bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food and feeding habits of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) (Pisces: Clariidae) in the newly built Ribb Reservoir, north-west Ethiopia
Authors: Amare Dessie  , Minwyelet Mingist  , Dagnew Mequanent  , Degsera Aemro
Published: August 2024

The feeding habits of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) were studied in the newly constructed Ribb Reservoir in Ethiopia during the dry season (January-March) and wet season (June-August) of 2021. Out of 295 fish samples collected, 202 (68.4%) contained food in the gut. Zooplankton (24.4%), detritus (22.8%), macrophytes (16.2%), phytoplankton (14.8%) and insects (11.8%) were the main diets of C. gariepinus. Zooplankton (46.2%) and phytoplankton (31.1%) were predominant in the diet during the dry season, but during the wet season, detritus (42%), macrophytes (29.7%) and insects (29.5%) were the predominant food items. The frequency of occurrence and the volumetric contribution of diet items varied significantly (p<0.05) between seasons. Schoener’s Diet Overlap Index showed a slight ontogenetic shift in the diet of C. gariepinus between different size classes. Insects and nematodes were the main diets of smaller-size classes, while plankton, detritus and macrophytes were dominant in the higher-size classes. In general, C. gariepinus feeds on both plant and animal food and is considered omnivorous in the reservoir.
Keywords: Diet composition, Dietary shift, Ribb Reservoir, Volumetric contribution
ANÁLISE DE PRESCRIÇÕES MEDICAMENTOSAS PEDIÁTRICAS NA UNIDADE BÁSICA DE SAÚDE (UBS) ROSEIRA DE BAIXO EM JAGUARIÚNA-SP
Authors: BONIN Maria Carolina Bertolo , FERRE–SOUZA Viviane
Published: August 2024

O conhecimento da farmacocinética e farmacodinâmica dos medicamentos que serão administrados na população pediátrica é de suma importância, por demandarem de maiores cuidados de acordo com suas características ontogênicas e o baixo número de medicamentos registrados e testados com indicação para essa população, causando altos índices de intoxicação e efeitos adversos indesejáveis. O presente trabalho realizou a análise das prescrições e prontuários médicos no município de Jaguariúna-SP, na Unidade Básica de Saúde para avaliação das indicações medicamentosas conforme as queixas dos pacientes e/ou responsáveis e detecções clinicas. Pode-se concluir o uso indiscriminado de antibióticos, e em sua maioria dos suplementos vitamínicos e minerais. Demonstrando assim a importância da prescrição em conjunto ao farmacêutico para promoção da prescrição correta, corroborando para o uso racional dos medicamentos, visando a saúde da criança e do adolescente.
Study on the Influencing Factors of Land Desertification Degree in Xilingol Grassland
Authors: Liang Shuning , Diao Mingguang , Zhang Chuyan , Liu Tianze
Published: August 2024

The study focuses on the Xilingol grassland in Inner Mongolia, collecting climate, surface, and human-related data for various banners and counties in Xilingol League. Initially, the correlation coefficient method was used to select the nine indicator factors most closely related to the degree of land desertification. Then, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was utilized to rank the weights of these factors, constructing a system for evaluating the degree of land desertification, and an evaluation model was established using the comprehensive index method. This model introduced the land desertification evaluation index, dividing the degree of desertification into four levels, with highly and moderately desertified areas mainly distributed in the western part of Xilingol League, while moderately and mildly desertified areas mainly distributed in the eastern and southern regions. The study indicated that climatic factors are the primary factors affecting land desertification, followed by Humanistic and surface factors. Additionally, measures for preventing and controlling land desertification in different regions of the Xilingol Grassland were proposed, offering a scientific basis for formulating desertification prevention and control policies in the Xilingol League.
Estimation of Battery Life Cycle & Remaining using Machine Learning
Authors: Khurana Ashish , Singh O P
Published: August 2024

Accurately estimating the remaining useful life (RUL) and capacity of lithium-ion batteries essential for optimizing the performance, safety, and efficiency of various applications, including electric vehicles, portable electronics, and renewable energy systems. Traditional methods for predicting battery health often fall short due to the nonlinear and intricate degradation patterns of lithium-ion batteries. This research paper introduces an innovative machine learning-based approach to enhance the prediction accuracy of RUL and capacity for lithium-ion batteries. By leveraging comprehensive datasets from a custom-built battery prognostics testbed at the NASA Ames Prognostics Center of Excellence (PCoE), which includes real-time measurements of charge, discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy across different temperatures. This study aims to significantly improve battery health monitoring and prognostics
Effect of the balcony configuration on the pollution concentration entered to the buildings
Authors: Heidari Ali Akbar , Eskandari Hamid , Peyvastehgar Yaghub , Mansourian Elham
Published: August 2024

Various factors affect the pollutant entering the buildings. One of which is the buildings form and its various components configuration. In this regards, balconies are one of the external components of the buildings, which play a significant role in pollutant entry to the buildings. Until now, various researches have been investigated the role of balconies on the pollutant exposure in the street canyons. While, this issue has not been investigated in relation to indoor spaces so far. Based on, this research investigates the role of balcony configuration on the pollutant concentration inside the buildings. For this, 16 balcony forms in terms of geometry, depth, length, and parapet were simulated in CFD. The building is located near an urban highway (as a source of pollution). Introducing the best balcony configuration in which increases the inside ventilation and prevent the pollutant entering the building is one of this research goal. For this the TOPSIS method is used. In this research, NO₂ emissions have been investigated as one of the pollutant particles generated by vehicle traffic. The results show that the balcony with less spatial confinement significantly prevent the pollution entering the building and increase the indoor air quality (IAQ). This article can lead to a deeper understanding of the impact of buildings configuration specially balcony forms on the indoor air quality in the middle rise urban buildings.
Cellular Network Traffic Prediction with Hybrid Graph Convolutional Recurrent Network
Authors: Zhang Miaoru , Zhou Hao , Yu Ke , Wu Xiaofei
Published: August 2024

This paper addresses the challenges of exponentially growing traffic in cellular networks by proposing a novel predictive model, HGCRN, which combines static graph convolutional recurrent neural network and meta-graph learning. The model is designed to effectively capture the complex spatio-temporal dependencies in network traffic, enhancing prediction accuracy and operational efficiency. By constructing graph adjacency matrices that go beyond mere geographical proximity, HGCRN offers a deeper understanding of the dynamic interactions within the network. Tested on real-world datasets from Telecom Italia and China Mobile, the model demonstrates significant improvements over traditional and state-of-the-art methods in terms of predictive accuracy and reliability.
β'-COP Mediated Loading of PPARγ into Trophoblast-Derived Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Luo Xiaofang , Yin Biyang , Huang Biao , Cao Jinfeng , Wang Hao , Qi Hongbo
Published: August 2024

Fetal growth restriction is characterized by impaired fetal growth and dysregulated lipid metabolism. Extracellular vesicles have been proved playing a crucial role in transporting biomolecules from mother to fetus. However, the mechanisms underlying cargo sorting and loading into trophoblastic extracellular vesicles remain elusive. The focus of our study is to examine how the essential fatty acid regulator, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), is sorted and loaded into extracellular vesicles originating from trophoblasts. In this study, proteomic analysis was performed on placenta derived extracellular vesicles from normal and fetal growth restriction pregnancies. Interactions between PPARγ and COPI subunit were evaluated using co-immunoprecipitation and bioinformatics simulation. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to identify critical binding sites between β'-COP, a subunit of COPI, and PPARγ. lentivirus-mediated knockout and overexpression were employed to elucidate the role of β'-COP in PPARγ loading into extracellular vesicles. We have demonstrated that PPARγ protein levels were significantly decreased in fetal growth restriction placental extracellular vesicles. β'-COP subunit directly interacted with PPARγ in trophoblasts, mediating its sorting into early endosomes and multivesicular bodies for extracellular vesicle incorporation. Knockout of β'-COP impaired PPARγ loading into extracellular vesicles. Molecular dynamics simulations identified critical binding sites for β'-COP and PPARγ. Mutation of these sites significantly weakened the β'-COP-PPARγ interaction and reduced PPARγ levels in trophoblastic extracellular vesicles. In conclusion, β'-COP mediates sorting and loading of PPARγ into trophoblastic extracellular vesicles. This study provide insights into regulating extracellular vesicles cargo loading and potential strategies for targeted cargo delivery from maternal to fetus.
The Effect of Variable Humidity on Corrosion Fatigue of AA7085-T7451 with Surface Salt Deposits
Authors: Montiel Gabriella , Free Brandon , Marino Gabriella , Schindelholz Eric , Dorman Sarah Galyon , Locke Jenifer
Published: August 2024

Corrosion fatigue (CF) crack growth is quantified as a function of relative humidity (RH) using AA7085-T7451 samples with NaCl deposited to understand the effect of deliquesced surface electrolyte droplets on CF performance when humidity varies. Fracture mechanics testing holding mechanical driving forces for cracking constant and incrementally increasing humidity show that crack growth rate (da/dN) more than doubles once RH moves above 78–80% RH. When decreasing RH, some amount of drying below the efflorescence RH (ERH) and/or a sufficient time is needed to pass in order for da/dN to return to that expected for a dry crack tip. All in all, this study establishes time of crack tip wetness as an important parameter for predicting fatigue lifetimes in atmospheric conditions, a parameter that cannot be solely predicted by RH, as accelerated cracking can continue for a limited amount of time even when RH is brought below the ERH.
Decoding Perinatal Mental Health: Investigating Protective and Risk Factors and Predictive Insights for Aboriginal Perinatal Mental Health through Explainable Machine Learning
Authors: Wang Guanjin , Bennamoun Hachem , Kwok Wai Hang , Quimbayo Jenny Paola Ortega , Kelly Bridgette , Ratajczak Trish , Marriott Rhonda , Walker Roz , Kotz Jayne
Published: August 2024

Background
Perinatal mental health significantly affects mothers, infants, and families. Despite their resilience and strengths, Aboriginal mothers experience disproportionate physical and mental health disparities. These result from historical and ongoing impacts of colonization and the resultant complex trauma. Conventional approaches to perinatal care present many barriers for Aboriginal mothers who frequently feel disengaged, apprehensive and unsafe. Current score-based risk-screening practices that algorithmically drive referrals, further ingrain fears including culturally biased judgments and child removal. The Baby Coming You Ready (BCYR) model of care centred around a digitised, holistic, strengths-based assessment, was co-designed to address these barriers. The recent successful pilot demonstrated BCYR effectively replaced all current risk-based screens. However, many professionals disproportionately rely on psychological risk scores, overlooking the contextual circumstances of Aboriginal mothers, their cultural strengths and mitigating protective factors.
Methods
To address this singular reliance screening psychometrics whilst supporting strengthened culturally considered clinical assessment, we propose a culturally sensitive eXplainable AI (XAI) solution. It combines XAI with Aboriginal lived experience, knowledge and wisdom to generate a clinical prediction model to support professionals and Aboriginal mothers being screened. The XAI solution can identify, prioritise, and weigh both maternal protective strengths and risk factors, quantify their relative impacts on perinatal mental-health and well-being at both group and individual levels.
Results
Different machine learning algorithms, including Random Forest, K-nearest neighbour, and support vector machine, alongside glassbox Explainable Boosting Machine (EBM) models, were trained on the real life de-identified data generated during the BCYR pilot. Additionally, XAI techniques like SHAP and LIME are utilised for interpretability on black box models. Results show the EBM model demonstrates superior performance in prediction, with an accuracy of 0.849, F1 score of 0.771 and AUC of 0.821. Global explanations across the entire dataset and local explanations for individual cases, achieved through different methods, were compared and showed similar and stable results.
Conclusions
This study demonstrated the potential for this XAI solution to enhance professionals' capability in culturally responsive clinical reasoning in perinatal mental-health screening to improve experience and strengthen outcomes for Aboriginal women.
Prevalence of Salmonella and E. coli and associated risk factors in Camel and Bovine Meat slaughtered at Jigjiga Municipal Abattoir, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia.
Authors: Ahmed Mustafe , Abdilahi Mahamed , Bashir Bashir
Published: August 2024

A cross-sectional study involving microbiological analysis was conducted from March 2021 to August 2021 on 384 healthy slaughtered camels and bovines at the municipal abattoir of Jigjiga. Since there is no report on the status of Salmonella and E. coli, the study was conducted with the objectives, of isolating and identifying Salmonella and E. coli from raw meats of camels and bovines slaughtered at Jigjiga municipal abattoir and assessing possible related risk factors towards the pathogens. A total of 384 carcass meat and swab samples were collected, isolated, and examined for the presence of Salmonella and E. coli. From the total samples examined, 64 were found E. coli positive (16.7%) and 44 were found Salmonella positive with an overall prevalence of 11.5%. Out of the total 185 meat samples of camels, 31 were found positive for Salmonella and 32 were found positive for E. coli. From the total 199 meat samples of bovines, 13 were found positive for Salmonella and 32 were found positive for E. coli. In the univariable logistic regression analysis result, Salmonella revealed a statistically significant difference among different ages (OR (CI) = 2.36 (1.195–4.679); p-value = 0.013). The multivariable regression analysis showed there was no statistically significance difference between the two sex groups (OR (CI) = 2.01 (0.892–4.544); p = 0.092). In an univariable logistic regression analysis result, the odds of meat contamination in young aged animals, with E. coli were three times higher than in adult animals, showing a statistically significant difference (OR = 2.83 (1.567–5.095; p = 0.001). The prevalence of E. coli was higher in animals with poor body condition (31.9%), followed by medium (15.5%) and good body conditioned animals (1.8%). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the odds of contamination of samples with E. coli from poor body condition animals showed 22 times higher than samples taken from good condition (OR (CI) = 21.8 (5.022–95.059); p = 0.000). The present study showed the presence of a considerable proportion of Salmonella and E. coli in camel and bovine meat samples. Thus, intervention programs such as awareness creation are essential to minimize the risk associated with the consumption of camel and bovine raw meat with the possibility of contamination with Salmonella and E. coli. Furthermore, we recommended the use of standardized procedures in slaughtering and handling camel and bovine meat, the provision of training on best practices of handling meat for handlers and raising the level of awareness of people.
Metabolic activities of bioactive compounds on cellular models of hepatosteatosis and adipose tissue: the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs)
Authors: DIAB Farah , ZBEED Hawraa , ZEAITER Lama , BALDINI Francesca , PAGANO Aldo , MINICOZZI Velia , VERGANI Laura
Published: August 2024

Obesity is associated with fatty liver disease. Available therapies show modest efficacy, and nutraceuticals with good effectiveness and safety are largely investigated. We focused on five natural compounds, three plant phenolic compounds (carvacrol, rosmarinic acid, silybin), and two thyroid hormones to compare their beneficial effects on two cellular models of hepatosteatosis and adipogenesis. All compounds ameliorated the lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in both models, but with different potencies. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are pivotal controllers of adipogenesis and lipid metabolism. For the main isoforms, PPARγ and PPARa, we assessed their possible binding to the compounds by molecular docking calculations, and their expression pattern by real-time PCR. All compounds bind both PPARs with different affinity, while not all compounds affect their expression. The results may clarify the distinctive molecular mechanisms underlying the action of the five compounds in the different cell models with possible applications to treat obesity.
Does Social Participation Help Reduce Health Inequalities Among the Elderly? Evidence from CHARLS Data
Authors: Li Jie , Wang Hongxi , Huang Qianling , Lin Xin , Huang Yaoyao , Zeng Zhi
Published: August 2024

Background: In the context of active aging, social participation of older adults has received widespread attention. Previous research has demonstrated the health-promoting effects of social participation. However, health inequalities in older adults related to social participation require further research. This study examined whether social participation helps to reduce health inequalities in older adults and explored how best to improve health inequalities in older adults in terms of the multiple factors that influence their social participation.
Methods:This study used the data of the elderly over the age of 60 from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2013,2015, and2018 to explore health inequalities related to social participation among older adults. By measuring health inequalities among older adults with concentration index and decomposing the concentration index we explored the impact of socio-demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, intergenerational support from children and disability on health inequalities related to social participation.
Results: We found that social participation not only promotes the health level of older adults, but also effectively reduces the level of health inequalities among older adults. At present, there are health inequalities in Chinese older population that favor those with higher levels of social participation. Health inequalities related to work status had little change over time, while those related to social interaction levels are gradually improving. The role of work status and level of socialization on health inequalities is influenced by socio-demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, intergenerational support, initial health status and other factors.
Conclusion: By analyzing the results of the study, we concluded that social participation helps to reduce health inequalities. Older adults should be encouraged to be more involved in social work at a younger age and more involved in social activities at an older age. Male older adults should be more involved in social activities, and society should pay more attention to the labor and employment security of women and elderly people with low education. contributing to the reduction of health inequalities. Policies should tend to promote higher level of socialization among the older adults in the central and western parts of the China. Families should be more encouraged to adopt older adults’ participation in intergenerational care.
Trends in Tuberculosis Mortality among the Elderly in China, 2004-2021: A Jointpoint Regression and Age-Period-Cohort Analysis
Authors: Zhang Meng-di , Wang Xin , Xiao Yi-ran , Wang Qi-qi , Huang Fei , Ren Xiang , Guo Xiao-min , Sun Wen-shan , Deng Jin-qi , Jiang Qi , Liu Jian-jun , Zheng Wen-jing , Yao Hong-yan
Published: August 2024

Background
Tuberculosis (TB) has long placed a heavy burden on society and healthcare systems in China and worldwide. With the aging of population, TB in the elderly is becoming a significant public health concern. This study examined secular trends in TB mortality among the elderly in China and the net effects of age, period, and cohort.
Methods
The data were obtained from the National Disease Surveillance Points (DSPs) system. The joinpoint regression model was used to calculate the annual percentage change in TB mortality among people aged 60 years and over in China from 2004 to 2021. The age-period-cohort (APC) analysis based on the intrinsic estimator (IE) method was utilized to estimate the independent effects of age, period and cohort.
Results
The age-standardized mortality rate of TB was 5.68 per 100,000, with higher rates for males than for females, in rural areas than in urban areas, and in western than in central and eastern regions. TB mortality among the elderly in China showed a continuous downward trend in different demographic groups from 2004 to 2021, with a slower rate of decline in recent years. The APC analysis model showed that TB mortality among the elderly in China increased with age, with the RR increasing from 0.57 in the 60–64 age group to 1.53 in the 80–84 age group. The period effect on TB mortality among the elderly in China continuously decreased from 2007 to 2021. Stratified results showed that the risk effect was higher in rural areas (RR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.47–1.54) than in urban areas (RR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.08–1.25) for the period 2007–2011 and higher in urban areas (RR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.75–0.88) than in rural areas (RR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.71–0.75) for the period 2017–2021. The cohort effect on TB mortality presented a continuously decreasing trend, with the exception of certain demographic groups that tended to increase in the 1952–1956 and 1957–1961 birth cohorts.
Conclusions
TB mortality among the elderly continued to decline in China from 2004 to 2021, although the rate of decline had slowed in recent years. There were differences in age, period and cohort effects on TB mortality among gender, urban and rural areas and regions. This study revealed the temporal trend of TB mortality among the elderly in China and provided clues for etiologic studies, which in turn can help develop effective intervention strategies.
Anisotropy of radiation-induced defects in Yb-implanted β-Ga2O3
Authors: Ratajczak Renata , Sarwar Mahwish , Kalita Damian , Jozwik Przemysław , Mieszczynski Cyprian , Matulewicz Joanna , Wilczopolska Magdalena , Wozniak Wojciech , Kentsch Ulrich , Heller Rene , Guziewicz Elzbieta
Published: August 2024

RE-doped β-Ga2O3 seems attractive for future high-power LEDs operating in high irradiation environments. In this work, we pay special attention to the issue of radiation-induced defect anisotropy in β-Ga2O3, which is crucial for device manufacturing. Using the RBS/c technique, we have carefully studied the structural changes caused by implantation and post-implantation annealing in two of the most commonly used crystallographic orientations of β-Ga2O3, namely the (-201) and (010). The analysis was supported by advanced computer simulations using the McChasy code. Our studies reveal a strong dependence of the structural damage induced by Yb-ion implantation on the crystal orientation, with a significantly higher level of extended defects observed in the (-201) direction than for the (010). In contrast, the concentration and behavior of simple defects seem similar for both oriented crystals, although their evolution suggests the coexistence of two different types of defects in the implanted zone with their different sensitivity to both, radiation and annealing. It has also been found that Yb ions mostly occupy the interstitial positions in β-Ga2O3 crystals that remain unchanged after annealing. The location is independent of the crystal orientations. We believe that these studies noticeably extend the knowledge of the radiation-induced defect structure, because they dispel doubts about the differences in the damage level depending on crystal orientation, and are important for further practical applications.
Development of Anti-Malware System for Android Applications
Authors: Saeed Ahmed M. , Salem Sameh A. , Habashy Shahira M. , Hassan Hadeer A.
Published: August 2024

The huge popularity of mobile applications based on Android has led to a rise in malicious software development and distribution which is intended to target and compromise the android mobile devices. Consequently, this paper introduces a new detection system for identifying malicious behavior in Android applications, which consists of three main phases. The first phase employs mRMR (Minimum Redundancy Maximum Relevance) methods for feature selection, aiming to seek and determine the most efficient and effective subset of features from the overall feature space. This process involves utilizing multiple mRMR algorithms to recognize the most relevant features related to the target class while addressing any redundancy among the selected features. In the second phase, vector quantization is utilized to create a codebook vector. This codebook vector compresses the training subset samples from the dataset by incorporating the most effective features identified in phase one. Two codebook vectors are used in this phase: one representing the benign samples and the other representing the malware samples. Finally, in the third phase, the Attribute-Biased Classifier (ABC) is utilized for the classification task. This classifier takes the codebook vectors generated in the previous phases as input and accurately identifies the Android applications under test. Furthermore, a real-world dataset including both malicious and benign (non-malicious) Android applications is used to train and test the proposed system. The results show that the system is highly effective, robust, and efficient in distinguishing between malicious and benign applications, achieving an impressive accuracy of 98.8%. Additionally, it attained an AUC of 98.8% and F1-score of 98.8% and required only 𝟑×𝟏𝟎−𝟓 seconds per Android sample for testing. Additionally, the new detection system is compared with existing algorithms, demonstrating superior results in both accuracy and F1-score.
Garbage FusionNet: A deep learning framework combining ResNet and Vision Transformer for waste classification
Authors: Wang Zhaoqi , Zhou Wenxue , Li Yanmei
Published: August 2024

As global attention to environmental protection and sustainable resource utilization continues to rise, waste classification has emerged as a crucial issue that urgently needs to be addressed in the context of social development. Proper waste sorting not only helps reduce environmental pollution but also significantly enhances resource recycling rates, playing a vital role in promoting green and sustainable development. Compared to traditional manual waste sorting methods, deep learning-based waste classification systems offer remarkable advantages. This paper proposes an innovative deep learning framework named Garbage FusionNet (GFN) to tackle the waste classification problem. GFN significantly improves the classification performance by combining the local feature extraction capabilities of ResNet with the global information capturing abilities of Vision Transformer (ViT). GFN outperforms existing benchmark models on a ten-category waste classification dataset comprising 23,642 images. Experimental results demonstrate that GFN achieves superior performance on key metrics such as accuracy, weighted precision, weighted recall, and weighted F1-score. Specifically, GFN achieves an accuracy of 96.54%, surpassing standalone ResNet50 and ViT models by 1.09 and 4.18 percentage points, respectively. GFN offers an efficient and reliable solution for waste classification, highlighting the potential of deep learning in environmental protection.
Enhancing Multi-View Stereo Reconstruction with High Receptive Field Convolution
Authors: Eum Seungho , Park Unsang
Published: August 2024

Recently, the 3D reconstruction problem based on deep learning is one of the most important topics in computer vision. Most models use CNN-based filters to extract features utilizing local contextual information. In this paper, to improve the performance of Probability Volume, we propose to add global contextual information by Atrous Spatial Pyramid Pooling Block to the 2D Feature Extractor and 3D-ASPP Block after 3D-Regression of Cost Volume. Experimental results on DTU benchmark dataset shows performance improvement of the proposed method without increased overhead in memory usage. In addition, the proposed model shows a faster training convergence speed.
Milli-spinner thrombectomy
Authors: Zhao Ruike Renee , Chang Yilong , Li Qi , Wu Shuai , Pulli Benjamin , Salmi Darren , Yock Paul , Heit Jeremy
Published: August 2024

Blockage of blood flow in arteries or veins by blood clots can lead to serious medical conditions. Mechanical thrombectomy (MT), minimally invasive endovascular procedures that utilize aspiration, stent retriever, or cutting mechanisms for clot removal have emerged as an effective treatment modality for ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and peripheral vascular disease. However, state-of-the-art MT technologies still fail to remove clots in approximately 10% to 30% of patients, especially when treating large-size clots with high fibrin content. In addition, the working mechanism of most current MT techniques results in rupturing or cutting of clots which could lead to clot fragmentation and distal emboli. Here, we report a new MT technology based on an unprecedented mechanism, in which a milli-spinner mechanically debulks the clot by densifying its fibrin fiber network and discharging red blood cells (RBCs) to significantly reduce the clot volume and facilitate complete clot removal. This mechanism is achieved by the spin-induced compression and shearing of the clot. With the computational fluid dynamics guided structural design of the milli-spinner, we demonstrate its effective clot-debulking performance with clot volumetric reduction of up to 90% on various sizes of clots and on diverse clot compositions ranging from RBC-rich soft clots to fibrin-rich tough clots. Milli-spinner MT in both in-vitro pulmonary and cerebral artery flow models and in-vivo swine models demonstrate high-fidelity revascularization. The milli-spinner MT is the first reported mechanism that directly modifies the clot microstructure to facilitate clot removal, which also results in markedly improved MT efficacy compared to the existing MT mechanisms that are based on clot rupturing and cutting. This technology introduces a unique mechanical way of debulking and removing clots for future MT device development, especially for treatment of ischemic stroke, pulmonary emboli, and peripheral thrombosis.
Measuring acoustic velocity map in turbulent flow using sub-Nyquist-rate PIV system
Authors: Rampnoux Simon , Ramadan Islam , Moreau Solène , Tahar Mabrouk Ben
Published: August 2024

The present study provides an experimental method for measuring acoustic velocity components (amplitude and spatial phase shift) in the presence of turbulent flows using either low-frequency Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) or Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV). The approach leverages Compressed Sensing (CS) principles to overcome the limitations of classical PIV techniques, such as the need for a reference signal for synchronization, large data size, and long measurement duration. Theoretical aspects of CS for extracting acoustic components from PIV and LDV measurements are discussed. The proposed method is applied to both PIV and LDV systems, and the results are compared with microphone measurements. The results show the ability of the proposed experimental method to accurately measure acoustic velocity components at different frequencies and sound pressure levels in the presence of turbulent flow. The presented experimental method offers several advantages, including reduced data size, no need for phase-locking measurements, and reduced measurement duration. The actual limitation is the need for a low noise-to-signal ratio (NSR). The effects of high NSR can be mitigated by increasing acquisition time in some cases. The non-intrusive nature of the method makes it valuable for aeroacoustic research. Ongoing research focuses on applying the method to higher-order duct modes and investigating its potential for modal decomposition using optical techniques.
More extreme summertime North Atlantic Oscillation under climate change
Authors: Liu Quan , Bader Jürgen , Jungclaus Johann , Matei Daniela
Published: August 2024

Extreme states of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) in summer can lead to severe weather events such as heatwaves and floods in Europe. But how the summer NAO extremes evolve in response to climate change remains unexplored. Here we show that the statistical distribution of summer NAO index grows wider with increasing global warming in large ensembles of climate change simulations as well as reanalysis data. The amplified internal variability by global warming leads to a higher probability of internally generated summer NAO extremes --- for both positive and negative phases --- accompanied by an amplification of their impacts on surface temperature over northwestern Europe. This study highlights that global warming may counteract our predictive skill for the summer NAO by amplifying its internal variability, and thus exacerbate risks of the associated severe weather events in Europe.
Implementation and preliminary results of the first vertical stabilization control system for HL-2M
Authors: Liu Panle , Li Bo , Zheng Xue , Chen Xiang , Li Qiang , Ji Xiaoquan , Zhang Junzhao , Chen Yihang , Zhou Jian , Ma Rui , Huang Zhongmin
Published: August 2024

Achieving advanced divertor configurations and high-confinement operating regimes is crucial for mitigating divertor heat loads and exploring enhanced confinement physics in the HL-2M tokamak. However, these scenarios with highly elongated plasmas face severe Vertical Displacement Events (VDEs) that can lead to rapid plasma termination and potential device damage. Robust active control of vertical instability is therefore essential. As HL-2M lacks internal control coils, we developed two sets of vertical stabilization (VS) control systems, each employing a pair of external poloidal field (PF) coils, PF main power supplies, and VS power supplies. This paper details the first vertical stabilization (VS1) control system's circuit diagram, hardware architecture, and software implementation, and discusses issues encountered during commissioning and their solutions. By improving the internal hardware of the VS power supply, the voltage rise time was reduced to approximately 30 microseconds, resolving branch current imbalances. The transmission delay of the control signals is approximately 38 µs. Preliminary plasma experiments demonstrated effective vertical displacement control with the VS1 control system, achieving a maximum plasma elongation of 1.73 and typical control accuracy of ~ 20 mm. This work lays the foundation for robust control under high-parameter operational scenarios and the design and implementation of the higher-power VS2 control system.
Pathway-specific emissions and dissolved CH­4 pool in the soil across 22 rice varieties
Authors: Kajiura Masako , Saito Takeru , Ma Xuping , Nishiwaki Junko , Tokida Takeshi
Published: August 2024

Methane (CH4) produced in rice paddy soil is transported to the atmosphere mostly via the rice plants or by bubbling events (ebullition) with the former believed to be the dominant pathway. However, recent studies have shown that ebullitions occurred more significantly than previously thought in a rice field planted with the popular Japanese inbred variety ‘Koshihikari’. It remains unclear if the substantial contribution of ebullition is unique to this specific variety, as no previous reports have compared plant-derived and bubbling flux separately among various varieties. Therefore, we planted 22 genetically diverse rice varieties and measured plant-mediated and bubbling fluxes at three different growth stages. The results showed that plant-mediated and bubbling fluxes, as well as the bubbling contribution to total flux, differed among the varieties. Koshihikari ehxibited plant-mediated flux similar to or less than the other varieties at all measurement stages, whereas the bubbling flux and its contribution to total flux were larger, especially at the later stage. Plant-mediated flux showed no correlation to the dissolved CH4 concentration in soil water at the later stage, suggesting that factors controlling CH4 transport, rather than the pool size of CH4 in the soil, control this pathway. On the other hand, the increase in bubbling flux associated with plant maturity and its close correspondence with dissolved CH4 concentration indicated that bubbling flux was controlled by the size of CH4 pool in the soil, which likely increased with senescence and decay of rice roots. A low correspondence between panicle weight and CH4 emissions points to the potential for breeding ideal rice varieties that are high- yielding with low CH4 emissions.
Pyramidal neurons proportionately alter the identity and survival of specific cortical interneuron subtypes
Authors: Fishell Gord , Wu Sherry , Dai Min , Yang Shang-Po , McCann Cai , Qiu Yanjie , Marrero Giovanni , Stogsdill Jeffrey , Bella Daniela Di , Xu Qing , Farhi Samouil , Macosko Evan , Chen Fei
Published: August 2024

The mammalian cerebral cortex comprises a complex neuronal network that maintains a delicate balance between excitatory neurons and inhibitory interneurons. Previous studies, including our own research, have shown that specific interneuron subtypes are closely associated with particular pyramidal neuron types, forming stereotyped local inhibitory microcircuits. However, the developmental processes that establish these precise networks are not well understood. Here we show that pyramidal neuron types are instrumental in driving the terminal differentiation and maintaining the survival of specific associated interneuron subtypes. In a wild-type cortex, the relative abundance of different interneuron subtypes aligns precisely with the pyramidal neuron types to which they synaptically target. In Fezf2 mutant cortex, characterized by the absence of layer 5 pyramidal tract neurons and an expansion of layer 6 intratelencephalic neurons, we observed a corresponding decrease in associated layer 5b interneurons and an increase in layer 6 subtypes. Interestingly, these shifts in composition are achieved through mechanisms specific to different interneuron types. While SST interneurons adjust their abundance to the change in pyramidal neuron prevalence through the regulation of programmed cell death, parvalbumin interneurons alter their identity. These findings illustrate two key strategies by which the dynamic interplay between pyramidal neurons and interneurons allows local microcircuits to be sculpted precisely. These insights underscore the precise roles of extrinsic signals from pyramidal cells in the establishment of interneuron diversity and their subsequent integration into local cortical microcircuits.
Hydration of the lithospheric mantle above big mantle wedges indicated by sapphire deposits
Authors: Sun Wei-Dong
Published: August 2024

The deep water cycle is pivotal in shaping Earth’s habitable environments. A fundamental process of this cycle is upward migration of water from Earth’s deep interior. A significant inquiry concerns how water released from the deep mantle hydrates the lithosphere. Here we report hydrothermal experiments of the “phlogopite + H2O” system, showing that the incongruent dissolution of phlogopite in water produces sapphire (Al2O3) under lithospheric mantle P-T conditions. Our results suggest that sapphire can be leached from phlogopite in the lithospheric mantle by excess water, and subsequently transported to the surface by basaltic magmas. We propose that the magmatic sapphire deposits in eastern China, Southeastern Asia, and eastern Australia provide evidence of lithospheric mantle hydration. The water that leached the lithospheric mantle mainly originated from the mantle transition zone or subducted slabs, while in eastern Australia and Hainan Island, mantle plumes may also contribute. The occurrence of sapphire deposits indicates extensive hydration of lithospheric mantle in big mantle wedges.
A motivational account of achievement differences in mathematics using TIMSS data: an African focus
Authors: Olaguro Modiu
Published: August 2024

The article accounts for achievement differences of eighth graders in three African countries, Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa. Using data from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS, 2015), I found that African students struggle to attain the lowest international benchmark across the three countries. Consequently, efforts were made to explain this phenomenon primarily through the motivational factors of self-concept, interest, and usefulness of mathematics. Findings from single-level and multi-level analyses extended common findings especially the synergy between self-concept and achievement and the eroding gender gap. Interesting findings emanated from the multi-level analyses, especially the inverse relationship between achievement and interest of mathematics at the student and school levels respectively. Amidst the poor achievement of students on the continent, the article extends previous findings on the need for African countries to be more attentive to educating its young ones if it is to develop their untapped potential.
Makar Kenabian Dalam Al-Qur’an: Telaah Surat Al-Anbiya’ Ayat 57 Menurut Ibnu ‘Ashur
Authors: Ramadhan Ahnaf Gilang
Published: August 2024

Makar merupakan salah satu perbuatan yang berusaha dan merencakan sesuatu guna berbuat kerusakan atau kejahatan secara sembunyi sembunyi. Jika dilihat sekilas dari pengertian secara etimologi makar ini hanya berkonotasi pada hal negatif, namun pada hakikatnya jga mengandung makna yang positif, hal ini terlihat Ketika lafaz makar ini disandingkan dengan Allah sebagai subjeknya. Dan juga terjadi pada kisah Nabi Ibrahim dengan umatnya. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif dan termasuk ke dalam penelitian (library research).  kepustakaan yaitu pengambilan data dari buku buku yang sesuai. Hasil dari penelitian ini bahwa dalam tafsir tahrir wa tanwi>r kata makar yang memiliki makna mirip dengan kata Kayd dalam kisah nabi Ibrahim memiliki makna yang positif, yakni berusaha memperdayai umatnya dengan tujuan membuktikan kebenaran allah terhadap berhala yang selama ini mereka sembah tidak bisa berkendak apa apa.
DISTANCE EDUCATION IN UNDERGRADUATE PHYSIOTHERAPY PROGRAMS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Yaşa Mustafa Ertuğrul , Maden Tuba , Özkutlu Özge , Ün Yıldırım Necmiye , Bayramlar Kezban , Yakut Yavuz
Published: August 2024

Purpose: The use of distance education (DE) models and tools has become increasingly popular in health profession education, including physiotherapy (PT). However, there are few reviews focusing on DE in PT education, which could enable researchers to access comprehensive information, and reviews on various health profession groups often do not include physiotherapy studies. The aim of this study was to synthesize existing evidence and determine the effectiveness of DE systems in PT education.
Methods: This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, Web of Science, and ERIC were searched from inception to July 2020. The initial search resulted in 689 studies. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.
Results: In this systematic review, 25 studies which included 2129 physiotherapy undergraduate students (11 DE models / 14 e-systems) were found suitable for review. Generally, outcome measures were students' knowledge, satisfaction, and skill. In 16 of the studies, the level of knowledge was investigated, and it was found that the knowledge increased. In 38% of these studies, the increase in the knowledge level of traditional education and DE was similar. It was found that 79% of the studies demonstrated an increase in satisfaction, 14% demonstrated a decrease in satisfaction, and satisfaction with traditional education and DE was similar in 7%. Skill was investigated in 12% of the studies, and all the studies showed the positive effects of DE.
Conclusion: DE can promote learning in undergraduate PT education, even though its effectiveness in some areas, such as practical skill acquisition or cost, is controversial. Further high-quality studies with long follow-up periods are needed to investigate the various aspects of the PT curriculum, including both theoretical and practical courses.
THE EFFECTS OF TELEREHABILITATION IN RHEUMATIC DISEASES DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Baglan-yentur Songul , Deniz Gülnihal , Ercan Zübeyde , Bilek Furkan , Pişkin-sağır Rabia , Koca Süleyman Serdar
Published: August 2024

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the effects of telerehabilitation on fatigue, depression, anxiety, disease activity, sleep quality and quality of life in patients with rheumatic diseases.
Methods: This study included 28 patients with rheumatic diseases. Patients were divided into two groups as intervention group (IG) (n=16) and control group (CG) (n=12). Both groups kept on their regular medical care and an IG group additionally had exercise program. An exercise program including strengthening, stretching, breathing, posture and relaxation exercises was practiced to the IG via video-conference method while no additional therapy was applied to the CG. Assessments were performed using SurveyMonkey to avoid face to face connection. Anxiety and depression were assessed with Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), fatigue was assessed with Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), sleep quality was assessed with Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and quality of life was assessed with Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Additionally, disease activity was evaluated with disease-specific measurements.
Results: Significant differences were found in anxiety (p=0.009), fatigue (p=0.003) and sleep quality (p=0.011) in group-by-time assessments in IG while no significant group-by-time difference were observed in any assessments in CG (p>0.05). No significant differences was observed in delta measurements of fatigue, quality of life, depression, anxiety and sleep quality within groups although patients in IG had better outcomes for all parameters compared to CG (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Telerehabilitation was found to be a safe and effective method for patients with rheumatic diseases.