bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Clinical Characteristics, Treatment and Prognosis of Tuberculosis-associated Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Protocol for a Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study in China
Authors: Jiang Zhihan , Dai Yingying , Chang Jing , Xiang Pingchao , Liang Zhenyu , Yin Yan , Shen Yongchun , Wang Ruiying , Qiongda Bianba , Chu Hongling , Li Nan , Gai Xiaoyan , Liang Ying , Sun Yongchang
Published: January 2024

Background
Both tuberculosis and COPD are major public health problems and pulmonary tuberculosis has been confirmed as an important risk factor for COPD. Tuberculosis participates in the development of COPD through distinctive pathophysiological mechanisms. Tuberculosis-associated COPD is a unique phenotype of COPD and may have distinct characteristics compared to COPD patients without previous tuberculosis history. The precise definition, clinical characteristics, prognosis and optimal pharmacologic intervention of tuberculosis-associated COPD warrant further investigation.
Methods
This multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study will recruit more than 135 tuberculosis-associated COPD and 405 non-tuberculosis-associated COPD patients aged 35 years or older from 7 tertiary hospitals across mainland China. Diagnosis of tuberculosis-associated COPD is made if any of the following criteria is met: (1) previously definite pulmonary tuberculosis and ever receiving standard antituberculosis therapy; (2) previously suspected pulmonary tuberculosis and having typical radiological findings consistent with tuberculosis sequelae; (3) no definite history of pulmonary tuberculosis but having positive results of interferon gamma release assays accompanied with typical radiological signs. Demographic data, medical history related to COPD, respiratory questionnaires, blood routine examination, interferon gamma release assays, therapeutic regimen, lung function and chest CT will be collected at baseline. Patients will be followed up for 1 year and evaluated at outpatient every 6 months to record the longitudinal changes of symptoms, treatment regimen, lung function and frequency of exacerbation and hospitalization due to COPD. Furthermore, patients can consult their physicians whenever their symptoms get worse. Chest CT and total medical expenditure will be additionally assessed in the last outpatient visit. The study has been approved by Peking University Third Hospital Medical Science Research Ethics Committee (approval number: IRB00006761-M2023573).
Discussion
This study will provide a detailed characteristic profile of tuberculosis-associated COPD and propose potential treatment options for this specific patient group.
Trial registration
Registration number in ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06074042
Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Results and Early Period Complications of Conventional Circumcision Techniques(CCT) and Thermocautery Assisted Circumcision(TAC)
Authors: Kalyenci Bedreddin , Benlioglu Can , Ölçücü Mahmut Taha , Teke Kerem , sever Sait , Çift Ali , Yücel Mehmet Özgür
Published: January 2024

Purpose
The aim of this study was to assess the clinical outcomes and early postoperative complications linked to four different circumcision techniques. The objective is to emphasize the distinctive aspects of these circumcision techniques by categorizing the associated complications using the Clavien-Dindo classification system (CDCS).
Methods
7041 circumcised patients were scanned and examined in 4 groups according to the technique applied: Dorsal slit (DS), sleeve resection (SV), forceps-guided (FG), and thermocautery-assisted circumcision (TAC). Surgery time, anesthesia technique, number of sutures, recovery time, bleeding, edema and infection parameters were compared. Complications were classified based on the modified CDCS.
Results
Surgery time was 4.7 minutes (range of 4.5–5.2), bleeding(hematoma) with 7 cases (0.3%) and number of sutures with 5 sutures (range of 4–7) was statistically significantly lower in the TAC (p < 0.001). Recovery time with 5 days (range of 5–7) and incidence of edema was longer in TAC compared to FG, DS and SR (p < 0.001). Additionally, the recovery time of the SV group was statistically significantly shorter than the FG and DS groups (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the surgical techniques in CDCS.
Conclusion
TAC exhibits advantages over other techniques regarding bleeding and a shorter procedure time. However, it also comes with disadvantages, such as postoperative edema and a longer recovery time.
Circulating Levels of Neurofilament Light Chain as a Biomarker of Infarct and White Matter Hyperintensity Volumes After Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Holmegaard Lukas , Jensen Christer , Pedersen Annie , Blomstrand Christian , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Jood Katarina , Jern Christina
Published: January 2024

Serum neurofilament light chain protein (sNfL) shows promise as a biomarker for infarct size in acute ischemic stroke and monitoring diffuse cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). However, distinguishing the cSVD contribution after stroke may not be possible due to post-stroke sNfL increase. Furthermore, it remains unclear if etiologic subtype differences exist. We measured infarct and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes using MRI at the index stroke and 7-year follow-up in 316 ischemic stroke patients (mean age 53 years, 65% males). Serum NfL concentration was measured in the acute and convalescent phases, and at 7-year follow-up. In multivariable regression, acute and convalescent sNfL concentration was associated with infarct volume and time since stroke, but not with stroke etiology or infarct location. In long-term follow-up, sNfL was associated with WMHs and age, but not with stroke etiology. Nonlinear regression estimated that sNfL peaks around 1 month, and declines by 50% at 3 months and 99% at 9 months. We conclude that sNfL can serve as an indicator of infarct volume and elapsed time since brain injury in the acute and convalescent phases after stroke. Due to the significant post-stroke sNfL increase, several months are needed for reliable assessment of diffuse cSVD activity.
GFSNet: Gaussian Fourier with Sparse Attention Network for Visual Question Answering
Authors: Shen Xiang , Han Dezhi , Chang Chin-Chen Chang , Oad Ammar , Wu Huafeng
Published: January 2024

A profound understanding and reasoning of the relationship between images and question are crucial in Visual Question Answering (VQA) tasks. However, traditional self-attention mechanisms exhibit limitations , primarily confined to spatial domain modeling of images, lacking 20 the capability to adequately model and analyze visual information at different scales in the frequency domain. Additionally, the traditional self-attention-based image feature modeling introduces noise when capturing long-distance dependencies, causing the model to overly focus on irrelevant details, thereby reducing robustness. To address these issues, 25 this paper proposes a novel Gaussian Fourier with Sparse Attention Network (GFSNet). GFSNet utilizes Fourier transform techniques to represent image attention weights obtained through self-attention in the frequency domain, facilitating the effective modeling of different scale information by analyzing attention weights in the frequency domain. 30 Recognizing that different scale information in images often manifests as distinct frequency components, the model can better capture and 1 Springer Nature 2021 L A T E X template Gaussian Fourier with Sparse Attention Network for VQA adapt to the complex structures and correlations of these various scale details. To mitigate high-frequency noise in the frequency domain, we design an adaptive Gaussian filter to effectively suppress or filter noise in 35 the images. Finally, a novel sparse attention mechanism is introduced to select optimized key frequency domain features. This enables the model to more effectively focus on critical image regions, reducing the processing of irrelevant or redundant information, while enhancing interpretability and robustness. The proposed GFSNet model aims to achieve effective 40 modeling of visual information at different scales without increasing model parameters or altering computational complexity. Extensive experiments on the VQAv2 and GQA benchmark datasets unequivocally demonstrate the superiority and effectiveness of the GFSNet approach. Source code is available at https://github.com/shenxiang-vqa/GFSNet.
Fpga Based Hardware Entertained Light Weight Self Attention Deep Learning Framework for Better Classification of Ecg Signals
Authors: Selvan V. Ponniyin , A. Poojaa
Published: January 2024

High Speed Extreme learning networks (HSELN) achieve the two-fold challenges such as (i) reducing the complexity in deep learning algorithms without comprising the diagnosis performance and (ii) sustaining the performance of wearable devices suitable for the continuous monitoring of ECG signals. In order to improve resource constraint factors like lower latency, lower utilization, and energy efficiency, the article also focuses on the deployment of deep learning algorithms utilizing Hardware-Software Co-design techniques. Utilizing a variety of ECG datasets for the extended testing and validating it with the ten-cross validation method. Additionally, the suggested method is implemented in multiple Zynq-SoC families, and variables like utilization, latency, and power are computed and compared to numerous current hardware-centric deep learning architectures. Experimentation demonstrates that the proposed deep learning architecture has shown its excellence in diagnosing the ECG signals and proves to be avital solution for deploying in wearable devices.
The genetic diversity of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni, intermediate hosts Schistosome japonicum in hilly regions of China using microsatellite markers
Authors: Song Jing , Wang Hongqiong , Li Shizhu , Du Chunhong , Qian Peijun , Wang Wenya , Shen Meifen , Zhang Zongya , Zhou Jihua , Zhang Yun , Li Chunying , Hao Yuwan , Dong Yi
Published: January 2024

Background
The elimination of schistosomiasis remains a challenging task, with current measures primarily focused on the monitoring and control of Oncomelania hupensis (O. hupensis) snail, the sole intermediate host Schistosome japonicum. Given the emerging, re-emerging, and persistent habitats of snails, a study on the genetic diversity of snails might be an essential.
Objective
The aims of this study were to (1) analyze the genetic diversity of O. hupensis robertsoni Yunnan strain (O. h. r. Yunnan strain) using microsatellite DNA markers; and (2) validate the applicability of previously identified microsatellite loci for O. hupensis in hilly regions.
Methods
A total of 17 populations of O. hupensis from Yunnan Province in China were selected for analysis of genetic diversity by 6 microsatellite DNA polymorphic loci (i.e., P82, P84, T4-22, T5-11, T5-13, T6-27).
Results
the number of alleles among populations ranged from 0 to 19, with an average of 5. The average ranges of expected (He) and observed (Ho) heterozygosity within populations were 0.506 to 0.761 and 0.443 to 0.792, respectively. The average fixation index within population ranged from − 0.801 to 0.211. The average polymorphic information content (PIC) within population ranged from 0.411 to 0.757, appearing polymorphic for all loci (all PIC > 0.5), except for P28 and P48. A total of 68 loci showed significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P < 0.05), and pairwise Fst values ranged from 0.051 to 0.379. The analysis of molecular variance indicated that 88% of the variation exists within snail populations, while 12% exists among snail populations. Phylogenetic trees and principal coordinate analysis revealed two distinct clusters within the snail population, corresponding to "Yunnan North" and "Yunnan South".
Conclusion
O. h. r. Yunnan strain exhibits a relatively high level of genetic differentiation, with variation chiefly existing within snail populations. All snail could be separated into two clusters. The microsatellite loci P82 and P84 may not be suitable for the classification study of O. hupensis in hilly regions. These findings provide the important information for monitoring and control of snail, and further genetic diversity studies on snail populations.
Postoperative radiotherapy improves disease-free survival of EGFR wild-type pN2 non-squamous- cell non-small-cell lung cancer (Nsq-NSCLC) patients after complete resection: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Liu Yunsong , Men Yu , Yang Xu , Sun Shuang , Bao Yongxing , Ma Zeliang , Wang Yang , Zhai Yirui , Wang Jianyang , Deng Lei , Wang Wenqing , Bi Nan , Wang Luhua , Hui Zhouguang
Published: January 2024

Background: The ADAURA study indicated that adjuvant TKI therapy improves survival in postoperative patients with EGFR-mutated (EGFRm) non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), especially in stage III disease. However, the effect of PORT for stage III (N2) NSCLC with different EGFR statuses remains unclear, which we aimed to investigate in the present study.
Methods: Between 2006 and 2019, consecutive patients with pN2 non-squamous cell NSCLC (Nsq-NSCLC) after complete resection and adjuvant chemotherapy or EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) who had detection of EGFR status were retrospectively analyzed. PORT was administered using IMRT at 2 Gy per fraction with a total dose of 50 Gy over 5 weeks. Patients were categorized into 4 groups according to EGFR status and treatment: EGFR wild-type (EGFRwt) PORT group, EGFRwt non-PORT group, EGFRm PORT group, and EGFRm non-PORT group. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to compensate for differences in baseline characteristics. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to evaluate disease-free survival (DFS), locoregional relapse-free survival (LRFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS).
Results: A total of 566 patients were enrolled: 90 in the EGFRwt PORT group, 154 in the EGFRwt non-PORT group, 111 in the EGFRm PORT group, and 211 in the EGFRm non-PORT group. After PSM, the median DFS in the EGFRwt PORT group versus the EGFRwt non-PORT group were 33.9 versus 17.2 months (HR 0.62, 95%CI 0.417-0.920, P=0.017). In EGFRwt groups, PORT also improved LRFS (HR 0.58, 95%CI 0.34-0.99, P=0.042) and DMFS (HR 0.649, 95%CI 0.43-0.98, P=0.038). In EGFRm groups, PORT only improved LRFS (HR 0.50, 95%CI 0.30-0.85, P=0.009), with no significant difference in DFS or DMFS between the PORT and non-PORT groups.
Conclusion: For patients with completely resected pN2 Nsq-NSCLC receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, PORT can improve DFS in EGFRwt patients but not in EGFRm patients. Randomized clinical trials are needed for validation.
Formation kinetics and optoelectronic parameters of CdSe (NPs) addition to Nonionic Surfactant as a factor influencing the corrosion inhibition potential of Carbon Steel in Hydrochloric Acid
Authors: Nabil M. , fouad s.s , Easawi K. , Abdelhamed Samar , Allah Mohamed Deef
Published: January 2024

In the present study, CdSe Nanoparticles (NPs) as a corrosion inhibitor factor, has been added in small concentration (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 wt%) to nonionic surfactant to formulate CdSe/Surfactant nanocomposite (NCs) for industrial applications. The chemistry between CdSe (NPs) and surfactant, is a new class of corrosion inhibitors that are environmentally acceptable under various condition. The inhibition effect towards corrosion was investigated by using structural integrity and optical properties. The structural characterization was carried out by Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Surface Tension Measurements (CMC), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM), UV–Vis Spectrophotometer and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). The corresponding dielectric functions (DF) are discussed in the light of the optoelectrical parameters and dispersion parameters. The strong sorption ability of the CdSe (NPs)/Surfactant, resulting in the creation of a monolayer, which isolate the Carbon steel (CS) surface from the environment and hence reduces the corrosion attack on the surface and increase the absorption process as well. The values of the inhibition efficiencies (IE%), was explained in terms of the weight Loss, relevant electrochemical parameters, and charge transfer resistances. The values of (IE%) in this study, showed that it inhibits the (CS) corrosion when immersed in HCL solution to some appreciable extent, and is strongly dependent on the increase of the CdSe (NPS)percent. This work investigates and illustrate a way for the future development of higher performance of corrosion inhibitors.
A multicenter study of clinical outcomes and volumetric trends in suspected microprolactinomas
Authors: Hong Christopher S. , Chabros Jeremy , Kilgallon John , Gerstl Jakob , Drexler Richard , Flitsch Jörg , Ricklefs Franz L. , Ryba Alice S. , Mazzatenta Diego , Guaraldi Federica , Corrales Carleton E. , Min Le , Smith Timothy R. , Omara Chady
Published: January 2024

Purpose
The diagnosis of pituitary microprolactinomas is often obscured by relatively low levels of elevated prolactin compared to macroprolactinomas. This may lead to varying patterns of medical therapy versus observation. We sought to correlate prolactin levels in suspected microprolactinomas with tumor volumes and clinical outcomes.
Methods
This was a multicenter retrospective study of patients with pituitary microadenomas with baseline prolactin levels > 18ng/ml for males and > 30ng/ml for females. A linear-mixed model was used to depict changes in tumor volume over time.
Results
There were 65 patients with a mean tumor volume of 95.9mm3 and mean prolactin level of 59.4ng/ml. There were significantly higher prolactin levels in patients with tumors above the mean volume versus below (74.0 versus 53.4ng/ml, p = 0.027). 26 patients were observed, 31 were treated with anti-dopaminergic therapy, and 8 had surgery. There were significantly greater baseline prolactin levels for patients who were treated surgically (mean 86.4ng/ml) than those treated medically (mean 61.7g/ml) or observed (mean 48.5ng/ml) (p = 0.02). Among the 26 patients who were surveilled, 13 patients demonstrated spontaneous tumor shrinkage, 12 remained stable, and 1 patient’s tumor grew but was lost to follow-up. Linear mixed modeling demonstrated a statistically significant rate of tumor shrinkage over time of 3.67mm3/year (p = 0.03). When analyzing patients who were observed versus those requiring surgery after initially being surveilled, there were significantly greater baseline PRL/volume ratios in surgical patients versus those observed (8.1 ng/ml/mm3 versus 2.4 ng/ml/mm3, p = 0.025).
Conclusions
Suspected microprolactinomas may demonstrate more convincingly elevated prolactin levels when measuring over 95.9mm3. Tumors with baseline prolactin levels over 50ng/ml may be more inclined to undergo medical treatment. In tumors with levels below 50ng/ml, it may be reasonable to undergo surveillance as these tumors tend to spontaneously shrink over time. In tumors that are surveilled, an elevated baseline PRL/volume ratio of > 8 ng/ml/mm3 may be indicate serial tumor growth that may necessitate medical and/or surgical intervention.
Financial Accessibility and Interest Rates in the Informal Credit Market in India
Authors: Briones Lissette , Chiseliov Victoria , Gushchin Evgeny , Guttesen Jon , Narayanaswamy Kannan
Published: January 2024

This paper studies the impact of new bank branch openings on the lending rates in the informal credit market in India. The implementation of a bank branch expansion policy in India after 2005 is used as exogenous variation in a Regression Discontinuity Design (RDD). The response of informal interest rates is compared between treated and control districts. We find that, after 5 years of the imple- mentation of the policy, the annual lending rates in the informal credit market fell by about 24%. To identify the channels, we attempt to decompose the effects of multiple factors and find that competition between the banks and informal lenders would explain a significant share of this fall. Thus, we conclude that opening of new bank branches poses a strong threat to the market power of the moneylenders which drives down the interest rates.
Laser Surface Texturing in Graphite Cast Iron for Reduction of Friction and Wear: Effect of Dimple Density
Authors: Ju Won-Song , Kim Chol-Hyon , Han Kuk-Song , Yun Tu-Hon , Ro Kwang-Il , Ho Kwang-Myong , Rim Kum-Chol
Published: January 2024

Laser surface texturing has become a promising technique to improve tribological performance by creating controllable patterns at surfaces. By means of laser surface texturing, it is able to change local topography and microstructure of materials. In order to improve surface properties of graphite cast iron for piston ring-liner contact interface, we created a surface texturing on specimens using nanosecond fiber laser with high density of dimple. The results show that the friction and wear were reduced for all the textured samples as compared to an untextured sample. For a sample with intermediate dimple density, the friction coefficient stayed lowest in comparison with others until the dimples wore out from the surface.
WITHDRAWN: CGRA Implementation of HEVC Decoder Using Predictable Context Directed Pattern Matching With Efficient and Flexible Memory Architecture
Authors: Munaf S. , Bharathi A. , Jayanthi A. N.
Published: January 2024

In this paper, the Predictable Context Directed Cache Data Memory (PCDCDM) on the context memory and the data memory organization is presented. To handle the context memory, this research proposes PCDPC as a framework to address the above context problems by an efficient prefetching method. This architecture will support context configuration to concurrently run multiple operations with the support of Context Word Fields. Besides, Hierarchical Data Memory architecture is used to achieve fast reconfiguration, and the maximum internal bandwidth is given to buffer intermediate data and reutilized input information. The result is obtained on PCDCDM architecture by experiments running HEVC long profile video decoding can be obtained in term of Cache Miss Rate, Power, and Delay than existing architectures.
Altering temporal dynamics of sleepiness and mood during sleep deprivation: evidence from resting-state EEG microstates
Authors: bai duo , lei xu
Published: January 2024

OBJECTIVE: Sleep deprivation has been shown to negatively affect mood and sleepiness on both subjective and objective measures, as well as behavioral and neuroimaging levels. Nevertheless, few studies have clarified the relationship between abnormal brain dynamic activity after sleep deprivation and the impairment of mood and drowsiness from a temporal dynamics perspective. EEG microstate analysis could be served as a powerful tool to explore the large-scale dynamics of brain networks.
METHODS: A strict sleep deprivation protocol was adopted in this study to collect resting-state EEG data, subjective sleepiness, objective alertness, and mood assessments from 71 participants after both normal sleep and sleep deprivation conditions. We applied the most recent technique in resting state microstate analysis to compare the differences in microstate time parameters between the sleep control (SC) and sleep-deprived (SD) conditions. Furthermore, we investigated the relationships between alterations in these time parameters and subjective/objective measures of sleepiness, as well as mood changes between SC and SD.
RESULTS: Microstate B mean duration and occurrence were significantly decreased by sleep deprivation, whereas microstate C duration and occurrence increased. The decrease in class B occurrence was significantly correlated with the increased Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) score, while the reduction in B duration was indicative of the increased response time of the Psychomotor Vigilance Performance (PVT). There was no statistically significant association found between the microstate parameter characteristics and the decline in positive mood between SC and SD. Person correlation analysis was carried out on the positive mood scores under the SC and SD conditions, respectively, to look into this further. The findings demonstrated a significant positive relationship between positive mood scores and the mean duration of microstate B under SD conditions.
CONCLUSIONS: In a larger sleep deprivation dataset, mood and sleepiness were thoroughly examined using microstate analysis, which took into account both subjective and objective aspects of sleepiness. According to this study, subjective/objective sleepiness and positive mood were associated with the decreased B. This finding may reveal that the neural dynamics of the visual network have been compromised due to deprivation.
Added Value of EURO-CORDEX downscaling over the complex orography region of the Pyrenees
Authors: Bilbao-Barrenetxea Nerea , Santolaria-Otín Maria , Teichmann Claas , Faria Sergio Henrique , Máñez-Costa María
Published: January 2024

This study presents an assessment of the added value of downscalling utilizing Regional Climate Models (RCMs) compared to Global Climate Models (GCMs) in the high mountain region of the Pyrenees, characterized by complex topography. We investigate the EURO-CORDEX ensemble, employing a gridded high-resolution observational database as a reference. A recently proposed method is applied to quantify the performance gains or losses associated with dynamic downscalling. Our analysis focuses on calculating the added value by exploring the extremes of the probability density function (PDF), spatial distribution patterns, and its relationship with elevation. Overall, our findings reveal improvements in the representation of precipitation, minimum temperature, and maximum temperature. RCMs demonstrate enhanced performance in capturing maximum precipitation events; however, they struggle to represent low precipitation rates, particularly in the Mediterranean area of the mountain range. Regarding temperature, dynamical downscalling exhibits improvements in capturing maximum events. Nevertheless, deficiencies are observed in the RCMs' representation of minimum temperature events for both minimum and maximum temperature variables, as well as in representing near-freezing temperatures.
TSG-6 inhibits the NF-κB signaling pathway and promotes the odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs via CD44 in an inflammatory environment
Authors: Wang Ying , Xie Yulang , Xue Ningning , Xu Hao , Zhang Dunfang , Ji Ning , Chen Qianming
Published: January 2024

In pulpitis, dentinal restorative processes are considerably associated with undifferentiated mesenchymal cells in the pulp. This study aimed to investigate strategies to improve the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in an inflammatory environment. After pretreatment of DPSCs with 20 ng/mL tumor necrosis factor-induced protein-6 (TSG-6), DPSCs were cultured in an inflammation-inducing solution. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were performed to measure the expression levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and odonto/osteogenic differentiation markers, respectively. Cell Counting Kit-8 and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assays were used to assess cell proliferation and activity. Subcutaneous ectopic osteogenesis and mandibular bone cultures were performed to assess the effects of TSG-6 in vivo. The expression levels of odonto/osteogenic markers were higher in TSG-6-pre-treated DPSCs than nontreated DPSCs, whereas NF-κB-related proteins were lower after the induction of inflammation. An anti-CD44 antibody counteracted the rescue effect of TSG-6 on DPSC activity and mineralization in an inflammatory environment. Exogenous administration of TSG-6 enhanced the anti-inflammatory properties of DPSCs and partially restored their mineralization function by inhibiting NF-κB signaling. The mechanism of action of TSG-6 was attributed to its interaction with CD44. These findings reveal novel mechanisms by which DPSCs counter inflammation and provide a basis for the treatment of pulpitis.
Physio chemical Water Quality Assessment from Source to Point of Use: The Case of Woldia Town, Ethiopia
Authors: kassahun demelash yenesew
Published: January 2024

Sanitation and access to clean drinking water are major global issues. A major problem in many nations' water supply systems is the deterioration of water quality, which can be caused by a variety of interrelated physical, chemical, and biological factors. The issue is more serious in developing nations such as Ethiopia. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the variation in drinking water quality, both seasonal and spatial, in Woldia town, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. The research was carried out between July 2023 and December 2022. A total of 200 water samples were collected from each sample site during two rounds of sampling during the dry and wet seasons. Water sources (n = 4), reservoirs (n = 2), and distribution are the 12 sampling points that are chosen in accordance with the WHO sampling points selection principle. The analysis of the data was done with SPSS 26. Descriptive statistics like mean and standard deviation were employed in the study, along with inferential statistics like Pearson correlation and analysis of variance (ANOVA). To observe the significant difference between sampling points at p<0.05 and the significant correlation between the parameters. The outcome demonstrated that, in both seasons, all chosen physicochemical parameters were found to be within the acceptable limit of WHO and Ethiopian standards, with the exception of total hardness, free residual chlorine, and water temperature.
Microarray Data Analysis and Subgroup Identification of Medulloblastoma
Authors: Gunaretnam Keerthana
Published: January 2024

Microarray technology, a recent advancement in cancer research, has the potential to address disorders such as medulloblastoma. This study focused on the careful analysis of microarray data for medulloblastoma patients, aiming to identify physiologically significant subgroups through exploratory analysis. The research involved data preparation, exploration, dimensionality reduction via principal component analysis (PCA), heatmap visualization, and subgroup identification via non-negative matrix factorization (NMF). Various R packages, including RColorBrewer, rgl, limma, biobased, and NMF, were utilized for data analysis and visualization. The study explored the application of NMF to identify optimal subgroups and assessed the quality of these subgroups. The results reveal distinct molecular subgroups in medulloblastoma, contributing to a better understanding of this complex condition and potentially guiding the development of tailored treatments.
Mathematical Modeling of Norovirus Outbreaks: Assessing Intervention Strategies
Authors: Ndendya Jufren Zakayo , David James , Bahaye Dickson , Leandry Leonce , Mfinanga Issa , Mtabazi Janeth , Sosoma Innocent , Ntagalinda Elimercy
Published: January 2024

Norovirus, a highly contagious pathogen responsible for numerous outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness, poses a significant public health challenge. In this study, we investigate the intricate dynamics of Norovirus transmission by analyzing the relationships between critical parameters and employing effective intervention strategies. Our analysis leverages mathematical modeling, data-driven insights, and visualization tools. Through a series of contour plots, we examine the impact of parameters such as the effective contact rate (β), vaccination rate (θ), treatment rate (ω), and vaccine efficacy on the effective reproduction number (Re). Notably, an increase in vaccination rate and vaccine efficacy leads to a substantial decrease in the number of exposed and infected individuals, underlining the pivotal role of vaccination in disease control. Furthermore, we explore the combined effects of treatment and vaccination strategies, highlighting their synergistic potential. A higher treatment rate (ω), coupled with increased vaccination coverage (θ), results in a notable reduction in disease transmission, particularly when both strategies exhibit high efficacy. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive public health measures. In conclusion, our study provides valuable insights into Norovirus disease dynamics and the effectiveness of intervention strategies. By understanding the intricate interplay of parameters and the potential of combined approaches, we offer a foundation for informed decision-making in public health. These insights have the potential to guide policy recommendations and advance efforts to combat Norovirus, ultimately improving public health outcomes and reducing the burden of this pervasive pathogen.
Neonatal Outcomes of Intestinal Atresia – Impact of Prenatal Diagnosis
Authors: Chong Clara , Hall Nigel J
Published: January 2024

Purpose
Following surgical correction, infants with jejunal and ileal atresia (JIA) have a period of intestinal dysfunction whilst establishing enteral feeds. We aimed to identify factors associated with prolonged duration of parenteral nutrition (PN) or length of stay (LOS) to inform discussions with families.
Methods
Retrospective review of all cases with JIA (January 2000-April 2021). Key outcomes were duration of PN, LOS, additional procedures performed and mortality. Infants with underlyingcomorbidities were excluded (e.g. meconium complications of cystic fibrosis, gastroschisis). Data are median (IQR).
Results
Seventy-six infants were included. Median gestational age (GA) was 37 (34-38) weeks and birth weight 2.9kg (2.4-3.3). Antenatally diagnosed in 35 (46%), location of atresia was jejunal in 41 (54%). Median duration of PN was longer for antenatally diagnosed cases compared to those postnatally (12.5 vs 5 days; p=0.01), as was LOS (19.5 vs 13; p=0.02). Multivariate analysis demonstrates infants diagnosed antenatally spend an extra 11 days on PN compared to those found postnatally and stay for an additional 11 days regardless of site of atresia.
Conclusions
Infants with antenatal diagnosis of JIA take significantly longer to establish enteral feed and have longer LOS. These data inform pre- and postnatal parental counselling and help establish standards for future comparison.
Solving the SAT problem using spiking neural P systems with coloured spikes and division rules
Authors: Peul Prithwineel , Sosik Petr
Published: January 2024

Spiking neural P systems (SNPS) are variants of the third-generation neural networks. In the last few decades, different variants of SNPS models have been introduced. In most of the SNPS models, spikes are represented using an alphabet with just one letter. In this paper we use a deterministic SNPS model with coloured spikes (i.e., the alphabet representing spikes contains multiple letters), together with neuron division rules to demonstrate an efficient solution to the SAT problem. As a result, we provide a simpler construction with significantly less class resources to solve the SAT problem in comparison to previously reported results using SNPSs.
MSC Classification: 68Q05 , 68Q42 , 68Q45 , 92D20
An Innovative Hybrid-Box tool for Ranking Preferences using Multi-objective Evolutionary Gradient Strategies
Authors: Ibrahim Osman Ali Sadek
Published: January 2024

Optimizing data features plays a crucial role in simplifying the process of selecting instances and analyzing datasets, especially when dealing with ranking problems. In scenarios such as ranking instances in medical diagnosis, search engine optimization, and information retrieval, there is a need for models that can rank data instances based on the significance of their features within the datasets. This paper provides a hybrid-box tool which is an efficient Multiobjective computational intelligence technique that generates ranking models by utilizing training and validation datasets. These models are then assessed using unseen test data to produce the predictive results. This tool uses a Multi-objective (1+1)-Evolutionary Gradient Strategy algorithm with a novel gradient methodology for adapting the mutation step-size. Furthermore, it uses five objective functions besides the mutation hybridizing by four probability distributions as random number generators. This tool is a novel technique in the continuous optimization research domain for ranking data instances. Regardless of the hidden details during the evolving procedure, it provides the best-evolved ranking model at the end of each run. This makes the tool is hybrid between Black and White Box tools.
Methodology for assessing the quality of a construction organisation
Authors: Kabanov V. N. , Al-Rubaye S. D.
Published: January 2024

The quality assessment of construction organisations is a scientific task, representing a practical interest for customers of capital construction projects, self-regulating associations of builders, as well as for the contractors themselves, interested in improving the quality of enterprise management. The study aims to develop a methodology for the integral quality assessment of a construction organisation. The quality of a construction organisation within the framework of this study is understood as the ability of a construction organisation to comply with the terms of a contract, produce construction products that meet the requirements of technical regulations and provide safe working conditions. In order to determine the quantitative value of the integral quality assessment of a construction organisation, a regression model was constructed describing the dependence of the construction organisation quality indicator on the effect of most significant factors, identified based on the results of expert assessments. Among the factors, having the most significant effect on the value of the integral quality assessment of a construction organisation, the authors identify the following: compliance with the terms of the contract for the duration and cost of creating a capital construction facility, compliance of construction products with the requirements of technical regulations, the share of workers with at least three years of experience in the organisation, as well as the number of accidents, recorded during the studied time. The regression model, proposed for the integral assessment, provides a fairly high level of reliability for the calculated values. The results of calculations can be used in the assessment of construction organisations by external participants in the investment and construction process, as well as by the management of contracting organisations in order to improve the management system.
State management of real estate of industrial and transport in an unstable economy
Authors: Cherepanova M. S. , Shupletsov A. F.
Published: January 2024

The research topic is relevant due to the demonstrated principles of economic sovereignty within the economic development strategy of the Russian Federation and the implementation of new mechanisms of public administration. The study analyses government action under current recessional conditions focused on the management of the real estate of industrial associations and transport infrastructure. In the article, real estate assets within these sectors are collectively categorised as subjects in the public administration system, being closely connected and forming the basis for the economic security of the country. According to the authors, real estate should be considered a controlled and manageable resource, given its substantial monetary value. As an example of state management of this resource, the article examines the operations of federal services, along with the processes occurring in the automotive, aircraft manufacturing and transport infrastructure sectors. The article examines the assets of foreign automobile plants that departed due to sanctions, focusing on industrial facilities in major Russian cities. The measures of state support for the infrastructure of the automotive and aircraft industries in accordance with the strategies outlined by the Ministry of Industry and Trade are explored. The aircraft industry is studied in the context of the emergence of government orders and the operations of the public joint-stock company United Aircraft Corporation The transport industry is considered as an industry supported by the state through financing new infrastructure facilities and reconstruction of existing ones.
Cementless concretes, based on anthropogenic wastes of the Irkutsk Oblast
Authors: Vabishevich K. Yu. , Makarenko S. V. , Khokhryakov O. V. , Khozin V. G.
Published: January 2024

The accepted global trend of transition from a linear economy to a closed-loop one stimulated the development of regulatory documents, such as “Strategy for the development of building materials in the Russian Federation and Irkutsk Oblast”, Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 08/02/2023 No. 2094, both at federal and regional levels. Further, the Baikal interregional scientific and educational centre was established. All this aims at obtaining technologies for developing effective building materials, based on technogenic wastes, and establishing the production. It is planned to obtain effective building materials, based on the accumulated high-tonnage waste of the Usolye-Sibirskoye priority development area, such as ash and slag mixtures of the combined heat and power plant (90 million tons) and lime-containing waste, generated during the production of acetylene at the Khimprom PJSC (more than nine million tons). The paper represents a fundamentally new approach to obtaining artificially synthesised newgrowths of cementless concrete, based on technogenic wastes, which meets the requirements of regulatory standards in terms of frost and water resistance and allows using this concrete in enclosing structures. At a rationally selected ratio between lime-containing wastes and an ash-slag mixture, subject to the pre-established principles of technological preparation in terms of their mechanical activation, mixing technology, conditions and synthesis duration, it is possible to obtain high-quality cementless concrete that meets the basic requirements of regulatory documents for quality indicators.
Forecasting regeneration parameters of free-floating biocarriers in an aeration tank
Authors: Kulkov V. N. , Solopanov E. Yu. , Dudarev V. I. , Mainovskaya A. K.
Published: January 2024

A mathematical model was developed to describe the efficiency of air regeneration used for immobilised biofilm on free-floating biocarriers “FB Bio-850”. For this purpose, a physical model of an aeration tank bioreactor was developed, forming the basis for this study. The use of biocarriers contributes to decreasing the concentration of water pollutants that pose a threat to humans and the environment when released into the surface or groundwater without adequate treatment. This increases the efficiency of the aeration tanks, accelerates the oxidation of pollutants and ensures high-quality water purification. In addition, biocarriers increase the performance of the biological treatment plant, promote the resilience of biological structures to abrupt discharges of pollutants and facilitate the nitrification process. Carrying out such studies on an industrial aerated facility poses significant technical challenges. The model aerated tank and the experimental setup provided the flexibility to vary the intensity of the air medium-bubble regeneration for free-floating biocarriers, regeneration time, and the specific gravity of the biocarriers across a broad range, along with controlling the concentration of free-floating sludge. The correlation between the efficiency of regeneration of the plastic carriers “FB Bio-850” and the following technical parameters was established, including the regeneration time of the biocarriers, the loading mass and the intensity of the fine bubble aeration of the water-sludge mixture. A mathematical model of the efficiency of air regeneration was developed, reflecting the influence of all the above parameters. The obtained predictive matrix for efficiency values was used to develop a geometric model of the efficiency surface. This model provides an optimal selection of technological parameters for air regeneration of immobilised biofilm in a biological wastewater treatment aeration tank bioreactor, ensuring a sufficiently high regeneration efficiency.
Intangible resources as the basis of intelligent support in effective decision-making at all life-cycle stages of an investment and construction project
Authors: Matveeva M. V. , Peshkov A. V. , Voronin E. V. , Larina O. P.
Published: January 2024

Improving approaches to the management of an investment and construction project at all stages of its life cycle, including justification of investments, engineering surveys, architectural construction and organisational-technological design, construction, operation, decommissioning, demolition and disposal of the facility, including in conditions of uncertainty and risks, represents a key strategic direction for the development of enterprises. The problem of improving the efficiency of managing the company intangible assets appears relevant, since the efficiency of decisions, in particular, and the efficiency of the enterprise as a whole, largely depends on its solution. The study used methods of a system analysis, statistical-comparative and economic-mathematical methods, as well as the methods of economic and statistical analysis of indicators, characterising intangible assets, including the ranking method. The authors studied the life cycle features of an investment and construction project for enterprises of the mining and processing complex. The stage phases of the investment and construction project, linked to the specifics of the Far Eastern mining industry, are considered. The need for a detailed structuring of life cycle phases and stages for an investment and construction project for a digital intelligent support of effective decision-making, as well as for a use of the potential of intangible resources of performers, is substantiated. In this paper, the developing Soyuznoye graphite deposit (Dalgrafit LLC) is used to design a sequence of processes and procedures for the implementation of the considered project. Based on the existing potential of enterprise intangible resources, management measures are proposed aimed at improving project management processes with the possibility of digitalising individual business processes of the enterprise.
Factors affecting brand preference in passenger car buying in Nepal
Authors: Rai Bharat , Bhattarai Ganesh
Published: January 2024

In today’s complex and highly competitive marketplace, marketers, realizing a need to develop sustainable strategies, have turned to branding as a solution. Understanding the brand preferences of consumers is always under discussion. In such context, this study measured the effects of price, attributes, brand personality, appearance, and self-congruity on brand preference in buying a passenger car. A deductive reasoning approach, quantitative method, and positivist epistemology with predetermined hypotheses were used. A six-point Likert scale structured survey was utilized to gather the primary information. The sample included 411 passenger car users in Nepal. A judgmental sampling technique and a causal research design were used. Through path analysis, the effect of price, attributes, brand personality, appearance, and self-congruity on dependent variables was identified using structural equation modeling. The study’s outcome showed that attribute (β = 0.062, p > 0.05), price (β = –0.041, p > 0.05), and appearance (β = 0.022, p > 0.05) have no significant positive impact on consumer brand preference. Moreover, the study discovered that brand preference is influenced by self-congruity (β = 0.297, p < 0.05) and brand personality (β = 0.232, p < 0.05) in buying passenger cars in Nepal. It is concluded that brand image and prestige are more critical for high-involvement products. These outcomes provide a road map for future scholars and business people with a view of the emerging context of market development.