bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convergence between the dimensional PD models of ICD-11 and DSM-5: a meta-analytic approach
Authors: Hualparuca-Olivera Luis , Caycho-Rodríguez Tomás , Torales Julio , Ramos-Campos Dayana
Published: November 2023

In the current diagnostic systems, the International Classification of Diseases-11th rev. (ICD-11) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th ed. (DSM-5), the evaluation and diagnosis of personality disorder (PD) aim at dimensional examination of the severity of its dysfunction and the stylistic features that accompany it. Since their implementation, or even before, several measures have been developed to assess PD severity and traits in both models. Thus, convergent validity metrics have been reported with various PD measures; however, the convergence of the same constructs included in the measures of these two models remains undefined. The objective of the present review was to examine whether there is a sufficient relationship between PD measures of the ICD-11 and DSM-5 AMPD in the general population. For this meta-analytic review, systematic searches were conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. We included studies that reported Pearson’s r correlations without restrictions on language, age, sex, setting, type of sample, or informant of the measures. We excluded associations with anankastia, psychoticism or the borderline pattern because they were not comparable between one dimensional model and the other. We examined the quality of the evidence with the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross Sectional Studies, and performed the random effects meta-analysis with the ‘meta’ package of the RStudio software. Of the 5,629 results returned by the search, 16 studies were eligible; and showed moderate quality. The risk of bias was manifested by not specifying the details of the sample, the recruitment environment, and the identification and control of confounding factors. Thirteen studies provided two or more correlations resulting in a total of 54 studies for meta-analysis. The overall effect size estimate (correlation) was moderate for the overall model (r = 0.62, 95% CI [0.57, 0.67], p < 0.0001, I2 = 97.6%). For the subgroup of associations, ICD-11 severity model and DSM-5 AMPD severity model, the correlation was also moderate (k = 10, r = 0.57, 95% CI [0.48; 0.66]; I2 = 92.9%); as for the subgroup of associations, ICD-11 traits model and DSM-5 AMPD traits model (k = 44, r = 0.63, 95% CI [0.57; 0.69], I2 = 97.9%). The convergent validity between measures of PD severity and traits between one diagnostic system and another has been demonstrated in this review and they can probably be used interchangeably because they also measure the same constructs. Future research can address the limitations of this study and review the evidence for the discriminant validity of these measures.
High perceived stress in patients on opioid agonist therapies during rapid transitional response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine
Authors: Galvez Samy J. , Altice Frederick L. , Meteliuk Anna , Ivasiy Roman , Machavariani Eteri , Farnum Scott O. , Fomenko Tetiana , Islam Zahedul , Madden Lynn M.
Published: November 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in marked disruptions in healthcare delivery in Ukraine related to emergency guidance in response to treating opioid use disorder (OUD). Patients with OUD, a group with high levels of comorbid medical and psychiatric disorders, and prescribed opioid agonist therapies (OAT) were rapidly shifted to take-home dosing if they were deemed clinically stable. The impact of these shifts on patient stress and related substance use during the pandemic, however, is unknown.

Methods

In early May 2020, 269 randomly selected OAT patients in Ukraine were surveyed to assess their stress level and substance use using the validated Perceived Stress Scale and examined correlates of severe perceived stress.

Results

Overall, 195 (72.5%) met criteria for moderate to severe levels of stress, which was independently correlated with having started OAT within the past 12 months (aOR: 1.33; 95%CI: 1.15–1.55), living in a large metropolitan area (aOR: 1.31; 95%CI: 1.18–1.46), having been asked by others to share their medication (aOR: 1.13; 95%CI: 1.02–1.25), and having an increase of over 10 min in transportation time to get to treatment (aOR: 1.16; 95%CI: 1.04–1.29). Twenty seven (10%) patients felt at high risk of relapse, while 24 (8.9%) patients reported purchasing drugs.

Conclusion

During a time of great uncertainty soon after emergency guidance to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was extraordinary high levels of perceived stress reported. In response to emergency guidance, OAT patients should be screened for perceived stress and certain subgroups should be targeted for additional psychosocial support.
Can development of large scale agricultural business entities improve agricultural total factor productivity in China?: an empirical analysis
Authors: Ju Xiaoying , Li Huizhao , Liu Jianxu , Yao Peng
Published: November 2023

Large scale agricultural business entities (hereinafter referred to as “the large scale entities”) are newly sprouted in the process of China’s agricultural transformation from traditional production to modern mode, while the improvement of agricultural total factor productivity is an important driving force to realize agricultural transformation in China. Therefore, it is of great significance to explore whether the former has a promoting effect on the latter. First of all, the effective improvement of agricultural total factor productivity by the large scale entity development is analyzed from the two aspects of scale effect and technology utilization effect, and the effect mechanism is discussed in depth in this paper. Secondly, empirical test was carried out by using the panel data of prefecture-level cities from 2015 to 2020. The benchmark regression results show that the development of large scale entities can significantly improve agricultural total factor productivity. The mechanism test results indicate that the development of large scale entities improves the agricultural total factor productivity by raising the agricultural mechanization level. The results of heterogeneity analysis show that the difference between large scale entities would affect the benchmarking results. Therefore, it is believed through the study as discussed in this paper that devoting greater effort to support the development of large scale entities is an important measure to improve agricultural total factor productivity and promote China’s agricultural transformation, but it is necessary to act according to local conditions based on the difference of entity types in the process.
Conjoint analysis of clinical, imaging, and pathological features of schistosomiasis and colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Fang , Wang XiaoShuang , Zhu YuanTing , Xia Peng
Published: November 2023

This study aims to examine and compare clinical, radiological, and pathological data between colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with and without schistosomiasis and uncover distinctive CRC characteristics when accompanied by schistosomiasis. This retrospective study is based on data collected from 341 patients diagnosed with CRC post-surgery and pathology. Of these patients, 101 (Group A) were diagnosed with colorectal cancer co-occurring with schistosomiasis (CRC-S), while 240 patients (Group B) were diagnosed with colorectal cancer without concurrent schistosomiasis (CRC-NS). Both groups were compared and analyzed based on their clinical data, imaging-based TNM staging, lymph node metastasis, nerve invasion, vascular cancer thrombus, and histopathological differentiation. A Chi-squared test revealed a significant difference in gender distribution between the patients with CRC-S (Group A) and CRC-NS (Group B), with a p -value of 0.043 and χ2 = 4.115. Specifically, a higher incidence rate was observed among males in Group A. There was a difference in the overall distribution of TNM staging between the two groups (p = 0.034, χ2 = 6.764). After pairwise comparison, a statistically significant difference was observed in the T3 stage (p <0.05). The proportion of the T3 stage in Group A was significantly higher than that in Group B, indicating certain advantages. There was a difference in postoperative histopathological grading between the two groups (p = 0.005, χ2 = 10.626). After pairwise comparison, a statistically significant difference was observed between the well-differentiated adenocarcinoma and the moderately and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (p <0.05), with a higher proportion of welldifferentiated patients in Group A compared to Group B. There was no significant difference in age, lymph node metastasis, nerve invasion, and vascular invasion between the two groups of patients (p > 0.05). Among the 101 patients with CRC-S, 87 (86%) showed linear calcification on CT imaging. Patients with CRC-S are mainly male, with tumor staging mostly in the middle stage, high tumor differentiation, and low malignancy. CT imaging can help identify the presence of lumps and linear calcification indicative of schistosome deposits. MRI can early clarify TNM staging and determine the presence of lymph node metastasis and nerve and vascular invasion.
Inhibition of Citrus Huanglongbing Disease by Paenibacillus polymyx KN-03 and Analysis with Transcriptome and Microflora
Authors: Yang Yuehua , Wang Fangkui , Jiang Jialin , Jiang Ling
Published: November 2023

Soil drench treatment using Paenibacillus polymyxa strain KN-03 was applied to citrus plants infected with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas). The infection status was assessed using PCR and a real-time quantitative PCR detection system (qPCR). The application of KN-03 resulted in a notable reduction in CLas levels in citrus plants. Specifically, by the 257th day post treatment commencement, following 24 KN-03 applications, the negative rates of CLas in the vein, root tip, and shoot tip were 50%, 0%, and 50%, respectively. After 24 cycles, KN-03 application significantly enhanced plant growth and stimulated reactive oxygen production in citrus leaves compared to control plants. Transcriptome analysis identified specific upregulated pathways. Furthermore, flora analysis revealed an increased abundance of microorganisms possessing potential utilization value, including Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia, uncultured_bacterium_o_Acidobacteriales, uncultured_bacterium_f_Gemmatimonadaceae, and Rhodanobacter, in the root zone. Moreover, the BugBase analysis indicated that KN-03 treatment increased the abundance of beneficial rhizosphere bacteria associated with biofilm formation, element mobilization, and stress tolerance. These findings support the utility of Paenibacillus polymyxa KN-03 as an effective plant-growth-promoting bacterium for CLas management, with additional benefits for plant growth and soil health, specifically offering detoxification resources for shoot tip grafting.
Impact of Drought Stress on Yield-Related Agronomic Traits of Different Genotypes in Spring Wheat
Authors: Xu Zihan , Lai Xiangjun , Ren Yi , Yang Hongmei , Wang Haobo , Wang Chunsheng , Xia Jianqiang , Wang Zhenlong , Yang Zhenyu , Geng Hongwei , Shi Xue , Zhang Yueqiang
Published: November 2023

Drought stress is one of the major abiotic stresses to wheat worldwide, with negative effects on wheat growth and yield. Assessing genetic variation and drought stress tolerance of key agronomic and physiological traits of spring wheat and screening germplasm resources for higher drought tolerance and yield stability are a prerequisite for developing new, better-adapted spring wheat varieties. This study evaluated nine important agronomic and physiological traits in 152 spring wheat cultivars under non-stress (NS) and drought-stress (DS) conditions. Under DS conditions, grain yield per plot (GYP) and grain weight per spike (GWE) were significantly reduced by 33.8% and 31.7%, and their drought-tolerance indexes (DIs) were only 0.66 and 0.69, respectively, indicating that GYP and GWE are the most susceptible traits to drought stress. The SPAD value of flag leave at flowering stage decreased by 13.9% under DS conditions, and the DI of SPAD was 0.86. In addition, DI-SPAD was significantly positively correlated with DIs of plant height (PH), grain number per spikelet (GPS), grain number per spike (GNS), GWE and GYP, indicating that the drought tolerance and yield of wheat are closely related to chlorophyll retention. Six wheat germplasm accessions were identified for their ability to sustain grain yield and improve drought tolerance simultaneously. These results provide insights into the genetic co-variation between grain yield and drought stress tolerance and provide a theoretical basis for the development of new wheat cultivars with excellent drought tolerance and high yields in the presence and absence of drought.
A Traffic Equilibrium Model for Multi-Modal Networks with Uncertain Demands
Authors: Zhang Xin , Xu Yang , Lai Kin-Keung , Li Xiaodong , Yang Shuang
Published: November 2023

In this study, an effective travel cost (ETC) traffic equilibrium model is proposed for multi-modal networks with uncertain demands. The multi-modal networks are transformed into supernetworks and travel demands are assumed to be closed intervals. Passenger flows and travel costs are also formulated as closed intervals to capture the effects of uncertain demands. The ETC concept is introduced and regarded as a choice criterion to develop an equilibrium model which captures travellers’ travel mode and route choice behavior under interval travel costs. The model is formulated as a variational inequality problem, and the method of successive average algorithm is adapted to interval mathematics to obtain the results in the form of interval variables. Illustrative examples are also presented to demonstrate the model’s characteristics and its differences from the traditional equilibrium model, in which the expected travel cost is regarded as the choice criterion.
The Landing Biomechanics in Youth Female Handball Players Does Not Change When Applying a Specific Model of Game and Weekly Training Workload
Authors: Lehnert Michal , Bělka Jan , Hůlka Karel , Sikora Ondřej , Svoboda Zdeněk
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to explore the effects of competitive match play and subsequent training during typical competitive microcycle on landing biomechanics in female youth handball players. A group of 11 elite female youth players (age: 14.3 ± 0.6 years; stature: 165.9 ± 8.1 cm; body mass: 58.4 ± 10.6 kg; maturity offset: 0.4 ± 0.8 years) were tested prior to a competitive match, immediately after the match, 48 h after the match, 96 h after the match, and before the next match. The players performed two analyzed trials of a single leg (preferred) counter movement jump. The “Landing Error Scoring System” (LESS) was used to analyze the participants’ landing biomechanics. Results: There was no significant effect of a competitive handball match on LESS (Z = 0.28; p = 0.78). No statistically significant difference in LESS was found between the first and the last measurement (Z = 1.01; p = 0.31). No significant main effect of time was found for landing biomechanics in the observed eight-day period (χ2 = 4.02; p = 0.40). The results of the study indicate that a model of weekly loading during in-season, including competitive match play, does not decrease lower limb biomechanics during landing and does not contribute to an increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury in female youth handball players during a competitive microcycle.
Research on a Three-Phase Energy Mutual-Aid Strategy for a Grid-Connected Inverter Based on Constructed Negative Sequence Current Control
Authors: Sun Zhenao , Ma Dazhong , Sun Qiuye
Published: November 2023

With the increased grid-connected capacity of a single-phase distributed power supply, three-phase power unbalance is more likely to occur in a power grid. Three-phase power unbalance can further lead to three-phase voltage unbalance, which can have adverse effects on power quality and power supply reliability. Therefore, there is a need to build a three-phase power transmission channel to realize power exchanging among phases. In this paper, a novel grid-connected inverter control strategy for three-phase power exchanging is proposed based on constructed negative sequence current control. A completed negative sequence current control loop is added to a conventional three-bridge inverter to realize the decoupling control of three-phase grid current, and then three-phase power exchanging is realized. On this basis, this paper further puts forward a strategy for three-phase power exchanging aimed at three-phase voltage balance. Correspondingly, the three-phase grid current is controlled according to the feedback of the three-phase voltage. Then, three-phase voltage balance is achieved by three-phase power exchanging. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed strategy is suitable for a three-phase unbalanced power grid, which can realize three-phase power exchanging, and further, can achieve three-phase voltage balance. The proposed strategy can help to improve power quality and supply reliability.
Service Reliability Based on Fault Prediction and Container Migration in Edge Computing
Authors: Liu Lizhao , Kang Longyu , Li Xiaocui , Zhou Zhangbing
Published: November 2023

With improvements in the computing capability of edge devices and the emergence of edge computing, an increasing number of services are being deployed on the edge side, and container-based virtualization is used to deploy services to improve resource utilization. This has led to challenges in reliability because services deployed on edge nodes are pruned owing to hardware failures and a lack of technical support. To solve this reliability problem, we propose a solution based on fault prediction combined with container migration to address the service failure problem caused by node failure. This approach comprises two major steps: fault prediction and container migration. Fault prediction collects the log of services on edge nodes and uses these data to conduct time-sequence modeling. Machine-learning algorithms are chosen to predict faults on the edge. Container migration is modeled as an optimization problem. A migration node selection approach based on a genetic algorithm is proposed to determine the most suitable migration target to migrate container services on the device and ensure the reliability of the services. Simulation results show that the proposed approach can effectively predict device faults and migrate services based on the optimal container migration strategy to avoid service failures deployed on edge devices and ensure service reliability.
Mineral, Chemical and Technical Characterization of Altered Pyroxenic Andesites from Southeastern Spain for Use as Eco-Efficient Natural Materials
Authors: Martín Domingo A. , Costafreda Jorge L. , Sanjuán Miguel A. , Costafreda-Velázquez Jorge L.
Published: November 2023

Climate change is already an undeniable reality, and it is a direct consequence of our society’s lifestyle and the indiscriminate use of certain materials, such as Portland cement, which causes the emission of gases and waste that contributes to the greenhouse effect. The object of this work is to present the results obtained from research on pyroxenic andesites that have become altered to zeolite and their use as alternative, eco-efficient materials that improve the quality of cement through a standardized partial substitution. In this work, four samples of pyroxenic andesites altered to zeolites (PAAZ) and two samples of unaltered andesites (UPA) were analyzed. The methods used in this study are as follows: petrography of thin section (PTS), chemical analysis of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and phase determination by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Other tests were carried out to determine the quality of the PAAZ from a technical and practical application point of view, such as chemical analysis of pozzolanicity (CPT) at 8 and 15 days, as well as mechanical compression tests at 2, 7, 28 and 90 days. Petrographic and phase analyses show that the original mineral components of the samples such as pyroxene, amphibole, plagioclase and mica were leached and replaced by more than 90% with mordenite and smectite. XRF analyses indicates an anomalous rise in SiO2, a drastic reduction in alumina Al2O3 and a significant increase in alkaline compounds over alkaline-earth compounds in samples of altered pyroxenic andesites (PAAZ) with respect to samples of unaltered andesites (UPA). The pozzolanicity test establishes that the samples of unaltered andesites do not behave like pozzolans at 8 or 15 days; however, altered andesites experienced remarkable pozzolanic reactivity in the same periods. The mechanical compression tests carried out on specimens made with PAAZ and Portland cement showed a growing increase in mechanical resistance from 2 days (15.2 MPa) to 90 days (72.1 MPa). These results suggest that pyroxenic andesites altered to zeolite can be an ideal alternative to partially replace Portland cement, which in turn could contribute to the preservation of the environment and a more rational use of traditional resources.
Development of a Direct Non-Puncture Device for Measuring Portal Venous Pressure during Liver Transplantation—A Swine Model
Authors: Ho Kung-Chen , Huang Tun-Sung , Lin Jiunn-Chang , Chiang Huihua Kenny
Published: November 2023

Portal hypertension-related complications pose a significant risk for liver failure post-transplantation. Thus, accurate monitoring of intraoperative portal venous pressure (PVP) is crucial. However, current PVP monitoring techniques requiring direct percutaneous puncture carry the risk of graft damage. In this study, we present an innovative non-puncture PVP monitoring device (PVPMD) using a 3D-printed prototype. PVPMD design is inspired by the sphygmomanometer principle, and strategically encompasses the portal vein and enables precise PVP measurement through blood flow ultrasonography after temporary occlusion. By a series of mini-pig experiments, the prototype PVPMD demonstrated a strong correlation with invasive catheter measurements in the main trunk of the portal vein (rs = 0.923, p = 0.000). There was a significant repeatability and reproducibility between the prototype PVPMD- and invasive catheter-measured PVP. This indicates that the PVPMD holds immense potential for direct application in liver transplantation and surgery. Moreover, it has the potential to replace catheter-based central venous pressure (CVP) measurements, thereby mitigating catheter-related complications during many surgeries. In conclusion, our innovative device represents a significant advancement in PVP monitoring during liver transplantation, with comprehensive validation from principle exploration to successful animal experiments. We anticipate that this groundbreaking PVPMD will attract the attention of researchers and clinicians, propelling the noninvasive measurement of PVP or other venous/arterial pressures into a new era of clinical practice.
Linking Distributed Leadership with Differentiated Instruction in Inclusive Schools: The Mediating Roles of Teacher Leadership and Professional Competence
Authors: Wang Tiantian , Tian Guoxiu
Published: November 2023

Despite the clear worldwide school inclusion initiative, translating the widely embraced notions of inclusive education into differentiated teaching practice has been recognized as a common difficulty. Based on replies from 780 educators in inclusive schools in Beijing, China, this study explored how distributed leadership contributes to teachers’ use of differentiated teaching, the mediation role of teacher leadership for inclusion, and teachers’ professional competencies of inclusive education. The results suggest that principals’ distributed leadership directly influences teachers’ employment of differentiated instruction. Teacher leadership for inclusion and professional competencies of inclusive education play a serial mediating role in the relationship between distributed principalship and teachers’ use of differentiated instruction. Implications for implementing inclusive practices were further discussed.
Special Issue on Tunnel Construction and Underground Space Technology
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhang Guozhu , Ding Xiaobin
Published: November 2023

Currently, the development of deep earth space is an important strategic, scientific, and technological goal [...]
Alternative Use of the Waste from Ground Olive Stones in Doping Mortar Bricks for Sustainable Façades
Authors: San Vicente-Navarro Alejandro , Mendívil-Giro Manuel , Los Santos-Ortega Jorge , Fraile-García Esteban , Ferreiro-Cabello Javier
Published: November 2023

The aim of achieving sustainability in construction is a reality. A useful strategy to achieve this is the use of waste from agricultural activities. This waste could reduce the environmental impacts associated with the production of raw materials such as natural aggregate, reducing energy consumption from fossil fuels and therefore CO2 emissions. This study examines the thermal conductivity of mortars doped with ground olive stones, a residual by-product of industrial processes. The objective is to evaluate the potential of ground olive stones to improve thermal insulation in construction. Ground olive stones are used as a partial replacement for the aggregates used in mortar bricks. The methodology followed herein to quantify the benefits of this product involves creating several types of mortar with a different percentage of ground olive stones in each sample (between 0% and 30%). Thermal conductivity was determined according to UNE-EN12939:2001. Finally, a case study is conducted performing an energy simulation of a residential building to determine the energy savings derived from reducing the combined thermal demands of heating and cooling and to analyse the feasibility of the alternative use of ground olive stone residue doped in mortar bricks for new sustainable façades. The results show a saving in energy demand (heating and cooling) of 0.938 kWh/m2·year when using 30% GOS-doped mortar bricks compared to the reference bricks. This is equivalent to a decrease in energy demand of 2.23% per square meter of façade. In addition, these annual energy savings are compared to the potential thermal energy created from the combustion of ground olive stones in a biomass boiler, which is the main traditional use of this waste today. It reveals that for a doping range of 5–15%, the recovery time ranges between 30 and 75 yeas, which is within the lifetime of a building. The results demonstrate the great viability of using ground olive stones as fine aggregates in mortars and their possible application in sustainable construction, in particular in more sustainable façades that allow energy savings in buildings and therefore a lower consumption of fossil, which will make it possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the excessive consumption of resources.
A Comparative Analysis of Different Hydrogen Production Methods and Their Environmental Impact
Authors: Nnabuife Somtochukwu Godfrey , Darko Caleb Kwasi , Obiako Precious Chineze , Kuang Boyu , Sun Xiaoxiao , Jenkins Karl
Published: November 2023

This study emphasises the growing relevance of hydrogen as a green energy source in meeting the growing need for sustainable energy solutions. It foregrounds the importance of assessing the environmental consequences of hydrogen-generating processes for their long-term viability. The article compares several hydrogen production processes in terms of scalability, cost-effectiveness, and technical improvements. It also investigates the environmental effects of each approach, considering crucial elements such as greenhouse gas emissions, water use, land needs, and waste creation. Different industrial techniques have distinct environmental consequences. While steam methane reforming is cost-effective and has a high production capacity, it is coupled with large carbon emissions. Electrolysis, a technology that uses renewable resources, is appealing but requires a lot of energy. Thermochemical and biomass gasification processes show promise for long-term hydrogen generation, but further technological advancement is required. The research investigates techniques for improving the environmental friendliness of hydrogen generation through the use of renewable energy sources. Its ultimate purpose is to offer readers a thorough awareness of the environmental effects of various hydrogen generation strategies, allowing them to make educated judgements about ecologically friendly ways. It can ease the transition to a cleaner hydrogen-powered economy by considering both technological feasibility and environmental issues, enabling a more ecologically conscious and climate-friendly energy landscape.
AI-Based Aortic Stenosis Classification in MRI Scans
Authors: Elvas Luís B. , Águas Pedro , Ferreira Joao C. , Oliveira João Pedro , Dias Miguel Sales , Rosário Luís Brás
Published: November 2023

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a critical cardiovascular condition that necessitates precise diagnosis for effective patient care. Despite a limited dataset comprising only 202 images, our study employs transfer learning to investigate the efficacy of five convolutional neural network (CNN) models, coupled with advanced computer vision techniques, in accurately classifying AS. The VGG16 model stands out among the tested models, achieving 95% recall and F1-score. To fortify the model’s robustness and generalization, we implement various data augmentation techniques, including translation, rotation, flip, and brightness adjustment. These techniques aim to capture real-world image variations encountered in clinical settings. Validation, conducted using authentic data from Hospital Santa Maria, not only affirms the clinical applicability of our model but also highlights the potential to develop robust models with a limited number of images. The models undergo training after the images undergo a series of computer vision and data augmentation techniques, as detailed in this paper. These techniques augment the size of our dataset, contributing to improved model performance. In conclusion, our study illuminates the potential of AI-driven AS detection in MRI scans. The integration of transfer learning, CNN models, and data augmentation yields high accuracy rates, even with a small dataset, as validated in real clinical cases.
Study of High-Energy Proton Irradiation Effects in Top-Gate Graphene Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Lu Xiaojie , Guo Hongxia , Lei Zhifeng , Peng Chao , Zhang Zhangang , Zhang Hong , Ma Teng , Feng Yahui , Ma Wuying , Zhong Xiangli , Li Jifang , Li Yangfan , Bai Ruxue
Published: November 2023

In this article, the effects of high-energy proton irradiation on top-gate graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs) were investigated by using 20 MeV protons. The basic electrical parameters of the top-gate GFETs were measured before and after proton irradiation with a fluence of 1 × 1011 p/cm2 and 5 × 1011 p/cm2, respectively. Decreased saturation current, increased Dirac sheet resistance, and negative drift in the Dirac voltage in response to proton irradiation were observed. According to the transfer characteristic curves, it was found that the carrier mobility was reduced after proton irradiation. The analysis suggests that proton irradiation generates a large net positive charge in the gate oxide layer, which induces a negative drift in the Dirac voltage. Introducing defects and increased impurities at the gate oxide/graphene interface after proton irradiation resulted in enhanced Coulomb scattering and reduced mobility of the carriers, which in turn affects the Dirac sheet resistance and saturation current. After annealing at room temperature, the electrical characteristics of the devices were partially restored. The results of the technical computer-aided design (TCAD) simulation indicate that the reduction in carrier mobility is the main reason for the degradation of the electrical performance of the device. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to determine the ionization and nonionization energy losses induced by proton incidence in top-gate GFET devices. The simulation data show that the ionization energy loss is the primary cause of the degradation of the electrical performance.
FMDL: Federated Mutual Distillation Learning for Defending Backdoor Attacks
Authors: Sun Hanqi , Zhu Wanquan , Sun Ziyu , Cao Mingsheng , Liu Wenbin
Published: November 2023

Federated learning is a distributed machine learning algorithm that enables collaborative training among multiple clients without sharing sensitive information. Unlike centralized learning, it emphasizes the distinctive benefits of safeguarding data privacy. However, two challenging issues, namely heterogeneity and backdoor attacks, pose severe challenges to standardizing federated learning algorithms. Data heterogeneity affects model accuracy, target heterogeneity fragments model applicability, and model heterogeneity compromises model individuality. Backdoor attacks inject trigger patterns into data to deceive the model during training, thereby undermining the performance of federated learning. In this work, we propose an advanced federated learning paradigm called Federated Mutual Distillation Learning (FMDL). FMDL allows clients to collaboratively train a global model while independently training their private models, subject to server requirements. Continuous bidirectional knowledge transfer is performed between local models and private models to achieve model personalization. FMDL utilizes the technique of attention distillation, conducting mutual distillation during the local update phase and fine-tuning on clean data subsets to effectively erase the backdoor triggers. Our experiments demonstrate that FMDL benefits clients from different data, tasks, and models, effectively defends against six types of backdoor attacks, and validates the effectiveness and efficiency of our proposed approach.
Comparison of Yersinia enterocolitica DNA Methylation at Ambient and Host Temperatures
Authors: Van Hofwegen Dustin J. , Hovde Carolyn J. , Minnich Scott A.
Published: November 2023

Pathogenic bacteria recognize environmental cues to vary gene expression for host adaptation. Moving from ambient to host temperature, Yersinia enterocolitica responds by immediately repressing flagella synthesis and inducing the virulence plasmid (pYV)-encoded type III secretion system. In contrast, shifting from host to ambient temperature requires 2.5 generations to restore motility, suggesting a link to the cell cycle. We hypothesized that differential DNA methylation contributes to temperature-regulated gene expression. We tested this hypothesis by comparing single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing of Y. enterocolitica DNA from cells growing exponentially at 22 °C and 37 °C. The inter-pulse duration ratio rather than the traditional QV scoring was the kinetic metric to compare DNA from cells grown at each temperature. All 565 YenI restriction sites were fully methylated at both temperatures. Among the 27,118 DNA adenine methylase (Dam) sites, 42 had differential methylation patterns, while 17 remained unmethylated regardless of the temperature. A subset of the differentially methylated Dam sites localized to promoter regions of predicted regulatory genes including LysR-type and PadR-like transcriptional regulators and a cyclic-di-GMP phosphodiesterase. The unmethylated Dam sites localized with a bias to the replication terminus, suggesting they were protected from Dam methylase. No cytosine methylation was detected at Dcm sites.
Research Progress on Active Secondary Jet Technology in Supersonic Flow Field of Aerospace Propulsion Systems
Authors: Zhu Hao , Guo Haizhou , Sun Junjie , Tian Hui , Cai Guobiao
Published: November 2023

As humans continue to explore the aerospace field, higher demands have been placed on new types of propulsion systems. Meanwhile, active secondary flow has been applied to various aspects of engines over the past seventy years, significantly enhancing engine performance. For the new generation of propulsion systems, active secondary flow remains a highly promising technology. This article provides an overview of the application of active secondary flow in engines, including a review of the past research on the secondary jet flow field, and an introduction of the more prominent applications of the jet in engines and its research progress. Finally, the problems existing in the current application of the secondary jet are summarized, and the future direction of the research is anticipated.
Fractional-Order Phase Lead Compensation Multirate Repetitive Control for Grid-Tied Inverters
Authors: Liang Fen , Lee Ho-Joon , Zhang Hongwei
Published: November 2023

To reduce computational load and memory consumption, multirate repetitive control (MRC) with downsampling rates provides a flexible and efficient design for proportional-integral multi-resonant repetitive control (PIMR-RC) systems for grid-tied inverters. However, in MRC systems, repetitive controllers with low sampling rates produce low delay periods, and integer-order phase lead compensation may cause undercompensation or overcompensation. These imprecise linear phase lead compensations may result in deteriorated control performance. To address these problems, based on an infinite impulse response (IIR) filter, a fractional-order phase lead proportional-integral multi-resonant multirate repetitive control (FPL-PIMR-MRC) is proposed for grid-tied inverters in this paper. The proposed method can provide a suitable fractional phase lead step to achieve a wide stability region, minor tracking errors, and low hardware costs. The IIR fractional-order lead filter design, stability analysis, and the step-by-step parameter tuning of the FPL-PIMR-MRC system are derived in detail. Finally, simulation performed confirms the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Local Fuzzy Fractional Partial Differential Equations in the Realm of Fractal Calculus with Local Fractional Derivatives
Authors: Osman Mawia , Marwan Muhammad , Shah Syed Omar , Loudahi Lamia , Samar Mahvish , Bittaye Ebrima , Mohammed Mustafa Altyeb
Published: November 2023

In this study, local fuzzy fractional partial differential equations (LFFPDEs) are considered using a hybrid local fuzzy fractional approach. Fractal model behavior can be represented using fuzzy partial differential equations (PDEs) with local fractional derivatives. The current methods are hybrids of the local fuzzy fractional integral transform and the local fuzzy fractional homotopy perturbation method (LFFHPM), the local fuzzy fractional Sumudu decomposition method (LFFSDM) in the sense of local fuzzy fractional derivatives, and the local fuzzy fractional Sumudu variational iteration method (LFFSVIM); these are applied when solving LFFPDEs. The working procedure shows how effective solutions for specific LFFPDEs can be obtained using the applied approaches. Moreover, we present a comparison of the local fuzzy fractional Laplace variational iteration method (LFFLIM), the local fuzzy fractional series expansion method (LFFSEM), the local fuzzy fractional variation iteration method (LFFVIM), and the local fuzzy fractional Adomian decomposition method (LFFADM), which are applied to obtain fuzzy fractional diffusion and wave equations on Cantor sets. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the used techniques, some examples are given. The results demonstrate the major advantages of the approaches, which are equally efficient and simple to use in order to solve fuzzy differential equations with local fractional derivatives.
Regional Multifractal Variability of the Overall Seismic Activity in Pakistan from 1820 to 2020 via the Application of MDFA on Earthquake Catalogs
Authors: Alam Aftab , Nikolopoulos Dimitrios , Cantzos Demetrios , Tahir Muhammad , Iqbal Tahir , Petraki Ermioni , Yannakopoulos Panayiotis , Rafique Muhammad
Published: November 2023

The overall seismicity of Pakistan from 1820 to 2020 is analysed in terms of its multifractal behaviour. Seismic events of magnitude ML = 3.0 and above are spatially clustered into four distinct groups, each one corresponding to a different region of high seismic activity. The Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (MFDA) method applied on each cluster reveals pronounced inter-cluster heterogeneity in terms of the resulting generalised Hurst exponent and fractality spectrum, possibly due to the particular tectonic characteristics of the regions under investigation. Additional results on the variability of the Gutenberg–Richter b-value across the defined clusters further corroborate the uniqueness of the seismic profile of each region.
Factors Related to Evidence-Based Practice among Community Nurses in Greece: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Adamakidou Theodoula , Ntempeli Eleni , Galanis Petros , Mantoudi Alexandra , Kleisiaris Christos , Mantzorou Marianna , Zartaloudi Afroditi , Tsiou Chrysoula , Apostolara Paraskevi
Published: November 2023

Assessing knowledge, attitudes and practices towards evidence-based practice (EBP) is a challenge for healthcare professionals. However, the existing literature focuses on nurses working in acute hospital settings, with nurses working in community and primary healthcare settings receiving comparatively less attention. The purpose of the study was to explore factors that related to attitudes, knowledge and practice of community nurses toward EBP. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of community nurses in Greece. Community nurses around the country were invited to complete an online questionnaire during the period of February to April 2022. To measure nurses’ attitudes, practices and knowledge/skills regarding EBP, the Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire was used. A total of 164 nurses took part in the study. The mean age of nurses was 41.6 years, with 42.7% having either an MSc or a PhD degree. The overall internal consistency for the EBPQ questionnaire was 0.91. The sample demonstrated a high level of knowledge/skills (mean score of 5.5 on a 7-point scale) and positive attitudes (mean score of 5.5 on a 7-point scale) towards EBP, while the level of EBP practice was moderate (mean score of 4.5 on a 7-point scale). A higher educational level showed a positive relationship with the “practice of EBP” subscale (p = 0.005) and the “knowledge/skills about EBP” subscale (p = 0.003). Additionally, an increase in the knowledge/skills score was associated with a more positive attitude towards EBP (p < 0.001) and better practice of EBP (p = 0.003). The identification of educational level as the main factor related to the knowledge/skills and implementation of EBPs in community nurses emphasizes the necessity for educational initiatives in EBP at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Informed nurses who are familiar with current guidelines and evidence can effectively train patients about chronic disease management and prevention. Additionally, creating incentives to motivate participation in lifelong learning programs can indeed play a crucial role in enhancing the proficiency of community nurses in evidence-based practice.
The Scale of Perceptions and Self-Participation in Hemodialysis: Development and Psychometric Evaluation
Authors: Szu Li-Yun , Hsieh Suh-Ing , Shih Whei-Mei , Tsai Mei-Chu , Tseng Su-Mei
Published: November 2023

Hemodialysis patients undergo hemodialysis two to three times a week and must live together with the dialysis machine. The patient’s self-participation is to combine the patient’s own experience and professional knowledge to influence the care. A successful self-participation experience empowers patients to adapt to living with hemodialysis. However, few studies have been conducted regarding the subjective experiences of such patient participation. There is a lack of a self-participation dialysis life scale for hemodialysis patients. Therefore, this study aims to develop and evaluate a self-participation dialysis life scale for hemodialysis patients. The items for the self-participation dialysis life scale were confirmed through qualitative interviews based on grounded theory. After expert content validity evaluation, 435 hemodialysis patients were purposively sampled from hemodialysis centers in two regional teaching hospitals in Taiwan. Descriptive statistics, principal axis factoring, reliability analysis, Pearson’s correlation, and one-way ANOVA were used for data analysis. The results show that the item- and scale-content validity indices are 0.96 and 0.73, respectively. This scale is divided into two scales. The first part is “Scale of Perceptions of Hemodialysis”, including two factors. The overall can explain 66.34% of the cumulative variances. The second part is the “Scale of Self-Participation in Hemodialysis”, including four factors. The overall can explain 58.91% of the cumulative variances. The Cronbach’s α is 0.812 for “Perceptions of Hemodialysis” and 0.959 for “Self-Participation in Hemodialysis”, respectively. The self-participation dialysis life scale has good reliability and validity and can be used to evaluate the implementation of a patient’s self-participation in their hemodialysis life. Discussing or consulting with patients based on their characteristics, life priorities, and their desired life on dialysis is essential for a high-quality of clinical care among hemodialysis patients.
Integration of CO2 Capture and Conversion by Employing Metal Oxides as Dual Function Materials: Recent Development and Future Outlook
Authors: Tan Wei Jie , Gunawan Poernomo
Published: November 2023

To mitigate the effect of CO2 on climate change, significant efforts have been made in the past few decades to capture CO2, which can then be further sequestered or converted into value-added compounds, such as methanol and hydrocarbons, by using thermochemical or electrocatalytic processes. However, CO2 capture and conversion have primarily been studied independently, resulting in individual processes that are highly energy-intensive and less economically viable due to high capital and operation costs. To enhance the overall process efficiency, integrating CO2 capture and conversion into a single system offers an opportunity for a more streamlined process that can reduce energy and capital costs. This strategy can be achieved by employing dual function materials (DFMs), which possess the unique capability to simultaneously adsorb and convert CO2. These materials combine basic metal oxides with active metal catalytic sites that enable both sorption and conversion functions. In this review paper, we focus on the recent strategies that utilize mixed metal oxides as DFMs. Their material design and characteristics, reaction mechanisms, as well as performance and limitations will be discussed. We will also address the challenges associated with this integrated system and attempt to provide insights for future research endeavors.
Worth a Double Take? An In-Depth Review of Lung Retransplantation
Authors: Dawodu Gbalekan , Gulati Shubham , Bugacov Helena , Laskey Daniel , Housman Brian , Seethamraju Harish , Scheinin Scott
Published: November 2023

Provided advancements in Lung Transplantation (LT) survival, the efficacy of Lung Retransplantation (LRT) has often been debated. Decades of retrospective analyses on thousands of LRT cases provide insight enabling predictive patient criteria for retransplantation. This review used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The PubMed search engine was utilized for articles relating to LRT published through August 2023, and a systematic review was performed using Covidence software version 2.0 (Veritas Health Innovation, Australia). Careful patient selection is vital for successful LRT, and the benefit leans in favor of those in optimal health following their initial transplant. However, the lack of a standardized approach remains apparent. Through an in-depth review, we will address considerations such as chronic lung allograft dysfunction, timing to LRT, surgical and perioperative complexity, and critical ethical concerns that guide the current practice as it relates to this subset of patients for whom LRT is the only therapeutic option available.