bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Анализ динамики эпидемического процесса COVID-19 в мире за неделю с 12.08.2023 г. по 18.08.2023 г.
Authors: Зимирова Анастасия , Поспелов Михаил , Иванова Александра , Дмитриева Людмила , Чумачкова Елена , Карнаухов Игорь , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: August 2023

В обзоре представлен анализ эпидемиологической ситуации в странах мира по COVID-19 за неделю с 12.08.2023 г. по 18.08.2023 г.
Unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) path planning in 2.5D and 3D
Authors: Ennasr Osama , Ellison Charles , Netchaev Anton , Soylemezoglu Ahmet , Glaspell Garry
Published: August 2023

Herein, we explored path planning in 2.5D and 3D for unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) applications. For real-time 2.5D navigation, we investigated generating 2.5D occupancy grids using either elevation or traversability to determine path costs. Compared to elevation, traversability, which used a layered approach generated from surface normals, was more robust for the tested environments. A layered approached was also used for 3D path planning. While it was possible to use the 3D approach in real time, the time required to generate 3D meshes meant that the only way to effectively path plan was to use a preexisting point cloud environment. As a result, we explored generating 3D meshes from a variety of sources, including handheld sensors, UGVs, UAVs, and aerial lidar.
Determination of Maximum Power to Be Produced by a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Andrade Samuel Tadeu de Paula , Huebner Rudolf , Matencio Tulio , Ferreira Ricardo Poley Martins , Júnior Esly Ferreira da Costa
Published: August 2023

Solid oxide fuel cells can generate electrical energy more efficiently and reduce pollutant emissions. They can be applied in many practical engineering cases, such as stationary generation, aircraft, and hybrid fast charging stations. This work uses heuristic and deterministic optimization algorithms coupled with thermodynamics lumped models to determine the main operation variables to achieve maximum power. We found, as expected, that higher pressures improve the power output of one cell. For one cell operating near atmospheric pressure, the output power was 78.56 W; for an operating condition near 5 atm, the output power was 99.21 W. Moreover, the heuristic and deterministic algorithms obtained similar results. The proposed model can be improved with chemical kinetics and the inclusion of cell dimensions to become more precise but offers a base method to estimate the main operating variables of an SOFC.
Enhancing Supply Chain Decision-Making in the Textile Industry: A Hybrid Interval-Valued Neutrosophic MCDM Approach
Authors: R Venugopal , Veeramani C. , S Muruganandan
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the garment sector in the Asia-Pacific region, leading to a decline in retail sales in export markets and affecting supply chain businesses and employees. The selection of sustainable suppliers has become a top priority for organizations in the clothing supply chain to ensure effectiveness and efficiency. Supplier selection in the apparel sector involves multiple quantitative and qualitative parameters. The use of Multi-criteria Decision Making (MCDM) models has been extensively studied in various business sectors, including supplier selection and investment assessment. This study aims to develop a decisionmaking tool to assist decision-makers in selecting the best supplier in the clothing sector within a neutrosophic environment with interval values. The Interval-Valued Neutrosophic Analytic Hierarchy Process (IVNAHP) and the Interval-Valued Neutrosophic Technique for Order Preference Similarity to Ideal Solution (IVNTOPSIS) approaches are employed in this research for supplier selection. Two questionnaires are designed and distributed to experts in textile companies. The first questionnaire is used to evaluate the weights of criteria based on IVNAHP, while the second questionnaire ranks the companies based on IVNTOPSIS. To demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed MCDM model, a real-world case study is conducted.
Measurement of the Sustentaculum Tali Range and Biomechanical Screw Analysis Based on the ‘Trabeculae Continental Shelf’ Concept
Authors: Zhang Yong , Weng Qiuyan , Zhang Yan-ru , Chen Jianming , Yang Yunfeng
Published: August 2023

Background
The sustentaculum tali plays an important role in the surgical treatment of calcaneal fracture. However, there is a lack of relevant literature report on the true extent of the distance process. The introduction of the ‘Continental Shelf’ delineation concept allowed the sustentaculum tali range to be defined with reference to the trabecula topographic trend. Here, we investigated the biomechanical properties of two common sustentaculum tali screws after implantation by applying the finite element method (FEM).
Methods
Dicom imaging data of the calcaneus sustentaculum tali was obtained by computed tomography (CT)scanning techniques and a spatial three-dimensional (3D) coordinate system was established to measure the extent of the sustentaculum tali. The continuation range was identified according to the trend of the trabecula bone and then superimposed to form a new sustentaculum tali range. Next, by structural design and FEM, we performed biomechanical tests on the two type of sustentaculum tali screws: the ‘pressure type (transverse group)’ test for vertical fracture lines and the ‘tension type (oblique group) of the center’ test.
Results
Based on the concept of ‘Continental Shelf’ concept, the spatial extent of the sustentaculum tali was redefined. According to FEM calculations, the load bearing capacity of the transverse group was better than that of the oblique group by 15.15% when the screws were implanted in the peak area. Furthermore, the load bearing capacity of the oblique group was better than that of the transverse group by 14.13% and 5.59% when the screws were implanted in the lumbar and valley regions.
Conclusions
Based on the concept of ‘Continental Shelf’ concept, the range of the sustentaculum tali was expanded. The best mechanical properties of two different screws were implanted in the peak area. The load-bearing capacity gradually reduced when implanted in the lumbar and valley regions. However, the waist area and valley area can still meet the requirements for structural strength and stability, and also provide a good fixation effect.
Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency therapy of stellate ganglion on refractory painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: wang jiying , yang peng , zheng hongli , xu weisheng , xue wangsheng , kan yanpeng , qu shen , lin fuqing
Published: August 2023

Background: The best tool for management of pain associated with distal symmetric peripheral neuropathy(DSPN) is a matter of debate. The use of ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) therapy of stellate ganglion (SG) in patients with painful DSPN may decrease pain severity and the need for analgesics.
Methods: Patients: We enrolled 56 patients with T2DM and refractory painful DSPN in this study. Intervention: The patients received bilateral ultrasound-guided SG pulsed radiofrequency therapies once on both sides.
Measurement: The patients completed the visual analog scale (VAS), simplified McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ), pain index, Toronto clinical score system (TCSS), sleep duration at night (SDN), pain disability index (PDI), Karnofsky performance status (KPS), depression screening scale (PHQ-9), and anxiety screening scale (GAD-7) to assess severity and quality of pain. After completing the procedures,the patient’s subjective sensations, including the degree of perceived pain relief, level of perceived
numbness relief, extent of perceived chills relief, and side effects were assessed. All patients underwent baseline evaluation after the last procedure at 1-week, 4-week, 12-week, and 24-week follow-up periods.
Results: The postoperative VAS were significantly lower than the preoperative VAS scores (P<0.001). The SF-MPQ score at 1, 4, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively were significantly lower than the preoperative SF-MPQ score (P<0.001). The KPS after the procedures was significantly higher than the preoperative KPS (P<0.001); the postoperative PDI was significantly lower than the preoperative PDI (P<0.001). The postoperative SDN (P=0.005) was longer than the preoperative SDN. The postoperative PHQ-9 score was lower than the preoperative score PHQ-9 (P<0.05). The degree of perceived pain relief, chills relief, and numbness relief at 4, 12, and 24 weeks after the procedure were lower than that at 1 week after the procedures (P<0.001). The postoperative rates of administration of oral anticonvulsants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were lower than those of preoperative period (P<0.001). The significant effective rates at 4, 12, and 24 weeks after procedure, were 67.86%, 42.86%, 21.43%, and 17.86%, respectively and the total effective rates were 89.29%,71.43%, 46.43%, and 32.14%, respectively, with a decreasing trend at all follow-up periods. No serious complication was observed.
Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion PRF therapy can effectively relieve pain and improve the quality of life in patients with refractory painful DSPN.
International Review Board Number: ChiCTR2000035544
Clinical Trial registration Number: SHSY-IEC-4.1/21-48/01
Fatty links between multisystem proteinopathy and Small VCP-Interacting Protein.
Authors: Martin Dale , Ramzan Firyal , Abrar Fatima , Kumar Ashish , Liao Lucia , Campbell Zurie , Gray Rachel , Akanni Oluwadurotimi , Guyn Colm
Published: August 2023

Multisystem proteinopathy (MSP) is a rare dominantly-inherited disorder that includes a cluster of diseases, including frontotemporal dementia, inclusion body myopathy, and Paget’s disease of bone. MSP is caused by mutations in the gene encoding Valosin-Containing Protein (VCP). Patients with the same mutation, even within the same family, can present with a different combination of any or all of the above diseases, along with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The pleiotropic effects may be linked to the greater than 50 VCP cofactors that direct VCP’s many roles in the cell. Small VCP-Interacting Protein (SVIP) is a small protein that directs VCP to autophagosomes and lysosomes. We found that SVIP directs VCP localization to autophagosomes in an acylation-dependent manner. We demonstrate that SVIP is myristoylated at glycine 2 and palmitoylated at cysteines 4 and 7. Acylation of SVIP is required to mediate cell death in the presence of the MSP-associated VCP variant (R155H-VCP), whereas blocking SVIP myristoylation prevents cytotoxicity. Therefore, SVIP acylation may present a novel target in MSP.
Serum CST4 Combined with CEA, CA72-4, CA125, CA19-9 Improves the Diagnosis Value of Gastric cancer and Changes in pre-operation and post-operation
Authors: Sun Ling , Sun Yan , Zhao Luqing , Si Lixiang , Pan Xiaohua , Yang Xiao , Lu Jianwei
Published: August 2023

Objective:
This study aims to investigate the potential enhancement of diagnostic accuracy in gastric cancer through the combined detection of serum tumor markers (CST4, CEA, CA72-4, CA125, CA19-9). Additionally, we examine CST4 levels in both preoperative and postoperative gastric cancer patients to evaluate the correlation between CST4 levels and tumor burden.
Results:
In gastric cancer, the positive rates of CST4, CEA, CA72-4, CA125, and CA19-9 were notably higher (20.34%, 20.76%, 14.41%, 8.9%, 11.44%, respectively) compared to those in the control group (4.35%, 4.35%, 0%, 1.45%, 7.25%, respectively). The sensitivity of these markers were as follows: CST4 (0.20), CEA (0.21), CA72-4 (0.25), CA125 (0.09), and CA19-9 (0.11). Their respective specificities were 0.96, 0.96, 1.0, 0.99, and 0.93. When these five tumor markers were combined, the AUC area increased to 0.74, indicating that the combined use of these markers significantly improved diagnostic efficacy compared to individual tests. Furthermore, significant differences were observed in CST4 levels pre- and post-operation in gastric cancer patients with varying stages, tumor sizes, and lymph node metastases. Notably, a significant difference in CST4 levels was found before and after surgery in patients with poorly differentiated gastric cancer (P < 0.001), but no such difference was observed in well-differentiated gastric cancer (P = 0.438).
Conclusion:
CST4, CEA, CA72-4, CA125, and CA19-9 all hold significant value in the diagnosis of gastric cancer. Specifically, serum CST4 may serve as a suitable tumor marker for gastric cancer screening. The combined use of CST4, CEA, CA72-4, CA125, and CA19-9 can significantly enhance the diagnostic accuracy for gastric cancer. Importantly, postoperative CST4 levels in gastric cancer patients were significantly lower than preoperative levels, with the exception of patients with well-differentiated tumors.
Delirium as an Indication for CTB in older people: the Who, the Why and the What?
Authors: Ebrahimi Somayeh
Published: August 2023

Purpose Delirium is a clinical diagnosis and under-recognised and cerebral imaging is commonly used in the work-up of delirium. We sought to indentify the prevalence of delirium among older patients undergoing computed tomography of the brain (CTB), whether recognised at the time of CTB request and subsequent management and in-hospital outcomes of patients with confirmed delirium.
Methods We assembled an inception cohort of consecutive patients aged ≥65 years who underwent CTB over a 4 month period (September-December 2019). A definite episode of acute delirium was based on diagnosis by the treating medical team and documented in the clinical notes. All patients with a confirmed diagnosis of delirium were included in more detailed analysis to investigate the potential aetiology, pathology and subsequent outcomes.
Results Amongst 2122 included patients, mean age was 80 years (standard deviation (SD) 8 years), range 65-97 years, and 50% were male. In total, 10% (211/2122) patients undergoing CTB had delirium; 90% (1911/2125) had CT brain requested for an indication other than delirium, most often head injury or suspected stroke. Amongst those with confirmed delirium, 9% (19/211) CTB demonstrated acute (‘positive’) findings (haemorrhagic/ischemic stroke, infection, neoplasm and acute soft tissue injury). Changes in management most often include further imaging or consultation with another team.
Conclusion While delirium or its features are not common indications for CTB in older people, acute changes on CTB are commoner in those with high-risk features, and may change management. Where treatment is unlikely to change, low-value procedures should be avoided.
Practice impact statement:
Future work is needed to address the utility of neuroimaging in delirium in diagnosing the underlying cause of delirium or changes that may reflect a higher vulnerability to delirium.
Key innovation triggers widespread radiation of the genus Medicago
Authors: Liu Zhipeng , Ren Guangpeng , Wu Shuang , Zhou Qiang , Yang Jinli , Liu Ai , Hu HJongyin , Qu Kunjing , Gu Jiahao , Li Mingyu , Liu Jianquan
Published: August 2023

Around 90 species of the genus Medicago, including important forage species (e.g., alfalfa), are widely distributed across Asia, Europe, and Africa. The evolutionary processes that allow its widespread radiation remain largely unknown. In this study, we constructed well-solved phylogenies for the genus based on a majority of known species using both genome-scale nuclear and plastome data. We demonstrated that spiral pods, which arose in the late Miocene in the ancient Mediterranean region, were likely a key innovation in this group and contributed its widespread radiation by decreasing extinction rates and facilitating long-distance dispersal so that species could occupy new niches. With repeated niche shifts, we showed that perennials evolved from annuals multiple times. We further revealed extensive hybridizations within the group that may have increased the ability of species to adapt during the colonization of novel habitats. These results provide an exceptional example of a widespread radiation of a globally important group driven by trait innovation and hybridization that are accompanied by niche expansion and life history shifts.
Synthesizing GGBS-LiOH based geopolymer with low embodied energy as a new alternative for construction
Authors: Srivast Gaurav , Singh Vikash
Published: August 2023

Ground Granulated Blast furnace Slag (GGBS) is a promising alternative binder of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) due to its potential to reduce CO2 emissions and promote efficient waste recycling in the construction industry. However, the limited cementing capability of pure GGBS when hydrated with water necessitates the use of alkaline activators to enhance its hydration behavior. The present work establishes the use of lithium hydroxide (LiOH) as an effective alkaline activator for GGBS. As LiOH can be synthesized from the electrolytes of used lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the study establishes the use of two waste products to potentially reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry. Experimental results demonstrate that a 10M LiOH solution significantly enhances the cumulative heat evolution of GGBS (GGBS with DI water = 3.53 J/g, GGBS with LiOH = 127.59 J/g). LiOH activated GGBS exhibits the presence of hydration products such as LiASH and CSH from day 1 of hydration, while GGBS mixed with DI water shows CSH peaks only after 28 days. TGA results from long-term hydration studies indicate that LiOH activated GGBS forms a 73% higher quantity of hydration products as compared to cement paste samples. Additionally, LiOH activated GGBS demonstrates 42% and 46% higher compressive strength than GGBS activated with NaOH and Na2SiO3 at 7 and 28 days, respectively. Embodied energy analysis reveals that geopolymer prepared with GGBS and recycled LiOH leads to equivalent CO2 emissions reduction of ∼ 51% compared to NaOH based geopolymer and ∼ 55.50% compared to cement concrete
Bacterial etiologies of Diarrhea in Children Under 5 Years from Mukuru informal settlement and their Antimicrobial Sensitivity Profiles
Authors: Kiiru Susan , Maina John , Mwaniki John , Songoro Edinah , Kariuki Samuel
Published: August 2023

Background
In Kenya, diarrhoeal disease is the third leading cause of child mortality after Malaria and Pneumonia, accounting for nearly 100 deaths daily. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Mukuru informal settlements to determine the diarrhoea-causing bacteria and their ASTs to provide data essential for implementing appropriate intervention measures.
Methods
Diarrheagenic children (≤ 5 years) were recruited from outpatient clinics of Municipal City Council, Mukuru kwa Reuben, Mary Mother Mission, and Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, Nairobi. A total of 219 stool samples were collected from the children between May 2021 and August 2021. Stool culture was done on MacConkey and Salmonella Shigella Agar, while the recovered bacteria were identified using VITEK®2GNID and PCR, and Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST) was done using VITEK®2AST-GN83.
Results
At least one bacterial organism was recovered from each of the 213 (97%) participants, with 115( 56%) participants having only one bacterial type isolated, 90( 43%) with two types of bacteria, and 2(1%) with three types of bacteria recovered. The most dominant bacteria recovered included; Escherichia coli (35.5%), Enterobacter spp (27.8%), Klebsiella spp (11%), and Citrobacter spp (4.7%). Potentially pathogenic isolates such as Salmonella 7 (2%), Proteus mirabilis 16 (6%), Providencia alcalifaciens 1 (0.3 %), and Shigella16 (4.7%) were also detected. Isolates such as Pantoea spp 0.67%( 2), Raoultella planticola 0.33%( 1), and Kluyvera 2%( 6) rarely reported but implicated with diarrhoeal disease were also recovered. Ampicillin, cefazolin, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim were the least effective antimicrobials at 64%, 57%, and 55% resistance, respectively, while meropenem(99%), amikacin (99%), tazobactam piperacillin (96%), and cefepime (95%) were the most effective. Overall 33( 21%) of all enterics recovered were multidrug-resistant ( MDR).
Conclusion
Infection with diarrhoeagenic bacteria is prevalent in children in the Mukuru settlement. The strains were resistant to the commonly used antibiotics, thus narrowing the treatment options for diarrheal disease.
Correlation between acupuncture dose and pregnancy outcomes in women with Polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer: a systematic review
Authors: Li YiTing , Yang Han , Huang Lei , Liu Jia Jia , Tao Xin Yue , Li Chao Liang , Zheng Xiao Yan , Liang Fan Rong , Tian Xiao Ping , Yang Jie
Published: August 2023

Background
More and more studies focused on the efficacy of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). However, the current relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) drew different conclusions, which may be related to different doses of acupuncture.
Objective
To systematically review RCTs to determine whether acupuncture has a dose-dependent effect on pregnancy outcomes in patients with PCOS undergoing IVF-ET.
Methods
Seven electronic databases were searched from inception to February 16th, 2023. The acupuncture dose of eligible studies was extracted, then categorized into high, medium, and low dose according to the results of the scoring system. Clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) was regarded as the primary outcome. Finally, the dose-dependent relationship of acupuncture in improving pregnancy outcomes in PCOS patients undergoing IVF-ET was analyzed.
Results
A total of 953 subjects met the eligibility criteria in 12 RCTs were included. Among them were two studies for low dose, four studies for medium dose, and six studies for high dose. It showed that there were six RCTs in the high-dose group [100.00%] (6/6) reported positive in CPR, no RCT in the medium-dose group [0.00%] (0/4), and one RCT in the low-dose group [50.00%] (1/2). The quality of studies was low, 50.00% (6/12) studies were assessed as low risk, 16.66% (2/12) studies were some concerns, and 33.33% (4/12) studies were high risk.
Conclusion
It suggests a trend that higher acupuncture doses showed better outcomes in PCOS patients undergoing IVF-ET. However, no existing clinical evidence has directly compared the efficacy of different acupuncture doses. In the future, direct evidence from high-quality studies will be supposed.
Trial registration
The systematic review has been registered on PROSPERO (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/), and the registration number is CRD42023400187.
RAS-p110α signalling in macrophages is required for effective inflammatory response and resolution of inflammation
Authors: Castellano Esther , Rosell Alejandro , Krygowska Agata , Alcón Marta Alcón Pérez , Voisin Mathieu-Benoit , de Paz Juan , Rajeeve Vinothini , Berral-González Alberto , Cuesta Cristina , Swinyard Ottilie , Gabandé-Rodriguez Enrique , Downward Julian , Rivas Javier De Las , Cutillas Pedro
Published: August 2023

Macrophages play a critical role in the body's inflammatory response, and their functions are tightly regulated to ensure optimal immune system function. Here we show that RAS-p110α signalling, a pathway crucially involved in several biological processes and key for tumorigenesis, also exerts regulatory control over two critical aspects of the inflammatory response: monocyte extravasation during the initial stages of the inflammatory response and lysosomal function during the later stages. Disruption of this pathway in a genetically engineered mouse model, or through pharmacological intervention, leads to impaired inflammatory responses and delays resolution, consequently fostering the emergence of more severe and deleterious acute inflammatory reactions in vivo. Our findings shed light on a previously unknown role of the p110α isoform in the regulation of immune inflammatory responses in macrophages, providing a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the complex regulation of macrophage function in this process. Importantly, given recent evidence of the feasibility of activating p110α with small molecules, our results propose that the RAS-p110α pathway could serve as a promising pharmacological target for the treatment of chronic inflammation. This potential therapeutic avenue holds great promise for alleviating inflammatory disorders and fostering a better quality of life for patients suffering from such conditions.
Investigating Mobility Patterns through Crowd-sourced Activity Data
Authors: Castiglione Marisdea , Cipriani Ernesto , Gemma Andrea , Nigro Marialisa
Published: August 2023

Objectives
Investigating trip purposes represents an important phase of travel demand modeling which allows to correctly infer mobility patterns and to better understand travel behavior. Until now, researchers collected information on the motivation for performing a trip mainly through travel surveys. However, traditional methods of acquiring this type of information are challenging and expensive to implement; therefore, they are typically performed infrequently and with low sampling rates. These two occurrences do not always allow for adequate representation of the heterogeneity of trip purposes. This paper aims to investigate trip purposes through a novel approach that combines GPS-based data, such as Floating Car Data (FCD), and aggregated activity data available through open-source platforms, such as Google Popular Times (GPT), to better understand travel behavior.
Material and Methods
This research employs clustering techniques to categorize FCD into Home-Work trips and Not Home-Work trips. The latter category is further examined based on arrival times and stopover durations. This exploration utilizes activity patterns derived from GPT data, encompassing daily visit distribution and average visit duration obtained from user-shared mobile phone geo-traces.
Results
The methodology has been applied to a FCD dataset containing trips carried out between September and November 2020 in the EUR district of Rome, Italy. Through our approach, we generate 96 Origin-Destination matrices for Home-Work and Not Home-Work trips. By analyzing GPT data, 6 distinct activity patterns are identified within the study area, which allows for further segmentation of the Not Home-Work matrices.
Conclusions
This research presents an innovative method of inferring trip purposes for travel demand modeling. Exploiting the integration of FCD and GPT data, it enhances the representation of trip heterogeneity and the understanding of mobility patterns compared to traditional survey methods. Although challenges remain in handling purpose assignments for specific clusters, the comparison of computed metrics with existing literature results validates the approach reliability and aligns with expected behavior.
Clinical Relevance
Not applicable
Enhanced Range Doppler Mapping Algorithm for Passive GNSS based radar Rerial Target Detection
Authors: Zhang Zhuxian , Zheng Yu , Zheng Linhua , Zhu Peidong , Nie Junwei
Published: August 2023

Passive GNSS based radar is a developing non-contact and emerging remote sensing technology in recent decade. However, due to the problems of weak signal and low resolution, the application of such technology in remote sensing application is very limited. This paper considers GNSS based radar detection of air object, and puts forward the signal-to-noise ratio improvement scheme of range doppler map (RDM) to improve the detection ability. In this paper, bi-static GNSS radar model is employed. The RDM of air target is obtained on the basis of direct and reflected signals. The proposed RDM SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) improvement algorithm mainly uses the autocorrelation characteristics of GNSS code to purify and reduce the noise of GNSS signal, so as to improve resolution of RDM and accuracy of target motion state solution. Compared with the current noise reduction method, which mostly depends on the prior conditions such as background environment, the proposed algorithm is more applicable, as it is mainly based on the characteristics of the signal. The RDM image is obtained by simulating moving target detection.In the condition of input signal CNR(Carrier-to-noise ration) is 35dB, the algorithm shows that the image information entropy after noise reduction is 63.23% for GPS signal and 71.69% for Beidou signal which lower than that before noise reduction.
Age-dependent normal values for the 'Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire Revised’
Authors: Lennep Marinde van , Lansink Fréderique , Benninga Marc A. , Wijk Michiel P. van
Published: August 2023

Objectives
The Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire Revised (I-GERQ-R) is used to score and evaluate gastroesophageal reflux (GER) related symptoms such as regurgitation, irritability and crying. A cut-off of ≥ 16 has been suggested to discriminate between GER and GER-disease. However, age-specific normal values were not assessed. Aim of this study was to determine age-specific normal values in healthy infants.
Study design:
Cross-sectional survey in healthy infants aged 0–24 months during their regular check-ups at well-baby clinics and through an online questionnaire using the I-GERQ-R. Infants with a history of (suspected) GER-disease were excluded. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was calculated to explore age-related trends.
Results
A total of 979 healthy infants (47% male, median age 6 [0–24] months) were included. Median I-GERQ-R score, regardless of age, was 6 (range: 0–27). I-GERQ-R scores significantly decreased with age (rs=-0.569, p < 0.001). Of all infants, 49 (5%) had a score of ≥ 16 which previously has been considered ‘suggestive of GER-disease’. Scores of ≥ 16 were most frequently seen in newborns aged 0–4 months (16% in 0–1 months to 4% in 3–4 months) and disappeared after the age of 16 months. High scores in the first months of life were caused by a high prevalence of regurgitation, colic-associated symptoms and hiccup frequency.
Conclusion
Age-dependent normal values for the I-GERQ-R show that reflux symptoms decrease in the first 24 months of life in healthy infants. Scores of ≥ 16 should not necessarily be considered abnormal in young infants. Validation as a diagnostic tool for GER-disease using age-appropriate normal values is needed.
A Successful laboratory mass rearing system of Spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Crambidae: Lepidoptera) on a blackgram based semi-synthetic diet
Authors: Nitta Anusha , Madhumathi T. , Kumari V. Prasanna
Published: August 2023

To mass rear M. vitrata under laboratory conditions, a study was carried out and aimed to develop a blackgram based semi-synthetic diet (D-B). Comparison of several biological, reproductive and digestive parameters for three successive generations of M. vitrata reared on four different semi-synthetic diets viz., D-J, D-JR, D-NEW, blackgram based semi-synthetic diet (D-BAS) along with blackgram natural diet was successfully attempted. Larvae fed on blackgram based semi-synthetic diet (D-BAS) recorded the shortest developmental time (29.37 days), the highest food consumption (64.21 mg) and fecal production (20.83 mg) resulting in the maximum larval and pupal weights (48.46 and 47.11 mg, respectively). The insects fed on D-NEW and blackgram natural diet recorded the longest developmental period (32.90 and 34.48 days) with minimum larval weights (44.03 and 48.64 mg) and pupal weights (40.39 and 49.43 mg), respectively. The highest per cent pupation (82.53), adult emergence (78.22), larval (6.50) and pupal growth index (12.86) was recorded on larvae fed with blackgram based semi synthetic diet (D-BAS). The highest sex ratio (1.81) and fecundity (43.94 eggs) were recorded on blackgram semi-synthetic diet (D-BAS). The highest Relative Consumption Rate (0.23 gg− 1day− 1), Relative Growth Rate (0.084 gg− 1day1), Relative Metabolic Rate (0.073 gg− 1day− 1), Approximate Digestibility (67.49%) and Metabolic Costs (46.51%) lowest Efficiency of Conversion of Ingested Food (36.09%) and Efficiency of Conversion of Digested Food (53.49%) were recorded on blackgram semi-synthetic diet (D-BAS).
Enhancing Watershed Management through Adaptive Source Apportionment under Changing Environment
Authors: Chen Lei , Wang Wenzhuo , Liu Guowangcheng , Zhang Yuhan , Wang Mingjing , Pan Yan , Meng Xinyi , Xiong Junfeng , Shen Zhenyao
Published: August 2023

Source information and the related influencing variables are crucial for watershed management. However, identifying long-term changes in pollution sources and distinct patterns remains challenging. Here we explore the changing patterns of pollution sources in the Hangbu Watershed of Chaohu Lake, China, and propose an adaptive strategy. The results demonstrate significant variations in sources over the 36-year study period, with nitrogen and phosphorus increasing by 1.2 times and 2.2 times, respectively. Compared to the traditional method based on a specific year, the adaptive solutions accounted for 87.83% and 57.68% of the nitrogen and phosphorus contribution. Trends, periodicity, and mutagenicity of sources were quantified, which are influenced by the variations in rainfall, urbanization, and agriculture development. Specifically, farmland acts as a vital source that exports 90.93% of nitrogen and 58.01% of phosphorus under different conditions. Specific pollution sources with growth trends and control robustness have been recognized as vital contributors, even though their contributions to the watershed's outlets may not be the most prominent. The results of this study enhance the sustainable management of watersheds.
DIEET: Knowledge–Infused Event Tracking in social media based on Deep Learning
Authors: Ge Jun , SHI LEILEI , Liu Lu , Han Zi-xuan , Miller Anthony
Published: August 2023

The rapid expansion of the mobile Internet has led to online social networks becoming an increasingly integral part of our daily lives, this offers a new perspective in the study of human behavior. User' interest groups are now considered crucial elements within social networks. The objective of event evolution and tracking within social networks is the ability to monitor the real-time evolution of user' interests based on the previous diffusion behavior of influence disseminators and to anticipate future diffusion behavior of users. However, prior studies have only addressed the evolution regarding a single interest or the evolution of user interest in the entire interest space, ultimately with no modeling of user interest evolution within event tracking. In order to address these challenges, this study proposes a knowledge-infused deep learning-based event tracking model named DIEET (Diffusion and Interest Evolution behavior modeling for Event Tracking). This model accurately predicts the propagation and interest evolution behavior in event tracking by considering both propagation and interest evolution behavior. Specifically, the DIEET model incorporates the interval time, the number of times, the sequence interval time, and finally user preference for the event of interest, greatly improving the accuracy and efficiency of event evolution prediction. The experiments conducted on real Twitter datasets detail the proposed DIEET models’ ability to greatly improve the tracking of the state of user interest alongside the popularity of event propagation, and DIEET also has superior prediction performance compared to state-of-the-art models in terms of identifying user dynamic interest. Therefore, the aforementioned model offers promising potential in the ability for predicting and tracking the evolution of user interest and event propagation behavior on online social networks.
Agmatine alleviates brain oxidative stress induced by sodium azide
Authors: Rafi Hira , Rafiq Hamna , Farhan Muhammad
Published: August 2023

Introduction: The brain is highly susceptible to oxidative damage due to excessive O2 tension, high concentration of oxidizable substrates, and low antioxidant capacity. Consequently, oxidative stress is linked to a number of brain disorders, and neurodegeneration. Sodium azide is a cytochrome oxidase inhibitor that promotes neurodegeneration by enhancing the release of excitotoxins and induces oxidative stress by peroxidation of membrane lipids, resulting in the release of intra-mitochondrial Ca + 2 and H2O2 (ROS Dependent-Ca + 2 release). Agmatine, a biogenic amine, is also referred to as a free radical scavenger and it protects the brain from membrane collapse, apoptosis, and mitochondrial swelling. The present study was designed to identify the antioxidative effects of agmatine on sodium azide-induced oxidative stress in brain tissues.
Methodology: 24 male albino Wistar rats were divided into water and sodium azide (5 mg/kg-i.p) treated groups for 14 days. Animals were further divided for the following two weeks into water and agmatine (100 mg/Kg). Following the treatment of agmatine for an hour, all behaviors were recorded. Brain homogenates were used for biochemical estimations.
Results: Agmatine-treated animals significantly increased (P < 0.01) their entry and time spent in the light box and open arms of the light/dark transition box and elevated plus maze tests, respectively. While agmatine treatment also increased (P < 0.01) the total number of squares crossed in the open field test. Agmatine also reduced (P < 0.01) the levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde whereas the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase), as well as antioxidant (glutathione) levels were significantly elevated (P < 0.01) in the animals treated with agmatine as compared with controls.
Conclusion: The present study revealed that agmatine has substantial effects on oxidative and antioxidant enzyme levels in sodium azide-induced oxidative stress. While agmatine-treated rats determined decreased reactive oxygen species levels and improvement in behavioral impairments resulting from sodium azide administration.
Imaging low-energy positron beams in real-time with unprecedented resolution
Authors: Guatieri Francesco , Berghold Michael , Burwitz Vassily , Mathes Lucian , Hugenschmidt Christoph
Published: August 2023

Particle beams focused to micrometer-sized spots play a crucial role in forefront research using low-energy positrons. Their expedient and wide application, however, requires highly-resolved, fast beam diagnostics. We have developed two different methods to modify a commercial imaging sensor to make it sensitive to low-energy positrons. The first method consists in removing the micro-lens array and Bayer filter from the sensor surface and depositing a phosphor layer in their place. This procedure results in a detector capable of imaging positron beams with energies down to a few tens of eV, or an intensity as low as 35 e+ /s/mm2 when the beam energy exceeds 10 keV. The second approach omits the phosphor deposition; with the resulting device we succeeded in detecting single positrons with energies upwards of 6 keV and efficiency up to 93%. The achieved spatial resolution of 0.97 μm is unprecedented for real-time positron detectors.
Radioactivity concentration and risk indices in intertidal sediments of the Red River Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Bui Van Vuong , Phan Son Hai , Nguyen Van Chien , Tran Duc Thanh , Nguyen Dac Ve , Duong Thanh Nghi , Le Nhu Sieu , Nguyen Thi Mai Luu , Hoang Thi Chien , Nguyen Thi Hue , Dang Hoai Nhon
Published: August 2023

The radioactivity concentration in eleven intertidal sediment cores in the Red River Delta was determined 40K, 232Th, and 226Ra as well as radiological hazard indices for environmental risk assessment. The radioactivity concentrations of 40K, 232Th, and 226Ra were 656 Bq/kg, 49.8 Bq/kg, and 37.0 Bq/kg, respectively. The radium equivalent activity (Raeq) was 158.7 Bq/kg; the absorbed dose rate (ADR) was 74.5 nGy/h; the annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) was 0.09 mSv/y; the representative gamma index (Iγr) was 1.18; the activity utilization index (AUI) was 1.0; the external hazard index (Hex) was 0.40; the annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE) was 496.4 µSv/y. Two sediment groups were split. Group 1 with lower the radioactivity concentrations than Group 2, 40K and 232Th were above the global average while 226Ra was below, Iγr and AGDE were above UNSCEAR’s recommended levels. Group 2 radioactivity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th were higher than global average; radiological hazard indices were higher than Group 1; the AUI, Iγr, and AGDE indices were above UNSCEAR’s recommended level. The radioactivity concentrations of 40K, 232Th, and 226Ra were above global average. The AUI, Iγr and AGDE indices were above UNSCEAR’s recommended levels. It is recommended that coastal sediments should not be used for construction purposes as this can affect organisms in intertidal areas.
Annealing-free fabrication of high-quality indium tin oxide films for free-carrier-based hybrid metal-semiconductor nanophotonics
Authors: Korneluk Alexander , Szymczak Julia , Stefaniuk Tomasz
Published: August 2023

Recent discoveries have revealed that indium tin oxide (ITO), due to the presence of an epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) point and suitable carrier concentration and mobility, can be used to modulate the refractive index, confine fields in the nanoscale, enhance nonlinear effects, achieve ultrafast light switching or to construct so-called time-varying media. While this potential positions ITO as a key material for future nanophotonic devices, producing ITO films with precisely engineered properties remains a significant challenge. Especially when the device's complex geometry or incorporated materials require the fabrication process to be conducted at substrate temperatures below 100°C and without any post-annealing treatment. Here we present a comprehensive study on the low-temperature deposition of 70 nm thick ITO films using an e-beam PVD system. The nanolayers evaporated under different conditions were characterized by SEM and AFM microscopy, Hall effect measurement system as well as spectroscopic ellipsometry. We discuss the factors influencing the optical, electrical, and morphological properties of ITO films. We show that smooth nanolayers of similar quality to annealed samples can be obtained at 80°C by controlling the oxygen plasma parameters, and the ENZ wavelength can be tuned throughout the NIR spectral range. Finally, we show that using the proposed methodology, we fabricated ITO films with resistivity as low as 5.2x10-4 Ωcm, smooth surface with RMS < 1 nm, high carrier concentration reaching 1.2x1021 cm-3 and high transmittance (85%) in the VIS/NIR spectrum.
APDDD: animal parasitic diseases and drugs database
Authors: zhang yilei , Chen Guojun , Zhou Siyi , He Lingru , Opeyemi Ayanniyi Olalekan , Xu Qianming , Yue Zhenyu , Yang Congshan
Published: August 2023

Animal parasitic diseases not only have an economic impact, but also have serious social and public health impacts. Although antiparasitic drugs can treat these diseases, it seems difficult for users to comprehensively utilize the information, due to incomplete and difficult data collection. Thus, there is urgent need to establish a comprehensive database, that includes parasitic diseases and related drugs. In this paper, we develop a knowledge database dedicated to collecting and analyzing animal parasitic diseases and related drugs, named Animal Parasitic Diseases and Drugs Database (APDDD). The current version of APDDD includes animal parasitic diseases data of 8 major parasite classifications that cause common parasitic diseases and 96 subclass samples mined from many literature and authoritative books, as well as 182 antiparasitic drugs. Furthermore, we utilized APDDD data to add a knowledge graph representing the relationships between parasitic diseases, drugs, and the targeted gene of drugs acting on parasites. We hope that APDDD will become a good database for animal parasitic diseases and antiparasitic drugs research and that users can gain a more intuitive understanding of the relationships between parasitic diseases, drugs, and targeted genes through the knowledge graph.
Genomic Alterations in Oral Multiple Primary Cancers
Authors: Li Tiejun , Zhou Xuan , Cai Xinjia , Jing Fengyang , Li Xuefen , Zhang Jianyun , Zhang He-yu
Published: August 2023

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the predominant type of oral cancer, while some patients may develop oral multiple primary cancers (MPCs) with unclear etiology. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and genomic alterations of oral MPCs. Clinicopathological data from patients with oral single primary carcinoma (SPC, n=202) and oral MPCs (n=34) were collected and compared. Copy number alteration（CNA）analysis was conducted to identify chromosomal-instability differences among oral MPCs, recurrent OSCC cases, and OSCC patients with lymph node metastasis. Whole-exome sequencing was employed to identify potential unique gene mutations in oral MPCs patients. Additionally, CNA and phylogenetic tree analyses were used to gain preliminary insights into the molecular characteristics of different primary tumors within individual patients. Our findings revealed that, in contrast to oral SPC, females predominated the oral MPCs (70.59%), while smoking and alcohol use were not frequent in MPCs. Moreover, long-term survival outcomes were poorer in oral MPCs. From a CNA perspective, no significant differences were observed between oral MPCs patients and those with recurrence and lymph node metastasis. In addition to commonly mutated genes such as CASP8, TP53 and MUC16, in oral MPCs we also detected relatively rare mutations, such as HS3ST6 and RFP14A. Furthermore, this study also demonstrated that most MPCs patients exhibited similarities in certain genomic regions within individuals, and distinct differences of the similarity degree were observed between synchronous and metachronous oral MPCs.
Quantifying the Potential of Argon Detection Capabilities for Nuclear Explosion Monitoring
Authors: Adhikari Pranshu , Gordon Emily M. , Shah Khiloni A. , Eslinger Paul W. , Miley Harry S. , Bowyer Theodore W. , Haas Derek A.
Published: August 2023

Current noble gas detection systems for nuclear explosion monitoring are based on the detection of four radioxenon isotopes – Xe-131m, -133, -133m and − 135. The data provided by radioxenon detection could be enhanced by other radionuclide signatures such as Ar-37. Activation of Ca-40 in rock by neutrons produces Ar-37, and monitoring for this additional nuclide could help distinguish detections of nuclear explosions from background sources, such as medical isotope production. This work studies the capabilities of a hypothetical argon detection network. A 10 kt explosion was modeled using MCNP and SCALE to determine the inventory of Ar-37 created in a representative granite rock layer, assuming either 0.1, 1, or 10% of the total inventory was released. The Ar-37 inventory was combined with atmospheric transport data from HYSPLIT compiled in a previous study, along with the detection limits of standard Ar-37 detection systems, to determine how many hypothetical monitoring stations would detect Ar-37 from an explosion. This method was repeated for 365 HYSPLIT data sets to create a year’s worth of hypothetical explosions, releases, and detections. The study quantified the average number of detections per release, the number of stations detecting Ar-37, and the possibility of detecting Ar-37 in coincidence with xenon.