bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community Engagement and Collaboration between Researchers and Community Stakeholders for Schistosomiasis and Malaria Projects in Ingwavuma, uMkhanyakude District, KwaZulu‐Natal
Authors: Mthembu Zinhle , Chimbari Moses John
Published: August 2024

Community engagement involves five phases: informing, consulting, involvement, collaboration, and empowerment. This study explored the experiences of community stakeholders during the collaborative phase of community engagement co-developed by researchers and community members for the implementation of projects. The study was carried out in uMkhanyakude District, South Africa. A qualitative case study approach was used to explore the collaboration phase. Data was collected from key community stakeholders through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and direct observations. The findings indicated that village headmen, community advisory board members and community research assistants can collaborate as trustworthy partners to address community health challenges. Community research assistants complement the role of participatory-based research appropriately, as they get to be involved hands-on together with the researchers. However, despite the significant role community research assistants played in the projects implemented by the KwaZulu-Natal Ecohealth Program, maintaining collaborative relationships was marred with unforeseen difficulties due to many barriers which included stretched work hours, lack of breaks, miscommunication around compensation, inappropriate behavior from the research team, and humiliation/oppression over language. Initiatives for community-based participatory research have proven to be effective as a collaborative approach that combines methodical research, involvement, and action to address health-related problems. However, it is necessary to consider the local socio-cultural aspects that could lead to barriers and misunderstandings between the locals and the researchers. Collaborative partnerships should ultimately result in community empowerment.
Probabilistic Assessment of Safety Performance of Composite Pile Foundation Using Symmetrical FEM Reliability Method
Authors: Wang Yi , Dong Fenghui
Published: August 2024

In this paper, aiming at the safety evaluation of ultimate bearing safety capacity of composite pile bridge foundation, the symmetrical reliability method with forward and inverse analysis con-sidering the randomness of parameters is proposed to evaluate the safety performance of com-posite pile foundation. The proposed method, considering the randomness of parameters, was used to calculate the safety factor of ultimate bearing capacity of composite pile foundation to meet the prescribed target reliability requirements. Through the example calculation of the safety coefficient of pile foundation, the results show that the statistical characteristics of random vari-ables that affect the safety coefficient of pile foundation have a significant impact. The degree of the safety coefficient depends on the probability distribution type and distribution parameters of the random parameters, among which the more important is the variation characteristics of the random variables. The stronger the parameter variability, the lower the safety level of the struc-ture. During design and evaluation, it is necessary to measure the safety reserve of pile founda-tions in accordance with engineering practice to ensure the safe construction and well operation of the pile.
Prevalence, Management, and Outcomes of Atrial Fibrillation in Paediatric Patients: Insights from a Tertiary Cardiology Centre
Authors: Constante Andreia Duarte , Suarez Joana , Lourenço Guilherme , Portugal Guilherme , Cunha Pedro Silva , Oliveira Mário Martins , Trigo Conceição , Pinto Fátima F. , Laranjo Sérgio
Published: August 2024

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasingly recognised in paediatric patients and presents unique management challenges. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, management strategies, and outcomes of AF in this population.

Methods: This retrospective analysis was conducted at a tertiary paediatric cardiology centre, including patients aged ≤18 years who were diagnosed with AF between January 2015 and December 2023. Demographic details, clinical manifestations, treatments, and outcomes were also analysed. Patients with documented AF episodes were in-cluded. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the treatment efficacy, recurrence, and complications.

Results: The study included 36 patients (mean age, 15 years; 58% male). Of these, 52.8% had acquired heart disease, 16.7% had congenital anomalies, and 16.7% had lone AF. The initial treatment involved electrical cardioversion (53.3%) and pharmacological conversion with amiodarone (46.7%). Over 80% of the patients received rhythm control therapy, and 63.9% were placed on oral anticoagulation, primarily for rheumatic and congenital heart diseases. The success rate of rhythm control was 50% with an AF recurrence rate of 3.8%. Ischaemic stroke was the most common complication (n=3) occurring in patients with underlying heart disease.

Conclusion: AF in paediatric patients is predominantly associated with rheumatic and congenital heart diseases, although a notable proportion of patients present with lone AF. Despite the high intervention and antiarrhythmic therapy rates, neurological complications, particularly in those with underlying heart disease, remain a significant concern. These findings highlight the need for further com-prehensive studies to understand better the aetiology, risk factors, and management of paediatric AF.
Evaluating Feature Impact Prior to Phylogenetic Analysis Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Salman Osama A. , Hosszú Gábor
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this paper is to describe a feature selection algorithm and its application to enhance the accuracy of the reconstruction of phylogenetic trees by improving the efficiency of tree construction. Applying machine learning models for Arabic and Aramaic scripts such as Deep Neural Networks (DNN), Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Random Forests (RF) each model was used to compare the phylogenies. The methodology was utilized with a dataset containing Arabic and Aramaic scripts, demonstrating its relevance in a range of phylogenetic analyses. Results emphasize the essential role of feature selection by DNNs is outperforming other models in terms of Area Under the Curve (AUC) and Equal Error Rate (EER) across various datasets and fold sizes. Additionally, SVM and RF models show important understandings, advantages and limits of each approach within the context of phylogenetic analysis. This method not only simplifies the tree structures but also enhances their Consistency Index. Therefore offering a robust framework for evolutionary studies. The findings highlight the applications of machine learning in phylogenetics suggesting a path toward accurate and efficient evolutionary analyses and adding a deeper understanding of evolutionary relationships.
University Students’ Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence: An Exploratory Study of the Cognitive, Emotional, And Behavioural Dimensions of AI Attitudes
Authors: Katsantonis Argyrios , Katsantonis Ioannis
Published: August 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) apps, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Siri, have taken society and higher education institutions by storm. Yet, there is a paucity of empirical studies recording and analysing university social sciences students’ attitudes toward AI. Hence, the present study draws upon a sample of 190 university students (82.45% female) from a Greek social sciences department to query what are the students’ attitudes toward AI in education and future employment and what factors correlated with these attitudes. Descriptive statistics revealed that students’ attitudes toward AI were mostly positive. A principal components analysis confirmed a three-component solution of attitudes toward AI, comprising cognitive, behavioural, and emotional dimensions. Comparative analysis of the three components indicated that the emotional dimension was the highest ranked, followed by the cognitive and behavioural dimensions. Pairwise correlation analyses revealed that the strongest correlate of cognitive, behavioural, and emotional components of attitudes toward AI was the future frequency of AI use, followed by general feelings of safety with technology. In conclusion, students display more emotional and cognitive favourable dispositions toward AI. The social background of the students and the prospective future use of AI play a key role in the formulation of attitudes toward AI. University educators need to provide more teaching and learning about AI to improve students’ attitudes toward AI and future AI use.
Experimental Investigation of Spreading Factor, Payload Length and Collision Effects in LoRaWAN Radio Interface
Authors: Pires Luis , Martins José
Published: August 2024

The number of physical devices connected to the Internet such as vehicles, household appliances and other "things" has been steadily increasing in recent years, thus forming the basis for the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT ecosystem extends beyond country borders and application domains, combining thousands of versatile devices that differ in terms of their structures, capabilities, and available resources. It is therefore not surprising that the landscape of wireless communication technologies and the degree of IoT devices available today is excessively broad and diverse. Interference between networks leads to frame collisions and consequent packet loss. Frame collisions occur when two or more packets overlap in time and frequency and use the same Long Range (LoRa) parameters, i.e. the same Spreading Factor (SF), Bandwidth (BW) and Carrier Frequency (CF). When most devices use the same configuration, collision probability is higher. The probability of frame collisions is also affected by traffic characteristics, particularly the periodicity of the transmission and the payload size. Larger payload sizes and more frequent transmissions accumulate with higher Time on Air (ToA) and channel occupancy [1]. Transmission powers and the location of the gateways also influences this situation. The aim of this experimental work is to verify the effects of collisions and interference in Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN), regarding the periodicity of transmissions and the payload sizes in a context of an inter-SF interference scenario. And to validate measuring tools like Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), ToA and Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR) in the reliability of a network. We validate our conclusions by analyzing ToA according with RSSI and different data sizes, the RSSI for different SFs and different data sizes and finally the packet loss through the PDR for a better understanding of the reliability of packet transmission in our link. In the end we conclude that in an environment with inter-SF interference, the choice of SFs and packet lengths impacts ToA. When dealing with multiple devices near gateways, different SFs and varying packet lengths can lead to increased latency and longer ToA. Consequently, the risk of packet loss becomes more significant, especially if the signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) is low. This limitation will therefore affect scalability, particularly in Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) scenarios.
The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Sustainability in Alleviating the European Refugee Crisis
Authors: Samothraki Anna L , Evangelinos Konstantinos I , Nikolaou Ioannis E
Published: August 2024

The refugee crisis has been one of the most challenging problems in the European in recent years, causing sudden and significant political turmoil in most of its member states. Notwithstanding the international treaties on refugee protection, a crucial issue is the reluctance of many local commu-nities to offer refugees access to the labour market and daily social activities. In addition to the dif-ficulties regarding social acceptance, there are also many other legal, social, ethical and political obstacles for refugees. This discussion is mainly limited to the realm of politics and ethics with very few references to the field of management, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and corporate sustainability (CS) where the issues of marginalized people, minorities and vulnerable people are frequently addressed. To fill this gap, this article aims to discuss the role of CSR and CS in over-coming obstacles for refugees in their effort to integrate into the labor market. Through a narrative literature review and snowballing techniques, a theoretical framework is developed to outline the ways that CSR and CS can assist refugees in overcoming different types of obstacles in host coun-tries. Finally, in the discussion, ways in which CSR and CS literature could play a critical role in this discussion are highlighted and how the private sector could relieve the refugee crisis through CSR strategies.
Structural Units: A New Unit System for Quantifying Spacetime to Unify Physics
Authors: Gomez Jose Carlos , Engholm Douglas Larsson
Published: August 2024

Structural Units (SU) is a novel unit system, proposed as compatible to the International System of Units (SI), rooted in Spacetime Structure. Unlike SI, which evolved over history without a fixed reference frame, SU defines one Structural Unit as the space and time between two vertices in the Spacetime Structure. This perspective offers a unique viewpoint, where space and time units are proportionate. This correlation results in Natural constants being expressible through algebraic relationships involving the pure numbers π, φ (the Golden ratio), and α (the Fine Structure constant), not only simplifying Fundamental constants but also introducing a harmonious integration of geometric concepts. In contrast, SI currently relies on fixed values for seven constants derived from CODATA. It's crucial for Structural Units to seamlessly integrate with the existing International System of Units, proposing a theoretical framework, hitherto nonexistent, for the values of the various Fundamental Constants that have been experimentally obtained in our scientific endeavor. To ensure compatibility, the four Planck Units, (length, mass, time, and temperature), introduced by Max Planck in 1899, will be recalculated in SU and then converted back to SI using dimensional analysis. Additionally, to further validate this compatibility, we will examine the Schwarzschild radius from Relativity, the photon energy from Quantum Mechanics, and propose a new interpretation of the Uncertainty Principle under the SU framework. This potential harmonization of geometry and Natural constants in SU could offer a deeper understanding of the inherent order in the fabric of the Universe.
Analysis of Habitability and Stellar Habitable Zones from Observed Exoplanets
Authors: Jiang Jonathan H. , Rosen Philip E , Liu Christina X , Wen Qianzhuang , Chen Yanbei
Published: August 2024

The investigation of exoplanetary habitability is integral to advancing our knowledge of extraterrestrial life potential and detailing the environmental conditions of distant worlds. In this analysis, we explore the properties of exoplanets situated with respect to circumstellar habitable zones by implementing a sophisticated filtering methodology on data from the NASA Exoplanet Archive. This research encompasses a thorough examination of 5,595 confirmed exoplanets listed in the Archive as of March 10th, 2024, systematically evaluated according to their calculated surface temperatures and stellar classifications of their host stars, taking into account the biases implicit in the methodologies used for their discovery. Our findings elucidate distinctive patterns in exoplanetary attributes, which are significantly shaped by the spectral classifications and mass of the host stars. The insights garnered from our study not only enhance the existing models for managing burgeoning exoplanetary datasets, but also lay foundational groundwork for future explorations into the dynamic relationships between exoplanets and their stellar environments.
Elastic Modulus Measurement at High Temperatures for Miniature Ceramic Samples using Laser Micro-Machining and Thermal Mechanical Analyzer
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Xiao Hai , Bordia Rajendra K. , Peng Fei
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we demonstrate a method of measuring the flexural elastic modulus of ceramics at an intermediate (~millimeter) scale, at high temperatures. We used a picosecond laser to precisely cut micro-beams from the location of interest in a bulk ceramic. They had a cross-section of approximately 100 μm × 300 μm, and a length of ~1 cm. They were then tested in a thermal-mechanical analyzer at room temperature, 500°C, 800°C, and 1100°C using the four-point flexural testing method. We compared the elastic moduli of high-purity Al2O3 and AlN measured by our method with the reported values in the literature and found that the difference was less than 5% for both materials. This paper provides a new and accurate method of characterizing the high-temperature elastic modulus of miniature samples extracted from representative/selected areas of bulk materials.
Graphene Monolayer Nanomesh Structures and Their Applications in Electromagnetic Energy Harvesting for Solving the Matching Conundrum of Rectennas
Authors: Dragoman Mircea , Dinescu Adrian , Aldrigo Martino , Dragoman Daniela
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we investigate various graphene monolayer nanomesh structures (diodes) formed only by nanoholes, with a diameter of just 20 nm and etched from the graphene layer in different shapes (such as rhombus, bow-tie, rectangle, trapezoid, and triangle), and their electrical properties targeting electromagnetic energy harvesting applications. In this respect, the main parameters characterizing any nonlinear device for energy harvesting are extracted from tens of measurements performed on a single chip containing the fabricated diodes. The best nano-perforated graphene structure is the triangle nanomesh one, which exhibits remarkable performance in terms of its characteristic parameters, i.e., a 420 Ω differential resistance for optimal impedance matching to an antenna, a high responsivity greater than 1000 V/W, and a low noise equivalent power of 847 pW/√Hz at 0 V.
Insecticidal efficacy of synthesized ZnO nanoparticles using brown algae Cystoseira baccata extract against Callosobruchus Maculatus (F.) (Col.: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Sohrabi Fariba , Solati Zahra , Bagheri Fatemeh , Mirhosseini Mohammad Ali , Ziaee Masumeh , Pervez Ahmad
Published: August 2024

The environmental and human health risks of chemical insecticides have prompted extensive searches for alternative methods to protect stored products. Recently, nanoparticles have been considered as promising alternatives to synthetic chemical products. In this study, ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using Cystoseira baccata algae extract, and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Three different types of ZnO NPs, ZnO-A, ZnO-B, and ZnO-C, were synthesized using algae extract by two different methods. Their insecticidal activity was evaluated and compared with the chemically synthesized ZnO-D NPs against the cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on stored cowpea. Biosynthesized ZnO-A, ZnO-B, and ZnO-C NPs exhibited higher activity against C. maculatus when compared with ZnO-D NPs. Porous ZnO-A NPs with the smallest particle size (24.3 nm) were determined to be the most toxic nanoparticles, causing the highest mortality rate of C. maculatus adults after five days of exposure. While ZnO-D NPs were the least effective for C. maculatus control. A significant oviposition inhibition (35.1 to 44.9%) and progeny reduction (35.7 to 45.6%) was also observed for insects exposed to ZnO-A NPs-treated cowpeas at 500 to 2000 mg kg-1. The average weight loss of cowpea seeds treated with ZnO-A, ZnO-B, and ZnO-C NPs at 2000 mg kg-1 was 23.8, 28.1, and 33.5%, respectively. The potential of using biosynthesized ZnO NPs as a viable alternative for controlling C. maculatus in stored cowpeas is discussed.
HER2 Amplification and PD-L1 Expression in Advanced Gastric Cancer: Correlations, Clinical Implications, and Molecular Characteristics
Authors: Yao Jun , Sun Qiang , Wu Han , Zhao Xiaokai , Yang Pengmin , Wang Xintao , Gu Meiping , Wu Kaikai , Li Jieyi , Zheng Yuansi , Gong Ziying , Zhang Daoyun , Wang Weijun
Published: August 2024

Epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) are pivotal therapeutic targets in advanced gastric cancer (GC). Nevertheless, the correlation between them, along with the clinical and genomic characteristics, and prognosis differences across distinct molecular subtypes, remains elusive. In this retrospective study, 390 advanced GC patients provided both tumor tissue and paired blood samples for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) of 639 tumor-related genes, along with PD-L1 immunohistochemical staining. HER2 amplification was further validated using FISH testing in 254 patients. We analyzed the clinical and molecular characteristics among subgroups based on HER2 amplification and PD-L1 CPS score. The highest consistency with FISH for HER2 amplification was observed when the positive threshold for NGS detection was set at 2.5. TP53 mutation rate peaked at 59%, significantly higher in cases with HER2 amplification (P < 0.01). Patients with both HER2 amplification and TP53 mutations exhibited notably shorter survival compared to cases with only TP53 mutations (P < 0.05). Furthermore, HER2 amplification did not correlate with PD-L1 expression levels. Stratified analysis of PD-L1 expression revealed distinct clinical and molecular features. Patients with higher PD-L1 expression levels (CPS ≥ 5) showed a higher tumor mutational burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) status. Additionally, these patients exhibited enriched mutations in key signaling pathways such as PI3K, TGFβ, and Wnt/β-catenin. In conclusion, our study highlights the prognostic significance of HER2 amplification and TP53 mutations in advanced GC. Stratified analysis of PD-L1 expression may help identify candidates for targeted and immunotherapy in this patient population.
Effect of Endoscopic Ultrasound Guided Celiac Plexus Block on the Palliation of Pain in Chronic Pancreatitis (EPOCH Trial): Study Protocol for a Randomized Multicenter Sham-Controlled Trial
Authors: Wilcox Charles Melbern , Bang Ji Young , Gardner Timothy B. , Hawes Robert , Kedia Prashant , Mardini Samuel H. , Muniraj Thiruvengadam , Navaneethan Udayakumar , Oza Veeral M. , Tarnasky Paul , Thakkar Shyam , Waxman Irving , Varadarajulu Shyam , Buxbaum James
Published: August 2024

Background
Celiac plexus block has been commonly utilized for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis associated abdominal pain. Prospective studies suggest efficacy in 30 to 50% of patients, although no randomized sham-controlled trials have been performed. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided celiac plexus block on abdominal pain in patients with documented chronic pancreatitis.
Methods
This is a 2-arm randomized sham-controlled trial with blinded evaluators. The study will be conducted at multiple academic sites in the United States who are members of the United States Pancreatic Disease Study Group (USPG). Patients referred for EUS to exclude chronic pancreatitis as a cause of abdominal pain as well as those with established painful chronic pancreatitis undergoing EUS for another indication will be eligible. At the time of EUS with confirmation of chronic pancreatitis by standard EUS diagnostic criteria, patients will be randomized to either celiac plexus block or sham whereby an anesthetic and steroid combination will be injected into the celiac plexus or saline will be injected into the gastric lumen with the same type of needle as used for celiac plexus block, respectively. The main outcome measure will be a 50% reduction in abdominal pain using the Brief Pain Inventory Short Form (BPI-SF) at one month post intervention. A number of secondary outcomes will be measured including visual analog scale (VAS), Comprehensive Pain Assessment Tool-Short Form (COMPAT-SF) pain scores and quality of life using a pancreas-specific validated measure (PANQOLI).
Discussion
In this study, the effect of celiac plexus block on abdominal pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis will be compared to a sham intervention. This randomized trial will offer a definitive assessment of the role of celiac plexus block for the treatment of abdominal pain in this setting.
Livestock Poisonous Plants, their Ecology, and its Impact on Livestock Production Performance in Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Mohammed Seid , Wato Tamirat
Published: August 2024

In the southwestern Ethiopia there is huge livestock population with dense forest that requires more extensive assessment and documentation on poisonous plants, which are a neglected research area. Therefore this research was conducted to identify livestock poisoning plants with their respective ecology, seasons of occurrences and to assess effect on livestock production performance in the region from February to November 2022 with our key informants of farmers, traditional animal healers, and veterinarians. Structured questionnaire were used to collect information related to toxic plants for livestock and their associated risk factors. The most common poisoning plants identified in the study area includes Datura stramonium, Rumex crispus, Prosopis juliflora Ajuga alba, Solanum americanum, Amaranthus cruentus, Albizia gummifera, Cyperus rotundus, Uebelinia kiwuensis Xanthium strumarium, Tribulus terestris, Medicago polymorpha, Euphorbia tirucalli, Hedera canariensis and Trifolium burchelianum. Lack of green feed, shortage of pastures and overgrazing are the predisposing factors for livestock to consume poisoning plants. Most of the livestock poisoning plants were distributed in all agroecologies of lowland, midland, highland. Those poisonous plants were growing in the early rainy season and green in the dry season as well. Bovine species are the most frequently poisoned livestock followed by sheep, goats and equine by showing different symptoms. Traditional animal healers and farmers used different treatment mechanisms to relieve their poisoned animals by providing a mixture of soap and ash, soap with milk and cold water, garlic, alcohol, and other plant roots or leaves at different ratio, depending on the species of animal affected and type of poison. Physical control, biological mechanism and herbicide application of the infested areas by toxic plant, good range management, and wise grazing strategies can reduce the degree of poisoning of livestock.
Sediment bacterial diversity in the upwelling regions of Alappuzha, on the southwest coast of India.
Authors: Jasna VIjayan , Parvathi Ammini , Gireesh Kumar TR , Pazhayamadom Deepak George
Published: August 2024

Upwelling is an oceanographic phenomenon characterized by the upward movement of cold nutrient-rich water from the deep ocean to the surface. It plays a crucial role in supporting the productivity and biodiversity of the coastal ecosystem. The Southwest coast of India experiences coastal upwelling during the southwest monsoon (SWM-June to August) due to the influence of wind featuring calm, muddy waters and suspended sediments close to the coast, especially the mudbanks in Alappuzha. Sediment microbes play crucial roles in various ecological processes and are essential components of marine ecosystems. Understanding the spatiotemporal variance within the community is vital to comprehend the mechanisms underlying the biogeochemical cycles. However, the bacterial community structure and function in the upwelling and Mudbank regions on the Alappuzha coast have received little attention. In this study, we analyzed the abundance and diversity of bacterial communities in sediment during pre-monsoon (PRM) and monsoon (MON) periods in three stations, M1, M2, and M3. During the MON, mud banks appeared only at station M2, while upwelling occurred across the study region. Comparative analysis of family to species level showed that PRM and MON seasons have distinct microbial communities with variations in their relative abundance in the M2 (mudbank and upwelling prevalent) compared to the other two stations such as M1 and M3 (upwelling alone). The total count (0.32–6.12×106) (TC) and total viable count (0.62–2.56×106) (TVC) indicating bacterial abundance were higher in the PRM season than in MON. However, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria (39.46 to 81.43%) was comparatively high in all the stations during both seasons, with higher abundance during MON than PRM. In the present study, Vibrio photobacterium and Ferrimonas were detected and their relative abundance is comparatively higher in the upwelling period compared to PRM. The abundance of lower trophic levels communities such as the genus Bacillus, Tepidibacter, Vibrio, Photobacterium, Ferrimonas, Clostridium, Desulfococcus etc. showed seasonal and spatial variation in the mudbank and the upwelling regions. Our results indicate the variations in bacterial community structure which could be coupled with variations in organic substances, changes in currents, and oceanographic features.
General Analysis of Covert Communication via InformationConcealment in Images
Authors: Hoang Tuan
Published: August 2024

Steganography is a technique used to hide the presence of data in digital environments. This article provides in-depth analysis of modern information hiding methods, evaluating their effectiveness through experimental measurements and specific criteria. We explore the robustness and security of various steganography techniques, including digital watermarking and cryptographic methods, to identify the most suitable systems for enhancing steganography. We delve into historical and modern practices, compare spatial and transform domain techniques, and examine the potential of End-of-File (EOF) and Spread Spectrum methods. Additionally, we evaluate and improve the effectiveness of Chi-Square analysis in detecting least significant bit (LSB) modifications. This study highlights the importance of steganography in protecting digital information, highlighting its applications in secure communications, media authentication, and forensic investigation. The study concludes by evaluating cryptanalysis techniques and the impact of symmetric and asymmetric encryption on the effectiveness of steganography.
Synthesis of selective BCL-XL PROTAC and potent antitumor activity in glioblastoma
Authors: Yin Jinlong , Sun Biao , Liu Meichen , Zhang Yue , Niu Rui , Li Xinyu , Wang Jiefei , Shi Bingyang
Published: August 2024

Glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive and treatment-resistant form of brain cancer, is significantly influenced by GBM stem cells (GSCs), which contribute to tumor initiation and recurrence. In this study, we introduce two novel proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), AN-1 and AN-2, engineered to degrade BCL-XL, a critical anti-apoptotic protein in the BCL-2 family. These PROTACs are optimized from ABT-263 and uniquely utilize MDM2 as an E3 ligase, a strategy not previously employed in GBM therapy. Our approach leverages the high expression of MDM2 in GSCs versus its low expression in platelets, enhancing therapeutic specificity and reducing the risk of thrombocytopenia—a major side effect of direct BCL-XL inhibition. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that AN-1 and AN-2 effectively inhibit GSC proliferation, promote apoptosis, and substantially improve survival rates without inducing thrombocytopenia. This work not only highlights the potential of targeting underutilized E3 ligases for cancer therapy but also suggests a highly selective approach for treating GBM that might overcome the current limitations of existing therapies.
Clinical of autonomic dysfunction in children with anti-N-methyl-D aspartic receptor encephalitis
Authors: Li Dongqing , Sun Jing , Li Guannan , Miao Shuo , Yang Jian , zhang jianzhao
Published: August 2024

Background
Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartic receptor encephalitis (Anti-NMDAR encephalitis) is the most prevalent form of autoimmune encephalitis in pediatric patients. Autonomic dysfunction is a frequent symptom of Anti-NMDAR encephalitis, yet it often goes unnoticed by pediatricians. Studies have indicated that pediatric patients with autonomic dysfunction exhibit a poorer prognosis compared to those without. To date, research on autonomic dysfunction in encephalitis has predominantly focused on adults, with no studies conducted on pediatric populations. This analysis examines the clinical features of pediatric patients with Anti-NMDAR encephalitis complicated by autonomic dysfunction.
Methods
We performed a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with Anti-NMDAR encephalitis at the Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Capital Institute of Pediatrics, from June 2017 to June 2023. Patients were categorized based on the presence or absence of autonomic dysfunction during their illness. We summarized and compared the clinical features of children with autonomic dysfunction and analyzed the risk factors for its development in pediatric Anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients.
Results
A total of 56 children were included in this study. Twenty-two (39.3%) exhibited autonomic nervous dysfunction. The most prevalent symptom of autonomic dysfunction was arrhythmia (19/56, 33.9%), with the specific manifestations being sinus tachycardia (8 cases), ventricular premature beats (2 cases), atrioventricular block (2 cases), atrial premature beats (3 cases), and sinus bradycardia (4 cases). Other symptoms included increased salivation (16/56, 28.6%), central hypopnea (3/56, 5.4%), central fever (3/56, 5.4%), hyperhidrosis (3/56, 5.4%), urinary retention (2/56, 3.6%), hypertension (1/56, 1.8%), and cardiac arrest (1/56, 1.8%). Compared to the group without autonomic dysfunction, the group with dysfunction showed significantly higher rates of prodrome infection, tumor complications (all ovarian teratoma), consciousness disturbance, elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein, initiation of second-line and long-term immunotherapy, length of hospital stay, and hospitalization costs (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Among pediatric patients with Anti-NMDAR encephalitis, arrhythmia is the most common form of autonomic dysfunction. Those with autonomic dysfunction have a worse prognosis and longer hospital stays. Active initiation of second-line and long-term immunotherapy is recommended.
Micro Land Price and Carbon Emission Intensity
Authors: Guo Lin , Jiang Zeqing , Yuan Xiaoping , Jing Qi
Published: August 2024

This paper investigates the effects and probable mechanisms of micro land price on firm carbon emission intensity in the context of the current globally green and low-carbon transition. Theoretical and empirical research reveal that rising firm land price significantly increase carbon emission intensity across two channels: the financing constraint and the innovation performance. Furthermore, the impact of land price is greater for firms from the central and western regions, high environmental regulation regions, non-state-owned firms, and firms that acquired land through bid invitation, auction and listing. This paper introduces the micro land factor perspective into the field of low carbon development for the first time, providing evidence from developing countries for reducing carbon emission intensity.
JEL：A14; B21; C51; D21
Low cost preventive measures can effectively mitigated microplastics release from scientific research facilities in Antarctica
Authors: Jain Aanchal , Hughes Kevin A. , Manno Clara
Published: August 2024

Microplastics release in Antarctica are becoming a concerning issue, despite of the limited human presence. This study estimates the annual release of primary microplastics from scientific facilities and analyse the policy interventions to efficiently target this pollution. The study has estimated an amount of 238kg per year, which is negligible on a continental scale but could have significant local environmental impacts. A comprehensive cost-efficiency analysis demonstrates that microplastics release can be effectively mitigated through low-cost preventive measures, such as installing washing machine filters and banning hygiene products containing microbeads. Furthermore, the implementation of wastewater treatment systems is suggested as a crucial and long-term cost-effective solution for treating wastewater effluent and removing other pollutants from the Antarctic region. These results provide a framework to inform policy decisions on microplastics release in Antarctica and lay the foundation for improved environmental protection strategies in this sensitive region.
Impact of Applied Pressure on the Mechanical, Opto-Electronic, and Thermoelectric Properties of Lead-Free Germanium-Based Perovskites InGeX3 (X = Cl or Br) for High-Efficiency Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Hasan MD Ratul , Apon Imtiaz , Islam Md. Mafidul , Haque Md. Salman
Published: August 2024

Lead halide perovskites possess notable physiochemical characteristics and exhibit high-power conversion efficiencies. However, their commercial feasibility could be improved by stability and toxicity issues. Therefore, there is growing interest in developing stable lead-free alternatives that provide similar optical and electrical features. Perovskite solar cells that are free of lead frequently demonstrate reduced power conversion efficiency. Applying hydrostatic pressure to these compounds is used to alter their physical properties by improving their performance and uncovering important connections between their structure and attributes. This study utilizes Density Functional Theory (DFT) to examine the structural, electrical, optical, and elastic characteristics of non-toxic InGeCl3 and InGeBr3 halide perovskite compounds at different hydrostatic pressures, ranging from 0 to 8 GPa. The derived structural parameters closely correspond to those reported in prior investigations, hence confirming the veracity of the current findings. When subjected to pressure, the bonds between In-X and Ge-X atoms experience a decrease in length and become stronger. Electronic property assessments indicate that both compounds exhibit characteristics of direct band-gap semiconductors. As pressure increases, the band gap decreases in a straight line, moving towards a metallic state. Additionally, the pressure causes the electrical density of states around the Fermi level to increase by pushing valence band electrons upwards. The dielectric constant, absorption, and reflectivity values exhibit a progressive rise as pressure increases, while the absorption spectra move towards longer wavelengths. The results indicate that InGeCl3 and InGeBr3 compounds have enhanced utility for optoelectronic applications when subjected to pressure. Furthermore, the examination of the mechanical characteristics indicates that all InGeX₃ compounds exhibit mechanical stability when pressure increases. This implies that these compounds can be adjusted and utilized more effectively in optoelectronic devices and photovoltaic cells.
An atom-by-atom view of a photochemical ring opening reaction
Authors: Rolles Daniel , Wang Enliang , Bhattacharyya Surjendu , Chen Keyu , Borne Kurtis , Ziaee Farzaneh , Pathak Shashank , Lam Huynh , Venkatachalam Anbu , Chen Xiangjun , Boll Rebecca , Jahnke Till , Rudenko Artem
Published: August 2024

Photoinduced transformations of organic ring molecules play a crucial role in numerous physical, chemical and biological processes, ranging from biosynthesis of vitamin D to optical switching in molecular electronics. Although the development of a plethora of ultrafast techniques such as time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, ultrafast electron and x-ray diffraction and transient x-ray absorption has recently enabled detailed investigations of the electronic and nuclear dynamics in several ring conversion reactions, direct and unambiguous imaging of the nuclear motion, especially during the first 100 fs of a reaction, is still a major challenge. As a consequence, the reaction mechanisms often remain controversial even for extensively studied prototypical systems. Here we show how time-resolved Coulomb explosion imaging can be used to directly map the molecular ring rearrangement upon ultraviolet excitation of gas-phase furan, a reaction for which widely contradicting predictions and observations have been reported. By directly imaging the motion of the individual atoms of the carbon backbone of the molecule upon excitation at 198 nm, we reveal the presence of a strong ring-opening pathway that is completed in less than 70 fs. With the development of higher repetition rate lasers, we anticipate that our approach will enable atom-by-atom mapping of a broad range of ultrafast photochemical reactions.
Outlier Detection in IoT using Trained Autoencoder and Contrastive Loss
Authors: Nikougoftar Elaheh
Published: August 2024

Outlier detection in the Internet of Things (IoT) is crucial for ensuring the reliability and security of interconnected devices. This paper presents a novel approach for unsupervised outlier detection using Autoencoder-based models with Contrastive Loss. The method leverages the representation learning capability of autoencoders and the discriminative power of contrastive learning to effectively distinguish between normal and anomalous data points. The training procedure involves optimizing the encoder and decoder to minimize the total loss, which is a combination of reconstruction loss and contrastive loss. A detailed algorithm for determining the threshold for outlier detection based on statistical analysis of reconstruction errors is also proposed. Experimental results using the Statlog dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in identifying outliers, with performance evaluated using metrics such as precision, recall, and F1-score.
Flat band physics in the charge-density wave state of 1T-TaS2
Authors: Dalal Amir , Ruhman Jonathan , Venderbos Jörn
Published: August 2024

1T-TaS2 is the only insulating transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD) with an odd number of electrons per unit cell. This insulating state is non-magnetic, making it a potential spin-liquid candidate. The unusual electronic behavior arises from a naturally occurring nearly flat mini-band, where the properties of the strongly correlated states are significantly influenced by the microscopic starting point, necessitating a detailed and careful investigation.
We revisit the electronic band structure of 1T-TaS2 starting with the tight-binding model without CDW order. Symmetry dictates the nature of spin-orbit coupling (SOC), which, unlike in the 2H TMD structure, allows for strong off-diagonal ''spin-flip'' terms as well as Ising SOC. Incorporating the CDW phase, we construct a 78×78 tight-binding model to analyze the band structure as a function of various parameters. Our findings show that an isolated flat band is a robust feature of this model. Depending on parameters such as SOC strength and symmetry-allowed orbital splittings, the flat band can exhibit non-trivial topological classifications. These results have significant implications for the strongly correlated physics emerging from interacting electrons in the half-filled or doped flat band.
A Programmable Wafer-scale Chiroptical Heterostructure of Twisted Aligned Carbon Nanotubes and Phase Change Materials
Authors: Gao Weilu , Fan Jichao , Chen Ruiyang , Lou Minhan , Xie Haoyu , Hong Nina , Tang Yingheng
Published: August 2024

The ability to design and dynamically control chiroptical responses in solid-state matter at wafer scale enables new opportunities in various areas. Here we present a full stack of computer-aided designs and experimental implementations of a dynamically programmable, unified, scalable chiroptical heterostructure containing twisted aligned one-dimensional (1D) carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and non-volatile phase change materials (PCMs). We develop a software infrastructure based on high-performance machine learning frameworks, including differentiable programming and derivative-free optimization, to efficiently optimize the tunability of both excitonic reciprocal and linear-anisotropy-induced nonreciprocal circular dichroism (CD) responses. We experimentally implement designed heterostructures with wafer-scale self-assembled aligned CNTs and deposited PCMs. We dynamically program reciprocal and nonreciprocal CD responses by inducing phase transitions of PCMs, and nonreciprocal responses display polarity reversal of CD upon sample flipping in broadband spectral ranges. All experimental results agree with simulations. Further, we demonstrate that the vertical dimension of heterostructure is scalable with the number of stacking layers and aligned CNTs play dual roles – the layer to produce CD responses and the Joule heating electrode to electrically program PCMs. This heterostructure platform is versatile and expandable to a library of 1D nanomaterials and electro-optic materials for exploring novel chiral phenomena and photonic and optoelectronic devices.
WITHDRAWN: Assessment of Wetland Ecological Restoration Effect Based on Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process: A Case Study of Tianjin Qilihai Wetland
Authors: Zhou Ran , Zhang Yi , Peng Shitao , Wang Yisheng , Dai Mingxin , Hong Ningning , Tong Hui , Liang Baocui , Lu Shaopeng , Hong Wu
Published: August 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn, as it was submitted in error. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Experimental investigation of the effects of applying external magnetic field around gap distance in wire electrical discharge machining of Tungsten Carbide
Authors: Shabgard Mohammadreza , Gholipoor Ahad , Jahazi Pooya
Published: August 2024

Tungsten carbide (WC) is a unique material in terms of high hardness, melting temperature, thermal corrosion, and wear and chemical resistance. This hard material is mainly used in machining industries as tools. The machining of tungsten carbide is impossible by traditional methods, due to its high hardness, so the modern machining methods such as wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) are used.
In this research, WEDM process along with external alternating magnetic field which was applied to the machining gap was used for machining tungsten carbide cobalt (WC-Co) ISO K20 workpieces and the effect of pulse on time, wire offset from the work piece and the intensity of the magnetic field on the material removal rate, the machined surface roughness, and the machined surface integrity, were investigated.
The obtained results indicate an increase in the material removal rate, and a decrease in the roughness of the machined surfaces, and the micro-cracks created on the surface of the machined parts by application of an external alternating magnetic field in WEDM process.