bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence, risk factors, and significance of 20% decrease from new baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate after radical and partial nephrectomy within 2 years
Authors: Fan Bo , Yokoyama Minato , Kobayashi Masaki , Nakamura Yuki , Fujiwara Motohiro , Ishikawa Yudai , Fukuda Shohei , Waseda Yuma , Tanaka Hajime , Yoshida Soichiro , Fujii Yasuhisa
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the incidence and risk factors of a 20% decrease from new baseline (NB)‐estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) within 2 years after radical nephrectomy (RN) and partial nephrectomy (PN) and to examine the difference in the incidence of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) with or without the 20% decrease.

Methods

This retrospective study included 238 patients undergoing RN and 369 undergoing PN for cT1a‐cT3a renal cancer. The incidence of a 20% decrease from NB‐eGFR within 2 years after RN/PN was examined and its potential risk factors including surgery type were assessed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The development of ESRD was analyzed as an endpoint and its incidence was compared according to the presence or absence of the 20% decrease from NB‐eGFR within 2 years.

Results

Overall, the 20% decrease from NB‐eGFR within 2 years was observed in 37 patients (6.1%), including 10 (4.2%) and 27 (7.3%) after RN and PN, respectively (p = 0.117). Diabetes mellitus, proteinuria, and perioperative complications were shown to be independent risk factors for the 20% decrease from NB‐eGFR, while surgery type was not. During the median follow‐up of 65 months, the ESRD‐free survival rate at 6 years was 75.5% and 99.6% in patients with and without the 20% decrease from NB‐eGFR, respectively (p < 0.001), while no significant difference was observed between patients undergoing RN and PN (98.1% and 98.7%, p = 0.561).

Conclusions

Because the incidence of ESRD after the 20% decrease from NB‐eGFR within 2 years was as high as 24.5% at 6 years, these patients should be followed with utmost care.
Income statement mismatching has not reduced the informativeness of earnings over time
Authors: Oh Hyung Il , Penman Stephen
Published: October 2023

Research has concluded that there has been a decline in the informativeness of earnings over recent years. The reported decline has been attributed to an increasing mismatch of expenses to revenues due to the increasing expensing of investments in so‐called intangible assets to the income statement. That suggests a remedy is required and, with accounting standards boards now considering intangible asset accounting, the issue is particularly pertinent. However, his paper challenges the conclusions from the research by documenting that the mismatching adds information for pricing. It does so by distinguishing higher risk investment from that booked to the balance sheet, and the market prices it as such. Further, in a seeming contradiction, the mismatching enhances matching, and empirical tests confirm. Once mismatched expenses and matched earnings are separated, there is little indication of a decline in the information content of accounting over time.
Spatial heterogeneity facilitates coexistence between striped hyaenas and sympatric carnivores
Authors: Ashish K. , Ramesh T. , Kalle Riddhika , Giordano Anthony J.
Published: October 2023

Aim

Interspecific competition plays a key role in shaping carnivore communities. Top‐down effects can impact the coexistence of superordinate and subordinate competitors and prey across a shared landscape. Limited resources, their abundance and diminishing habitats can all exacerbate interspecific competition. Sometimes, behavioural mechanisms or adaptations are critical for subordinate carnivores to coexist with larger species. Here, we investigated the distribution pattern of the striped hyaena (Hyaena hyaena) population with respect to habitat features, sympatric carnivores and their prey species across a large landscape.

Location

Western and Eastern Ghats, India.

Taxon

Striped hyaena.

Methods

We collected presence–absence data for hyaenas, tigers, leopards, dholes and their prey using camera‐trapping and indirect sign surveys. Using a random forest algorithm, we modelled the local distribution of hyaenas as a function of important ecological variables, including climate, domestic prey abundance and the predicted probabilities of occurrence of other large carnivores and their prey.

Results

We found that striped hyaenas were confined to relatively small, discrete areas compared to the three other predators, likely a mechanism for achieving coexistence in the landscape. Our empirical results suggested that hyaenas tend to avoid high occurrence probability areas of their co‐predators at a landscape level but foothold opportunities such as, arid climatic conditions, and prey abundance primarily determined spatial incumbency. Coexistence in an area with low to medium relative abundance of co‐predators offsets the interplay between carcass acquisition and risk associated. The coexistence of species was favoured by altitudinal heterogeneity probably providing denning refugia and also by their preference towards suboptimal thorn forests that sustain a low density of co‐predators.

Main Conclusions

Our study showed a desisting impact of large predators on the distribution of the striped hyaena population. Furthermore, we suggest preventing habitat alteration in suboptimal habitats of large carnivores to facilitate coexistence in a shared landscape.
Isolating the drivers of the species‐area relationship in experimental habitat islands
Authors: Hanks Granger W. , Clay Natalie A. , Herrmann Maggie , Nunnally Clifton , Bryant S. River D. , McClain Craig R.
Published: October 2023

Aim

Considered one of ecology's laws, the species‐area relationship (SAR) is among the most intensively studied ecological phenomena, yet the mechanisms through which the SAR arises and under what circumstances remain poorly understood. Here, we experimentally test the effects of area alone in the absence of commonly invoked mechanistic drivers of the SAR in both sub‐tidal bay and inter‐tidal marsh habitats.

Location

Louisiana, U.S.A.

Taxon

Invertebrate macrofauna.

Methods

To determine if surface area alone may generate the SAR, we conducted a small‐scale, ephemeral habitat island experiment in a subtidal soft‐bottom bay and in an intertidal soft‐bottom coastal salt marsh. Cellulose sponge habitat islands of varying surface areas, but with constant energy content and habitat diversity, were deployed in each location to isolate the effects of surface area on the SAR in the absence of species‐energy relationships and habitat diversity.

Results

Area alone, likely through passive sampling, generated significant SARs in both habitats, with the salt marsh producing the strongest relationship, likely due to differential physical structuring between habitats. Communities of low surface area sponges were generally nested within those of high surface area sponges, and dispersal limitation may have increased the importance of nestedness relative to species replacements in structuring communities between habitats.

Main Conclusions

That area alone, in the absence of covariates such as energy availability and habitat diversity may, significantly impact the species richness of experimental and ephemeral marine benthic habitat island communities. Our methodology may provide a new avenue for SAR research, allowing for the isolation and simultaneous testing of potential drivers through the physical manipulation of ephemeral habitats.
Parental practices and children's lifestyle correlates of childhood overweight/obesity in Europe: The Feel4Diabetes study
Authors: Kontochristopoulou Aikaterini M. , Karatzi Kalliopi , Karaglani Eva , Cardon Greet , Kivelä Jemina , Iotova Violeta , Tankova Tsvetalina , Rurik Imre , Radone Anett S. , Liatis Stavros , Makrilakis Konstantinos , Moreno Luis A. , Manios Yannis
Published: October 2023

Background

Parental influences on children's eating and physical activity (PA) and consequently on their weight are fundamental. The present study aimed to identify the predominant correlates of childhood overweight/obesity among a variety of parental practices and children's lifestyle indices in a large sample of children in Europe.

Methods

Families from low socio‐economic status regions were recruited through schools, located in six European countries (Belgium, Finland, Greece, Spain, Bulgaria and Hungary). Seven thousand three hundred ninety‐seven children 4–12 years old and their parents were selected using the FINDRISC‐questionnaire. Parental practices assessed included parental role modelling, permissiveness and reward. Children's dietary intake and lifestyle behaviours were assessed through parent‐reported questionnaires.

Results

Regarding parental practices, it was revealed that being sometimes (odds ratio [OR] = 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10–1.43) or rarely (OR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.21–1.69) physically active with the child was associated with greater overweight/obesity risk, whereas rare permission of computer/mobile/tablet (OR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.67–0.98) and sometimes (OR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.68–0.88) or rare (OR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.66–0.91) reward with PA were associated with lower risk. Regarding children's lifestyle factors, consuming > 3 cups/week fresh fruit juices (OR = 1.28; 95% CI = 1.13–1.45), skipping breakfast (OR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.17–1.61), absence of 1 h of daily PA (OR = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.24–1.58) and increased daily screen time (ST) (OR = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.09–1.39) were associated with greater overweight/obesity risk. All the variables were adjusted for maternal education, child's sex and age.

Conclusions

These findings emphasize the necessity of family‐centered approaches in health promotion and obesity prevention programs for children. Such programs should focus on parents as the primary role models in exerting positive influence and encouraging healthy eating habits, PA, and ST behaviors in their children, which in turn, may have a substantial impact on children's overall weight status.
Associations between food insecurity and child and parental physical, nutritional, psychosocial and economic well‐being globally during the first 1000 days: A scoping review
Authors: Rosen Francesca , Settel Lily , Irvine Faith , Koselka Elizabeth P. D. , Miller Joshua D. , Young Sera L.
Published: October 2023

Food insecurity affects billions of individuals annually and contributes to myriad poor health outcomes. Experiences of food insecurity may be particularly harmful during the first 1000 days, but literature on the topic has not been synthesized. We therefore aimed to characterize all available studies examining associations between food insecurity and nutritional, psychosocial, physical and economic well‐being among parents and children during this period. We implemented a standardized search strategy across 11 databases. Four researchers screened 10,257 articles, 120 of which met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were conducted in Sub‐Saharan Africa (43.3%), followed by North America (20.8%). Studies were primarily quantitative (95.8%), cross‐sectional (70.0%) and focused on women (pregnant or post‐partum, 48.3%) or women and children (15.8%). Physical health outcomes were the most investigated (n = 87 studies), followed by nutritional (n = 69), psychosocial (n = 35) and economic well‐being (n = 2). The most studied associations were between food insecurity and stunting (n = 15), maternal depression (n = 12), child dietary diversity (n = 7) and maternal body mass index (n = 6). The strength of evidence for the observed associations varied across populations as well as within and between examined outcomes. We recommend that future studies recruit more diverse study populations, consider temporality of relationships, use instruments that facilitate cross‐site comparisons, measure individual‐level food insecurity and outcomes most likely to be impacted by food insecurity, evaluate contextual factors that may modify the effects of food insecurity and employ analytic techniques that permit assessment of causal pathways.
Feasibility Study on the Application of Boron Carbide for Long Term Reactivity Control in the LOTUS Small Fast Reactor
Authors: Vu Thanh Mai , Bui Thi Hong , Tran Le Quang Linh
Published: October 2023

200 MWth lead-cooled fast reactor (LOTUS) reactor core is a small modular lead-cooled fast reactor with designed power of 200 MWth under development at Vietnam National University (VNU) University of Science, Hanoi for a floating nuclear power plant application. For that purpose, advanced passive safety features and no refueling requirement are the priorities in the core design process. To endure the continuous operation over a long lifetime, the startup core exhibits excess reactivity to cover the reactivity loss due to burnup. The reactivity control system includes burnable poison and absorber rods and layers made of B4C which are employed in the reactor to minimize the excess reactivity of the core to about 1 $ to enhance the safety features of the core. The burnable poison is fixed inside the reactor while absorber rods/absorber layers are withdrawn or inserted in sequence to achieve the required excess reactivity of about 700 pcm. The reactivity control was arranged into ten steps to achieve the operating time of 15 effective full-power years without refueling. Good neutronic behavior of the core was observed with negative fuel temperature coefficient and coolant void reactivity and maximum radial power peaking factor of 1.32. However, a quite large residual absorption caused by fixed burnable poison inside fuel assemblies was revealed. In further study, to increase the neutron absorption efficiency of burnable poison in the fast spectrum as well as the reactor lifetime, a neutron moderator will be considered to add to the burnable poison rods.
The phonon quantum of thermal conductance: Are simulations and measurements estimating the same quantity?
Authors: Polanco Carlos A. , van Roekeghem Ambroise , Brisuda Boris , Saminadayar Laurent , Bourgeois Olivier , Mingo Natalio
Published: October 2023

The thermal conductance quantum is a fundamental quantity in quantum transport theory. However, two decades after its first reported measurements and calculations for phonons in suspended nanostructures, reconciling experiments and theory remains elusive. Our massively parallel calculations of phonon transport in micrometer-sized three-dimensional structures suggest that part of the disagreement between theory and experiment stems from the inadequacy of macroscopic concepts to analyze the data. The computed local temperature distribution in the wave ballistic nonequilibrium regime shows that the spatial placement and dimensions of thermometers, heaters, and supporting microbeams in the suspended structures can noticeably affect the thermal conductance’s measured values. In addition, diffusive transport assumptions made in the data analysis may result in measured values that considerably differ from the actual thermal conductance of the structure. These results urge for experimental validation of the suitability of diffusive transport assumptions in measuring devices operating at sub-kelvin temperatures.
Whole-genome sequences of two
Drosophila melanogaster
microbiome symbionts
Authors: Barron Alexander J. , Broderick Nichole A.
Published: October 2023

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
and
Acetobacter tropicalis
are bacterial symbionts commonly isolated from decaying fruits and from the microbiome of
Drosophila melanogaster
. Studies have shown that these organisms interact synergistically, imparting beneficial effects on the host. Here, we report whole-genome sequences of these microbes obtained from long and short reads.
Draft genome sequence of the BAL58 Betaproteobacteria representative strain LSUCC0117
Authors: Stapelfeldt Holly R. D. , Lanclos V. Celeste , Henson Michael W. , Thrash J. Cameron
Published: October 2023

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of strain LSUCC0117, a representative of the abundant aquatic BAL58 Betaproteobacteria group which we isolated from a coastal site in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The genome is estimated at over 99% complete, with a genome size of 2,687,225 bp.
Tegument Ultrastructure and Morphology of the Capsule Surrounding the Tetrathyridia of the Genus Mesocestoides Vaillant, 1863 in the Liver of the Root Vole
Authors: Pospekhova N. A. , Kusenko K. V.
Published: October 2023

The ultrastructure of the tegument of encapsulated tetrathyridia of the genus Mesocestoides Vaillant, 1863 (Cestoda, Cyclophyllidea, Mesocestoididae) from the liver of root voles Microtus oeconomus (Pallas, 1776) and the structure of the three-layered capsule surrounding them were studied for the first time. Several types of extracellular structures were noted on the surface of the tetrathyridia tegument: vesicles, fine granular material, and vacuoles. In addition, the phenomenon of shedding microtriches, which have expanded parts, was found. Host cells in contact with extracellular material show signs of destruction. A characteristic feature of the capsules surrounding the tetrathyridia is the reticular structure of the fibrous layer containing both native and degenerating inflammatory cells.
Approbation of a New Model of Secondary Damage after Traumatic Brain Injury Based on Reprogrammed Rat Embryo Fibroblasts
Authors: Rykunova E. B. , Mikeladze M. A. , Utepova I. A. , Chupakhin O. N. , Guzhova I. V. , Lazarev V. F.
Published: October 2023

The paper presents a new model of secondary injuries after traumatic brain injury. The model is based on the cultivation of rat embryonic fibroblasts reprogrammed to a neuronal phenotype in the presence of cerebrospinal fluid from injured rats. The presented model was used to test the therapeutic effect of inducers of the synthesis of chaperones from the classes of pyrrolylazines and indolylazines, which have neuroprotective properties.
Osteitis pubis following holmium laser enucleation of the prostate
Authors: Smani Shayan , Reddy Sharath , Kong Victoria , Kellner Daniel
Published: October 2023

Osteitis pubis is a rare, inflammatory condition involving the pubic symphysis. While osteitis pubis has been reported following many urological procedures, including those addressing bladder outlet obstruction such as transurethral resection of the prostate, it has never been reported after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). Here, we detail the clinical course of a patient found to have osteitis pubis following HoLEP. This patient presented several weeks after surgery with non-specific, persistent symptoms of groin pain and difficulty ambulating, alerting our clinicians to consider osteitis pubis which was confirmed on MRI of the pelvis. While the majority of osteitis pubis cases are managed with locally invasive techniques, our patient’s symptoms were successfully managed conservatively with Foley catheter placement, oral antibiotics and close follow-up. At 9 months postoperative, the patient has reported complete resolution of symptoms and continues to be followed closely.
What are the chances of having a second epileptic seizure?
Authors: Saul Helen , Deeney Brendan , Cassidy Samantha , Neligan Aidan
Published: October 2023

The study

Neligan A, Adan G, Nevitt SJ, et al. Prognosis of adults and children following a first unprovoked seizure.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev
2023;1:1-75.

To read the full NIHR Alert, go to:
https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/epilepsy-what-are-the-chances-of-having-a-second-seizure/
Brain capital, ecological development and sustainable environments
Authors: Ibanez Agustin , Eyre Harris
Published: October 2023

The importance of improving brain and mental health and developing sustainable environments is increasingly recognised. Understanding the syndemic interactions between these processes can help address contemporary societal challenges and foster global innovation. Here, we propose a green brain capital model that integrates environmental drivers of brain health and green skills necessary for long-term sustainability and discuss the role of interdisciplinary approaches in promoting individual and collective behavioural changes. We draw on existing literature and research to highlight the connections between brain health, environmental factors and green skills. Environmental factors and exposome can have long-lasting adverse effects on brain health, particularly in vulnerable populations. Investing in green brain capital can prepare societies to address global crises. Green skills, including creativity, ecological intelligence and digital literacy, are critical for promoting sustainable environments. Access to nature improves brain and mental health, and interdisciplinary fields such as neurourbanism can inform urban planning to benefit citizens’ well-being. Building brain capital and environmental sustainability interactions requires increasing future generations’ awareness, education and training. A comprehensive approach to green brain capital can enable greater societal scaling, synergistically protecting brain health and environmental sustainability.
Helicity amplitudes without gauge cancellation for electroweak processes
Authors: Chen Junmou , Hagiwara Kaoru , Kanzaki Junichi , Mawatari Kentarou
Published: October 2023

In the 5-component representation of weak bosons, the first four components make a Lorentz four vector, representing the transverse and longitudinal polarizations excluding the scalar component of the weak bosons, whereas its fifth component corresponds to the Goldstone boson. We obtain the $$5\times 5$$

5
×
5

component propagators of off-shell weak bosons, proposed previously and named after the Goldstone boson equivalence theorem, by starting from the unitary-gauge representation of the tree-level scattering amplitudes, and by applying the BRST (Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin) identities to the two sub-amplitudes connected by each off-shell weak-boson line. By replacing all weak boson vertices with those among the off-shell 5-component wavefunctions, we arrive at the expression of the electroweak scattering amplitudes, where the magnitude of each Feynman amplitude has the correct on-shell limits for all internal propagators, and hence with no artificial gauge cancellation among diagrams. Although our derivation is limited to the tree-level only, it allows us to study the properties of each Feynman amplitude separately, and then learn how they interfere in the full amplitudes. We implement the 5-component weak boson propagators and their vertices in the numerical helicity amplitude calculation code (Helicity Amplitude Subroutines), so that an automatic amplitude generation program such as can generate the scattering amplitudes without gauge cancellation. We present results for several high-energy scattering processes where subtle gauge-theory cancellation among diagrams takes place in all the other known approaches.
KS0 production in p+p interactions measured by NA61/SHINE
Authors: Ćirković Marjan ,   for the NA61/SHINE Collaboration
Published: October 2023

The NA61/SHINE collaboration measured the production of [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] interactions at two beam momenta: 80 and 158[Formula: see text]GeV/c. The [Formula: see text] decay of [Formula: see text] (branching ratio of 69.2%) was measured via the invariant mass method. The rapidity and transverse momentum distributions of [Formula: see text] are presented and compared to transport model predictions. The measured mean multiplicities of [Formula: see text] mesons equal to [Formula: see text] (80[Formula: see text]GeV/c) and [Formula: see text] (158[Formula: see text]GeV/c) are compared with the available data in the energy range [Formula: see text]–32[Formula: see text]GeV.
Photocurrent performance and enhancement of opto-electronic properties of spray pyrolysis deposited ZnO thin films via V-doping
Authors: Derbali L. , Bouhjar F. , Derbali A.
Published: October 2023

This study reports on the deposition of highly transparent conducting n-type zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films on FTO substrates, via an optimized doping process. Our work is focused on doping zinc oxide with vanadium (V) using spray pyrolysis technique and ensure the synthesis of nanoparticles-shaped ZnO, with an improved optical, microstructural and electrical properties for solar cells applications, as optical window material. Undoped and V-doped ZnO thin films, with careful optimized amounts (2, 4, 6 and 8 at.%), were grown at maintained 550∘C pre-heated substrate during the deposition process, which enables us to obtain nano-sized ZnO particles. We proved that 4 at.% is the optimum V content that enhances the crystallinity of the grown thin film noticeably. With an average transmittance of 80%, the deposited thin films revealed high transparency in the visible domain with a slight decrease in optical transmission which might result from additional scattering. UV-Visible analysis showed that increasing V amounts, a resulting decrease in the energy bandgap ([Formula: see text]) is obtained from 3.26[Formula: see text]eV to 3.17[Formula: see text]eV for 4 at.% of V content. Moreover, deep level defects in zinc oxide can be reduced with vanadium doping and consequently strengthen the UV emission. The UV emission peak intensity rises with increasing V-doping amount then decreases slightly at 8% of V content. The electrical properties measurements showed a decrease in resistivity from 2.8 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]⋅[Formula: see text]cm to 0.9 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]⋅[Formula: see text]cm when doping with 4 at.% of V. The crucial effect of the V-doping of ZnO was also demonstrated via the enhancement of carrier mobility that attains 38.5[Formula: see text]cm2/V[Formula: see text]⋅[Formula: see text]s at the optimum vanadium content. The photocurrent analysis revealed much higher visible light absorption in the V-doped zinc oxide thin films than that of undoped film. The photocatalytic activity enhancements are attributed to the lower recombination rate of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs, the narrowed bandgap, yielding a higher photocatalytic performance.
Investigation on the elastic scattering of oxygen nuclei
Authors: Sowmya N. , Vasudha G. S. , Manjunatha H. C. , Prabhavathi P. S.
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we investigated elastic cross-sections of [Formula: see text]O projectiles on different targets such as Boron, Carbon, Oxygen, Calcium, Iron, Zirconium, Tin and Lead targets at different energies. Elastic cross-sections are evaluated using an optical model. [Formula: see text] is studied as a function of different entrance channel parameters. Accordingly, we developed an empirical relation for [Formula: see text] as a function of the Coulomb interaction parameter, mass number of compound nuclei and center of mass-energy. The proposed empirical formula also reproduces experimental cross-sections with deviation of about 0.55. Hence, along with the optical model, the proposed formula can also be used to reproduce elastic scattering cross-sections of [Formula: see text]O-induced fusion reactions at different energies.
Multiagent Simulation of Seasonal Influenza from Preinfectious People in Closed Spaces
Authors: Iwanaga Saori
Published: October 2023

This study proposes a discrete mathematical Susceptible–Exposed–Preinfectious–Infectious–Recovered (SEPIR) states model for seasonal influenza. In a previous study, focusing on infections by preinfectious people using preexisting data, the author showed that the super-spreading of seasonal influenza occurred before the day that the first patients were discovered (D-day). In addition, when people do not take precautionary measures, the infectivity rate (from preinfected people) was determined as 0.041. After D-day in the community, the implementation of countermeasures was observed to reduce the infectivity rate to 0.002 and 0.013 in working and living spaces, respectively. The number of infectious people can be estimated by summing up each group in the community. This study performed a multiagent simulation (MAS) of seasonal influenza from preinfectious people in closed spaces based on decomposability. Then, the basic simulation is validated and the appropriateness of infective rates, changed infectivity rates, and near decomposability is confirmed.
Human Pose Transfer with Augmented Disentangled Feature Consistency
Authors: Wu Kun , Yin Chengxiang , Che Zhengping , Jiang Bo , Tang Jian , Guan Zheng , Ding Gangyi
Published: October 2023

Deep generative models have made great progress in synthesizing images with arbitrary human poses and transferring the poses of one person to others. Though many different methods have been proposed to generate images with high visual fidelity, the main challenge remains and comes from two fundamental issues: pose ambiguity and appearance inconsistency. To alleviate the current limitations and improve the quality of the synthesized images, we propose a pose transfer network with augmented
D
isentangled
F
eature
C
onsistency (DFC-Net) to facilitate human pose transfer. Given a pair of images containing the source and target person, DFC-Net extracts pose and static information from the source and target respectively, then synthesizes an image of the target person with the desired pose from the source. Moreover, DFC-Net leverages disentangled feature consistency losses in the adversarial training to strengthen the transfer coherence and integrates a keypoint amplifier to enhance the pose feature extraction. With the help of the disentangled feature consistency losses, we further propose a novel data augmentation scheme that introduces unpaired support data with the augmented consistency constraints to improve the generality and robustness of DFC-Net. Extensive experimental results on
Mixamo-Pose
and
EDN-10k
have demonstrated DFC-Net achieves state-of-the-art performance on pose transfer.
A Survey of Deep Learning for Low-shot Object Detection
Authors: Huang Qihan , Zhang Haofei , Xue Mengqi , Song Jie , Song Mingli
Published: October 2023

Object detection has achieved a huge breakthrough with deep neural networks and massive annotated data. However, current detection methods cannot be directly transferred to the scenario where the annotated data is scarce due to the severe overfitting problem. Although few-shot learning and zero-shot learning have been extensively explored in the field of image classification, it is indispensable to design new methods for object detection in the data-scarce scenario, since object detection has an additional challenging localization task. Low-Shot Object Detection (LSOD) is an emerging research topic of detecting objects from a few or even no annotated samples, consisting of One-Shot Object Localization (OSOL), Few-Shot Object Detection (FSOD), and Zero-Shot Object Detection (ZSOD). This survey provides a comprehensive review of LSOD methods. First, we propose a thorough taxonomy of LSOD methods and analyze them systematically, comprising some extensional topics of LSOD (semi-supervised LSOD, weakly supervised LSOD, and incremental LSOD). Then, we indicate the pros and cons of current LSOD methods with a comparison of their performance.Finally, we discuss the challenges and promising directions of LSOD to provide guidance for future works.
Improving Blockchain Scalability with the Setchain Data-Type
Authors: Capretto Margarita , Ceresa Martín , Fndez Anta Antonio , Russo Antonio , Sánchez César
Published: October 2023

Blockchain technologies are facing a scalability challenge, which must be overcome to guarantee a wider adoption of the technology. This scalability issue is due to the use of consensus algorithms to guarantee the total order of the chain of blocks (and of the transactions within each block). However, total order is often not fully necessary, since important advanced applications of smart-contracts do not require a total order among
all
operations. A much higher scalability can potentially be achieved if a more relaxed order (instead of a total order) can be exploited.

In this article, we propose a novel distributed concurrent data type,
Setchain
, which significantly improves scalability. A Setchain implements a
grow-only set
whose elements are not ordered, unlike conventional blockchain operations. When convenient, the Setchain allows forcing a synchronization barrier that assigns permanently an epoch number to a subset of the latest elements added, agreed by consensus. Therefore, two operations in the same epoch are not ordered, while two operations in different epochs are ordered by their respective epoch number. We present different Byzantine-tolerant implementations of Setchain, prove their correctness, and report on an empirical evaluation of a prototype implementation. Our results show that Setchain is orders of magnitude faster than consensus-based ledgers, since it implements grow-only sets with epoch synchronization instead of total order.

Since the Setchain barriers can be synchronized with the underlying blockchain, Setchain objects can be used as a
sidechain
to implement many decentralized solutions with much faster operations than direct implementations on top of blockchains.

Finally, we also present an algorithm that encompasses into a single process the combined behavior of the Byzantine servers, which simplifies correctness proofs by encoding the general attacker in a concrete implementation.
BiC-Net: Learning Efficient Spatio-temporal Relation for Text-Video Retrieval
Authors: Han Ning , Zeng Yawen , Shi Chuhao , Xiao Guangyi , Chen Hao , Chen Jingjing
Published: October 2023

The task of text-video retrieval aims to understand the correspondence between language and vision and has gained increasing attention in recent years. Recent works have demonstrated the superiority of local spatio-temporal relation learning with graph-based models. However, most existing graph-based models are handcrafted and depend heavily on expert knowledge and empirical feedback, which may be unable to mine the high-level fine-grained visual relations effectively. These limitations result in their inability to distinguish videos with the same visual components but different relations. To solve this problem, we propose a novel cross-modal retrieval framework, Bi-Branch Complementary Network (BiC-Net), which modifies Transformer architecture to effectively bridge text-video modalities in a complementary manner via combining local spatio-temporal relation and global temporal information. Specifically, local video representations are encoded using multiple Transformer blocks and additional residual blocks to learn fine-grained spatio-temporal relations and long-term temporal dependency, calling the module a Fine-grained Spatio-temporal Transformer (FST). Global video representations are encoded using a multi-layer Transformer block to learn global temporal features. Finally, we align the spatio-temporal relation and global temporal features with the text feature on two embedding spaces for cross-modal text-video retrieval. Extensive experiments are conducted on MSR-VTT, MSVD, and YouCook2 datasets. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed model. Our code is public at

https://github.com/lionel-hing/BiC-Net

.
Proposal of a Knowledge Capitalization Process to Construct
Eco-Diars
: A Knowledge-driven
Platform
Applied to Traditional Algerian Domestic Architecture
Authors: Amrani Racha , Kacher Sabrina , Khouri Selma , Oufaida Houda , Ouahab Safia , Cherrad Mouna
Published: October 2023

This article is part of doctoral research that proposes to capitalize on the environmental knowledge drawn from traditional Algerian domestic architecture, supported by a knowledge-based
platform
. This research aims to (1) build a capital of knowledge related to traditional environmental devices (EDs) allowing to suggest them as “references” to propose conceptual solutions during the upstream phases of the architectural design, (2) support the Algerian government's policy of preservation and digitization of architectural heritage, and (3) support the government's policy of reducing energy consumption in the building sector. From this perspective, this article proposes an interactive knowledge capitalization process involving Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for the modeling, exploitation, and visualization of ED-related knowledge. This article will present the proposed process for knowledge capitalization leading to the development of the knowledge-driven
platform
Eco-Diars
intended to enable designers to efficiently perform their queries related to traditional environmental devices.
Towards a Greener and Fairer Transportation System: A Survey of Route Recommendation Techniques
Authors: Makhdomi Aqsa Ashraf , Gillani Iqra Altaf
Published: October 2023

In recent years, ride-hailing services have emerged as a popular means of transportation for the residents of urban areas. There is an inequality in the spatio-temporal distribution of demand and supply, which requires the proper recommendation of routes to drivers in order to guide them towards riders optimally. This paper provides a review of different route recommendation strategies that have been applied in ride-hailing platforms with the main focus on fairness, and environmental issues. It is important to consider the environmental aspects of route recommendation systems as the transportation sector is one of the major sources of air pollution and has reduced the life expectancy of people around the globe. Moreover, there is an unfair distribution of resources and opportunities among the drivers and riders of the platform which has affected their long-term sustainability in the market. In this paper, we highlight the critical challenges and opportunities inherent in the design of green and fair route recommendation systems and indicate some possible directions for future research.
Optical, Impedance, and DFT Study of Ternary SnO2-Fe-Cu Nanoparticles
Authors: Choudhury Sandip Paul , Sharma Neha , Narzary Basiram Brahma , Kumari Navnita , Sarkar Pranab Kumar , Bhattacharjee Ayon
Published: October 2023

The present study was based on the optical, electrical, and DFT studies of ternary compounds. The host material was SnO2 and SnO2-Fe. The Fe doping was kept fixed at 2%. Cu in different percentages were doped with SnO2-Fe. The structural properties reveal the size of the nanoparticles can be engineered with Cu-doping variation. The optical studies by photoluminescence, UV-visible, and FTIR spectroscopy throw light on the application of the material as a visible-light photocatalyst. The shift in the absorption peak and change in the band gap with Cu was observed in the synthesized samples. The synthesized sample may also hold application in gas sensing because of oxygen vacancies created as observed in Raman spectra. The impedance study and DFT study explored the electrical behavior. With the increase in temperature, the conductivity of the sample is observed to decrease. The incorporation of Cu in SnO2-Fe reduces the impedance with its increasing concentration. The modification in the structure brought about an appreciable change in the Fermi level of SnO2 which can be decisive in the construction of ternary compound-based electronics.
Chemical Functionalization of Silicon Carbide Nanotube (SiCNT): First Principles DFT Study
Authors: Adharsh U. , Akash R. , Balaji A. Sakthi , Thiruvadigal D. John , Hariharan R. M. , Sneha J. , Abinaya V. , Sivasankar K. Janani
Published: October 2023

In this study, a functionalized nano drug carrier design based on (5,5) silicon carbide nanotube and functional groups such as amine (−NH2), hydroxyl (−OH), and carboxylic acid (−COOH) were investigated using the first principles’ density functional theory. The critical need for a smart nanocarrier system aims to increase the concentration of medications to the particular tissues of interest with minimal toxicity to the patient. The simulations are carried out using Quantum ATK-Atomistic Simulation Software. The negative binding energy and the total energy difference obtained by optimization through random perturbation ensure the stability of the structures SiCNT and SiCNT-(X/2X) (X = −OH, −NH2, and −COOH). The energy bandgap obtained for the pristine structure is 1.99 eV indicating their indirect bandgap semiconducting characteristics. In comparison to SiCNT, the energy bandgap of SiCNT-(X/2X) structures decreases within a range of 0.06 eV to 1.95 eV, respectively. Partial charges and p-character were used to understand the nature of bonds between the nanotube and the functional moiety. The chemical potential analysis favors a blue shift of SiCNT-(X/2X) with respect to SiCNT. The higher values of ionic character and solvation energy predicts the solubility of nanostructures in the aqueous medium. In comparison to all analyzed systems, the findings of the ionic character, solvation, and sensing mechanism indicate SiCNT-(2NH2) system to be most favorable drug delivery nanocarrier. These findings suggest that increasing the concentration of −NH2 functional groups on the side wall of silicon carbide nanotubes helps to develop a promising and efficient targeted drug delivery system to deliver specific molecular cargo to the cells mitigating toxicity associated with nanotubes, thereby enhancing the outcomes of cancer treatment. Furthermore, surface functionalization of silicon carbide nanostructures could improve their potential solubility parameterized by higher values of dipole moment and solvation energy together with enhanced biocompatibility leading to the desired therapeutic effect.
Synthesis and Characterization of ZnO:NiO Nanocomposites Prepared by Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract Assisted Green Method
Authors: Vala Mayur , Pashvan Chandankumar , Solanki Pankaj , Dhruv Dhananjay , Markna J. H. , Kataria Bharat
Published: October 2023

We present the environment-friendly facile production of ZnO nanoparticles and ZnO: NiO nanocomposites by a completely green synthesis method using Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract as solvent as well as reducing agent. The existence of ZnO and NiO phases in the nanocomposites is confirmed by XRD analysis. Rietveld Refinement was performed to calculate the corresponding structural parameters. The average crystallite size is found in between 18 nm to 22 nm for the different phases present in all the samples. The microstructures of ZnO nanoparticles and ZnO:NiO nanocomposites were investigated by FE-SEM, displaying mixed morphology having a combination of quasi-spherical and hexagonal shape and the particle size varying from 20 nm to 120 nm. The existence of vibrational modes corresponding to ZnO and NiO phases is shown by Raman spectroscopy. Dielectric characteristics were examined as a function of applied electric field frequency, revealing a decrease in dielectric constant with NiO addition, which was ascribed to the creation of ZnO:NiO interfaces in the composites. Complex impedance analysis was used to confirm the effect of grain and grain boundary resistance on dielectric characteristics. Complex impedance analysis, which supports the predominance of grain boundaries in the conduction process, was used to confirm the effect of grain and grain boundary resistance on the dielectric characteristics.
Seismic Mitigation Effect of Lever-Type Lead Viscoelastic Node Dampers
Authors: Ye Mao , Jiang Jin , Zhou Jingya , Zhang Wuliang , Huang Baotao , Wu Ming
Published: October 2023

Energy dissipation damping technology is usually used for infrastructure construction in seismic regions. In this study, a lever-type lead viscoelastic node damper (LTLVND), which can capture small rotational displacements of the infrastructure under seismic excitation, is innovatively proposed based on the leverage effect. The characteristics of energy-absorbing capacity of the LTLVND and its mitigation effect on the dynamics of the structure under seismic excitation are studied. Testing and modelling results show that a satisfactory energy dissipation effect can be observed for the innovative lead viscoelastic damper (LTLVND). Finally, a seismic analysis of a concrete frame structure with LTLVNDs is carried out. Pushover analysis and dynamic elastoplastic analysis are included. It is shown that a significant improvement in structural performance under seismic conditions can be achieved with the addition of LTLVNDs at appropriate locations.
Null-Cell Ectopic Pituitary Adenoma of the Nasal Cavity
Authors: Figaro Nicholas , Juman Jibran , Ramsundar Ashton , Rampersad Fidel , Johncilla Melanie , Juman Solaiman
Published: October 2023

An ectopic pituitary adenoma (EPA) is an uncommon type of pituitary adenoma, accounting for only 2% of all pituitary adenomas. EPAs are benign tumors that can occur anywhere along the migratory embryonic path of the pituitary gland and have no relationship to intrasellar elements. They are usually hormonally active and have a minor female predominance. The clinical features of EPAs are highly dependent on its hormonal activity, anatomical location, and its local mass effect. Appropriate radiological imaging is essential for the evaluation of EPAs. Imaging investigations show a normal pituitary gland and sellar turcica, provide details on the size of the tumor, its margins, and extent, and help with surgical planning. The criteria for diagnosing an ectopic pituitary adenoma depend on detailed histopathological examination. EPA management should be individualized. We present a case of a 71-year-old male who presented with a 9-month history of left nasal obstruction, purulent nasal discharge, and intermittent anterior epistaxis. The patient was being managed by his general practitioner for chronic rhinosinusitis but failure of his symptoms to resolve prompted a visit to the otorhinolaryngologist. The patient was diagnosed with a null-cell ectopic pituitary adenoma through histological analysis of a biopsy specimen that showed adenohypophyseal cells without cell-type-specific differentiation. The patient subsequently underwent an endoscopic endonasal excision and had an uneventful hospital stay.
Investigations to the Dynamics of City‐Size Distribution Containing Birth and Death Factors
Authors: Xia Xue , Huang Wenyi
Published: October 2023

A kinetic model, which involves emigration, immigration, birth, death, and fluctuation terms, is utilized to investigate the evolution of city‐size distribution. The Boltzmann‐type equation and the corresponding Fokker–Planck equation are obtained to analyze the urban size distribution. Three different population variable functions, containing both birth and death rates, are considered. For each population variable function, the closed form of its stationary solution is derived. It is found that the size of urban population distribution follows a power law. Numerical simulation illustrates the correctness of the results.