bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biallelic NEXN variants and fetal onset dilated cardiomyopathy: two independent case reports and revision of literature.
Authors: PICCIOLLI IRENE , Ratti Angelo , Rinaldi Berardo , Baban Anwar , Iascone Maria , Francescato Gaia , Cappelleri Alessia , Magliozzi Monia , Novelli Antonio , Parlapiano Giovanni , Colli Anna Maria , Persico Nicola , Carugo Stefano , Mosca Fabio , Bedeschi Maria Francesca
Published: August 2023

Background Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is etiologically heterogeneous. With the rapid evolution in laboratory investigations, genetic background is increasingly determined including many genes with variable penetrance and expressivity. Biallelic NEXN variants are rare in humans and associated with poor prognosis: fetal and perinatal death or severe DCMs in infants.Case presentation: We describe two male infants with prenatal diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy with impaired ventricular contractility. One of the patients showed hydrops and polyhydramnios. Postnatally, a DCM with severely reduced systolic function was confirmed and required medical treatment. In patient 1, Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) revealed a homozygous NEXN variant: c.1156dup (p.Met386fs) while in patient 2 a custom Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) panel revealed the homozygous NEXN variant c.1579_1584del (Glu527_Glu528del). These NEXN variants have not been previously described. Unlike the unfavorable prognosis described for biallelic NEXN variants, we observed in both our patients a favorable clinical course over time.Conclusion This report might help to broaden the present knowledge regarding NEXN biallelic variants and their clinical expression in humans. It might be worthy to consider the inclusion of the NEXN gene sequencing in the investigation of pediatric patients with DCM.
The efficacy of Tephrosia vogelii and Azadirachta indica leaf extract combinations against fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, in Maize.
Authors: Nemeyimana James , Muhooozi Rashid S , Nuwagira Upton , Ssenkuba Francis
Published: August 2023

Spodoptera frugiperda is an economical pest affecting Uganda’s agriculture. These pests are voracious feeders, polyphagous in nature and mostly affect the cereal crops such as maize and wheat which is the staple food of Africa and Uganda in particular, thus pause a threat to Africa’s food security. Ugandan farmers largely depend on synthetic pesticide to control FAW, however these have negative impacts on the environment such as water pollution, death of beneficial organisms such as bees, and development of pesticide resistance, and are toxic to human beings and the aquatic life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioactivity of Tephrosia vogelii and Azadirachta indica leaf extracts as botanicals against Spodoptera frugiperda under laboratory conditions. The selected botanicals were subjected to phytochemical screening to examine presence of pesticide phytochemical groups of namely; flavonoids, saponnins, terpenoids, alkaloids, tannins and glycosides as highlighted by different literature Fourth instar larvae were collected from established fields in south western Uganda where there was no application of pesticides before and then n transferred to the biology laboratory of Mbarara University of Science and Technology under the faculty of science where they were reared to obtain enough study populations(second instar generation). Aqueous plant extracts were applied in varying combinations as treatments, the percentage mortality rates were recorded at 12 hours interval for 48 hours after treatment. Sterile tap water and cypermethrin were used as negative and positive controls respectively. The tested treatments of the botanicals were mixed in a combination of T.vogelii & A. indica powder extract weight per volume respectively, where treatment A(20g:10g), B(10g:20g), C(15g:15g), D(30g T.vogelii only) & E(30g A. indica only) and a positive control of cypermethrin. Results showed that treatments A, D and the positive control had a higher percentage mortality (> 50%, p > 0.05) after 48hours of application compared to treatments B, C and E that had a lower percentage mortality below (< 50%, p < 0.05). The botanical treatments that showed higher mortality percentage against FAW larvae contained more of the T.vogelii extract, this can be used as an extract in most of the botanicals against the FAW larvae. As an alternative, smallholder farmers can include botanicals in their integrated pest management systems around Uganda and East Africa at large conditions in Ethiopia and elsewhere in Africa.
International comparison of Qualification Process for Medical Product Development Tools
Authors: Uchijima Daichi , Kano Shingo
Published: August 2023

Introduction
The qualification of medical product evaluation tools is underway in the United States, Europe, and Japan to reflect advancements in the basic science of medical products. In Europe and the U.S., Guidance of Guidances (GoG) policies that clarify regulators’processes, tasks, and methods of sponsor involvement are adopted to issue tool guidance. However, in Japan, a non-GoG type policy focusing on supporting the research and development for tools without defining a tool guidance-making process has been adopted.
Methods
In this study, an analytical framework for the life cycle of development tools was constructed, including pre- and post-tool qualification processes, to compare the above-mentioned two approaches. For this study, cases in Japan were selected as experimental cases, with Western cases serving as controls. The progress of tool qualification and composition of deliverables were analyzed.
Results and Conclusions
It was indicated that in the GoG type policy, where processes are defined and involvement methods are clarified, tool qualification can progress more smoothly than in a non-GoG type policy. The policy further shows that deliverables may have a consistent composition. In contrast, GoG type policies alone present challenges in connecting upstream tools for R&D support.
Hybrid directed energy deposition strategies and manufacturing of tooling with conformal cooling channels
Authors: Wilson Neil , Gupta Manhar , Mazur Maciej , Patel Milan J , Nguyen Vu , Gulizia Stefan , Cole Ivan S
Published: August 2023

Additive Manufacturing (AM) of Injection Moulding (IM) tools has attracted significant interest in the polymer manufacturing industry for quite some time. However, Hybrid Manufacturing (HM) using Directed Energy Deposition (DED), which involves concurrent additive and subtractive manufacture, has not been a commonly used process for IM tooling manufacture, despite several advantages over the prevalent Laser-Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) alternative, including higher build rate, lower cost, and integrated machining to directly achieve higher tolerances and surface finish. A key reason for this low utilisation is the limited ability of DED processes to produce circular channel profiles typically used in IM tooling, due to stricter constraints on the manufacturability of overhanging geometry. To address this, a range of self-supporting IM cooling channel profiles suited for hybrid laser and powder-based DED manufacture are proposed in this work. Numerical and experimental evaluations are conducted of the cooling performance of several non-circular conformal cooling channel (NCCC) profiles to identify a profile which achieves the maximum heat transfer for a constant cross-sectional area and coolant flow rate. Experimental studies included AM builds to evaluate the DED manufacturability of the selected NCCC profile on a conformally cooled HM benchmark model, followed by cooling performance characterisation, including a comparison against a reference L-PBF manufactured benchmark model. In conclusion, a shape correcting factor is obtained using response surfaces. This factor is used to convert thermal performance calculations for non-circular profiles to a conventional circular channel profile to simplify the DED manufacturing process for non-circular IM cooling channels.
An Integrated Approach to Water Conservation: Fuzzy Logic Assessment of Water Tariffs in Abu Dhabi Emirate's Residential Sector
Authors: AlHamad Issah M. , Hemyari Osamah Al , Shashati Ahmad , Seraihi Hazza Al , Albahlooli Hamad , Ewim Daniel Raphael Ejike , Nuaimi Saeed Al
Published: August 2023

Background: Abu Dhabi, a part of the United Arab Emirates, is situated in an arid region where water scarcity is a significant concern. The residential sector in Abu Dhabi consumes a large portion of the available water resources, leading to a critical need for effective water management strategies. This study aims to understand the relationship between water tariffs and water consumption in the residential sector in Abu Dhabi. It employs an integrated fuzzy logic model, a form of artificial intelligence, to assess the impact of water tariffs on water consumption. The model includes variables such as water tariffs, the level of water awareness, the level of water behavior, and the level of technology use. The objective of these variables is to evaluate their impact on the water-saving index, which represents the ratio of daily water consumption per capita in Abu Dhabi to the global average.
Results: The findings of this study, based on a survey measuring the level of water awareness, behavior, and technology use, revealed a potential strategy for reducing water consumption in Abu Dhabi's residential sector. It was observed that increasing water tariffs, while maintaining current levels of water awareness, behavior, and technology use, could lead to a reduction in water consumption. However, it was also found that the impact of further tariff increases on water conservation diminishes after a certain threshold, indicating the necessity of a balanced approach in tariff adjustment. Interestingly, the study also highlights that Abu Dhabi residents demonstrate high levels of water behavior and technology use, indicating a positive trend toward water conservation.
Conclusions: This study emphasizes the importance of increasing water awareness among Abu Dhabi residents as a means to foster sustainable water consumption practices. While water tariffs can contribute to reductions in water consumption, the effects tend to decrease beyond a certain point. Therefore, a comprehensive approach involving water tariffs, increased water awareness, and the adoption of water-saving technologies may be the most effective strategy for water conservation. The insights from this study extend beyond Abu Dhabi and offer valuable guidance for addressing water conservation challenges worldwide. It highlights the importance of adopting a multi-faceted approach in water management, and the potential for such strategies to have international relevance in the pursuit of sustainable water consumption.
Multiple Arbitrarily Inflated Negative Binomial Regression Model and its Application
Authors: Abusaif İhab , Kuş Coşkun
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a new modification of the negative binomial distribution that generalizes both the negative binomial and zero-inflated negative binomial distributions. A novel distribution allows for an arbitrary number of inflation points at arbitrary locations. We discuss some distributional properties for the proposed distribution. We derive several methods to obtain estimates of the unknown parameters. Using the modified distribution we propose a new count regression model. Monte Carlo simulation studies are performed to evaluate the performance of the parameter estimators for both the new distribution and the count regression model. Finally, a real data set is analyzed to determine the superiority of the proposed model.
Clinical features of plastic bronchitis in children after congenital heart surgery
Authors: Zhu Li-min , Li Chun-xiang , Gong Xiao-lei , Xu Zhuo-ming , Liu Jin-long , Zhang Hai-bo
Published: August 2023

Background
Plastic bronchitis (PB) can occur in patients who have undergone congenital heart surgery (CHS), This study aimed to investigate the clinical features of PB in chidren after CHS.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the electronic medical record system. The study population consisted of children diagnosed with PB after bronchoscopy in the cardiac intensive care unit after CHS from May 2016 to October 2021.
Results
A total of 68 children after CHS were finally included in the study (32 in the airway abnormalities group and 36 in the right ventricular dysfunction group). All children were examined and treated with fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Pathogens were detected in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of 41 children, including 32 cases in the airway abnormalities group and 9 cases in the right ventricular dysfunction group. All patients were treated with antibiotics, corticosteroids (intravenous or oral), and budesonide inhalation suspension. For children with right ventricular dysfunction, pharmacological treatment such as reducing pulmonary arterial pressure was given. Clinical symptoms improved in 64 children, two of whom were treated with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation due to recurrent PB and disease progression.
Conclusions
Children with airway abnormalities or right ventricular dysfunction after CHS should be alerted to the development of PB. Pharmacological treatment such as anti-infection, corticosteroids, or improvement of right ventricular function is the basis of PB treatment, while fiberoptic bronchoscopy is an essential tool for the diagnosis and treatment of PB. ECMO assistance is a vital salvage treatment for recurrent critically ill PB patients.
Causal impact of weather on the COVID-19 spread, mediated by human mobility
Authors: Nichita Denis , Dima Mihai , Boboc Loredana , Hancean Marian
Published: August 2023

Previous correlative and modelling approaches indicate influences of environmental factors on COVID-19 spread, through atmospheric conditions’ impact on virus survival and transmission, or on host susceptibility. However, causal connections from environmental factors to pandemic, mediated by human mobility, received less attention. We use a technique for dynamical systems to identify the causal connections at the country level between pairs of variables associated with weather conditions, human mobility and the number of COVID-19 cases, for 32 European states. Here we present data-based evidence that the relatively reduced number of cases registered in Northern Europe is related to the causal impact of precipitation on people’s decision to spend more time at home and that the relatively large number of cases observed in Southern Europe is linked with the people’s choice to spent time outdoors during warm days. Channels of significant impact of pandemic on human mobility are also emphasized. The weather-human mobility connections inferred here are relevant not only for COVID-19 spread, but also for any other virus transmitted through human interactions. These results may help authorities and public health experts in containing possible future waves of COVID-19 pandemic or in limiting the threats of similar human-to-human transmitted viruses.
Effects of He and Ni ion irradiation on the ZrO2/Cr composite coating on Zr1Nb alloy
Authors: Xu Chi , Zhou Qian , Wang Xingping , Xue Wenbin , Jin Xiaoyue , Sun LIangting , Shen Tielong , Liao Bin , Li Yongliang , Li Song
Published: August 2023

ZrO2/Cr composite coating has been irradiated by 2.8 MeV He and 38 MeV Ni ions at 350°C. Similar extents of grain-growth and partial healing of microcracks have been identified in the ZrO2 layer of both irradiated samples. The monoclinic to tetragonal transformation of ZrO2 and the formation of an amorphous (Zr,Cr)O phase at the ZrO2/Cr interface is identified in the Ni-irradiated sample. Large amounts of dislocation loops and small cavities are observed in the Cr layer while significantly less loops are found in the ZrO2 layer in both samples. The irradiation processes also cause significant growth of surface Cr oxides.
Influence of Certified Perioperative Nurses on the Establishment of Preoperative Outpatient and Rate of Preoperative Assessment in Japan
Authors: Yamamoto Chie , Mills Shigeko , Osaki Kengo , Tokuyama Kaoru , Inoue Takahiro , Hara Kentaro
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to investigate the influence of certified perioperative nurses on preoperative outpatient and preoperative assessments. The study was conducted from February 2021 to September 2022; data were collected and analyzed using a questionnaire at 247 hospitals in Japan. To analyze the factors affecting the rate of preoperative assessment with the primary endpoint of preoperative outpatient and preoperative visits, we performed multiple linear regression analysis of facility characteristics, perioperative nurse background, and the presence or absence of certified perioperative nurses. Patients from 68 and 41 institutions in the enrolled and non-enrolled groups, respectively, underwent a preoperative assessment; the enrolled group underwent a significantly higher number of preoperative assessments than did the non-enrolled group. The preoperative assessment rate was significantly higher in the enrolled group than in the non-enrolled group. Multivariate analysis of factors influencing the preoperative assessment rate revealed a significant association with certified perioperative nurse attendance. Facilities with certified perioperative nurses have a significantly higher prevalence of preoperative outpatient visits and significantly higher rates of preoperative assessments than facilities without certified perioperative nurses. Enrollment of certified perioperative nurses will lead to the improvement of the quality of preoperative nursing interventions.
Stability analysis of an epidemic model with two competing variants and cross-infections
Authors: Niu Ruiwu , Chan Yin-Chi , Liu Simin , Wong Eric W. M. , Wyk Michael Antonie van
Published: August 2023

The competition between pathogens is an essential issue in epidemiology. As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, new variants mutate resulting in further waves of infections. In this work, we propose a simple two-variant susceptible-infected-removed-susceptible (SIRS) model for studying the competitive epidemic processes. We obtain the global basic reproduction number of our proposed model and show that whether the epidemic persists or diminishes depends on the more contagious of the two variants. Furthermore, by studying the stability of the endemic equilibria, given a specific choice of parameters, we can predict \textcolor{red}{whether either variant will eventually dominate the competitive epidemic process, or if both variants will persist.}Numerical results show that periodic solutions become viable if the two variants’ cross-infectivities are unequal, i.e., recovery from one variant offers unequal protection against the other. In other words, reducing the infectivity of a variant via non-pharmaceutical interventions may trigger periodic or even chaotic behavior and paradoxically cause healthcare demand to increase. Note that our model is sufficiently general so as to be used for studying competitive behavior in other areas of science.
Source apportionment of fine atmospheric particles in Bloemfontein, South Africa, using positive matrix factorization
Authors: Westhuizen Deidré van der , Howlett-Downing Chantelle , Molnár Peter , Boman Johan , Wichmann Janine , von Eschwege Karel G.
Published: August 2023

Air pollution is of major health and environmental concern globally and in South Africa. Studies on the sources of PM2.5 air pollution in low- and middle-income countries such as South Africa, are limited. This study aimed to identify local and distant sources of PM2.5 pollution in Bloemfontein. PM2.5 samples were collected from June-16 2020 to August-18 2021. Trace element concentrations were determined by EDXRF spectroscopy. The US EPA PMF 5.0 program was used to determine local sources: combustion/wood burning (49 %), industry (22 %), soil dust (10%), base metal/pyrometallurgical and traffic (9.6 %) and water treatment/industry (9.4 %). The HYSPLIT program was applied to determine distant PM2.5 source areas: Mpumalanga province (52 %), Northern Cape province (35 %), Indian Ocean (8 %) and Atlantic Ocean (6 %). The results can be applied in setting up an Air Quality Management Plan for Bloemfontein.
Characteristics of risk factors for ischemic stroke recurrence and death in Western China: a retrospective study
Authors: Fan DaYing , Yang Shan , Wang XianLin , Miao Rui , Huang Hao , Deng Renli
Published: August 2023

Background
Ischemic stroke (IS) has the characteristics of high recurrence and mortality rates. This study aimed to investigate the recurrence and mortality rates of IS patients one year after their first-episode IS and to analyze the related risk factors for the recurrence of IS and death after recurrence.
Methods
The clinical history and laboratory data of patients who were hospitalized and diagnosed with first-episode IS from 2020 to 2021 were collected, and retrospective analysis was conducted after tracking the recurrence of IS in the patients for one year. Outcome events were defined as recurrence or death after recurrence within one year after the patients’ stroke, excluding other causes of neurological deterioration. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted to determine the risk factors associated with stroke recurrence.
Results
A total of 1,052 patients with IS were included in this study. The recurrence rates at three, six, and 12 months were 2.75%, 6.27%, and 11.97%, respectively. The mortality rate after recurrence within one year was 5.13%. The patients’ recurrence time nodes, age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), platelet count, and hemoglobin were independent influencing factors of recurrence within three months after the first-episode IS. The NIHSS score, HDL, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), platelet count, and creatinine were independent influencing factors of recurrence within six months after the first-episode IS. On the timeline of one year after the patients’ stroke, the common independent influencing factors of IS recurrence were the NIHSS score and HDL, among which the NIHSS score was positively correlated with stroke recurrence, while HDL was negatively correlated with stroke recurrence.
Conclusions
The study found that there was a high risk of stroke recurrence and death within one year after the first-episode IS; thus, there is an urgent need to improve the secondary prevention of stroke to reduce this risk. Through analysis, it was concluded that various risk factors were associated with recurrence. Therefore, Chinese medical staff and healthcare workers should focus on the secondary prevention of stroke, which includes the development and implementation of effective prevention strategies to prevent stroke recurrence and improve the long-term prognosis of stroke survivors.
Poor sleep behaviors may increase the risk of schizophrenia: results from a study of population in southern China
Authors: Lin Yawen , Luo Suping , Xiao Zhikai , Zheng Fuhao , Liu Yihan , Ma Dexiang , Zhong Wenping , Zhou Xiaoting , Wei Shichao , Li Huangyuan , Wu Siying
Published: August 2023

Objective:There is a strong correlation between sleep disorders and schizophrenia. However, current research has mainly focused on the treatment of sleep disorders in schizophrenic patients. Our study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of sleep behaviors on schizophrenia from a preventive perspective and to explore optimal sleep patterns.
Methods:Based on a hospital case-control study, Logistic regression analysis, interaction analysis, Restricted cubic spline and subject work characteristic curves were used to study the relationship between sleep behaviors and schizophrenia. Sleep scores (including unhealthy sleep factors: sleep deprivation at night, insomnia, snoring, nighttime sleep patterns and excessive daytime sleepiness) were constructed and assessed.
Results:After adjusting for confounders, we found that sleep duration was less than 6 hours at night (OR=2.45, 95%CI: 1.67-3.58), sleep quality was poor (OR=3.26, 95%CI: 1.87-5.69), and irregular getting up (OR=4.07, 95%CI: 2.67-6.19) and occasional napping (OR=2.06, 95%CI: 1.12-3.81) were risk factors for schizophrenia. The length and quality of sleep at night, the length of sleep at night and the pattern of napping are also risk factors for developing schizophrenia. Finally, the optimal sleep pattern is the morning sleep pattern, with six to nine hours of sleep a night, good sleep quality, no daytime sleepiness, and no snoring.
Conclusions: Poor sleep behaviors is associated with the development of schizophrenia. Through a comprehensive assessment of poor sleep behaviors, we can obtain optimal sleep patterns. This study highlights the importance of sleep behaviors and provides a new perspective on the prevention and treatment of schizophrenia.
Genomic prediction for polysomic tetraploid potato inbred and hybrid offspring
Authors: Ortiz Rodomiro Octavio , Reslow Fredrik , Vetukuri Ramesh , García-Gil M. Rosario , Pérez-Rodríguez Paulino , Crossa José
Published: August 2023

Potato genetic improvement begins with crossing cultivars or breeding clones -often having complementary characteristics– for producing heritable variation in segregating offspring, in which phenotypic selection is used thereafter across various vegetative generations (Ti). Multi-environment, multi-trait, tetrasomic genomic best linear unbiased predictors (GBLUPs) have the potential to identify promising parents for further crossing, predict untested environments or genotypes, or purge deleterious alleles in inbred potato populations. Hence, the aim of this research was to determine whether GBLUPs may predict tuber yield across early Ti within and across breeding sites in inbred (S1) and hybrid (F1) tetraploid potato offspring. This research used 858 breeding clones for a T1 trial at Umeå in 2021, as well as 829 and 671 clones from the breeding population for T2 trials during 2022 at Umeå (Norrland) and Helgegården (Skåne), in northern and southern Sweden respectively, along with their parents (S0) and check cultivars. The S1 and F1 derived from selfing and crossing four S0. The experimental layout was an augmented design of 4-plant plots in the three breeding sites, in which breeding clones were non-replicated and the parents and cultivars were in all blocks in between the former. Genomic prediction ability (r) for tuber weight per plant were 0.5944 and 0.6776 in T2 at Helgegården and Umeå, respectively, when T1 at Umeå was the training population. On average, r was larger in inbred than in hybrid offspring at both breeding sites. There were significant differences for r among half-sib F1 offspring at Helgegården, and among S1 at both Helgegården and Umeå. The r was also estimated using multi-environment data (involving at least one S1 and one F1) for T2 performance at both breeding sites. The r was strongly influenced by the genotype in both S1 and F1 offspring irrespective of the breeding site. GBLUPs are therefore useful for selecting breeding clones with different inbreeding levels in early stages.
Earthquake is Predicted
Authors: Liu Peng , Gao Zhongqiang , Chen Xi , Zhang Xiaodong , Chen Huizhong , Yang Hao , Qin Minxuan , Liu Xu , Ma Ming , Yuan Jiabin , Yong Shanshan
Published: August 2023

Earthquake prediction is a global challenge. Seismologists have established a large number of observation stations in active seismic areas that provide massive, continuous, and complete geomagnetic and geoacoustic data from different regions. Based on these data, we have developed a convolutional neural network earthquake forecasting model to achieve short-term earthquake prediction. After normalizing geomagnetic and geoacoustic observation data, we randomly divided the data into training and testing groups, inputted the training group into the convolutional neural network model for training, and used the resulting model to test testing group and calculate the accuracy. Our research shows that the model has approximately 81% accuracy(17.7% higher than 620 groups of researchers using same datasets). The model is suitable for integrating geomagnetic and geoacoustic data and has great potential for improving the accuracy of earthquake prediction in China, and all other regions if datasets are available.
Compliant assembly variation modeling for thin-walled structures considering clamping constraints and geometric deviations based on isogeometric analysis
Authors: Liu Jinyu , Li Zhi-Min , Liu Tao , Zhao Yanzheng
Published: August 2023

Geometric deviations and clamping constraints are the two major variation factors in thin-walled structure assembly processes. Geometric deviations are caused by inevitable uncertainties in manufacturing processes and have a significant impact on dimensional control for compliant assembly processes. Due to the flexibility of thin-walled structures, the clamping constraints during assembly greatly affect the compliant deformation of assembled structures. In this paper, a new method based on isogeometric analysis (IGA) considering geometric deviations and clamping constraints is proposed. The geometric deviations of thin-walled structures can be obtained by offsetting along the control points in an ideal part based on Nonuniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS), and the clamping constraints, such as fixture positioning deviations and connection matching deviations, are converted into displacement boundary conditions by the Lagrange multiplier method. Furthermore, the elastic force induced by initial geometric deviations is calculated using Kirchhoff-Love shell elements. Considering the coordination constraint relationship between shape closure and force closure in the compliant assembly process, a variation propagation model is developed using NURBS-based IGA. It integrates geometric deviations and compliant deformations into a unified mathematical representation framework by embedding exact geometry into assembly analysis. In addition, a numerical example is presented to demonstrate the accuracy and effectiveness of the developed method.
FwSSNets: Improving Independent Feature Information Extraction of Neural Network
Authors: Sun Tongfeng , Wang Xiurui , Li Zhongnian
Published: August 2023

Batch Normalization (BN) in neural networks consists of two operations: batch normalization( \(bn\) ) and feature-wise scaling and shifting ( \(FwSS\) ). In general, $bn$ aims to improve model training by normalizing the data and $FwSS$ is believed to restore the representational power of the network. But, this study explores networks with $bn$ from input feature information perspective, including independent and correlated feature information. This paper demonstrates that $FwSS$ effectively captures independent feature information, while connection weight parameters capture correlated feature information. Building upon the principle of $FwSS$, a new network layer called “ \(FwSSLayer\) ” is proposed, which reorders the original basic layer components ( \(Weights\) , $bn$+$FwSS$, and \(f(\cdot)\) ) to create the layer structure of $bn$+$FwSS$+$Weights$+$f(\cdot)$. Moreover, \(FwSSNets\) are implemented using $FwSSLayer$ to assess the performance and role of $FwSS$ in networks. Experimental results on UCI dataset and CIFAR10 confirm that $FwSSNets$ considerably enhance the generalization ability of neural networks.
Steel Surface Defect Recognition using Classifier Combination
Authors: zaghdoudi rachid , Bouguettaya Abdelmalek , Boudiaf Adel
Published: August 2023

The quality control of steel products' surface is of utmost importance, where several inspection techniques and technologies were proposed over the last few years. Traditional manual inspection procedures are facing several limitations and often fall short in ensuring flawlessness. Vision-based strategies for automatic steel surface inspection have emerged as powerful and effective tools to solve various industrial-related problems, including products quality control. Therefore, the current study aims to improve the recognition rate of steel surface defects classification system by introducing a novel classifier combination approach. The proposed system utilizes two distinct feature sets, namely LCCMSP and DCP, which were carefully selected based on a comprehensive comparative study of 19 state-of-the-art texture descriptors, considering both accuracy and time consumption. These generated features are individually fed to two classifiers, SVM and RF, leading to the creation of four base classifiers. In the final step, the Bayesian fusion rule is applied to integrate the outputs of these classifiers, ultimately providing the definitive classification decision. To evaluate the proposed system, two steel surface defects datasets, NEU-CLS and X-SDD, are utilized. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed combination approach surpasses classical combination methods achieving remarkable outcomes compared to existing steel surface defects classification approaches. This highlights the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed system in accurately identifying and classifying steel surface defects while maintaining fast execution time.
Effect of beam defocusing on porosity formation mechanism and suppression method in laser-MIG hybrid welded titanium alloy joints
Authors: He zhenxing , Zhao Yong , chen fugang , huangfu lesen , Chen guoqiang , Qin yonghui , Song shuming
Published: August 2023

In this paper, laser-MIG hybrid welding was applied to weld TC4 titanium alloy with a thickness of 5 mm. Based on the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis it was determined that the porosity of the laser-MIG hybrid welded joints was mainly process porosity. The evolution of the keyhole under different defocusing amount conditions were observed using a high-speed camera. The influence of the beam defocusing amount on the keyhole stability was analyzed in detail and the formation mechanism of the process-type porosity was elucidated. By adjusting the defocusing amount to stabilize the keyhole morphology, the pores in the weld were eliminated. With the defocusing amounts of + 2, 0, -2, and − 4 mm the keyhole stability was poor. And the highest porosity in the weld was 4.21% when the defocusing amount was − 2 mm. The keyhole only collapsed at the root and the porosity decreased more than 80% when the defocusing amounts were + 4 and − 6 mm. The keyhole was in a stable state and no porosity was generated in the weld when the defocusing amount was + 6mm.
Antipsoriatic evaluation of a novel gel containing Chrysin nanostructured lipid carriers and probiotic in imiquimod induced mice model
Authors: Parveen Shaik Rahana , Wadhwa Sheetu , Vishwas Sukriti , Kumar Bimlesh , Pandey Narendra Kumar , Singh Saurabh , Baghel Dileep Singh , Kumar Ankit , Al-Otaibi Faisal , Alam Aftab , Alawam Abdullah , Alshehri Faez Falah , Oguntibeju Oluwafemi Omoniyi , Chaitanya M.V.N.L. , Paiva-Santos Ana Cláudia , Veiga Francisco , Gupta Gaurav , Chellappan Dinesh Kumar , Dua Kamal , Singh Sachin Kumar
Published: August 2023

Psoriasis is a multifactorial skin disorder. Hence, its treatment using combination of Chrysin (CS) and probiotic (PB) could be effective strategy. In the present study, CS nano structured lipid carriers (NLCs) were prepared by modified hot-homogenisation method followed by sonication. Furthermore, it was converted into the gel after the addition of PB (Bifidobacterium infantis 35624) (BI) in it. The ex-vivo study was carried by Franz diffusion cell. The anti-psoriatic effect of the formulation was evaluated on imiquimod (IMQ) induced psoriatic mice. In addition, biochemical and histopathological analysis was done. The mice were divided into 11 groups (GP(n = 6)). All the groups except GP-1, received IMQ topically for 7 days and then treated as per study design. The groups were - GP-1 (Control), GP-2 (Experimental control), GP-3(Betamethasone cream), GP-4 (Blank NLCs gel), GP-5 (CS gel), GP-6 (CS NLCs gel), GP-7 (PB gel), GP-8 (CS L- PB loaded gel), GP-9 (CS H-PB loaded gel), GP-10(Optimized CS L NLC-PB loaded gel) and GP-11(Optimized CS H NLCs-PB loaded gel). The CS NLCs-PB loaded gel, CS gel alone has shown 30 µg/cm2/h, 50 µg/cm2/h permeability of CS within 24 h and 8h respectively. In the treated groups, GP 11 showed significantly (P < 0.001) higher efficacy by the reduction of psoriatic lesions, TNF-α, splenomegaly and Malonaldehyde when co-related with GP3, GP9, GP8, GP6, GP7 and GP5.The histopathological images of GP 11 revealed about the severe reduction of acanthosis and hyperkeratosis. The successful outcomes of study indicated that CS-NLCs-PB loaded gel was very effective in treating psoriasis in mice.
Seven-year Outcomes of Combined Treatment of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor with Photodynamic Therapy for Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy; According to Polypoidal Lesion Regression
Authors: Lee Junwoo , Kim Kiyoung , Kim Eung Suk , Yu Seung-Young , Kang Min Seok
Published: August 2023

Purpose
To evaluate the long-term prognosis of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) combined with verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT), according to polypoidal lesion regression.
Methods
This study retrospectively reviewed the data of 33 naïve eyes with PCV treated with anti-VEGF combined with verteporfin PDT and followed-up for at least 7 years. The collected data included demographic profile, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), PED volume, and presence of submacular hemorrhage. Regression of polypoidal lesion was determined using indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomography. All eyes were divided into regression or persistent groups, based on the polypoidal lesion regression one year after the initial combined treatment.
Results
BCVA improvement was maintained for 3 years in the regression (p = 0.001) and 1 year in the persistent (p = 0.006) groups, respectively. The mean BCVA of the regression group was better than that of the persistent group over 7 years, but the difference was significant only at 1 year (p = 0.037). The number of eyes which maintained BCVA less than or equal to 0.3 logMAR at 7 years was 11 eyes (64.7%) in regression group and 4 eyes (25.0%) in persistent group (p = 0.022).
Conclusions
Regression of the polypoidal lesion at 1 year after the initial combination treatment was associated with favorable long-term visual prognosis, particularly in terms of maintaining good visual acuity.
Acute kidney injury in neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy based on serum creatinine decline compared to KDIGO criteria
Authors: Ahn Haejun C , Frymoyer Adam , Boothroyd Derek B , Bonifacio Sonia , Sutherland Scott M , Chock Valerie
Published: August 2023

Background
Neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy receiving therapeutic hypothermia (HIE+TH)are at risk for acute kidney injury (AKI). The standardized Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria identifies AKI based on a rise in serum creatinine (SCr) or reduced urine output. This definition is challenging to apply in neonates given the physiologic decline in SCr during the first week of life. Gupta et al. have proposed alternative neonatal criteria centered on the rate of SCr decline. The aim of this study was to compare the rate of AKI based on KDIGO and Gupta in neonates with HIE and to examine associations with mortality and morbidity.
Methods
A retrospective review was performed of neonates with moderate to severe HIE+TH from 2008-2020 at a single center. AKI was assessed in the first 7 days after birth by KDIGO and Gupta criteria. Mortality, brain MRI severity of injury, length of stay, and duration of respiratory support were compared between AKI groups.
Results
Among 225 neonates, 64 (28%) met KDIGO, 69 (31%) neonates met Gupta but not KDIGO, and 92 (41%) did not meet either definition. Both AKI groups had an increased risk of the composite mortality and/or moderate/severe brain MRI injury along with longer length of stay and prolonged duration of respiratory support compared to those without AKI.
Conclusions
AKI in neonates with HIE+TH was common and varied by definition. The Gupta definition based on rate of SCr decline identified additional neonates not captured by KDIGO criteria who are at increased risk for adverse outcomes. Incorporating the rate of SCr decline into the neonatal AKI definition may increase identification of clinically relevant kidney injury.
Integration of risk variants from GWAS with SARS-CoV-2 RNA interactome prioritizes FUBP1 and RAB2A as risk genes for COVID-19
Authors: Shi Weiwen , Chen Mengke , Pan Tingting , Chen Mengjie , Cheng Yongjun , Chen Sheng , Tang Yuanjia
Published: August 2023

The role of host genetic factors in COVID-19 outcomes remains unclear despite of various genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We annotate all significant variants and those variants in high LD (R2 > 0.8) from the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative (HGI) and identify risk genes by recognizing genes intolerant nonsynonymous mutations in coding regions and genes associated with cis-expression quantitative trait loci (cis-eQTL) in non-coding regions. These genes are enriched in immune response pathway and viral life cycle. It has been found that host RNA binding proteins (RBPs) participate in different phases of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle. We collected 503 RBPs that interact with SARS-CoV-2 RNA concluded from in vitro studies. By combining risk genes from the HGI with RBPs, we identify two COVID-19 risk loci that regulate the expression levels of FUBP1 and RAB2A in the lung. Due to the risk allele, COVID-19 patients show downregulation of FUBP1 and upregulation of RAB2A. Using single-cell RNA sequencing data, we show that FUBP1 and RAB2A are expressed in SARS-CoV-2 infected upper respiratory tract epithelial cells. We further identify NC_000001.11:g.77984833C>A and NC_000008.11:g.60559280T>C as functional variants by surveying allele-specific transcription factor sites and cis-regulatory elements and performing motif analysis. To sum up, our research, which associated human genetics with expression levels of RBPs, identifies FUBP1 and RAB2A as two risk genes for COVID-19 and reveals the anti-viral role of FUBP1 and pro-viral role of RAB2A in the infection of SARS-CoV-2.
Antimicrobial potential of class II bacteriocins on gut microbiota species
Authors: Rosenkilde Carola Elisa Heesemann , Vazquez-Uribe Ruben , Lützhøft Ditte Olsen , Sommer Morten Otto Alexander
Published: August 2023

Background:
Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides with properties making them applicable for food preservation and pathogen control. However, their impact on the gut microbiota remains understudied. In this study we sought to examine the inhibitory spectrum of 75 class II bacteriocins against 49 representative species of the human gut microbiota including 21 Biosafety level 2 organisms. The bacteriocins were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli and evaluated in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo.
Results:
In vitro spot assays using Escherichia coli BL21-AI expressing these bacteriocins revealed that 22 bacteriocins inhibited at least one species, with greater efficacy against Gram-positive than Gram-negative species. Two bacteriocins, Actifencin and Bacteroidetocin A, were selected based on their broad spectrum of inhibition for further characterization and applied to murine feces ex vivo. Application of these bacteriocins led to substantial modifications in the composition of the microbial community of murine feces. Yet, these findings could not be replicated in vivo when bacteriocin producing Escherichia coli Nissle strains were dosed to mice.
Conclusions:
This study evaluate the potential and expands our knowledge of the inhibitory spectrum of class II bacteriocins against a large and representative collection of bacterial isolates from the gut microbiota and underscores that further optimization is needed to use bacteriocins in vivofor modulating microbial community composition.
A novel cascade organosolv degumming method for preparation of hemp fibers using glycolic acid and ethanolamine
Authors: Zhao Tao , Xia Wenying , Li Boya , Nie Kai , Zhang Yuanming , Han Guangting , Jiang Wei , Ben Haoxi
Published: August 2023

In an attempt to implement eco-friendly degumming for preparation of hemp fibers. This study developed a cascade organosolv degumming method employing the advantages of both organic acids and organic bases without using any inorganic alkaline reagents. Compared with the degumming process using only glycolic acid (GA) or ethanolamine (ETA), the cascade degumming improved the hemicellulose and lignin removal rates by 20.1% and 139.8%, respectively, under low temperature and short reaction time. Moreover, this work reduced the GA concentration from 20–10%. The FTIR result showed that GA mainly acted on removal of G-type lignin, while ETA mostly removed S-type lignin. In addition, the FTIR and solid-state 13C NMR results showed that the esterification induced by GA was eliminated by ETA in the cascade degumming process. Although the hemp fibers of the cascade degumming exhibited slightly lower tensile strength, the cascade degumming contributed to finer hemp fiber diameter (10.09 dtex) than the alkaline degummed fibers (12.66 dtex). Thus, the cascade degumming has favorable effects in removing gum components and achieving better fiber separation.
Development of colorful graphene-based wearable e-textiles prepared by co-dyeing cotton fabrics with natural dyes and reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Moon Sungwoo , Chae Youngjoo
Published: August 2023

Herein, pre-mordanted cotton fabrics were co-dyed with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and natural dyes to create eco-friendly and colorful graphene-based wearable electronic textiles (e-textiles), and their physical color attributes were analyzed as functions of dyeing conditions, namely rGO loading (0, 1, 3, 5, and 7% owb), mordant type (Al, Cu, and Fe salts), and natural dye type (cochineal, rhubarb, and gardenia blue). The lightness of the obtained samples increased in the order of cochineal < gardenia blue < rhubarb and was lower for Fe-mordanted textiles than for Al- and Cu-mordanted ones (by 4.91 L*10 on average) regardless of the natural dye and rGO loading. Rhubarb- and gardenia blue–dyed fabrics showed broad chroma and hue dispersions, which indicated that dyeing conditions strongly impacted these color attributes. With increasing rGO loading, the chroma of rhubarb-dyed fabrics substantially decreased, i.e., the color became less saturated. The initial greenish blue color of gardenia blue–dyed fabrics gradually changed to yellowish green and then to yellowish. Furthermore, dramatic overall color changes (ΔECMC(2:1)) occurred with increasing rGO loading regardless of natural dye type, averaging to 7.60, 11.14, 12.68, and 13.56 at rGO loadings of 1, 3, 5, and 7% owb.
The impact of prior knowledge on structure leaning
Authors: Aljohani Eman
Published: August 2023

Graphical models represent conditional independence relationships between variables, including, for example, those between the various symptoms and causes of disease. An important topic in the area of machine learning is learning these types of models from data. In some applications, including information that is not contained in the data, i.e. prior information, is crucial. This paper describes an algorithm for learning Bayesian network (BN) structure from data using prior knowledge. The aim of this research is to design an efficient algorithm that utilises prior knowledge in a manner that allows users to express what they know about the problem domain. In this aspect, we developed local search algorithm using prior knowledge (LSPK). This paper proposed algorithms for Bayesian network structure learning, which is described as an optimisation problem. A search-and-score approach was followed, which built upon a Local move algorithm and using the Bayesian Dirichlet likelihood equivalence (BDe) as a scoring metric. We demonstrated the effect of including ancestor relations prior knowledge and conditional independence. The results show that the effects of prior knowledge typically had a positive effect on learning.