bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Industrial Property Prices with Explainable Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Kee Tris , Ho Winky
Published: September 2024

This study explores the industrial property market in Hong Kong, a sector characterized by its unique features and atypical market behaviour. Particularly, this research employs machine learning techniques to predict property prices based on a set of features, including location, square footage, floor level, accessibility to mass transit railway station and the like. To ensure transparency and understanding, the Shapley value is employed to quantify the relative importance of each feature in predicting property prices. Our analysis reveals the existence of non–linear relationships among these features, as demonstrated by the wide distribution of SHAP values for most features, which are illustrated in a beeswarm plot that span both sides of the baseline. This finding indicates a complex interaction among such features as square footage, age, floor level, carpark, proximity to mass transit railway stations, location, and property prices. The results contribute valuable insights into the relationships between industrial property characteristics and their corresponding values, thereby equipping stakeholders with enhanced understanding of the market to support informed decision–making.
Development of Elite Mother Palms from the Best Performing Slow Vertical Growth Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Genotypes
Authors: Pedapati Anitha , K Suresh , RK Mathur , G Ravichandran , P Naveen Kumar , H.P Bhagya , B Kalyana Babu , K Shankar Narayana
Published: September 2024

Harvesting is a serious issue in oil palm plantations after 15-20 years owing to the increased height of the trees (>20 feet). The slow vertical growth of the oil palm dura genotypes is desired for increasing the DxP progenies productivity and economic life span upto ten years. Reduced height increment has a long-term impact on harvesting costs. The current study assessed 308 genotypes generated from African germplasm. Over a three year period, the biometric properties of eleven DxD crosses were evaluated in order to quantify genetic parameters, phenotypic correlations, and principal component analysis for genetic attributes of the better performing dwarf progenies in terms of yield. The evaluated genotypes have a highly significant influence (p < 0.01) on the majority of characteristics. The progenies yielded between 165 and 208 kg of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) per palm every year. The Height increment (HI) varied between 17% and 19%, with an overall average of 18%. Genotypes G8, G300, and G221 had the lowest yearly height increments, measuring 28.98, 29.19, and 30.87 cm, respectively. The outcome of the present study shows that they are slow height increment genotypes with a high FFB yield (> 25 T/Ha). The creation of dura parents with slow height increment in combination with a high bunch weight helps for prolonging the productive life of the palm to more than 35 years, adding value to obtaining distinct oil palm varieties. Overall, this targeted breeding effort towards developing dwarf oil palm hybrids reflects a strategic approach to addressing specific challenges in oil palm cultivation, ultimately helping to promote the oil palm sector globally.
Pan-Arctic Lead Maps based on Sentinel-1 SAR Images with a Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Murashkin Dmitrii , Spreen Gunnar , Huntemann Marcus
Published: September 2024

The Sentinel-1 SAR Extra Wide swath mode with its 40 meters pixel size allows accurate lead mapping in Arctic sea ice areas.
We present an improved winter lead detection algorithm based on a modified U-Net convolutional neural network.
We introduce a preprocessing procedure that balances normalized radar cross section (NRCS) values between sub-swaths.
This results in more consistent Sentinel-1 SAR images as input for the classifier, which is especially important for the cross-polarization HV channel.
In turn, image consistency is essential for automatic image semantic segmentation.
We develop a new lead detection algorithm and compare it with a previously published version.
We produce pan-Arctic, 40 meters resolution lead maps and present pan-Arctic lead area fraction on a 12 km grid for January 2019.
Within different Arctic regions, the lead area fraction is stable and varies only within the expected natural variability during the one month studied here.
The average Arctic-wide lead area fraction is 2.44 % with 0.25 % standard deviation during January 2019.
The improved lead detection algorithm leads to a better lead discrimination and extends the applicability area to the entire Arctic.
Design, Simulation and Performance of a CSI Converter for Grid-Connected or Islanded Microgrids with High Step-Up Capability in PV Applications
Authors: Di Stefano Roberto , Marignetti Fabrizio , Pellini Fabio
Published: September 2024

In the context of energy conversion from renewable sources to distribution grids (insulated or not), a converter is often required to transfer energy from a low voltage source, towards three-phase grids. This paper presents the HW design, the simulation results and the conversion performance of a CSI converter intended to interface low voltages renevable sources to three-phase grids. The main focus of this paper is to obtain the best performance in terms of voltage increase towards the output stage while maximizing the conversion efficiency. In comparison with the currently used energy conversion systems for small photovoltaic systems, hereafter some solutions were adopted to level and maximize the energy flow from the source to the DC-link and improve the quality of current supplied in terms of harmonic distortion. The proposed system is composed of two conversion stages: the first, voltage-to-current, the second current-to-current via a three-phase CSI bridge modulated with SVM technique. The stages are not completely decoupled from an electrical point of view, therefore, in order to mitigate the effects of these interactions, synchronization strategies have been adopted.
PIM Kinases Regulate Estrogen Receptor α Signaling in Luminal A Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Eccleshall William B. , Mung Kwan Long , Laiho Iida-Maria , Sahlgren Cecilia M. , Koskinen Päivi J.
Published: September 2024

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is a nuclear hormone receptor that mediates the biological effects of estrogen and is known to be phosphorylated at multiple sites. Despite several reports highlighting serine-167 (S167) of ERα as a common phosphorylation site for various kinases, there have been contradictory data regarding its relevance in the context of ERα-expressing luminal A breast cancer. In this study, we show that S167 is targeted by the oncogenic PIM family kinases in these cells. Loss of PIM expression or catalytic activity reduces S167 phosphorylation and restricts ERα signaling, while PIM overexpression has the opposite effect. Nonetheless, we found no evidence that PIMs protect breast cancer cells from ERα blockade, as both PIM protein levels and ERα S167 phosphorylation levels were substantially lower in populations of cells that had developed tamoxifen resistance as compared to untreated cells. However, this does not rule out the possibility that PIMs provide protection against ERα-targeting therapies in such breast cancer cells in which they are overexpressed, warranting further investigations.
Ensemble based Machine Learning Algorithm for Loan Default Risk Prediction
Authors: Akinjole Abisola , Shobayo Olamilekan , Popoola Jumoke , Okoyeigbo Obinna , Ogunleye Bayode
Published: September 2024

Predicting credit default risk is important to financial institutions, as accurately predicting the likelihood of a borrower defaulting on their loans will help to reduce financial losses, thereby maintaining profitability and stability. Although machine learning models have been used in assessing large applications with complex attributes for these predictions, there is still a need to identify the most effective techniques and to also address the issue of data imbalance. In this research, we conducted a comparative analysis of random forest, decision tree, SVM (Support Vector Machine), XGBoost (eXtreme Gradient Boosting), ADABoost (ADAptive Boosting) and multilayered perceptron with three-hidden layers, to predict credit default using loan data from LendingClub. Additionally, we also combined the model predictions using voting and stacking ensemble methods to enhance the models' performance. Furthermore, various sampling techniques was explored to handle the issue of class imbalance observed in the dataset, with the result showing that the balanced data performs better than the imbalanced data. Our proposed model achieved an accuracy of 93.7%, a precision of 95.6% and a recall of 95.5%, which shows the potential of ensemble methods in improving credit default predictions and can provide lending platforms with the tool to reduce default rates and financial losses. In conclusion, the findings from this study have broader implications for financial institutions, offering a robust approach to risk assessment beyond the Lend-ingClub dataset.
Estrategia para la mejora de la distribución comercial en la agencia de viajes ECOTUR
Authors: RIVES GONZÁLEZ KARLA ANANDA , HERNÁNDEZ FLORES YOAN , TORRES ALONSO MARÍA DEL CARMEN
Published: September 2024

La pandemia de la COVID-19 ha obligado a replantearse las nuevas formas de gestión en todas las empresas en el sector turístico, entre ellas las agencias de viajes. Es por ello que la presente investigación está enfocada en desarrollar una estrategia para mejorar la distribución comercial en la agencia de viajes ECOTUR S.A, incluyendo objetivos y acciones que contribuyan a perfeccionar la gestión empresarial. La trayectoria metodológica permitió un diagnóstico de la situación que presenta la empresa respecto a la distribución comercial en el momento de accionar la misma en la etapa post-pandemia. Para estos análisis se utilizaron varias herramientas como la Matriz DAFO; la Matriz de Evaluación de Factores Externos y la Matriz de Evaluación de Factores Internos. Asimismo, se identificaron los perfiles estratégicos del entorno y del proceso de distribución de la entidad. De igual forma, se aplicaron encuestas y entrevistas a especialistas de ECOTUR S.A, permitiendo trazar la estrategia con sus respectivos objetivos y planes de acciones.
Palabras claves: agencia de viaje; distribución comercial; estrategia; marketing; pos COVID-19.
Towards Promoting Tourism and Hospitality Services for Orphanage Tourism in Egypt
Authors: AMMAR MOHAMMAD AMMAR SALAMA , SALEH MAHMOUD , ATEF KOZMAL HANY , FAYEZ SABER AYDA
Published: September 2024

Orphanage tourism is a sub-sector of volunteer tourism which refers to traveling abroad to "do well" and support others in other communities. Importance: The importance of providing hospitality services to this style is that orphan tourism stems from the desire to have more meaningful and ethical holiday experiences, and the desire to give back to the host communities visited by the tourist. The study aims at developing the level of promoting hospitality services for the Orphanage Tourism and hospitality pattern in Egypt. Study problem: The problem of the study lies in identifying the strengths and weaknesses and identifying the needs towards promoting hospitality services for the Orphanage Tourism and hospitality pattern in Egypt. Methodology: Using the descriptive approach, selecting guests, managers and supervisors of marketing and public relations departments and those who are in direct contact with customers. The total numbers of questionnaires received were 150 questionnaires were distributed to a group of managers and supervisors in 15 five-star hotels as well as 15 tourism companies in the Red Sea region, and among them 120 questionnaires were valid, correctly and ready to be statistically analyzed. Results: There are deficiencies in the hospitality services provided to the Orphanage Tourism and hospitality pattern in the Red Sea region, and they need more attention and care. Lack of tourism awareness of the strengths and weaknesses and identifying the needs for hospitality tourism orphanages in Egypt and the need to pay attention to them. Recommendations: shedding light and spreading tourist awareness of strengths and weaknesses and identifying needs towards promoting tourism and hospitality services for Orphanage Tourism and hospitality pattern in Egypt; Providing an appropriate environment to provide services that meet the needs of tourism and hospitality services for Orphanage Tourism and hospitality pattern to meet their needs and satisfy their desires.
Keywords: Orphans - Orphanages tourism - Hospitality services - Promotion - Red Sea region.
The Impact of Managing Carbon Footprint Reduction and Sustainable Development in Airports on Tourism revenues
Authors: SHOGAA ASMAA ALI , BASIONY USAMA , ABOURIFAEI ZAKI ZAKI
Published: September 2024

The objective of this study is to enhance policy and regulatory frameworks for airport operations and improve environmental quality at airports in preparation for the upcoming Green Airport initiative. Additionally, the study aims to support airports in achieving their environmental and governance goals, including net-zero targets. So, the Risk of Climate Change should be mitigated at airports to keep both the tourism environment and sustainable development. In addition, providing the Egyptian aerodromes with the preliminary guidelines for the preparation of the relevant Carbon Footprint to avoid any potential problem, explains the different technology for sustainable development and, providing the optimum solutions to manage the data used are primary and secondary data. The main objectives of this study are the sustainability of Egyptian airports. Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport was chosen as a model airport, and it is one of the most important airports in Egypt. The process of analyzing carbon footprint data to reduce it with green techniques and technology that are beneficial to tourists and compared to 2022, after using sustainable methods and technology, this resulted in reducing the carbon footprint of the airport and increasing green tools and technology for tourists. While secondary data is based on data collected from various agencies. In general, the study results show that the airport operator has given enough attention to the environmental management., The adoption of the Green Airport concept can provide airport operators with a sense of reassurance in managing airports, allowing them to improve their operational and environmental quality control systems. The Green Airport concept serves as a model for airport operators to ensure that their activities do not have adverse effects on the environment. Implementing the Green Airport concept can lead to an improvement in environmental quality, while significantly reducing environmental management costs. huge efforts regarding any issues related to impact of Climate Change at Airports, Tourism Environment and Sustainable Development are still yet to come; as well as increasing the research and development endeavor has in order to find the best ways and means to ensure a safe and clean sky to fly. 
Keywords: Green Airport, Environmental Quality, Airports Carbon Accreditations, Carbon Calculator, Footprint Airports
Tourism response and recovery from Covid-19 in historic urban destinations (cases from Belgium and the Netherlands)
Authors: VANNESTE DOMINIQUE , VAN MEETEREN VERE , NEUTS BART
Published: September 2024

Covid-19 affected tourism in a particularly hard way, forcing stakeholders at all levels to work on recovery while a number of experts pointed out that the pandemic constituted a momentum to change the future face of tourism. This paper focusses on a potential implementation gap, researching the question how local stakeholders handle the Covid-19 pandemic in practice, both in the short run and in longer term recovery strategies. Is a “business as usual” approach prevalent or can the pandemic be a catalyst for (major) transformations? The cases researched are historic cities in Belgium and the Netherlands. Although these countries lack a dominant tourism industry, especially their cities, as destinations, suffered considerably. Short-term crisis management as well as the vision, strategy and actions on how to recover in the long term, were the subject of a number of online workshops with tourism planning and management officials. These online workshops used an interesting software (MURAL) to fuel the interactive exchange of information and discussion.
Keywords: Covid-19, crisis management, recovery, tourism policy, historic cities, Flanders (Belgium), the Netherlands.
Coherent marine X-band radar deployment during DUNEX
Authors: Streßer Michael , Collins Clarence , Lund Björn , Humberston Joshua , Horstmann Jochen , Carrasco, Ruben , Spore Nicholas , Brodie Katherine
Published: September 2024

A marine X-band radar system, developed by Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon (Hereon) was deployed within view of the nearshore at the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Field Research Facility (FRF), in Duck, North Carolina, from October 2021 to August 2022. The radar deployment was a collaboration among researchers at the FRF, Hereon, and the University of Miami and was initiated as part of the During Nearshore Event Experiment (DUNEX), a large multi-institutional field experiment funded by the US Coastal Research Program. The Hereon radar successfully collected data during the main DUNEX field campaign (approximately October 2021) and continued to collect nearly continuously until August 2022. To facilitate use of Hereon radar data, this document describes the deployment, provides background and context, and presents metadata. Within, we describe in detail the Hereon radar system, the locations of two different installations, the time periods covered, sampling modes, environmental conditions and notable events, example data products, and potential pathways for future use of the data.
Pore-Scale Simulation of the Effect of Wettability Alteration on Flow Transport Kinetics in 3D Natural Porous Media
Authors: Yang Yongfei , Li Haoyun , Tong Chunyu , Zhang Lei , Sun Hai , Zhong Junjie , Zhang Kai , Yao Jun
Published: September 2024

Wettability alteration commonly occurs in subsurface two-phase displacements, such as enhanced hydrocarbon recovery, hydrogen storage, and carbon dioxide sequestration. A comprehensive understanding of two-phase flow transport kinetics during wettability alteration in natural rocks is essential for optimizing these processes. To address this, a wettability alteration model induced by low-salinity waterflooding (LSWF) was implemented based on the volume of fluid (VOF) method and the compressive continuous species transfer (C-CST) method in the OpenFOAM platform, which integrates the pore-scale two-phase fluid flow and the advection-diffusion of species. Following validation against experimental data from existing literature, extensive direct numerical simulations (DNSs) were conducted in an actual 3D sandstone sample obtained by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) images. The effects of the wettability alteration degree, wettability alteration model, and capillary number on dynamic salt dispersion and fluid redistribution are considered in simulation works. The findings indicate that a higher wettability alteration degree facilitates the release of more oil trapped in smaller pores toward the outlet, while the mobilized oil might become trapped again due to snap-off in larger downstream pores. Moreover, due to the presence of alternative flow pathways in the system, the backflowed oil induced by heterogeneous salinity distribution might not be effectively recovered. A faster wettability alteration rate enhances the performance of LSWF because of the rapid reduction of entry capillary pressure and the delayed negative effect of salt dispersion. In terms of the capillary number, a higher capillary number accelerates the diffusion of species to the three-phase contact line and reduces the occurrence of snap-off retrapping, thereby increasing ultimate oil recovery. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the microscopic displacement mechanism during the wettability alteration processes, especially for LSWF, in 3D heterogeneous porous media.
Cyclic Gas Injection in Low-Permeability Oil Reservoirs: Progress in Modeling and Experiments
Authors: Emami-Meybodi Hamid , Ma Ming , Zhang Fengyuan , Rui Zhenhua , Rezaeyan Amirsaman , Ghanizadeh Amin , Hamdi Hamidreza , Clarkson Christopher R.
Published: September 2024

Cyclic gas injection effectively enhances oil recovery for low-permeability oil reservoirs. Numerous theoretical, mathematical, and laboratory investigations have attempted to unlock underlying recovery mechanisms and optimal design for the cyclic gas injection in these reservoirs. While these investigations have shed light on various aspects of the process, different descriptions of key recovery mechanisms and optimal design parameters can be found in the literature. Many of these published studies consider conventional approaches and concepts, such as assuming advection-dominated fluid flow and mixing between injected gas and oil within the matrix, to simulate the process or conduct experiments. Under different reservoir and operational conditions, to be reviewed, one or a combination of mechanisms can be responsible for improving oil recovery. This review aims to critically examine the published modeling and experimental studies regarding the recovery mechanisms of gas cyclic injection and the conditions under which the process can enhance oil recovery. The review will identify lessons learned and areas in need of further research.
Newborn care practices at home and health facilities in Tigray, Ethiopia: a qualitative assessment
Authors: Abay Tedros Hailu , Hadush Marta Yemane , Berhe Amanuel Hadgu , Gebremariam Dawit Seyoum , Zelelew Yibrah Berhe , Beyene Selemawit Asfaw , Medhanyie Araya Abraha , Gebregziabher Fisseha Ashebir , Berhe Tirhas Asmelash
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
Background: The neonatal period is the most vulnerable age for child survival. In 2019, about half of all under-five mortality was contributed by the newborn deaths, which was estimated to be about 2.4 million deaths worldwide.1 In Ethiopia, the estimated neonatal mortality rate stands at 33 deaths per 1,000 live births.3 The study will outline newborn care practices both in homes and in the public health care system in Tigray.
Methods: The qualitative study employed two data collection methods, namely, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. The study was conducted in five zones of the Tigray region. In all, 16 focus group discussions and 46 in-depth interviews were held with community representatives and health workers. Data were transcribed and then analyzed using the ATLAS.ti software for thematic coding using an inductive approach. Themes identified were discussed in detail prior to coding.
Result: The community perspective shows that there is enough knowledge regarding basic newborn care and harmful traditional practices; however, practices have not been resolved. Active engagement of parents, especially mothers, in facility-based care is socially and economically limited. Health Professionals' Perspective: Weight measurements for home births, as opposed to those in facilities, are not regularly carried out, with many newborn babies not having their weight measured. There are missed home births despite having a home birth notification framework in place. HEWs conduct postnatal care via routine home visits; however, there is weak continuum of care and referral feedback from hospitals. Besides these, widespread shortages of electricity and phototherapy machines and community awareness for care of preterm and LBW babies were noted. Parents' experiences are shaped by the forces of economic insecurity and social issues.
Conclusion: The improvement of newborn care practices at home and health facilities is an important milestone that the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health is seeking to achieve as it works toward the reduction of the neonatal mortality rate. This feat will be realized at the facility level when actionable strategies, resource commitments, strengthening of the HEP, and health education are implemented.
A Novel Capsule Network with Attention Routing for Text Classification
Authors: Zhang Weisheng , Miao Shengfa , Yu Qian , Wang Jian , Li Huibo , Wang Ruoshu
Published: September 2024

Convolutional Neural Networks(CNNs) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) often neglect the relationship between local and global semantics in text. In contrast, capsule networks encode word position information and multi-level semantic information using vector capsules and capture the relationship between local and global semantics through dynamic routing. However, capsule networks commonly neglect contextual information during capsule generation. Moreover, complex dynamic routing in capsule networks results in significant computational cost during training and evaluation. Therefore, we introduce AARCapsNet, a novel capsule network with attention routing for text classification. AARCapsNet incorporates two well-designed routings: self-attention routing and fast attention routing. Self-attention routing encodes contextual information into semantic capsules while suppressing noisy capsules. Fast attention routing adaptively learns the connection relationship between semantic capsules and class capsules, which offers a cost-effective alternative to intricate dynamic routing. Experiments on five benchmark datasets demonstrate that our proposed method achieves competitive performance.
Research on Multitask Model Introducing Self Attention Mechanism and Random Noise Learning in Autonomous Driving
Authors: Yang jie , Lu chengyu , Dan HanFU , Li XiaoLi
Published: September 2024

The multitask models currently used in visual based autonomous driving scenarios face difficulties in model convergence, high training costs, and poor robustness in the process of learning sample features. This paper proposed a new multi task visual model in autonomous driving, which introduced a self-attention mechanism and integrated denoising modules. The model used convolutional structure and self-attention mechanism to extract features from input images, and added denoising elements to the decoder structure of the backbone network. To achieve denoising in various tasks, random noise and simulation experiments were conducted to simulated the distribution of real data. The experimental results show that the new model performs well on multiple autonomous driving tasks, with higher accuracy and inference speed than traditional models. For example, the accuracy of target detection tasks had been improved by 4.3%, the segmentation accuracy of road scenes had been improved by 3.6%, and depth estimation could be performed. At the same time, the training time had been reduced by 60%. This research could provide new ideas and methods for multi task learning in the field of autonomous driving.
Experimental Study of an X-Y Pneumatic Position Control System Using a Smart Control Algorithm
Authors: ABDELAZEM Amr ABDELMOHSEN NOURELDIEN , Bassily Magdy A. , Tawfeic Shehab R.
Published: September 2024

The X-Y position control of pneumatic systems has several applications such as (CNC equipment, Pick-and-Place Systems, Material Handling, and Inspection Systems). This paper deals with experimental work of X-Y pneumatic test rig for positioning control purpose, for controlling the position of the pneumatic cylinders two controller algorithms are used in this paper. The first control is a new Approaching Index Switching Algorithm (AISA) for controlling the position of the pneumatic system the second controller is Proportional -derivative (PD) controller. AISA is designed to switch between two different sets of controls based on an index value. The control of the flow rates by Flow Control Valve (FCV), control of servomotor, and also the control of the position sensor is a key parameter in determining the performance of the pneumatic cylinder position. It depends on the goals and mission requirements for launching it. The experimental results show that the AISA is faster than the PD controller by (31.8 % to 38.15%) without overshooting for X-axis and Y-axis respectively. The ASIA is more accurate than the PD controller by (83.33% to 70.79%) for X-axis and Y-axis respectively. All the desired specifications of the system such as error, stability, and power consumption are robustly satisfied under AISA.
The influence of graded nitrogen levels and accumulated growing degree days on the tuber yield of the heat-resistant/tolerant potato variety Kufri Surya
Authors: Mishra Ashok , Ghosal Debasish , Mishra Ananya , Das Swarnalata , Behera Laxmipreeya , Mohapatra Sanjukta , Behera Subrat Kumar , Patnaik Anjana , Sasmal Arundhati , Biswal Gayatri
Published: September 2024

The effect of varying doses of nitrogen (0, 75, 150, 225, and 300 kg ha− 1) on the tuber yield and economic outcomes of the potato variety Kufri Surya was investigated at the All India Coordinated Research Project on Potato, Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, during the winter seasons over a five-year period from 2013-14 to 2017-18. The experimental site featured sandy-loam soil with a pH of 5.2 and an electrical conductivity (EC) of 0.297 dSm− 1. The experiment utilized a randomized block design with four replications. The crop was planted in November and harvested in January/February, 75 days post-planting. Phosphorus (P2O5) and potassium (K2O) doses were kept consistent across all treatments. Cumulative growing degree days (GDD) were calculated by summing daily mean temperatures above the base temperature, expressed in degree days. Among the different nitrogen treatments, 225 kg N ha− 1 yielded the highest mean tuber yield of 21.21 t ha− 1, along with net returns of Rs. 88,350 ha− 1 and a benefit-cost (B:C) ratio of 1.71. The 225 kg N ha− 1 dose produced significantly higher tuber yields compared to the 150 kg N ha− 1 dose recommended for Odisha. Although applying 300 kg N ha− 1 resulted in higher yields than 225 kg N ha− 1 during the initial two years, this trend did not continue. The mean yield with 300 kg N ha− 1 was significantly lower than with 225 kg N ha− 1. There was a gradual increase in tuber yield from 0 kg N ha− 1 to 75 kg, 150 kg, and 225 kg ha− 1. The results clearly indicate the necessity of increasing the recommended nitrogen dose from 150 kg ha− 1 to 225 kg ha− 1 for Odisha, particularly in sandy-loam soils. It was observed that the combination of lower GDD and lower bright sunshine hours (BSH) of 397 hours led to the lowest helio-thermal units (HTU) of 3888.9, resulting in the highest tuber yield with maximum heat use efficiency (HUE) of 371.3g°C days− 1 hrs− 1 and helio-thermal use efficiency (HTUE) of 6.0.
Effects of processing parameters on elements segregation behavior and crystallographic orientation of Ni-based superalloys in laser additive manufacturing
Authors: Yao Lei , Shang Lian-qi , Chen Shao-feng , Cao Liang , Liang Jing-jing
Published: September 2024

The effect of process parameters on the polarization of alloying elements and crystallographic orientation was explored. The results show that the degree of elemental segregation decreases with increasing scanning rate, and the degree of segregation rather increases with increasing deposition height. The microstructures of all specimens consisted mostly of columnar grains grown epitaxially along the deposition direction, showing a clear <001> orientation weave. The increase in scanning rate weakened the epitaxial growth effect of the crystals, and the strength of the weave in the <001> direction was significantly weakened. In addition, the actual growth direction of the dendrites is not strictly parallel to the printing direction, but tilted towards the laser scanning direction, resulting in a significant deflection angle from the printing direction. Based on the synergistic effect of local temperature gradient and grain-optimized orientation, a composite temperature gradient model is established in combination with numerical simulation of the temperature field to rationally explain this phenomenon. The fundamental reason for the deflection of the growth direction of the dendrites is that the direction of the composite temperature gradient deviates from the deposition direction, and the transverse temperature gradient is larger after increasing the scanning rate, thus the deflection angle is larger.
Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Sleep Quality, and Life Satisfaction among Undergraduate Medical Students in Gaza Strip: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Aldabbour Belal , Jaradat Roa , Aljbour Omar , Abdu Mahmoud , Aljbour Jumana , Dayya Alaa Abo , Asad Mohammad Dabbour , Abuabada Amal
Published: September 2024

Background:The medical study is demanding. Medical students are known to suffer above-average rates of depression, anxiety, stress, poor sleep, and life dissatisfaction. In turn, these disorders lower the students’ quality of life and negatively impact their performance. Little is known about the prevalence of these disorders among medical students in the Gaza Strip, which is an area marred by chronic conflict and poverty.Methods:This cross-sectional study assessed medical students at the two medical schools located in the Gaza Strip. Students were randomized according to university, sex, and academic level. Screening employed the DASS21, PSQI, and SWLS instruments. Categorical variables were described by count and percentages. Potential predictors of poor sleep quality were assessed by binary logistic regression. Multivariable logistic regression was implemented to determine the effect of covariates. Ordinal logistic regression was used to investigate predictors of anxiety, stress, depression, sleep quality, and SWLS stage. Statistical significance was set at a two-sided p-value less than 0.05.Results:In total, 362 medical students participated. Different stages of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were prevalent in 69%, 77.3%, and 65.2% of students, respectively. Poor sleep quality was prevalent in 77.9% of students. Also, 46.1% of medical students were dissatisfied with their lives. Poor sleep quality was associated with higher rates of all-stage anxiety, stress, and depression in univariate regression and with higher odds of moderate anxiety and mild, moderate, and extremely severe depression in multivariable regression.Conclusions:Medical students in the Gaza Strip suffer from high rates of depression and anxiety symptoms, stress, poor sleep, and life dissatisfaction compared to medical students from several other countries and the pooled global prevalence reported in meta-analysis studies.
Percutaneous internal fixation with the monoplanar pedicle screws in the treatment of multilevel thoracolumbar fractures: a case series of 6 cases
Authors: Li Xianglong , Zhang Yongfeng , Liu Hao , Xu Shuang , Li Lidong , Chen Beiyu , Wang Zhe , Ding Tan
Published: September 2024

Fixed-axis screw and polyaxial screw exposed many disadvantages in the treatment of multiple thoracolumbar fractures. This is the first report on the treatment of multiple thoracolumbar fractures with percutaneous axial monoplanar pedicle screw. Six patients with multiple vertebral fractures were treated with monoplanar pedicle screw implantation and distraction reduction under general anesthesia. The height correction of injured vertebrae, T11-L2 kyphosis angle, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were measured before and after operation to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical treatment. All patients underwent smooth surgery, with an average operation time of 117.5 minutes and an average intraoperative blood loss of 71.7 ml. All patients were able to walk with the aid of a waist brace on the 3rd postoperative day and discharged on the 4th postoperative day. Low back pain symptoms were significantly relieved after operation. VAS score, ODI dysfunction index, the height correction of injured vertebrae, T11-L2 kyphosis angle and LL were all satisfactorily corrected immediately after surgery, and satisfactory results were maintained at 6 and 12 months after surgery. All patients received minimally invasive removal of internal fixation at the original surgical incision during 12–14 months after surgery, and the injured vertebrae were well reduced without significant height loss of the injured vertebrae. The use of percutaneous monoplanar pedicle screws for the treatment of multiple thoracolumbar fractures is a minimally invasive technique with satisfactory long-term reduction effect.
A finite element biomechanical study of anterior transpedicular root screw plate fixation system in the lower cervical spine
Authors: Xu Xiaoping , Hou Zhipeng , Zhao Liujun
Published: September 2024

To compare the biomechanical properties of anterior transpedicular root screw (ATPRS), anterior transpedicular screw (ATPS) and anterior cervical locked-plate (ACLP) in the lower cervical spine by finite element method. We collect CT data of the cervical spine from a healthy 34-year-old adult male volunteer. Use Mimics 10.01 software to build a nonlinear complete model of the lower cervical spine. These models were subjected to 75N axial force and 1.5 N·M to induce various movements. The range of motion (ROM) and stress distribution of each model under different working conditions were compared. Compared with the intact model, the ROM in the ACLP, ATPS and ATPRS groups decreased to 0.65, 0.58 and 0.62 during flexion and extension. In terms of titanium mesh graft stress, the ATPS and ATPRS groups had the largest load during extension and the smallest load during flexion. In terms of bone-screw interface stress, the peak stress around screw C7 was higher than that around screw C4 during extension in ACLP, ATPS and ATPRS groups, respectively. Our results indicate that the biomechanical characteristics of anterior transpedicular root screw system are favorable.
Nomogram for early major adverse event in infants after cardiac surgery: a retrospective study
Authors: Yang Fan , Li Xia , Zhu Zhiyuan , Lu Zhongyuan , Wang Shilin , Yue Chao , Duan Leilei , Wang Xu
Published: September 2024

Background Early major adverse event has a high mortality rate after cardiac surgery. In this study, our goal was to investigate the risk factors associated with early MAE in infants after cardiac surgery, develop a prediction model, and assess its accuracy in predicting outcomes.
Methods A model was constructed incorporating 766 patients at our Hospital from January 2020 to December 2021. Participants were randomly divided into modelling and validation group using a 7:3 ratio. We utilized the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis to screen the variables, and then conducted a multiple logistic regression analysis to create a prediction nomogram.
Results The risk factors of MAE were weight, aortic clamp time, postoperative 8th hour lactate, off-CPB blood glucose and postoperative 4 hours urine output. The Hosmer−Lemeshowtest demonstrated that the model was a good fit (χ²=6.105, p=0.636). The clinical decision curve analysis showed significantly better net benefit in the predictive model, as well as that in the validation cohort.
Conclusion The prediction model based on perioperative factors was developed to screen the occurrence of early MAE in infants after cardiac surgery. It provided physicians with an effective tool for the early prediction, and took timely preventive measures.
Strengthening Climate Disaster Education for Youth in Black Communities across Western Canada
Authors: Acharibasam John Bosco , Datta Ranjan , Sindani Nicole
Published: September 2024

Strengthening climate disaster education for youth in Black communities across Western Canada is critical for enhancing their resilience to climate risks and developing sustainable communities. Strengthening climate disaster education for youth in Black communities across Western Canada, particularly in the province of Saskatchewan, is essential. Saskatchewan faces increasing vulnerability to climate-related risks such as snowstorms, forest fires, heatwaves, droughts, and floods. Recognizing Black communities' unique perspectives and experiences is vital for developing youth engagement with climate disaster risks. We used decolonial research as our theoretical framework and focused on community-based participatory research design to engage Black youth in meaningful climate disaster education. We followed sharing circles as our research method to engage Black youth in Saskatchewan, ensuring their voices were heard and their specific educational needs were addressed. Our study highlights the importance of tailoring educational programs to meet Black youth's unique experiences and needs, ultimately promoting resilience, agency, and empowerment within Black communities. We hope in this paper, our study findings have the potential to significantly impact Black youth in navigating the extreme effects of climate change in Canada.
Facilitating heart disease prediction using deep learning models founded on routinely accessible health data
Authors: Zou Runjie , Li Aimin , Chen Dekun , Li Min
Published: September 2024

Cardiovascular diseases are the primary cause of non-natural deaths globally, accounting for over 18 million fatalities annually. Therefore, expandable and low-cost cardiac risk prediction systems are crucial for mitigating the impact of heart diseases on human health. In this work, we deploy a Heart Disease Risk Prediction System (HDRPS) ,a deep learning-based cardiac risk prediction system that utilizes affordable health data and electrocardiogram (ECG) images for cardiac risk assessment. In the data prediction segment, a Deep Neural Network Classification Model (DNNCM) was initially developed based on the original 13-feature UCI dataset, achieving a binary classification accuracy of 0.9655. After removing five hard-to-obtain features from the 13-feature UCI dataset, the α part of Heart Disease Risk Prediction Model (HDRPMα), a deep neural network model was developed based on the 8-feature UCI dataset. This model, utilizing eight easily accessible health data points, reached a binary classification accuracy of 0.917. In the image prediction segment, we use a database established from ECG images easily exported from smart wearable devices. The HDRPMβ convolutional neural network model developed for this database achieved an accuracy of 0.95. In the field of AI-driven cardiac disease prediction, HDRPS has significantly improved upon the practical limitations of previous research models, making substantial advances in usability. HDRPS could potentially be employed for national-level large-scale cardiac risk screenings and personal cardiac health monitoring, contributing to humanity's fight against heart disease.
Differential effects of calcineurin inhibitors on plasma cells: Potential therapy for antibody- mediated rejection
Authors: Tsai Ching-Yi , Lin Yu-Li , Lai Ting-Yu , Chen Jia-Huang , Chiang Chih-Kang , Lee Chih Yuan
Published: September 2024

Calcineurin inhibitors, including cyclosporine and tacrolimus, are widely used to prevent postoperative rejection after solid organ transplantation and have successfully prolonged the survival of allografts since their introduction. The use of calcineurin inhibitors has dramatically reduced the rate of acute cellular rejection; however, the long-term survival of allografts is still compromised by the damage caused by alloantibodies and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). Currently, AMR is the most important issue in controlling organ transplantation rejection. The pathophysiological mechanism of AMR is associated with organ damage after prolonged exposure to alloantibodies, which are synthesized and secreted by plasma cells. Therefore, targeting plasma cells to develop a treatment for AMR is an important issue. Since the introduction of tacrolimus (FK506) into the field of organ transplantation, FK506 has successfully suppressed the incidence of acute cellular rejection but is not satisfactory in terms of antibody-mediated rejection. In our study, we found that cyclosporine (CsA) induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in plasma cells, which was lower in the presence of FK506. The expression of CD138 in plasma cells can prolong the half-life of plasma cells; we found that ER stress in plasma cells induced by CsA could downregulate the protein expression of CD138, inhibit the p-STAT3 signaling and reduce cell survival, thus leading to cell death. Our findings offer an updated insight into the pharmacological effects of CsA on plasma cells, providing valuable options for tailoring treatment strategies in transplant patients undergoing treatment for AMR.
Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Shoreline Movements along the Coast from Keta to Kedzi in the Volta Region-Ghana
Authors: Jnr Gameli Agbleze , Dadson Ishmael Yaw , Asamoah Yaw
Published: September 2024

In response to the inadequacy of traditional mitigation methods along Ghana's eastern shoreline and other eroded coastal areas, this study investigates the spatio-temporal dynamics of shoreline movements along the coastal stretch from Keta to Kedzi, in the Volta Region of Ghana. The research spans the period from 1990 to 2020 and employs shoreline data derived from high-resolution aerial imagery, alongside Landsat 7 and 8 images. Utilizing Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) software 5.1 and ArcGIS/ArcMap 10.8.2, the analysis incorporates key metrics such as Shoreline Change Envelope (SCE), Net Shoreline Movement (NSM), and End Point Rate (EPR). The findings reveal a nuanced pattern, with approximately six out of eight kilometres experiencing moderate to high accretion, while the remaining stretch faced significant erosion. Specifically, Keta exhibited an average NSM of 99.98 metres and an EPR of 5.26 metres per year. Vodza recorded an average NSM of 130.21 metres and an EPR of 6.85 metres per year. Conversely, Kedzi displayed an average NSM of -73 metres and an EPR of -3.87 metres per year. This study underscores the necessity for periodic monitoring, recommending a five-year interval for researchers and relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Water Resources, Works, and Housing. Additionally, it emphasizes the imperative for targeted intervention, especially Kedzi due to the pronounced and pervasive nature of erosion in that area.
Assessment of Genetic Diversity of Euphorbia hirta Linn in the Philippines using sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers
Authors: Moreno Patrick Gabriel G. , Relacion Patrick R. , III Francisco M. Heralde
Published: September 2024

Euphorbia hirta Linn. is a medicinal plant found in the Philippines and known for its application for dengue management. E. hirta collected from different geographical locations have demonstrated variations in anti-thrombocytopenic activity in vivo. Hence, it is necessary to determine the intraspecific diversity of E. hirta to provide insights on the observed bioactivity. In this study, thirty-one (31) E. hirta plant specimens were collected from various geographic locations in the Philippines. Species identity was confirmed through DNA barcoding using rbcL and matK primers. Identification of intraspecies genetic variations were made through Sequence-Related Amplified Polymorphism (SRAP) analysis. Three (3) SRAP primer pairs produced 23 distinct and reproducible bands with average percent polymorphism of 84.63. The average values of the evaluation indices Nei’s genetic diversity (H) and Shannon’s diversity index (I), and the Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) of the primers were 0.332 ± 0.017, 0.484 ± 0.024, and 0.425, respectively. A moderate genetic differentiation (Fst = 0.172; P value = 0.001) were also found in the E. hirta accessions. UPGMA clustering based on the presence or absence of these bands grouped the plant samples into three clusters. Geographical distance did not play a role in the clustering. Two gene loci were also identified to have a potential use as markers for species identification. The study has shown the utility of SRAP markers to generate DNA fingerprints and identify E. hirta genetic variants. This may be adapted as a standard method in the molecular characterization of medicinally important plant samples.