bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing OCT patch-based segmentation with improved GAN data augmentation and semi-supervised learning
Authors: Kugelman Jason , Alonso-Caneiro David , Read Scott A. , Vincent Stephen J. , Collins Michael J.
Published: July 2024

For optimum performance, deep learning methods, such as those applied for retinal and choroidal layer segmentation in optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, require sufficiently large and diverse labelled datasets for training. However, the acquisition and labelling of such data can be difficult or infeasible due to privacy reasons (particularly in the medical domain), accessing patient images such as those with specific pathologies, and the cost and time investment to annotate large volumes of data by clinical experts. Data augmentation is one solution to address this issue, either using simple variations and transformations of the images (e.g. flips, brightness) or using synthetic data from sophisticated generative methods such as generative adversarial networks (GANs). Semi-supervised learning (SSL) is another technique which aims to utilise unlabelled data to enhance the performance of deep learning methods and is beneficial where significant amounts of data may be available but are not labelled. In this study, we aim to enhance patch-based OCT retinal and choroidal layer segmentation with both GAN-based data augmentation and SSL. In particular, we employ a conditional StyleGAN2 to generate synthetic patches for data augmentation and a similar unconditional GAN for pre-training the patch classifier to perform SSL. In doing so, we propose a new patch classifier architecture based on the discriminator architecture to improve performance, in addition to the SSL benefit. Compared to previous methods, the proposed data augmentation approach provides an improved data augmentation performance for patch classification with its effectiveness widespread, particularly in the case of low data, across three different OCT datasets encompassing a range of scanning parameters, noise levels, pathology and participant variability. The method provides some subsequent improvements in boundary delineation which is of high importance from a clinical perspective. Additionally, the proposed SSL approach boosts classification performance and boundary delineation performance in some cases which provides further usefulness in the case of low data. The proposed methods can be utilised to enhance OCT segmentation methods, which may be of considerable benefit for both clinicians and researchers.
Biological interaction, esthetics, handling, and loss rate of temporary luting cements — a clinical single-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Günther Elena , Hahnel Sebastian , Schrock Annett , Schierz Oliver , Wolter Sophia
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To evaluate three temporary luting cements in terms of their restoration loss rates, biological interactions, esthetic properties, and handling characteristics.

Materials and methods

75 adults requiring fixed prosthodontics voluntarily participated in a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. After preparation, temporary restorations were luted with a randomly selected temporary luting cement (either Provicol QM Plus (PQP), Bifix Temp (BT), or Provicol QM Aesthetic (PQA)). Clinical examinations were performed one to two weeks after cementation. The following criteria were evaluated: tooth vitality, percussion, hypersensitivity, gingival bleeding, odor formation, esthetics, cement handling, removability, cleanability, and retention loss. Antagonistic teeth served as controls. Statistical analysis was performed using the paired t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s chi-square and Fisher’s exact test, where appropriate.

Results

The overall loss rate of temporary restorations was 16.0%, showing no cement-specific differences. Postoperative hypersensitivity occurred in 8% of cases regardless of cement type. Esthetic impairment was reported by 31% of the PQP-fixed restorations, compared with 4.0% and 4.2% of the BT and PQA-bonded restorations. Cement application was reported to be easy in 100% of cases, excess removal in 88–96%, depending on the cement used.

Conclusions

The choice of luting material affects the esthetic appearance of a temporary restoration and should be considered, particularly in restorations in esthetically demanding areas. No significant differences between the cements were identified regarding biocompatibility, handling, and loss rate.

Clinical relevance

Translucent cements can help to reduce color interferences, resulting in a more appealing appearance of the temporary restoration.
On the identity of two solution algorithms of the ‘improved normalized squared differences’ matrix adjustment model
Authors: Revesz Tamas
Published: July 2024

The paper is a supplement for an article recently published in this journal. That paper proved that if the sign-preservation requirement is dropped then the solution of the so-called improved normalized squared differences (INSD) two-directional matrix adjustment model is the same as the result of the ‘additive correction iteration algorithm’ which the author has been using successfully for decades. It also argued that if the sign-preservation requirement is dropped then the iteration procedure suggested by the authors of the INSD-model boils down to the same algorithm. Since the formal proof of this statement was not available at the time, in this paper the author duly publishes the three-and-a-half pages long proof he elaborated. In the conclusion the merit of this and similar, yet barely rigorously analysed iteration algorithms and the possible useful extensions are also outlined.
Serum secretoneurin as a promising biomarker for predicting poor prognosis in intracerebral hemorrhage: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhu Xutong , Shan Hao , Wang Zefan , Wang Yucheng , Yan Tian , Chen Ziyin , Zhang Xin
Published: July 2024

Objective

Secretoneurin may play a brain-protective role. We aim to discover the relationship between serum secretoneurin levels and severity plus neurological outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, serum secretoneurin levels were measured in 110 ICH patients and 110 healthy controls. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and hematoma volume were used to assess stroke severity. Poor prognosis was defined as Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores of 1–3 at 90 days after ICH. A multivariate logistic regression model was constructed to determine independent correlation of serum secretoneurin levels with severity and poor prognosis. Under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, prognostic ability of serum secretoneurin levels was assessed. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) model and subgroups analysis were used for discovering association of serum secretoneurin levels with risk of poor prognosis. Calibration curve and decision curve were evaluated to confirm performance of nomogram.

Results

Serum secretoneurin levels of patients were significantly higher than those of healthy controls. Serum secretoneurin levels of patients were independently correlated with GCS scores and hematoma volume. There were 42 patients with poor prognosis at 90 days following ICH. Serum secretoneurin levels were significantly higher in patients with poor outcome than in those with good outcome. Under the ROC curve, serum secretoneurin levels significantly differentiated poor outcome. Serum secretoneurin levels ≥ 22.8 ng/mL distinguished patients at risk of poor prognosis at 90 days with a sensitivity of 66.2% and a specificity of 81.0%. Besides, serum secretoneurin levels independently predicted a 90-day poor prognosis. Subgroup analysis showed that serum secretoneurin levels had non-significant interactions with other variables. The nomogram, including independent prognostic predictors, showed reliable prognosis capability using calibration curve and decision curve. Area under the curve of the predictive model was significantly higher than those of GCS scores and hematoma volume.

Conclusion

Serum secretoneurin levels are strongly related to ICH severity and poor prognosis at 90 days after ICH. Thus, serum secretoneurin may be a promising prognostic biomarker in ICH.
Re-administration of platinum-based chemotherapy for recurrent endometrial cancer: an ancillary analysis of the SGSG-012/GOTIC-004/Intergroup study
Authors: Nagao Shoji , Nishio Shin , Takehara Kazuhiro , Sato Shinya , Satoh Toyomi , Shimada Muneaki , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Tanabe Hiroshi , Takano Masashi , Horie Kouji , Takei Yuji , Imai Yuichi , Hibino Yumi , Hasegawa Kosei , Takekuma Munetaka , Nakamura Kazuto , Takano Hirokuni , Fujiwara Keiichi , Masuyama Hisashi
Published: July 2024

Background

We previously demonstrated the applicability of the concept of “platinum sensitivity” in recurrent endometrial cancer. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have been widely incorporated into endometrial cancer treatment, the debate continues regarding treatment options in patients with recurrent endometrial cancer who have previously received platinum-based chemotherapy. In this study, we assessed the duration of response to secondary platinum-based treatment using pooled data from the SGSG-012/GOTIC-004/Intergroup study.

Methods

Among the 279 participants in the SGSG-012/GOTIC-004/Intergroup study wherein platinum-based chemotherapy was re-administered for managing recurrent endometrial cancer between January 2005 and December 2009, 130 (47%) responded to chemotherapy. We compared the relationship between platinum-free interval and duration of secondary platinum-based treatment using pooled data.

Results

In 40 patients (31%), the duration of response to secondary platinum-based treatment exceeded the platinum-free interval. The duration of response to secondary platinum-based treatment exceeded 12 months in 51 patients (39%) [platinum-free interval: < 12 months, 14/48 (29%); 12–23 months, 18/43 (42%); 24–35 months, 8/19 (42%); ≥ 36 months, 11/20 (55%)]. In particular, in eight patients (6%), the duration of response to secondary platinum-based treatment exceeded 36 months [platinum-free interval: < 12 months, 3/48 (6%); 12–23 months, 0/19 (0%); 24–35 months, 2/19 (11%); ≥ 36 months, 3/20 (15%)].

Conclusions

Re-administration of platinum-based chemotherapy for recurrent endometrial cancer may result in a long-term response exceeding the platinum-free interval in some patients. Even in the current situation, where immune checkpoint inhibitors have been introduced, re-administration of platinum-based chemotherapy is worth considering.
A review of the genetic background in complicated WT1-related disorders
Authors: Nagano China , Nozu Kandai
Published: July 2024

The Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) gene was first identified in 1990 as a strong candidate for conferring a predisposition to Wilms tumor. The WT1 protein has four zinc finger structures (DNA binding domain) at the C-terminus, which bind to transcriptional regulatory sequences on DNA, and acts as a transcription factor. WT1 is expressed during kidney development and regulates differentiation, and is also expressed in glomerular epithelial cells after birth to maintain the structure of podocytes. WT1-related disorders are a group of conditions associated with an aberrant or absent copy of the WT1 gene. This group of conditions encompasses a wide phenotypic spectrum that includes Denys–Drash syndrome (DDS), Frasier syndrome (FS), Wilms–aniridia–genitourinary–mental retardation syndrome, and isolated manifestations of nephropathy or Wilms tumor. The genotype–phenotype correlation is becoming clearer: patients with missense variants in DNA binding sites including C2H2 sites manifest DDS and develop early-onset and rapidly developing end-stage kidney disease. A deeper understanding of the genotype–phenotype correlation has also been obtained in DDS, but no such correlation has been observed in FS. The incidence of Wilms tumor is higher in patients with DDS and exon-truncating variants than in those with non-truncating variants. Here, we briefly describe the genetic background of this highly complicated WT1-related disorders.
Interactional competencies in medical student admission– what makes a “good medical doctor”?
Authors: Fleck Leonie , Amelung Dorothee , Fuchs Anna , Mayer Benjamin , Escher Malvin , Listunova Lena , Schultz Jobst-Hendrik , Möltner Andreas , Schütte Clara , Wittenberg Tim , Schneider Isabella , Herpertz Sabine C.
Published: July 2024

Doctors’ interactional competencies play a crucial role in patient satisfaction, well-being, and compliance. Accordingly, it is in medical schools’ interest to select candidates with strong interactional abilities. While Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) provide a useful context to assess such abilities, the evaluation of candidate performance during MMIs is not always based on a solid theoretical framework. The newly developed selection procedure “Interactional Competencies – Medical Doctors (IC-MD)” uses an MMI circuit with five simulation patient scenarios and is rated based on the theoretically and empirically grounded construct of emotional availability. A first validation study with N = 70 first-semester medical students took place in 2021. In terms of convergent validity, IC-MD ratings showed strong correlations with simulation patients’ satisfaction with the encounter (r =.57) but no association with emotional intelligence measures. IC-MD ratings were not related to high school performance or a cognitive student aptitude test, indicating divergent validity. Inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.63) and generalizability (Eρ2 = 0.64) were satisfactory. The IC-MD proved to be fair regarding participants’ age and gender. Participants with prior work experience in healthcare outperformed those without such experience. Participant acceptance of the procedure were good. The IC-MD is a promising selection procedure capable of assessing interactional competencies relevant to the medical setting. Measures of interactional competencies can complement the use of cognitive selection criteria in medical student admission. The predictive validity of the IC-MD needs to be addressed in future studies.
Topology optimization of chiral metamaterials with application to underwater sound insulation
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhao Honggang , Wang Yang , Zhong Jie , Yu Dianlong , Wen Jihong
Published: July 2024

Chiral metamaterials have been proven to possess many appealing mechanical phenomena, such as negative Poisson’s ratio, high-impact resistance, and energy absorption. This work extends the applications of chiral metamaterials to underwater sound insulation. Various chiral metamaterials with low acoustic impedance and proper stiffness are inversely designed using the topology optimization scheme. Low acoustic impedance enables the metamaterials to have a high and broadband sound transmission loss (STL), while proper stiffness guarantees its robust acoustic performance under a hydrostatic pressure. As proof-of-concept demonstrations, two specimens are fabricated and tested in a water-filled impedance tube. Experimental results show that, on average, over 95% incident sound energy can be isolated by the specimens in a broad frequency range from 1 kHz to 5 kHz, while the sound insulation performance keeps stable under a certain hydrostatic pressure. This work may provide new insights for chiral metamaterials into the underwater applications with sound insulation.
The influence of sex-specific factors on biological transformations and health outcomes in aging processes
Authors: Huang Yongyin , Li Hongyu , Liang Runyu , Chen Jia , Tang Qiang
Published: July 2024

The aging process demonstrates notable differences between males and females, which are key factors in disease susceptibility and lifespan. The differences in sex chromosomes are fundamental to the presence of sex bias in organisms. Moreover, sex-specific epigenetic modifications and changes in sex hormone levels impact the development of immunity differently during embryonic development and beyond. Mitochondria, telomeres, homeodynamic space, and intestinal flora are intricately connected to sex differences in aging. These elements can have diverse effects on men and women, resulting in unique biological transformations and health outcomes as they grow older. This review explores how sex interacts with these elements and shapes the aging process.
Towards an integrative model of blended design studios: a multiple case study across architecture, design and planning education
Authors: Süner-Pla-Cerdà Sedef , Öztürk Elif , Ünlü Canan Emine
Published: July 2024

Design education embodies distinctive pedagogical practices rooted in experiential learning, frequent interactions between students and instructors, reflective dialogues through project deliverables, and enculturation through activities and encounters facilitated by a physical studio setting. Contrasting the traditional lecture-based format, the design studio fosters a dynamic, participatory environment, making technology-mediated instructional delivery methods more rare and experimental than widely adopted. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a sudden shift to emergency remote teaching, which prompted a critical re-evaluation of both conventional and unconventional teaching methods, thereby leading to a reconsideration of traditional pedagogical approaches. This paper outlines common technology-enhanced approaches in design studios and advocates for blended learning as an effective mode of delivery. Multiple case study methodology was employed to elicit collective experiences, practices and future expectations of studio instructor teams from 12 architecture, design and planning departments across six universities. Findings of the thematic analysis are presented utilising Khan’s octagonal framework. The themes are synthesised in an integrative model to aid instructors in planning and implementing blended design studios, and recommendations are made for delivering blended learning experiences. The distinctive contribution of this study is its effort to develop an inclusive, comprehensive, and overarching model that resonates across various studio-based fields.
Fabrication of Nanocellulose/Chitosan Nanocomposite Based on Loofah Sponge for Efficient Removal of Methylene Blue: Thermodynamic and Kinetic Investigations
Authors: Matter E. A. , Hassan Asaad F. , Elfaramawy Nourhan M. , Esmail Ghada
Published: July 2024

We established three nano-solid adsorbents: nanocellulose based on plant loofah sponge (NC), chitosan (CS), and nanocellulose/chitosan composite (CSC). These substances were employed as solid adsorbents to eliminate methylene blue (MB) dye from wastewater. Various characterization techniques were employed to investigate all the synthesized solid adsorbents, including TGA (thermogravimetric analysis), XRD (X-ray diffraction spectra), (BET) nitrogen gas adsorption-desorption, SEM (scanning electron microscope), TEM (transmission electron microscopy), FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectrometer, and zeta potential. According to our results, CSC showed greater thermal stability than LS and NC but lower than CS, mesoporous (2.012 nm), higher total pore volume (0.366 cm3. g− 1), specific surface area (639.3 m2. g− 1), and pHpzc of 7.22. The static adsorption of MB was well described by the Langmuir (R2 > 0.9872), Temkin (R2 > 0.9668), and Dubinin-Radushkevich (R2 > 0.9485) models. The composite of nanocellulose and chitosan exhibited the highest Langmuir adsorption capacity (301.20 mg. g− 1) at 47 °C after a 24 h shaking period at a dosage of 2 g. L− 1 as the adsorbent and pH of 7. The adsorption of MB by the fabricated solid materials fitted well with the linear PSO (R2 > 0.9806) and Elovich (R2 > 0.9574) kinetic model. The enthalpy, entropy, and free energy change for the adsorption of MB onto CSC were determined to be 47.11 kJ. mol− 1, 0.172 kJ. mol− 1. K− 1, and − 3.29 kJ. mol− 1, respectively at 20 °C. Thermodynamic investigation showed that MB adsorption is spontaneous, endothermic, favorable (0 < RL<1, 0.017–0.313), and physisorption (EDR < 8 kJ. mol− 1). Compared to the other eluents, nitric acid produced the highest desorption percentage (98.5%).
Synthesis, Characterization, Cytotoxic Activity Studies of N1-phenylbenzene-1,2-diamine @CuhNFs and 1,2-phenylenediamine@CuhNFs, and Molecular Docking Calculations of Their Ligands
Authors: Somturk-Yilmaz Burcu , Turkmenoglu Burçin , Akkoc Senem
Published: July 2024

In recent years, hybrid nanoflowers (hNFs), the newest class of nanoparticles, have been highly preferred due to their excellent activity and stability. In this study, hybrid nanoflower synthesis was carried out using N1-phenylbenzene-1,2-diamine and 1,2-phenylenediamine as the organic part and copper(II) metal ions as the inorganic part. In the first stage, the characterization of the synthesized hybrid nanoflowers was carried out using various techniques. For the characterization of the synthesized hNFs, structure elucidation was performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy and elemental mapping. In the other study stage, the cytotoxic effects of hybrid nanoflowers were evaluated using A549 and MCF7 cell lines. When 1,2-phenylenediamine and N1-phenylbenzene-1,2-diamine were converted into CuhNFs, it was effective in MCF7 and A549 cell lines. Docking studies were performed using the Prime MM-GBSA method to estimate binding affinities and determine the binding mode. ADME analysis was performed using the Schrödinger 2021-2 QikProp wizard. Support was obtained from molecular docking to confirm the potential of N1-phenylbenzene-1,2-diamine and 1,2-phenylenediamine compounds for both breast and lung cancer. Molecular docking studies can provide information about binding interactions between compounds with identified targets, which may explain their inhibitory activity. A better result can be obtained by examining the binding patterns in the active binding region of the compounds through molecular docking.

Graphical Abstract
Manometric Determination of the Oxygen Diffusion Coefficients in YBa2Cu3−yFeyO6+x
Authors: Kargin J. , Cornejo H. E. Sanchez , Zhangozin K. , Zhanabergenov T. , Kassymkhanov Zh. , Seo Jiwon , Holmes S. N. , Barnes C. H. W. , Aguiar J. Albino , De Los Santos Valladares L.
Published: July 2024

Thermodynamic parameters, such as the activation energy (Ea) and the diffusion coefficient (D0), of weakly bounded oxygen in Fe-doped YBa2Cu3O6+x (YBa2Cu3-yFeyO6+x) system were obtained utilizing the Manometric technique. It is found that under isothermal conditions, oxygen desorption in YBa2Cu3O6+x (YBCO) occurs following an exponential decay trend and in two distinct stages. During the first stage, the majority of absorbed oxygen is released, while the second stage exhibits a delayed degassing kinetics. Ea and D0 were determined for both, pressed and powdered, samples of the YBCO and YBa2Cu3-yFeyO6+x systems, from experimental kinetic curves, depicting gas release P(t) under isothermal vacuum degassing conditions. It is demonstrated that doping with Fe prevents oxygen exchange in YBCO, as evidenced by the reduction in the quantity of released oxygen with increasing iron index (y). The experimental results validate the efficacy of the Manometric method for analyzing and determining the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the YBCO superconductor.
MDGCL: Graph Contrastive Learning Framework with Multiple Graph Diffusion Methods
Authors: Li Yuqiang , Zhang Yi , Liu Chun
Published: July 2024

In recent years, some classical graph contrastive learning(GCL) frameworks have been proposed to address the problem of sparse labeling of graph data in the real world. However, in node classification tasks, there are two obvious problems with existing GCL frameworks: first, the stochastic augmentation methods they adopt lose a lot of semantic information; second, the local–local contrasting mode selected by most frameworks ignores the global semantic information of the original graph, which limits the node classification performance of these frameworks. To address the above problems, this paper proposes a novel graph contrastive learning framework, MDGCL, which introduces two graph diffusion methods, Markov and PPR, and a deterministic–stochastic data augmentation strategy while retaining the local–local contrasting mode. Specifically, before using the two stochastic augmentation methods (FeatureDrop and EdgeDrop), MDGCL first uses two deterministic augmentation methods (Markov diffusion and PPR diffusion) to perform data augmentation on the original graph to increase the semantic information, this step ensures subsequent stochastic augmentation methods do not lose too much semantic information. Meanwhile, the diffusion matrices carried by the augmented views contain global semantic information of the original graph, allowing the framework to utilize the global semantic information while retaining the local-local contrasting mode, which further enhances the node classification performance of the framework. We conduct extensive comparative experiments on multiple benchmark datasets, and the results show that MDGCL outperforms the representative baseline frameworks on node classification tasks. Among them, compared with COSTA, MDGCL’s node classification accuracy has been improved by 1.07% and 0.41% respectively on two representative datasets, Amazon-Photo and Coauthor-CS. In addition, we also conduct ablation experiments on two datasets, Cora and CiteSeer, to verify the effectiveness of each improvement work of our framework.
How can research-based studio experience assist in tackling natural disasters?
Authors: Yildirim Yalcin , Cirak Buse Nur , Akin Anil
Published: July 2024

Natural disasters threaten human life in various ways, and a better understanding of their components reduces environmental and societal ramifications. This study seeks a pedagogical approach to contribute to such knowledge at a junior landscape architecture studio by concentrating on research-based experience. Assigning five disaster categories, including flood, drought and food, climate change, earthquake, and disaster-resilient society, the students obtained enriched knowledge on the studio process while they had difficulty in applying theoretical aspects of natural disasters to their projects, mainly gearing from analysis (upper scale) to design (lower scale) solutions. The study results propose that natural disaster education and awareness efforts should be integrated into design- and planning-related disciplines sooner rather than later.
A Version of Predicate Logic with Two Variables That has an Incompleteness Property
Authors: Khaled Mohamed
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we consider predicate logic with two individual variables and general assignment models (where the set of assignments of the variables into a model is allowed to be an arbitrary subset of the usual one). We prove that there is a statement such that no general assignment model in which it is true can be finitely axiomatized. We do this by showing that the free relativized cylindric algebras of dimension two are not atomic.
Secure query processing for smart grid data using searchable symmetric encryption
Authors: Souror Samia , Badawy Mohammed , El-Fishawy Nawal
Published: July 2024

In the last decade, the smart grid has utilized many modern technologies and applications compared with the conventional grid. Cloud computing offers numerous managed services and storage solutions for smart grid data. To balance security, privacy, efficiency, and utility, more efforts should be made to keep up with the rapid evolution of technology. Searchable encryption techniques are widely considered an intelligent solution to ensure data privacy and security while maintaining the functionality to search over encrypted data. In this paper, we propose a more reliable and efficient searchable symmetric encryption scheme for smart grid data. It is a dynamic keyword searchable scheme that uses a symmetric cipher based on a key hashing algorithm (DKS-SCKHA) to generate a secure index. This scheme eliminates the false-positive issue associated with the use of bloom filters and narrows the scope of the retrieved search results. Additionally, it efficiently supports both partial and exact query processing on the encrypted database. Both theoretical and security analyses demonstrate the efficiency and security of the DKS-SCKHA scheme compared to other previous schemes. Comprehensive experiments on a smart grid dataset showed that the DKS-SCKHA scheme is 35–68% more efficient than the schemes compared in this paper. The DKS-SCKHA scheme supports three keyword search scenarios: single, conjunctive, and disjunctive. Furthermore, the DKS-SCKHA scheme is extended to support dynamic fuzzy keyword search on the encrypted database (DEFKS-SCKHA). We evaluated the security and efficiency of the DEFKS-SCKHA scheme through security analysis and experimental evaluation. Theoretical analysis shows that the proposed scheme is secure against known-ciphertext and known-background attacks.
Free strain consolidation of soft ground improved by stone columns under time-dependent loading considering smear effects
Authors: Liu Yang , Wu Peichen , Yin Jian-Hua , Zheng Jun-Jie
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a consolidation model for stone column-reinforced soft ground subjected to time-dependent loading under free strain condition. Smear effects and three types of loadings, namely, constant loading, ramp loading, and sinusoidal loading, are considered in the developed consolidation model, which is solved by a numerical method based on a partial differential equation solver. The applicability of the proposed consolidation model and the reliability of the numerical method are demonstrated and verified by well-predicting the consolidation behaviors of two practical engineering cases and one laboratory experiment. The verified model and the numerical method are then employed to investigate the effects of smear zone and time-dependent loading on consolidation characteristics of stone column-improved soft ground. The results indicate that the excess pore water pressure undergoes a sharp change at the interface between the smear zone and the undisturbed zone due to smear effects. The smaller the range of the smear zone, the faster the settlement of the composite foundation develops. The faster the loading rate, the faster the dissipation of excess pore water pressure and the faster the settlement develops. In addition, for the foundation subjected to sinusoidal loading, the higher loading frequency results in a larger amplitude corresponding to the excess pore water pressure and a smaller amplitude corresponding to the settlement of the soil.
Predicting Potato Crop Yield with Machine Learning and Deep Learning for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: El-Kenawy El-Sayed M. , Alhussan Amel Ali , Khodadadi Nima , Mirjalili Seyedali , Eid Marwa M.
Published: July 2024

Potatoes are an important crop in the world; they are the main source of food for a large number of people globally and also provide an income for many people. The true forecasting of potato yields is a determining factor for the rational use and maximization of agricultural practices, responsible management of the resources, and wider regions’ food security. The latest discoveries in machine learning and deep learning provide new directions to yield prediction models more accurately and sparingly. From the study, we evaluated different types of predictive models, including K-nearest neighbors (KNN), gradient boosting, XGBoost, and multilayer perceptron that use machine learning, as well as graph neural networks (GNNs), gated recurrent units (GRUs), and long short-term memory networks (LSTM), which are popular in deep learning models. These models are evaluated on the basis of some performance measures like mean squared error (MSE), root mean squared error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE) to know how much they accurately predict the potato yields. The terminal results show that although gradient boosting and XGBoost algorithms are good at potato yield prediction, GNNs and LSTMs not only have the advantage of high accuracy but also capture the complex spatial and temporal patterns in the data. Gradient boosting resulted in an MSE of 0.03438 and an R2 of 0.49168, while XGBoost had an MSE of 0.03583 and an R2 of 0.35106. Out of all deep learning models, GNNs displayed an MSE of 0.02363 and an R2 of 0.51719, excelling in the overall performance. LSTMs and GRUs were reported to be very promising as well, with LSTMs comprehending an MSE of 0.03177 and GRUs grabbing an MSE of 0.03150. These findings underscore the potential of advanced predictive models to support sustainable agricultural practices and informed decision-making in the context of potato farming.
3D mobile regression vision transformer for collateral imaging in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Jung Sumin , Yang Hyun , Kim Hyun Jeong , Roh Hong Gee , Kwak Jin Tae
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The accurate and timely assessment of the collateral perfusion status is crucial in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke. Previous works have shown that collateral imaging, derived from CT angiography, MR perfusion, and MR angiography, aids in evaluating the collateral status. However, such methods are time-consuming and/or sub-optimal due to the nature of manual processing and heuristics. Recently, deep learning approaches have shown to be promising for generating collateral imaging. These, however, suffer from the computational complexity and cost.

Methods

In this study, we propose a mobile, lightweight deep regression neural network for collateral imaging in acute ischemic stroke, leveraging dynamic susceptibility contrast MR perfusion (DSC-MRP). Built based upon lightweight convolution and Transformer architectures, the proposed model manages the balance between the model complexity and performance.

Results

We evaluated the performance of the proposed model in generating the five-phase collateral maps, including arterial, capillary, early venous, late venous, and delayed phases, using DSC-MRP from 952 patients. In comparison with various deep learning models, the proposed method was superior to the competitors with similar complexity and was comparable to the competitors of high complexity.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the proposed model is able to facilitate rapid and precise assessment of the collateral status of patients with acute ischemic stroke, leading to improved patient care and outcome.
Strain Hardening in Dilute Binary Al–Cu, Al–Zn, and Al–Mn Alloys: Experiment and Modeling
Authors: Viernstein Bernhard , Solyom Laszlo , Kozeschnik Ernst
Published: July 2024

During thermo-mechanical processing, dissolved alloying elements have a huge impact on the microstructure evolution by influencing the overall dislocation storage rate. Especially, for non-heat treatable Al alloys, the effects of strain-hardening and solid solution strengthening are of significant practical interest. In the present work, a detailed study of the room temperature work-hardening behavior of binary Al–Cu, Al–Zn, and Al–Mn alloys with varying solute concentrations is carried out. Stress–strain curves at different strain rates are recorded and computationally analyzed by an advanced 3-Internal-Variables-Model (3IVM) approach for the dislocation density evolution. The initial strengthening rate is examined as a function of the solute concentration.
Pipeline Circumferential Cracking in Near-Neutral pH Environment Under the Influence of Residual Stress: Dormancy and Crack Initiation
Authors: Shirazi Hamed , Wang Shidong , Eadie Reg , Chen Weixing
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study is to identify the integrity challenges encountered by buried pipeline steels, specifically to address Circumferential Near-Neutral pH Corrosion Fatigue (C-NNpH-CF). Damage to the pipeline’s protective coating and corrosion conditions increase the risk of service failures caused by C-NNpH-CF. (Note that this mechanism has previously been termed near-neutral pH stress corrosion cracking.) Unlike axial cracking, circumferential cracking is primarily influenced by residual stress from pipeline bending, geohazards, and girth welds. External corrosion pits often lead to dormant cracks, with growth ceasing around 1 mm depth due to reduced dissolution rates. Investigating the impact of bending residual stress (an appropriate source of axial residual stress) and cyclic loading (simulated pipeline pressure fluctuation), the study employs the digital image correlation (DIC) method for stress distribution analysis. Factors like applied loading, initial notch depth, and bending conditions influence crack initiation and recovery from the dormancy stage by affecting stress distribution, stress cells, and stress concentration. Cross-sectional and fractographic images reveal time/stress-dependent mechanisms governing crack initiation, including dissolution rate and hydrogen-enhanced corrosion fatigue. The study emphasizes the role of various residual stress types and their interactions with axial cyclic loading in determining the threshold conditions for crack initiation.
Consensus paper on the management of acute isolated vertigo in the emergency department
Authors: Vanni Simone , Vannucchi Paolo , Pecci Rudi , Pepe Giuseppe , Paciaroni Maurizio , Pavellini Andrea , Ronchetti Mattia , Pelagatti Lorenzo , Bartolucci Maurizio , Konze Angela , Castellucci Andrea , Manfrin Marco , Fabbri Andrea , de Iaco Fabio , Casani Augusto Pietro ,   Società Italiana di Medicina d’Emergenza Urgenza [SIMEU], Società Italiana di Vestibologia [VIS]
Published: July 2024

Acute vertigo is defined as the perception of movement of oneself or the surroundings in the absence of actual motion and it is a frequent cause for emergency department admissions. The utilization of medical resources and the duration of hospital stay for this kind of symptom is high. Furthermore, the efficiency of brain imaging in the acute phase is low, considering the limited sensitivity of both CT and MRI for diagnosing diseases that are the causes of central type of vertigo. Relying on imaging tests can provide false reassurance in the event of negative results or prolong the in-hospital work-up improperly. On the other hand, clinical examinations, notably the assessment of nystagmus’ features, have proven to be highly accurate and efficient when performed by experts. Literature data point out that emergency physicians often do not employ these skills or use them incorrectly. Several clinical algorithms have been introduced in recent years with the aim of enhancing the diagnostic accuracy of emergency physicians when evaluating this specific pathology. Both the ‘HINTS and ‘STANDING’ algorithms have undergone external validation in emergency physician hands, showing good diagnostic accuracy. The objective of this consensus document is to provide scientific evidence supporting the clinical decisions made by physicians assessing adult patients with acute vertigo in the emergency department, particularly in cases without clear associated neurological signs. The document aims to offer a straightforward and multidisciplinary approach. At the same time, it tries to delineate benchmarks for the formulation of local diagnostic and therapeutic pathways, as well as provide a base for the development of training and research initiatives.
Bloodstream infections due to multi-drug resistant bacteria in the emergency department: prevalence, risk factors and outcomes—a retrospective observational study
Authors: Capsoni Nicolò , Azin Giulia Maria , Scarnera Marida , Bettina Marco , Breviario Riccardo , Ferrari Laura , Ferrari Camilla , Privitera Daniele , Vismara Chiara , Bielli Alessandra , Galbiati Filippo , Bernasconi Davide Paolo , Merli Marco , Bombelli Michele
Published: July 2024

Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are prevalent in patients admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) and increase the risk of inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy. Risk stratification for MDRO infection is essential to early identify patients requiring empirical broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, but it remains challenging for emergency physicians. This study aimed to evaluate prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of patients admitted to the ED with a bloodstream infection (BSI) caused by MDROs. A retrospective observational study enrolling all consecutive adult patients admitted with a BSI to the ED of Niguarda Hospital, Italy, from January 2019 to December 2021 was performed. 757 patients were enrolled, 14.1% with septic shock. 156 (20%) patients had a BSI caused by MDRO: extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacterales were the most prevalent followed by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Risk factors for BSI due to MDRO and specifically for ESBL were chronic renal failure (OR 2.2; 95%CI 1.4–3.6), nursing home residency (OR 4.4; 95%CI 1.9–10.2) and antibiotic therapy in the last 90–days (OR 2.6; 95%CI 1.7–4), whereas for MRSA were dialysis (OR 12.3; 95%CI 1.8–83), antibiotic therapy and/or hospital admission in the past 90-days (OR 3.6; 95%CI 1.2–10.6) and ureteral stent or nephrostomy (OR 7.8; 95%CI 1.5–40.9). Patients with BSI due to MDRO had a higher rate of inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy (50%) and longer length of stay, but no higher in-hospital mortality. Among patients admitted to the ED with a BSI, MDROs are frequent and often associated with inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy. Specific updated risk factors for MDRO may help clinicians to better identify patients requiring a broader antibiotic therapy in the ED, while awaiting microbiological results.
On the Logical Argument from Natural Evil: A Response to Moore
Authors: Sterba James P.
Published: July 2024

Dwayne Moore’s "A Naturalistic Theodicy for Sterba’s Problem of Natural Evil," (Moore, 2024) provides a detailed critique of my logical argument from evil against the existence of the God of traditional theism. While there have been many critiques of my logical argument against the existence of the God of traditional theism from moral evil to which I have replied (2020b, 2020c, 2021, 2023), there has been only one previous critique that was directed at my logical argument from natural evil (see Jordan, 2023). Accordingly, I welcome this opportunity to show how my logical argument from natural evil works against Moore’s critique.
The Myth of Gender Equality? Older Women’s Narratives on Sexuality Under State Socialism
Authors: Gore-Gorszewska Gabriela , Štulhofer Aleksandar
Published: July 2024

This article explores female sexuality during state-socialist rule in Croatia and Poland. Using life-course framework and qualitative data from individual interviews with 35 women aged 65–93, we investigate a complex interplay of socialist puritanism, officially proclaimed gender equality, and a patriarchal cultural tradition based on a restrictive religious morality, and the role it played in women’s perception of sexuality, sexual expression, and pleasure. In the private sphere, the process of socialist modernization (and its gender egalitarian ideology) was frequently neutralized by the post-World War II austerity and conservative family socialization—with long-term consequences for female sexuality. The current study is a contribution to the literature on social regulation of sexuality in Communist Europe during the second half of the twentieth century.
Many Bombers of the Principle of Double Effect: An Analysis of Strategic/Terror Bomber Thought Experiment Variants
Authors: Kłaput Ignacy
Published: July 2024

The strategic/terror bomber thought experiment is often employed in the contemporary debate on the principle of double effect (PDE). It is taken to show the intuitive appeal of PDE. In this paper, it is argued, however, that the thought experiment is used in a confused way. What is taken to be one thought experiments in fact is a series of subtly differing examples. Those differences, although subtle, bear on the applicability of these examples in the argumentation for PDE. The main objectives of this paper are to provide a precise description and analysis of the variants of strategic/terror bomber thought experiments. The analysis shows that some variants are flawed mainly because of underdetermination of the cases by their descriptions and problems with rationality of the presented agents. This result seems to cast some new doubts on employment of the strategic/terror bomber thought experiment as an argumentative device supporting PDE.
Estimating S-wave amplitude for earthquake early warning in New Zealand: Leveraging the first 3 seconds of P-Wave
Authors: Chandrakumar Chanthujan , Tan Marion Lara , Holden Caroline , Stephens Max , Punchihewa Amal , Prasanna Raj
Published: July 2024

This study addresses the critical question of predicting the amplitude of S-waves during earthquakes in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), a highly earthquake-prone region, for implementing an Earthquake Early Warning System (EEWS). This research uses ground motion parameters from a comprehensive dataset comprising historical earthquakes in the Canterbury region of NZ. It explores the potential to estimate the damaging S-wave amplitude before it arrives, primarily focusing on the initial P-wave signals. The study establishes nine linear regression relationships between P-wave and S-wave amplitudes, employing three parameters: peak ground acceleration, peak ground velocity, and peak ground displacement. Each relationship’s performance is evaluated through correlation coefficient (R), coefficient of determination (R²), root mean square error (RMSE), and 5-fold Cross-validation RMSE, aiming to identify the most predictive empirical model for the Canterbury context. Results using a weighted scoring approach indicate that the relationship involving P-wave Peak Ground Velocity (Pv) within a 3-second window strongly correlates with S-wave Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA), highlighting its potential for EEWS. The selected empirical relationship is subsequently applied to establish a P-wave amplitude (Pv) threshold for the Canterbury region as a case study from which an EEWS could benefit. The study also suggests future research exploring complex machine learning models for predicting S-wave amplitude and expanding the analysis with more datasets from different regions of NZ.
The study of perturbation in magnetized Schwarzschild anti-de Sitter spacetime and dark energy profile
Authors: Ghafar Muhammad Saad , Ali Farhad , Hussain Saqib , Fatima Nahid , Alghafli Maryam
Published: July 2024

We are going to investigate the geodesic motion of charged particles in the vicinity of Schwarzschild anti-de-Sitter (S-AdS) spacetime with topological defects that admit temporal perturbation. We used the approximate Noether symmetry equation to insert the time conformal factor in the black hole without losing its symmetry structure. This type of insertion is necessary because the black hole radiates its energy and momentum in the form of gravitational waves and Hawking radiation. Along with the temporal perturbation, the S-AdS black hole (BH) is immersed in an external magnetic field. We conduct an in-depth examination of the dynamics of charged particles near a weakly magnetized and time conformal S-AdS BH. Our analysis involves calculating the shift in the position of the innermost circular orbit (ISCO) caused by both temporal perturbation and the presence of a magnetic field. Furthermore, we explore the influence of dark energy (DE) and angular momentum on the stability of these orbits. Additionally, we determine the effective force and escape velocity for a charged particle orbiting around the perturbed magnetized S-AdS BH. The application of time-dependent perturbation theory can extend our understanding to investigate the quasinormal modes (QNMs) of BH mergers.