bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Ability of Brachial Plexus-Injured Patients to Control an Externally Powered (Myoelectric) Hand Prosthesis
Authors: Lee Ellen Y. , Nelson Andrew W. , Sampson Brandon P. , Smither F. Clay , Pulos Nicholas , Bishop Allen T. , Spinner Robert J. , Shin Alexander Y.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Restoration of hand function after traumatic brachial plexus injury (BPI) remains a formidable challenge. Traditional methods such as nerve or free muscle transfers yield suboptimal results. Advancements in myoelectric prostheses, characterized by novel signal acquisition and improved material technology, show promise in restoring functional grasp. This study evaluated the ability of adults with a BPI injury to control an externally powered prosthetic hand using nonintuitive signals, simulating the restoration of grasp with a myoelectric prosthesis. It also assessed the effectiveness of a comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation in guiding treatment decisions.

Methods:

A multidisciplinary brachial plexus team assessed adults with compromised hand function due to BPI. The feasibility of amputation coupled with fitting of a myoelectric prosthesis for grasp reconstruction was evaluated. Participants' ability to control a virtual or model prosthetic hand using surface electromyography (EMG) as well as with contralateral shoulder motion-activated linear transducer signals was tested. The patient’s input and injury type, along with the information from the prosthetic evaluation, were used to determine the reconstructive plan. The study also reviewed the number of participants opting for amputation and a myoelectric prosthetic hand for grasp restoration, and a follow-up survey was conducted to assess the impact of the initial evaluation on decision-making.

Results:

Of 58 subjects evaluated, 47 (81%) had pan-plexus BPI and 42 (72%) received their initial assessment within 1 year post-injury. Forty-seven patients (81%) could control the virtual or model prosthetic hand using nonintuitive surface EMG signals, and all 58 could control it with contralateral uniscapular motion via a linear transducer and harness. Thirty patients (52%) chose and pursued amputation, and 20 (34%) actively used a myoelectric prosthesis for grasp. The initial evaluation was informative and beneficial for the majority of the patients, especially in demonstrating the functionality of the myoelectric prosthesis.

Conclusions:

The study indicates that adults with traumatic BPI can effectively operate a virtual or model myoelectric prosthesis using nonintuitive control signals. The simulation and multidisciplinary evaluation influenced informed treatment choices, with a high percentage of patients continuing to use the myoelectric prostheses post-amputation, highlighting its long-term acceptance and viability.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Integrated Optimization of Hybrid Steam-Solvent Injection in Post-CHOPS Reservoirs with Consideration of Wormhole Networks and Foamy Oil Behavior
Authors: Hou Senhan , Gu Daihong , Yang Daoyong , Yang Shikai , Zhao Min
Published: May 2024

For this paper, integrated techniques have been developed to optimize the performance of the hybrid steam-solvent injection processes in a depleted post-cold heavy oil production with sand (CHOPS) reservoir with consideration of wormhole networks and foamy oil behavior. After a reservoir geological model has been built and calibrated with the measured production profiles, its wormhole network is inversely determined using the newly developed pressure-gradient-based (PGB) sand failure criterion. Such a calibrated reservoir geological model is then used to maximize the net present value (NPV) of a hybrid steam-solvent injection process by selecting injection time, soaking time, production time, injection rate, steam temperature, and steam quality as the controlling variables. The genetic algorithm (GA) has been integrated with orthogonal array (OA) and Tabu search to maximize the NPV by delaying the displacement front as well as extending the reservoir life under various strategies. Considering the wormhole network and foamy oil behavior and using the NPV as the objective function, such a modified algorithm can be used to allocate and optimize the production-injection strategies of each huff ‘n’ puff (HnP) cycle in a post-CHOPS reservoir with altered porosity and increased permeability within a unified, consistent, and efficient framework.
Spatiotemporal X-Ray Imaging of Neat and Viscosified CO2 in Displacement of Brine-Saturated Porous Media
Authors: Ding Boxin , Kantzas Apostolos , Firoozabadi Abbas
Published: May 2024

CO2 storage in saline aquifers may contribute to a 90% share in preventing emissions to the atmosphere. Due to low CO2 viscosity at the subsurface often found in supercritical (sc) conditions, the injected CO2 may spread quickly at the formation top and increase the probability of leakage. This work relates to improved CO2 storage in saline aquifers by effective viscosification of the sc-CO2 at very low concentrations of engineered oligomers and the effectiveness of slug injection of viscosified CO2 (vis-CO2). We present the results from X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging to advance the understanding of two-phase CO2-brine flow in porous media and firmly establish the transport mechanisms.

X-ray CT imaging of displacement experiments is conducted to quantify the in-situ sc-CO2 saturation spatiotemporally. In neat CO2 injection, gravity override and adverse mobility ratio may result in early breakthrough and low sweep efficiency. We find cumulative brine production from the fraction collector to be lower than X-ray CT imaging at 2 pore volume (PV) injection. The difference between the two is attributed to the solubility of the produced water in the produced CO2 at atmospheric pressure. We show that when the solubility is accounted for, there is a good agreement between direct measurements and in-situ saturation results.

There are three reports (two by the same group) that oligomers of 1-decene (O1D) with six repeat units may have marginal CO2 viscosification. The majority of published work by other groups shows that O1D with six repeat units and higher are effective CO2 viscosifiers. In the past, we have demonstrated the effectiveness of an O1D in the displacement of brine by CO2 at a concentration of 1.5 wt%. The effectiveness is examined and identified by three different methods. In this work, we show that the same oligomer is effective at a low concentration of 0.6 wt%. The oligomer slows the breakthrough by 1.6 times and improves the brine production by 34% in the horizontal orientation. X-ray CT imaging results reveal that such a large effect may be from the increase in the interfacial elasticity. We also show that there is no need for continuous injection of the oligomer. A slug of 0.3 PV injection (PVI) of vis-CO2 followed by neat CO2 injection has the same effectiveness as the continuous injection of the vis-CO2. In this work, we also demonstrate the effectiveness of a new engineered molecule at 0.3 wt% that may increase residual trapping by about 35%. The combination of mobility control and residual brine saturation reduction is expected to improve CO2 storage by effective viscosification with low concentrations of oligomers.
Experimental Study on the Effect of Rock Mechanical Properties and Fracture Morphology Features on Lost Circulation
Authors: Shen Qihang , Liu Jian , Li Zaoyuan , Huang Sheng , Wu Xuning , Sun Jinfei , Su Donghua , Li Jin
Published: May 2024

At present, lost circulation remains a complicated drilling problem in fractured formations that needs to be addressed urgently. However, the influence of actual rock mechanical properties (RMP) and fracture morphological features (FMF) on lost circulation is easily ignored in the current research on leakage mechanism and evaluation, which may lead to deviation from the analysis results, thus affecting the success rate of plugging treatments. Therefore, the complicated effects have been investigated using the improved plugging experimental instruments in this paper. The results indicate that both RMP and FMF have a prominent influence on the plugging and sealing effects of plugging slurries. This research suggests that the bridging and plugging capabilities of the slurry can be improved by increasing the type and amount of lost circulation materials (LCM). Moreover, depending on the fracture morphology difference, the same plugging slurry will have different plugging effects on the same width-size opening fracture channel. In addition, a novel evaluation method is developed to assess the effective sealing ability of plugging slurry against formation fractures, which has been successfully applied in the field. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first evaluation method that investigates simultaneously the mechanical properties of rocks and fracture characteristics of formations. The novel evaluation method incorporates the critical parameters of the lost circulation effect into the design of the plugging evaluation model. Thus, the proposed method can be used to quantitatively evaluate the plugging capability of the LCM and slurries and the loss capacity of the loss channels. However, the higher plugging coefficient (λ) of the slurry does not necessarily mean that the plugging slurry has a stronger plugging capacity (SP). Adopting the suitable fracture channel model can avoid overestimating or underestimating the plugging capability of the LCM slurries. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the formula design of the LCM slurry in combination with the geological engineering background. This perception has significant implications for the analysis of the lost circulation mechanisms and the optimization formula design of the plugging slurries.
Maternal immune activation and peripubertal stress synergistically produce reactive microglia and confine cerebellar cognitive function.
Authors: Ohtsuki Gen , Hikosaka Momoka , Parvez Md Sorwer Alam , Yamawaki Yuki , Oe Souichi , Liang Yuan , Wada Yayoi , Hirahara Yukie , Koike Taro , Imai Hirohiko , Oishi Naoya , Schalbetter Sina , Kumagai Asuka , Yoshida Mari , Sakurai Takeshi , Kitada Masaaki , Meyer Urs , Narumiya Shuh
Published: May 2024

The functional alteration of microglia emerges in the brains exposed to extrinsic stress insults during early development. Pathophysiological findings of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism implied a localized deficit of the cerebellum. However, the link between microglia reactivity and cerebellar dysfunction is missing. Here, we investigated the developmental immune environment of translational mouse models that combine two risk factors: maternal infection and repeated social defeat stress (i.e., 2HIT). We found synergy of inflammatory stress insults produced reactive microglia, specifically in the cerebellum in both sexes. The microglial proliferation correlated with the Purkinje neuron loss in 2HIT mice. Highly multiplexed imaging-mass-cytometry demonstrated a TREM2-positive population of stress-associated microglia in the cerebellum. Single-cell-proteomic clustering revealed IL-6- and TGFβ-signaling association with microglial cell transition. Purkinje cells reduced excitability, cerebellum-involved brain-wide functional dysconnectivity, and behavioral anomalies underpin the cerebellar cognitive dysfunctions in 2HIT animals, ameliorated by cerebellum-specific microglia replacement.
Determination of Trunk Neural Crest Cell Fate and Susceptibility to Splicing Perturbation by the DLC1-SF3B1-PHF5A Splicing Complex
Authors: Zheng Zhengfan , Guo Suisui , Rao Yanxia , Hui Man-Ning , Cheung May Pui Lai , Tam Hoi Yau , Wong Kelvin K. W. , Sharma Rakesh , Liu Jessica Aijia , Cheung Martin
Published: May 2024

Emerging evidence reveals the crucial role of ubiquitous splicing factors in neural crest (NC) development, which is highly susceptible to splicing dysregulation. How these factors integrate with the NC gene regulatory network (GRN) and contribute to the increased vulnerability of NC to splicing perturbations are not well understood. Here, we show that NC-specific DLC1, in association with the SF3B1-PHF5A splicing complex, are crucial for determining avian trunk NC cell fate by regulating the splicing of pre-mRNA for NC specifiers SOX9 and SNAI2 rather than their upstream regulators BMP4, WNT1, and PAX7 in the GRN. Mechanistically, SF3B1-PHF5A are associated with the branch point adenosine (BPA) of all the factors’ introns, while DLC1 binds specifically to the BPA at the introns of SOX9 and SNAI2, thereby determining the functional specificity of the SF3B1-PHF5A complex in NC specification. Moreover, DLC1 enhances the susceptibility of NC cells to the splicing modulator pladienolide B by reducing the binding capacity of the SF3B1-PHF5A splicing complex to the shorter length of both SOX9 intron 2 and SNAI2 intron 1, which have weaker polypyrimidine tract 3’ of the BPA, resulting in intron retention and loss of NC progenitors. Our data highlight the critical role of the DLC1-SF3B1-PHF5A splicing complex in determining trunk NC cell fate and conferring its increased susceptibility to splicing perturbation.
Universality of Anderson Localization Transitions in the Integer and Fractional Quantum Hall Regime
Authors: Bid Aveek , Kaur Simrandeep , Chanda Tanima , Amin Kazi , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Gorai Unmesh , Gefen Yuval , Sree G. J.
Published: May 2024

Understanding the interplay between electronic interactions and disorder-induced localization has been a longstanding quest in the physics of quantum materials. One of the most convincing demonstrations of the scaling theory of localization for noninteracting electrons has come from plateau transitions in the integer quantum Hall effect [1] with short-range disorder [2], wherein the localization length diverges as the critical filling factor is approached with a measured scaling exponent close to the theoretical estimates [3]. In this work, we extend this physics to the fractional quantum Hall effect [4], a paradigmatic phenomenon arising from a confluence of interaction, disorder, and topology. We employ high-mobility trilayer graphene devices where the transport is dominated by short-range impurity scattering, and the extent of Landau level mixing can be varied by a perpendicular electric field [5, 6]. Our principal finding is that the plateau-to-plateau transitions from N+1/3 to N+2/5 and from N+2/5 to N+3/7 fractional states are governed by a universal scaling exponent, which is identical to that for the integer plateau transitions and is independent of the perpendicular electric field. These observations and the values of the critical filling factors are consistent with a description in terms of Anderson localization-delocalization transitions [7] of weakly interacting electron-flux bound states called composite Fermions [8-10]. This points to a universal effective physics underlying fractional and integer plateau-to-plateau transitions independent of the quasiparticle statistics of the phases and unaffected by weak Landau level mixing. Besides clarifying the conditions for the realization of the scaling regime for composite fermions, the work opens the possibility of exploring a wide variety of plateau transitions realized in graphene, including the fractional anomalous Hall phases [11] and non-abelian FQH states [12].
Performance and Emission Test of Diesel Engine Using Algae Oil Diesel Blend as an Alternative Fuel
Authors: V NARESH
Published: May 2024

Increased urbanization and increase in population has led to an increased demand for fuels. The result is the prices of fuels are reaching new heights every day.The diesel engines has led to the emission of hazardous gases like Sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide, which can further led to problems like acid rain.These emissions can also affect human health and increase global warming which has led to the need for alternate fuels.Biodiesel is one of the alternatives which are being widely studied and its production from oil seeds is limited by crop land displacement.Production of biodiesel from algae is a promising option. The present work aims to focus on the performance of diesel engine with algae oil as fuel.The properties of algae oil blends with diesel are tested in a variable compression ratio engine (VCR engine) and its performance and emission characteristics are studied.
Antagonistic-contracting-enabled high-power-output, wide-spectrum photo-oscillator for multifunctional actuations
Authors: He Ximin , Zhao Yusen , Liu Zixiao , Shi Pengju , Chen Chi , Alsaid Yousif , Yan Yichen
Published: May 2024

High-power autonomous soft actuators are in high demand, yet face challenges related to tethered power and dedicated control. Light-driven oscillatory motion by stimuli-responsive polymers with remote energy input and control autonomy presents a new design paradigm, but generating high output power density is a daunting challenge, requiring a new material design principle. Herein, inspired by the flight-muscle structure of insects, we developed a self-oscillator based on two antagonistically-contracting photoactive layers sandwiching an inactive layer. The actuator can produce an output power density of 33W/kg, comparable to that of insects and 275-fold higher than other configurations. Such an oscillator allows for broad-wavelength operation and multifunction integration, including proprioceptive actuation and energy harvesting. We also demonstrated high-performance flapping motion enabling various locomotion modes, including sailboat, bi-directional walker, and flapping wing with a thrust-to-weight ratio of 0.32. This accomplishment represents a significant milestone in advancing autonomous, sustained, and untethered actuators for powerful robotics.
Cytokeratin expression and distribution pattern of epithelioid macrophages in granulomatous lesions of animals with different pathological forms of bovine paratuberculosis: cytokeratin as a biomarker of resilience.
Authors: León Alejandra Isabel Navarro , Muñoz Marta , Blanco-Vázquez Cristina , Iglesias Natalia , Iglesias Tania , Canive María , Badia-Bringué Gerard , Alonso-Hearn Marta , Balseiro Ana , Casais Rosa
Published: May 2024

A recent genome-wide association study identified 92 genetic variants in cattle with paratuberculosis (PTB)-associated multifocal lesions. Pathway analysis with the identified candidate genes revealed a significant enrichment of the keratinization (KRT) pathway in those animals. To confirm, at the protein level, this enrichment the number and distribution pattern of cytokeratin (CK)-expressing cells in granulomas of distal jejunum (DJE) and jejunal lymph nodes (JELN) of animals with different PTB-associated lesions (focal, multifocal and diffuse) and in control animals without lesions was determined by quantitative double-immunohistochemical analysis using Iba1 (ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1) and CK as specific markers of macrophages and epithelial cells, respectively.
Animals with multifocal lesions showed the highest numbers of double-Iba1/CK positive cells (epithelioid macrophages (EMs)) showing significant differences with focal, diffuse and control animals in JELN and higher numbers of single-CK expressing cells in JELN and DJE. Two distribution patterns of the EMs in the granulomas were observed. In focal and multifocal animals EMs were surrounding the granuloma forming a barrier crucial to control Map infection while in animals with diffuse lesions (with significantly higher infection scores) EMs were throughout all the extension of the granuloma. Multifocal animals might be resilient to the disease as they control the shift from subclinical to the clinical through formation of ordered granulomas where EMs have a relevant role preventing Map dissemination and maintaining tissue integrity. Since CK expression was enriched in cattle with multifocal lesions, it could be considered as a potential biomarker of PTB resilience.
Susceptibility of approved rice varieties in Punjab, Pakistan to Sitophilus oryzae L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and its impact on nutritional contents of rice grains
Authors: Rizwan Muhammad , Nasiba Ammara , Tahir Muhammad , Atta Bilal , Sabir Arshed Makhdoom , Sagheer Umair , Shahzadi Neelam , Sabar Muhammad , Banazeer Ansa , Afzal Muhammad Babar Shahzad , Ahmad Ammad , Awan Tahir Hussain
Published: May 2024

Rice is an important cereal crop commonly infested by stored grain insects, including Sitophilus oryzae L. This study evaluated the varietal resistance and nutritional composition of different rice varieties following infestation by S. oryzae. The research was carried out using completely randomized design (CRD) with 11 treatments (varieties) and 3 replications. The rice varieties PK 1121 Aromatic, Kissan Basmati, and KSK 434 were found to be more susceptible to S. oryzae, with the highest weight loss at 45 days following infestation. Infestation by S. oryzae decreased amylose and increased protein contents. The highest amylose contents were found in PK 386, KSK 133, and KS 282, whereas the highest protein contents were in PK 1121 Aromatic, Kissan Basmati, and Basmati 515. The faster larval development in S. oryzae occurs on Kissan Basmati, PK 1121 Aromatic and Punjab Basmati. The adult lifespan was longer on Kissan Basmati, PK 1121 Aromatic, and Punjab Basmati. The results indicate that the least affected rice varieties (KS 282, Basmati 515, Super Basmati, and PK 386) have potential to be included in integrated pest management program to control S. oryzae.
Association of Serum Vitamin D Levels with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients- Study from Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: John Meera Ann , Bhowal Rajarshi , Choudhury Biswadeep , Roy Joydeep , Patoa Simi , Pradhan Vandana , Gupta Tanushree Deb , Dasgupta Nivedita
Published: May 2024

Background-Vitamin D deficiency is on the rise and has been associated with many chronic and autoimmune diseases. The objective of this study is to determine the association of Vitamin D with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
Methodology- A case control study was done on 42 confirmed Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients attending Department of Dermatology and Venerology and Department of Medicine, at Silchar Medical College and Hospital and 50 age and gender matched healthy controls. All the samples were checked for ANA, dsDNA, ANCA by immunofluorescence and Vitamin D levels by radioimmunoassay.
Results- In the SLE cases group, mean Vitamin D levels were estimated to be 17.57 with a standard deviation of 4.51. The control group had mean of 52.23 with a standard deviation of 2.01. Paired test done between the Vitamin D levels in SLE cases and control groups, revealed a p value of <0.001 and was considered statistically significant. After supplementation with Vitamin D, the mean in the SLE cases group was 46.82 with a standard deviation of 14.65. Paired sample t test was done with the data obtained before and after supplementation of Vitamin D in the SLE cases group, and was found to be <0.001 and was considered statistically significant. Within the various types/patterns of ANA, there was no significant association as the p value obtained was 0.21 before supplementation and 0.09 after supplementation. Hence, it was considered statistically insignificant.
Conclusion-Vitamin D is statistically decreased in SLE patients as compared to healthy individuals. But there was no significant association of Vitamin D with the various ANA patterns among SLE patients.
CD44/PI3K/NF-κB/AHR is a Novel Signaling Pathway Mediating Breast Tumor Progression
Authors: Alateyah Nouralhuda , Hasan Arij Fouzat , Vranic semir , Ouhtit Allal
Published: May 2024

Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), present on cell surfaces, are involved in cell-to-cell and cell-extracellular adhesion. The hyaluronic acid (HA) receptor, CD44, is a CAM protein that is highly generally highly expressed in metastatic solid tumors, including breast cancer (BC), and correlates with poor prognosis. To increase our understanding of the underlying CD44-downstream signaling pathways involved in BC metastasis, we developed a tetracycline (tet)-off regulated expression of CD44s gene in BC cell line MCF-7 (B5 clone) and identified aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) as a potential CD44-downstream transcriptional target by microarray analysis. To validate this observation in vitro, RNA and protein lysates collected from human metastatic BC cell lines MDA-MB-231 (expressing high levels of CD44), were examined for both CD44 and its target AHR, in the presence of HA. Our results confirmed that CD44 activation by HA significantly increased the expression of AHR at HA activation of CD44 increased significantly the expression of AHR at both mRNA and protein levels. More interestingly, inhibition of CD44 gene by its siRNA decreased significantly AHR expression, and further inhibited BC cell migration/invasion. Interestingly, pharmacological approach using inhibitors of major known transduction signaling pathways revealed that CD44 activates the transcription of AHR at least via PI3K/ Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. These data support our hypothesis revealing AHR as a novel transcriptional target that underpin CD44-promoted BC cell invasion, via CD44/PI3K/AKT/ NF-κB/AHR novel signaling pathways.
YOLO-based lightweight traffic sign detection algorithm and Mobile deployment
Authors: Wu Yaqin , Hao Wangli , Niu Jianjun , Wang Hao
Published: May 2024

In response to the problems of large parameter quantity, poor real-time performance and low accuracy in small targets and complex background traffic sign detection, based on the self-made road traffic sign dataset, this paper proposes a lightweight traffic sign detection algorithm based on Yolo and implements mobile deployment. Firstly, Utilizing the C2f lightweight network architecture, we employ variable convolution and BiFPN_Concat operations to augment the adaptability of the backbone network towards geometric transformations across objects of varying sizes; Secondly, After the C2f layer in the backbone network, the SimAm attention mechanism is introduced to prioritize key features of small-sized targets and reduce model complexity, facilitating the development of a lightweight detection system; Next, the Focal EIoU loss function is integrated to adjust the weights of challenging samples, addressing the issue of sample imbalance during classification; Finally, using Android Studio platform, we accomplish the comprehensive interface design and functional implementation of the mobile app. The deployed mobile app achieves real-time and accurate detection of traffic signs under real-world road conditions, even in offline mode. The experiment also conducted a vertical comparison between the SimAm and EMA attention mechanisms at different network levels to determine the optimal level and position for embedding the attention mechanism. Additionally, the algorithm proposed was horizontally compared with mainstream algorithms, and the improved method was evaluated on a custom dataset. The obtained metrics, including F1 score, mAP@0.5, and mAP@0.5:0.95, are 0.8987, 98.8%, and 75.6% respectively. The detection speed achieves 50 FPS, meeting the requirements for real-time detection.
Hierarchical multi-label text classification model based on multi-scale gated-dilated convolution
Authors: Yu Wenxia , Xingrong Chen , Na Lin
Published: May 2024

This paper proposed a Hierarchical Multi-label Text Classification Model based on Multi-Scale Gated-Dilated Convolution (HiDilated) to address the issue of insufficient feature extraction in longer text data. The model emphasized the design of a three-layer one-dimensional dilated convolutional structure with a gating mechanism. By exponentially increasing the receptive field of the network, it effectively captured long-distance dependencies between words, fully extracting deeper textual semantic information, thereby enhancing understanding of complex textual structures and semantic content. Additionally, the model integrated multi-scale gated-dilated convolutions, multi-head self-attention mechanisms, and Bi-GRU into different positions within the feature extraction layer. A multi-granularity fusion module was designed to thoroughly extract both local key information and long-distance semantic information from the text. Moreover, considering the imbalanced distribution of labels with a hierarchical structure, the paper designed a focal balanced loss as the model's loss function. This loss function assigned appropriate weights to samples based on their classification difficulty, enabling the model to focus more on deeper, harder-to-classify labels during training. Experimental results demonstrated that the proposed model achieved higher classification accuracy than baseline models, and that each improved module contributed to enhancing the model's performance. These findings confirm the superiority and practicality of the HiDilated model.
Molecular Characterization of Root-Knot Nematodes Meloidogyne spp. Isolated from Cucumber Farms in Different Iraqi Regions
Authors: Abbas Mohammed R. , Saadedin² Shurook M.K. , Suleiman³ Ahmed A.
Published: May 2024

Worldwide, Meloidogyne spp. is a leading cause of agricultural disease. Due to the similarity in morphological features between various Meloidogyne spp., molecular techniques were used to identify their species. In this study, conducted in October 2022 and January 2023, genetic identification was undertaken on 61 samples collected from nine distinct regions of Iraq. PCR was used to amplify the part of the Meloidogyne spp. genome between the COI and 16S mtDNA genes. Afterward, M. incognita, M. hapla, M. javanica, M. enterolobii, and M. arenaria were genotyped using Sequence Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR-PCR), with decreasing prevalence rates, respectively. The data revealed that the 50 isolates of M. incognita were in the Shuan Kara region, which means they exhibited the highest percentage. Interestingly, M. arenaria was the least common species in all areas and was isolated from Ghanaia. Additionally, M. enterolobii's representation of other species led to the discovery of new ones in Iraq. The coexistence of more than two species within a single region has never been documented. The goal of this study is to use molecular detection to find out how different Meloidogyne species infect cucumber plants and how important it is to be able to spot infected regions.
A Software System for Planning Collision-Free Motion for Multi-Agent Systems Using Control Barrier Functions
Authors: SIRI Fidelia Chaitra , BAI Yang , SVININ Mikhail
Published: May 2024

The research concerning the control of multi-agent systems has grown rapidly over the past decade, attributed to their adaptiveness, efficiency, and robustness in dynamic environments. While multi-agent systems have a vast potential, safety, specifically obstacle avoidance, is indispensable when controlling such systems. In this paper, a control barrier function-based algorithm is employed to deal with obstacle avoidance problems. The computational load of the proposed algorithm remains constant even as the scale of multi-agent systems increases, making it highly compatible. Unlike conventional obstacle avoidance algorithms, the proposed algorithm guarantees a collision-free motion of agents. The feasibility of the proposed algorithm is verified under both simulations and experiments.
Outcomes of an integrated knowledge translation approach in five African countries: A mixed methods comparative case study
Authors: Sell Kerstin , Rehfuess Eva , Osuret Jimmy , Bayiga-Zziwa Esther , Geremew Bezinash , Pfadenhauer Lisa
Published: May 2024

Background: Integrated knowledge translation (IKT) aims to enhance evidence-informed decision-making in public health and healthcare by establishing continuous relationships between researchers and knowledge users, in particular decision-makers. The Collaboration for Evidence-based Healthcare and Public Health in Africa (CEBHA+) undertook research on non-communicable diseases in Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda. Alongside the research activities, we implemented an IKT approach, which entailed training and the development and implementation of site-specific IKT strategies. We evaluated these strategies according to a pre-defined programme theory.
Methods: Drawing on our published protocol (https://rdcu.be/dyfBP), we interviewed and surveyed CEBHA+ researchers and their decision-making counterparts during two project stages (3/2020-2/2021; 9/2022-5/2023) and collected IKT-related documents. Transcripts and documents were analysed using qualitative content analysis and surveys were analysed descriptively, with subsequent integration, cross-case analysis, and revision of the programme theory.
Results: A total of 36 researchers and 19 decision-makers participated in surveys, focus groups and/or interviews, and we collected 92 documents. Relationship-building, capacity-building, and collaborative research were the most proximal intervention outcomes: CEBHA+ researchers and their counterparts built mutual appreciation and partnerships, accessed contacts and networks, and expanded skills in conducting and using research and in IKT. The level of trust between partners varied. Intermediate outcomes were changes in attitudes and knowledge; beyond the conceptualisation in our initial programme theory, researchers substantially increased their understanding of the decision-making context and developed a vision for ‘research impact’. While it was challenging to evaluate distal outcomes, the IKT approach was linked to the production of research perceived as addressing local priorities and being highly applicable and contextualised; and some consideration of evidence among decision-makers. Unintended effects included high opportunity costs associated with undertaking IKT. An unanticipated outcome was the heightened interest of the research funder in policy engagement. Our updated programme theory constitutes a low-level theory for IKT.
Conclusion: Whilst this study faced many challenges common to the evaluation of knowledge translation interventions, it presents rich, theory-informed insights into IKT outcomes.
These are based on documented IKT activities and participants’ views, particularly in-depth insights of researchers’ experiences with implementing the CEBHA+ IKT approach.
Evaluation of Some Chemical and Biological Fungicides for Controlling Stem Canker on Apricot Trees Caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatum
Authors: karakuş yusuf , yiğit talip , Oksal Erçin , yıldız murat
Published: May 2024

Neoscytalidium dimidiatum (Penz.) Crous & Slippers has been causing significant damage to apricot trees in Turkey in recent years. This disease can lead to various problems in apricot trees, including dieback, the formation of cankers, necrosis in vascular tissues, gumming, and ultimately the death of the host. This study was conducted in 2021–2022 in the region with the highest apricot production in the world, Malatya, Türkiye. This research aims to develop a control strategy against N. dimidiatum, which poses a destructive threat to apricot trees. In the study, the effectiveness of 10 chemical and 2 biological fungicides was tested in vitro and under field conditions to manage N. dimidiatum. While the effectiveness of chemical fungicides was assessed both in vitro and under field conditions, the effectiveness of biological fungicides was tested only under field conditions. Given the absence of a study conducted under field conditions for the controlling of N. dimidiatum, this aspect of the research is groundbreaking. In vitro experiments were performed in three replicates for each of the chemical fungicides. In the conducted in vitro experiments, most of the tested chemical fungicides, except for metalaxyl-m + acibenzolar-s-methyl (10.46%), effectively inhibited the mycelial growth of N. dimidiatum. In terms of inhibiting the mycelial growth of N. dimidiatum, the most effective fungicides were ranked as follows: tebuconazole (100%), cyprodinil + fludioxonil (99.43%), azoxystrobin + difenoconazole (99.40%), and floupyram + tebuconazole (99.26%). Chemical fungicides that exhibited high efficacy under in vitro conditions also proved to be effective in field trials. Among these fungicides, azoxystrobin + difenoconazole, floupyram + tebuconazole, and tebuconazole were identified as the most effective fungicides both before and after artificial inoculation. Cyprodinil + fludioxonil showed high efficacy when applied before inoculation but was not effective when applied after inoculation. In contrast to the chemical fungicides, the commercial Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma harzianum Rifai KRL-AG2, which were exclusively examined in field studies, did not display significant effectiveness against N. dimidiatum.
Effects of dual histamine blockade on filgrastim induced bone pains in female cancer patients: single institutional analysis
Authors: Azam Noor ul Ain , Samad Fauzia Abdus , Khan Asif Riaz , Saif Faraz , Mushtaq Aalia
Published: May 2024

Purpose: Bone pain is the commonest side-effect faced by cancer patients receiving Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) therapy for the primary or secondary prevention of febrile neutropenia. We conducted a prospective quasi-experimental study at our setup to see the efficacy of dual histamine blockade (combined H1 and H2 blockers) for preventing G-CSF-induced bone pains. Methods: Adult female patients with solid tumors who had received Filgrastim for the primary prophylaxis of febrile neutropenia and met our inclusion criteria, were enrolled (n= 119). This population was analyzed for the development of significant bone pains 24 hours after the administration of Filgrastim. Significant bone pain in our study was defined as emergence of new onset pain measuring ≥4 on 11-point Numerical rating scale (NRS) or at least ≥ 2-point increase in score when compared to the baseline pain (if any). Those patients who experienced significant bone pains (n=47) were given Loratadine 10 mg and Famotidine 20 mg orally half an hour before the next Filgrastim administration. Pain assessment was done 24 hours after Filgrastim administration, using NRS and data was analyzed. Results: The mean NRS score in our patients after administration of Filgrastim was 6.87±1.055. Most of these patients (81%) experienced relief in bone pains after dual histamine blockade use. The mean NRS score after the use of dual antihistamine blockade was 4.36±1.870. The NRS score improved by a mean of 2.51 after using dual histamine blockade, which was statistically significant (p-value= 0.0005). Conclusion: We propose that dual antihistamine blockade may prove to be an effective option for prophylaxis of G-CSF-induced-bone-pains. Randomized control trials on larger and more diverse patient populations are required to reinforce the findings.
State of Charge Estimation of Li-Ion Batteries Based on Sage-Husa High-Degree Cubature Kalman Filter
Authors: Xu Daxing , Dong Zhengqi , Wang Hailun
Published: May 2024

Accurate estimation of the state of charge (SOC) is crucial for efficient energy management in Li-ion batteries. This paper addresses the challenge of SOC estimation in Li-ion batteries with unknown statistical characteristics of the noises in battery systems. Initially, a state space model for Li-ion batteries is established for identifying model parameters using online parameter identification method. Subsequently, a noise estimator is designed based on Sage-Husa to estimate the means and variances of the unknown noises. Additionally, an adaptive high-degree cubature Kalman filter is developed to achieve highly accurate SOC estimation. Finally, the effectiveness and high accuracy of the proposed algorithm are validated through several battery experiments.
Prolonged exposure to a public health event: the mediating role of resilience between social support and post-traumatic growth among frontline nurses
Authors: Zeng Dejian , Li Yan , Yang Caixia , Tang Dan , Yi Yanzhi , He Yanjun , Yang Mingyan
Published: May 2024

Background In the early days of December 2022, the Chinese government ended its restrictive quarantine measures (e.g. nationwide lockdown) against COVID-19, which started in December 2019. Three years of prolonged exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictive quarantine policy had a notable impact on the mental health of frontline nurses. Traumatic events can have negative effects on people as well as positive ones, such as post-traumatic growth (PTG). Studies have revealed that frontline nurses’ self-perceived quality of life had not changed significantly when the pandemic’s effects lessened. The Chinese model of fighting the pandemic provided a valuable opportunity for studying the effects of prolonged exposure traumatic events on PTG in individuals.
Objective This cross-sectional study attempted to investigate PTG and its relationship with social support and resilience among frontline nurses during COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods A sample of 378 frontline nurses from tertiary hospitals in China participated in this study. The study took place two weeks after the government announced the end of the quarantine policy in December 2022 in China. Participants’ PTG, resilience and social support were assessed using the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory, Social Support Rate Scale and 14-Item Resilience Scale, respectively. PROCESS Procedure Model 4 was employed to examine the mediating role of resilience between social support and PTG.
Results The results of mediating effect analysis showed that social support could significantly predict resilience (a = 0.752, SE = 0.079, P <0.001). Social support could significantly predict PTG (c’ = 0.366, SE = 0.103, P <0.001), and resilience could also significantly predict PTG (b = 0.226, SE = 0.060, P <0.001). Bootstrap test identified a significant mediating effect of resilience between social support and PTG (ab = 0.170, BootSE = 0.077, 95% CI [0.031, 0.330]). The mediating effect contributed 31.72% of the total effect ([a×b]/c=[0.752×0.226]/0.536=0.3172), indicating a partial mediating role of resilience between social support and PTG.
Conclusion Resilience partially mediated the relationship between social support and PTG among frontline nurses during COVID-19 pandemic. Improving social support and resilience might be effective intervention strategies for promoting PTG among frontline nurses during traumatic events.
Quality by Design Driven Development of Lipid Nanoparticles for Cutaneous Targeting: A Preliminary Approach
Authors: Patel Viral , Mehta Tejal , Shah Jigna , Soni Kinal
Published: May 2024

Clotrimazole (CTZ) is an imidazole derivative, widely preferred for the treatment of topical fungal infections. In the present investigation, CTZ loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) consisting of percirol ATO 5 and polysorbate 80 were successfully developed using high pressure homogenization and optimized with QbD approach to enhance skin penetration and improve its efficacy. The CTZ loaded SLNs were characterized according to average particle size (450 ± 3.45 nm) and PDI (-36.00 mV). The results were in concordance with FESEM images suggesting uniform size and shape. Further, the gelling agent carbopol with its pseudoplastic behavior showed a crucial role in forming homogenous and stable network for imbibing the CTZ-SLN dispersion for effective retention in skin. As examined, in-vitro drug release was sustained up to 24 h while ex-vivo skin retention and drug permeation studies showed the highest accumulation (56.85 ± 5.08 %) and lowest permeation (2.85 ± 0.12 %) with nanogel in comparison to pure drug and Candid® cream. Further, antifungal assessment of nanogel in experimental rats suggested once a day application for 10 days for complete eradication of fungal infection, supported by histopathological analysis. Additionally, the stability of CTZ-SLNs for 6 months at long term and accelerated conditions of storage was ascribed by stability studies. Henceforth, the above-mentioned findings suggest, nanogel loaded with CTZ-SLNs with effective skin retention could be a potential carrier for management of cutaneous fungal infections.
A multi-strategy sand cat swarm optimization to efficient resource allocation and scheduling in fog-cloud environment
Authors: Anka Ferzat
Published: May 2024

Real-time processing demands are also increasing significantly with the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart systems. At the same time, the volume of data generated, and computational workload are also increasing significantly. In this regard, fog-cloud architectures are proposed to alleviate the excessive load on cloud servers. However, since the resources of fog nodes and the virtual machines on them are limited, efficient management mechanisms are required. As the volume and amount of data increases, computational and processing costs increase, and delays are inevitable. However, these requirements need to be resolved to increase QoS and customer satisfaction. One of the most important criteria to achieve this goal is accurate and effective task allocation and scheduling. Since the scheduling is a type of NP-hard problem, the metaheuristic approach is used. In this study, an Enhanced variant of the Sand Cat Swarm Optimization algorithm (ESCSO) is proposed to efficient scheduling according to tasks priorities and a suitable fitness function based on completion (makespan) time, energy consumption and execution cost parameters is defined. In the proposed algorithm, global search ability and population diversity of the SCSO is improved based on the chaotic map. Also, its exploration and exploitation mechanisms are enhanced based on Brownian and Levy motion strategies. Besides, the control mechanism of the phases transition is redefined to increase balancing performance. The proposed method is compared with SCSO, Improved Artificial Hummingbird Algorithm (IAHA), Discrete Moth Flame Optimization (DMFO), Enhanced Particle Swarm Optimization (EPSO), Chaotic-Whale Optimization Algorithm (CWOA), Modified Harris-Hawks Optimization (MHHO), and Hybrid Artificial Ecosystem Optimization and Salp Swarm Algorithm (AEOSSA) algorithms and analyzed on the three parameters in two different scenarios. The obtained results present that the ESCSO algorithm outperform others in all cases.