bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of erythrocyte counts in cerebrospinal fluid with shunt-dependent hydrocephalus after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Gui Binbin , Zhang Haopeng , Zhang Wei , Li Chunxu , Meng Xiangyi , Cong Xuefeng , Shen Yingjie , Rong Yiwei , Yang Kongbin , Liang Hongsheng , Zhang Xiangtong
Published: January 2024

Objective
Shunt-dependent hydrocephalus (SDH) is one of the common complications of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage(aSAH). Several risk factors have been reported to predict the occurrence of SDHC in patients with aSAH. However, few studies have concentrated erythrocyte count in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This study aimed to investigate the association of erythrocyte count in CSF with the occurrence of SDHC following aSAH.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the CSF data of patients with aSAH within 7 days of onset in our hospital from December 2017 to April 2021. The difference of erythrocyte counts in CSF between the SDH group and the non-SDH group was examined within 7 days of onset. The effect of erythrocyte count on SDH was analyzed, and the cutoff value was determined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Grouping was carried out based on the cutoff value, and statistical analysis was employed to compare the statistical significance between the two groups. The erythrocyte count was utilized as a risk factor, along with other factors, to predict the occurrence of SDHC following aSAH.
Results
It was attempted to enroll 424 patients with aneurysms and 31 (7.3%) patients who underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) after aneurysm treatment. The differences in erythrocyte count were compared between the SDHC group and the non-SDHC group. The predictive effect of erythrocyte count on the SDHC was determined by ROC curves on D3, D4, D5, D6, and D7. The results of ROC curve analysis revealed that the erythrocyte count was significant different on D3 and D6 between the two groups. It was also found that the cutoff values of erythrocyte count on D3 and D6 were 73000 and 120000 10^/L, respectively. The erythrocyte counts on D3 and D6 was divided into two groups based on the cutoff value for making comparison. On D3, the incidence of aSAH in ≥ 73000 (10^/L) group (13.6%) was nearly 10 times that of < 73000 (10^/L) group (1.3%). Similarly, on D6, the incidence in ≥ 120000 (10^/L) group (44.4%) was nearly 10 times that of < 120000 (10^/L) group (4.2%). The erythrocyte count in CSF was utilized as a risk factor, in combination with intraventricular hemorrhage and acute hydrocephalus, to examine the predictive efficacy using the ROC curve analysis. The results indicated that the area under the curve value for the erythrocyte count was 0.814 (P = 0.001) when combined with intraventricular hemorrhage and acute hydrocephalus curves on D6.
Conclusion
The erythrocyte count was found as an independent risk factor for SDHC in patients with aSAH. The erythrocyte counts in the CSF on D6 and D3 ware determined by the cutoff value. The findings may assist the future research on the accurately prediction of the occurrence of SDHC following aSAH.
Sequential Synthesis Methodology in the Design and Optimization of Sustainable Distillation Sequences for Levulinic Acid Purification
Authors: Alcocer-Garcia Heriberto , Segovia-Hernández Juan Gabriel , Sánchez-Ramírez Eduardo , Caceres-Barrera Carlos Rodrigo , Hernández Salvador
Published: January 2024

The biorefinery concept has been considered the most effective and sustainable method for transforming biomass into valuable products. Levulinic acid, derived from the acid hydrolysis of glucose in lignocellulosic biomass, is acknowledged as a valuable and versatile high-value product. The separation and purification of levulinic acid become complicated due to azeotropic characteristics and excess water in the resulting dilute mixture from acid hydrolysis. This complexity makes the process energy-intensive and costly, posing challenges for large-scale production. For this reason, it has been the subject of research proposing separation methods, such as the use of liquid-liquid extraction columns, decanters, and intensified columns. However, a comprehensive and sustainable systematic synthesis has not yet been undertaken to identify the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly design. In this research, several potential process designs for the purification of levulinic acid were analyzed and compared. These designs were developed using a sequential synthesis methodology, designed, and optimized through a rigorous optimization process employing a multi-objective hybrid algorithm, specifically, differential evolution with tabu list. Two objectives were considered: total annual cost as the economic criterion, and the eco-indicator 99 as the environmental index. The results indicated that the intensified design, incorporating a thermal coupling demonstrated superior results, with cost savings of approximately 25% and a 21% reduction in environmental impact. Therefore, the sequential synthesis produced alternatives for levulinic acid purification that align with the United Nations' 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to the creation of sustainable processes.
Studying the Nanocomposite B/ZnO for Photocatalysis: Facile Control the Morphology via Sol-gel Method and Antibiotic Degradation Investigations
Authors: Nguyen Thu Huong , Mai Tien Thanh , Tran Thi Phuong , Thi Cam Ly Tran , Thi Cam Vi Dao , Thi Mai Lan Vu , Nguyen Minh Viet , Nguyen Thanh Hung , Vu Anh-Tuan
Published: January 2024

In this study, the ZnO and B/ZnO nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by a Sol-gel method. The photocatalytic activity of these materials was evaluated by the removal of antibiotics including tetracycline hydrochloride. After doping with B, the photocatalytic activity of the composite was improved and the optimum content of doped B was 3 wt.%. The effects of synthesis conditions on the morphology, structure and photocatalysis of B/ZnO were investigated. The physical properties of these material samples were analyzed by many different methods. The synthesis conditions significantly influenced the morphology and the photocatalytic performance of the B/ZnO nanocomposite. The optimal synthesis conditions were ethanol as a solvent, a temperature of 60 ℃ and a pH of 8. In 90 min, the TCH removal efficiency of the B/ZnO nanocomposite archived 98.28% with a rate constant of 0.048 min− 1. In addition, the electrical energy consumption was estimated and the electrical energy per order was only 35.44 W.h.L− 1.
A thermal simulation environment for moving objects on the lunar surface
Authors: Schmülling Max , Gützlaff Joel , Czupalla Markus
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a thermal simulation environment for moving objects on the lunar surface. The goal of the thermal simulation environment is to enable the reliable prediction of the temperature development of a given object on the lunar surface by providing the respective heat fluxes for a mission on a given travel path. The user can import any object geometry and freely define the path that the object should travel. Using the path of the object, the relevant lunar surface geometry is imported from a digital elevation model. The relevant parts of the lunar surface are determined based on distance to the defined path. A thermal model of these surface sections is generated, consisting of a porous layer on top and a denser layer below. The object is moved across the lunar surface, and its inclination is adapted depending on the slope of the terrain below it. Finally, a transient thermal analysis of the object and its environment is performed at several positions on its path and the results are visualized. The paper introduces details on the thermal modeling of the lunar surface, as well as its verification. Furthermore, the structure of the created software is presented. The robustness of the environment is verified with the help of sensitivity studies and possible improvements are presented.
C-FISTA Type Projection Algorithm for Quasi-Variational Inequalities
Authors: Yao Yonghong , Jolaoso Lateef O. , Shehu Yekini
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we first propose a version of FISTA, called C-FISTA type gradient projection algorithm, for quasi-variational inequalities in Hilbert spaces and obtain linear convergence rate. Our results extend the results of Nesterov for C-FISTA algorithm for strongly convex optimization problem and other recent results in the literature where linear convergence results of C-FISTA are obtained for strongly convex composite optimization problems. For a comprehensive study, we also introduce a new version of gradient projection algorithm with momentum terms and give linear rate of convergence. We show the adaptability and effectiveness of our proposed algorithms through numerical comparisons with other related gradient projection algorithms that are in the literature for quasi-variational inequalities.
2010 MSC classi cation: 47H05, 47J20, 47J25, 65K15, 90C25.
Ocular hypertension after silicone oil filling surgery for high myopia: A case control study
Authors: Lin Xiaodan , Feng Shenghui , Chen Chunmei , Xiong Yadan , Li Na , Tong Ling
Published: January 2024

Purpose
In order to analyze the influence of factors including the length of the eye axis on the occurrence of ocular hypertension (OH) after silicone oil filling.
Methods
214 eyes undergoing vitrectomy and silicone oil filling were retrospectively enrolled from 432 eyes of high myopia patients. The time of occurrence of postoperative OH in patients with secondary OH after silicone oil filling was observed and recorded. Various clinical parameters were analysed that basic characteristics, past disease history, other combined surgery, the correlation of the auxiliary examination results (the length of the eye axis, silicone oil entering the anterior chamber, silicone oil emulsification), and the relevance of the silicone oil filling time in the eye. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were conducted.
Results
After high myopia silicone oil is filled, the length of the eye axis (29.21 ± 0.85) mm becomes longer than the actual length (28.31 ± 0.82) mm. 80 cases of postoperative high intraocular pressure occurred cumulatively, with an incidence rate of 37.38%. There was a statistically significant difference in the surgical conditions (scleral cerclage or external pressure, lens eye, the axis of the eye, and emulsified silicone oil) and the filling time of silicone oil in the eye in OH and normal intraocular pressure groups (P < 0.05). The results of logistic regression analysis showed that combined episcleral cerclage/external scleral pressure, aphakic eyes, axial length ≥ 29 mm, silicone oil emulsification, and silicone oil entering the anterior chamber are high myopia patients after silicone oil filling. The OR values​of the risk factors of stress were 3.478, 1.945, 2.461, 5.387, 4.151, respectively.
Conclusion
The high intraocular pressure after silicone oil filling is related to pupil block, angle obstruction, and humor circulation disorder caused by the forward movement of the crystalline iris septum or the front interface of silicone oil in aphakic eyes.
Spatial forecasting of online food delivery demand
Authors: Bezerra Herlisson , Cancho Vicente
Published: January 2024

This work aims to predict demand for orders in the expanded center of S˜ao Paulo, Brazil, using the Spatial Autoregressive Model (SAR) and the Artificial Neural Network - Multilayer Perceptron Model (MLP), based on real data from a Brazilian online food delivery company. Accurately forecasting demand by geographical area is crucial for efficient logistics planning in the company. To address this, we proposed an approach that uses an augmented train matrix to incorporate order information from neighboring areas of the first order, allowing the neural network model to identify spatial autocorrelation in the data. The performance of both models was evaluated using Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) and the coefficient of determination (R2). In the simulations, both of the models achieved satisfactory performance compared to the historical mean. The MLP model, when best tuned, outperformed the SAR model in both RMSE and R2coefficient.
Simvastatin inhibits PD-L1 via ILF3 to enhance CD8 + T cell-mediated ferroptosis in gastric cancer cells
Authors: Sun Danping , Cui Xiaohan , Yang Wenshuo , Wei Meng , Yan Zhibo , Zhang Mingxiang , Wang Zuoyang , Yu Wenbin
Published: January 2024

Background
Immunotherapy is vital in the comprehensive treatment of gastric cancer (GC). However, the prognosis of GC patients remains unfavorable, necessitating to exploration of novel therapeutic approaches and medications.
Methods
PD-L1 expression was observed using small interfering RNA and plasmid to knock down and overexpress ILF3, respectively. The expression of ILF3, PD-L1, and ferroptosis marker molecules (SLC7A11 and GPX4) was detected upon simvastatin stimulation of gastric cancer cells co-cultured with activated CD8+ T cells. To assess the impact of ILF3 and simvastatin stimulation on the induction of ferroptosis in gastric cancer cells by CD8+ T cells, various assays including CCK8, MTT, ROS, Fe2+, MDA, GSH, and LPO were conducted. Cleavage under targets and Tagmentation (CUT&Tag) was employed to validate the mechanism of simvastatin by regulating ILF3 expression. Whole genome sequencing and KEGG analysis reveal that ILF3 regulates PD-L1 expression through the DEPTOR/mTOR signaling pathway.
Results
Statin treatment decreased the serum levels of ILF3 and PD-L1. This study found that ILF3 was positively correlated with the expression of PD-L1, and the knockdown of ILF3 effectively inhibited the expression of PD-L1, thus enhancing the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells to gastric cancer cells. Meanwhile, simvastatin inhibited the expression of PD-L1 through ILF3, which enhanced the induction of ferroptosis in gastric cancer cells by CD8+ T cells. Further studies found that simvastatin inhibited ILF3 expression by decreasing the acetylation level at residue site H3K14 in ILF3, while ILF3 inhibited PD-L1 expression through the DEPTOR/mTOR pathway.
Conclusions
Simvastatin further recruited CD8+ T cells to enhance anti-tumor immunity by inhibiting PD-L1 expression by ILF3 and induced GC cells to undergo ferroptosis to achieve synergistic immunotherapy. This study elucidated the new mechanism of statins to improve GC immunotherapeutic effect. It revealed a new theoretical basis for using statins in GC treatment to improve the prognosis of GC patients.
The variability of muscle-blubber interface temperature with activity level in a captive Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus)
Authors: Sakai Kino , Fukui Daisuke , Shirouzu Hiroshi , Watanabe Yurie , Inamori Daiki , Funasaka Noriko , Aoki Kagari , Sakamoto Kentaro
Published: January 2024

Background: To reduce heat loss underwater, marine mammals cover their bodies with insulators and particularly cetaceans only rely on blubber for insulation. Blubber establishes a thermal gradient between the warmer body core and cooler body surface, reducing heat transfer to the environment. Measuring the temperature at the innermost part of the blubber, i.e. the temperature at the muscle-blubber interface (Tmbi), can be an important indicator for understanding thermoregulatory mechanisms in cetaceans. Although heat production through activity is another factor that plays an important role in thermoregulation, its effects on Tmbi have not been investigated in cetaceans. To assess this relationship in free-swimming cetaceans, we measured the Tmbi and activity levels in a captive Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) using an implantable biologging device.
Results: Tmbi and activity data were analyzed for 11 days. The average Tmbi was 35.1 ± 0.6 ºC and the temperature gradient between Tmbi and the water temperature was 13.0 ± 0.7 ºC. The Tmbi displayed distinct diurnal variation, which was higher during the daytime and lower in the early morning. The variation in Tmbi was best explained by both the activity levels and time of day. Tmbi did not simply increase with activity levels; it appeared to remain relatively constant at most activity levels. However, Tmbi appeared to decrease when the animal was inactive and increase when it was intensely active.
Conclusion: Our results provide important insights into how a dolphin regulates its body temperature underwater. Heat insulation by blubber and heat production by activity were found to play important roles in thermoregulation. The whole-body heat dissipation mechanism might be used to regulate temperature increases when heat production is excessive, or the animal can reduce the thermal conductivity of the blubber by decreasing its temperature during inactive periods.
Ascorbic acid predominantly kills cancer stem cell-like cells in the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Li-7 and is more effective at low cell density and in small spheroids
Authors: Seyama Yusuke , Sudo Kazuhiro , Yamada Tekeshi , Tsuchiya Kiichiro , Nakamura Yukio
Published: January 2024

The development of therapies that target cancer stem cells (CSCs) is an important challenge in cancer research. The antioxidant system is enhanced in CSCs, which may lead to resistance to existing therapies. Ascorbic acid (AA) has the potential to act as both an antioxidant and a pro-oxidant agent, but its effects on CSCs are a subject of current research. Here, we investigated the effect of AA focusing specifically on CSCs with the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Li-7. The Li-7 cell line is heterogenous consisting of CD166− and CD166+ cells; CD166− cells include CSC-like cells (CD13+CD166− cells) and CD13−CD166− cells that can revert to CD13+CD166− cells. The addition of AA to the culture medium caused cell death in both cell populations in CD166− cells in a concentration dependent manner. In contrast, AA administration had a limited effect on CD166+ non-CSC cells. The level of reactive oxygen species after AA treatment was elevated only in CD166− cells. The effect of AA only occurred at low cell densities in 2D and 3D cultures. In a mouse tumor model injected with Li-7 cells, intraperitoneal administration of AA failed to prevent tumor formation but appeared to delay tumor growth. Our findings shed light on why AA administration has not become a mainstream treatment for cancer treatment; however, they also show the possibility that AA can be used in therapies to suppress CSCs.
Deterioration mechanism and health status prediction of hydrocarbon lubricants under high temperature and humid environment
Authors: Su Rui , Cao Wei , Jin Zili , Wang Yifan , Ding Letian , Maqsood Muhammad , Wang Dong
Published: January 2024

In practical engineering applications, high temperatures and water ingress seriously affect the service life of hydrocarbon lubricants. In this study, the deterioration process of hydrocarbon lubricants under high temperatures and humid environments was investigated, and a new health state prediction model was proposed. Simulation of hydrocarbon lubricant Polyalpha-olefin (PAO) molecules using the ReaxFF force field to analyse the high temperature thermal oxidation process of lubricants. The rheological properties of oil-water emulsions were determined by observing the morphology of oil-water two-phase mixtures with different water contents. A multiparameter fusion viscosity prediction model was proposed using a linear model of the viscosity of aqueous fluids as affected by temperature and water content fitted with the Andrade viscosity-temperature equation to predict lubricant viscosity changes under multiple parameters. On-line validation tests were carried out on a compound planetary transmission system, and the surface topographical parameters of the transmission components were further discussed. The experimental results show that the linear correlation with the improved lubricant viscosity prediction model is 0.966, and the surface wear of transmission components is consistent with the trend of lubricant quality change. These findings provide a fundamental basis for the assessment of lubricant service life in high temperatures and humid environments.
Associations of genetically determined circulating proteins with breast cancer risk or survival
Authors: Chen Hanghang , liu qi , Cheng Xufeng
Published: January 2024

Background
There are few large-scale studies that focus on the associations between circulating proteins and breast cancer (BC) risk or survival. This study aimed to evaluate the potential circulating proteins associated with BC risk or survival using the Mendelian randomization (MR) method.
Methods
We collected the protein quantitative trait locus (pQTL) data of 4,907 circulating proteins from the DeCODE study (n = 35,559) as exposures. We gathered the genome wide association study (GWAS) data of BC from BCAC (OncoArray, n = 138,508) and BCAC (iCOGS, n = 76,167). The FinnGen study (n = 224,737) as the outcomes. The BC survival data was obtained from BCAC (OncoArray, n = 91,686). We used two sample MR framework to assess the associations between genetically predictive proteins and BC risk. Besides strict quality control, sensitivity tests and false discovery rate (FDR) or bonferroni correction, we further performed meta-analysis to ensure the robustness of the results.
Results
Four proteins—SIA4B (OR = 0.58, 95% CI (confidence interval): 0.51–0.64), CDH1 (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.77–0.89), ALPI (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.90–0.93) and CCDC134 (OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.80–0.88) are associated with reduced BC risk. 57 circulating proteins passed the sensitivity test and causally associated with BC survival.
Conclusions
Genetically predicted four circulating proteins (SIA4B, CDH1, ALPI and, CCDC134) are associated with reduced BC risk. 57 proteins are associated with BC survival. Our analyses from genetics and MR provide insights into the causes of BC and add evidence for reducing the risk of BC.
Genetic structure of interspecific hybridization between the long corolla tube species Isodon longitubus and its short corolla tube congener I. inflexus
Authors: Yamashiro Tadashi , Yamashiro Asuka , Dhozono Ikumi , Maki Masayuki
Published: January 2024

Interspecific hybridization between the short corolla tube species Isodon inflexus and the long corolla tube species I. longitubus was analyzed using genetic and morphometric markers. Bayesian clustering analysis using microsatellites revealed that plants in the contact zone consisted of two I. inflexus individuals, 33 I. longitubus individuals, and 13 hybrid individuals (F2-like and backcrosses to both I. inflexus and I. longitubus). Using the sequences of the psbA-trnH inter genic spacer in chloroplast DNA, three haplotypes were found among pure I. inflexus, while four haplotypes were found among pure I. longitubus. Most hybrid individuals had a haplotype found only in I. inflexus, suggesting that the initial F1 might have been formed by hybridization with I. inflexus as the maternal parent, and that in later hybrid formation, hybrids or I. inflexus tended to serve as the maternal parent. Although strong prezygotic isolation mechanisms contribute to preventing hybridization between the species, human habitat disturbance might have created the contact zone. Although mature hybrids in the contact zone contained equal proportions of backcrosses to both I. inflexus and I. longitubus, seedlings comprised more individuals originating from backcrosses to I. longitubus. The dominance of backcrosses to I. longitubus was probably caused by the quantitative difference between the parental species in the contact zone. In the contact zone, signs of contemporary hybridization in the nuclear genome might have been diluted by repeated backcrossing. The present study could illustrate the process of unidirectional introgression leading to chloroplast capture, a phenomenon frequently observed in Isodon species in Japan.
Resource utilization of waste medicines: a case study of HCQS for oilfield water treatment
Authors: Luo Yi , Xu Zhongying , Wang Yefei , Li Qiongwei , Chen Gang , Tang Ying
Published: January 2024

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2019, the accumulation of related medicines has led to the disposal of waste medicines, while current disposal of medicines waste huge resources and increases carbon emissions as well. The oil field is a special closed-loop system, where the produced water is internally recycled after water treatment without any discharge. Therefore, oilfield water treatment provides an environment where waste medicines do not interact with the biosphere. In this study, hydroxychloroquine sulfate (HCQS) tablets were used as a fungicide and corrosion inhibitor in oilfield water treatment. The weight loss experiment showed that HCQS exhibit high corrosion inhibition efficiency under acidic conditions. And the corrosion inhibition rate decreases with the increase of temperature. At 333 K, with the concentration of 200 mg/L, the corrosion inhibition rate of HCQS reaches the maximum of 90.86%. The adsorption of HCQS on the surface of low carbon steel conforms to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and belongs to physical adsorption. The thermodynamic simulation indicates that the adsorption of HCQS on steel surface is an exothermic, spontaneous and entropy reduction process. The electrochemical test results show that HCQS is a mixed inhibitor to the anodic reaction. In addition, the bactericidal effect of HCQS was evaluated, and it was found that when the concentration was 1000 mg/L, the bactericidal rate of HCQS to three kinds of oilfield microorganisms was more than 95%. Finally, the cost-benefit analysis was conducted to discuuse the application feasibility. This simple and effective method can be provided to enable resourceful disposal of waste medicines.
Image dehazing in VLSI using advance DL and ML techniques
Authors: Babu M. Suresh , Devi D. Asha , Chowdary Muthyala. V.V.S. , Ananthula Pranaynath Reddy
Published: January 2024

Image dehazing is a crucial aspect of atmospheric conditions, particularly haze, and its impact on various aspects of daily life and technology. Haze can significantly reduce visibility, affecting both human perception and the performance of machine vision systems. Haze reduces the contrast and sharpness of visual scenes, making it challenging for both humans and machines to perceive and interpret the environment accurately. In applications like autonomous driving, where computer vision plays a vital role, haze can pose serious safety concerns. Reduced visibility may lead to difficulties in detecting obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles. Haze introduces a loss of image quality, affecting the performance of computer vision algorithms. This degradation is particularly evident in tasks such as object detection, recognition, and tracking. Haze can mislead machine learning models by introducing artifacts and inaccuracies in the training data. This can result in models that are less reliable in real-world scenarios affected by haze. Image dehazing is a crucial pre-processing step in computer vision tasks that involve images captured in hazy conditions. Dehazing algorithms aim to enhance visibility, reduce the impact of haze, and improve the overall quality of the image.
Prefrontal multistimulus integration within a dedicated disambiguation circuit guides interleaving contingency judgment learning
Authors: Korzus Edward , Pastore Justin , Mayer Johannes , Bailey Tyler , III John Speigel , Steinhauser Jordan , Shuler Kylene , Papalexakis Evangelos
Published: January 2024

Understanding how cortical network dynamics support learning is a challenge. This study investigates the role of local neural mechanisms in the prefrontal cortex during contingency judgment learning (CJL). To better understand brain network mechanisms underlying CJL, we introduced ambiguity into associative learning after fear acquisition, inducing a generalized fear response to an ambiguous stimulus sharing nontrivial similarities with the conditioned stimulus. Real-time recordings at single-neuron resolution from the prelimbic (PL) cortex using miniature microscopes revealed distinct PL network dynamics across CJL phases. Fear acquisition triggered PL network reorganization, led by a disambiguation circuit managing spurious and predictive relationships during cue–danger, cue–safety, and cue–neutrality contingencies. Subjects with PL-targeted memory deficiency showed malfunctioning disambiguation circuit function, while naive subjects lacking unconditioned stimulus exposure lacked a CJL-specific disambiguation circuit. This study uncovers that fear conditioning induces prefrontal cortex cognitive map reorganization, and subsequent CJL relies on the disambiguation circuit's ability to learn predictive relationships.
Enhancing Urban Resilience: Managing Flood-Induced Disruptions in Road Networks
Authors: Salvo Giuseppe , Karakikes Ioannis , Papaioannou Georgios , Polydoropoulou Amalia , Sanfilippo Luigi , Brignone Alberto
Published: January 2024

Emergency preparedness is essential for ensuring the safety and protection of the population in the event of a disaster. To develop effective emergency plans, it is imperative to prepare and assess appropriate response scenarios. An event (an accident or a climatic event) that occurred on a primary road artery could lead to partial or total closure of the artery to vehicular traffic for several hours or days, with negative consequences for vehicular circulation along the transport network including the structure itself. Therefore, in addition to reestablishing the functionality of the affected arterial road, reestablishing the functionality of the affected arterial road is highly important for determining possible alternative routes capable of providing an adaptive response to disruption. The aim of this paper is to improve the resilience of road infrastructures and to ensure reliable network availability under adverse conditions, such as extreme weather. The results of a study carried out in the city of Palermo to develop emergency response scenarios for heavy rainfall are presented. A dynamic microsimulation model was developed and implemented using Dynasim to model the main traffic corridors in the at-risk area. The impact of different emergency management strategies on mobility in response to natural disasters was assessed. The results can guide local public safety agencies in implementing effective traffic management strategies in the event of an actual emergency.
The influence of anti-involution training on the critical thinking of young healthcare professionals in dental outpatient clinics-based on machine learning model
Authors: Chen Yuxiang , Zhao Anna , Yang Haoran , Chen Tingting , Rao Xianqi , Zhou Jianzhong , Li Lin , Li Jing , Li Ziliang
Published: January 2024

Background
The relationship between the impact of anti-involution training on critical thinking and its propensity indicators among young healthcare professionals in dental outpatient clinics remains to be determined. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate these associations and develop an interpretable machine learning (ML) model to assess their predictive value in enhancing critical thinking through anti-involution training.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey encompassing 114 participants was conducted. Spearman correlation analysis was utilized to evaluate the association between propensity indicators and the enhancement of critical thinking through anti-involution training. Subsequently, the data underwent normalization utilizing the “MinMaxScaler” technique, while balancing was achieved by applying the synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE). Following this, predictors were identified using the most minor absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. Next, diverse machine learning algorithms constructed an individual prediction model to enhance critical thinking through anti-involution training. The prediction model's performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and decision curve analysis (DCA). The Shapley additive interpretation (SHAP) method was utilized to interpret the ML model.
Results
Truth-seeking, analytical thinking, and inquisitiveness were identified as predictive factors for enhancing critical thinking. A Random Forest algorithm-based model incorporating these variables yielded favorable results: AUC = 0.889 (95% CI: 0.839–0.937), accuracy = 0.850, sensitivity = 0.855, specificity = 0.933.
Conclusion
The inclinations toward truth-seeking, analytical thinking, and inquisitiveness significantly correlate with the effectiveness of anti-involution training in enhancing critical thinking. Our simplified ML-based predictive model allows for preliminary forecasting, enabling early intervention and guidance for learners facing difficulties in improving critical thinking.
Microbiologically produced surfactin as a factor limiting the use of pesticide against cereal pests
Authors: Koim-Puchowska Beata , Lamparski Robert , Dróżdż-Afelt Joanna Maria
Published: January 2024

The use of pesticides in plant protection is vital in order to acquire food, however, it involves contamination of the environment. The purpose of this paper was to verify the use of the surfactant – surfactin, synthesised by the Bacillus subtilis natto BS19 strain as a measure in the biocontrol of cereal pests. The possibility of using trub as a substrate in the biosynthesis of this compound was investigated. The ability of pest feeding, survival outcomes and the number of laid eggs in response to lambda-cyhalothrin and surfactin in different concentrations were assessed. The most promising results were received after applying a solution containing 46 mg/L of surfactin and 75% of the maximum pesticide dose. After applying the product, a reduction of leaf damage was found to be around 59% and 67% regardless of, while after applying only the pesticide solution: 45% and 57% in Oulema melanopus and Oulema gallaeciana respectively. Applying the same variant of product containing surfactin limited the survival outcomes of insects by around 80%, and after applying the pesticide by 60%. Thus, it can be inferred that an addition of a trub-based lipopeptide in an optimal concentration may minimise the used pesticide dose and therefore limit feeding and survival outcomes of Oulema spp., which is lucrative in terms of ecology and economy. Trub may constitute a substrate for the biosynthesis of surfactin of stable surface-active properties over a wide temperature and pH range of the environment
Rural Indian Women Speak: Insights on Maternal Health Literacy and Access Gaps Regarding Obstetric Emergencies
Authors: BM Bhavana , M Yogesh , Padhiyar Nanveet
Published: January 2024

Background: Maternal morbidity and mortality persist due to delays in seeking care for obstetric complications. Deficits in comprehending danger signs contribute to preventing early identification. There is limited research on awareness levels among rural Indian women.
Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the knowledge of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women in rural Gujarat and explore the associated sociodemographic and obstetric history factors. Qualitative methods further elucidated the experiences, attitudes, and perceptions underlying maternal health literacy.
Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted among 390 antenatal women selected through multistage sampling from 6 community health centres in the Jamnagar district. A structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews were used for data collection. Quantitative data were analysed via regression modelling, and qualitative data were thematically analysed.
Results: Among the 390 patients, the majority correctly identified pregnancy bleeding (73.3%, n=286), leakage of fluid (71%, n=277), and swelling (74.3%, n=290) as danger signs. Approximately 54.8% (n=214) had good knowledge of dangersigns. Knowledge was significantly greater among women aged >25 years (AOR 3.11, 95% CI 2.02-4.7), among literate women (AOR 2.14, 95% CI 1.12-4.08), among those counselled during ANC (AOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2-8.1) and among those counselled during PNC (AOR 4.4, 95% CI 1.8-10.7). Qualitative findings revealed gaps in recall, poor comprehension of symptoms, and sociocultural barriers to care-seeking.
Conclusion: Despite interfacing with health services, awareness of obstetric danger signs was incomplete among rural antenatal women. Tailored education through enhanced counselling and family-centered care can improve maternal health literacy.
Prediction Model for Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Based on Electronic Medical Records
Authors: Zhang JingWen , Zhang XiaoWen , Xia ShuJun , Dong YiJie , Zhou Wei , Liu ZhenHua , Zhang Lu , Zhan WeiWei , Sun YuZhong , Zhou JianQiao
Published: January 2024

Purpose
This study aimed to establish a novel machine learning model for predicting lymph node metastasis(LNM)of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) by utilizing personal electronic medical records (EMR) data.
Methods
The study included 5076 PTC patients underwent total thyroidectomy or lobectomy with lymph node dissection. Based on the integrated learning approach, this study designed a predictive model for LNM. The predictive model employs deep neural network (DNN) models to identify features within cases and vectorize clinical data from electronic medical records into feature matrices. Subsequently, a classifier based on machine learning algorithms is designed to analyse the feature matrices for prediction LNM in PTC. To mitigate the risk of overfitting commonly associated with machine learning algorithms processing high-dimensional matrices, multiple DNNS are utilized to distribute the overfitting risk. Five mainstream machine learning algorithms (NB, DT, XGB, GBM, RDF) are tested as classifier algorithms in the predictive model. Model performance is assessed using precision, recall, F1, and AUC.
Results
Among the patients, 2,261 had lymph node metastasis (LNM), with 2,196 displaying central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) and 472 exhibiting lateral cervical lymph node metastasis (LLNM). The RDF model showcased superior predictive performance compared to other models, achieving a testing AUC of 0.98, precision of 0.98, recall of 0.95, and F1 value of 0.97 in predicting LNM. Moreover, it attained an AUC of 0.98, precision of 0.98, recall of 0.94, and an F1 value of 0.96 in predicting CLNM. Regarding the weighting of the feature matrix for various case data types, gender and multi-focus held higher weights, at 1.24 and 1.23 respectively.
Conclusion
The LNM predictive model proposed in this study could be used as a cost-effective tool for predicting LNM in PTC patients, by utilizing easily available personal electronic medical data, which can provide valuable support to surgeons in devising a personalized treatment plan.
Experimental investigation of the microstructural and wear behaviours of silicon carbide and boron nitride-reinforced AZ91D magnesium matrix hybrid composites
Authors: Ramadoss Natarajan , Vijayakumar P. ,   P Praveen Raj3, Shoba M Kantha
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to fabricate hybrid metal matrix composites of AZ91D magnesium reinforced with varying various weight percentages of SiC and constant weight percentages of BN particles through the stir-squeeze casting method. The influence of the particle ratio on the microstructure and wear behaviour of the composites was studied. The dispersion patterns of particles within the matrix and the interactions between the alloy and the particles were thoroughly investigated using a variety of techniques, including optical microscopy, SEM, EPMA, and EDS.XRD analysis of the AZ91D/SiC/BN hybrid composite revealed a significant volume proportion of the strong Mg17Al12 phase. The synthesized magnesium hybrid composites (AZ91D/9%SiC/3%BN) experienced a volume loss reduction of up to 36.16% under a maximum load of 30 N and a maximum speed of 1 m/s when compared with the monolithic material AZ91D. The results of these analyses demonstrated that the resulting composites exhibited an even dispersion of particles, superior grain structure, and strong interfacial bonding between the AZ91 alloy and the reinforcing particles. The newly developed magnesium hybrid composites have better wear performance than monolithic AZ91D alloys. These findings highlight the enhanced wear resistance of the fabricated composites for antiwear applications.
Pumpkin Injury and Yield Response to Low Rates of 2,4-D Choline and Dicamba
Authors: Chen Xinzheng , Jhala Amit , Knezevic Stevan , Wortman Sam E.
Published: January 2024

The recent release of 2,4-D- and dicamba-tolerant soybean traits has increased the risk of off-target herbicide injury and yield loss for specialty crop growers in the midwestern United States. Most dicotyledonous plants, including many specialty crops like pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), are susceptible to synthetic auxin herbicides; however, the relationship between off-target herbicide rate, visible crop injury, and eventual yield loss is not well documented. The objective of this 2-year field study in 2019 and 2020 was to determine the effect of sublethal herbicide rates of 2,4-D and dicamba on visible injury and crop yield loss in pumpkin when applied at the vegetative and flowering growth stages. Herbicides included 2,4-D choline salt (1066 g ae·ha−1 labeled rate) and dicamba diglycolamine salt (560 g ae·ha−1 labeled rate) ranging from 1/500 to 1/4 of the labeled rate. Visible injury ratings were recorded every 7 d after application and pumpkins were harvested and weighed when ripe. Injury and yield data were fit to a four-parameter log-logistic regression model to estimate effective doses (ED) required for 5% to 50% visible injury or yield loss. Pumpkin treated with the 1/10 and 1/4 rates of 2,4-D at both growth stages had visible injury (± 1 SE) ranging from 8% (± 3%) to 55% (± 3%), but injury did not always result in yield loss. Maximum yield loss from 2,4-D was 32% (± 2%), observed following the 1/4 rate at the vegetative growth stage in 2020 (estimated ED for 20% yield loss was ∼1/50). Pumpkin treated at the vegetative growth stage with the 1/10 and 1/4 rates of dicamba resulted in 65% (± 6%) to 82% (± 1%) visible injury and 33% (± 2%) to 86% (± 14%) yield loss (estimated ED for 20% yield loss was ∼1/10 in 2019 and ∼1/15 in 2020). At the flowering stage, dicamba rates of 1/10 and 1/4 caused visible injury of 31% (± 2%) to 74% (± 5%) and yield loss of 26% (± 10%) to 60% (± 14%) (estimated ED for 20% yield loss was ∼1/20 in 2019 and ∼1/5 in 2020). Susceptibility of pumpkin to 2,4-D and dicamba suggests herbicide applicators and pumpkin growers should consider strategies that mitigate off-target movement, including using nozzles that increase droplet size, shielded sprayers, thorough tank cleanout, buffer zones, and programs that facilitate communication between applicators and growers.
Elemen Pembentuk Sense of Place Taman Nostalgia sebagai Ruang Terbuka Publik Kota Kupang
Authors: Gon Yulia Isadora Alvita , Rayawulam Robertus Mas , Mberu Yuliana Bhara , Lake Reginaldo Christophori , Jeraman Pilipus
Published: January 2024

Title: Elements Forming the Sense of Place of Taman Nostalgia as a Public Open Space in the City of Kupang
 
This research aims to identify the elements that form the sense of place in Taman Nostalgia as a green open space in Kupang. Sense of place is a psychological phenomenon that affects users' perceptions and relationships with their environment. Shamai's theory is used as the basis for the conceptual framework, which is then operationalized through interview and questionnaire methods as data collection tools. This study involves active participants, namely visitors to Taman Nostalgia. In-depth interviews are conducted to gain a detailed understanding of individual visitors' experiences with Taman Nostalgia, while the questionnaire is used to obtain broader data from visitors. The research findings indicate that the sense of place in Taman Nostalgia is strengthened by the presence of the Gong Perdamaian Nasional as one of the significant physical elements. Other relevant elements include architectural design, vegetation, and cultural elements, which also contribute to forming the sense of place. The implications of these findings can be used as a basis for the development and planning of public green open spaces, considering the elements that enhance users' emotional relationships with the urban environment.
Men's Relationship to Patriarchy Reflections on Masculinity and Role Models
Authors: Hentschel Till
Published: January 2024

In today's patriarchal and capitalist society, issues such as feminism and patriarchy are often seen as "women's issues" and the role of women is often discussed, while men's relationship to patriarchy is often neglected. Yet, this is a very important aspect if we want to describe the system we live in holistically. But what is men's relationship to patriarchy?
Browning index: An image processing technique to aid in the segmentation of skin lesions on dermatoscopic images
Authors: Santos Filho Edmilson , Salles Evandro , Facon Jacques , Ciarelli Patrick
Published: January 2024

Although most people believe that melanoma cancer is restricted only to skin cancer, the great danger is the spread of metastases from the skin and subcutaneous tissues to any part of the body. This justifies that early detection of cutaneous melanoma cancer remains the primary factor in reducing the mortality of this type of cancer. Currently, non-invasive segmentation-based approaches represent one of the most efficient computational frameworks when it comes to melanoma recognition. Instead of using color images directly in RGB space, as in many works in the literature, we propose the use of browning indices to highlight the differences between the skin and the area of interest to increase the recognition rates of cutaneous melanoma. Three browning indices (Aimonino, Fetuga, and Lunadei) and three segmentation techniques were evaluated in the task of cancer segmentation on a public dataset of dermatoscopic images. In addition to these indices, the U-Net network was used for the purpose of comparison and it was also evaluated combined with browning indices. The experiment rates highlighted the potential of the browning indices to better perform melanoma segmentation. U-Net obtained the Jaccard Index and F1 Score of 0.594 and 0.805, respectively, against 0.719 and 0.862 achieved by the combination of U-Net and browning indices.
Multi-Classificação de Cenários de Violência utilizando Extração de Atributos Acústicos e Redes Neurais Convolucionais
Authors: Santos Caleo , Fernandes Júnior Antonio Carlos
Published: January 2024

O presente trabalho aborda a necessidade urgente de desenvolver tecnologias que visem reduzir a incidencia de eventos violentos em nossa sociedade, particularmente no contexto brasileiro, onde populações marginalizadas como jovens negros enfrentam temores constantes de violencia letal. Nesse contexto, a abordagem acústica surge como uma vertente promissora devido as suas vantagens intrínsecas, como a capacidade de detecção automatizada e a não oclusão do ambiente. Este trabalho tem como objetivo principal contribuir para o problema da identificação de cenários de violência treinando um modelo de aprendizado de máquina capaz de identificar e classificar cenários tais como gritos, violencia física e disparos de armas de fogo. Foram testadas arquiteturas de redes neurais convolucionais, em particular as redes ResNet152 e MobileNet. Os resultados demonstram que ambos os modelos alcançaram precisões similares na tarefa de multi-classificação, com precis oes de 84,9% e 84,1%, respectivamente. Esses achados destacam a viabilidade e eficacia da abordagem proposta, mostrando o potencial das redes neurais convolucionais na classificação de cenários violentos utilizando apenas o audio.