bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Flocculation Characteristics of Potato Starch Wastewater
Authors: Liu Zhisheng , Wang Jianhui , Li Guang , Yang Shaodong , Yang Haipeng , Zuo Jinlong , Wang Yuyang
Published: October 2023

Herein, a chitosan film (CS) was modified using 2,3-epoxy-propyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (GTA) to flocculate granular pollutants in potato starch wastewater, aiming at the deficiencies of poor water solubility and weak electropositivity of the chitosan film. By examining the degree of substitution of chitosan film amino under different factors and different levels and response surface optimization tests, the optimum preparation conditions of chitosan film quaternary ammonium salt (HTCC) were obtained. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and 1H-nuclear magnetic spectroscopy, the nucleophilic substitution reaction of the GTA molecule with the hydrogen atoms in the chitosan film amino group successfully improved the water solubility and electropositivity of the chitosan film. HTCC was used to treat potato starch wastewater, and the optimal flocculation conditions were obtained. The flocculation product was recovered, and the composition analysis of the flocculation product demonstrated that HTCC-potato protein flocculation precipitate was rich in high protein, which is a good choice of feed and can realize sustainable utilization of resources.
Effect of Aluminum Addition on the Microstructure, Magnetic, and Mechanical Properties of FeCrCoNiMn High-Entropy Alloy
Authors: Alleg Safia , Bekhouche Ahlem , Hachache Hacene , Sunol Joan Jose
Published: October 2023

High-entropy FeCoCrNiMn (C1) and FeCoCrNiMn10Al10 (C2) alloys (HEAs) were mechanically alloyed for 24 h and heated to 900 °C (C1_900 °C and C2_900 °C). The powders were also compacted into pellets (C1_pellet and C2_pellet) and sintered at 500 °C for 1 h. Crystal structure, microstructure, magnetic, and mechanical properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, and microindentation. During the milling process, a mixture of body-centered-cubic (BCC) and face-centered-cubic (FCC) phases with a crystallite size in the range of 9–13 nm was formed in the C1 HEA alloy. The dual FCC + BCC solid solutions remain for the C1_pellet and transform to a single FCC for the C1_900 °C powders. Al addition stabilizes the BCC structure in the FeCoCrNiMn10Al10 HEA alloy, as revealed by the structural refinement. The structure exhibits a mixture of BCC + FCC solid solutions for the C2 powders and BCC + FCC + CrCo sigma phase for the C2_pellet and C2_900 °C powders. The crystallite sizes are in the range of 6-93 nm for all the samples. The saturation magnetization (Ms), coercivity (Hc), and squareness ratio (Mr/Ms) are estimated to be 24.2 emu/g, 153.62 Oe, and 0.165, respectively, for C1 and 28.45 emu/g, 188.48 Oe, and 0.172 for C2. The C1_900 °C and C2_900 °C powders exhibit, respectively, paramagnetic and soft magnetic behaviors and an exchange bias at room temperature. The C1_pellet and C2_pellet HEAs show high hardness values of 584.85 Hv and 522.52 Hv, respectively.
An Axicon-Based Annular Pump Acousto-Optic Q-Switched Nd:GdVO4 Self-Raman Vortex Laser
Authors: Liu Jie , Duan Yanmin , Mao Wenjie , Jin Xinxin , Li Zhihong , Zhu Haiyong
Published: October 2023

We report, for the first time, the generation of a 1173 nm acousto-optic Q-switched self-Raman vortex laser with an axicon-based annular pump system. A 20 mm long Nd:GdVO4 crystal was used as the self-Raman crystal. Both the fundamental field and the first-Stokes field were investigated using the respective output couplers. In comparison with both vortex fields, a noticeable beam cleaning-up effect and pulse compression were observed from the 1063 nm fundamental field to the 1173 nm first-Stokes field. A Stokes field carrying a unitary topological charge was achieved. Finally, the average output power of the first-Stokes vortex emission reached 454 mW under an incident pump power of 19.5 W, corresponding to a pulse width of 45.7 ns. It was beneficial to apply a high peak power from the Q-switched laser and self-Raman conversion to expand the applications of the vortex laser beam.
Ab Initio Magnetic Properties Simulation of Nanoparticles Based on Rare Earth Trifluorides REF3 (RE = Tb, Dy, Ho)
Authors: Saidakhmetov Pulat , Piyanzina Irina , Faskhutdinova Amina , Nedopekin Oleg , Adyrbekova Gulmira , Baiman Gulzagira , Suyerkulova Zhamilya , Romanova Irina
Published: October 2023

Recently, nanoparticles based on rare earth fluorides have been widely investigated due to their possible medical and spintronic applications, where it is desirable to know the magnetic moment volume distribution. However, this feature is hard to find out from the experiments, so we employ ab initio spin-polarized calculations for this purpose in order to find out the tendencies and common features in three different compounds. In the present work, the nanoparticles of dipole magnets with different sizes, namely TbF3, DyF3 and HoF3, were simulated, and optimized structures were found. We present the optimized structures for the particles with various sizes, as well as for slabs constructed from same compounds. Lastly, for optimized geometries, the analysis of magnetic moments’ distribution over the nanoparticles and slabs volume was performed.
Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Dinca Lucian , Zhiyanski Miglena
Published: October 2023

Forest ecosystems contribute to human wellbeing and the economy through the complex ecosystem services they provide [...]
Diversity of Cyanobacteria and Algae in Biological Soil Crusts of the Northern Ural Mountain Region Assessed through Morphological and Metabarcoding Approaches
Authors: Patova Elena , Novakovskaya Irina , Gusev Evgeniy , Martynenko Nikita
Published: October 2023

In mountain regions, biological soil crusts (BSCs) provide essential ecological services by being involved in primary production and nitrogen fixation. Eukaryotic algae and cyanobacteria are important photosynthetic components of these unique cryptogamic communities. Here, we present an overview of the eukaryotic and prokaryotic diversity of such phototrophs in BSCs in the mountain tundra of the northern Ural Mountains. Such assessment is based on morphological surveys and the first metabarcoding analysis in the region. In total, 166 taxa of Cyanobacteria and 256 eukaryotic algae (including Euglenophyta, Ochrophyta, Dinophyta, Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, and Charophyta) were identified. For the first time, 86 taxa new to the BSCs of the high-mountain belt of the region were discovered. Considering species composition, Cyanobacteria and Chlorophyta are the most abundant taxa in all the analyzed BSCs. The genera Nostoc, Coccomyxa, Chlamydomonas, Leptolyngbya, Stenomitos, Pycnacronema, Stigonema, and Eunotia had the highest number of taxonomic units. These groups shape the structure, function, and ecology of the BSC communities in the studied region. Our results show that BSCs in the tundras of the Ural Mountains have a high active and passive biodiversity of terrestrial cyanobacteria and algae. Both implemented methods resulted in similar results with a comparable number of algae and cyanobacteria species per sample. Metabarcoding could be implemented in future in the region to accurately screen photosynthetic organisms in BSCs.
Diversity of Indicator and Dominant Plant Species along Elevation Gradients in Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Nature Reserve, KSA
Authors: Al-Bakre Dhafer A.
Published: October 2023

It is essential to protect and preserve biodiversity, especially in habitats in which natural resources are scarce. The differing flora and vegetation distribution on the broad, arid landscape at the Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nature Reserve has yet to be investigated. Based on GPS coordination and the transitional zone of plant communities, 48 symmetric plots of 50 × 50 m2 were distributed evenly over six elevations. In this study, we recorded 70 species in 33 families and elucidated floristic traits correlated with elevation. High species richness was recorded for the families Fabaceae, Poaceae, Asteraceae, and Chenopodiaceae. High numbers of chamaephyte and phanerophyte species were observed. In the chorotype, the mono-regional component contained 47% of the species, the bi-regional component 35.7%, and multi-regional and worldwide species comprised 10% and 7%, respectively. This study noted the growth habits of 23 herbs, 15 shrubs, 10 trees, and a single species of grass, vine, climber, and mistletoe. Diversity indices, indicator species, dominant plant communities, and soil profiles were compared for the defined zones of elevation. Alpha and beta diversity were high at elevations of ≥1000, 800, and ≤100 ma.s.l., compared to elevations of 600 m, 400 m, and 200 m. The highest species richness and species turnover were recorded at elevations of ≥1000, 800, and ≤100 m, while species evenness was greater at elevations of 600, 400, and 200 m. Vegetation analyses and indicator species (based on relative abundance) showed species variation with elevation. Species domination was influenced by physical soil structure and soil chemistry. Microclimates, including temperature and relative humidity variations, were found to be a significant driver in the ecosystem, resulting in varying plant diversity and species distribution at different elevations. Through canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), we used an autocorrelation of elevations, plant species, and soil properties to identify three phytogeographic categories that were presumed to be a proxy of microclimate change: Category I: elevations 1000 m and 800 m, including Retama raetam, Zilla Spinosa, and Vachellia gerrardii linked with sandy soil; Category II: elevations 600 m and 400 m, including species Haloxylon salicornicum, Rhazya stricta, and Leptadenia pyrotechnica linked with enriched soils containing CaCO3 and HCO3 and having a clay texture; and Category III: elevations 200 m and 100 m, including Zygophyllum coccineum, Tamarix nilotica, and Hyphaene thebaica, which thrived in salinity and silt soils. The spatial vegetation patterns of the xeric environment and its transition zones in Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nature Reserve were also documented. It is recommended that microclimate effects on species nominated for vegetation restoration or afforestation be considered for the optimal management of this important nature reserve.
The Relationship between Planar and SPECT/CT Parameters and Functional Markers in Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Silov Guler , Erdogan Ozbodur Serpil
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between quantitative and volumetric parameters of technetium-99-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mTc-MIBI) single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging and hormonal and biochemical markers in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) patients with single adenoma. In this retrospective study, 70 patients with a single adenoma who underwent 99mTc-MIBI imaging for the diagnosis of PHPT were examined. Early and delayed MIBI lesion/background ratios (eLBR and dLBR), early and delayed lesion/thyroid ratio (eLTR and dLTR), and retention index (RI) were calculated as planar dual-phase scintigraphy parameters. Adenoma volume (Svol) and parathormone (PTH)/Svol ratio were measured as SPECT/CT-derived parameters. Calcium levels exhibited a positive correlation with eLBR (r = 0.33, p < 0.001), dLBR (r = 0.29, p = 0.01), dLTR (r = 0.31, p < 0.001), and PTH/Svol (r = 0.38, p < 0.001). PTH did not correlate with planar parameters and Svol. Among the imaging parameters, only the PTH/Svol ratio showed a negative correlation with phosphorus levels (r = −0.29, p = 0.02). For predicting disease severity, the PTH/Svol ratio exhibited similar diagnostic performance to PTH and phosphorus levels but outperformed the eLBR and dLBR. Both planar and SPECT-derived parameters can provide valuable insights into the functional status of the parathyroid adenoma and the associated disease severity. PTH/Svol ratio, combining imaging and laboratory findings to provide a more comprehensive approach to patient care, could be an exciting new indicator.
Rapidly Progressive Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in a Paediatric Patient Treated with Lung Transplantation
Authors: Baszkowski Filip , Pelczar-Płachta Weronika , Pempera Nikola , Sławek-Szmyt Sylwia , Kałużna-Oleksy Marta , Lesiak Maciej , Bobkowski Waldemar
Published: October 2023

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare heterogeneous disorder in the paediatric population which is mostly associated with congenital heart disease. The management of paediatric idiopathic PAH (IPAH) is difficult due to insufficient comparative data and depends on the results of evidence-based adult studies with several pulmonary vasodilators, as well as the clinical experiences of paediatric experts. Our aim was to present the case of a 9-year-old girl who underwent several methods of treatment, including pharmacotherapy with a significant reaction to treprostinil, as well as bilateral lung transplantation. The patient’s treatment was distinguished by the fact that the dose escalation was as rapid as that observed in the adult population. Due to the limited current evidence and knowledge, the initiation of treatment for these patients remains an individual choice. On the grounds of the number of non-specific symptoms, the diagnosis of this patient was a long process and based mainly on the differential diagnosis. The purpose of this paper is to study this example in order to highlight the importance of early symptoms and the quick implementation of intensive treatment. The applied methods may be useful in doubtful diagnosis processes and treatment procedures in the paediatric population.
Imaging of the Reconstructed Breast
Authors: Kanavou Theodora , Mastorakos Dimitrios P. , Mastorakos Panagiotis D. , Faliakou Eleni C. , Athanasiou Alexandra
Published: October 2023

The incidence of breast cancer and, therefore, the need for breast reconstruction are expected to increase. The many reconstructive options available and the changing aspects of the field make this a complex area of plastic surgery, requiring knowledge and expertise. Two major types of breast reconstruction can be distinguished: breast implants and autologous flaps. Both present advantages and disadvantages. Autologous fat grafting is also commonly used. MRI is the modality of choice for evaluating breast reconstruction. Knowledge of the type of reconstruction is preferable to provide the maximum amount of pertinent information and avoid false positives. Early complications include seroma, hematoma, and infection. Late complications depend on the type of reconstruction. Implant rupture and implant capsular contracture are frequently encountered. Depending on the implant type, specific MRI signs can be depicted. In the case of myocutaneous flap, fat necrosis, fibrosis, and vascular compromise represent the most common complications. Late cancer recurrence is much less common. Rarely reported late complications include breast-implant-associated large cell anaplastic lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and, recently described and even rarer, breast-implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC). In this review article, the various types of breast reconstruction will be presented, with emphasis on pertinent imaging findings and complications.
Neuroinflammatory Findings of Corneal Confocal Microscopy in Long COVID-19 Patients, 2 Years after Acute SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Cañadas Pilar , Gonzalez-Vides Leonela , Alberquilla García-Velasco Marta , Arriola Pedro , Guemes-Villahoz Noemí , Hernández-Verdejo Jose Luis
Published: October 2023

Objective: To describe corneal confocal microscopy findings in patients with long COVID-19 with persistent symptoms over 20 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study that included a total of 88 patients; 60 patients with Long COVID-19 and 28 controls. Long COVID-19 diagnosis was established according to the World Health Organization criteria. Corneal confocal microscopy using a Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) was performed to evaluate sub-basal nerve plexus morphology (corneal nerve fiber density, nerve fiber length, nerve branch density, nerve fiber total branch density, nerve fiber area, and nerve fiber width). Dendritic cell density and area, along with microneuromas and other morphological changes of the nerve fibers were recorded. Results: Long COVID-19 patients presented with reduced corneal nerve density and branch density as well as shorter corneal nerves compared to the control group. Additionally, Long COVID-19 patients showed an increased density of dendritic cells also with a greater area than that found in the control group of patients without systemic diseases. Microneuromas were detected in 15% of Long COVID-19 patients. Conclusions: Long COVID-19 patients exhibited altered corneal nerve parameters and increased DC density over 20 months after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. These findings are consistent with a neuroinflammatory condition hypothesized to be present in patients with Long COVID-19, highlighting the potential role of corneal confocal microscopy as a promising noninvasive technique for the study of patients with Long COVID-19.
The Comparison between Herniated and Non-Herniated Disc Levels Regarding Intervertebral Disc Space Height and Disc Degeneration, A Magnetic Resonance Study
Authors: Çetin Türkhun , Kahraman Sevket , Kızılgöz Volkan , Aydın Sonay
Published: October 2023

Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the intervertebral disc height and intervertebral disc degeneration between the normal group and the group with disc herniation at the level of the L4–L5 intervertebral disc by MRI using the Pfirrmann grading system. Materials and Methods: 385 patients were included in this study. MRI images were reevaluated and intervertebral disc heights were measured from the anterior, middle and posterior segments. Researchers divided disc pathologies into two groups. In the non-herniated group; normal or bulging ones; in the herniated group, they included those with protrusion or extrusion. Results: 385 lumbar MRI examinations meeting the study criteria were included in study. There were 56.9% (219/385) females and 43.1% (166/385) males in the study. For the whole patients in the study group, the intervertebral disc height values at the L4–5 level were measured as 12.34 mm, 11.58 mm, and 7.60 mm in the anterior, middle, and posterior localizations, respectively. Conclusions: At the L4–5 level, the height of the disc distances in the herniated group was lower than in the normal group. The Pfirrman score was found to be higher in the herniated group in terms of disc degeneration compared to the normal group.
Multi-Slice CT Features Predict Pathological Risk Classification in Gastric Stromal Tumors Larger Than 2 cm: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Sikai , Dai Ping , Si Guangyan , Zeng Mengsu , Wang Mingliang
Published: October 2023

Background: The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) had higher accuracy and reliability in prognostic assessment and treatment strategies for patients with gastric stromal tumors (GSTs). The AFIP classification is frequently used in clinical applications. But the risk classification is only available for patients who are previously untreated and received complete resection. We aimed to investigate the feasibility of multi-slice MSCT features of GSTs in predicting AFIP risk classification preoperatively. Methods: The clinical data and MSCT features of 424 patients with solitary GSTs were retrospectively reviewed. According to pathological AFIP risk criteria, 424 GSTs were divided into a low-risk group (n = 282), a moderate-risk group (n = 72), and a high-risk group (n = 70). The clinical data and MSCT features of GSTs were compared among the three groups. Those variables (p < 0.05) in the univariate analysis were included in the multivariate analysis. The nomogram was created using the rms package. Results: We found significant differences in the tumor location, morphology, necrosis, ulceration, growth pattern, feeding artery, vascular-like enhancement, fat-positive signs around GSTs, CT value in the venous phase, CT value increment in the venous phase, longest diameter, and maximum short diameter (all p < 0.05). Two nomogram models were successfully constructed to predict the risk of GSTs. Low- vs. high-risk group: the independent risk factors of high-risk GSTs included the location, ulceration, and longest diameter. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the prediction model was 0.911 (95% CI: 0.872–0.951), and the sensitivity and specificity were 80.0% and 89.0%, respectively. Moderate- vs. high-risk group: the morphology, necrosis, and feeding artery were independent risk factors of a high risk of GSTs, with an AUC value of 0.826 (95% CI: 0.759–0.893), and the sensitivity and specificity were 85.7% and 70.8%, respectively. Conclusions: The MSCT features of GSTs and the nomogram model have great practical value in predicting pathological AFIP risk classification between high-risk and non-high-risk groups before surgery.
Exploring Utilization and Establishing Reference Intervals for the Apolipoprotein B Test in the Korean Population
Authors: Choi Rihwa , Lee Sang Gon , Lee Eun Hee
Published: October 2023

We investigated the reference intervals for Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), a valuable biomarker for cardiovascular diseases, in Korean adults who had undergone health check-ups and showed normal lipid levels under traditional lipid tests, including total cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, along with ApoB. We compared the findings with different cutoffs for ApoB from international clinical guidelines. Among a total of 264,105 traditional lipid test sets, only 464 (0.2%) included ApoB tests, indicating underutilization of this test in health check-up clinics in Korea. From these 464 samples, 334 ApoB results (164 men and 170 women) with normal traditional lipid test results were used to establish reference intervals. Using the parametric method (mean ± 2 SD), the reference intervals ranged from 46 to 134 mg/dL for men and 49 to 129 mg/dL for women. Employing the non-parametric method (central 95th percentile value), the reference intervals ranged from 50 to 131 mg/dL for men and 51 to 127 mg/dL for women. The prevalence of high ApoB did not significantly differ by sex when considering the established reference intervals for each sex and the cutoffs recommended by international clinical guidelines. This study enhances knowledge on ApoB reference intervals in the Korean population, and it will in aid test result interpretation for clinicians and laboratories.
MixNet-LD: An Automated Classification System for Multiple Lung Diseases Using Modified MixNet Model
Authors: Ahoor Ayesha , Arif Fahim , Sajid Muhammad Zaheer , Qureshi Imran , Abbas Fakhar , Jabbar Sohail , Abbas Qaisar
Published: October 2023

The lungs are critical components of the respiratory system because they allow for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide within our bodies. However, a variety of conditions can affect the lungs, resulting in serious health consequences. Lung disease treatment aims to control its severity, which is usually irrevocable. The fundamental objective of this endeavor is to build a consistent and automated approach for establishing the intensity of lung illness. This paper describes MixNet-LD, a unique automated approach aimed at identifying and categorizing the severity of lung illnesses using an upgraded pre-trained MixNet model. One of the first steps in developing the MixNet-LD system was to build a pre-processing strategy that uses Grad-Cam to decrease noise, highlight irregularities, and eventually improve the classification performance of lung illnesses. Data augmentation strategies were used to rectify the dataset’s unbalanced distribution of classes and prevent overfitting. Furthermore, dense blocks were used to improve classification outcomes across the four severity categories of lung disorders. In practice, the MixNet-LD model achieves cutting-edge performance while maintaining model size and manageable complexity. The proposed approach was tested using a variety of datasets gathered from credible internet sources as well as a novel private dataset known as Pak-Lungs. A pre-trained model was used on the dataset to obtain important characteristics from lung disease images. The pictures were then categorized into categories such as normal, COVID-19, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and lung cancer using a linear layer of the SVM classifier with a linear activation function. The MixNet-LD system underwent testing in four distinct tests and achieved a remarkable accuracy of 98.5% on the difficult lung disease dataset. The acquired findings and comparisons demonstrate the MixNet-LD system’s improved performance and learning capabilities. These findings show that the proposed approach may effectively increase the accuracy of classification models in medicinal image investigations. This research helps to develop new strategies for effective medical image processing in clinical settings.
The Relation of the Iron Metabolism Index to the Vulnerability Index of Carotid Plaque with Different Degrees of Stenosis
Authors: Yuan Wanzhong , Huo Ran , Hou Chaofan , Bai Wenbin , Yang Jun , Wang Tao
Published: October 2023

Objective: To investigate the differences in serum iron index and iron metabolizing protein expression in plaques in patients with different degrees of carotid artery stenosis and the relationship with plaque traits. Methods: A total of 100 patients eligible for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) from August 2021 to February 2022 were included. Patients completed a computed tomography (CTA) scan for patient grouping and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for precise quantification of carotid plaque traits within 1 week prior to surgery. Clinical indicators associated with the progression of carotid stenosis to occlusion were analyzed using ordered logistic regression. Twenty carotid plaques were analyzed immunohistochemically to investigate the relationship between plaque traits and the iron metabolism indexes. Results: No significant correlation between high serum ferritin (SF), unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) and progression of carotid stenosis (OR 1.100, 95% CI 0.004–0.165, p = 0.039; OR 1.050, 95% CI 0.005–0.094, p = 0.031). SF and serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) were correlated with normalized wall index (NWI) (R = 0.470, p = 0.036; R = 0.449, p = 0.046), and the results of multiple linear regression suggested that SF and sTfR remained associated with NWI (R = 0.630, R2 = 0.397, Adjusted R2 = 0.326, p = 0.014). In plaques, H-type ferritin (H-FT) was correlated with NWI and lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) volume (R = 0.502, p = 0.028; R = 0.468, p = 0.043). Transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) was correlated with LRNC volume and intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) volume (R = 0.538, p = 0.017; R = 0.707, p = 0.001). Conclusions: There were statistical differences in the expression of iron metabolism proteins in carotid plaques with different degrees of stenosis. Serum iron metabolism index (SF and sTfR) and expression of iron metabolizing proteins (H-FT and TfR1) in plaques were positively correlated with carotid plaque vulnerability index (NWI, LRNC volume).
Connection between Variations of the Probability Distribution of the Recurrence Time and Phases of the Seismic Activity
Authors: Varini Elisa , Rotondi Renata
Published: October 2023

The probability distribution of the interevent time between two successive earthquakes has been the subject of numerous studies for its key role in seismic hazard assessment. In recent decades, many distributions have been considered, and there has been a long debate about the possible universality of the shape of this distribution when the interevent times are properly rescaled. In this work, we aim to discover if there is a link between the different phases of a seismic cycle and the variations in the distribution that best fits the interevent times. To do this, we consider the seismic activity related to the Mw 6.1 L’Aquila earthquake that occurred on 6 April 2009 in central Italy by analyzing the sequence of events recorded from April 2005 to July 2009, and then the seismic activity linked to the sequence of the Amatrice-Norcia earthquakes of Mw 6 and 6.5, respectively, and recorded in the period from January 2009 to June 2018. We take into account some of the most studied distributions in the literature: q-exponential, q-generalized gamma, gamma and exponential distributions and, according to the Bayesian paradigm, we compare the value of their posterior marginal likelihood in shifting time windows with a fixed number of data. The results suggest that the distribution providing the best performance changes over time and its variations may be associated with different phases of the seismic crisis.
Academic Skills in Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Di Blasi Francesco Domenico , Costanzo Angela Antonia , Finocchiaro Maria , Stimoli Maria Agatina , Zuccarello Rosa , Buono Serafino , Ferri Raffaele , Zoccolotti Pierluigi
Published: October 2023

Background: A substantial proportion of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also have an intellectual disability (ID). However, the academic achievement levels of students with ASD and ID (ASD-ID) are poorly documented and known. Method: We systematically reviewed studies on school skills (reading, spelling, and math) in children and adolescents with ASD-ID. The search was conducted in seven bibliographic databases: Embase, Pubmed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Ebscohost, Proquest, and Scopus until 28 May 2022. Results: We identified 33,750 reports, four of which met the inclusion criteria for the review. The studies, characterized by Level III evidence (non-randomized controlled trials), included 535 students, 266 in the ASD-ID group and 269 in the ASD-no ID group. A random-effects model meta-analysis revealed that students with ASD-ID had significantly lower reading, spelling, and math scores than students with ASD-no ID. The effect sizes associated with reading score differences were large, although with significant heterogeneity; similarly, the effect sizes associated with spelling and math score differences were also large, although to a lesser extent than for reading. Conclusions: The co-presence of ASD and ID is associated with significant deficits in reading, spelling, and math. However, the present meta-analytic results rest on a limited number of studies. This contrasts with the substantial proportion of children with ASD who have ID and highlights the need for further research to fill a significant gap regarding the profile of academic abilities of students with ASD-ID.
Improving the Detection and Positioning of Camouflaged Objects in YOLOv8
Authors: Han Tong , Cao Tieyong , Zheng Yunfei , Chen Lei , Wang Yang , Fu Bingyang
Published: October 2023

Camouflaged objects can be perfectly hidden in the surrounding environment by designing their texture and color. Existing object detection models have high false-negative rates and inaccurate localization for camouflaged objects. To resolve this, we improved the YOLOv8 algorithm based on feature enhancement. In the feature extraction stage, an edge enhancement module was built to enhance the edge feature. In the feature fusion stage, multiple asymmetric convolution branches were introduced to obtain larger receptive fields and achieve multi-scale feature fusion. In the post-processing stage, the existing non-maximum suppression algorithm was improved to address the issue of missed detection caused by overlapping boxes. Additionally, a shape-enhanced data augmentation method was designed to enhance the model’s shape perception of camouflaged objects. Experimental evaluations were carried out on camouflaged object datasets, including COD and CAMO, which are publicly accessible. The improved method exhibits enhancements in detection performance by 8.3% and 9.1%, respectively, compared to the YOLOv8 model.
A New Unit-Cell Design for a 2-Bit Reflective Metasurface for RIS Applications
Authors: Fazal Dilaawaiz , Hong Ic-Pyo
Published: October 2023

In this research, a novel unit-cell design for a 2-bit reflective metasurface using the theory of characteristic modes is presented. The initial unit-cell consists of three sub-patches with 2-PIN diodes integrated within the gaps between sub-patches. The initial structure provides limited tuning of the phase curves with the change in switching states of PIN diodes. To provide the phase deviation required for the 2-bit operation, the symmetry of the modal currents is used to propose multiple slots in the sub-patches. Slots are introduced to lower the resonant frequencies, as well as provide tuning of the resonance of modes and consequently phase change between different switching states. For further resonance tuning and phase optimization, two vias are loaded in the middle patch to provide a 90° phase difference between each switching state. Simulated results show that the proposed unit-cell design with the aid of characteristic modes has a smaller size and provides 2-bit operation in the frequency range of 3.9–4.04 GHz.
Enhanced Control of Back-to-Back Converters in Wind Energy Conversion Systems Using Two-Degree-of-Freedom (2DOF) PI Controllers
Authors: Hussain Hussain A.
Published: October 2023

The performance of a full-scale wind energy conversion system is dependent on the control system of the back-to-back power electronics converter. Different controllers have been proposed in the literature, many of which are variations of a generalized two-degrees-of-freedom (2DOF) PI controller. This paper presents a design method for the parameters of a 2DOF PI controller for the stator current, generator speed, grid current, and DC bus voltage control. The controller can be designed using a general independent zero and pole placement method. The proposed and conventional methods are analyzed based on their ability to track references, reject disturbances, and their sensitivity to noise. A tuning approach is proposed to enhance the controller’s bandwidth without sacrificing noise sensitivity or disturbance rejection capability. The conventional methods are shown to be special versions of the proposed design. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design.
LTM-LoRaWAN: A Multi-Hop Communication System for LoRaWAN
Authors: Al mojamed Mohammad
Published: October 2023

Coverage limitation due to signal attenuation is one of the main challenges facing single-hop LoRaWAN when deployed in IoT applications that require low power consumption and operate over a wide area network. The challenge can be figured out using the dense deployment of typical LoRaWAN gateways to ensure devices can transfer their data to the network server successfully. However, this is considered a costly path because of the requirement of deploying a larger number of gateways. To cope with this, a multi-hop communication strategy can be utilized to extend the coverage of employed LoRaWAN networks, eliminating the need for dense gateway deployment. Thus, this paper proposes a Listen-To-Talk-based Multi-hop LoRaWAN LTM-LoRaWAN, a multi-hop relaying system for a wide area LoRaWAN network. It supports out-of-range devices to deliver their traffic to the gateway without using complex routing mechanisms or routing topology construction. Moreover, the proposed system is dynamic and does not require any special entities or assign specific tasks to specific devices. The paper provides a detailed description of the design and configuration of the proposed LTM-LoRaWAN. Using simulation, the feasibility of the proposed system was demonstrated. The evaluation result showed that the proposed system outperformed one-hop LoRaWAN and achieved better reliability in traffic delivery.
Similarity Distribution Density: An Optimized Approach to Outlier Detection
Authors: Quan Li , Gong Tao , Jiang Kaida
Published: October 2023

When dealing with uncertain data, traditional model construction methods often ignore or filter out noise data to improve model performance. However, this simple approach can lead to insufficient data utilization, model bias, reduced detection ability, and decreased robustness of detection models. Outliers can be considered as data that are inconsistent with other patterns at certain specific moments and are not always negative data, so their emergence is not always bad. In the process of data analysis, outliers play a crucial role in sample vector recognition, missing value processing, and model stability verification. In addition, unsupervised models have very high computation costs when recognizing outliers, especially non-parameterized unsupervised models. To solve the above problems, we used semi-supervised learning processes and used similarity as a negative selection criterion to propose a local density verification detection model (Vd-LOD). This model establishes similarity pseudo-labels for multi-label and multi-type samples, verifies the accuracy of outlier values based on local outlier factors, and increases the detector’s sensitivity to outliers. The experimental results show that under different parameter settings with varying outlier quantities, Vd-LOD outperforms other detection models in terms of the significant increase in average time consumption caused by verifying the presence of relationships, while also achieving an approximate 6% improvement in average detection accuracy.
Optimal Placement of μPMUs in Distribution Networks with Adaptive Topology Changes
Authors: Hassini Khaoula , Fakhfakh Ahmed , Derbel Faouzi
Published: October 2023

With the increasing integration of energy sources and the growing complexity of distribution networks, it is crucial to monitor and early detection of topological changes to ensure grid stability and resilience. Current methods, for optimizing the placement of micro Phasor Measurement Units (μPMUs) focus on achieving observability and efficient monitoring. These algorithms aim to minimize the number of μPMUs needed while maintaining system observability or meeting criteria for observability. However, they may not consider all real-world constraints and uncertainties. In this study, we introduce a strategy for placing μPMUs with the objective of enhancing observability and monitoring capabilities. Our proposed algorithm employs a technique that makes optimal decisions at each step to approximate the global optimum. To determine the locations for μPMUs our algorithm takes into account parameters such as network structure, key nodes, and system stability. One distinguishing feature is its adaptability to distribution networks, including changes, in topology or potential device failures. Unlike classical approaches, our algorithm can continuously provide optimal placement solutions even in evolving network conditions. We have demonstrated that our suggested method achieves better results in terms of observability value and the required number of μPMUs compared to the state-of-the-art. By strategically placing μPMUs, operators can improve system observability, quickly detect and locate faults, and make informed decisions for effective network operations. This research helps improve optimal placement strategies for μPMUs by providing practical and effective solutions to improve distribution network reliability, resilience, and performance in the face of changing dynamics.
Multidisciplinary Design Automation of Electric Motors—Systematic Literature Review and Methodological Framework
Authors: Umland Niklas , Winkler Kora , Inkermann David
Published: October 2023

Electric motor development is a challenging task, as higher efficiency requirements and various interdependencies between different engineering domains must be considered. Established design approaches often lack the ability to address these interdependencies because they focus on specific domains and properties. Automated, multidisciplinary design approaches hold untapped potential for optimizing motors in terms of diverse requirements and advancing the development of more efficient and reliable motors. This paper presents a systematic literature review of the current state of research in the multidisciplinary design automation of electric motors. The literature basis comprises 1005 publications that are identified by a systematic internet search. The review of the existing approaches is based on twelve criteria that characterize the design automation task in general, such as knowledge representation or reasoning methods used, as well as criteria specific to electric motor design, such as domains considered and their coupling. The analysis reveals what current approaches are lacking: Consequent analysis and integration of domains, applicability of suggested methods, incorporation of established multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) architectures, alongside the consideration of passive components in the motor. Aside from the introduction of twelve criteria for systematic charaterization of multidisciplinary design automation of electric motors, this article expands the state of the art by proposing an initial framework to establish process chains tackling the identified gaps in the review.
The Status, Trend, and Global Position of China’s Forestry Industry: An Anatomy Based on the Global Value Chain Paradigm
Authors: Jiang Yeheng , Su Haiying
Published: October 2023

This study aims to systematically examine the developmental attributes and trends within China’s forestry sector through the lens of a global value chain (GVC) framework. To this end, this research analyzes the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Inter-Country Input–Output (OECD-ICIO) database, using a cohesive set of GVC methods, including the forward decomposition of industry value-added, an assessment of industry upstream and downstream positions, the decomposition of export values, and analysis of trade competitiveness indicators. The trajectory of China’s forestry industry hinges upon the interplay between foreign demand and domestic demand. The results reveal a transition in China’s forestry sector development model from export-focused to a domestically driven approach. The proportion of value-added that is devoted to meeting domestic demands within the wood processing and papermaking industries has surged to 76% and 82%, respectively. Among the major economies, China has the highest output upstream index and input downstream index in the forestry industry, playing a vital role in propelling and pulling other industries into the global value chain system. The proportion of domestic added-value in China’s forestry industry exports ranks among the top, reflecting strong self-sufficiency in export production. Although China’s forestry industry possesses a high world market share, its overall international competitiveness is weak, especially with clear signs of weakening comparative advantages in the wood processing industry.
Changes in Soil Properties and Enzyme Stoichiometry in Three Different Forest Types Changed to Tea Plantations
Authors: Li Ying , Zhang Jinlin , Qiu Qingyan , Zhou Yan , You Weibin
Published: October 2023

Understanding the characteristics and driving factors of soil carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and enzyme stoichiometry during land use/cover change is of great significance for assessing microbial nutrient restriction and sustainable land development during the process. China, the world’s largest tea producer, is witnessing a significant expansion of tea plantations into previously forested areas. We performed field sampling in three forest types with the area partially converted to tea plantations in Wuyishan National Park. We examined the changes in soil carbon (TC), nitrogen (TN), phosphorus (TP), and three kinds of extracellular enzyme activities, β-glucosidase (BG), β-n-acetylglucosidase (NAG), and acid phosphatase (ACP). By analyzing the enzyme stoichiometric ratio, vector length (VL), and vector angle (VA), the relative nutrient limitations of soil microorganisms were explored. The results showed that soil TC and TN decreased significantly (p < 0.05), TP increased significantly, and soil carbon (C):nitrogen (N), carbon (C):phosphorus (P), and nitrogen (N):phosphorus (P) ratios decreased significantly after the conversion of forest land to tea plantation. Soil BG, NAG, and ACP contents decreased significantly (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in enzyme carbon:nitrogen ratios (EC/N), enzyme carbon:phosphorus ratios (EC/P), enzyme nitrogen:phosphorus ratios (EN/P), VL, or VA (p > 0.05). Through the analysis of soil enzyme stoichiometry, it was found that forest soil was generally limited by P, which was, to some extent, relieved after the conversion to tea plantation. Redundancy analysis showed that TC, TN, and the C:N ratio were the main factors influencing enzyme activity and stoichiometry. These results indicated that land use/cover change had significant effects on soil nutrient status, enzyme activity, and stoichiometry. Soil enzyme activity is very sensitive to the changes in soil nutrients and can reflect the restriction of soil nutrients more accurately.
Identification, Evolution and Expression Analysis of GRF Family Reveals Their Involvement in Shoot Growth and Abiotic Stress Response in Moso Bamboo
Authors: Zhou Binao , Long Cheng , Yao Wenjing , Lin Shuyan , Li Long
Published: October 2023

Growth-regulating factors (GRFs) play an important role in regulating plant organ development, acting primarily as positive regulators of cell proliferation. However, research on the evolutionary history and expression patterns of the moso bamboo GRF family has been limited. In this study, a total of 24 GRFs have been identified in the Moso bamboo genome, and they have been categorized into four subfamilies. Estimation of the divergence time of paralogous gene pairs provided evidence supporting the significant contribution of recent whole-genome duplication events in the expansion of the GRF gene family. Sliding window analysis revealed that coding regions of a few PheGRFs, including the WRC and QLQ domains, may have undergone positive selection, possibly due to the redundant functions of paralogous genes. Coexpression network analysis further revealed the regulatory role of miR396 and various lncRNAs in controlling PheGRF expression. Based on the analysis of tissue-specific expression patterns using transcriptome sequencing, qRT-PCR results, and in situ hybridization, it was observed that most GRFs, particularly PheGRF6a and PheGRF9b, exhibited high levels of accumulation in the moso bamboo shoot. This suggests that the involvement of most PheGRF genes may be crucial for the growth and development of the bamboo shoot. A yeast two-hybrid screening revealed interactions between PheGRF9b and several proteins associated with plant growth and development, including PH02Gene11097.t1 (GIF3), PH02Gene37618.t (Phytochrome B), and PH02Gene01921.t3 (WD40). Based on transcriptome expression analysis, it was observed that a substantial number of PheGRFs exhibited significant variations under cold or drought stress treatments, and most of these genes were found to be downregulated, suggesting their role as abiotic stress-responsive genes. Our findings offer new insights into the GRF family of moso bamboo and provide some experimental evidence to support further gene functional validation research of PheGRF.