bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life satisfaction, perceived social support of mothers of children with cerebral palsy, and motor function of their children
Authors: Fatudimu Margaret Bukola , Adegoke Oluwaseyifunmi Abimbola
Published: October 2024

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a leading cause of long-term disability in children worldwide where severe cases may require complete dependence on caregivers for mobility, self-care, and social participation. The demand for caregiving may negatively impact the level of life satisfaction of the caregivers, especially the mothers. This study was thus carried out to evaluate the level of life satisfaction of mothers of children with CP, its association with perceived social support, and the motor function of their children.

Method

The study involved 58 mothers of children with CP and their children. The level of life satisfaction, perceived social support, and socioeconomic status of the mothers were assessed using the satisfaction with life scale, the multidimensional scale of perceived social support, and the modified Kuppuswamy Socioeconomic Scale, respectively. The motor function of the children with CP was assessed using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS).

Result

About 38% of the mothers of children with cerebral palsy were fully satisfied with their lives. There was no significant association among the level of life satisfaction, perceived social support of mothers of children with CP, and the motor function of their children.

Conclusion

Six out of ten mothers of children with cerebral palsy are somewhat dissatisfied with life. It was recommended that measures to relieve factors leading to dissatisfaction with life should be put in place by national health policymakers.
Deep learning of echocardiography distinguishes between presence and absence of late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Akita Keitaro , Kusunose Kenya , Haga Akihiro , Shimomura Taisei , Kosaka Yoshitaka , Ishiyama Katsunori , Hasegawa Kohei , Fifer Michael A. , Maurer Mathew S. , Shimada Yuichi J.
Published: October 2024

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can cause myocardial fibrosis, which can be a substrate for fatal ventricular arrhythmias and subsequent sudden cardiac death. Although late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) represents myocardial fibrosis and is associated with sudden cardiac death in patients with HCM, CMR is resource-intensive, can carry an economic burden, and is sometimes contraindicated. In this study for patients with HCM, we aimed to distinguish between patients with positive and negative LGE on CMR using deep learning of echocardiographic images.

Methods

In the cross-sectional study of patients with HCM, we enrolled patients who underwent both echocardiography and CMR. The outcome was positive LGE on CMR. Among the 323 samples, we randomly selected 273 samples (training set) and employed deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) of echocardiographic 5-chamber view to discriminate positive LGE on CMR. We also developed a reference model using clinical parameters with significant differences between patients with positive and negative LGE. In the remaining 50 samples (test set), we compared the area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC) between a combined model using the reference model plus the DCNN-derived probability and the reference model.

Results

Among the 323 CMR studies, positive LGE was detected in 160 (50%). The reference model was constructed using the following 7 clinical parameters: family history of HCM, maximum left ventricular (LV) wall thickness, LV end-diastolic diameter, LV end-systolic volume, LV ejection fraction < 50%, left atrial diameter, and LV outflow tract pressure gradient at rest. The discriminant model combining the reference model with DCNN-derived probability significantly outperformed the reference model in the test set (AUC 0.86 [95% confidence interval 0.76–0.96] vs. 0.72 [0.57–0.86], P = 0.04). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the combined model were 0.84, 0.76, 0.78, and 0.83, respectively.

Conclusion

Compared to the reference model solely based on clinical parameters, our new model integrating the reference model and deep learning-based analysis of echocardiographic images demonstrated superiority in distinguishing LGE on CMR in patients with HCM. The novel deep learning-based method can be used as an assistive technology to facilitate the decision-making process of performing CMR with gadolinium enhancement.
Specificity in the commonalities of inhibition control: using meta-analysis and regression analysis to identify the key brain regions in psychiatric disorders
Authors: Wan Li , Pei Pingting , Zhang Qinghui , Gao Wenxiang
Published: October 2024

Background

The differential diagnosis of psychiatric disorders is relatively challenging for several reasons. In this context, we believe that task-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can serve as a tool for differential diagnosis. The aim of this study was to explore the commonalities in brain activities among individuals with psychiatric disorders and to identify the key brain regions that can distinguish between these disorders.

Methods

The PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar databases were searched for whole-brain functional MRI studies that compared psychiatric patients and normal controls. The psychiatric disorders included schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BD), major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive–compulsive disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Studies using go–nogo paradigms were selected, we then conducted activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis, factor analysis, and regression analysis on these studies subsequently.

Results

A total of 152 studies (108 with patients) were selected and a consistent pattern was found, that is, decreased activities in the same brain regions across six disorders. Factor analysis clustered six disorders into three pairs: SCZ and ASD, MDD and BD, and ADHD and BD. Furthermore, the heterogeneity of SCZ and ASD was located in the left and right thalamus; and the heterogeneity of MDD and BD was located in the thalamus, insula, and superior frontal gyrus.

Conclusion

The results can lead to a new classification method for psychiatric disorders, benefit the differential diagnosis at an early stage, and help to understand the biobasis of psychiatric disorders.
The Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Tocilizumab to Treat Graves’ Ophthalmopathy: A Systematic Review and Single-arm Meta-analysis
Authors: Sun Aimin , Wang Xing , Qu Jinfeng , Wu Yuan
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) tocilizumab (TCZ) in the treatment of Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO).

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted across the Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from inception to April 2024. Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies that used IV TCZ for treating GO were included.

Results

Twelve studies encompassing 219 patients with active, steroid-resistant GO were analyzed. The meta-analysis demonstrated significant improvements in Clinical Activity Score (CAS) response (effect size [ES] = 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93-1.00), proptosis response (ES = 0.50; 95% CI, 0.27-0.73), and diplopia response (ES = 0.48; 95% CI, 0.24-0.74). The ES for adverse events was 0.27 (95% CI, 0.22-0.33), with only 3 severe cases necessitating treatment discontinuation, and a low reactivation rate (ES = 0.01; 95% CI, 0.00-0.04). TCZ treatment led to a mean CAS reduction of 4.60 points (95% CI, 3.88-5.32) across 10 studies, a mean proptosis reduction of 2.04 mm (95% CI, 1.42-2.65) across 7 studies, and a mean decrease in TSH receptor antibodies levels of 10.62 IU (95% CI, 4.67-10.62) across 5 studies.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis provides robust evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of IV TCZ in patients with GO who are resistant to glucocorticoid therapy. The results highlight TCZ's comparable efficacy to glucocorticoids and suggest that TCZ could significantly expand clinical management options for GO. In the future, more high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials are still needed to confirm these findings.
Drosophila require both green and UV wavelengths for sun orientation but lack a time-compensated sun compass
Authors: Pae Haneal , Liao Jingzhu , Yuen Nicole , Giraldo Ysabel Milton
Published: October 2024

Celestial orientation and navigation are performed by many organisms in contexts as diverse as migration, nest finding and straight-line orientation. The vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster, performs menotaxis in response to celestial cues during tethered flight and can disperse more than 10 km under field conditions. However, we still do not understand how spectral components of celestial cues and pauses in flight impact heading direction in flies. To assess individual heading, we began by testing flies in a rotating tether arena using a single green LED as a stimulus. We found that flies robustly perform menotaxis and fly straight for at least 20 min. Flies maintain their preferred heading directions after experiencing a period of darkness or stopping flight, even up to 2 h, but reset their heading when the LED changes position, suggesting that flies do not treat this stimulus as the sun. Next, we assessed the flies' responses to a UV spot alone or a paired UV–green stimulus – two dots situated 180 deg apart to simulate the solar and antisolar hemispheres. We found that flies respond to UV much as they do to green light; however, when the stimuli are paired, flies adjust for sudden 90 deg movements, performing sun orientation. Lastly, we found no evidence of a time-compensated sun compass when we moved the paired stimuli at 15 deg h−1 for 6 h. This study demonstrates that wavelength influences how flies respond to visual cues during flight, shaping the interpretation of visual information to execute an appropriate behavioral response.
Staged Nipple Delay Procedure Expands Candidacy for Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
Authors: Wang Xuanji , Jackson Jordan , Weed Christina , Boyle Marissa K. , Amersi Farin F. , Mirocha James , Giuliano Armando E. , Chung Alice P.
Published: October 2024

Background

Nipple delay (ND) is a staged procedure that improves nipple-areolar complex (NAC) viability in nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) patients who are high-risk for NAC or skin-flap necrosis. This study compared postoperative outcomes and risk factors between patients treated with ND-NSM and NSM alone.

Methods

Patient demographics, risk factors for NAC or skin-flap necrosis, tumor characteristics, and operative outcomes were compared between ND-NSM and NSM groups from 2009 to 2023. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify significant variables associated with NAC or skin-flap necrosis.

Results

Overall, 71 ND-NSM patients and 537 NSM patients were compared. ND-NSM patients had larger breasts (p < 0.01), body mass index ≥ 30 (p = 0.01), prior breast/chest wall radiation (XRT) [p < 0.01], prior breast operations (p < 0.01), less axillary surgery (p < 0.01), more autologous tissue reconstruction over implant-based reconstruction compared with NSM patients (p = 0.02), and more prophylaxis (p < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between groups in regard to infection, skin-flap necrosis, NAC necrosis, seromas, and hematomas. No patients in the ND-NSM group had NAC necrosis and 1 patient had skin-flap necrosis, compared with 17 and 13 patients in the NSM group, respectively (p = 0.24). On univariate analysis, prior XRT was associated with increased risk for skin-flap necrosis (p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis showed XRT was associated with skin-flap necrosis (p = 0.02) and any necrosis (p = 0.01). Breast size was associated with NAC or skin-flap necrosis (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Larger breasts and XRT were risk factors for NAC or skin-flap necrosis; however, despite having more risk factors, ND-NSM patients had very low rates of necrosis. Notably, no nipples were lost. A shared decision should be made with patients regarding the risks and benefits of ND-NSM.
Comparative evaulation of condylar guidance obtained by digital panoramic radiographic images with that of obtained during jaw relation and try-in using two different interocclusal record material in completely edentulous patients: an in vivo study
Authors: Doshi Khushbu , Sathe Seema
Published: October 2024

Background In completely edentulous patients, maintaining the patient’s temporomandibular joint (TMJ) health and intraoral components is very essential, which can be achieved by an accurate interocclusal record, which can be taken by various materials and also at various stages. Simulation of the temporomandibular joint anatomy and mandibular movements is possible on a semi-adjustable articulator, which is widely used in prosthodontics. Transferring the record on articulator is a critical step in the fabrication of complete dentures, so it should be done precisely to reduce chair side time and also to avoid complications for patients. This study examines which material is more accurate and records which stage gives more precision by comparing the Condylar guidance on radiographs. This is because it is a relatively consistent bony landmark and can be used to correlate with clinical methods in terms of verification. The objective is to determine the inter occlusal records created during the Jaw Relation stage and Try-in using reinforced wax and Polyvinyl siloxane and compare these values to the condylar guidance obtained by orthopantomogram (OPG). Methods Recording the Condylar Guidance value on OPG by tracing the Glenoid fossa, Articular eminence, and the Frankfurt Horizontal Plane. Followed by conventional steps in making complete dentures at jaw relation and try-in stage. We will record values of condylar guidance with the two different Interocclusal record materials. Expected result It will help the clinicians to gain knowledge about obtaining precise condylar inclination angle by using suitable interocclusal record materials. Conclusions This study will help us to obtain condylar inclination, which in turn helps the patient’s satisfaction as it preserves the intraoral components and health of TMJ.
A validated and standardized pseudotyped microneutralization assay as a safe and powerful tool to measure LASSA virus neutralising antibodies for vaccine development and comparison
Authors: Antonelli Roberta , Forconi Vittoria , Molesti Eleonora , Semplici Claudia , Piu Pietro , Altamura Maria , Dapporto Francesca , Temperton Nigel , Montomoli Emanuele , Manenti Alessandro
Published: October 2024

Background Over the past few decades, World Health Organization (WHO) has made massive efforts to promote the development of a vaccine against Lassa virus (LASV), one of the top ten priority pathogens for research and development under the WHO R&D Blueprint for Emerging Infections. To date, several vaccines are at different stages of development. In this scenario, a validated and standardised assay to measure LASV neutralising antibodies is urgently needed for vaccine development and comparison. Methods The neutralisation assay remains the gold standard for determining antibody efficacy. Here we have proposed a safe and validated pseudotyped neutralisation assay for LASV, taking advantage of the development of the first WHO International Standard and Reference Panel for Anti-Lassa Fever (NIBSC code 21/332). Results and Conclusions The proposed results demonstrate that the pseudotyped luciferase neutralisation assay is a specific serological test for the measurement of LASV neutralising antibodies without cross-reacting with standard sera specific for heterologous viral infections. In addition, the assay is accurate, precise, and linear according to criteria and statistical analyses defined and accepted by international guidelines.
Physical activity level among pregnant women attending maternal healthcare services in rural Karnataka; findings of a cross-sectional study
Authors: Janakiraman Balamurugan , Ramachandran Arunachalam , Ravichandran Hariharasudhan , Shetty Kshama Susheel , Sidiq Mohammad , Chahal Aksh , Veeragoudhaman T.S. , Sridhar Sathvik B , Ramasamy Sanjeevi Ramya , Hirendra Rai Richa , Pawaria Sonia , Balasubramanian Karthick , Kashyap Neha , Reddy Vajrala Krishna , Alghadier Mshari
Published: October 2024

Background Regular exercise during pregnancy improves fetal and mother outcomes unless contraindicated. Despite being generally safe and beneficial, non-participation in prenatal activity is relatively common among most of the Asian countries due to multiple reasons. In India, findings related to maternal physical activity and its determinant are scant. Objective The objective of this study is to assess the physical activity level and associated factors among pregnant women attending maternal healthcare services in Dakshina Kannada District in India. Method A multi-center community-based cross-sectional study was conducted recruiting 424 pregnant women attending the maternal healthcare facilities at four taluks of Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka state, India. A structured questionnaire that collected information on socio-demographic, and maternal characteristics was used and the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire tool was used to determine the physical activity during pregnancy. Logistic regression model was used to determine the predictor variables. Results The prevalence of physical inactivity was 40.33%. Physical activity is favorable among pregnant women aged between 25 to 29 years, residing in an urban locality, diploma or graduation and being housewife. Determinants of physical inactivity during pregnancy were sedentary occupation (AOR 7.22, 95% CI 2.2, 23.4), low family income (AOR 3.16, 95% CI 1.414, 7.054), having one child (AOR 5.4, 95% CI 1.3, 22.2), during 2nd trimester (AOR 2.513, 95% CI 1.5, 4.23) and self-reported lack of time (AOR 2.884, 95% CI 1.410, 5.901). Conclusion and recommendation A moderate proportion of pregnant women reported physical inactivity during pregnancy in the Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka. Physical inactivity was associated with sedentary employment, low income, number of children, trimester, and time constraints. Measures should be undertaken to promote the importance of recommended levels of physical activity, enhance access, and support system targeting pregnant women.
Case Report: Acute hepatitis A virus infection presenting with direct antiglobulin test-negative autoimmune hemolytic anemia and α-thalassemia trait
Authors: Debbabi Habiba , Chakroun Eya , Hassine Hajer , Kchir Hela , Cherif Dhouha , Yacoub Haythem , Maamouri Nadia
Published: October 2024

Reports from the literature have discussed patients presenting Hepatitis A virus infection with hemolytic anemia, specifically with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. However, autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) has been rarely reported. We present a challenging case of Coombs-negative hemolytic anemia as initial manifestation of hepatitis A virus infection in a silent carrier of α-thalassemia.
The challenging reality of the clinical learning environment at Damascus University Faculty of Dental Medicine in Syria: A qualitative study
Authors: Alfakhry Ghaith , Mustafa Khattab , Jazayerli Bashar , Alhomsi Khaled , Jamous Issam
Published: October 2024

Introduction In Syria, specialist dentists undergo five years of undergraduate education and four years of postgraduate education. In the latter, students engage in treating complex cases as part of their professional training. This study aimed to obtain in-depth qualitative understanding of the clinical learning environment at Damascus University Faculty of Dental Medicine, Syria. Methods Semi-structured interviews were held with eight postgraduate dental students at Damascus University Faculty of Dental Medicine. The faculty has eight clinical departments; therefore, a single participant was purposively sampled from each department. The male-female ratio of the eight interviewed participants was 1:1. All interviews were conducted between 26th April 2020 and 8th January 2021. Data were analyzed inductively using reflective thematic analysis. Pragmatic saturation was discussed during the analysis and the authors made an interpretative judgement to stop data collection at the eighth interview. Results Major themes which emerged covered different aspects of the clinical learning environment such as clinical training, social interaction and assessment procedures. Faculty’s negligence of their teaching duties was one of the most recurrent themes. In clinical training and due to faculty inaccessibility, students had to rely on themselves or their senior peers in training. The social climate was perceived negatively and assessment was described as unfair and biased. Discussion The findings of this study were framed within Gruppen et al. (2019) theory of the learning environment wherein four dimensions emerge: the personal, the social, the organizational and the material. The findings of this study showcased the continuing deterioration of the clinical learning environment at Damascus University. It is hoped that these findings will encourage decision makers to introduce a comprehensive reform that addresses the curriculum, teaching practices and assessment procedures in clinical professional training.
Production management of the enterprise
Authors: Yakobson Zinaida , Baskakova Nadezhda , Simakov Dmitriy
Published: October 2024

The textbook consists of two volumes: volume 1: Fundamentals of production management and volume 2: Production management of the enterprise. Volume 1 examines the content and essence of production management, the production structure of the enterprise, the concept of development of the organization of production activities on the example of a large enterprise; the methodology of product quality management, including in the format of the international standard ISO 9000 using the "Just in time, on time" model at Toyota.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of higher educational institutions studying in the field of training "Production management".
Managerial economic analysis
Authors: Boronenkova Svetlana , Mel'nik Margarita , Chepulyanis Anton
Published: October 2024

Management analysis is a comprehensive tool for analyzing internal resources and external capabilities of an enterprise, aimed at assessing the current state of the business, its strengths and weaknesses, and identifying strategic problems. The textbook substantiates the theoretical, methodological and practical provisions of the modern concept of management analysis of economic entities. It will help you master the methods of analysis, teach you how to make analytical conclusions, expand the range of views on the process of making managerial decisions.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of higher educational institutions studying in the fields of 38.03.01 "Economics", 38.03.02 "Management" and in the specialties 38.04.01 "Economics", 38.04.02 "Management". It may be of interest to employees of financial services, financial managers of enterprises, as well as students of the system of training, certification and development of professional competencies of managers, auditors and business analysis specialists.
The history of the Russian Cossacks
Authors: Ternovaya Lyudmila
Published: October 2024

The textbook examines the pages of the history of the Russian Cossacks and some aspects of its modern existence, which, when put together, make it possible to see and understand the foundations of the cultural and historical identity of the Cossacks, to discover the origins of their geopolitical potential, to identify the features of the modern Cossack movement.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for students studying in the fields of 46.03.01 "History" and 46.04.01 "History", as well as for students and teachers of cadet corps, gymnasiums and classes with a Cossack component. The textbook materials can be useful to a wide range of readers interested in the traditions of the peoples and regions of Russia.
Domesticar lo salvaje: fuentes y representaciones de la animalia del Nuevo Mundo en las artes europeas de la Edad Moderna. El caso de los loros y los armadillos.
Authors: Quintanar Cabello Vanesa
Published: October 2024

Con la llegada a América, decenas de animales fueron traídos a Europa como alimento, pero sobre todo como mascotas exóticas. Su presencia en jardines y cámaras de maravillas pronto despertó la curiosidad de científicos y artistas, que incluyeron estas nuevas especies en sus libros y cuadros. En el caso de los artistas, su representación estuvo fuertemente condicionada por la presencia previa o no de especies de la misma familia. Para mostrar las diferencias en el tratamiento según el caso y la red de significados y usos otorgados en el arte a las distintas especies americanas, tomaremos los loros como ejemplo de una familia conocida desde la Antigüedad por los europeos y los armadillos como muestra de una familia desconocida en el Viejo Continente, centrándonos en la presencia de ambas familias en representaciones europeas de los siglos XVI y XVII.
El espacio sagrado en construcción: el estudio del caso de la Iglesia de San Juan Bautista de Foz do Douro.
Authors: Pereira Santos Marisa
Published: October 2024

Por lo general, los edificios religiosos se constituyen como realidades orgánicas donde el paso de los siglos se percibe tanto en su estructura arquitectónica como en su configuración urbana dentro de un territorio concreto. Unas transformaciones que, paulatinamente, se presentan desde la superposición de estructuras y la reutilización de materiales hasta el desgaste propio de la naturaleza o la propia actuación humana. Con estas premisas, el presente artículo pretende hacer un análisis del desarrollo arquitectónico de la iglesia parroquial de São João Batista da Foz do Douro, analizando aquellos cambios que fundamentan y configuran su actual conservación. Así, con este objetivo se muestra un trabajo que expone el estudio de las fuentes archivísticas como de las mismas huellas materiales que han llegado hasta nuestros días
Montres e devantures: las orfebrerías en Oporto y su relación con el espacio urbano.
Authors: Sousa Ana Cristina , Felícia Diana
Published: October 2024

Importadas de la moda francesa, las devantures permitieron transformar y renovar los establecimientos comerciales, adaptándolos a los nuevos gustos de los siglos XIX y XX. A pesar de su calidad estética, algunas de estas fachadas no resistieron al paso del tiempo, conservándose su memoria sólo en los dibujos que acompañaban a las licencias de obra y, en casos más concretos, en fotografías antiguas de los establecimientos que albergaban. Estas fuentes proporcionan información detallada sobre los materiales utilizados, así como sobre los responsables de los proyectos. A partir del estudio de las oficinas de orfebrería ubicadas en las calles de Flores y Santo António (31 de Janeiro) pretendemos con este artículo demostrar cómo estos elementos interactúan con el espacio urbano. Se analiza el diálogo que se genera entre la fachada artística y la propia calle, con el fin de captar la mirada del transeúnte y atraerla hacia el interior del establecimiento.
Understanding renal tubular acidosis
Authors: Wang Samuel Sherng Young , Tang Haoming , Ho Wen Qi Jane , Asif Sharen , Li Yi Xin , Ekladious Adel , Javaid Muhammad M
Published: October 2024

Renal tubular acidosis is a group of disorders characterised by metabolic acidosis, hyperchloraemia, normal anion gap, and potassium imbalance. Genetic mutations, drugs or acquired disorders disrupt the function of various transport proteins and enzymes in the renal tubules, causing diminished bicarbonate reabsorption or inability to excrete hydrogen ions, leading to proximal (type 2) and distal (type 1) renal tubular acidosis, respectively. These conditions are typically associated with hypokalaemia, which, if severe, can cause muscle paralysis and dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. A rare mixed variant (type 3), including features of both type 1 and type 2 renal tubular acidosis, has also been described. On the other hand, aldosterone deficiency or resistance leads to the hyperkalaemic form of renal tubular acidosis (type 4). If untreated, renal tubular acidosis can lead to long-term severe complications such as growth retardation, osteoporosis, rickets, osteomalacia, and renal calculi. Moreover, renal tubular acidosis might be the initial presentation of a more severe underlying pathology, such as autoimmune disease or plasma cell dyscrasias. A better understanding of the condition can help physicians diagnose and treat it early and prevent adverse outcomes.
APest-YOLO: A Multi-Scale Agricultural Pest Detection Model Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Fang Hao , Shi Binbin , Sun Yongpeng , Xiong Neal , Zhang Lijuan
Published: October 2024

Highlights

We propose a APest-YOLO model, an innovative agricultural pest detection model founded on a lightweight approach, thus improving the efficiency of pest detection while also reducing the model’s dimensions.

The model incorporates a novel grouping atrous spatial pyramid pooling fast module with four convolution layers to enhance multi-scale pest feature representation, aiming for improved detection accuracy. Additionally, it utilizes a convolutional block attention module to reduce noise and complexity in background images, facilitating the extraction of more refined and smoother pest features for accurate detection.

We conducted experiments on agricultural pest detection using a comprehensive multi-pest dataset. The APest-YOLO model surpasses existing detection models in terms of mAP0.5, mAP0.5:0.95.

Abstract. Crop pests and diseases pose a significant threat to smart agriculture, making pest detection a critical component in agricultural applications. However, current detection methods often struggle to effectively identify multi-scale pest data. In response, we present a novel agricultural pest detection model (APest-YOLO) based on a lightweight approach. The APest-YOLO model enhances pest detection efficiency while reducing model size, which is different from the baseline models. Our model features an original grouping atrous spatial pyramid pooling fast module, comprising four convolution layers with varying rates to capture multi-scale and multi-level pest characteristics. Additionally, we incorporate a convolutional block attention module to extract smoother features from pest images with noisy and complex backgrounds. We evaluated the APest-YOLO model on a large-scale multi-pest dataset encompassing 37 pest species. Furthermore, the APest-YOLO model achieved 99.3% mAP0.5 and found that it outperforms baseline models, demonstrating effective pest species detection capabilities. Keywords: Attention mechanism, Convolutional neural network, Intelligent agriculture, Pest detection, YOLO.
LFA-YOLO: Detection of Lychee Fruit Anthracnose Based on UAV Images and Deep Learning
Authors: Chen JiaSheng , Liu Mei , Li JingShun , Chen JiaXin
Published: October 2024

Highlights

Multi-path coordinated attention mechanism incorporating salient information is proposed.

LeanNet, a backbone network based on depth-separable convolution, is proposed.

Channel grouping multiscale fusion convolution is proposed and applied in C2f and detection head.

Deployed LFA-YOLO in edge devices for real-time applications.

Abstract. Anthracnose is a communicable agricultural disease with a high incidence and significant damage, posing as a major threat to litchi production. In this article, we propose a lightweight target detection method called LFA-YOLO to address the problem of leakage and misdetection in the detection of lychee fruit anthracnose due to the complexity of the agricultural environment. Our method incorporates a Multipath Coordinate Attention (MCA) mechanism into the YOLOv8 algorithm to mitigate detection errors caused by mutual occlusion between fruits. Additionally, in order to reduce the number of model parameters, we utilize the more efficient LeanNet to replace the backbone network of the baseline model. Moreover, we propose a more efficient channel grouping multi-scale fusion convolution (CGMF convolution) and apply it to the C2f module and decoupled detection head. Experimental results on the lychee fruit anthracnose (LFA) dataset demonstrate that the proposed LFA-YOLO model achieves a mAP50 of 88.61, with precision and recall rates of 90.18 and 82.77, respectively. Furthermore, the number of model parameters and floating-point operations (FLOPs) of the new method decreases to 61% and 48% of that of the baseline network, while the frames per second (FPS) improves to 90.3. Finally, we deploy the proposed LFA-YOLO on the NVIDIA Jetson Nano edge computing device to provide vision support for agricultural unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Keywords: Attention mechanism, Lychee fruit anthracnose, Object detection, YOLOv8.
Experimental Analysis of EDM Parameters on D2 Die Steel Using Nano-aluminum Composite Electrodes
Authors: Y. Justin Raj  , A. Bovas Herbert Bejaxhin  , R. Madhumitha  , A. S. Anitha  , Hitesh Gehani  , Aslam Abdullah  , V. Naveenprabhu
Published: October 2024

This paper presents an experimental study on the electrical discharge machining (EDM) of AISI D2 die steel using an Al-Ni composite electrode. The investigation focuses on the influence of input parameters like current, pulse duration, and pulse interval, on key output parameters such as material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate (TWR), and surface roughness (SR). EDM oil was employed as the dielectric fluid. Grey relational analysis (GRA) was utilized for designing and conducting the experiments using the Taguchi L9 method. The ANN model showed excellent predictive accuracy with a perfect correlation coefficient (R) of 1.00, indicating strong capability in forecasting MRR based on machining parameters. GRA further confirmed that higher current settings and longer pulse-off times effectively reduce tool wear, suggesting that the ANN model accurately reflects the conditions that minimize TWR. The ANN model achieved strong predictive accuracy for SR, with high correlation coefficients, although with slightly higher mean squared error (MSE) in testing.
Ultrafine GGBS and Fly Ash as Cement Replacement for Sustainable Concrete
Authors: Harshit Saxena  , Vikas Srivastava  , Ashish Kumar Yadav  , Ashok Kumar Tiwari
Published: October 2024

The construction industry is one of the major contributors to environmental degradation. Hence, it requires eco-friendly practices to make concrete more sustainable. This can be achieved by addition of mineral admixtures as a cement replacement. This process helps the environment in two ways: by reducing the carbon dioxide emission through cement replacement and by utilizing mineral admixtures such as fly ash, Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS), metakaolin, rice husk ash and silica fume, which are all industrial wastes or by-products. Hence, this approach lowers the greenhouse effect and global warming by reducing carbon dioxide emissions and prevents environmental contamination by utilizing industrial wastes.  This experimental study aims to find the perfect combination of mineral admixtures such as fly ash and ultrafine GGBS to maximize cement replacement in concrete without compromising its mechanical properties and achieving a more sustainable concrete for day-to-day practice. For this study, the fly ash percentage was maintained at 20% for all trials, with the ultrafine GGBS percentage varying from 15% to 30%.
Keywords: Sustainable Concrete; Ultrafine GGBS; Fly ash; Mineral Admixture.
A Critical Review on Polymer Composites Reinforced with Artificial Fibers using Fused Deposition Modelling
Authors: Anandha Moorthy Appusamy  , Senthil Kumar Laxmanan  , Madheswaran Subramaniyan  , Pon. Maheskumar  , K. Suresh Kumar  , R. Girimurugan
Published: October 2024

The practical application of Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology expands constantly in the automotive, aerospace, and biomedical sectors, among others. Additive manufacturing technology has been categorized by ASTM into seven groups according to the type of material and process used to fabricate the parts. Intellectual property rights of manufacturer restrict the users to process few materials in a machine. Nevertheless, compared to extrusion or injection molding, the mechanical strength and robustness of three dimensional (3D) printed items are significantly lower. First, some researchers have looked into optimizing process factors such build orientation, layer height, infill density, and air gap with the purpose of enhancing the mechanical properties. Secondly, altering the material with reinforcement improves mechanical properties compared with un-reinforced material. Fusion Deposition Modelling (FDM) technology based on 3D printer retains a market share of 40% globally. This article reviews the mechanical performance of FDM feed stock filament of thermo-plastic polymers ABS/PLA/PP with a reinforcement of CF/CNF/CNT/JFRT/CPT. The researchers reported improvements in mechanical characteristics such as strength, strain failure rate, and Young's modulus.
In Situ Synthesis of ZnCo2O4 and Pd@ZnCo2O4 Nanocomposites for Dye Degradation and Biological Applications
Authors: Supriya Gumma  , Puthalapattu Reddy Prasad  , Sandhya Punyasamudram  , Adikay Sreedevi  , Venkata Nagendra Kumar Putta  , Phani Raja Kanuparthy
Published: October 2024

In this study, ZnCo2O4 and Pd@ZnCo2O4 were synthesized through a novel phytochemical process using the leaf extract of Catharanthus roseus for photocatalytic and biological applications. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized through X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities of ZnCo2O4 and Pd@ZnCo2O4 (10 mg) were evaluated after 40 min of reaction by degrading brilliant blue dye (100 µg/mL solution), achieving 42% and 97% degradation, respectively. This green synthesis method for ZnCo2O4 and Pd@ZnCo2O4 proves to be an eco-friendly, modest, and effective approach for the photodegradation of brilliant blue dye in an aqueous medium. Additionally, the ZnCo2O4 and Pd@ZnCo2O4 catalysts were also tested for their antibacterial and antioxidant activities.
Studies on Alkaline Activator, Manufacturing Methods and Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer Concrete - A Review
Authors: M. Nanthini  , R. Ganesan  , V. Jaganathan
Published: October 2024

Continuous production of cement products, a new environmentally responsible geopolymer material, can reduce CO2 emissions from increased cement production. Compared to ordinary Portland cement (O.P.C.) geopolymer concrete, it has better mechanical strength and corrosion and fire resistance. Most industrial solid wastes and bottom ash from waste incineration are disposed of unevenly, which consumes land resources and negatively affects the ecosystem. The best alternative resource for the synthesis of geopolymer composites is recycling. Metals, pesticides, and other radioactive pollutants are successfully absorbed by geopolymer composites, which is very favorable for the ultimate development of civilization. Therefore, this review has examined essential material parameters, including new properties, compressive strength, flexural strength, elastic Modulus, compressive strength, and split-tensile strength applications. According to the previous experimental results, G.P.C. offered better fresh properties than conventional composites. This review revealed the geopolymerization process, the types of alkaline/alkali activators, synthesis techniques, sources of natural raw materials, and applications of geopolymer concrete. The present work discussed the conceptual framework for the sustainable production of geopolymer materials by evaluating the drawbacks, applications, and restrictions of geopolymer materials and their potential development.
Impact Loading on Polymer Nanocomposites - A Comprehensive Review
Authors: R. Suresh Kumar  , M. Yuvaperiyasamy  , R. Sathish  , P. K. Miniappan  , R. Premkumar  , P. Arivalagan
Published: October 2024

In recent days, the application of polymer nanocomposites (NC) has grown exponentially due to its varied applications and efficacy. However, it is also associated with various challenges and need of optimal solutions to address the same. Excellent properties in the area of high strain rate applications are usually addressed during fabrication of nanocomposites using graphene, nano fillers, nano clay and carbon nano tubes. Such NC offer good properties associated with thermal stability and unique desirable properties making them excellent replacements for conventional materials used so far. Their applications are found in defense, space and automobile sectors. Though NC have numerous positive characteristics, the reason behind their failure mechanism under loading conditions with static and dynamic is unanswered or not comprehensively clear. This article enumerates the collective review of the challenges and solutions addressed by various researchers. It includes techniques used for characterizing nanocomposites with respect to failure governing mechanism for both organic and inorganic NC.
An Investigation into the Impact of Nano-Additives on the Performance and Emission Levels of a Diesel Engine Fuelled by Nahar Biodiesel
Authors: R. Rohith Renish  , Selvam Amala Justus
Published: October 2024

Research on alternative fuels has been intense due to rising energy needs, fossil fuel depletion, rising fuel consumption rates, and the generation of toxic pollutants. The production of biodiesel included the use of nahar oil by acid esterification, followed by a trans-esterification process. 20% volume of nahar biodiesel blend (NME20) was blended with diesel considering it to be the optimized blend ratio. Nanoparticles such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) and aluminium oxide (Al2O3) were used to improve the properties of fuel. The additives were included into the biodiesel mix at concentrations of 25, 50, 75, and 100 parts per million (ppm), respectively. This research aims to evaluate the efficacy and ecological footprint of a diesel engine that utilises a blend of nahar biodiesel with the incorporation of nano additives. An experimental setup was implemented on a diesel engine with a single cylinder to assess its performance and emissions at various engine loads.  The tests demonstrated that the use of a biodiesel mix NME20 containing 100 ppm nano Al2O3, (NME20Al100), resulted in a significant increase of 12.48% in thermal efficiency when compared to the other fuels tested. The addition of Al2O3 to the NME20 with 100ppm also resulted with the reduction of 22.85%, 23.07% and 27.59% of CO, HC and smoke emissions, respectively. Despite the fact that NOx levels tend to rise when nano additions are used, SME20Al100 stands out as the best nano additive compared to SME20Ti100 because of its exceptional engine performance.
Incorporation of Nanoalumina in Potassium Feldspar-based Phosphoric Acid Activated Geopolymer Composites: A Sustainable Approach
Authors: M. Nanthini  , R. Ganesan  , V. Jaganathan
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the potential of potassium feldspar-phosphate-based geopolymer concrete as a sustainable replacement to traditional concrete, addressing the environmental concerns associated with CO2 emissions during cement production. While geopolymer concrete offers a promising path towards sustainability, its performance often falls short of Portland cement concrete. This study investigates the use of nanoalumina in improving the performance of geopolymer concrete. A ternary mix was formulated with potassium feldspar powder, metakaolin and rice husk ash, incorporating varying percentages of nanoalumina geopolymer concrete mixes. The mechanical characteristics of the resulting geopolymer composites were assessed through compressive and split tensile strength tests. The findings revealed that a 4% nanoalumina dosage (GC-N4) yielded the most significant improvement in strength and durability. The GC-N4 mix performed superior in all metrics, demonstrating the highest compressive (41.82 MPa) and split tensile (3.7 Mpa) strengths. Reduction in water absorption and durability aspects were also optimum in GC-N4. These results highlight the potential of incorporating nanoalumina into a ternary mix of potassium feldspar powder, metakaolin and rice husk ash to significantly enhance the overall performance of geopolymer concrete, promoting its wider adoption as a sustainable construction material.
Catholic Preaching on Jews and Judaism: The Challenge from Surveyed Good Friday Homilies
Authors: Mazza George J.
Published: October 2024

Abstract: To assess the reception in the American Catholic Church of the significant shift in Catholic doctrine on Jews and Judaism since the promulgation of Nostra Aetate at Vatican II, a study was conducted of a dataset of thirty-two Catholic Good Friday homilies from a sermons database that the Pew Research Center collected from the Internet in 2019. Relying on conciliar and post-conciliar Catholic teaching documents and using deductive qualitative content analysis, the survey analyzed the texts based on their treatment of six issues: (1) the Jewish identity of Jesus and his disciples, (2) respect for the Jewish people and their religious heritage, (3) the role Jews had in Jesus’ passion and death, (4) the reading from the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament, (5) the Pharisees, and (6) the gospel reading. The survey found that none of the homilies directly addressed the ahistorical, negative treatment of “the Jews” in John’s Gospel. None of the homilies commented on the Jewish identity of Jesus and his disciples. Only two homilies mentioned the Pharisees, one in a positive way and another in a negative way. As to respect for the Jewish people and their religious heritage, most homilists were silent on this matter, although some still trafficked in Jewish stereotypes, claiming, for example, that Jewish pride was evident at the crucifixion. As to Jewish responsibility for Jesus’ death, most homilists said that the sins of humanity brought Jesus to the cross, but some homilists still claimed that Jews were responsible for the crucifixion in direct contradiction to modern Church teaching. Of the homilists who referred to the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament, most read them in a typological way, not showing any concern for the texts in their historical context. As to the treatment of the Gospel of John, most homilists who commented on it showed little awareness of contemporary biblical scholarship, reading the text in a literalist way.