bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Adults' Perceptual Attitudes toward Sustainable Clothing Behavioral Practices
Authors:   Korean Home Economics Education Association, Kang Joo Hee , Lee Yoon-Jung
Published: November 2024

This study examined the sustainable clothing behaviors of adult consumers using stage-based theories of behavioral change and proposed strategies for developing educational programs tailored to each group based on the findings. Survey data on perceptual attitudes on sustainable living in the clothing domain and sustainable clothing behavioral practices were collected from 325 adults aged 20 to 49, and statistical analysis was performed using R 4.3.2. The participants were categorized into four groups: Leading Practitioners, Proactive Participants, Potentially Engaged, and Indifferent. Each group exhibited different levels of perceptual attitudes toward sustainable living in the clothing domain, with Leading Practitioners showing the highest and the Indifferent group the lowest. Five levels of sustainable clothing behavioral practices were identified based on the degree to which each of the four consumer groups engaged in these behaviors. Educational suggestions were tailored for each of the four consumer groups based on their levels of behavioral practices, aiming to guide them toward a more sustainable clothing lifestyle through progressive stages.
HIFU with Oral Collagen Vs HIFU Alone in Vaginal Rejuvenation
Authors: Ibrahim ElGhareeb Mohamed
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Many treatment options were tried to reach satisfactory results for patients with loose vagina in order to improve their sexual life and urinary symptoms. Methods: 54 patients with loose vagina and impaired sexual function participated in this study. Ultrasound gel was applied to a HIFU cartridge before inserting into the patient’s vagina and radiating the circumference with HIFU radiation. A group of patients was treated with HIFU alone (group I), and another group was treated with HIFU and systemic marine collagen (group II). We evaluated the patient’s vaginal pressure before and after treatment with degree of patient’s satisfaction regarding their sexual function and urinary symptoms
PIZZA, PASTA E MANDOLINO: STEREOTIPI, PREGIUDIZI E ITALIANITÀ NEL CONTESTO GERMANOFONO DELLA SPAGHETTI-LITERATUR
Authors: Basili Maurizio
Published: November 2024

Con questo contributo si vuole affermare, da una prospettiva letteraria e in parte sociologica, che il ricorso a pregiudizi e stereotipi non deve essere letto, come si è spinti a fare di solito, in maniera negativa, bensì come una possibilità di esorcizzare le paure derivanti dall’incontro con il diverso. Proprio esasperando e dilatando l’insieme dei cliché, la Spaghetti-Literatur si fa beffa della paura umana nei confronti dell’altro.
Association Technique Internationale des Bois Tropicaux (A.T.I.B.T.). Session d‘automne, Paris, 8, 9 novembre 1977
Authors: Rédacteur de la revue Bois et Forêts des Tropiques
Published: November 2024

La Session d'Automne de l’Association Technique Internationale des Bois Tropicaux s'est tenue à Paris, sous la Présidence de M. Sylvestre Soler Segarra, Président Général.Une cinquantaine de Membres des diverses branches professionnelles qui se retrouvent à l'Association et qui s'intéressent aux bois tropicaux sous tous leurs aspects : producteurs, importateurs, exportateurs, négociants, industriels, ingénieurs et chercheurs de Centres techniques et d'Organismes de recherches sur les bois, ont participé aux différentes séances de travail.Les diverses Commissions, la Chambre d ' Expertise et de Conciliation ainsi que le Conseil d'Administration, se sont réunis ; une Assemblée Générale s'est également tenue.
Assessing the Impact of Decentralization on the Quality of Indonesian Democracy
Authors: Chandra Yenny
Published: November 2024

This research focuses on the impact of decentralization on Indonesian democracy, particularly post-Suharto, where decades of centralized governance shifted to a decentralized one. Drawing on Hofman & Kaiser (2006), the theoretical framework links decentralization to democracy by emphasizing political participation, regional governance empowerment, and accountability. Decentralization is not only viewed as a mechanism that provides grassroots populations with political and administrative decision-making capacities but also ensures local governments are no longer directly accountable to the central government in Jakarta and are instead responsible to their local constituents. Nevertheless, decentralization also presents challenges, and notably, in a heterogeneous society like Indonesia, the management of ethnic and religious diversity is one. While decentralization is considered the embodiment of Indonesian democracy, numerous issues have hampered efforts to improve the quality of local governance and democracy. Ultimately, decentralization and democracy are deeply interdependent, as the quality of one shall reflect on the other.
Keywords: Indonesian democracy, Decentralization, Regional autonomy, Local governance, Identity politics
Penelitian ini berpusat pada dampak desentralisasi terhadap demokrasi di Indonesia, terutama pada era pasca-Suharto, ketika penerapan pemerintahan terpusat selama puluhan tahun beralih ke desentralisasi. Mengacu pada Hofman & Kaiser (2006), kerangka teoretis menghubungkan antara desentralisasi dan demokrasi dengan menekankan pada partisipasi politik, pemberdayaan tata kelola regional, dan akuntabilitas. Desentralisasi tidak hanya dipandang sebagai sebuah mekanisme yang memberi masyarakat di tingkat akar rumput kapasitas pengambilan keputusan politik dan administrasi, tetapi juga memastikan bahwa pemerintah daerah tidak lagi bertanggung jawab langsung kepada pemerintah pusat di Jakarta – melainkan bertanggung jawab kepada konstituen lokal mereka. Namun, desentralisasi juga menghadirkan tantangan, terutama dalam masyarakat yang majemuk seperti Indonesia, dengan pengelolaan keragaman etnis dan agama menjadi isu yang signifikan. Meskipun desentralisasi dianggap sebagai wujud dari demokrasi Indonesia, berbagai masalah telah menghambat upaya untuk meningkatkan kualitas pemerintahan dan demokrasi lokal. Pada akhirnya, desentralisasi dan demokrasi saling bergantung erat, dengan kualitas salah satunya akan mencerminkan kualitas yang lain.
Kata-kata Kunci: Demokrasi Indonesia, Desentralisasi, Otonomi daerah, Pemerintahan daerah, Politik identitas
Spinal Neuromodulation for Respiratory Rehabilitation in Patients with Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Authors: Ovechkin Alexander , Moshonkina Tatiana , Shamantseva Natalia , Lyakhovetskii Vsevolod , Suthar Aastha , Tharu Niraj , Ng Alex , Gerasimenko Yury
Published: November 2024

(1) Background: Neurological deficits associated with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) exacerbate respiratory dysfunction, necessitating rehabilitation strategies that address both. Previous studies have demonstrated that spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation (scTS) can facilitate the excitation of respiratory spinal neural networks in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. This study evaluates the efficacy of combining scTS with respiratory training (RT) to improve respiratory function in individuals with post-COVID-19 pulmonary deficits; (2) Methods: In this before-after, case-controlled clinical trial, five individuals with post-acute COVID-19 respiratory deficits participated in two interventional programs: 10 daily sessions of respiratory training (RT), followed by 10 daily sessions of scTS combined with RT (scTS+RT). Forced vital capacity (FVC), peak inspiratory flow (PIF), peak expiratory flow (PEF), time-to-peak inspiratory flow (tPIF), and time-to-peak expiratory flow (tPEF) were assessed at baseline and after each program; (3) Results: Compared to RT alone, the scTS+RT intervention resulted in an average effect size that was twice as large, with significant increases in FVC and PEF, and a significant decrease in tPEF; (4) Conclusions: The scTS-induced activation of respiratory neuronal networks, when combined with respiratory training, offers a promising therapeutic approach for treating persistent respiratory deficits in patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome.
Prognostic Significance of Tumor Stage, Inflammatory Markers, and Histological Subtypes in Small Bowel Gastrointestinal Tumors: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Torun Mehmet , Özkan Sevil , Kol Özbay Deniz , Özkan Erkan
Published: November 2024

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, prognostic markers, and survival outcomes in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and other gastrointestinal (GI) tumors. The primary focus was on the prognostic significance of tumor stage, inflammatory markers, and histological subtypes in predicting survival outcomes. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 25 patients diagnosed with GISTs was conducted. Data on age, gender, histological subtypes, tumor staging (T and N stages), tumor location, and clinical parameters, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), albumin, and C-reactive protein (CRP), were collected. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to calculate survival outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed using t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Chi-square tests, and Fisher’s exact tests, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The median age of patients was 63 years, and 56% were male. GIST was the most common histological subtype (52%). No significant association between NLR, PLR, albumin, or CRP levels and survival outcomes was found. However, tumor stage was a significant prognostic factor, with patients in T stage II showing significantly longer survival (p = 0.036) compared to those in T stages III-IV. Lymph node involvement (N stage) was also associated with poorer survival (p = 0.013). Conclusion: Tumor stage and lymph node involvement are significant predictors of survival in patients with GI tumors, including GISTs. While systemic inflammatory markers such as NLR, PLR, albumin, and CRP provide valuable insights into patient health, they did not show a significant prognostic association in this study. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore the prognostic value of inflammatory markers.
Deep Learning Approaches for Electrocardiogram (ECG) Analysis: Challenges and Applications
Authors: Santos Dheiver
Published: November 2024

In the recent decade, deep learning, a subset of artificial intelligence and machine learning, has gained significant attention for its ability to identify patterns in big healthcare datasets. Public datasets for electrocardiograms (ECGs) have been in use since the 1980s for tasks like arrhythmia, ischemia, and cardiomyopathy detection. Recently, private institutions have curated large ECG databases that are orders of magnitude larger than public datasets. These larger databases have demonstrated improved performance and generalizability for these tasks, as well as opened new applications in clinical scenarios. This paper provides an overview of deep learning techniques applied to ECG analysis, reviews state-of-the-art approaches, and highlights their challenges, limitations, and future opportunities.
Comparison of Cytopathology Yield of Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Using 25G versus 27G Needles for Melanocytic Uveal Tumors
Authors: Gameiro Gustavo Rosa , Valente Carolina Correa , Augsburger James Jay , Correa Zelia Maria
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: To evaluate whether fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of melanocytic uveal tumors (MUT) using 27-gauge (27G) needles yields aspirates like those obtained using 25-gauge (25G) needles for cytology. Methods: A retrospective review conducted on 32 primary uveal melanomas. Tumors were sampled at three adjacent sites first using a 27G needle for gene expression profile (GEP) testing, the second and third with a 27G and 25G needles for cytology. The endpoints evaluated were the sufficiency of aspirates for cytopathology and GEP. Results: Among the 32 patients, 17 tumors were choroidal, 6 ciliochoroidal, 7 iridociliochoroidal, and 2 exclusively iridic. Tumor diameter ranged from 3.3 mm to 23 mm (mean 13.2 mm) and thickness from 0.5 mm to 12 mm (mean 6.4 mm). Aspirates from both needle sizes were sufficient for cytopathological diagnosis and GEP in 31 of 32 cases (96.9%). The single insufficient aspirate was insufficient with both the 27G and 25G needles. Cytopathology was identical in all other cases. Tumors were Class 1 in 22 cases (71.0%) and Class 2 in 9 cases (29.0%). Conclusions: FNAB aspirates of MUTs using 27G needles appear sufficient for cytology and GEP in most cases showing similar diagnostic yield compared to 25G needles.
Hybrid Automation Framework, A fundamental approach to minimize Current State of Effort in Automation Testing
Authors: Nazir Muhammad Usama , Ngadi Md. Asri Bin , Ali Atif
Published: November 2024

The outline of the Hybrid Automation Framework is made of the main principles of test automation, which are test independence, idempotency, and clarity that are very fundamental when building a robust testing suite. Moreover, the framework has a modular structure and a Page Object Model (POM) design pattern to facilitate flexibility and maintainability across disparate testing environments. The basic elements like the Object Repository, Name Mapping, Functions Library, and Data Manager are the nucleus of the framework, which allows smooth test management and proper execution. The framework's architecture is designed to allow for automation that can be more dynamically handled across different interfaces, such as the Command Line Interface (CLI), the Application Programming Interface (API), and the Graphical User Interface (GUI). Logging and reporting are the basic functions that help failure analysis become effective and the reporting system can be adjusted to determine how the test report is distributed to the stakeholders. This Hybrid Automation Framework, in the end, adds the aspect of full automation testing that permits the testers to carry out the critically important points, thus making it consistent while at the same time cutting down on the manual intervention. The proposed framework is expected to deliver the software test automation system that is scalable, flexible, and performance-driven, which is the methodology suitable for every organization (Halani et al., 2021).
Development and Validation of a Capacitor-Current Circuit Model for Evaporation-Induced Electricity
Authors: Zhang Wenluan , Liu Runru Tristan , Huang Yumin
Published: November 2024

Evaporation-induced electricity is a promising approach for sustainable energy generation, particularly suited for off-grid and Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications. Despite significant progress, the mechanism of electricity generation remains debated due to complex factors. In this study, we introduce a simplified capacitor-current circuit model to describe the behavior of evaporation-induced electricity. We validated this model using experimental data from wood-based nanogenerators with citric acid modified microchannels. The fitting results revealed a steady-state current of approximately 9.832 μA and initial peak current of 16.168 μA with a time constant of 621.395 s. These findings were explained by a hybrid model incorporating a capacitor and current source components and subsequent discharge through internal resistance. This simplified model paves the way for better understanding and optimization of evaporation-induced electricity, highlighting potential improvements in device design for enhanced performance.
Memory and Time Efficiency of Lightweight Parsers with Different Go Language Granularity
Authors: Drozdov Dmitry Sergeevich , Mikhalkovich Stanislav Stanislavovich
Published: November 2024

We consider an approach to creating a family of lightweight grammars with the Any symbol denoting skipping code parts [1]. Definition and examples of increasing the granularity of grammar rules are given. Memory and time efficiency of lightweight parsers is analyzed on seven industrial repositories. It is shown that increasing grammar granularity does not significantly increase parser resource consumption and varies slightly depending on repository type and Go writing style. Furthermore, the advantages of using lightweight grammars with Any over full grammars are summarized. An example of using a lightweight grammar to determine code complexity is presented. In addition, the results can be applied to estimate the parser's share of the total resource consumption, for example in the task of code binding and project markup.
Methods and tools of automating argumentative markup of scientific texts
Authors: Baimuratov Ildar Raisovich , Lisanyuk Elena Nikolaevna , Prokudin Dmitry Evgenievich
Published: November 2024

One of the important aspects of argumentation mining is argumentative markup. Currently, both manual and automatic text marking methods have been developed using specially developed software tools. As part of our ongoing research into the automation of finding solutions to disputes during scientific reviewing, we were faced with the need for argumentative marking of an entire corpus of open review texts and the authors’ responses to them. This work was carried out by a group of trained markers with basic knowledge of logic and argumentation. Argument mining and argumentative markup are necessary steps in discovering argumentation in discourse and representing it. Therefore, we were interested in current research and development that allows us to automate the marking process. This study examines the development of these methods, the main features of using software for argumentative text markup, problems and limitations. On this basis, conclusions are drawn about the prospects for using methods for automating argumentative marking in problems of resolving disputes that arise during scientific reviewing.
Selecting solutions in an educational programming language simulator
Authors: Gorodnyaya Lidia Vasiljevna
Published: November 2024

The article is devoted to the development of solutions in the project of a simulator for teaching programming, intended for initial familiarization with the basic concepts of process interaction and calculation management. No matter how complex the world of parallelism is, the programmer training system will have to master it and create a methodology for fully familiarizing itself with its non-obvious phenomena. The simulator is based on the experience of controlling the interaction of toy robots moving on a checkered board (Robik, Logo, Karel, KuMir, Robotlandia, PictoMir and others). The article material is of interest to programmers, students and graduate students specializing in the field of system and theoretical programming.
Optimization of Drilling Times by Customizing the Trajectory Design in Vaca Muerta
Authors: Maita M. A. , Noguera D.
Published: November 2024

Among the challenges generated by the drilling of wells in the unconventional Neuquén basin, where increasingly extensive horizontal sections are required and with a continuous improvement of operating times, the need to have methodologies for the design of trajectories that, depending on the formations and their level of drillability, ensure an execution that positively impacts the construction progress of the curved sections. These methodologies must face other challenges such as the instability of the Tool Face (TF), the transfer of weight to the drill bit (WOB), optimal design of the Bottomhole Assembly (BHA) that meets the demands of the designed plan overcoming the complexity of Quintuco, Vaca Muerta and transition zones, achieving the objective of reaching total depth (TD) in a single run.

Offset well analysis emerges as a crucial tool to get these challenges. The first step consists of the generation and analysis of the Motor Yield (MY) graph, which when correlated with the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) profiles and Gamma Ray (GR) logs, allows the identification of the areas of better drillability, with which once identified, the design of customized curves is proposed with optimal positioning of the kickoff point (KOP) and segmenting the dogleg severity (DLS) according to the previous analysis, generating trajectories adjusted to the observed performance by area.

This document provides a comprehensive and customized method for the design of trajectories and modeling of BHA for the execution of directional wells in the Neuquén basin, with measurable results that demonstrate its potential to optimize operating times during the construction of curves, better positioning of the well, improvement in weight transmission and achievement of well length objectives. Respecting the limits of the BHA components, ensuring their integrity, and minimizing the risk of operational failures; this collectively increase the productivity of hydrocarbons in this region, adding value to the client's assets.
Wireline Sensor for Hydraulic Fracturing Operations in Oil and Gas
Authors: Rodriguez M. E.
Published: November 2024

The following paper introduces a new wireline sensor designed to detect the entry and exit of the wireline in an oil and gas fracturing stack. This sensor alerts both on-site personnel and the user when a wireline is present in the stack. By doing so, it prevents the closure of the stack valves, avoiding the risk of cutting the cable from which the wireline hangs, which could otherwise result in significant operational costs.

This new sensor is based on a technology that is:

Passive: as it does not generate any signal or magnetic field that could affect the detonations carried by the wireline. Non-invasive: because it is an external sensor, i.e. it is not inside the frac stack. Compact: due to its small size, it can be mounted on almost any spool, such as a 5-1/8″15M × 5-1/8″15M spool, 600mm in length. Easy to mount: as it is attached to the spool with standard API flanges, making it simple to install above the crown valve.
Isolation and characterization of a novel reassortant strain of Orthoreovirus mammalis from diarrheic pig
Authors: Liao Jing-Ying , Shi Yin , Tang Hui , Zhang Yi-Shuai , Zhang Hui-Hui , Xiao Chao-Ting
Published: November 2024

A novel MRV strain (HNU-XXS-2020) from pigs with diarrhea in Hunan Province, China was isolated and identified. Sequence and genetic evolutionary analyses indicated that this isolate falls into the Lineage IV of MRV3 and was a reassortment of segments from human, pig and mink MRVs. Analysis of the amino acid sequence of σ1 protein by S1 gene revealed that this strain had four amino acid substitutions (235R, 292S, 294T, and 308W) different from those of other MRV3 strains, and the amino acid residues (198NLAIRLP204, 249I, 350D and 419E) associated with sialic acid binding and neurotropism were also present in HNU-XXY-2020.
Effect Of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery on Eustachian Tube Function in Adult Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: youssef Mahmoud Atef Abdelghaffar , Nassim Nassim Talaat , Alkeeb MohamedNourEddin Bashir , Algarf Tareq Muhammad
Published: November 2024

Background
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a frequent chronic heterogeneous inflammatory disease of the upper airways and paranasal sinuses persistent for ≥ 12 weeks causing considerable healthca,re expenses and reduction of patients’ quality of life due to severe tiredness, disappointment, as well as diminished cognitive function. CRS is commonly associated with eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction.
Aim of the study:
To evaluate the effect of endoscopic sinus surgery on ET function in the form of (tympanogram, Valsalva maneuver, and total ET dysfunction questionnaire score), in adult patients with CRS.
Method
This non-randomized clinical trial study was conducted at the Otorhinolaryngology department, the Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University on 40 patients > 18 years old, suffering from CRS with or without Sino-nasal polyposis who are indicated for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and were recruited from Otorhinolaryngology department’s outpatient clinic in the period from November 2022 to June 2023. All selected patients were subjected to a full history taken, a full general examination, and a local otorhinolaryngology examination. Routine preoperative laboratory investigation including complete blood count (CBC), liver and kidney function tests, and coagulation profile. An electrocardiogram (ECG) examination was done routinely for all patients above 40 years old. Radiological examination included; preoperative CT nose & paranasal sinus, axial and coronal cuts soft tissue & bone windows. Assessment of ET function was done using The ET Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7), Valsalva maneuver, and Tympanogram. ET function was reevaluated 6 weeks post-operative in the form of an ETDQ-7, Valsalva maneuver, and tympanogram.
Results
The ages of selected patients ranged from 21–45 years old with mean ± SD = 30.98 ± 10.24 years old. 52.5% of patients were males. Our results showed a statistically significant postoperative improvement in the Valsalva maneuver and the tympanogram type of both ears compared to preoperative with a p-value < 0.001. Similar results were found regarding the assessment of ET function using ETDQ-7 items and the total score (15.35 ± 4.92 vs 26.12 ± 7.79 respectively) with p-value: < 0.001.
Conclusion
A significant improvement in ET function in the form of (tympanogram, Valsalva maneuver, and total ET dysfunction questionnaire score), following endoscopic sinus surgery in adult patients with CRS with or without sinonasal polyposis.
Preparation and Properties of Retarded Cellulose-based Polycarboxylic Superplasticizers
Authors: Cheng Yue , Ai Tao , Pang Huang , Liu Ying , Liu Jiekai
Published: November 2024

Cellulose is an important biomass, and the synthesis of chemical products using cellulose is the current hotspot for sustainable economic development. A cellulose-based polycarboxylic acid superplasticizer (CBPCS) was prepared from cellulose hydrolysate, and its properties and mechanism of action were investigated. Through orthogonal experiments, the optimal synthesis process was identified: synthesis temperature of 45 ℃, synthesis time of 3 h, acid-ether ratio of 3:1, cellulose maleate content of 10%, thioglycolic acid (TGA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content of 0.55% and 0.45%, respectively. The initial fluidity of polycarboxylic acid superplasticizers prepared by this method in cement slurry is 285 mm, 298 mm after 30 minutes, and 305 mm after 60 minutes. The product exhibits excellent retarding and water reduction properties. The test results of different retarding cellulose-based polycarboxylic superplasticizer show that when the amount of cellulose maleate is 10%, the polycarboxylic superplasticizer not only has a good retarding effect on the cement, but also improves the hydration strength of the cement. Specifically, by adding 0.5% of polycarboxylic acid superplasticizer to cement, the water reduction rate reached 28.3% and the setting time was extended to 69 min. The compressive strength of cement mortar at 3, 7 and 28 d increased by 35.4%, 70.0% and 25.2%, respectively. The flexural strength of the cement mortar was increased by 35.4%, 70.0% and 25.2% at 3, 7 and 28 d. The XRD and SEM analyses showed that the retarded cellulose-based polycarboxylic superplasticizers inhibited the hydration of C3S, which confirmed its retarded property.
The updated distribution of clay minerals in the World Ocean
Authors: Lee Taylor R. , Vander Taylor , Hill Trilby , Obelcz Jeffrey , Phrampus Benjamin J. , Graw Jordan
Published: November 2024

Clay mineral content in marine sediments is central to a wide variety of applications in the marine geosciences, including climate and slope stability. Most studies are not applicable to a global scale, focusing on single locations or regional areas. Additionally, abundant clay mineral species data (Kaolinite, Illite, Smectite, Chlorite) are not curated for “big data” applications necessary to produce estimates on a global scale. Geospatial machine learning (GML) techniques have successfully produced global predictions of geological seafloor properties, such as sedimentation rate and total organic carbon. Here, we curate observed data of abundant clay mineral percentages for use in a GML algorithm to predict global estimates of relative clay mineral abundances. Our global seafloor clay mineral species predictions are similar to previous global estimates and results show that GML predictions are the best data-driven estimate (~ 2x decrease in error) of clay mineral percentage where it has not been previously measured.
Opposing Regulation of the K63-linked Polyubiquitination of RIPK3 by SMURF1 and USP5 in Necroptosis
Authors: Song Jaewhan , Hwang Chi Hyun , Lee Minhong , Kim Ju Won Kim , Nam Young Woo , Hwang Gyuho , Ryu Hyun Sung , Seo Jinho , Lee Eun-Woo
Published: November 2024

Receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3), a key regulator of necroptosis, is modulated by ubiquitination through various E3 ligases and deubiquitinases. However, the effects of different polyubiquitination processes on RIPK3 and necroptosis remain unclear. Using a proteomic approach, we identify SMAD Ubiquitination Regulatory Factor 1 (SMURF1) and Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 5 (USP5) as crucial regulators of RIPK3 within the necrosome during necroptosis. SMURF1 facilitates K63 polyubiquitination of RIPK3 at lysines 55 and 363, inhibiting necrosome formation and necroptosis. SMURF1 depletion accelerates necroptosis, while reintroduction of functional SMURF1 reverses this. Conversely, USP5 acts as a deubiquitinase, removing K63 ubiquitin chains and promoting necroptosis. Reducing SMURF1 or using a RIPK3 mutant defective in SMURF1-mediated ubiquitination enhances necroptosis in leukaemia cells, reducing tumour growth in xenograft models treated with birinapant and emricasan. These findings highlight the opposing regulation of RIPK3’s K63 polyubiquitination by SMURF1 and USP5 in necroptosis.
Development and validation of a multiplex qPCR method for identification of high risk genotypes of human papillomavirus
Authors: Mohammadi Ali , Barati Mahmood
Published: November 2024

Cervical cancer is a significant public health concern, disproportionately affecting women in less developed regions due to limited access to screening and vaccination programs. Despite advancements in cervical cancer prevention and treatment, there remains a need for efficient and cost-effective diagnostic tools. This study aimed to develop a multiplex real-time PCR assay to rapidly and accurately identify 15 high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes.The primary objective was to design a screening method capable of simultaneously detecting HPV types 16 and 18, which account for over 70% of cervical cancers, as well as other clinically relevant high-risk genotypes. To validate the assay's performance, we compared its results with those obtained using the commercially available INNO-LiPA HPV Genotyping Extra II Assay kit(FujireBio, Tokyo, Japan). The developed assay successfully identified 15 HPV high-risk genotypes in a single reaction. Analysis of 150 positive and 40 negative clinical samples demonstrated excellent concordance between the two assays. The in-house real-time PCR test exhibited a clinical sensitivity of 98% and a clinical specificity of 100%, indicating its reliability and accuracy for HPV genotyping. The multiplex real-time PCR assay is a cost-effective and efficient tool for HPV screening, detecting multiple genotypes simultaneously. It enhances screening efficiency and accuracy, improving early detection and management of HPV-related diseases.
Tracing stream flow in confluent rivers – a journey from chaos to order
Authors: Zehe Erwin , Schroers Samuel , Savenije Hubert
Published: November 2024

The beauty of river networks has continuously inspired science to elucidate their self-similarity and the underlying organizing principles. Horton postulated several laws explaining the scaling of stream networks, which are today widely accepted in fluvial geomorphology. Here we reconcile these laws with the theories of river hydraulics and of non-linear, dissipative dynamic systems. Our analysis of 18 of the largest river networks on Earth, using the HydroSHEDS data, revealed that their confluence/bifurcation ratios converge in their upstream ranges towards the first Feigenbaum constant. The latter characterizes the route of non-linear dynamic systems into Chaos and is well known from the logistic model introduced by May. We first show that both the transition of the logistic model from determinism to Chaos as well the downstream confluence of overland flow paths and stream networks correspond to a step-wise transition from a minimum to a maximum entropy state. Combining this insight with energy balance calculations reveals that the downstream development of free energy of stream flow obeys at confluence points a logistic equation as well. Overall, we show that Horton’s law of stream numbers is a manifestation of the gradual downstream transition of the flow path density from total Chaos to perfect Order.
WITHDRAWN: The ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase gene (rbcL) sequence reveals the genetic architecture of the African yam bean(Sphenostylis stenocarpa, Hochst
Authors: Edem Uduak Linus , Edu Ndem Enyogor , Osuagwu Aniefiok Ndubuisi , Emeagi Lasbrey Ikenna , EKERETTE Ekerette Emmanuel , Udensi Ugorji Obuagbu , AGBOR Bessong Reagan
Published: November 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn, as it was submitted in error. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
AppNets: An Efficient Multi-Task Fusion Network for Comprehensive Driving Perception
Authors: Jia Yaohan , Chen Xuemei , Xu Zeyuan , Ren Pengfei , Shan Wenzhe
Published: November 2024

Panoramic driving perception systems are critical for autonomous driving, as they provide essential traffic-related information. This study introduces AppNets, an efficient and effective multi-task learning framework designed for real-time panoptic driving perception. AppNets comprises an encoder for feature extraction and three decoders that concurrently perform traffic object detection, drivable area segmentation, and lane segmentation. We propose the C2fA module to enhance the model's extraction capability. To enhance our dataset, we expanded the SDExpressway dataset by adding 2,000 frames, particularly incorporating nighttime and adverse weather scenarios. Extensive experiments conducted on both the challenging BDD100K dataset and the augmented SDExpressway dataset demonstrate that AppNets achieves state-of-the-art performance, outperforming baseline models by significant margins. Specifically, on the SDExpressway dataset, AppNets attains a mean average precision (mAP) of 85.1% for traffic object detection, a mean intersection over union (mIoU) of 98.7% for drivable area segmentation, and an intersection over union (IoU) of 75.1% for lane segmentation. These results underscore the effectiveness of AppNets in complex driving scenarios, highlighting its potential for practical deployment in autonomous driving systems. the source codes are released at https://github.com/Huniki/Appnet.git
An Eﬀective Artiﬁcial Intelligence Pipeline for Automatic Manatee Count Using Their Tonal Vocalizations
Authors: Quirós-Corella Fabricio , Cubero-Pardo Priscilla , Rycyk Athena , Brady Beth , Castro-Azofeifa César , Mora-Ramı́rez Sebastián , Ureña-Madrigal Juan Pablo
Published: November 2024

Despite their vulnerable status, manatee conservation eﬀorts are hindered because of limited scientiﬁc data due to the data collection challenges. Bio-acoustic studies utilizing advanced computational analy- sis of long-term recordings oﬀer a promising approach for determining the manatee’s presence and abundance. The following manuscript describes an artiﬁcial intelligence pipeline that eﬀectively implements automatic manatee identiﬁcation and counting. The ﬁrst step is ﬁne-tuning a pre- trained deep neuronal network using transfer learning to detect manatee sounds with a binary accuracy of 96%. In the second phase, the pipeline implements an unsupervised learning method to group acoustic fea- tures of the detected sounds with a clustering score of 72%. The article addresses the implications and the outcomes of testing this proof of con- cept under experimental conditions with passive acoustics monitoring data on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and Panama.
Agent-Based Travel Scheduler: Decomposing OD Data for Predicting Individual Travel Schedules through Agent-Based Modeling
Authors: Choi Moongi , Seo Jiwoo , Hohl Alexander
Published: November 2024

This study introduces the Agent-Based Travel Scheduler (ABTS) model, designed to predict individual travel schedules by decomposing GPS-based aggregated Origin-Destination data according to demographic features and trip purposes. ABTS improves upon traditional models by generating detailed individual travel schedules based on agent-based modeling within an activity-based framework. The model's accuracy is refined through robust validation by calibrating key parameters that influence individual travel patterns in both spatial and temporal dimensions. Applied to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, the model demonstrated 83% accuracy in estimating travel patterns, although it showed reduced performance in densely populated downtown areas and locations where special events that attract large crowds occurred. ABTS offers advantages in computational efficiency, flexibility in parameter adjustment, and adaptability to various urban scenarios, making it a valuable tool for policy analysis and urban planning.
Optimization of Condensation Heat Transfer Coefficients Using Taguchi Method: Influence of Temperature, Surface Type, and Coolant Flow Rate
Authors: N Lohith , B Bhaskar H , S Yogendrakumar
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the optimization of heat transfer coefficients (HTC) during condensation processes by analyzing the effects of surface type, coolant flow rate and temperature with the goal of enhancing the efficiency of thermal management systems used in applications such as power generation, HVAC, and industrial cooling. Sixty experimental data sets were used to evaluate five coolant flow rates (0.5–2.5 L/min), four surface configurations and three temperature levels (100°C, 105°C, 110°C). An L9 orthogonal array based on Taguchi’s method was employed to minimize experimental trials. Signal-to-Noise (S/N) ratio analysis and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to determine the significance of each factor on HTC. The results showed that temperature had the most substantial effect on HTC variation, contributing 53.42%, followed by surface type (26.76%) and coolant flow rate (19.19%). Superhydrophobic surfaces with fins (SABWF) exhibited the highest HTC, particularly at higher temperatures and coolant flow rates. A regression model with an R-squared value of 99.37% was developed, indicating high predictive accuracy. These findings provide critical insights for optimizing condensation heat transfer in thermal systems, improving overall energy efficiency and system performance.
Effect of Process Parameters on Porosity of Parts printed with Selective LaserMelting/Selective Laser Sintering for use as Medical Implants
Authors: Kumar Yashwanth Nanda
Published: November 2024

Additive Manufacturing has increasingly gained traction in the last couple of decades. From a mere prototyping tool (Rapid Prototyping RP), it has now extended to being utilized in main scale manufacturing (Rapid Manufacturing RM) and in its specific application in Medical implant production. Selective Laser Melting (Complete Melting)/Selective Laser Sintering (Partial Melting) which are interchangeably used throughout multiple literature articles along with the terminology Direct Laser Melting (DLM), employs the principle of fusing metal powders layer by layer (Fig. 1) using a laser source to produce highly dense functional parts that are of near net shape. Recent developments have also shown its capability to produce parts that are porous and hollow for certain orthopedic applications. There are several alloys that have been developed and applied as an implant in the past decade, ranging from Cobalt-Chromium for dental implants, Titanium base alloys, Implant Steel and Bioresorbable alloys. This review paper was written to focus on the Titanium based alloys, specifically, the Titanium Aluminum Vanadium (Ti6Al4V) alloy that is used more prominently. While porosity is seen as a defect in regular manufacturing, as evident by most of the literature that aim at reducing porosity in order to make parts with higher density and better mechanical properties. We look to exploit this information to produce parts that would support the need to make osseointegration more feasible as certain applications do require porous implants to avoid bone resorption (Wolff’s law) caused due to the stress shielding from dense implants[1]. We highlight briefly the different parameters that directly affect the porosity in a part and narrow down on the desired parameters from different research studies and their implications. It is shown in most of the research papers the following parameters were explored: Laser Power, Hatch Spacing, Scan Speed and Energy Density (which is a function of the previous 3). Among these, Laser power, Scan Speed and Energy Density is shown to have a profound effect on the porosity of the manufactured part compared to the other parameters.
Box sampling: a new spatial sampling method for grapevine macronutrients using Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellite images
Authors: Trivedi Manushi B. , Bates Terence R. , Meyers James M. , Shcherbatyuk Nataliya , Davadant Pierre , Chancia Robert , Lohman Rowena B. , Heuvel Justine Vanden
Published: November 2024

A novel, one-location square grid area-based sampling method called “box” sampling was developed for vineyard nutrient monitoring. Box sampling was compared with random and stratified sampling methods at both bloom and veraison for grapevine foliar nitrogen (N%), phosphorus (P%), potassium (K%), magnesium (Mg%), and calcium (Ca%). Box and stratified sampling locations were determined based on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) from Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) images. SAR and NDVI images were stratified into three variability zonesusing the k-means++ algorithm. Representative pixels from each zone were sampled using the stratified method, while the junction of these variability zones (30mx30m sampling window) was sampled using the new box method. In 2021 and 2022, these methods were compared against nutrient population parameters in two vineyard blocks. Both methods showed marginal differences in mean, median, and standard deviation, with box sampling consistently capturing a broader range of variation, evidenced by a Bhattacharyya coefficient of >0.80 for N%, P%, and Mg% and >0.60 for K% and Ca% at both bloom and veraison. For 14 different commercial vineyards in 2022 and 2023, box sampling accurately captured random nutrient variability for N%, P% and Mg% at both bloom and veraison. However, for K% (at veraison) and Ca% box sampling performed poorly due to high spatial variability. Box sampling reduced the sampling distance and time by 75% compared to random sampling.
Dry Eye Disease Seasonal Pattern in Saudi Arabia Using Google Trends
Authors: AlHarthi Abdulaziz S
Published: November 2024

Purpose: The study aims to examine the dry eye search term pattern in Saudi Arabia using Google Trends to assess the influence of monthly effect on dry eye disease (DED).
Methods: This is a Time series design study; Data were collected from Google Trends for period from January 2011 to October 2024 using Arabic term for Dry Eye with setting allocated in Saudi Arabia. The monthly specified regression with ARIMA model and Time were included to provide evidence of the seasonality.
Result: The study result for dry eye disease (DED) using GTs demonstrates bimodal pattern with significant monthly/seasonal differences and increases of intent search over time. The periodic query for Arabic term dry eye is more likely to peak in late spring and in summer season mainly in month of June. A secondary peak was observed in February and March.
Conclusion: The study finding provides evidence of monthly seasonality of DED using Google Trends. Emphasizing and implementing measures of recommendations to decrease risk of DED is indicated especially during seasonality. Further exploration of climate and geographic locational influence on DED is needed.
ANÁLISE DOS EFEITOS DE CORROSÃO SOB CHAPAS DE AÇO-CARBONO 1020 CAUSADAS POR AEROSSOL MARINHO E POLUIÇÃO: UM ESTUDO COMPARATIVO EM CHAPAS EXPOSTAS AO AMBIENTE E EM SIMULAÇÃO DE DUTOS SUBTERRÂNEOS
Authors: K. Nocera Arthur , S. Souza Guilherme , B. de Almeida Mateus , S. e Santos Matheus , L. Gil Noemi , Corrêa Thaís
Published: November 2024

ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF CORROSION UNDER 1020 CARBON-STEEL PLATES CAUSED BY SEA AIR AND POLLUTION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY IN PLATES EXPOSED TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND IN SIMULATION OF UNDERGROUND DUCTS. This work aims to analyze the effects of corrosion in different municipalities through the exposure of 1020 carbon-steel plates to the atmosphere and buried in soil. Sea air and pollution were treated as major corrosion agents and zinc has been tested to prove its effectiveness as a sacrificial anode. For this analysis, weighing and spectrophotometric methods were used to determine the iron mass loss after five months of exposure. From the data obtained, corrosion rates were calculated and compared based on different regional conditions. The results showed that the coastal region of the state of São Paulo presented higher corrosion rates compared to places of higher altitudes and further away from the sea, indicating that sea air and pollution are important agents in catalyzing the deterioration processes. In addition, zinc was efficient as a sacrificial anode, demonstrating its potential application as corrosion protection in 1020 carbon-steel plates.
Intelligent water quality prediction system with a hybrid CNN–LSTM model
Authors: Guo Hui , Chen Zhiyuan , Teo Fang Yenn
Published: November 2024

Water pollution remains a longstanding challenge globally, prompting substantial investment in water quality protection. The integration of advanced machine learning models offers promising avenues for accurate water quality prediction, enabling proactive measures to safeguard water sources. Presently, water quality assessment relies predominantly on physical and chemical metrics. This study developed MultiLayer Perceptron (MLP), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), long short-term memory (LSTM), and a hybrid CNN–LSTM model to forecast pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) levels. Results demonstrated the hybrid model's superior performance, with mean squared errors (MSEs) of 0.0015 and 0.0361 for pH and DO prediction, respectively. For Water Quality Classification (WQC), Random Forest (RF), k-Nearest Neighbors (kNNs), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Light gradient Boosting Machine (Light GBM) were employed, with SVM achieving the highest accuracy at 88.75%. The research underscores the effectiveness of the CNN–LSTM model in predicting pH and DO levels. Leveraging these predictions as inputs to the SVM model offers valuable insights, particularly in regions where conventional monitoring methods face limitations. This streamlined approach, requiring only two parameters, signifies a significant advancement in accurate water quality prediction.