bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of MELTS program to Fractional Crystallization of Low Alumina Alkaline Magma in Jeju Volcanic Island
Authors: Le Hoang Yen , Chang Cheolwoo , Yun Sung-Hyo
Published: July 2024

Jeju Volcanic Island is the largest island in South Korea which is known as the continental shelf intraplate volcanic island. MELTS, one of the powerful programs utilizing for modeling magmatic evolution processes, is applied to simulate fractional crystallization process of low-alumina alkaline volcanic rock suite in Jeju Island. At many isobaric pressure conditions from 2.0 GPa to 0.1 GPa as well as different oxygen fugacities (fO2) from FMQ-3 to FMQ + 3 and H2O content, MELTS modeling were conducted as various calculations. The results demonstrate that the most suitable fractionation model for Jeju low-alumina alkaline magma would occur from 0.2 GPa to 0.1 GPa with oxygen fugacity FMQ buffer. These contain 0.5 wt.% H2O in the system leading to more consistent with evolution trending of as well as mineral composition in natural rock suite on Jeju Island. Although MELTS still possesses several limitations in the stability of calibration such as spinel overestimation as well as a lack of experiments for hydrous minerals which have been renovated, MELTS exhibits its affection on temperature and pressure prediction as well as assess other factor of fractional crystallization process on Jeju Island. Consequently, to evaluate a magmatic process in a particular region, it would be better to combine MELTS with other analyses rather than operating independently.
Multi-element exposure and health risks of grains from Ambagarh Chowki, Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Wakhle Bhagyashri , Sharma Saroj , Patel Khageshwar Singh , Pandey Piyush Kant , Blažević Antonela , Fiket Željka , Yurdakul Sema , Varol Simge , Martín-Ramos Pablo , Al-Yousef Hanan Mohamed , Mothana Ramzi Ahmed
Published: July 2024

Grains of rice, wheat, and maize are staple foods widely consumed for their mineral and nutritional values. However, these cereals can accumulate toxic elements from contaminated soils, posing health risks. This study investigates the bioaccumulation patterns of 52 minerals (including nutrients, heavy metals, and rare earth elements) accumulated over range 10249 to 58414 mg kg− 1 (dw) in various parts (grain, husk, straw, root) of these cereals grown in the heavily polluted region of Ambagarh Chowki, India. The results reveal rice exhibits a higher accumulation of toxic elements compared to wheat and maize grains, with the high-yield Sarna cultivar being the most susceptible. Across the rice plant, accumulation increased in the order: grain < husk < straw < root. Elements like P, K, Cu, and Zn showed the highest enrichment. Worryingly, most toxic elements like As, Pb, and Cd exceeded permissible limits across grains, straws, and husks. Health risk assessment indicates wheat and maize pose greater non-cancer and cancer risks than rice. Despite being grown in a highly contaminated region, the study identifies some rice cultivars like Naya 1010 and Sonam as relatively safer options due to the lower accumulation of toxic elements in the grains. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into cereal safety and highlights the need for monitoring polluted areas to mitigate health hazards through judicious selection of crop varieties.
Research on complex road condition target detection algorithm based on improved YOLOv8
Authors: Chen Xinying , Liu Ying , Li Shuyuan , Yi Weiguo
Published: July 2024

Currently, there are several issues with complicated road conditions, including significant variations in the size of the vehicle target, dense occlusion, high overlap rate, and inadequate lighting. The results of target detection are imprecise, prone to error, and misinterpreted. To address these issues, this paper proposes a technique for target detection using multi-scale fusion with an improved version of YOLOv8. Firstly, a new feature fusion network based on the weighted bidirectional feature network and the adaptive spatial feature fusion is proposed to strengthen the feature extraction and improve the visual representation ability. Secondly, to further improve the ability to detect small targets, a multi-scale target detection layer is incorporated. Meanwhile, an enhanced CIOU loss function is presented to accelerate the convergence of the model. Finally, this article combines ordinary convolution with depth separable convolution to improve the spatial feature information extraction capability and strengthen the model's generalization ability. Experiments were conducted on the KITTI dataset, and the results showed that the mAP of the improved network improved to 93.0%, which exceeded that of the traditional target detection network in terms of accuracy, parameters, and other key metrics. It is more suitable for instances involving autonomous driving when it comes to target detection.
Evaluating cluster counting of Cs complexes in the study of Nitrogen implanted Zirconium
Authors: Murugan A K Bala , Kumar P A Manoj , Kumar E Senthil , Seshan R Rama
Published: July 2024

Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) is a surface analytical technique with very high sensitivity for detecting elements in a specimen. However, its data are highly non-quantifiable because of the artefact known as matrix effect, which is the variation in secondary ion intensity with respect to the matrix from which it is ejected. Cs complex (CsmX with m normally equal to 1 or 2) SIMS is a handy method to alleviate the problem of matrix effect in SIMS to a meaningful level. Cs ion beam is used for sputtering, Cs in CsmX is resputtered Cs and X is one and only one atom or cluster from the specimen to represent an element in the specimen. Cluster counting of Cs complexes is the method of counting all the atoms in all the Cs complexes formed from the specimen to compute the composition. The cluster counting method has earlier been reported to provide a significantly better composition estimate than that provided by using single Cs complex per element, for a D9 steel, whose composition is dominated by metals. In this study, the method is tested on a zirconium specimen implanted with nitrogen. The specimen also contains high concentration of oxygen, which varies with depth. Hence, this is a system prone to exhibit strong matrix effects. Quantified elemental depth profiles of the specimen were obtained using XPS to compare the SIMS results with. The study confirms that cluster counting produces a significantly better composition estimate than the single Cs complex approach. To attain an exact match with the XPS results, relative sensitivity factors were introduced for the Cs complexes counted in the analysis. The values of the relative sensitivity factors so obtained are presented. The cluster counting method provides, as an offshoot, a method to estimate the sputter rate at every depth of the depth profile. This sputter rate that varies dynamically with depth is used to convert the sputtering time to sputtered depth.
Exploration of the TNF-α signaling pathway in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and its modulation by Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan: Insights from network pharmacology
Authors: Xia Lixiu , Yin Xia
Published: July 2024

Objective The current study endeavors to elucidate the precise role and underlying molecular mechanism of GZFL in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI).
Methods Public databases for network pharmacology were used to identify the compound ingredients of GZFL, their associated targets, and the protein targets related to CIRI. Utilizing the Autodock software, a molecular docking analysis was conducted to model and simulate the intricate interactions occurring between the pivotal compounds of GZFL and the central protein implicated in CIRI. Subsequently in vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted to investigate the impact of GZFL on CIRI.
Results Network pharmacology analysis revealed that there were 115 common targets shared between GZFL and CIRI. Molecular docking experiments demonstrated a significant binding activity between TNF and two compounds of GZFL, namely Quercetin and beta-sitosterol. In vitro studies exhibited that GZFL effectively inhibited neuronal cell apoptosis induced by OGD/R, improved cell viability, and reduced the levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, and MCP-1 following OGD/R treatment. Additionally, GZFL treatment significantly decreased the expression of MDA induced by OGD/R, while upregulating the expression of SOD and GSH-Px. Mechanistic investigations illustrated that GZFL treatment was able to suppress the expression of TNF-α induced by OGD/R. In vivo studies demonstrated that GZFL treatment ameliorated neurological function scores and pathological alterations in rat brain tissue.
Conclusion This research suggests that GZFL may hold promise as a therapeutic drug for CIRI subsequent to an ischemic stroke. Its protective effects are likely primarily mediated through the TNF-α pathway.
Significant Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Methane Emissions Evaluated by Comprehensive Statistical Analysis of Satellite Data
Authors: Trisna Beni Adi , Park Seungnam , Lee Jeongsoon
Published: July 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced various aspects of society, including environmental factors such as methane emissions. This study investigates the changes in methane concentrations in Seoul, South Korea, from 2019 to 2023, using TROPOMI satellite data and rigorous statistical analyses. By employing analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc tests (Bonferroni correction, Tukey’s HSD, Scheffe's method), the study identifies significant differences in methane levels across different years. The results reveal no significant difference in methane concentrations between 2019 and 2020, but a noticeable increase in methane levels post-2021, correlating with the "new normal" policy implemented in South Korea. This suggests that changes in industrial activities and transportation patterns due to the "new normal" have contributed to higher methane emissions. Student's t-test and Welch’s t-test validate these findings, indicate the impact of socio-economic changes on methane emissions. Additionally, the results from the Shapiro-Wilk (S-W) and Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) tests indicate that the sample data can be considered to come from a normal distribution confirming the validity of t-tests and ANOVA analyses for these data. The S-W test showing better discriminative power than K-S test. This study provides a robust quantitative assessment of the pandemic's impact on methane levels and sets a methodological statistical approach for future research in the environmental research community.
Recombinant ferritin-based nanoparticles as neoantigen carriers significantly inhibit tumor growth and metastasis
Authors: Zheng Wei , Li Shixiong , Shi Zhongliang , Su Kailing , Ding Yu , Zhang Luyue , Tang Qian , Han Jiani , Zhao Han , Wang Fengwei , Zhang Hongru , Hong Zhangyong
Published: July 2024

Background
Tumor neoantigen peptide-based vaccines, systemic immunotherapies that enhance antitumor immunity by activating and expanding antigen-specific T cells, have achieved remarkable results in the treatment of a variety of solid tumors. However, how to effectively deliver neoantigens to induce robust antitumor immune responses remains a major obstacle.
Results
Here, we developed a safe and effective neoantigen peptide delivery system (neoantigen-ferritin nanoparticles, neoantigen-FNs) that successfully achieved effective lymph node targeting and induced robust antitumor immune responses. Genetically engineered self-assembled particles with a size of 12 nm were obtained by fusing a neoantigen with optimized ferritin, which rapidly migrates to and continuously accumulates in lymph nodes. The neoantigen-FNs vaccine induced a greater quantity and quality of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells and resulted in significant growth control of multiple tumors, dramatic inhibition of melanoma metastasis and regression of established tumors. In addition, no obvious toxic side effects were detected in the various models, indicating the high safety of optimized ferritin as a vaccine carrier.
Conclusions
Homogeneous and safe neoantigen-FNs could be a very promising system for neoantigen peptide delivery because of their ability to efficiently migrate to lymph nodes and induce efficient antitumor immune responses.
A rare case of Bow Hunter’s syndrome: intermittent vision loss as a result of cervical uncovertebral arthrosis
Authors: Hasner M. C. , Hund H. M. , Baharoglu I. , Dujardin M. , Wolfs J. F.C.
Published: July 2024

Background Bow Hunter’s Syndrome (BHS) is caused by vertebrobasilar insufficiency due to mechanical occlusion during head rotation. This case of BHS highlights a rare presentation of intermittent left-sided occlusion of the vertebral artery caused by cervical degenerative disease in a patient with a with an anomaly of the posterior circulation of the circle of Willis. The article depicts how neurological examination and imaging modalities could help clinicians in their diagnostic approach in the context of an unusual presentation of BHS. We present this case to outline the clinical process that led from first presentation to diagnosis, and treatment of the patients’ disease.Case presentation The sixty-year-old patient initially presented with headaches, and ultimately reported progressive transient symptoms right-sided homonymous hemianopia, vertigo and tinnitus upon left-sided rotation of the head. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed mechanical occlusion of the left vertebral artery as a result of uncovertebral arthrosis at the C4-C5 level when rotating the head to the left. The right vertebral artery was hypoplastic with a PICA ending and ipsilateral fetal PCOM. Surgical decompression of C4-C5 with anterior discectomy and fusion was performed.Conclusions We emphasize that computed tomography angiography (CTA) could reveal underlying vascular anatomical variations predisposing to the symptomology of BHS. DSA is necessary to make the definitive diagnosis of BHS because of its dynamic nature. Removal of spondylotic spurring and decompression of the vertebral artery completely resolved the patients’ signs and symptoms.
Utilizing Fuzzy CODAS for Optimal Selection of Condition Monitoring Equipment in Industrial Rotating Machinery
Authors: Andukuri Ravindra , Ch Maheswara Rao
Published: July 2024

Choosing condition-monitoring equipment for rotating machinery is critical to improving operational reliability and efficiency. Researchers frequently treat this problematic decision-making process as a 'Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM)' problem. In this paper, we suggest a fuzzy extension of the 'Combinative Distance-Based Assessment (CODAS)' method to deal with the inherent uncertainties in decision-making. The CODAS approach can efficiently evaluate condition monitoring equipment by integrating linguistic factors and trapezoidal fuzzy numbers. In a case study, we use the suggested fuzzy CODAS approach to select condition-monitoring equipment for rotating machinery in unpredictable situations. To validate our findings, we compared the fuzzy CODAS technique with two other multi-criteria decision-making methods: fuzzy AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) and fuzzy VIKOR. Additionally, we conducted a sensitivity analysis to assess the robustness of the fuzzy CODAS results. They generate ten random criteria weights and apply each set to the case study. The comparisons and the sensitivity analysis show that the proposed fuzzy CODAS method gives consistent and reliable results.
Fluoride ingestion induces formation of unusual macromolecular complexes in gut lumen which retard absorption of essential minerals and trace elements by chelation
Authors: Sarwar Saba , Quadri Javed Ahsan , Shariff A
Published: July 2024

This research study aimed to elucidate the impact of chronic fluoride exposure on absorption of essential minerals in gut and to decipher the mechanism of mineral deficiency due to fluoride ingestion. Male Wistar rats were randomly selected and divided in to three groups. Group-1 (G-1) was taken as control (non-fluoride exposed), while group-2 & group-3 (G-2&G-3) were administered a human equivalent dose of fluoride (50 and 100 ppm ad-libitum, HED=5 & 10 ppm in human, respectively) for 75-days. Serum fluoride concentrations were measured. Blood and stool concentration of essential minerals and trace elements were measured by ICP-MS. Chemical compounds present in the stool were also analysed by XRD. The chemical compounds and macromolecular complexes having fluoride and essential minerals were identified and quantified by Match3 software. In the fluoride exposed groups, the blood concentrations of essential minerals were significantly (≤0.05) lower than the control. While excretion of essential elements in stool were significantly higher in fluoride administered groups (≤0.05) compared to control group. The XRD analysis of stool showed formation of various unusual macromolecular chemical complexes in fluoride treated groups and the types and concentrations of these compounds increased with increasing fluoride dosage. The presence of fluoride in stomach, chelates minerals and reduced absorption. The fluoride induces formation of unusual high molecular weight macromolecular chelation complexes change the chemical species in the gut and the absorption of essential minerals reduced.
Climate Variations of Heat Waves on the Croatian Adriatic Coast for the Period 1961–2018
Authors: Koračin Darko , Pandžić Krešo , Koračin Katarina Veljović
Published: July 2024

An analysis of characteristics of the boreal summer season June-July-August (JJA) measured daily maximum 2-m air temperatures (BSSDMATs) and associated heat waves (HWs) for 1961–2018 was conducted for three locations on the Croatian Adriatic coast representing its northern (Rijeka), middle (Split) and southern extents (Dubrovnik). Larger values occurred in the second part of the period (1990–2018) compared to the first part (1961–1989), including significant (α = 0.01) trends in mean seasonal averages (0.44 to 0.69°C per decade), extremes, frequencies, duration, and intensity. Exceedances and HWs spanning from 10 June to 24 August were determined in 53 years (out of 58 years) by the 95th and in 9 years by the 99th percentile criteria. Since heat stress frequently affects health at the beginning of a HW, exceedances of one or more days were all considered irrespective of any minimum length or separation. In 30 years, the exceedances appeared at all three locations in the same year. There were 122–147 (30–36) HW cases lasting 245–259 (51–54) days for the 95th (99th) percentiles. The maximum event duration ranged from 9 to 12 (5) days for the 95th (99th) thresholds. Weather conditions for the longest-duration events were characterized by propagation of a strong and wide ridge from the Azores High extending to southern Europe and blocking lows from the north. Based on these results, the Croatian coast is part of a Mediterranean hot spot that has been experiencing significant increasing warming trends and associated frequency of HWs that will likely continue in the future.
Rectal Sensory-Motor Alterations: A Clinical Perspective on Anorectal Disorders
Authors: Wang Xinpeng , Gao Yanhui , Xiao Li , Wang Shuang , Xu Bohong , Zhi Yu
Published: July 2024

Background
Altered rectal sensation and motility are prevalent in various anorectal disorders. However, the correlation between rectal sensation and motility has not been well-defined. The aims of this study are to determine the association between these two factors in anorectal disorders and to clarify the underlying mechanisms, thereby offering innovative insights for therapeutic approaches.
Methods
Retrospectively, we evaluated clinical data from 954 patients with anorectal disorders, who underwent high-resolution anorectal manometry for rectal motility and sensory testing. Regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between the rectal sensation and motility across different age and gender strata within different diseases.
Results
Significant variations in rectal sensations were observed across different diseases, with patients who had undergone rectal cancer surgery exhibiting the lowest sensory threshold volumes (P < 0.01). The constipated patients exhibited significant correlations between rectal sensory thresholds and motility (P < 0.001), with positive associations with maximum squeezing pressure and negative associations with rectoanal gradient and manometric defecation index. For rectal cancer and postoperative patients, only the maximum tolerable volume showed correlation with rectal motility (P < 0.05), including anal resting pressure, rectoanal gradient, and manometric defecation index. Regression analysis revealed that age and gender had a limited impact on the correlation between rectal sensation and motility.
Conclusions
Patients with anorectal diseases exhibit substantial variations in rectal sensation and motility, with a significant correlation observed between these factors. The correlation is notably influenced by age and gender in patients with constipation and rectal cancer, suggesting that similar relationships may be observed across various anorectal disorders.
Registration number ChiCTR2400086148
Reg Date 2024-06-26 00:00:00
Quantitative assessment of masticatory function in patients with temporomandibular joint arthralgia: A study focusing on maximum bite force, chewing efficiency, chewing frequency, pressure pain threshold and mandibular range of motion
Authors: Vogt Vinzenz , Dahlmeier Leon , Colombo Vera , Özcan Mutlu , Wojczyńska Aleksandra Zumbrunn
Published: July 2024

Objectives
Patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthralgia typically claim joint function impairments negatively affecting their quality of life. Aim of this study was to quantitatively assess masticatory function with instrumental measures in a group of TMJ arthralgia patients and compare it to symptom-free controls.
Materials and Methods
Masticatory function data were collected in a sample of TMJ arthralgia patients (n = 14) and symptom-free controls (n = 19). Diagnosis of arthralgia and mandibular range of motion were obtained following the DC/TMD protocol. Bite forces, chewing frequency, variance-of-hue-based (VOH) chewing efficiency, and bilateral pressure pain threshold (PPT) of temporalis and masseter muscles were measured. Group differences were examined applying t-test for independent variables (level of significance α = 0.05).
Results
In the arthralgia group, pain-free, maximum unassisted and maximum assisted mouth opening were significantly restricted (p < 0.001, p = 0.004, p = 0.019, respectively), bite force and chewing frequency were significantly lower (p < 0.001), the average chewing efficiency was 0.16 ± 0.11 VOH, PPT for both masseter muscles was significantly reduced (p = 0.011 ipsilateral and p = 0.041 contralateral to the pain side) than in controls.
Conclusions
Functional markers including bite force, chewing frequency, PPT, and mouth opening range were limited in the patients with TMJ arthralgia when compared to controls. This is consistent with commonly reported subjective perception, allowing for an objective quantification of functional impairment.
Clinical Relevance
Instrumental measurements for symptom documentation in the clinical practice provides more objective data on functional limitations. Longitudinal observation of the parameters during treatment and the comparison of outcomes of different therapeutic approaches should accompany objective measures.
Predictors of Treatment Failure in Urethrocutaneous Fistula Repair for Hypospadias: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Zhang Ye , Sun Qihang , Zhang Kaiping , Zhang Yin , Jiang Jiabin , Chao Min
Published: July 2024

Purpose
This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with the recurrence of urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF) following repair in patients with hypospadias, beyond the intrinsic characteristics of the fistula itself.
Methods
Clinical data of patients who underwent UCF repair were retrospectively reviewed. Potential risk factors included age and body mass index at UCF repair, history of low birth weight and prematurity, urethral defect length, operative approaches and urethral covering during hypospadias repair (HR), interval between urethroplasty and UCF presentation, interval between urethroplasty and UCF repair, meatal stenosis, size, number and location of UCFs. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to identify the risk factors of UCF recurrence.
Results
A total of 136 patients underwent UCF repair from 2013 to 2022, and UCF recurred in 31 patients (22.8%) after a median follow-up of 36.2 months. Results of multivariate analysis showed that the UCF with a diameter exceed 4mm (OR6.968, 95% CI 1.522–31.898, P=0.012), multiple UCFs (OR 4.017, 95% CI 1.284–12.571, P=0.017), coronal UCF (OR 2.964, 95% CI 1.142–7.695, P=0.026) and urethral covering with non-Buck’s fascia (OR 2.631, 95% CI 1.015–6.819, P=0.047) were statistically significant, correlating with the risk of UCF recurrence.
Conclusion
UCF repair was more prone to failure if the size of UCF exceeds 4 mm, if it is located at the coronary sulcus, if multiple UCFs are present. Employing Buck’s fascia during HR would reduce the incidence of UCF recurrence.
Prehospital undertriage of older injured patients in Western Switzerland: An observational cross-sectional study
Authors: Poncet Clément , Carron Pierre-Nicolas , Darioli Vincent , Zingg Tobias , Ageron Francois-Xavier
Published: July 2024

Background
The ageing of the population is leading to an increase in the number of traumatic injuries and represents a major challenge for the future. Falls represent the leading cause of Emergency department admission in older people, with injuries ranging from minor to severe multiple injuries. Older injured patients are more likely to be undertriaged than younger patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of undertriage in older patients with particular emphasis on access to trauma centres and resuscitation rooms.
Methods
Retrospective observational cross-sectional study based on data prospectively collected from prehospital electronic records including all patients ≥ 18 years for whom an ambulance or helicopter was dispatched between 1 January 2018 and 31 April 2023 due to a trauma. The primary outcome, admission to the resuscitation room of the regional trauma centre with trauma team activation, was assessed by age. Multivariate logistic regression was used to control for known confounders and to test for plausible effect modifiers.
Results
Emergency Medical Services treated 37,906 injured patients. Older patients ≥ 75 years represented 17,719 patients (47%). Admission to trauma centre with trauma team activation was lower in older patients, N = 121 (1%) compared to N = 599 (5%) in younger patients, P < 0.001; adjusted odds ratio: 0.33 (0.24–0.45); P < 0.001. Undertriage increased by 2-fold with age ≥ 75; OR: 1.81 (1.04–3.15); P value < 0.001. Undertriaged patients were older, more likely to be female, to have low energy trauma and to be located farther from the regional trauma centre.
Conclusion
Older injured patients were at increased risk of undertriage and non-trauma team activation admission, especially if they were older, female, had head injury without altered consciousness and greater distance to regional trauma centre.
Improved Fine-Grained Image Classification in Few-Shot Learning Based on Channel-Spatial Attention and Grouped Bilinear Convolution
Authors: Zeng Ziwei , Li Lihong , Zhao Zoufei , Liu Qingqing
Published: July 2024

In the context of the complexities of fine-grained image classification intertwined with the constraints of few-shot learning, this paper focuses on overcoming the challenges posed by subtle inter-class differences. To enhance the model's capability to recognize key visual patterns, such as eyes and beaks, this research ingeniously integrates spatial and channel attention mechanisms along with grouped bilinear convolution techniques to adapt to the few-shot learning environment. Specifically, a novel neural network architecture is designed that integrates channel and spatial information, and interactively applies these two types of information to collaboratively optimize the weights of channel and spatial attention. Additionally, to further explore the complex dependencies among features, a grouped bilinear convolution strategy is introduced. This algorithm divides the weighted feature maps into multiple independent groups, where bilinear operations are performed within each group. This strategy captures higher-order feature interactions while reducing network parameters. Comprehensive experiments conducted on three fine-grained benchmark datasets for two few-shot tasks demonstrate the superiority of our algorithm in handling fine-grained features. Notably, in the experiments on the Stanford Cars dataset, a classification accuracy of 95.42% was achieved, confirming its effectiveness and applicability in few shot learning scenarios. Codes are available at: https://github.com/204503zzw/atb.
Effects of 3D ultrasonography and 3D printed images on maternal-fetal attachment and its correlation with overall smoking within pregnancy: A pilot study
Authors: Coté John J. , Coté Remington D. , Dilsaver Dannie , Massey Suena , Doehrman Pooja , Coté Brayden P. , Kilzer Riley , Badura-Brack Amy S.
Published: July 2024

Background
Smoking in pregnancy continues to cause significant morbidity to mothers and babies and contributes to tremendous costs to society. Maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) may differentiate smokers who quit or pregnant smokers from non-smokers. Researchers have recommended utilizing interventions that improve MFA to help decrease smoking within pregnancy.
Methods
We performed a randomized clinical trial of pregnant smokers (n = 33) using an MFA-informed, intention-to-treat protocol. We recruited pregnant smokers and provided timeline follow back (TLFB) interviews from 27 weeks of pregnancy until 6 weeks post-partum. Salivary cotinine was also collected at five different time points. 3D ultrasonography was performed, and patients were randomly assigned a 3D picture or a 3D model of their fetus.
Results
Overall, the average percent reduction in cigarette use was 37.03% (SD = 31.18). The main effect of 3D type was not significant (3D Model vs. 3D Print Estimate = -0.09, 95% CI: − 0.19 to 0.01, p = 0.066). A total of 4 patients (12%) quit smoking within one week of delivery. A 10% reduction in cigarette use was associated with a 30.57 g increase in birth weight (Estimate = 30.57, 95% CI: -14.15 to 75.29); a 10% reduction in cigarette use was associated with a 0.14 week increase in estimate gestational age at delivery (Estimate = 0.14, 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.28).
Conclusions
Patients who smoke in pregnancy decrease the number of cigarettes smoked after receiving either a 3D picture or 3D model of their fetus.
Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04541121)
PhoTOS: Topology Optimization of Photonic Components using a Shape Library
Authors: Padhy Rahul Kumar , Chandrasekhar Aaditya
Published: July 2024

Topology Optimization (TO) holds the promise of designing next-generation compact and efficient photonic components. However, ensuring the optimized designs comply with fabrication constraints imposed by semiconductor foundries remains a challenge. This work presents a TO framework that guarantees designs satisfy fabrication criteria, particularly minimum feature size and separation. Leveraging recent advancements in machine learning and feature mapping methods, our approach constructs components by transforming shapes from a predefined library, simplifying constraint enforcement. Specifically, we introduce a Convo-implicit Variational Autoencoder to encode the discrete shape library into a differentiable space, enabling gradient-based optimization. The efficacy of our framework is demonstrated through the design of several common photonic components.
Online streaming feature selection for high-dimensional small-sample data
Authors: Gong Kuangfeng , Li Guohe , Guo Lingyun , Lin Yaojin
Published: July 2024

Within the domain of high-dimensional small-sample data classification tasks, there are several significant challenges. The feature space of samples typically has high dimensionality, and the features of samples may be extracted sequentially. In addition, the distribution of data categories is imbalanced. For this purpose, a novel online feature selection algorithm specifically designed for this scenario is presented in this paper. First, an adaptive neighborhood relation is proposed, which is based on class density, and the distribution of the target sample's category is fully utilized. Second, a neighborhood consistency metric is defined based on the proposed neighborhood relation. Moreover, the proposed online feature selection algorithm consists of three main phases: significance judgment, correlation analysis, and redundancy update. Comprehensive experimental studies on 12 datasets illustrate that our method significantly enhances the prediction of minority class samples compared to several popular online streaming feature selection algorithms.
Mesh-reinforced Vaseline-assisted graphene transfer compatible with industrial automation operations
Authors: Li Xuesong , Guo Xiaomeng , Qing Fangzhu , Liu Wei , Liu Yaxin , Liang Yiji , Li Runlai , li Pingjian , Tu Xiaoming , Liu Chunlin , Li Zhancheng , Wang Huaipeng , Ran Yutong , Shi Haofei , Xie Dan , Zhu Hongwei , Niu Xiaobin , Zhao Zejia , Shen Changqing
Published: July 2024

The growth of graphene on Cu via chemical vapor deposition has been well established for producing large-area high-quality graphene films, with graphene transfer to other substrate as an essential step for its applications. Various transfer techniques have been studied, but real industrial automation operations have seldom been developed. We report a mesh-reinforced Vaseline-assisted transfer method, which utilizes a mesh embedded Vaseline structure, similar to reinforced concrete, as a carrier film for graphene transfer. Vaseline acts as an adhesive layer that preserves graphene’s integrity and can be easily removed, while the mesh reinforcement ensures the structure self-support and therefore easy processing, compatible with industrial automation operations. Successful graphene transfers onto SiO2/Si wafers and curved surfaces with good integrity and cleanliness are demonstrated and an automated graphene transfer production line is also presented, highlighting the potential for mass production and applicability to other two-dimensional materials and thin films as well.
South African patenting trends based on the European Patent Office (EPO)’s worldwide patent statistical database (PATSTAT)
Authors: Mafata Mpho , Linde Ian van der
Published: July 2024

This study describes South African (SA) patenting trends based on data from the European Patent Office’s (EPO) patent statistics (PATSTAT) database. We aimed to answer; where, what, and with whom are South Africans patenting over the past 22 years (i.e., 2000 to 2021). By counting the number of patent families and applications per office/authority we described the intensity in patenting. Counting the patents and technology types indicated the focus areas of these patents. We found that the South African patenting landscape is predominantly domestic, with a trend towards otherwise filing at the major patenting offices (i.e., the United States patenting office – USPTO and the EPO). Generally, there has been a decline in filings at international offices since peaking in 2010. Most granted patents were in human necessities (medicine and agriculture) and physical/chemical processes (petroleum). SA inventors collaborated mainly with US, German, and United Kingdom inventors. This may indicate financial non-viability of South African patent filing/ownership (where inventors relinquish their rights for financial gain), outsourcing of South African inventive capacity, or centralised filings by international firms with headquarters outside of SA. The latter may be part of the larger matter of emigration of South African talent/inventive capacity.
SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOTHESIS IN LEGAL RESEARCH
Authors:   Associate Professor, University Department of Law, Patna University, Patna., Shankar Singh Shiv
Published: July 2024

Hypothesis is a tentative statement about the solution of the problem. Hypothesis offers a solution of the problem that is to be verified empirically and based on some rationale. Hypothesis guides the research process in a systematic way towards a achieving a desired goal. Certain important characteristics of an ideal hypothesis include being clear, specific, empirically testable and being related to a body of theory. It acts as a temporary solution and helps the researcher to start his investigation in an objective manner. Hypotheses can be of various types such as working, scientific, alternative, research, null or statistical hypothesis. A hypothesis can virtually relate to anything under the sun. Hence, a great caution and practical approach needs to be adopted while formulating a hypothesis. Two basic methods of hypothesis formulation are qualitative method and quantitative method. Formulation of hypothesis is very crucial to the solution of research problem because hypothesis helps in keeping the research of the researcher focused. It helps in narrowing the sample so that eventually the researcher is not left with useless data. If the hypothesis is ill-defined then it will become very difficult rather practically impossible for the researcher to have a reasonable basis for his research. A properly tested hypothesis helps to either verify a theory or deny it. It may also suggest some modifications in an existing theory. Although hypothesis do not generally challenge the well known laws of the nature or the well-established principles of science which have been proved beyond reasonable doubt yet hypothesis do at times help in formulating new theories.
FROM DERMATOMYOSITIS SINE DERMATITIS TO A COMPLETE FORM OF JUVENILE DERMATOMYOSITIS: AN INTRIGUING CASE REPORT!
Authors:   Department of Pediatric, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Oujda, University Mohammed First Oujda, Morocco., Lamouri Inasse , El Ouali Aziza ,   Department of Pediatric, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Oujda, University Mohammed First Oujda, Morocco., Kamaoui Imane ,   Department of Radiology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Oujda, Morocco., Rkain Maria ,   Department of Pediatric, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Oujda, University Mohammed First Oujda, Morocco., Babakhouya Abdeladim ,   Department of Pediatric, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Oujda, University Mohammed First Oujda, Morocco.
Published: July 2024

Although rare, juveniledermatomyositis (JD) is the mostcommoninflammatorymyopathy in children. It is a vasculopathycategorizedintoclassical and non-classicalsubtypes, the latter includingamyopathicdermatomyositis (DM) and dermatomyositis (DM) withoutdermatitis. DM sine dermatitisis a rarelydescribedphenotype, representing an atypicalformwith no classiccutaneous manifestations, complicatingdiagnosis, and isthereforeidentified on the basis of well-defined diagnostic criteria.In this article, we report the case of a twelve-year-oldchildpresentingwith muscle weakness and myalgias one monthprior to admission. Clinicalexaminationrevealed a progressive myogenic syndrome withdysphagia to solids, with no other multi-visceralinvolvement or signs of severity. Mucocutaneousexaminationwaspoor, revealingonlyleukokeratosis of the leftlateralborder of the tongue, with no otherassociated skin signs. Muscle enzymes wereelevated. A myositis-specificautoantibodyassayrevealed a positive anti-NXP2. Electromyographyshowed a diffuse emyogenic syndrome. MRI of the lowerlimbsshowed diffuse hypersignal in the muscle tissue. A diagnosis of dermatomyositis sine dermatitiswas made, and treatmentwasinitiatedwith oral prednisone 2 mg/kg/day, combinedwithsubcutaneous Methotrexate 25 mg/week. In the absenceimprovementafter 5 months of treatment, weswitched to mycophenolatemofetil (MMF) at a dose of 600 mg/mÂ² twicedaily, with good progression.Afterlosinghissight and stoppingtreatment for a long time, the patient returnedaftertwoyearswith a full clinicalpicture of juveniledermatomyositis, withsevere muscle weakness and skin signs. This time, given the severity of the disease, ourtherapeuticapproachwas to switch to third-line treatmentwithinfliximab 5 mg/kg biotherapyadministered at specificintervals, with good improvement.
THE EFFECT OF ELECTRONIC WORD OF MOUTH AND PRICE ON PURCHASING DECISIONS WITH TRUST AS AN INTERVENING VARIABLE IN SHOPEE E-COMMERCE
Authors:   Asian Banking Finance and Informatics Institute of Perbanas Jakarta, Indonesia., Wahyuni Sri , Indahsari Fitri ,   Asian Banking Finance and Informatics Institute of Perbanas Jakarta, Indonesia., Yulfanis Aulia Masrifa Andyni ,   Asian Banking Finance and Informatics Institute of Perbanas Jakarta, Indonesia.
Published: July 2024

This study aims to analyze the factors that influence purchasing decisions for Scarlett Whitening products in Shopee e-commerce, where the factors for making product purchasing decisions are Electronic Word Of Mouth, Price, and Trust.The data type is primary data, obtained from distributing questionnaires to consumers who have purchased Scarlett Whitening products in Shopee e-commerce, using non-probability purposive sampling so that the total sample is 155 respondents. This study uses the Causal Associative Analysis method with a qualitative approach and data analysis techniques using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) AMOS version 26.0 program.The results showed that electronic word of mouth has a significant effect on trust, price has a significant effect on trust, trust has no significant effect on purchasing decisions, electronic word of mouth has a significant effect on purchasing decisions, and price has a significant effect on purchasing decisions.
LEVERAGING LEAN SIX SIGMA TECHNIQUES FOR ACCELERATED ON-SITE CASTING: FACTORS AND STRATEGIES
Authors: Pawar Vedant
Published: July 2024

In the construction industry, issues such as excessive waste, rising costs, and strained relationships are prevalent. A pressing matter of plunged casting time during mass concreting activities has engulfed numerous construction contracting firms around the world. The increased time of concrete utilization not only risks the commencement of the heat of hydration but also initiates the setting time of concrete. The use of admixtures has often been a boon to curb this situation but human errors are almost impossible to escape from as inappropriate dosage of the admixtures can result in changing the properties of the concrete, affects the quality and pumping ability, which ultimately reducing the speed of casting and elapsed schedules. Other factors on site, though minor, vastly affect the pumping efficiency and causes considerable delays in the casting which not only affects the schedules but also causes time overrun and affects the productivity at site. The focus of this study is to address the issues encountered at the site that directly affect the speed of on-site casting and corrective actions.
PROFILE OF ISCHEMIC STROKE IN CHILDREN: EXPERIENCE OF THE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CENTER OF OUJDA
Authors:   Service de Pediatrie, CHU Mohammed VI, Faculte de Medecine et Pharmacie Mohammed I - Oujda, Maroc., Babakhouya A. , Elmoqaddem H. ,   Service de Pediatrie, CHU Mohammed VI, Faculte de Medecine et Pharmacie Mohammed I - Oujda, Maroc., Elouali A. ,   Service de Pediatrie, CHU Mohammed VI, Faculte de Medecine et Pharmacie Mohammed I - Oujda, Maroc., Zahiri H. ,   Service de Pediatrie, CHU Mohammed VI, Faculte de Medecine et Pharmacie Mohammed I - Oujda, Maroc., Anane S. ,   Service de Pediatrie, CHU Mohammed VI, Faculte de Medecine et Pharmacie Mohammed I - Oujda, Maroc., Ghanam A. ,   Service de Pediatrie, CHU Mohammed VI, Faculte de Medecine et Pharmacie Mohammed I - Oujda, Maroc., Rkain M. ,   Service de Pediatrie, CHU Mohammed VI, Faculte de Medecine et Pharmacie Mohammed I - Oujda, Maroc.
Published: July 2024

Ischemic strokes (IS) in children are rare but critical, presenting unique challenges due to age-specific factors. Defined by the American Heart Association as episodes of neurological dysfunction caused by focal infarctions, IS can lead to severe outcomes if not promptly addressed. Despite their rarity, pediatric IS requires careful management, complicated by the lack of validated treatment data for children. This study from the University Hospital Center of Oujda examines the management of acute IS in children, analyzing epidemiological aspects, clinical presentations, and therapeutic approaches. Results : 1. Population: 29 children, average age 3.5 years, slight male predominance (sex ratio: 1.2). 2. Consultation Delay: 14% were seen within 24 hours 50% after 7 days. 3. Symptoms: Motor deficit was the most common (82.7%). 4. Diagnostics: CT confirmed IS in 85% of cases MRI established etiological diagnosis in 51.8%, showing sylvian artery involvement in all patients. 5. Etiologies: Embolic cardiopathies (31.03%), vasculopathies (20.06%), and others such as hypertension and neurofibromatosis. 6. Treatments: Symptomatic management, motor physiotherapy, aspirin, and heparin. 7. Outcomes: 74% had complete regression of motor deficits, 20.6% had partial regression, and there were two deaths due to cardiogenic shock. The study underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach to effectively manage IS in children and improve clinical outcomes.
RADIOTHERAPY OF RECURRENT SPINAL EPENDYMOMA
Authors:   Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, National Institute of Oncology, Mohamed V University, Rabat, Morocco., Hamdan Asmae , Eddarif Oumaima ,   Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, National Institute of Oncology, Mohamed V University, Rabat, Morocco., El Baz Salma ,   Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, National Institute of Oncology, Mohamed V University, Rabat, Morocco., Nouni Karima ,   Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, National Institute of Oncology, Mohamed V University, Rabat, Morocco., Lachgar Amine ,   Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, National Institute of Oncology, Mohamed V University, Rabat, Morocco., El Kacemi Hanan ,   Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, National Institute of Oncology, Mohamed V University, Rabat, Morocco., Kebdani Tayeb ,   Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, National Institute of Oncology, Mohamed V University, Rabat, Morocco., Hassouni Khalid ,   Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, National Institute of Oncology, Mohamed V University, Rabat, Morocco.
Published: July 2024

Spinal ependymoma is a rare tumor for which there is no consensus on optimal treatment and prognosis. However, complete resection is generally recommended when possible, offering a high rate of local control and favorable long-term survival. In cases where complete resection is not feasible, adjuvant radiotherapy may be considered to reduce the risk of recurrence. A 36-year-old patient, with no prior medical history, was diagnosed with a grade II spinal ependymoma according to the 2021 WHO classification. He underwent total resection in 2021. Twenty-one months later, he experienced a local recurrence and a spinal metastasis, for which he underwent partial resection urgently due to a sudden onset of spinal cord compression symptoms. The patient then received adjuvant radiotherapy, with a total dose of 39.6 Gy and a boost of 14.4 Gy. His pain improved starting from the second week of radiotherapy. One year later, his clinical and radiological condition remains stable.