bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic Attributes of Households and Their Implications for Housing Development in Peri-urban Areas of Akure, Nigeria
Authors: Lawal Olubunmi Lukman , Omole Felix Kayode , Basorun Joseph Omoniyi , Oladehinde Gbenga
Published: July 2024

The rapidly growing population of Akure and the accompanying economic activities have led to the city's expansion to the adjoining peri-urban areas. Many households who could not afford decent accommodation in the town have been moving to the peri-urban regions for rental or personal housing. Therefore, this study explored the connection between the socioeconomic characteristics of households and housing development in Oba-Ile, Oda, and Ibule-Soro peri-urban areas of Akure. In this study, households represent the unit of analysis, and one household head per building was selected for questionnaire administration. Using the average household size of five people per family (5ppf) and five households per building (5hpb) in Ondo State, the number of households in the three locations was forty-seven thousand one hundred and ten (47110), out of which eight hundred (800) representing 1.7% of the households were randomly selected for questionnaire administration. The data obtained from the field survey was subjected to statistical analysis and the results among others revealed that most of the housing units were headed by males, who were between 45 and 54 years old, and within Nigeria's economically active population; 67.2%, 65.1%, and 46.4% of the respondents in Ibule-Soro, Oda, and Oba-Ile, respectively, lived below the poverty line; and most of the housing development were traced to the last ten years. Based on the findings, credible proposals were made to improve socioeconomic characteristics, which will drive adequate housing development.
Prospective study of once-daily accelerated partial breast irradiation using 3-dimensional conformal external beam radiotherapy for Japanese women: 12-year outcomes, toxicity, and cosmesis
Authors: Takahashi Kana , Kagami Yoshikazu , Yoshimura Ryoichi , Morota Madoka , Murakami Naoya , Nakamura Satoshi , Okamoto Hiroyuki , Nagao Ayaka , Sakuramachi Madoka , Kashihara Tairo , Kaneda Tomoya , Inaba Koji , Okuma Kae , Nakayama Yuko , Itami Jun , Igaki Hiroshi
Published: July 2024

Background
To analyze in a prospective study the long-term safety and efficacy of 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) to deliver accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) for Japanese women with early breast cancer.
Methods
Breast cancer patients with pathological tumor size ≤ 3 cm, age ≥ 20 years, lumpectomy with at least a 5 mm margin, and ≤ 3 positive axillary nodes were eligible. APBI was delivered by 3D-CRT at a dose of 38.5 Gy in 10 fractions over 10 days. The primary endpoints were the frequency and severity of acute and late radiation toxicities, and secondary endpoints were local control, survival, and cosmesis. The sample size was determined based on the incidence of ≥ grade 3 acute and late radiation toxicities, which required 71 enrollments.
Results
Between 2008 and 2010, 73 patients enrolled in this trial. Twelve patients (16%) had 1–3 lymph node metastases. At a median follow-up of 12.6 years (range: 2.7–13.9 years), there were no cases of grade ≥ 3 acute or late toxicity. There were 4 ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) events: 12-year IBTR incidence was 4.4%. The difference in the incidence of IBTR between node-negative and node-positive patients was marginal (1.9% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.055). The majority of patients (95.8%) had excellent/good cosmesis.
Conclusions
APBI delivered with 3D-CRT is a feasible treatment option for Asian females, but it was indicated that node-positive status might increase IBTR risk.
QTL mapping of adult plant resistance for leaf rust in F 2:3 wheat pedigrees derived from Zhou mai 22/Chinese Spring
Authors: Kang Ling , Yu Tianhui , Qin Jinyan , Gebrewahid Takele Weldu , Liu Jialong , Chu Zhiying , Xi Jiaxin , Li Zaifeng , Yan Xiaocui , Yao Zhanjun
Published: July 2024

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) leaf rust [Puccinia triticina (Pt)] causes devastating yield losses globally. Conceivably, breeding and deployment of cultivars harboring adult plant resistance (APR) to leaf rust (LR) can be an effective way to manage wheat leaf rust. Particularly, mapping of major quantitative trait loci (QTLs) facilitate breeding of LR resistant cultivars. Here, we have mapped QTLs for APR to LR in wheat using wheat population including 215 F2:3 lines from a Zhoumai 22/Chinese Spring. Bulked segregation analyse (BSA) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) detection of wheat lines digged out the QTLs for APR to LR. Using Manager QTXb20 and Icimapping 3.2 software, some APR QTLs were mapped in Zhoumai 22/Chinese Spring wheat population. Three QTLs of APR to LR detected and designated QLr.zh-2BS, QLr.zh-4B and QLr.zh-7DS) explained 12.58–13.58%, 7.02–20.22% and 6.73–21.30% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. QLr.zh-4B and QLr.zh-7DS were derived from Chinese Spring wheat, whereas QLr.zh-2BS emanated from Zhoumai 22. QLr.zh-4B and QLr.zh-7DS were mapped close to Lr12 and Lr34, respectively, revealling their close link to these loci, correspondingly. Overall, the QTLs related APR to LR, their flanking markers and associated APR genes identified in this study could be useful to genomic resources and marker-assisted select breeding of LR resistance in wheat.
Assessing Spatiotemporal Patterns and Wind-Driven Dispersal of E.prolifera in the South Yellow Sea by Multi-Index Decision Fusion in South Yellow Sea, China
Authors: Luo Kai , Zuo Ping , Ma Qitong , Zheng Yujun , Li Xiruo , Chang Hu , Yan Yuru
Published: July 2024

Since 2007, the coastal areas of Shandong have frequently experienced green tides caused by Enteromorpha prolifera (E.prolifera). Our study utilized long-term MODIS remote sensing data and multi-index decision fusion technology to analyze the distribution of E.prolifera in the South Yellow Sea from 2008 to 2022. This approach enabled us to detail the spatiotemporal distribution, including data on centroid movement paths and coverage areas. Further application of Moran's Index for spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed four distinct drift patterns of E.prolifera, stretching from the coast of Jiangsu Province to the Shandong Peninsula. These patterns are significantly influenced by the wind speed and direction in the region, with the maximum centroid drift speed dependent on the wind's magnitude. Before 2018, the coverage area and distribution range of E.prolifera showed an exponential expansion trend. This research provides essential spatiotemporal data for understanding the drift dynamics and ecological impact of E.prolifera in the region.
Effect of different restorative design and materials on stress distribution in cracked teeth: a finite element analysis study.
Authors: Liu Ting , Liu Hong , Meng Jiali , Liu Yajing , Wei Yuan , Huang Yequan , Zhou Qian , Yang Weidong , Zhu Yanan
Published: July 2024

Objectives
To compare stress distribution and crack propagation in cracked mandibular first molar restored with onlay, overlay, and two types of occlusal veneers with two different CAD/CAM materials by Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
Materials and methods
A mandibular first molar was digitized using a micro-CT scanner. Three-dimensional dynamic scan data were transformed, and a 3D model of a cracked tooth was generated. Finite element models of four different models (onlay, overlay, and two types of occlusal veneer restored teeth) were designed. Two different CAD/CAM materials, including Lava Ultimate (LU) and IPS e.max CAD (EMX), were specified for both models. Each model was subjected to three different force loads on the occlusal surfaces. Stress distribution patterns and the maximum von Mises (VM) stresses were calculated and compared.
Results
Compared to the base model, all restorations showed high-stress concentration moved from the lower margin of the crack area towards the top of the crack area. The EMX-restored onlay, overlay, and occlusal veneer 2 had the lowest stress in the cracked area and the lowest average von Mises stress levels at the lower margin along the cracked line, especially under the 225N lateral force (P < 0.05). The occlusal veneer 1 filled with resin had a poorer stress distribution and higher stress concentration of stress at the remaining crack than the occlusal veneer 2 without resin filled inside.
Conclusions
The EMX restorations with onlay, overlay, and occlusal veneer 2 showed lower stress concentration at the crack surface's lower margin compared to the LU-restored models. The occlusal veneer with internal resin filler exhibited higher stress on the end of the lower margin of the crack surface.
Clinical relevance
Our results suggest that onlay, overlay ceramic restorations and occlusal veneer (without resin filling inside) may be a favorable method to prevent further crack propagation.
Real-time Optimized Inverse Kinematics of Redundant Robots Under Inequality Constraints
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Du Huibin , Qin Zhiying , Zhao Yuejing , Yang Guang
Published: July 2024

Inverse kinematics of redundant robots presents a challenging problem for real-time applications due to the lack of uniqueness of solution and the low computational efficiency caused by redundancy and hard limits. In this work, a general and efficient method for addressing the real-time optimized inverse kinematics of redundant robots is proposed, taking into account hard limits in joint and Cartesian space that can never be violated. The proposed method proceeds by using constrained linear programming instead of quadratic programming to solve the inverse kinematic problem. Various hard limits such as joint range, bounds on velocity and acceleration are handled explicitly as inequality constraints. This method resolves the redundancy in real-time and enable to simultaneously guarantee that the additional motion constraints will never be violated. Its performance allows real-time kinematic control of redundant robots executing sensor-driven online tasks. The effectiveness of this method is demonstrated through simulations and experiments conducted on a 7-DOF KUKA IIWA robot, showcasing its ability to control redundant robots executing sensor-driven tasks in dynamic environments with numerous hard limits.
Can Ki67 Serve as a Suitable Marker to Indicate the Necessity of Staging Diagnostics in Cases of Low-risk Breast Cancer?
Authors: Jung Lisa , Huwer Sarah Isabelle , Jungmann Peter , Medl Markus , Taran Florin-Andrei , Neubauer Jakob , Wilpert Carolin , Juhasz-Böss Ingolf , Müller Carolin
Published: July 2024

Background:
For many years, staging tests have not been routinely employed for low-risk early breast cancer (EBC). However, the role of Ki67 in determining the need for staging tests in low-risk EBC remains unclear. Our study aimed to assess the number and types of staging diagnostics, additional imaging, and false-positive results in low-risk EBC with low and high Ki67 (</≥ 25%).
Methods:
This is a retrospective, single institution cohort study. All patients with newly diagnosed low-risk breast cancer at the University Medical Center in Freiburg in 2017 and 2021 were included. Low-risk was defined as clinical tumor stage T1/2, node negative (N0), hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative, asymptomatic EBC. Information on demographics, clinical and pathological characteristics, as well as number and type of performed staging diagnostics was obtained. Also, rate of additional imaging or follow-up diagnostics due to suspicious findings was analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups (Ki67 < and ≥ 25%) and rates of distant metastases as well as performed staging diagnostics and false positive rates were compared.
Results:
A total of 189 patients with low-risk EBC were identified, with 54% (n = 102) having Ki67 < 25% and 46% (n = 87) having Ki67 ≥ 25%. Risk for distant metastases was 0% in Ki67 < 25% and 1.1% in patients with Ki67 ≥ 25% (p > 0,05, n.s.). Due to suspicious findings in the initial staging diagnostic, additional imaging was required for 11.8% (n = 12) of patients with Ki67 < 25% compared to 19.4% (n = 17) patients with Ki67 ≥ 25% resulting in a false positive rate of 11.8% (Ki67 < 25%) and 18.3% (Ki67 ≥ 25%), respectively.
Conclusion:
Distant metastases are rare in low-risk EBC. All in all, staging diagnostics should not be routinely employed in this patient population. Only patients with high Ki67 developed distant metastases. In these cases, staging diagnostics may be discussed with the patient.
Safety and Efficacy of Latitud™ Hip Replacement in Total Hip Arthroplasty: An Observational Study in Kazakhstan Running title: Safety and Efficacy of Latitud ™ Hip Replacement
Authors: Bekarissov Olzhas , Batpen Arman , Belokobylov Aleksey , Baidalin Timur , Oktyabrova Durdana , Beknazarov Askarjan , Petrovskiy Konstantin , Shetty Kiran Kumar
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Total hip replacement (THR) is one of the most successful surgical procedures globally for managing end-stage hip osteoarthritis. Latitud™ hip replacement system is at the forefront of restoring mobility and improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Latitud™ hip replacement in total hip arthroplasty. Methods: In this retrospective, single-centre, post-market, observational study, 150 patients who underwent total hip replacement and were treated in our hospital from 2018–2020 were included. The primary outcome was the THR-related intra and postoperative complications and revision rate at 1-year follow-up. Secondary outcomes were other patient-reported outcomes, radiographic analysis, Harris hip score, adverse events, implant dislocation, and survivorship rate. Results: The mean age of the patients was 53.90 ± 11.44 years. The surgical procedures were successful without any major complications. There was a significant (p < 0.001) improvement in the Harris hip score. No death was observed throughout the study. There was 1 (0.67%) intra-operative fracture, with the patient having a closed comminuted fracture of the upper and middle third of the left femur and anemia. Seven patients (4.67%) patients required postoperative blood transfusions. During the follow-up period, there was no revision surgery or implant dislocation. Conclusion: This observational study suggests that the Latitud™ hip replacement system was favorable safety and effective in a real-world setting in Kazakhstan. The study showed promising results in pain alleviation, functional improvement, and implant survivorship.
Sensorless of Switched Reluctance Motor Based on Inductance Characteristic Point Under Magnetic Saturation
Authors: CAI Hui , FAN Yuhua
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a method of rotor position estimation for switched reluctance motors suitable for saturation. The effects of saturation as well as voltage changes are taken into account at the same time. It is based on the inductance in the unsaturated region. When the phase inductance is equal to the threshold, it is defined as a feature point. Meanwhile the feature pulse signal is triggered. Different inductance intersection thresholds are determined when the phase current and bus voltage change. The rotor position is estimated by interval speed. Compared with the traditional inductance method, the position estimation error is smaller. Finally, the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified by simulation and experiments.
Genomic analysis of Escherichia phage CMSTMSU isolated from shrimp farm effluent water
Authors: Lelin Chinnadurai , Thirumalaikumar Eswaramoorthy , Uma Ganapathi , Anusha Radha John , Sayan Paul , Sudhakar Sivasubramaniam , Citarasu Thavasimuthu
Published: July 2024

Background
Escherichia phage CMSTMSU which isolated from shrimp farm effluent water was sequenced the whole genome and find out the gene ontology, predicted protein statistics, enzyme classes and predicting the secondary structure analysis of protein etc. Bioinformatics tools like CANU algorithm for interpretation of incomplete assemblies, Blast2GO tools to study the Gene Ontology, Mauve system for constructing multiple genome alignments related to evolutionary events Rapid annotation using subsystems technology (RAST) used to annotate protein sequences and Iterative Threading Assembly Refinement (I-TASSER) used protein secondary structure prediction were carried out.
Results
According to sequencing results, the genome's average read length was found to be 3.4 Kb, with a total of 88676 reads observed. A single contig with 35.6% GC content and a genome size of 386.4 kb was produced by the CANU assembly. 767 genes and 700 proteins were annotated, according to the BLAST2GO mapping, and BLAST hits demonstrated sequence similarity of at least 70% to the known protein sequences in the nr database. A study of the KEGG pathway revealed that 18 sequences were involved in the metabolism of thiamine, 26 sequences in the metabolism of pyrdimine, and 37 sequences in the metabolism of purines. Escherichia phage CMSTMSU was found to be closely related to Escherichia PBECO 4, Escherichia Phage 121Q, and Escherichia phage vB Eco slurp01, according to MAUV alignment. Escherichia phage CMSTMSU protein was found to have a close relationship with other phages, such as Salmonella phage munch, Klebsiella phage vB KleM RaK2, and Cronobacter phage CsaM GAP32, according to secondary structure prediction.
Conclusions
Compared to other reference phages in our study, it is noteworthy that the newly isolated phages' large genome sequences have the potential to spark curiosity from a biological standpoint.
A practical index system forevaluating the core competence of specialized nurses in digestive endoscopy
Authors: Li Chao , Du Xufang , Tian Xiangyan , Yao Jia , Tian Shuchuan
Published: July 2024

Aim To construct the evaluation index system of the core competence of digestive endoscopy nurses and provide reference for the training and evaluation of endoscopy nurses.
Background Digestive endoscopy nurses play a crucial role in the process of endoscopic diagnosis and treatment, and specially trained nurses can improve the safety of digestive endoscopy surgery.
Methods Following a thorough review of pertinent guidelines, expert opinions, and literature pertaining to the diagnosis and treatment of digestive endoscopy, a preliminary set of core competency evaluation indicators for digestive endoscopy nurses was established through group deliberation. Subsequent refinement of these indicators and their respective weights was achieved through two rounds of delphi expert consultation and the application of the analytic hierarchy process, resulting in the finalization of the evaluation index system.
Results In the two rounds of letter inquiry, the authority coefficient of experts was 0.865 and 0.875 respectively, and the coordination coefficient of Kendall of the second round was 0.152,0.243 and 0.334 (P<0.05).The final core competence evaluation indexes included 5 first-level indexes, 11 second-level indexes and 48 third-level indexes.
Conclusion The core competence evaluation index system is characterized by a high degree of scientific rigor and reliability, effectively capturing the essential competencies necessary for the role of digestive endoscopy nurses. This system serves as a valuable tool for enhancing post-competence and elevating the overall quality of nursing care, offering a sound basis for improvement in clinical practice.
Advanced Quantum-enhanced Recurrent Neural Network for Efficient Spectrum Sensing in Cognitive 5g Networks
Authors: PERUMAL RAMAKRISHNAN
Published: July 2024

Spectrum sensing plays an important role in cognitive 5G network for efficient spectrum utilization. The existing spectrum sensing techniques has limitations in terms of low detection accuracy and high computational complexity. To overcome this limitation, a novel model is presented utilizing the benefits of deep learning and optimization algorithms. The proposed model incorporates a novel Quantum Inspired Recurrent Neural Network (QI-RNN) optimized using Hybrid Elephant Herding Bat algorithm (HEH-BA). The proposed QI-RNN utilize quantum principles like superposition and entanglement to improve the learning efficiency and capture complex patterns in spectrum data. Further to improve the performance, the hybrid optimization model combines the global search abilities of elephant herding optimization with local search refinement of bat algorithm. This ensures that the proposed model provides better balance between exploration and exploitation in the hyperparameter space. The experimental results of the proposed model demonstrates that QI-RNN with HEH-BA performs better than traditional Adaptive Wideband Spectrum Sensing (AWBSS), Multi-task Compressive Sensing (MCS-FAM), Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), and Deep Belief Networks with Sunflower Optimization (DBN-SFO) models. The proposed model high detection probability of 97% with reduced false alarm of 0.01 and energy efficiency of 97% provides a significant improvement in performance and reliability in spectrum sensing.
Assessing Cost and Cost Savings of Teleconsultation in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing Analysis within a Value-Based Healthcare Framework
Authors: Nabelsi Véronique , Plouffe Véronique
Published: July 2024

Background
Quebec's healthcare system faces significant challenges due to labour shortage, particularly in long-term care facilities (CHSLDs). The aging population and increasing demand for services compound this issue. Teleconsultation presents a promising solution to mitigate labour shortage, especially in small CHSLDs outside urban centers. This study aims to evaluate the cost and cost savings associated with teleconsultation in CHSLDs, utilizing the Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC) model within the framework of Value-Based Healthcare (VBHC).
Methods
This study focuses on CHSLDs with fewer than 50 beds in remote regions of Quebec, where teleconsultation for nighttime nursing care was implemented. Time and cost data were collected from three CHSLDs over varying periods. The TDABC model, aligned with VBHC principles, was applied through five steps, including process mapping, estimating activity times, calculating resource costs, and determining total costs.
Results
Teleconsultation increased the cost per minute for nursing care compared to traditional care, attributed to additional tasks during remote consultations and potential technical challenges. However, cost savings were realized due to reduced need for onsite nursing staff during non-eventful nights. Overall, substantial savings were observed over the project duration, aligning with VBHC's focus on delivering high-value healthcare.
Conclusions
This study contributes both theoretically and practically by demonstrating the application of TDABC within the VBHC framework in CHSLDs. The findings support the cost savings from the use of teleconsultation in small CHSLDs. Further research should explore the long-term sustainability and scalability of teleconsultation across different CHSLD sizes and settings within the VBHC context to ensure high-value healthcare delivery.
Translocated southern seedlings perform as well as local provenances: insights from an ecophysiological monitoring under varying cutting modalities
Authors: Dumais Daniel , Raymond Patricia , Champagne Emilie
Published: July 2024

Forest assisted migration, the human-mediated movement of tree populations or species, is an adaptive silvicultural tool that could help forest transition to future climate while maintaining their productivity and ecosystem services. However, we need additional knowledge about the physiology of translocated seedlings to select the most appropriate species, provenances (i.e., seed sources) and silvicultural treatments surrounding this adaptive strategy. We used the first experimental site of the DREAM Network to assess early ecophysiology of local and translocated seedlings of eight species (Prunus serotina, Quercus rubra, Acer saccharum, Picea glauca, Picea rubens, Pinus strobus, Pinus resinosaand Thuja occidentalis). Seedlings were planted in a mixed plantation design in patch clearcut and in regular shelterwood system. For each species, seedlings were produced from three geographical provenances representing current climate (2018), mid-century and end-century climates (predicted for 2050 and 2080), based on climate analogues. Shelterwood partial cover proved useful during the establishment (e.g., to protect seedlings from late frost) with limited impacts on physiological performance. When planted in patch clearcut, Prunus serotina, Quercus rubra and Acer saccharum from mid-century and end-century climate analogues experienced lower water stress, suggesting a better drought tolerance than those from local provenances. Overall, insights from this ecophysiological monitoring indicated that translocated southern seedlings perform as well as or better than local provenances, suggesting that they can acclimate to their new destination site.
Hybrid Optimization Algorithm for solving Path Planning Problems Based on Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Cheng Gang , Liu Yadong
Published: July 2024

The grey wolf optimization algorithm is a heuristic optimization algorithm based on the behavior of grey wolf groups in nature. It has the advantages of a simple concept and few adjustment parameters, and it is widely used in a variety of fields. To address the above shortcomings, this study proposes an improved grey wolf optimization algorithm that uses the gold migration formula from the gold mining optimization algorithm and incorporates chaotic mapping, the gold mining optimization algorithm, the vertical and horizontal crossover strategy, and the Gaussian mutation. Chaos mapping is used to initialize the grey wolf population, ensuring that it is more evenly distributed across the search space. The grey wolf algorithm's α-wolf is updated with the gold migration formula from the gold mining optimization algorithm, increasing its diversity. Horizontal crossover is used for searching, which reduces the algorithm's blind zone and improves its global search capability. Vertical crossover prevents the algorithm from converging prematurely. The introduction of the Gaussian mutation effectively prevents the algorithm from falling into the local optimum premature problem. To determine the algorithm's effectiveness, this study compares the improved Grey Wolf optimization algorithm to other Grey Wolf optimization algorithms on 23 benchmark functions. After experimental verification, the proposed algorithm outperforms the other comparative algorithms. Meanwhile, when the algorithm is applied to path planning, the paths generated are shorter, and the running time is shorter than that of other algorithms, demonstrating the algorithm's applicability.
Synthesis and investigation of structural and high temperature conduction mechanism of TiO 2 /N-GQDs nanocomposite thin films as a transparent conducting material
Authors: Kumar Adesh , Azad Seema , Chand Subhash
Published: July 2024

This study includes the synthesis and characterization of N-GQDs, pure TiO2, and TiO2/N-GQDs nanocomposites thin films prepared by spin-coating technique. The gel of TiO2 nanoparticles and N-GQDs was prepared using sol-gel and hydrothermal techniques, respectively. Further, the TiO2/N-GQDs nanocomposites were prepared by sol-gel method in the weight % ratio of 90 TiO2/10 N-GQDs and 80 TiO2/20 N-GQDs. The structural, optical and electrical behaviour of these thin film has been investigated using XRD, AFM, HR-TEM, UV-Visible spectroscopy and two probe methods. The XRD study had confirmed the tetragonal structure of TiO2. The average crystallite size calculated using Debye-Scherrer’s equation has been found to be 13.56 nm for TiO2 which decreases up to 11.31 nm for 80 TiO2/20 N-GQDs. The HR-TEM analysis had confirmed the successful formation of N-GQDs having the average particle size about 8.63 nm. Further, the optical band gap was found to be 4.33 eV, 3.16 eV for N-GQDs, TiO2 which increases up to 3.88 eV for 80 TiO2/20 N-GQDs thin film. Also, it has been observed that the transparency of 80 TiO2/20 N-GQDs thin film was increased up to 84.2% in contrast to 75.6% of pure TiO2. Further, the temperature dependent I–V characteristics of prepared thin films within the temperature range of 293–513 K and voltage range of 0–60 V depicts the decreased resistivity up to 1.85 × 104 Ω-cm at 513 K from 3.35 × 104 Ω-cm at 293 K of 80 TiO2/20 N-GQDs thin film. Moreover, the increase in the transparency of 80 TiO2/20N-GQDs thin film and decreased resistivity up to 1.85 × 104 Ω-cm at 513 K suggests its utilization as a transparent and conducting electrode in optoelectronic devices.
Preparation of coal gangue based geopolymer and electrical conductivity studies
Authors: Zha Wenhua , Lv Wenfang , Li Jielian , Xu Tao , Chen Denghong
Published: July 2024

Geopolymers are both an effective way to achieve solid waste utilization of coal gangue and an environmentally friendly alternative to ordinary Portland cement. At the same time, the rich ionic content of geopolymers gives them superior conductivity, which makes them potentially valuable for applications in a variety of fields such as nondestructive testing, ice and snow melting, and electromagnetic shielding. However, the influence of external factors on its conductivity is still unclear, which limits its wide application in construction. In this study, coal gangue and slag are used to prepare geopolymer under alkaline excitation conditions, and the influence laws of alkali equivalent, slag substitution rate, modulus and water-cement ratio on its consistency, compressive strength and resistivity are investigated, and the changing law of resistivity of specimens with the curing ages and water content are also explored. It is found that the compressive strength is affected by alkali equivalent, slag substitution rate, modulus and water-cement ratio. When the alkali equivalent, slag substitution rate, modulus and water-cement ratio are taken to 12%, 55%, 1.2, 5 or12%, 45%,1.2, 4 respectively, the compressive strength at 28 days could be more than 80 MPa. Resistivity is first decreased and then increased with increasing alkali equivalent, increasing slag substitution rate, or increasing modulus, and is decreased with increasing water-cement ratio, and all of them are increased with increasing curing ages. At the age of 7 days, it is most significantly affected by alkali equivalent, while after the age of 14 days, it is more significantly affected by modulus and slag substitution rate than alkali equivalent; the effect of water-cement ratio is smaller at different ages. In addition, the resistivity is shown to increase significantly with decreasing water content, and the resistivity is increased by nearly 5–6 orders of magnitude when the specimens are transformed from the surface-dry state to the dry state.
Energy Transfer and Localization in a Forced Cyclic Chain of Oscillators with Vibro-Impact Nonlinear Energy Sinks
Authors: Weidemann Tobias , Bergman Lawrence A. , Vakakis Alexander F. , Krack Malte
Published: July 2024

We theoretically investigate the strongly nonlinear dynamics, inter-modal targeted energy transfer (IMTET) and energy localization in an elastically coupled cyclic chain of oscillators with vibro-impact nonlinear energy sinks (VI-NESs) under symmetric harmonic standing or traveling wave forcing. Each identical sector of the chain consists of a single linear oscillator hosting a VI-NES, which is a small mass that is freely placed inside a cavity of the oscillator. We show that the VI-NESs are able to synchronize to the global response of the structure in the form of 1:1 resonance captures with the oscillators in each sector. In addition, localized states at higher amplitudes can be found where the VI-NESs synchronize to the motion of their host-oscillators in only a subset of all sectors. We derive an analytical model to predict the frequency-amplitude branches of these synchronized solutions and study their (practical) stability numerically. We show that high and practically stable localized amplitudes only arise for sufficiently low excitation wavenumbers and weak inter-sector coupling strengths. However, even the largest practically stable amplitudes show a significant reduction of the vibration level compared to the corresponding linear resonant responses. Hence, a robust high performance of the VI-NESs is observed for all excitation wavenumbers and inter-sector coupling strengths.
Development of a whole-cell SELEX process to select species-specific aptamers against Aspergillus niger
Authors: Ellena Valeria , Ioannou Alexandra , Kolm Claudia , Farnleiter Andreas H. , Steiger Matthias G.
Published: July 2024

Background
Spores produced by the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger are abundant in a variety of environments. The proliferation of this fungus in indoor environments has been associated to health risks and its conidia can cause allergic reaction and severe invasive disease in animals and humans. Therefore, the detection and monitoring of Aspergillus conidia is of utmost importance to prevent serious fungal infections and contaminations. Among others, aptamers could serve as biosensors for the specific detection of fungal spores.
Results
In this study, a whole-cell SELEX approach was optimized for conidia of A. niger. Three whole-cells SELEX experiments were performed in parallel with similar conditions. Quantification of recovered ssDNA and melting curve analyses were applied to monitor the ongoing SELEX process. Next-generation sequencing was performed on selected recovered ssDNA pools, allowing the identification of DNA aptamers which bind with high affinity to the target cells. The developed aptamers were shown to be species-specific, being able to bind to A. niger but not to A. tubingensis or to A. nidulans. The binding affinity of two aptamers (AN01-R9-006 and AN02-R9-185) was measured to be 58.97 nM and 138.71 nM, respectively, which is in the range of previously developed aptamers.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates that species-specific aptamers can be successfully developed via whole-cell SELEX to distinguish different Aspergillus species and opens up new opportunities in the field of diagnostics of fungal infections.
Age-related dysregulation of B cells in acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Chen Huaiyong , Song Licheng , Li Kuan , Huang Liuming , Yao Chen , Liu Yaru , Lian Di , Xu Hao , Zhao Zhe , Feng Qiushuang , Wang Jing , Hao Yun , Hong Xiaoyang , Su Ruofan , Xie Lixin
Published: July 2024

The role of B cells in distinguishing the outcomes of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in children and adults remains unclear. We studied the transcriptomic characteristics of peripheral blood B cell alterations in children and adults with ARDS using single-cell RNA and B-cell receptor repertoire analysis. During the acute phase, adults exhibited higher neutrophil counts and lower B cell levels than children. The maturation and activation of naïve B cells were impaired in adults with ARDS by T cells and neutrophils via the MIF-CD74-PI3K-AKT pathway. Upregulated interferon-γ and interferon-α contributed to aberrant nuclear factor kappa B and Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription activation, resulting in apoptosis and pro-inflammation in plasma cells of adults and children with ARDS, respectively. Autoimmune patterns and diminished hyperexpanded clonotypes in plasma cells were similar in fatal cases of ARDS in adults and children. These findings elucidate B cell maturation, activation, and immunoglobulin patterns in ARDS, providing a foundation for prognostic assessment and B cell-targeted therapies.
In situ training of an in-sensor artificial neural network based on ferroelectric photosensors
Authors: Fan Zhen , Lin Haipeng , Jiali Ou , Yan Xiaobing , Hu Wenjie , Cui Boyuan , Xu Jikang , Li Wenjie , Chen Zhiwei , Yang Biao , Kun Liu , Mo Linyuan , Li Meixia , Lu Xubing , Zhou Guofu , Gao Xingsen , Liu Jun-Ming
Published: July 2024

In-sensor computing has emerged as an ultrafast and low-power technique for next-generation machine vision. However, in situ training of in-sensor computing systems remains challenging due to the demands for both high-performance devices and efficient programming schemes. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the in situ training of an in-sensor artificial neural network (ANN) based on ferroelectric photosensors (FE-PSs). Our FE-PS exhibits self-powered, fast (<30 μs), and multilevel (>4 bits) photoresponses, as well as long retention (15 days), high endurance (109), high write speed (100 ns), and small cycle-to-cycle and device-to-device variations (~0.66% and ~2.72%, respectively), all of which are desirable for the in situ training. Additionally, a bi-directional closed-loop programming scheme is developed, achieving a precise and efficient weight update for the FE-PS. Using this programming scheme, an in-sensor ANN based on the FE-PSs is trained in situ to recognize traffic signs for commanding a prototype autonomous vehicle. Moreover, this in-sensor ANN operates 50 times faster than a von Neumann machine vision system. This study paves the way for the development of in-sensor computing systems with in situ training capability, which may find applications in new data-streaming machine vision tasks.
Directional Stock Price Forecasting Based on Quantitative Value Investing Principles for Loss Averted Bogle-Head Investing using Various Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Moitra Agnij
Published: July 2024

Boglehead investing, founded on the principles of John C. Bogle is one of the classic time tested long term, low cost, and passive investment strategy. This paper uses various machine learning methods, and fundamental stock data in order to predict whether or not a stock would incur negative returns next year, and suggests a loss averted bogle-head strategy to invest in all stocks which are expected to not give negative returns over the next year. Results reveal that XGBoost, out of the 44 models trained, has the highest classification metrics for this task. Furthermore, this paper shall use various machine learning methods for exploratory data analysis, and SHAP values reveal that Net Income Margin, ROA, Gross Profit Margin and EBIT are some of the most important factors for this. Also, based on the SHAP values it is interesting to note that the current year has negligible contribution to the final prediction. Investors can use this as a heuristic guide for loss averted long term (1-year) stock portfolios.
JEL: C38, C53, G17, G11, C45
Willingness to Pay for Blueberries: Sensory Attributes, Fruit Quality Traits, and Consumers’ Characteristics
Authors: Canales Elizabeth , Gallardo R. Karina , Iorizzo Massimo , Munoz Patricio , Ferrão Luis Felipe , Luby Claire , Bassil Nahla , Pottorff Marti , Perkins-Veazie Penelope , Sandefur Paul , Colonna Ann , Sims Charles
Published: July 2024

Understanding consumers’ preferences for fruit quality attributes is key to informing breeding efforts, meeting consumer preferences, and promoting increased market demand. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of fruit quality traits and hedonic sensory evaluation on consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for a selection of fresh northern and southern highbush blueberry cultivars. The WTP was elicited by using a double-bounded contingent valuation conducted in conjunction with a consumer sensory test. Two types of models were estimated using either sensory evaluations (i.e., consumer preference and consumer intensity) or instrumental measurement data (i.e., measures of soluble solids, titratable acidity, sugars, acids, and firmness) as explanatory variables to model WTP. Results using sensory evaluations indicated that flavor liking, flavor intensity, and sweetness intensity are key factors that influence consumers’ acceptance and WTP for blueberries. A regression analysis using instrumental measurements indicated that measures related to sweetness and acidity traits are important factors that determine WTP. Higher WTP was associated with higher total sugar content across different levels of total organic acid. The WTP increases with organic acid content, because this is needed for enhanced flavor; however, WTP declines at high concentrations of organic acid. Except for extreme values of firmness, the WTP increased as measures of fruit firmness increased, indicating a consumer preference for firmer blueberries. Overall, the results provided new insights into the relationships between consumer preference and WTP and fruit quality benchmarks to select for improved quality.
Goosegrass Seedling Emergence and Growth in Bermudagrass Canopy and Divots
Authors: Busey Philip
Published: July 2024

Goosegrass, Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn., is a serious weed in bermudagrass, Cynodon spp. Rich., golf and sports turf. Reduction of canopy gaps such as divots might discourage goosegrass establishment because turf canopy reduces sunlight that could stimulate goosegrass seed germination. The objective was to compare goosegrass seedling emergence and growth under different conditions of bermudagrass canopy, including bare soil and divots of different ages, and the effect of fertilization rates. The first experiment compared surface treatments. Goosegrass seeds were planted monthly for 12 months in bare soil and divoted pots in a glasshouse. Initial goosegrass seedling emergence was large in the first month after planting, 23% in divots and 20% in bare soil, compared with only 9% emergence from canopy. Reduced emergence occurred from 2 to 8 months in canopy, divots, and bare soil. Cumulative goosegrass emergence was 44% in divots, 40% in bare soil, and 31% in canopy. In a second experiment, goosegrass seeds were planted in divots 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks old. Divots were visibly closed within 4 to 6 weeks. By 9 weeks after seed planting, goosegrass seedling emergence was reduced 72% after planting in 10-week-old divots compared with fresh, 0-week divots. Goosegrass continued to emerge through all 63 weeks observed after seed planting. High fertilization rate, 123 g N/m2/year, from 10 to 63 weeks reduced cumulative late seedling emergence 34%, compared with half-rate fertilization, probably due to denser canopy under high fertilization. In a third experiment, goosegrass seedlings planted in closed bermudagrass canopy grew 90% less, in root and shoot fresh and dry mass, compared with seedlings planted in divots. Across all experiments, goosegrass emergence and growth were reduced by increased canopy.
The Training Systems Affect Fruit Quality, Yield, and Labor Efficiency in Peach (P. persica L. Batsch)
Authors: Oran Raşit Batur , Koşar Dilan Ahi , Demirsoy Hüsnü , Ertürk Ümran
Published: July 2024

In the Vase system, the most common training system for peach-growing countries for more than a century, light distribution to the canopy is uneven, and access to the canopy for pruning, thinning, and harvest labor is difficult. It is important to identify alternative systems to the Vase system considering the cultivar and growing environment to facilitate labor and enhance productivity and quality. In Türkiye, one of the important centers of peach growing worldwide, detailed research has yet to be published on the applicability of training systems alternative to the widely used Vase system. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of different training systems (Vase, Catalan Vase, Quad-V, Tri-V) on growth, yield, fruit quality, and labor costs of peach cultivars (Extreme® 314, Extreme® 436, Extreme® 568). The experiment was conducted from 2017 to 2022. Although the distance between rows in all training systems is 5 m, the distance between trees on the row is determined as 4 m in Vase, 3 m in Catalan Vase, 2.5 m in Quad-V, and 2 m in Tri-V. In the experiment, vegetative development parameters, such as canopy volume, trunk sectional area, and the amount of winter pruning weights, differed according to the training system. In the final year, the Vase system, which produces the most pruning weight, generates 48.0% more pruning weight compared with the Tri-V system, which produces the least. Concerning yield per tree and hectare, trained to the Vase system yielded higher fruit per tree regardless of cultivar, while the Quad-V and Tri-V systems yielded more fruit per hectare. The training system and cultivar affected the fruit size; the largest fruits were obtained from the Extreme® 568 cultivar trained according to the Vase system. The most time needed for winter pruning was obtained from the Vase (79.4 min/tree) system, and the Tri-V (57.4 min/tree) and Quad-V (60.3 min/tree) systems required the least time. The Catalan Vase (31.1 min/tree) system required the least time for summer pruning. The most fruit harvest in an hour was obtained from the trees trained according to the Tri-V (164.5 kg/h) and Quad-V (132.02 kg/h) systems. These results suggest that Quad-V and Catalan Vase systems performed well and could be alternatives to the Vase system.
Eski Uygurca Tıp Metinlerine İlişkin Birkaç Fragman
Authors: Uzunkaya Uğur
Published: July 2024

Eski Uygurca esasen tercüme bir dinî edebiyat temelinde oluşmuştur. Bunun yanında din dışı olarak adlandırılan metin ve metin parçaları da mevcuttur. Bu metin ve metin parçalarını mektuplar, hukuki belgeler, kutlama, takvim ve tıp metinleri oluşturmaktadır. Bunlar arasında önemli bir yere sahip olan tıp metinleri halk tıbbı, Süryani, Hint ve Çin tıbbı gelenekleri üzerine inşa edilmiştir. Bu metinlerde bitki, hayvan ve maden adlarıyla birlikte bunlardan üretilen droglara, muhtelif hastalıklara, ağrılara, sağaltım metotlarına, tıbbi reçete ve müdahalelere yer verilir. Eski Uygurca tıp metinleri üzerine yapılan ilk çalışmaları metin neşirleri oluşturmaktadır. Bunu ise bitki adları, ilaç terkipleri ve benzeri konuları ihtiva eden leksik çalışmalar izlemiştir. Bunların yanında tıp tarihi alanında yapılan incelemelerle de bu metinlerin Orta Asya Türk tıbbındaki gelişimi incelenmiştir. Bugün gelinen noktada Eski Uygurca tıp metinlerinin büyük oranda neşirlerinin yapıldığı, leksik ve tıp tarihi açısından incelendiği belirtilmelidir. Bu yazı da Eski Uygurca tıp konulu şimdiye değin neşredilmemiş dört fragmanın neşrini konu almaktadır. Bu fragmanlar bugün Berlin Turfan Koleksiyonu’nda Mainz 353 (T II D 177-1), U 116 (T II K x 12), U 238 (T II D 177; Glas: T II D 177 g) ve U 239 (T II D 177; Glas: T II D 177 X) arşiv numaralarıyla saklanmaktadır. Bu çalışmada yukarıda bahsi geçen dört fragmanın yazı çevirimi, harf çevirisi, Türkiye Türkçesine aktarımı, açıklamaları ve sözlüğü sunulmuştur.