bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving grain yield prediction through fusion of multi-temporal spectral features and agronomic trait parameters derived from UAV imagery
Authors: Zhou Hongkui , Yang Jianhua , Lou Weidong , Sheng Li , Li Dong , Hu Hao
Published: October 2023

Rapid and accurate prediction of crop yield is particularly important for ensuring national and regional food security and guiding the formulation of agricultural and rural development plans. Due to unmanned aerial vehicles’ ultra-high spatial resolution, low cost, and flexibility, they are widely used in field-scale crop yield prediction. Most current studies used the spectral features of crops, especially vegetation or color indices, to predict crop yield. Agronomic trait parameters have gradually attracted the attention of researchers for use in the yield prediction in recent years. In this study, the advantages of multispectral and RGB images were comprehensively used and combined with crop spectral features and agronomic trait parameters (i.e., canopy height, coverage, and volume) to predict the crop yield, and the effects of agronomic trait parameters on yield prediction were investigated. The results showed that compared with the yield prediction using spectral features, the addition of agronomic trait parameters effectively improved the yield prediction accuracy. The best feature combination was the canopy height (CH), fractional vegetation cover (FVC), normalized difference red-edge index (NDVI_RE), and enhanced vegetation index (EVI). The yield prediction error was 8.34%, with an R2 of 0.95. The prediction accuracies were notably greater in the stages of jointing, booting, heading, and early grain-filling compared to later stages of growth, with the heading stage displaying the highest accuracy in yield prediction. The prediction results based on the features of multiple growth stages were better than those based on a single stage. The yield prediction across different cultivars was weaker than that of the same cultivar. Nevertheless, the combination of agronomic trait parameters and spectral indices improved the prediction among cultivars to some extent.
The effect of high altitude on ephedrine content and metabolic variations in two species of Ephedra
Authors: Lu Mengnan , He Wenjia , Xu Ziyan , Lu Yan , Crabbe M. James C. , De Ji
Published: October 2023

Ephedra is an important plant in Chinese medicine; however, there are few reports on two species of Ephedra which are distributed at high altitudes from 3000 to 5200 meters. We collected a total of 84 individuals representing five Ephedra gerardiana and nine Ephedra saxatilis populations respectively located from 3158 to 5200 meters altitude, and determined the relative content of 213 metabolites using UHPLC-MS/MS (Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry). 37 Chemical compositions were annotated using the KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes) database. From the top five significant enrichments in metabolic KEGG pathway analysis, we found a total of 166 compounds belonging to phenylpropanoids, 123 flavonoids, 67 metabolites carried by ABC transporters, and 61 in purine metabolism. We identified the top 8 altitude-related compounds in two species. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine were found to be associated with altitude in both E. saxatilis and E. gerardiana. To verify which environmental factors influenced the metabolic content, the soil moisture and temperature of each population site were collected, and quantitative analysis of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine was performed using UHPLC-MS (Ultra-High-Performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry). After detection, soil moisture ranged from 0.074 to 0.177 mm3/mm3, and temperature ranged from 9.7°C to 23.9°C. The content of ephedrine ranged from (0.84 ± 0.49)% to (2.01 ± 0.41)% in E. saxatilis, which was positively correlated with soil moisture; the content of pseudoephedrine ranged from (0.72 ± 0.45)% to (1.11 ± 0.57)% and was negatively correlated with soil moisture. In contrast to these results, in E. gerardiana, the content of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine was negatively correlated with soil moisture. Furthermore, the trends of alkaloid contents in two kinds of Ephedra were similar when the temperature was lower than 17°C even if the sum was various. With the increase in soil moisture and temperature, the total alkaloid content of E. saxatilis was higher than that of E. gerardiana. When the soil moisture was lower, the alkaloid content of the two Ephedra species was higher. These results provide useful data for the future separation of new compounds, and for seed homogeneous growth to determine artificial breeding of Ephedra located at high altitudes.
An artificial intelligence-integrated analysis of the effect of drought stress on root traits of “modern” and “ancient” wheat varieties
Authors: Licaj Ilva , Felice Domenico , Germinario Chiara , Zanotti Clarissa , Fiorillo Anna , Marra Mauro , Rocco Mariapina
Published: October 2023

Due to drought stress, durum wheat production in the Mediterranean basin will be severely affected in the coming years. Durum wheat cultivation relies on a few genetically uniform "modern" varieties, more productive but less tolerant to stresses, and "traditional" varieties, still representing a source of genetic biodiversity for drought tolerance. Root architecture plasticity is crucial for plant adaptation to drought stress and the relationship linking root structures to drought is complex and still largely under-explored. In this study, we examined the effect of drought stress on the roots’ characteristics of the “traditional” Saragolla cultivar and the “modern” Svevo. By means of “SmartRoot” software, we demonstrated that drought stress affected primary and lateral roots as well as root hair at different extents in Saragolla and Svevo cultivars. Indeed, we observed that under drought stress Saragolla possibly revamped its root architecture, by significantly increasing the length of lateral roots, and the length/density of root hairs compared to the Svevo cultivar. Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis of root anatomical traits demonstrated that under drought stress a greater stele area and an increase of the xylem lumen size vessel occurred in Saragolla, indicating that the Saragolla variety had a more efficient adaptive response to osmotic stress than the Svevo. Furthermore, for the analysis of root structural data, Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms have been used: Their application allowed to predict from root structural traits modified by the osmotic stress the type of cultivar observed and to infer the relationship stress-cultivar type, thus demonstrating that root structural traits are clear and incontrovertible indicators of the higher tolerance to osmotic stress of the Saragolla cultivar. Finally, to obtain an integrated view of root morphogenesis, phytohormone levels were investigated. According to the phenotypic effects, under drought stress,a larger increase in IAA and ABA levels, as well as a more pronounced reduction in GA levels occurred in Saragolla as compared to Svevo. In conclusion, these results show that the root growth and hormonal profile of Saragolla are less affected by osmotic stress than those of Svevo, demonstrating the great potential of ancient varieties as reservoirs of genetic variability for improving crop responses to environmental stresses.
Development and validation of a personal responsibility scale for Chinese college students
Authors: Ren Yunzhe , Wu Jixia , Qin Hong
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The complexity of the concept of responsibility has led to a relative lack of measuring tools. Meanwhile, the widely used measurement of conscientiousness in the Big Five personality traits suffers from inconsistencies in measuring personal responsibility. Therefore, measuring personal responsibility must be adapted to its cultural context. Spurred by these reasons, we developed a “Chinese College Student Personal Responsibility Scale” (CCSPRS) based on local theoretical foundations. Furthermore, we conducted a preliminary exploration using the new scale, examining the correlations between college students’ responsibility, trust propensity, and prosocial behavior tendencies.

Methods

The initial version of the scale was subjected to item analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to form the formal version of the scale. A total of 1,038 college students were assembled. The reliability and validity of the scale were also analyzed. We collected data using the proposed CCSPRS, Interpersonal Trust Scale, and Prosocial Tendencies Measure Questionnaire and obtained 301 valid questionnaires.

Results

The scale’s reliability and validity indicators met the development requirements, and the investigation revealed that women students scored significantly higher in responsibility than men students. Additionally, the responsibility scores were relatively high in the first and fourth years and low in the second and third years, presenting an approximate U-shaped trend. Besides, the college students’ personal responsibility, trust propensity, and prosocial behavior tendencies were positively correlated.

Discussion

The proposed CCSPRS is an effective tool for measuring personal responsibility among Chinese college students. Additionally, this study analyzed the internal beliefs of individuals and concluded that personal responsibility, prosocial behavior, and trust propensity are closely interconnected, especially the relationship between responsibility and prosocial behavior.
“To fast or not to fast?” Ramadan and religiosity through the eyes of people with bipolar disorder: an exploratory study
Authors: Mejri Imen , Ouali Uta , Gronholm Petra C. , Zgueb Yosra , Ouertani Abdelhafidh , Nacef Fethi
Published: October 2023

Background

The month of Ramadan, due to its changes in social rhythms, can seriously affect the course of bipolar disorder (BD). Therefore, psychiatrists sometimes find it necessary to discourage Ramadan practices, especially fasting, although taking part in this practice can give a sense of belonging and accomplishment to patients. Research on this subject is limited.

Aim

The aim of the present work was to explore: (i) religious practices with special attention to Ramadan before and after the onset of BD, (ii) the perceptions and behaviors related to not fasting during Ramadan in patients with BD and their families’ attitudes, (iii) religiosity and self-stigmatization and their relationships with religious practices, and (iv) the doctor-patient relationship around fasting.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study in clinically stabilized patients with BD in a public mental hospital and in a private psychiatric practice in Tunis, Tunisia. Socio-demographic and clinical data, as well as data related to general religious practices and Ramadan practices were collected using a self-established questionnaire. We assessed (i) religiosity of the patients with the Duke University Religion Index and (ii) self-stigma using the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness scale.

Results

Our sample consisted of 118 patients of whom 65.3% were fasting regularly before BD onset. More than half had stopped this practice following BD onset. Of the patients who did not fast, 16% felt guilty about this and 4.9% reported receiving negative remarks from their surroundings. High self-stigma scores were observed in 11% of the patients. Self-stigma was associated significantly with negative perception of not fasting, negative remarks regarding not fasting and taking both meals at regular times during Ramadan. The decision whether to fast or not was taken without seeking medical advice in 71.2% of the sample, and 16.9% of the sample reported that their psychiatrist had spontaneously approached the issue of Ramadan fasting.

Conclusion

Religiosity and more specifically the practice of Ramadan remains an important point that should be considered when treating patients with psychiatric problems. It seems necessary that healthcare professionals should integrate the positive and the negative side of fasting into their reflections. Our results remain exploratory and encourage further work on the subject.
Association between weight change and the predicted 10-year risk for atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease among U.S. older adults: data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2018
Authors: Peng Yuxuan , Li Hongzheng , Liao Feifei , Lu Jieming , Yang Wenwen , Tan Ling , Lu Aimei , Wei Yue , Long Linzi , Qu Hua , Fu Changgeng
Published: October 2023

Background

It remains controversial regarding the association between weight change and cardiovascular disease risk in older adults (aged ≥60 years). This study aimed to evaluate the association between weight change and the predicted 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risks in older adults.

Methods

This study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Older adults aged 60–79 years who were free of self-reported ASCVD at the time of the NHANES interview were included. Data were collected from January 1999 to December 2018 and analyzed in March 2022. We focused on the associations between weight change and the 10-year ASCVD risks with the percentage change in weight during short-term (1 year) and long-term (10 years), which categorized as moderate to high weight loss (≥10%), small weight loss (5.1–9.9%), stable weight (±5%), small weight gain (5.1–9.9%), and moderate to high weight gain (≥10%).

Results

The number of participants was 1,867 (mean age 67.49 years; 42.10% female) for the long-term interval (10 years) in our analysis, and 1894 for the short-term interval (1 years). We only observed an inverse association between long-term weight loss and the 10-year ASCVD risk in fully adjusted model (loss ≥ 10%: β = 2.52, 95%CI = 0.98, 4.05; loss 5.1% ~ 9.9%: β = 2.99, 95% CI = 1.30, 4.68), but all intervals of weight gain ≥5% were not significant associated with higher risk than stable weight. However, in the subgroup analyses, the association between long-term weight loss and the 10-year ASCVD risk was not significant in old-old (aged 75–79), obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2), intentional weight loss, moderate physical activity and diabetics.

Conclusion

Older adults (aged 60–79 years) with weight loss >5% over the past 10 years have excess predicted 10-year ASCVD risk. Our study supports the benefits of stable weight in promoting cardiovascular health in older adults.
Associations of handgrip weakness and asymmetry with new-onset stroke in Chinese middle-aged and older adults: a cohort study
Authors: Zhang Yuying , Chen Weiqing , Cao Bing , Lin Li , Li Jinghua , Guo Vivian Yawei
Published: October 2023

Background

Weak handgrip strength (HGS) has been linked to adverse health outcomes including stroke. However, the joint associations of HGS weakness and asymmetry between limbs with stroke incidence remain underexplored.

Methods

This cohort study analyzed data of participants aged ≥45 years from three waves (2011, 2013, and 2015) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Weak HGS was defined according to the recommendation of European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. Asymmetric HGS was defined if the HGS ratio of both hands was over 1.1 or below 0.9. New-onset stroke was confirmed through self-report of physician’s diagnosis.

Results

A total of 10,966 participants without stroke at baseline were included in the analysis. During the 4 years follow-up, there were 262 (2.39%) new-onset stroke cases. Compared to individuals with non-weak and symmetric HGS, those with HGS asymmetry alone and weakness alone were associated with hazards of 1.09 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80–1.48) and 1.27 (95%CI: 0.86–1.88) for new-onset stroke, respectively, while co-occurrence of both HGS asymmetry and weakness was associated with 1.80 (95%CI: 1.24–2.60) greater hazard for new-onset stroke after controlling for confounders. Such associations were consistent in older adults aged ≥60 years, but not in those aged<60 years.

Conclusion

Individuals with both weak and asymmetric HGS tended to have greater risk of new-onset stroke, compared to those with normal HGS, or with either weak or asymmetric HGS alone. Our finding suggested that examining HGS asymmetry alongside weakness may help to improve the risk-stratification and target prevention of stroke, particularly in the older population.
Prevalence and associated factors of probable depression amongst pregnant and parenting young females: a comparison of adolescents and young adults in rural South Africa
Authors: Seakamela K. P. , Mashaba R. G. , Ntimana C. B. , Mbombi M. O. , Tlouyamma J. , Mphekgwana P. , Nemuramba R. , Mothapo K. , Muthelo L. , Mabila L. N. , Dhau I. , Maimela E.
Published: October 2023

Background

Pregnant teenagers have been reported to have an increased likelihood of experiencing depression than their non-pregnant peers. There is little research on the risk factors for depression in rural Black adolescents and young adults, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, the current study aimed to identify the prevalence of probable depression and associated factors amongst pregnant and parenting young females.

Method

The study was a cross-sectional design, consisting of 362 pregnant and parenting adolescents and young adults aged 14–22. The study used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to measure probable depression. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS, version 27.0.

Results

The study found that the overall prevalence of probable depression was 42.8%. The study also found a relationship between alcohol consumption, lack of financial support, unplanned pregnancy, and probable depression in pregnant and parenting adolescents. The prevalence of unplanned pregnancy in the present study was 81.8%.

Conclusion

Furthermore, the present study indicated that participants from low socio-economic status families and those who were HIV positive were at a greater risk of depression in both groups. Therefore, we recommend that measures be put in place for early detection and treatment of depression and that social support be given to adolescent mothers.
Control and evaluation of a humanoid robot with rolling contact joints on its lower body
Authors: Bang Seung Hyeon , Gonzalez Carlos , Ahn Junhyeok , Paine Nicholas , Sentis Luis
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we introduce a new teen-sized humanoid platform dubbed DRACO 3, custom-built by Apptronik and altered for practical use by the Human Centered Robotics Laboratory at The University of Texas at Austin. The form factor of DRACO 3 is such that it can operate safely in human environments while reaching objects at human heights. To approximate the range of motion of humans, this robot features proximal actuation and mechanical artifacts to provide a high range of hip, knee, and ankle motions. In particular, rolling contact mechanisms on the lower body are incorporated using a proximal actuation principle to provide an extensive vertical pose workspace. To enable DRACO 3 to perform dexterous tasks while dealing with these complex transmissions, we introduce a novel whole-body controller (WBC) incorporating internal constraints to model the rolling motion behavior. In addition, details of our WBC for DRACO 3 are presented with an emphasis on practical points for hardware implementation. We perform a design analysis of DRACO 3, as well as empirical evaluations under the lens of the Centroidal Inertia Isotropy (CII) design metric. Lastly, we experimentally validate our design and controller by testing center of mass (CoM) balancing, one-leg balancing, and stepping-in-place behaviors.
Renal function at 12 months of kidney transplantation comparing tacrolimus and mycophenolate with tacrolimus and mTORi in donors with different KDPI ranges. A multicenter cohort study using propensity scoring
Authors: Rodrigues Arlisson Macedo , Tanno Mariana Tavares , Contti Mariana Moraes , Nga Hong Si , Valiatti Mariana Farina , Costa Silvana Daher , Sandes-Freitas Tainá Veras de , Esmeraldo Ronaldo de Matos , Assunção Camila Marinho , Tassi Juliana Bastos Campos , Ferreira Gustavo Fernandes , Felipe Claudia Rosso , Medina Pestana Jose Osmar , Silva Helio Tedesco , Andrade Luis Gustavo Modelli de
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The combination of tacrolimus/mTORi compared to tacrolimus/mycophenolate (MMF) was shown to be safe in the TRANSFORM trial. For donors with a high KDPI (Kidney Donor Profile Index), however, there are no data to support the effectiveness of this regimen. The main objective of this study was to explore the influence of the KDPI on 12-month renal function (eGFR) in patients receiving mTORi or MMF.

Methods

Multicenter cohort study of four Brazilian services that use the tacrolimus with mTORi as a protocol. Data from 2008 to 2018 of the tacrolimus/mycophenolate (MMF) and tacrolimus/mTORi (mTORi) regimens in renal transplant recipients over 18 years old were collected. For better homogeneity, the propensity score was used. Afterward, the method used for group selection (“match”) was the K-nearest neighbor (KNN) method. New analyses were performed on this new balanced sample, and two different subsamples were constituted based on the median KDPI.

Results

The global analysis (n = 870) showed that the major determinant of worse kidney function was high KDPI. Afterward, the three strata were analyzed. In the first stratum (KDPI up to 50), 242 patients were evaluated, with 121 in each group. The eGFR was 64 ml/min/1.73 m2 in the mTORi group compared to 63 in the MMF group, p = 0.4, and when imputed eGFR was evaluated, 61 in the mTORi and 53 in the MMF, p = 0.065. In the second stratum (KDPI from 50 to 85), 282 patients were evaluated, with 141 in each group. eGFR was 46 ml/min/1.73 m2 in mTORi compared to 48 in MMF, p = 0.4, and when imputed eGFR was evaluated, 40 mTORi and 41 MMF, p = 0.8. In the last stratum (KDPI higher than 85) with n = 126 and 63 cases per group, eGFR was 36 ml/min/1.73 m2 in mTORi compared to 39 in MMF, p = 0.2, and when imputed eGFR was evaluated, 30 mTORi and 34 MMF, p = 0.2.

Discussion

The regimen using mTOR inhibitor is an effective and safe regimen when compared to the standard regimen. In addition, the scheme seems to offer additional protection against infections and may be an important ally in cases of high risk for these pathologies.
Femoral neck fracture patients with ischaemic stroke choose hemiarthroplasty or constrained liner total hip arthroplasty? A retrospective comparative study of 199 cases
Authors: Huo Jia , Liu Sikai , Li Mengnan , Liu Zeming , Ding Xuzhuang , Liu Bo , Li Huijie , Han Yongtai
Published: October 2023

Background

The objective of this study was to assess the long-term survival rate, complications, as well as the clinical and radiological outcomes of hemiarthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty using constrained polyethylene liners in patients with ischemic stroke.

Methods

This study was a retrospective cohort study that included patients with ischemic stroke who underwent hip arthroplasty from March 2010 to September 2017. In the Constrained Acetabular Liners (CAL) group, patients received an uncemented acetabular shell with a constrained polyethylene liner. The Dual Mobility (DM) group underwent hemiarthroplasty (HA). Additionally, hip function, range of motion, quality of life, the incidence of clinical complications, and prosthesis stability were investigated.

Results

96 patients with unilateral femoral neck fractures who underwent hip replacement with CAL were included in the CAL group, while 103 patients who underwent hip replacement with a dual mobility head were included in the DM group. VAS, and SF-36 data were available for both CAL and DM groups. At the 1-year postoperative follow-up, the HHS in the CAL group was significantly lower than that in the DM group (80.83 ± 3.91 vs. 83.17 ± 4.15, P < 0.05). The VAS score in the CAL group peaked at the 1-year follow-up (2.07 ± 0.91 vs. 1.49 ± 0.85, P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of HSS, VAS, and SF-36 at the last follow-up after surgery. Operative time and the amount of bleeding in the DM group were significantly lower than those in the CAL group (105.30 ± 29.68 vs. 94.85 ± 31.07; 355.11 ± 123.95 vs. 302.22 ± 107.68, P < 0.05). Additionally, there was no significant difference in the mean leg length discrepancy between the two groups.

Conclusion

The clinical, imaging, and postoperative complications of the CAL and DM groups were analyzed. The prognosis for DM appears to be more beneficial for early patient recovery, but a higher likelihood of recurrent dislocation is observed. CAL offers excellent stability for primary THA in high-risk patients; however, attention should be given to preventing aseptic loosening.
Comparative analysis of the aberrant immunophenotype and clinical characteristics in dogs with lymphoma: a study of 27 cases
Authors: Bae Hyeona , Kim Sang-Ki , Yu DoHyeon
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Aberrant lymphoma phenotypes are frequently found in dogs, but the clinical implications are sparse.

Methods

Twenty-seven dogs with aberrant lymphoma diagnosed using flow cytometry between 2017 and 2023 were analyzed. Major paraneoplastic syndromes, prognostic factors, and clinical features of lymphoma were compared to their immunophenotypes.

Results

Twenty-seven dogs had aberrant immunophenotypes, with MHCII- (48%) and CD3+/CD21+ (44%) being the most commonly identified aberrancies. In B-cell lymphoma, the most frequent aberrancies were MHC II- (53%), CD3+/CD21+ (41%), CD34+ (24%), and CD79a- (24%). Meanwhile, in T-cell lymphoma, CD3+/CD21+ (63%), CD4-/CD8-(50%), CD5- (50%), and CD45- (50%) were the most common. The platelet–neutrophil ratio was significantly higher in the CD3+/CD21+ group than in the other groups, where either one or both markers were not expressed (55.23 ± 39.64; 18.72 ± 14.95, respectively;p = 0.001). Serum albumin concentration was significantly lower in the MHCII-group (2.59 g/dL, 95% CI 2.31–2.87) than in the MHCII+ group (3.06 g/dL, 95% CI 2.88–3.23;p = 0.009). CD34 expression showed significant correlations with cranial mediastinal mass, WHO clinical substage, and fever (p = 0.028,p = 0.041, andp = 0.047, respectively). MHCII expression was correlated with adverse reactions to chemotherapy, cranial mediastinal masses, and fever (p = 0.009,p = 0.023, andp < 0.001, respectively). No statistically significant differences in the survival period were observed for any of the phenotypic aberrancies.

Conclusion

Aberrant lymphomas are common in dogs. Some clinical prognostic factors that significantly correlate with aberrant immunophenotypes have been identified and can be applied clinically.
The Iterative Exclusion of Compatible Samples Workflow for Multi-SNP Analysis in Complex Diseases
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhu Xunhong , Zhang Liping , Gao Jun
Published: October 2023

Complex diseases are affected by various factors, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the basis for their susceptibility by affecting protein structure and gene expression. Complex diseases often arise from the interactions of multiple SNPs and are investigated using epistasis detection algorithms. Nevertheless, the computational burden associated with the “combination explosion” hinders these algorithms’ ability to detect these interactions. To perform multi-SNP analysis in complex diseases, the iterative exclusion of compatible samples (IECS) workflow is proposed in this work. In the IECS workflow, qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) is firstly employed as the calculation engine to calculate the solution; secondly, the pattern is extracted from the prime implicants with the greatest raw coverage in the solution; then, the pattern is tested with the chi-square test in the source dataset; finally, all compatible samples are excluded from the current dataset. This process is repeated until the QCA calculation has no solution or reaches the iteration threshold. The workflow was applied to analyze simulated datasets and the Alzheimer’s disease dataset, and its performance was compared with that of the BOOST and MDR algorithms. The findings illustrated that IECS exhibits greater power with less computation and can be applied to perform multi-SNP analysis in complex diseases.
Evaluation and Source Analysis of Heavy Metal Pollution in Grassland Soils under Different Management Modes in Altay, Xinjiang
Authors: Hu Qirong , Li Jinbao , Wang Yongzhi , Huang Pengcheng , He Xuemin
Published: October 2023

In order to study the characteristics and sources of heavy metal pollution within different grassland soil categories in Altay, 147 soil samples were collected in Fuyun County according to grassland type, and the contents of seven heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Cr, Zn, As, Ni, and Cd) were determined. The heavy metal pollution in the soil was evaluated using the Nemerow pollution and geological accumulation index methods. The absolute principal component score–multiple linear regression model (APCS-MLR) model was used to analyze the sources of heavy metals and the contribution rate of the pollution sources. The results showed that (1) the heavy metal content of 0~10 cm soil in the mining area was generally higher than the remaining two layers. Natural grassland was the most seriously contaminated, and the order of its contamination was Zn > Pb > Ni > Cd > Cu > Cr > As. (2) The evaluation results of the comprehensive pollution index showed that Ni and Cd were the main pollutants in five grassland types, and the evaluation results of the geological accumulation index method showed that natural grasslands were more polluted. (3) Three pollution sources were obtained according to the analysis using the APCS-MLR model, including natural and mining activity sources (32.6%), industrial coal combustion and sewage sources (24.7%), and an unknown source (42.7%). The results of the study can provide a basis for pollution control and ecological protection in the grasslands of Altay.
The NADPH Link between the Renin Angiotensin System and the Antioxidant Mechanisms in Dopaminergic Neurons
Authors: Franco Rafael , Serrano-Marín Joan , Navarro Gemma , Rivas-Santisteban Rafael
Published: October 2023

The renin angiotensin system (RAS) has several components including signaling peptides, enzymes, and membrane receptors. The effort in characterizing this system in the periphery has led to the approval of a class of antihypertensives. Much less is known about RAS in the central nervous system. The production of RAS peptides and the expression of several RAS enzymes and receptors in dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra has raised expectations in the therapy of Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative condition characterized by lack of dopamine in the striatum, the motor control region of the mammalian brain. On the one hand, dopamine production requires reducing power. On the other hand, reducing power is required by mechanisms involved in REDOX homeostasis. This review focuses on the potential role of RAS in the regulation of neuronal/glial expression of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, which produces the NADPH required for dopamine synthesis and for reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification. It is known that transgenic expression of the gene coding for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase prevents the death of dopaminergic nigral neurons. Signaling via angiotensin II G protein-coupled receptors, AT1 or AT2, leads to the activation of protein kinase A and/or protein kinase C that in turn can regulate glucose-6- phosphate dehydrogenase activity, by Ser/Thr phosphorylation/dephosphorylation events. Long-term effects of AT1 or AT2 receptor activation may also impact on the concentration of the enzyme via activation of transcription factors that participate in the regulation of gene expression in neurons (or glia). Future research is needed to determine how the system can be pharmacologically manipulated to increase the availability of NADPH to neurons degenerating in Parkinson’s disease and to neuroprotective glia.
Effects of Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) on the Methane Emission in Littoral Zones of a Subtropical Lake, China
Authors: Zhou Wenchang , Yuan Xiangjuan , He Liangkang , Shi Yuhu , Xu Xiuhuan , Ou Wenhui , Xiang Shanshan , Yang Jiawei , Fu Tian
Published: October 2023

Freshwater lakes represent a potential source of methane (CH4) emission into the atmosphere. However, the CH4 emission contribution to the total emission in the littoral zones of lakes, especially emergent macrophytes (e.g., lotus), is poorly known. Lotus has been cultivated in almost all provinces in China; it is not only an aquatic plant, but also a kind of vegetable. In this study, two sampling zones (lotus plant and open water) were established in the lake of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. The CH4 emission was measured using a floating opaque chamber and gas chromatography between April and December in the years 2021 and 2022. The results indicated that the flux of CH4 emissions ranged from 0.10 to 59.75 mg m−2 h−1, with an average value of 5.61 mg m−2 h−1, in the open water, while ranging from 0.19 to 57.32 mg m−2 h−1, with an average value of 17.14 mg m−2 h−1, in the lotus plant zone. The maximal CH4 emissions occurred in July and August for the open water, which was highly related to the air and water temperature, whereas it happened in September for the lotus plant zone, possibly due to the high vegetation biomass, indirectly enhancing the high soil organic carbon content, plant-mediated CH4 emission, as well as the lower dissolved oxygen concentration, thus strengthening the production and emissions of CH4. Considering the carbon emissions (both CH4 and CO2) and plant productivity, although greater CH4 emission occurred in the lotus plant zone, it could still represent a potential carbon sink (213 g m−2 yr−1) compared to the open water.
A New Collector Device for the Immediate Use of Particulate Autogenous Bone Grafts
Authors: Andreucci Carlos Aurelio , Fonseca Elza M. M. , Jorge Renato N.
Published: October 2023

Autogenous bone grafts can be harvested from either intraoral or extraoral sources. Intra-oral sources include healing tooth extraction wounds, a bone from edentulous ridges, bone trephined from within the jaw using trephine drills, bone formed in wounds, and bone from the maxillary tuberosity, ramus, and mandibular symphysis. Extra-oral sources are the iliac crest, which provides cancellous bone marrow, and the tibia and calvaria. Autogenous bone grafting aids in probing depth reduction, gaining clinical attachment, the bone filling of osseous defects, and the regeneration of new bone, cementum, and periodontal ligaments in teeth. An innovative biomedical device is presented in the form of an autogenous bone collector that can fill defects of 96.91 mm3 with bone particulates, and may be used in bioengineered scaffolds. Experimental studies on synthetic bone have demonstrated the feasibility and applicability of the amount of bone obtained.
Experimental Investigation on Boundary Layer Control and Pressure Performance for Low Reynolds Flow with Chemical Reaction
Authors: Xu Dachuan , Gu Yunsong , Gao Xinglong , Ren Zebin , Chen Jingxiang
Published: October 2023

This study examines boundary layer control and pressure recovery in low Reynolds number supersonic flow with chemical reactions in a chemical laser system. Our work prescribes a novel boundary layer control method for the optical cavity of a chemical laser system, and a design of a supersonic diffuser is compared and proposed to make a stable flow for the system. The flow characteristics of a low Reynolds number and internal reaction heat release were analyzed. Three types of experimental pieces were designed to passively control the boundary layer in the optical cavity. An active booster-type supersonic diffuser is proposed to study the pressure recovery problem of a low Reynolds number and chemical reaction supersonic flow generated by an optical cavity. A supersonic chemical reaction platform (SCRP) was established to conduct experimental research on boundary layer control and docking the active booster supersonic diffuser with the SCRP. The experimental results indicate that increasing the boundary layer pumping capacity within a certain range can reduce both the boundary layer thickness and the pressure on the optical cavity while simultaneously enhancing the SCRP energy power. The supersonic diffuser based on active gas pressurization can create the necessary conditions for the normal chemical reaction and improve the ability of the SCRP to resist high back pressure and airflow disturbance. Moreover, the chemical reaction energy release was full and stable with the docking of supersonic diffuser test pieces, resulting in energy power increases, which could be a significant improvement for the design of chemical laser systems.
Effect of Shunt Resistor Value on the Performance of Resistive Superconducting Fault Current Limiters
Authors: Alafnan Hamoud , Mansour Diaa-Eldin A. , Pei Xiaoze , Khedr Moanis , Alturki Mansoor , Albaker Abdullah , Alsaleh Ibrahim , Zeng Xianwu
Published: October 2023

Resistive-type superconducting fault current limiters (r-SFCLs) have generated great interest for research and technical applications. This is attributed to their superior features, which include self-action, fast response, and simple operation. In low line impedance systems, r-SFCLs are seen as a viable protective mechanism for limiting high-magnitude fault currents. However, overcurrent caused by faults results in an increased temperature of the r-SFCL, possibly damaging the coils. Thus, the r-SFCL must be appropriately engineered to protect it while still allowing for effective fault current limitation. To achieve this goal, an appropriately sized shunt resistor must be used. Adding a shunt resistor benefits the r-SFCL in several ways, from lowering its maximum temperature to speeding up its recovery. Additionally, the shunt resistor protects the r-SFCL from excessive surges in temperature by giving the current an alternative path to flow down, thus saving it from further damage. A multilayer thermoelectric model was developed to examine the thermoelectrical behavior of the r-SFCL coil throughout a fault occurrence and the subsequent recovery period using three shunt resistors ranging from 4 to 16 Ω. MATLAB®/Simulink was used as the simulation platform in this study. The dependence of the current limitation capability and the voltage profile on the shunt resistor value was studied compared to the basic case without an r-SFCL. Increasing the shunt resistor value led to an enhanced ability to limit fault currents, although at the cost of higher temperatures and a longer recovery time. This study also presents guidance for optimizing the design parameters of r-SFCLs.
M2ER: Multimodal Emotion Recognition Based on Multi-Party Dialogue Scenarios
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yang Xiya , Wang Ge , Wang Ying , Sun Rui
Published: October 2023

Researchers have recently focused on multimodal emotion recognition, but issues persist in recognizing emotions in multi-party dialogue scenarios. Most studies have only used text and audio modality, ignoring the video modality. To address this, we propose M2ER, a multimodal emotion recognition scheme based on multi-party dialogue scenarios. Addressing the issue of multiple faces appearing in the same frame of the video modality, M2ER introduces a method using multi-face localization for speaker recognition to eliminate the interference of non-speakers. The attention mechanism is used to fuse and classify different modalities. We conducted extensive experiments in unimodal and multimodal fusion using the multi-party dialogue dataset MELD. The results show that M2ER achieves superior emotion recognition in both text and audio modalities compared to the baseline model. The proposed method using speaker recognition in the video modality improves emotion recognition performance by 6.58% compared to the method without speaker recognition. In addition, the multimodal fusion based on the attention mechanism also outperforms the baseline fusion model.
Optimization Algorithm for Surface Defect Detection of Aircraft Engine Components Based on YOLOv5
Authors: Qu Yi , Wang Cheng , Xiao Yilei , Yu Jiabo , Chen Xiancong , Kong Yakang
Published: October 2023

The aircraft engine is a core component of an airplane, and its critical components work in harsh environments, making it susceptible to a variety of surface defects. To achieve efficient and accurate defect detection, this paper establishes a dataset of surface defects on aircraft engine components and proposes an optimized object detection algorithm based on YOLOv5 according to the features of these defects. By adding a dual-path routing attention mechanism in the Biformer model, the detection accuracy is improved; by replacing the C3 module with C3-Faster based on the FasterNet network, robustness is enhanced, accuracy is maintained, and lightweight modeling is achieved. The NWD detection metric is introduced, and the normalized Gaussian Wasserstein distance is used to enhance the detection accuracy of small targets. The lightweight upsampling operator CARAFE is added to expand the model’s receptive field, reorganize local information features, and enhance content awareness performance. The experimental results show that, compared with the original YOLOv5 model, the improved YOLOv5 model’s overall average precision on the aircraft engine component surface defect dataset is improved by 10.6%, the parameter quantity is reduced by 11.7%, and the weight volume is reduced by 11.3%. The detection performance is higher than mainstream object detection algorithms such as SSD, RetinaNet, FCOS, YOLOv3, YOLOv4, and YOLOv7. Moreover, the detection performance on the public dataset (NEU-DET) has also been improved, providing a new method for the rapid defect detection of aircraft engines and having high application value in various practical detection scenarios.
Adaptive HVAC System Based on Fuzzy Controller Approach
Authors: Abuhussain Mohammed Awad , Alotaibi Badr Saad , Aliero Muhammad Saidu , Asif Muhammad , Alshenaifi Mohammad Abdullah , Dodo Yakubu Aminu
Published: October 2023

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system performance research has received much attention in recent years. Many researchers suggest a set of appropriate fuzzy inputs that can be used to design fuzzy rules-based smart thermostats or controllers that can respond to demand-controlled ventilation, which in turn optimizes HVAC energy usage and provides satisfactory indoor temperatures. Previous research has focused on limited input parameters, such as indoor occupancy status, ambient temperature, and humidity constraints, which cannot efficiently and precisely manage thermal comfort. Hence, this study proposes a novel fuzzy controller with additional input parameters to keep indoor thermal comfort consistent with the corresponding number of occupants. The process employs an automatic fuzzy rule generation method to simplify the task of generating rules in the fuzzy inference system (FIS) using Mamdani FIS. A design-builder is used for modeling the HVAC systems. Local weather data were used to conduct simulations via EnergyPlus. The thermal comfort analysis using the Fanger model for three different scenarios shows that the proposed FIS controller can successfully respond to the indoor comfort variation in all possible scenarios and ensure a satisfactory comfort level. The proposed method demonstrates up to 50% energy savings if occupants do not worry about comfort.
Review of Code Similarity and Plagiarism Detection Research Studies
Authors: Lee Gunwoo , Kim Jindae , Choi Myung-seok , Jang Rae-Young , Lee Ryong
Published: October 2023

The foundational technique of code similarity detection, which underpins plagiarism detection tools, has already reached a level of maturity where it can be effectively employed for practical applications, demonstrating commendable performance. However, although the understanding of code clones—referred to as similar codes—has evolved, there has been a noticeable decline in the emergence of novel proposals for code similarity detection techniques. The landscape of code similarity detection techniques is diverse and can be divided based on how codes are represented. Each method, designed to cater to different types of detectable code similarity instances, has distinct advantages and drawbacks. Therefore, the selection of an appropriate method is crucial and is contingent on the specific objectives of the analysis. This paper provides a comprehensive exploration of code similarity detection techniques and illuminates the prevailing trends in plagiarism detection research. It acquaints readers with a spectrum of distinct code similarity detection methods, accompanied by the requisite contextual background knowledge. Additionally, it presents a detailed overview of the trajectory of research trends in plagiarism detection.
Quantum Dielectric Model for Energy Loss of Particles in Astrophysical Plasmas
Authors: Archubi Claudio D. , Arista Nestor R.
Published: October 2023

We present the results obtained using a novel quantum approach to describe the interaction of charged particles with the astrophysical type of plasmas, based on the dielectric plasma-wave-packet model (PWPM) together with a full description of statistical effects on energy exchange processes. We use this formulation to calculate the energy loss moments for protons, positrons, and electrons traversing different stellar plasmas on a wide range of projectile velocities and plasma densities and temperatures. We consider special quantum restrictions for the cases of positrons and electrons, including relativistic corrections for high-velocity particles. We analyze and compare the results for different cases of main interest, from dilute solar-corona plasma to cases of increasing densities in the interior of the sun and in the dense regions of giant stars.
Evaluation of Key Factors for Promoting Green Construction Practices Based on a Hybrid Decision-Making Framework: A Case Study on the Renovation of Old Residential Communities in China
Authors: Sun Guoshuai , Li Mingzhu , Dong Jiuying , Wan Shuping , Feng Jiao
Published: October 2023

The multi-criteria group decision-making approach, rooted in fuzzy mathematics theory, is employed to address the globally significant issue of green construction in this paper. The construction industry is one of the most prominent contributors to carbon emissions, which is evident throughout the entire supply chain. Meanwhile, the renovation of old residential communities is a large-scale urban construction project in China. In striving to advance the sustainable development of the construction industry and meet decarbonization goals, the attention has shifted towards green construction in the renovation of old residential communities. However, substantial gaps persist in both technical innovation and practical application of green construction. This study aims to identify the factors that influence the popularization and implementation of green construction practices in the renovation of old residential communities. To achieve this, a comprehensive decision-making approach is sought, and these factors are thoroughly investigated. In this paper, we propose a hybrid decision-making framework that incorporates grounded theory, the fuzzy decision-making and trial evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method, and the analytic network process (ANP) method. Leveraging triangular fuzzy numbers and other fuzzy mathematical theories, this approach is designed to assess the factors that influence the popularization and implementation of green construction practices, uncovering their interrelationships and mechanisms. The results indicate the comprehensive nature of advancing green construction practices, encompassing the entire supply chain involved in the renovation of old residential communities. Among these factors, social participation and market environment emerge as the most influential. Building upon these conclusions, this paper offers specific recommendations. Ultimately, this study equips the construction industry with both a theoretical foundation and a methodological framework to popularize and implement green construction practices effectively.