari N. I. P. I. , Ansori A. N. M.
Published: July 2024

Sate (satay) dishes have a wealth of ingredients and spices spread throughout Indonesia, which produces a diversity of types and flavors of satay. In sate dishes, the way pieces of meat are served on skewers was affected by Arabic culture, which influence is most visible in the development of Indonesian food culture. On average, sate is made using grilling, which is an ancient type of cooking technique survived into modern times. For centuries, wood and charcoal have been some of the oldest human-made fuels as important ingredients for cooking and heating in ancient times and even today. Apart from being an everyday food, sate is Indonesia’s gastronomic culinary cultural heritage with a wide diversity that needs to be preserved because it functions as a national identity and has excellent potential for developing culinary tourism.
Hydrogeological assessment and aquifer potential of a coastal area, South Nigeria: insights from VES surveys and spatial analysis
Authors: Umoh James Anthony , Agbasi Okechukwu Ebuka , George Nyakno Jimmy , Mbong Emem , Aka Mfoniso Udofia
Published: July 2024

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of aquifer properties using vertical electrical sounding (VES) surveys conducted in Eket, Nigeria, to address the challenges of groundwater management in coastal areas. The VES method was employed for hydrogeo-electrical analysis and to investigate the hydrogeological dynamics of the region. The results reveal varying subsurface layers with distinct resistivity values. Spatial distribution analysis indicates densely settled areas exhibit lower resistivities, while sparsely settled regions show higher resistivities. The spatial location labeled EK2 features the largest aquifer, measuring 246.70 m, predominantly located in the central research area. Aquifer depths range from 87.10 to 250.20 m, with variations in thickness highlighting geographical heterogeneity and its impact on groundwater transport. These spatial differences in groundwater characteristics are crucial for understanding groundwater movement, storage, and extraction potential. The study underscores significant variability in porosity, reflecting differences in the aquifers’ water storage capacity and susceptibility to contamination. These findings have important implications for groundwater flow rates and extraction feasibility. The research provides essential data for hydrogeological investigations and groundwater resource management, emphasizing the intricate relationship among geological formations, aquifer properties, human activities, and the potential risks of contamination in variable porosity zones.
Revolutionizing Antibacterial Strategies: Lipid Nanoparticles as Game-Changers in Combatting Multi-Drug-Resistant Infections
Authors: P Rihana Begum , Prajapati Bhupendra G. , Rajeshkumar R. , Balasubramaniam V. , Ponnusankar Sivasankaran
Published: July 2024

To overcome the limits of traditional antibiotic medications, novel approaches
are needed to combat the growing global epidemic of Multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections.
As drug-resistant bacteria develop, the importance of innovative antimicrobial
methods is underscored by antibiotic abuse and misuse. The global threat of MDR microorganisms
is increasing, which calls for a coordinated global response. Lipid Nanoparticles
(LNPs) possess several characteristics that make them attractive choices for managing
multidrug resistant (MDR) infections, as well as potential delivery systems for
antimicrobial agents. Thus, LNPs improve drug solubility, stability, and targeted delivery,
thereby mitigating the drawbacks of conventional antibiotic therapy. Several characteristics
of LNPs, which stop MDR bacteria from developing resistance mechanisms,
serve as guidelines for precision medicine. It presents a powerful approach for combating
the growing concern of MDR bacteria by increasing Anti-Microbial Peptides (AMPs)
bioavailability and targeting distribution to bacterial cells. LNPs have the potential to
redefine antibacterial treatments for MDR illnesses in the context of this study. Further,
it discusses LNP use in larger applications, such as fighting Anti-Microbial Resistance
(AMR) and MDR. A complete understanding of the unique features, many uses, and importance
of collaborative efforts to overcome the global challenge of antibiotic resistance
are also conveyed in the study.
Nanotechnological Advances in the Diagnosis of Gynecological Cancers and Nanotheranostics
Authors: Keyvani Vahideh , Mollazadeh Samaneh , Riahi Espanta , Mahmoudian Reihaneh Alsadat , Anvari Kazem , Avan Amir
Published: July 2024

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Gynecological cancers are one of the main causes of female mortality worldwide. Despite the various
strategies to reduce mortality and improve quality of life, there are still many deficiencies in the diagnosis
and treatment of gynecological cancers. One of the important steps to ensure optimal cancer treatment is the
early detection of cancer cells and the use of drugs to reduce toxicity. Due to the increase in systemic toxicity
and resistance to traditional and conventional diagnostic methods, new strategies, including nanotechnology,
are being used to improve diagnosis and reduce the severity of the disease. Nanoparticles (NPs) provide exciting
opportunities to improve Gynecological Cancers (GCs) diagnosis, particularly in the initial stages. In
biomedical investigations and clinical settings, NPs can be used to increase the sensitivity and specificity of
recognition and/or imaging of GCs with the help of their molecular and cellular processes. To design more efficient
diagnostic NPs for gynecological cancer cells or tissues, determining the specific biomarkers is of great
importance. NP-based imaging agents are another solution to trace cancer cells. This review highlights the potential
of some NP-based diagnostic techniques in GC detection, which could be translated to clinical settings
to improve patient care.