bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pixel-MPS: Stochastic Embedding and Density-Based Clustering of Image Patterns for Pixel-Based Multiple-Point Geostatistical Simulation
Authors: Asadi Adel , Chatterjee Snehamoy
Published: June 2024

Multiple-point geostatistics (MPS) is an established tool for the uncertainty quantification of Earth systems modeling, particularly when dealing with the complexity and heterogeneity of geological data. This study presents a novel pixel-based MPS method for modeling spatial data using advanced machine-learning algorithms. Pixel-based multiple-point simulation implies the sequential modeling of individual points on the simulation grid, one at a time, by borrowing spatial information from the training image and honoring the conditioning data points. The developed methodology is based on the mapping of the training image patterns database using the t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE) algorithm for dimensionality reduction, and the clustering of patterns by applying the Density-based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN) algorithm, as an efficient unsupervised classification technique. For the automation, optimization, and input parameter tuning, multiple stages are implemented, including entropy-based determination of the template size and a k-nearest neighbors search for clustering parameter selection, to ensure the proposed method does not require the user’s interference. The proposed model is validated using synthetic two- and three-dimensional datasets, both for conditional and unconditional simulations, and runtime information is provided. Finally, the method is applied to a case study gold mine for stochastic orebody modeling. To demonstrate the computational efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method, a two-dimensional training image with 101 by 101 pixels is simulated for 100 conditional realizations in 453 s (~4.5 s per realization) using only 361 hard data points (~3.5% of the simulation grid), and the resulting average simulation has a good visual match and only an 11.8% pixel-wise mismatch with the training image.
Enhancing Medication Safety through Implementing the Qatar Tool for Reducing Inappropriate Medication (QTRIM) in Ambulatory Older Adults
Authors: Alyazeedi Ameena , Sherbash Mohamed , Algendy Ahmed Fouad , Stewart Carrie , Soiza Roy L. , Alhail Moza , Aldarwish Abdulaziz , Stewart Derek , Awaisu Ahmed , Ryan Cristin , Myint Phyo Kyaw
Published: June 2024

Introduction: To promote optimal healthcare delivery, safeguarding older adults from the risks associated with inappropriate medication use is paramount. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing the Qatar Tool for Reducing Inappropriate Medication (QTRIM) in ambulatory older adults to enhance medication safety. Method: The QTRIM was developed by an expert consensus panel using the Beers Criteria and contained a list of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) based on the local formulary. Using quality improvement methodology, it was piloted and implemented in two outpatient pharmacy settings serving geriatric medicine and dermatology clinics at Rumailah Hospital, Qatar. Key performance indicators (KPIs) using implementation documentation as a process measure and the percentage reduction in PIM prescriptions as an outcome measure were assessed before and after QTRIM implementation. This study was conducted between July 2022 and September 2023. Results: In the outpatient department (OPD) geriatric pharmacy, the prescription rate of PIMs was reduced from an average of 1.2 ± 0.7 PIMs per 1000 orders in 2022 to an average of 0.8 ± 0.2 PIMs per 1000 orders in 2023. In the OPD geriatric pharmacy, the results showed a 66.6% reduction in tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) (from 30 to 10), a reduction in first-generation antihistamines by 51.7% (29 to 14), and muscle relaxants by 33.3% (36 to 24). While in dermatology, the older adult prescription rate of PIMs was reduced from an average of 8 ± 3 PIMs per 1000 orders in 2022 to a rate of 5 ± 3 PIMs per 1000 orders in 2023; the most PIM reductions were (49.4%) in antihistamines (from 89 to 45), while muscle relaxants and TCAs showed a minimal reduction. Conclusions: Implementing QTRIM with pharmacy documentation monitoring markedly reduced the PIMs dispensed from two specialized outpatient pharmacies serving older adults. It may be a promising effective strategy to enhance medication safety in outpatient pharmacy settings.
Identifying Editions of the Ptolemy of Rome Maps (1478/90–1507/08) by Copper Plates Changes
Authors: Pavo-López Marcos F. , Amaro-Mellado José-Lázaro
Published: June 2024

Traditionally, it has been considered that the Ptolemaic or classical maps from the four editions of Ptolemy’s Geography published in Rome (1478, 1490, 1507, and 1508) are apparently indistinguishable at first glance because they have been printed from the same plates. This poses a problem for antiquarians, collectors, and curators who wish to accurately date their copies. Recently, two very comprehensive articles have been published on the different paper watermarks associated with each edition, which would allow for the correct identification of each one. However, there are occasions when the maps do not display watermarks. This article aims to provide some keys to distinguish between the incunabula editions (1478, 1490) and those of 1507–1508 in cases of the absence of watermarks. In this process of detecting differences, we have used digitized images of the maps. The results show small modifications in the copper plates made between the editions of 1490 and 1507/08. Our findings reveal that seven previously unknown reworked maps have been identified.
Flapless Dental Implant Surgery in Bleeding Disorders
Authors: Benetello Federica , Zanon Ezio , Sbricoli Luca , Bacci Christian
Published: June 2024

Hemostasis disorders require particular attention in dental treatment. Dental implants are a very widespread and valid method for total rehabilitation. Flapless dental implant surgery is a minimally invasive treatment that allows the implants to be placed in the jaw bones with minimal surgical trauma. The aim of this study is to report the bleeding incidence in a group of patients with bleeding disorders treated with flapless implants. A total of 52 patients with bleeding disorders (46 in anticoagulant therapy; 4 with hemophilia; 2 with von Willebrandt disease) were treated with 188 flapless implant surgeries Anticoagulants were not discontinued. Patients with hemophilia and VWD were treated following specific protocols. Four late, easy to treat bleeding complications were reported (three mild bleeding, one ecchymosis). No additional sutures or other hemostatic measures were taken, no further infusions or transfusions were reported, and no severe bleeding complications requiring more than easy on-chair treatment, were reported. In conclusion, with adequate knowledge of the procedure and the pathology, dental implantology can be safely performed in patients with bleeding disorders.
Large Language Models (LLMs) in Engineering Education: A Systematic Review and Suggestions for Practical Adoption
Authors: Filippi Stefano , Motyl Barbara
Published: June 2024

The use of large language models (LLMs) is now spreading in several areas of research and development. This work is concerned with systematically reviewing LLMs’ involvement in engineering education. Starting from a general research question, two queries were used to select 370 papers from the literature. Filtering them through several inclusion/exclusion criteria led to the selection of 20 papers. These were investigated based on eight dimensions to identify areas of engineering disciplines that involve LLMs, where they are most present, how this involvement takes place, and which LLM-based tools are used, if any. Addressing these key issues allowed three more specific research questions to be answered, offering a clear overview of the current involvement of LLMs in engineering education. The research outcomes provide insights into the potential and challenges of LLMs in transforming engineering education, contributing to its responsible and effective future implementation. This review’s outcomes could help address the best ways to involve LLMs in engineering education activities and measure their effectiveness as time progresses. For this reason, this study addresses suggestions on how to improve activities in engineering education. The systematic review on which this research is based conforms to the rules of the current literature regarding inclusion/exclusion criteria and quality assessments in order to make the results as objective as possible and easily replicable.
A Functional and Immunologic Point of View on Corneal Endothelial Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Spelta Sara , Micera Alessandra , Gaudenzi Daniele , Niutta Matteo , Surico Pier Luigi , De Vincentis Antonio , Coassin Marco , Di Zazzo Antonio
Published: June 2024

Background: To systematically review and meta-analyze the immunologic aspects and outcomes of various endothelial keratoplasty (EK) techniques, specifically comparing Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK), Ultra-Thin Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK), and Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK). Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Main outcomes were the proportion of patients achieving a best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) of 20/20 at 6 months after keratoplasty, rejection rate one year after surgery, BSCVA at last follow up, and postoperative immunomodulating regimen. Results: A higher proportion of DMEK patients achieved a BSCVA of 20/20 after 6 months. UT-DSAEK and DMEK showed similar rejection rates with a lower risk of re-bubbling for UT-DSAEK (4% vs. 20%). Conclusions: DMEK showed faster visual recovery than UT-DSAEK but a similar rejection rate and long-term visual acuity. One-year postoperative slow tapering steroid regimen has a positive but not (yet) significant effect on rejection risk and visual outcomes.
Enteric Infection-Associated Reactive Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shafiee Darya , Salpynov Zhandos , Gusmanov Arnur , Khuanbai Yerkhanat , Mukhatayev Zhussipbek , Kunz Jeannette
Published: June 2024

Background. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the proportions of individuals infected with Campylobacter, Escherichia, Salmonella, Shigella, or Yersinia who develop reactive arthritis. Methods. A systematic review was conducted, encompassing English-language articles published before January 2024, sourced from the Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. This review included observational studies that reported the occurrence of reactive arthritis (ReA) among patients with Campylobacter, Escherichia, Salmonella, Shigella, or Yersinia infections. Data extraction was carried out independently by two reviewers. Subsequently, a random-effects meta-analysis was performed, with heterogeneity assessed using the I2 value. Additionally, meta-regression was employed to investigate the potential influence of study-level variables on the observed heterogeneity. Results. A total of 87 studies were identified; 23 reported on ReA development after Campylobacter infection, 7 reported on ReA after Escherichia infection, 30 reported ReA onset after salmonellosis, 14 reported ReA after shigellosis, and 13 reported ReA after Yersinia infection. The proportion of Campylobacter patients who developed ReA was 0.03 (95% CI [0.01, 0.06], I2 = 97.62%); the proportion of Escherichia patients who developed ReA was 0.01 (95% CI [0.00, 0.06], I2 = 92.78%); the proportion of Salmonella patients was 0.04 (95% CI [0.02, 0.08], I2 = 97.67%); the proportion of Shigella patients was 0.01 (95% CI [0.01, 0.03], I2 = 90.64%); and the proportion of Yersinia patients who developed ReA was 0.05 (95% CI [0.02, 0.13], I2 = 96%). Conclusion. A significant proportion of Salmonella, Shigella, and Yersinia cases resulted in ReA. Nonetheless, it is important to interpret the findings cautiously due to the substantial heterogeneity observed between studies.
Diverse Intrusion and Malware Detection: AI-Based and Non-AI-Based Solutions
Authors: Wang Feng , Tang Yongning
Published: June 2024

In today’s interconnected world, the need for robust intrusion and malware detection and prevention has never been more critical [...]
Numerical Investigation of Wave Force on Coastal Bridge Decks Close to a Sloping Seabed
Authors: Tang Changxin , Zhao Qingli , Wang Linshan , Chen Zaixian , Fang Qinghe
Published: June 2024

Large waves pose a significant threat to the safety of low-laying coastal bridges. In 2004 and 2005, many coastal bridges were destroyed by the large waves generated by Hurricane Ivan and Katrina. A series of studies have been conducted to investigate the wave action on bridge decks. However, the effect of seabed topography on wave forces is seldom considered. In this study, a numerical model of wave impact on bridge decks located close to a sloping seabed was set up based on OpenFOAM-v1912. The reliability of the present numerical model was checked against published experimental results. The wave forces acting on the bridge decks located before and after the sloping seabed were compared with a bridge deck located above a flat bottom. With the validated numerical model, the effect of the wave properties, coefficient of submergence, and the inclination on wave forces were investigated. The results show that the wave forces on the bridge are affected by the interaction among the incident and reflected waves, the position of the bridge relative to the sloping seabed, and the inclination. These findings emphasize the complex dynamic effects of wave forces on bridges and the importance of considering seabed topography in bridge design and strengthening strategies. This research contributes to an improvement in the safety of coastal bridges, especially in the face of increasing threats from climate change and sea level rise, as well as promotes the development of more resilient infrastructures.
Spatio-Temporal Fluctuation Analysis of Ecosystem Service Values in Northeast China over Long Time Series: Based on Bayesian Hierarchical Modeling
Authors: Song Jianxiang , Liu Jiafu , Zhang Xinyue , Chen Xin , Shang Yingtao , Gao Fengjie
Published: June 2024

Ecosystems are undergoing continuous degradation due to the dual perturbation of global climate change and human activities, posing unprecedented threats and challenges to the ecosystem services they provide. To gain a deeper understanding of the spatio-temporal evolution of ecosystem service value (ESV), it is essential to accurately capture the characteristics of its spatial and temporal changes and its influencing factors. However, traditional spatio-temporal statistical methods are limited to analyzing the heterogeneity of ESV in a single temporal or spatial dimension, which fails to meet the comprehensive analysis needs for spatio-temporal heterogeneity over an extended continuum. Therefore, this paper constructs a Bayesian spatio-temporal hierarchical model to analyze the ESV heterogeneity in both temporal and spatial dimensions in Northeast China from 2000 to 2020 to accurately identify the regions with unstable fluctuations in ESV and analyze the influencing factors behind them. It aims to comprehensively and systematically reveal the intrinsic laws of spatio-temporal evolution of ESV, and provide a scientific basis for relevant decision-making. The study found a continuous fluctuating downward trend of ESV in Northeast China from 2000 to 2020, with significant spatial and temporal heterogeneity. Notably, the distribution of hot and cold spots is regularly concentrated, especially in the transition zone from low hills to plains, which forms an “unstable zone” of spatial and temporal fluctuations of ESV. Natural factors such as NDVI and NPP exhibit a significant positive correlation with ESV, while social factors like population density and GDP show a strong negative correlation. Compared to traditional statistical methods, the Bayesian spatio-temporal hierarchical model, with its outstanding flexibility and accuracy, provides a new perspective and way of thinking for analyzing classical spatio-temporal problems. Firstly, the model examines time and space as a whole and fully accounts for the influence of spatio-temporal interactions on ESV. Secondly, the Bayesian spatio-temporal hierarchical model meets the needs of long-term continuous ESV outcome detection, which provides us with solid support for a deeper understanding of the evolution of ESV.
Phonation Patterns in Spanish Vowels: Spectral and Spectrographic Analysis
Authors: González Carolina , Cox Susan L. , Isgar Gabrielle R.
Published: June 2024

This article provides a detailed examination of voice quality in word-final vowels in Spanish. The experimental task involved the pronunciation of words in two prosodic contexts by native Spanish speakers from diverse dialects. A total of 400 vowels (10 participants × 10 words × 2 contexts × 2 repetitions) were analyzed acoustically in Praat. Waveforms and spectrograms were inspected visually for voice, creak, breathy voice, and devoicing cues. In addition, the relative amplitude difference between the first two harmonics (H1–H2) was obtained via FFT spectra. The findings reveal that while creaky voice is pervasive, breathy voice is also common, and devoicing occurs in 11% of tokens. We identify multiple phonation types (up to three) within the same vowel, of which modal voice followed by breathy voice was the most common combination. While creaky voice was more frequent overall for males, modal voice tended to be more common in females. In addition, creaky voice was significantly more common at the end of higher prosodic constituents. The analysis of spectral tilt shows that H1–H2 clearly distinguishes breathy voice from modal voice in both males and females, while H1–H2 values consistently discriminate creaky and modal voice in male participants only.
Optimizing Soil Health and Sorghum Productivity through Crop Rotation with Quinoa
Authors: Li Guang , Ren Aixia , Anwar Sumera , Shi Lijuan , Bai Wenbin , Zhang Yali , Gao Zhiqiang
Published: June 2024

Crop rotation has been considered a potential solution to mitigate the negative effects of the continuous cropping of sorghum, including soil quality issues, inadequate plant development, and diminished yield and quality. A two-year field experiment was conducted to compare the effects of sorghum–sorghum continuous cropping and quinoa–sorghum rotation on soil properties and sorghum yield. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Sorghum seeds (Jinza 22) and quinoa seeds (‘Jiaqi 1’ variety) were used. Soil samples were collected before and during the experiment for the analysis of physicochemical properties. The yield traits of sorghum were measured at maturity. The results showed that soil nutrients and organic matter were higher in the top 0–20 cm soil depth compared to 20–40 cm depth, with significant differences observed between cropping systems. Sorghum–quinoa cropping increased soil total N and organic matter, particularly at the jointing and maturity stages of sorghum. However, the available phosphorus was higher under continuous cropping at all growth stages. Crop rotation significantly improved sorghum yield traits, including spike fresh weight, spike dry weight, grain weight per spike, and grain yield per hectare. A correlation analysis revealed positive relationships between soil total N, organic matter, and sorghum yield. Overall, sorghum–quinoa rotation demonstrated potential for improving soil fertility and enhancing crop productivity compared to continuous cropping, although further studies are needed to explore the long-term effects and optimize management practices.
The Effects of Digital Health Interventions for Pulmonary Rehabilitation in People with COPD: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Aburub Aseel , Darabseh Mohammad Z. , Badran Rahaf , Eilayyan Owis , Shurrab Ala’a M. , Degens Hans
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the third most common cause of death globally. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programmes are important to reduce COPD symptoms and improve the quality of life of people with COPD. Digital health interventions have recently been adopted in PR programmes, which allow people with COPD to participate in such programmes with low barriers. The aim of this study is to review and discuss the reported effects of digital health interventions on PR outcomes in people with COPD. Materials and Methods: To achieve the study goals, a systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed (MEDLINE), CINAHL, AMED, SPORTDiscus and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database. Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) were included if they met specified criteria. Two reviewers independently checked titles, abstracts, and performed full-text screening and data extraction. The quality assessment and risk of bias were performed in accordance with the PEDRO scale and Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2, respectively. Results: Thirteen RCTs were included in this systematic review with 1525 participants with COPD. This systematic review showed the potential positive effect of digital health PR on the exercise capacity—measured by 6- and 12-min walking tests, pulmonary function, dyspnoea and health-related quality of life. There was no evidence for advantages of digital health PR in the improvement of anxiety, depression, and self-efficacy. Conclusions: Digital health PR is more effective than traditional PR in improving the pulmonary and physical outcomes for people with COPD, but there was no difference between the two PR programmes in improving the psychosocial outcomes. The certainty of the findings of this review is affected by the small number of included studies.
Synergistic Effects of Combined Flavourzyme and Floating Electrode–Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma on Reduction of Escherichia coli Biofilms in Squid (Todarodes pacificus)
Authors: Kim So Hee , Roy Pantu Kumar , Park Shin Young
Published: June 2024

This study investigated the synergistic effect of combining flavourzyme, a natural enzyme, and floating electrode–dielectric barrier discharge (FE-DBD) plasma (1.1 kV, 43 kHz, N2 1.5 m/s) treatment, a non-thermal decontamination technology, against Escherichia coli biofilms in squid. E. coli (ATCC 35150 and ATCC 14301) biofilms were formed on the surface of squid and treated with different minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of flavourzyme (1/8; 31.25 μL/mL, 1/4; 62.5 μL/mL, 2/4; 125 μL/mL, and 3/4 MIC; 250 μL/mL) and FE-DBD plasma (5, 10, 30, and 60 min). Independently, flavourzyme and FE-DBD plasma treatment decreased by 0.26–1.71 and 0.19–1.03 log CFU/cm2, respectively. The most effective synergistic combination against E. coli biofilms was observed at 3/4 MIC flavourzyme + 60 min FE-DBD plasma exposure, resulting in a reduction of 1.55 log CFU/cm2. Furthermore, the combined treatment exhibited higher efficacy in E. coli biofilm inactivation in squid compared to individual treatments. The pH values of the synergistic combinations were not significantly different from those of the untreated samples. The outcomes indicate that the combined treatment with flavourzyme and FE-DBD plasma can effectively provide effective control of E. coli biofilms without causing pH changes in squid. Therefore, our study suggests a new microbial control method for microbial safety in the seafood industry.
Shoulder Bone Segmentation with DeepLab and U-Net
Authors: Carl Michael , Lall Kaustubh , Pai Darren , Chang Eric Y. , Statum Sheronda , Brau Anja , Chung Christine B. , Fung Maggie , Bae Won C.
Published: June 2024

Evaluation of the 3D bone morphology of the glenohumeral joint is necessary for pre-surgical planning. Zero echo time (ZTE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides excellent bone contrast and can potentially be used in the place of computed tomography. Segmentation of the shoulder anatomy, particularly the humeral head and the acetabulum, is needed for the detailed assessment of each anatomy and for pre-surgical preparation. In this study, we compared the performance of two popular deep learning models based on Google’s DeepLab and U-Net to perform automated segmentation on ZTE MRI of human shoulders. Axial ZTE images of normal shoulders (n = 31) acquired at 3-Tesla were annotated for training with DeepLab and 2D U-Net, and the trained model was validated with testing data (n = 13). While both models showed visually satisfactory results for segmenting the humeral bone, U-Net slightly over-estimated while DeepLab under-estimated the segmented area compared to the ground truth. Testing accuracy quantified by Dice score was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for U-Net (88%) than DeepLab (81%) for the humeral segmentation. We have also implemented the U-Net model onto an MRI console for push-button DL segmentation processing. Although this is an early work with limitations, our approach has the potential to improve shoulder MR evaluation hindered by manual post-processing and may provide clinical benefit for quickly visualizing bones of the glenohumeral joint.
The Association between Academic Performance and Entry-to-Practice Milestones within a Co-Operative Education PharmD Program
Authors: Syed Ali , Huang Yuying , Goh Joslin , Moroz Sarah , Pugsley John , Waite Nancy M. , Houle Sherilyn K. D.
Published: June 2024

Research on associations between student performance in pharmacy programs and entry-to-practice milestones has been limited in Canada and in programs using a co-operative (co-op) education model. Co-op exposes students to a variety of opportunities both within direct patient care roles and in non-traditional roles for pharmacists, such as policy, advocacy, insurance, research, and the pharmaceutical industry. The purpose of this research is to analyze associations between student grades and evaluations achieved in the University of Waterloo (UW) Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) co-op program and success rates on entry-to-practice milestones, including the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) Pharmacist Qualifying Examination and performance on final-year clinical rotations. Grades and evaluations from courses, co-op work terms, clinical rotations, and PEBC exam data from three graduating cohorts were obtained. A multiple regression analysis was performed to explore associations between student evaluations and PEBC Pharmacist Qualifying Examination and clinical rotation performance. Holding all other variables constant, grades in anatomy/physiology were negatively correlated with scores on the PEBC Pharmacist Qualifying Examination, while grades in one of the professional practice courses showed a positive relationship with the same examination. Students with higher grades in a problem-based learning capstone therapeutics course, in their first co-op work term, and in the direct patient care co-op work term tended to score higher on clinical rotations. Co-op performance was not significant in predicting PEBC performance. However, complimentary descriptive analysis underscored that students with a co-op rating of good or below were more likely to fail courses, midpoint evaluations, Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), and PEBC measures. Multiple predictors of performance on final-year clinical rotations and the PEBC Pharmacist Qualifying Examination were identified. This predictive model may be utilized to identify students at risk of underperforming and to facilitate early intervention and remediation programs, while also informing curricular revision.
Present Status of Spectroscopy of the Hyperfine Structure and Repolarization of Muonic Helium Atoms at J-PARC
Authors: Fukumura Seiso , Strasser Patrick , Fushihara Mahiro , Goto Yu , Ino Takashi , Iwai Ryoto , Kanda Sohtaro , Kawamura Shiori , Kitaguchi Masaaki , Nishimura Shoichiro , Oku Takayuki , Okudaira Takuya , Shimizu Hirohiko M. , Shimomura Koichiro , Tada Hiroki , Torii Hiroyuki A.
Published: June 2024

The mass mμ− of the negative muon is one of the parameters of the elementary particle Standard Model and it allows us to verify the CPT (charge–parity–time) symmetry theorem by comparing mμ− value with the mass mμ+ of the positive muon. However, the experimental determination precision of mμ− is 3.1ppm, which is an order of magnitude lower than the determination precision of mμ+ at 120ppb. The authors aim to determine mμ− and the magnetic moment μμ− with a precision of O(10ppb) through spectroscopy of the hyperfine structure (HFS) of muonic helium-4 atom (4Heμ−e−) under high magnetic fields. He4μ−e− is an exotic atom where one of the two electrons of the He4 atom is replaced by a negative muon. To achieve the goal, it is necessary to determine the HFS of He4μ−e− with a precision of O(1ppb). This paper describes the determination procedure of the HFS of He4μ−e− in weak magnetic fields reported recently, and the work towards achieving the goal of higher precision measurement.
Evaluation of Ten Alternative Treatments for the Management of Harlequin Bug (Murgantia histrionica) on Brassica Crops
Authors: Clark Sarah , Bessin Ricardo , Gonthier David , Larson Jonathan
Published: June 2024

Harlequin bug (Murgantia histrionica) poses a significant threat to cruciferous vegetable crops, leading to economic losses and challenges in sustainable agriculture. This 2-year field study evaluated the efficacy of exclusion netting and selected biopesticides in controlling harlequin bug populations in a field-grown broccoli crop. Treatments included an untreated control, industry standards Azera and Entrust, and ProtekNet mesh netting. Additionally, three commercial essential oil treatments including Essentria IC-3, Nature-Cide, and Zero Tolerance were tested along with two bokashi fermented composting products BrewKashi and Oriental Herbal Nutrient (OHN). During both the first and second year of the study, none of the commercially produced essential oil products or bokashi products were effective in controlling harlequin bug or preventing leaf scars. Conversely, ProtekNet consistently provided the highest level of protection against harlequin bugs of all stages as well as leaf damage scars; it also provided the largest broccoli head width and highest yield. Entrust showed similar results compared to ProtekNet, both with the control of harlequin bug life stages and with leaf scars. These findings indicate that both ProtekNet and Entrust are effective organic alternatives for managing harlequin bug on broccoli, while the selected essential oil and bokashi products do not appear to be effective.
Maize Leaf Disease Recognition Based on Improved Convolutional Neural Network ShuffleNetV2
Authors: Zhou Hanmi , Su Yumin , Chen Jiageng , Li Jichen , Ma Linshuang , Liu Xingyi , Lu Sibo , Wu Qi
Published: June 2024

The occurrence of maize diseases is frequent but challenging to manage. Traditional identification methods have low accuracy and complex model structures with numerous parameters, making them difficult to implement on mobile devices. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a corn leaf disease recognition model SNMPF based on convolutional neural network ShuffleNetV2. In the down-sampling module of the ShuffleNet model, the max pooling layer replaces the deep convolutional layer to perform down-sampling. This improvement helps to extract key features from images, reduce the overfitting of the model, and improve the model’s generalization ability. In addition, to enhance the model’s ability to express features in complex backgrounds, the Sim AM attention mechanism was introduced. This mechanism enables the model to adaptively adjust focus and pay more attention to local discriminative features. The results on a maize disease image dataset demonstrate that the SNMPF model achieves a recognition accuracy of 98.40%, representing a 4.1 percentage point improvement over the original model, while its size is only 1.56 MB. Compared with existing convolutional neural network models such as EfficientNet, MobileViT, EfficientNetV2, RegNet, and DenseNet, this model offers higher accuracy and a more compact size. As a result, it can automatically detect and classify maize leaf diseases under natural field conditions, boasting high-precision recognition capabilities. Its accurate identification results provide scientific guidance for preventing corn leaf disease and promote the development of precision agriculture.
Preliminary Insights into the Antigenotoxic Potential of Lemon Essential Oil and Olive Oil in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Gonçalves Sara , Monteiro Mafalda , Gaivão Isabel , Matos Rita S.
Published: June 2024

Lemon essential oil, derived from Citrus limon, possesses diverse health-promoting properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and mood-enhancing effects. Despite its traditional use in aromatherapy and complementary medicine, there is a need for comprehensive investigations into its therapeutic potential, particularly in mitigating DNA damage and supporting health in palliative care settings. This study aimed to evaluate the antigenotoxic effects of lemon essential oil in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and to explore its potential applications in palliative care. Treatment with lemon essential oil significantly reduced DNA damage, with 1% w/v with 3.13% DNA in tail demonstrating greater efficacy. Furthermore, lemon essential oil attenuated streptonigrin-induced DNA damage, suggesting a potential protective effect against oxidative stress, especially at 3% w/v, with 11.81% DNA in tail. Compared to olive oil treatment, the DNA damage was significantly lower with streptonigrin treatment alone, which had 47.06% DNA in tail, while the olive oil treatment resulted in 36.88% DNA in tail. These results can be attributed to the main constituents: limonene in lemon essential oil and oleic acid in olive oil. These results suggest a potential role in mitigating oxidative stress and supporting genomic stability. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of action and clinical applications in palliative care.
The Late Pliocene–Middle Pleistocene Large Mammal Faunal Units of Greece
Authors: Konidaris George E. , Kostopoulos Dimitris S.
Published: June 2024

Located at the eastern corner of Mediterranean Europe, Greece occupies a critical position for mammal dispersals to/from Europe, Asia, and Africa and constitutes a potential passageway towards Western Europe. During recent decades, numerous fieldwork campaigns in several Pliocene–Pleistocene sites have greatly enriched the fossil record and provided valuable taxonomic and biostratigraphic data. However, a fully developed reference biochronological unit scheme for the Greek record that could contribute to correlations at a continental scale is still pending. In this article, we provide the updated Late Pliocene to Middle Pleistocene large mammal succession, and we introduce the Faunal Units (FUs) of Greece. We define eight FUs, the Milia, Dafnero, Gerakarou, Tsiotra Vryssi, Krimni, Apollonia, Marathousa, and Apidima FUs (from the oldest to the youngest), which are determined by a set of first and last local occurrences. The results form the basis for discussion of already set turnovers, dispersals, and extinction/immigration events and showcase the importance of the local record for the investigation of the European terrestrial ecosystems. By developing the first detailed biochronological scheme for the Pliocene–Pleistocene of Southeastern Europe, this study comprises the basis for an expanded Balkan faunal unit scale and a reference framework for future investigations.
Routines and Daily Dynamics of Young People with Borderline Intelligence: An Ethnomethodological Study
Authors: Segú Mabel , Gonzalez Edurne
Published: June 2024

Young people with borderline intelligence functioning (BIF) have intellectual functioning at the border between intellectual disability and those considered neurotypical. This population group is often underrepresented in social research, which makes it difficult to understand their experiences and needs. The research aims to understand the daily lives of young people with BIF to identify needs that society might not be aware of. The study was conducted with a sample of 30 young people. The ethnomethodological design was appropriate for the study of the routines and daily dynamics of these young people, which allowed the researchers to understand the experiences and meanings of the participants from their own perspective. The analysis was carried out in the context of the subject of Qualitative Research Tools in Social Work with fourth-year students, through participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and field diaries. Data analysis was performed using the Atlas.ti23 qualitative content analysis program. The findings suggest a strong dependence on family and social support; a daily life marked by challenges; and a search for autonomy, among many other aspects. Collaboration with the participants allowed the researchers to better understand their experiences and needs from reflexivity.
Pediatric Intracranial Aneurysms: Experience from a Singapore Children’s Hospital
Authors: Chua Felicia H. Z. , Cheong Tien Meng , Kirollos Ramez W. , Ng Lee Ping , Seow Wan Tew , Low Sharon Y. Y.
Published: June 2024

(1) Background: Pediatric intracranial aneurysms (PIA) are rare and clinicopathologically distinct neurovascular entities. The aims of this study are to evaluate our institution’s experience and corroborate our results with updated literature. (2) Methods: This is a single-institution, retrospective study. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of PIA are included. Variables of interest include patient demographics, clinical presentation, treatment outcomes and features specific to each patient’s PIA. A literature review on PIA-centric clinical studies was conducted. (3) Results: A total of 14 PIAs in 11 patients were treated from 2000 to 2022. The mean age was 5.8 years old, and most were males (90.1%). Anterior circulation PIAs constituted 78.6% of the cohort. Half of the PIAs were of the dissecting type, and 14.3% were giant aneurysms. Of interest, 14.3% of patients had subsequent de novo aneurysms after treatment of their index aneurysm. For treatment, 57.1% underwent surgery, 35.7% had endovascular intervention and the remaining 7.1% were managed conservatively. Based on the literature review, this study had congruent findings to other existing publications. (4) Conclusions: PIAs are unique neurovascular lesions that have good outcomes if managed in a timely fashion by an experienced multidisciplinary team. We recommend longer surveillance periods due to the risk of developing de novo aneurysms.
A New Species of Diploderma Hallowell, 1861 (Reptilia, Squamata, Agamidae) from Northeastern Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Liu Shuo , Hou Mian , Rao Dingqi
Published: June 2024

A new species of the genus Diploderma Hallowell, 1861 from Qiaojia County, Zhaotong City, northeastern Yunnan Province, China, is described. Phylogenetically, the new species is placed within the D. splendidum complex and has genetic distances of 7.3% and 7.5% from D. splendidum (Barbour & Dunn, 1919) sensu stricto and D. daduense Cai, Liu & Chang, 2024, respectively, based on the ND2 gene sequences. Morphologically, the new species closely resembles D. splendidum sensu stricto and D. daduense, however, it can be distinguished from D. splendidum sensu stricto by having a larger body size in males and relatively shorter limbs, and can be differentiated from D. daduense by having a relatively narrower head in males and relatively shorter forelimbs in males. In addition, the new species differs from D. splendidum sensu stricto and D. daduense by having different colorations, especially in the absence of transverse stripes on the dorsal head. This study further revealed that D. splendidum sensu lato is a complex containing multiple species and that more research is needed to clarify the taxonomy of the complex.
An Optimized Artificial Neural Network Model of a Limaçon-to-Circular Gas Expander with an Inlet Valve
Authors: Hossain Md Shazzad , Sultan Ibrahim , Phung Truong , Kumar Apurv
Published: June 2024

In this work, an artificial neural network (ANN)-based model is proposed to describe the input–output relationships in a Limaçon-To-Circular (L2C) gas expander with an inlet valve. The L2C gas expander is a type of energy converter that has great potential to be used in organic Rankine cycle (ORC)-based small-scale power plants. The proposed model predicts the different performance indices of a limaçon gas expander for different input pressures, rotor velocities, and valve cutoff angles. A network model is constructed and optimized for different model parameters to achieve the best prediction performance compared to the classic mathematical model of the system. An overall normalized mean square error of 0.0014, coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.98, and mean average error of 0.0114 are reported. This implies that the surrogate model can effectively mimic the actual model with high precision. The model performance is also compared to a linear interpolation (LI) method. It is found that the proposed ANN model predictions are about 96.53% accurate for a given error threshold, compared to about 91.46% accuracy of the LI method. Thus the proposed model can effectively predict different output parameters of a limaçon gas expander such as energy, filling factor, isentropic efficiency, and mass flow for different operating conditions. Of note, the model is only trained by a set of input and target values; thus, the performance of the model is not affected by the internal complex mathematical models of the overall valved-expander system. This neural network-based approach is highly suitable for optimization, as the alternative iterative analysis of the complex analytical model is time-consuming and requires higher computational resources. A similar modeling approach with some modifications could also be utilized to design controllers for these types of systems that are difficult to model mathematically.
On the Second Law of Thermodynamics in Continuum Physics
Authors: Giorgi Claudio , Morro Angelo
Published: June 2024

The paper revisits the formulation of the second law in continuum physics and investigates new methods of exploitation. Both the entropy flux and the entropy production are taken to be expressed by constitutive equations. In three-dimensional settings, vectors and tensors are in order and they occur through inner products in the inequality representing the second law; a representation formula, which is quite uncommon in the literature, produces the general solution whenever the sought equations are considered in rate-type forms. Next, the occurrence of the entropy production as a constitutive function is shown to produce a wider set of physically admissible models. Furthermore the constitutive property of the entropy production results in an additional, essential term in the evolution equation of rate-type materials, as is the case for Duhem-like hysteretic models. This feature of thermodynamically consistent hysteretic materials is exemplified for elastic–plastic materials. The representation formula is shown to allow more general non-local properties while the constitutive entropy production proves essential for the modeling of hysteresis.
Complicated Liver Cystic Echinococcosis—A Comprehensive Literature Review and a Tale of Two Extreme Cases
Authors: Calu Valentin , Enciu Octavian , Toma Elena-Adelina , Pârvuleţu Radu , Pîrîianu Dumitru Cătălin , Miron Adrian
Published: June 2024

Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease that affects the liver in more than 70% of cases, and there is still an underestimated incidence in endemic areas. With a peculiar clinical presentation that ranges from paucisymptomatic illness to severe and possibly fatal complications, quality imaging and serological studies are required for diagnosis. The mainstay of treatment to date is surgery combined with antiparasitic agents. The surgical armamentarium consists of open and laparoscopic procedures for selected cases with growing confidence in parenchyma-sparing interventions. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is extremely useful for the diagnosis and treatment of biliary fistulas. Recent relevant studies in the literature are reviewed, and two complex cases are presented. The first patient underwent open surgery to treat 11 liver cysts, and during the follow-up, a right pulmonary cyst was diagnosed that was treated by minimally invasive surgery. The second case is represented by the peritoneal rupture of a giant liver cyst in a young woman who underwent laparoscopic surgery. Both patients developed biliary fistulas that were managed by ERCP. Both patients exhibited a non-specific clinical presentation and underwent several surgical procedures combined with antiparasitic agents, highlighting the necessity of customized treatment in order to decrease complications and successfully cure the disease.
Polymicrobial Septic Peritonitis Caused by Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus casseliflavus following Uterine Rupture in a Goat
Authors: dos Santos Gabriel S. , Francischetti Giovanna S. , Garritano Natália F. , Hagen Stefano C. F. , Cagnim Artur F. , Catão-Dias José Luiz , Ferreira Neto José S. , Sucupira Maria Claudia A. , Heinemann Marcos B.
Published: June 2024

A one-year-old female miniature goat was presented to an emergency service after calving a dead goatling. Physical and ultrasonographic examination revealed the presence of a viable fetus; therefore, the goat was submitted to an emergency cesarean section. In the postoperative period, the animal had septic peritonitis caused by Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus casseliflavus. Both bacterial strains showed contrasting antimicrobial resistance profiles. Laparohysterectomy and abdominal cavity lavage were performed, but, once the animal had adhesions and necrotic lesions in abdominal organs, euthanasia was executed. A post-mortem examination revealed fibrino-necrotic septic peritonitis secondary to uterine rupture. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first detailed report of polymicrobial septic peritonitis in a miniature goat and the first report of septic peritonitis caused by E. faecium and E. casseliflavus.
“I Think I Do but I Don’t”: Heightened (Breast) Cancer Concern as a Function of Availability Bias
Authors: Aguirre-Camacho Aldo , Gandía-Abellán Helena , Tirado-Muñoz Judit
Published: June 2024

Background: Women report a heightened concern of (breast) cancer, relative to other chronic conditions. This experimental study investigated whether such heightened concern may be a function of availability bias. Methods: participants (N = 750; 100% female) were randomly assigned to one of two experimental conditions: in the recall condition, they were asked to name the health condition they feared most; in the recognition condition, they picked the disease they feared most out of a list of chronic conditions. Results: The probability of selecting cancer as the most frightening disease varied as a function of experimental condition χ2 (10) = 112.13, p < 0.001. Participants in the recall condition were almost twice as likely to select cancer as the most frightening disease (N = 240, 59.10%) as those in the recognition condition (N = 121, 35.20%), who most frequently selected neurological diseases as the most threatening. The majority of participants believed that cancer was the disease receiving the most media attention (86.27%) (prior to the COVID-19 pandemic), and the one accounting for the highest number of deaths among Spanish females (63.50%). Conclusions: altogether, these results provide experimental evidence that availability bias may partly account for misperceptions and a heightened fear of cancer, which may narrow the scope of women’s information-seeking and health-preventive behaviors.