bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Robust Hybrid MRAPID Controller Design for an Underactuated Nonlinear System With Parametric Uncertainty
Authors: Mahmood Ahmed Abduljabbar , Abderrahim Mohamed
Published: October 2024

This paper presents an optimal design and simulation of a novel enhanced model reference adaptive proportional–integral–derivative controller (MRAPIDC) for underactuated nonlinear systems with parametric uncertainty. The controller is applied to a cart‐inverted pendulum mechanical system, a fourth‐order, nonminimum phase system with pronounced nonlinearity and unstable dynamics. This system includes a single input and multiple outputs, specifically the position and velocity of the cart, as well as the angle and angular velocity of the inverted pendulum arm. The main objective of the proposed controller is to maintain the pendulum in an upright position against gravity while moving the cart to a desired displacement regardless of parametric uncertainty, input variation, external disturbances, and random noise. The hybrid controller design is developed by combining the MRAPIDC design with controller gains applied to each output and incorporating the system adaptation error in a specific configuration. Optimal performance is achieved through parameter tuning via the social spider optimization (SSO) algorithm, and MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) rule criteria are employed to ensure system stability. Performance improvements are demonstrated through several error indices, showing enhanced transient and steady‐state responses compared to both the reference model adaptive controller and the conventional proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller. The proposed controller can effectively achieve system stability with a short settling time of 2.55 s and establishes a steady swinging balance within 2.9 s.
Adipocytokines and Inflammation in Patients and a Gerbil Model: Implications for Obesity‐Related and Nonobese Diabetes
Authors: Fang Hongjuan , Li Xiaohong , Lv Jianyi , Huo Xueyun , Guo Meng , Liu Xin , Li Changlong , Chen Zhenwen , Du Xiaoyan
Published: October 2024

Background: Obesity is a predisposing risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Actually, not only obese/overweight but also nonobese/lean individuals may be prone to T2DM. This study is aimed at identifying the contribution of adipose tissue to the development of nonobese diabetes (NOD) and obese diabetes (OD).

Methods: Serum samples from the nonobese nondiabetes (NOND, n = 47, age = 46.8 ± 8.4, BMI ≤ 23.9 kg/m2) controls, NOD (n = 48, age = 50.7 ± 6.5, BMI ≤ 23.9 kg/m2) and OD (n = 65, age = 49.8 ± 10.2, BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2) patients were utilized to measure the expression of metabolic indicators, adipocytokines, inflammatory factors. Different adipose depots from offspring with corresponding blood glucose and obesity levels of a spontaneously diabetic gerbil line with various degrees of diabetic penetrance and body weights were examined for adipocytokines and inflammation factors detected by ELISA and western blot. Adipose tissue volume and fat cell size of the gerbils were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging and immunohistochemistry, respectively.

Results: The study yielded four key findings. Firstly, in comparison to the NOD group, the OD group exhibited more severe insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic dysfunction in both patients and gerbils, attributed to higher visceral adipose tissue mass and larger fat cell sizes. Secondly, in gerbils, gonadal fat deposition was linked to obesity development, whereas kidney fat deposition correlated with obesity and diabetes occurrence. Thirdly, in both patients and gerbils, the interplay between adiponectin and leptin levels in serum may significantly influence the development of obesity and diabetes. Lastly, heightened expression of MCP3 in gerbils’ kidney adipose tissue may serve as a pivotal factor in initiating obesity‐associated diabetes.

Conclusions: Our study, which may be considered a pilot investigation, suggests that the interaction of adipocytokines and inflammation factors in different adipose depots could play diverse roles in the development of diabetes or obesity.
Digitally Fabricated Fixed Restoration for Immediate Replacement After Extraction and Splinting the Adjacent Mobile Teeth
Authors: Li Jian , Xue Shenghao , Li Ke , Huyan Tianyi , Jiang Ting
Published: October 2024

Objective: This study is aimed at detailing a technique for digitally fabricated fixed restoration for both immediate replacement after extraction and splinting of the adjacent mobile teeth.

Clinical Considerations: Demand for a fixed restoration of the missing teeth in the mandibular anterior region is very common but sometimes problematic for dentists. It often happens that there is significant loosening of the remaining teeth adjacent to the missing tooth, which should be splinted. This case report describes a digitally fabricated fixed restoration for both replacing lost teeth and splinting periodontally compromised mobile teeth. With the CAD‐CAM technique, patients can receive the restoration immediately after the extraction. The digital design and fabrication of the restoration were elaborated using the restorative process of a patient with a mandibular anterior tooth to be extracted and multiple loose lower anterior teeth. The immediate restoration process and the pontic modification when the extraction socket had healed were also described.

Conclusions: The digital process avoids the nudging of the loose tooth by the traditional impression technique, improves the accuracy of the restoration, and avoids undue stress on the loose tooth when the restoration is in place. In addition, this method allows the patient to obtain a fixed restoration immediately after extraction, and if damage occurs after the restoration has been cemented, such as fracture or debonding, a new restoration can be prepared before the patient’s return visit.

Clinical Significance: This minimally invasive restorative method achieved the fixation of loose teeth while restoring the missing teeth, but the success of the treatment needed long‐time observation.
Physicochemical Properties and Bioactive Compounds of Three Varieties of Melon (Cucumis melo) Seed Oils
Authors: Jalili Maryam , Rashidi Ladan
Published: October 2024

The physicochemical composition of the oil extracted from three different melon seed varieties (named Uzbek-Russian, Soski, and Soski Green), which were collected from three various geographical parts of Iran (north, northeast, and center), was determined in 2021 and 2022. The macronutrient components, fatty acid profile, sterol compounds, phenolic compounds, tocopherols, and oxidative stability of the melon seed oils were determined. The oil content of melon seeds ranged from 43.3% to 47.3%. Linoleic (54.48% to 60.35%), oleic (24.35% to 28.03%), and palmitic acids (10.15% to 12.65%) were the predominant fatty acids. No significant differences were observed between the three cultivars and between the 2 years of the study in terms of macronutrient components and fatty acid profiles (p > 0.05). Twelve different phenolic compounds were identified, of which caffeic acid was the major compound, ranging from 39.74% ± 1.70% (Soski Green) to 63.45% ± 1.25% (Uzbek-Russian). The amounts of caffeic acid and oxidative stability of Uzbek‐Russian were significantly higher than those in the two other cultivars. β‐Sitosterol (approximately 60%) and γ‐tocopherol (71.6 to 84.07 mg/100 g) were the major sterol and tocopherol compounds, respectively. The results indicated that the physical and chemical specifications of the three investigated melon seed oils were stable for two consecutive years. Therefore, melon seed oil is a rich source of bioactive compounds and could be introduced as a healthy oil for human consumption.
Supplementary Table S3 from Incorporating Alternative Polygenic Risk Scores into the BOADICEA Breast Cancer Risk Prediction Model
Authors: Mavaddat Nasim , Ficorella Lorenzo , Carver Tim , Lee Andrew , Cunningham Alex P. , Lush Michael , Dennis Joe , Tischkowitz Marc , Downes Kate , Hu Donglei , Hahnen Eric , Schmutzler Rita K. , Stockley Tracy L. , Downs Gregory S. , Zhang Tong , Chiarelli Anna M. , Bojesen Stig E. , Liu Cong , Chung Wendy K. , Pardo Monica , Feliubadaló Lidia , Balmaña Judith , Simard Jacques , Antoniou Antonis C. , Easton Douglas F.
Published: October 2024

Supplementary Table S3 shows SNPs and weights for the BCAC PRS313.
Supplementary Table S2 from Incorporating Alternative Polygenic Risk Scores into the BOADICEA Breast Cancer Risk Prediction Model
Authors: Mavaddat Nasim , Ficorella Lorenzo , Carver Tim , Lee Andrew , Cunningham Alex P. , Lush Michael , Dennis Joe , Tischkowitz Marc , Downes Kate , Hu Donglei , Hahnen Eric , Schmutzler Rita K. , Stockley Tracy L. , Downs Gregory S. , Zhang Tong , Chiarelli Anna M. , Bojesen Stig E. , Liu Cong , Chung Wendy K. , Pardo Monica , Feliubadaló Lidia , Balmaña Judith , Simard Jacques , Antoniou Antonis C. , Easton Douglas F.
Published: October 2024

Supplementary Table S2 show the country in which the studies were conducted
Data from Incorporating Alternative Polygenic Risk Scores into the BOADICEA Breast Cancer Risk Prediction Model
Authors: Mavaddat Nasim , Ficorella Lorenzo , Carver Tim , Lee Andrew , Cunningham Alex P. , Lush Michael , Dennis Joe , Tischkowitz Marc , Downes Kate , Hu Donglei , Hahnen Eric , Schmutzler Rita K. , Stockley Tracy L. , Downs Gregory S. , Zhang Tong , Chiarelli Anna M. , Bojesen Stig E. , Liu Cong , Chung Wendy K. , Pardo Monica , Feliubadaló Lidia , Balmaña Judith , Simard Jacques , Antoniou Antonis C. , Easton Douglas F.
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:
The multifactorial risk prediction model BOADICEA enables identification of women at higher or lower risk of developing breast cancer. BOADICEA models genetic susceptibility in terms of the effects of rare variants in breast cancer susceptibility genes and a polygenic component, decomposed into an unmeasured and a measured component ‐ the polygenic risk score (PRS). The current version was developed using a 313 SNP PRS. Here, we evaluated approaches to incorporating this PRS and alternative PRS in BOADICEA.
Methods:
The mean, SD, and proportion of the overall polygenic component explained by the PRS (α2) need to be estimated. α was estimated using logistic regression, where the age-specific log-OR is constrained to be a function of the age-dependent polygenic relative risk in BOADICEA; and using a retrospective likelihood (RL) approach that models, in addition, the unmeasured polygenic component.
Results:
Parameters were computed for 11 PRS, including 6 variations of the 313 SNP PRS used in clinical trials and implementation studies. The logistic regression approach underestimates α, as compared with the RL estimates. The RL α estimates were very close to those obtained by assuming proportionality to the OR per 1 SD, with the constant of proportionality estimated using the 313 SNP PRS. Small variations in the SNPs included in the PRS can lead to large differences in the mean.
Conclusions:
BOADICEA can be readily adapted to different PRS in a manner that maintains consistency of the model.
Impact:
The methods described facilitate comprehensive breast cancer risk assessment.
Figure 3 from Small-Molecule CCR4 Antagonists in Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Enriquez José S. , Wang Xiaohong , Velatooru Loka Reddy , Han Wei , Bijani Pedram , Ni Xiao
Published: October 2024

Effects of C021 on cell proliferation and colony formation in MJ and HuT 78 cells. A and B, MJ and HuT 78 cells were seeded in 96-well plates and treated with series doses of C021 or vehicle controls for 12 hours. The cell viability was then determined using the CellTiter 96 AQueous One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay (MTS). The data are analyzed and plotted. IC50 was calculated for MJ and HuT 78 cells. C and D, Soft agar colony formation assay was used to assess the effects of C021 on anchorage-independent growth ability. MJ and HuT 78 cells were treated with different doses of C021 twice a week or daily for 3 days per week for 2 weeks. The colonies were stained with 0.01% (v/v) of crystal violet and pictured at the end. The same control wells were used for each treatment schedule. E and F, The numbers of colonies (mean ± SD) of MJ and HuT 78 cells with two different treatments for 2 weeks are counted and plotted. G and H, The dose-dependent inhibitions of C021 on colony formation (%) in MJ and HuT 78 cells with two different treatments for 2 and 3 weeks are plotted.
Figure 1 from Small-Molecule CCR4 Antagonists in Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Enriquez José S. , Wang Xiaohong , Velatooru Loka Reddy , Han Wei , Bijani Pedram , Ni Xiao
Published: October 2024

Two allosteric CCR4 antagonists and their effects on CCR4 expression in MJ and HuT 78 cells. A, Schematic cartoon of binding sites of two allosteric CCR4 antagonists: C021 binds to a transmembrane site on CCR4 (site 1, red), and AZD-2098 binds to intracellular or C-terminal site of CCR4 (site 2, orange); B, CCR4 expression on MJ and HuT 78 cells treated with C021 or AZD-2098 (green lines) or DMSO (red lines) was assessed by flow cytometry with anti-CCR4 antibody (CCR4-PE-CF594 antibody, IgG1, κ, Clone: 1G1); C, The expression of CCR4 mRNA in MJ and HuT 78 cells treated with C021 or AZD-2098 (gray) or DMSO (black) was assessed by qRT-PCR. The fold changes of CCR4 expression are plotted in pairs of treated vs. DMSO. Paired t test, **, P < 0.01.
Discovering Novel Loci of Chronic Kidney Disease via Principal Component Analysis-Based Multiple-Trait Genome-Wide Association Study
Authors: Chuang Gwo-Tsann , Hsiung Chia-Ni , Che Tony Pan-Hou , Chang Yi-Cheng
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Chronic kidney diseases (CKD) encompass a spectrum of complex pathophysiological processes. While numerous genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have focused on individual traits such as albuminuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and eGFR change, there remains a paucity of genetic studies integrating these traits collectively for comprehensive evaluation. Methods: In this study, we performed individual GWASs for albuminuria, baseline eGFR, and eGFR slope utilizing data from non-diabetic individuals enrolled from the Taiwan Biobank (TWB). Subsequently, we employed principal component analysis to transform these three quantitative traits into principal components (PCs) and performed GWAS based on these principal components (PC-based GWAS). Results: The individual GWAS analyses of albuminuria, baseline eGFR, and eGFR slope identified 10, 13, and 210 candidate loci respectively, with 2, 3, and 99 of them representing previously reported loci. PC-based GWAS identified additional 20 novel candidate loci linked to CKD (p values ranging from 5.8 × 10−7 to 9.1 × 10−6). Notably, 4 of these 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs9332641, rs10737429, rs117231653, and rs73360624) exhibited significant associations with kidney expression quantitative trait loci. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this study represents the first PC-based GWAS integrating albuminuria, baseline eGFR, and eGFR slope. Our approach found 20 novel candidate loci suggestively associated with CKD, underscoring the value of integrating multiple kidney traits in unraveling the pathophysiology of this complex disorder.
A Nationwide, Population-Based Study of Intelligence and Hearing Loss among 3,104,670 Adolescents
Authors: Tsur Nir , Reuven Yonatan , Rittblat Mor , Abuhasira Shlomi , Lubarski Andrei , Hilly Ohad , Beer Zivan
Published: October 2024

Purpose: Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a relationship between general intelligence (GI) in youth and hearing loss (HL). However, no large-scale study assessed the relations of GI in late adolescence with conductive HL (CHL) and sensorineural HL (SNHL), stratified by severity. This study examined the connection between HL and GI in late adolescence. Methods: Cross-sectional study on mandatory premilitary recruitment data recorded during 1967–2019 of patients aged 17–19. We compared GI between SNHL, CHL, and those with normal hearing. In addition, we used logistic regression to measure the associations between HL and GI after adjuring for age, sex, education, and socioeconomic status. Results: Among 3,104,851 adolescents assessed, 20,075 (0.6%) exhibited HL. We categorized GI into three levels for analysis: low (lowest category), medium, and high (reference category). Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) revealed that SNHL was associated with lower GI levels, with ORs ranging from 1.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4–1.2) for the lowest GI category to 1.1 (95% CI 1.15–0.04) for the medium category. CHL (CHL) also demonstrated significant associations, with ORs from 1.8 (95% CI 1.9–1.6) for the lowest GI level to 1.1 (95% CI 1.2–0.9) for medium. Further analysis revealed a statistically significant, severity-dependent relationship between SNHL and the odds of being in the lowest GI quartile (Q1). Specifically, the ORs for SNHL ranged from 1.2 (95% CI 1.1–1.3) to 1.3 (95% CI 1.1–1.5) as severity increased, indicating a strong link between greater SNHL severity and reduced cognitive performance. In contrast, CHL did not show a consistent correlation between its severity and GI outcomes, with an OR of 1.6 (95% CI 1.2–2.3) across severity levels. Conclusion: We report a strong relationship between HL and GI in late adolescence. SNHL, but not CHL, demonstrated a severity-based decline in GI. The results highlight the value of early, specifically targeted therapies for HL that consider its etiology and degree.
Thermal imaging-based identification of facial features in noisy environment
Authors: Mahajan Palak , Abrol Pawanesh , Lehana Parveen Kumar
Published: October 2024

Face identification is amongst the most efficacious and extensive applications in biometrics involving extraction and locating facial features. With identification being monotonous task attributable to reliance on parameters like varied cameras, fluctuating backgrounds, and exposure to the environment in which an individual is present. Thermal imaging is endeavoring to resolve the accuracy issue of apparent imaging, such as lighting and brightness intensity, among all biometric variables. This paper presents a study of thermal imaging and effective methods involved in the feature extraction process for facial features with thermal imaging under the influence of varied noise. A novel face dataset is created TID comprising 27 thermal images and its corresponding visual band image using Fluke 480 Ti Pro camera. The study analyses detection efficiency of six feature extraction techniques in visible and thermal bands in facial features identification. Also, the influence of noise in the thermal band within the region of interest using feature points FIN, FOUT has been estimated. Throughout TID dataset, ORB extraction technique has been able to identify strongest inlier features FIN to a maximum extent with detection around the nose, eyes, and mouth. Further, results indicate feature detection in thermal images being invariant to effect of noise for detecting facial features.
Utilizing RoBERTa and XLM-RoBERTa pre-trained model for structured sentiment analysis
Authors: Putri Masaling Nikita Ananda , Suhartono Derwin
Published: October 2024

The surge in internet usage has amplified the trend of expressing sentiments across various platforms, particularly in e-commerce. Traditional sentiment analysis methods, such as aspect-based sentiment analysis (ABSA) and targeted sentiment analysis, fall short in identifying the relationships between opinion tuples. Moreover, conventional machine learning approaches often yield inadequate results. To address these limitations, this study introduces an approach that leverages the attention values of pre-trained RoBERTa and XLM-RoBERTa models for structured sentiment analysis. This method aims to predict all opinion tuples and their relationships collectively, providing a more comprehensive sentiment analysis. The proposed model demonstrates significant improvements over existing techniques, with the XLM-RoBERTa model achieving a notable sentiment graph F1 (SF1) score of 64.6% on the OpeNEREN dataset. Additionally, the RoBERTa model showed satisfactory performance on the multi-perspective question answer (MPQA) and DSUnis datasets, with SF1 scores of 25.3% and 29.9%, respectively, surpassing baseline models. These results underscore the potential of this proposed approach in enhancing sentiment analysis across diverse datasets, making it highly applicable for both academic research and practical applications in various industries.
Personalized learning model based on machine learning algorithms
Authors: Jin Zhang , Kamsin Amirrudin
Published: October 2024

Machine learning algorithms have been widely applied in the field of personalized learning within educational information technology. By leveraging big data analysis and data mining techniques, machine learning can help identify patterns and trends in students' learning behaviors, preferences, and performance. This information can then be used to tailor educational resources and experiences to meet the individual needs and unique characteristics of each learner. Machine learning has made great progress and achievements in the teaching process of universities, but there are also some shortcomings. Such as data dependence, over-fitting and under-fitting, explanatory problems, need a lot of computing resources, data bias, sensitive to outliers, cannot solve all problems, and the challenge of data privacy, through the analysis of machine learning algorithm model, efforts to find ways to expand the dimension of personalized learning classroom, meet the students in learning objectives, learning content, learning methods of the special characteristics and unique needs, to guide students to actively explore and research, obtain innovation and appropriate learning results.
Application of artificial intelligence in modern public administration: new opportunities and challenges
Authors: Shvets Kateryna , Onyshchenko Andrii , Kudin Volodymyr , Korchak Nataliia , Ivanii Olena
Published: October 2024

Humanity is entering a technological era of convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), cyber and biotechnology, robotics and additive manufacturing, which creates unprecedented opportunities and risks on a global scale. AI has quickly become an important topic for global development. Not only the corporate sector but also governments are interested in creating a favourable environment for these technologies. This article explores the role and impact of AI in the context of modern public administration. The authors assess how AI opens up new opportunities for improving public services and the efficiency of management processes. Particular emphasis is placed on the ability of AI to analyse large amounts of data to inform decision-making, improve interaction with citizens, and optimise internal management processes. Potential challenges are also discussed, including ethical issues, privacy concerns, and automation risks. The article proposes strategies for a balanced implementation of AI in public administration, with a special emphasis on the need to develop skills and competencies among civil servants to use these technologies effectively.
Clinical Impact of Baseline Frailty Status and Residual Mitral Regurgitation After Transcatheter Edge‐to‐Edge Repair: Insights From the OCEAN‐Mitral Registry
Authors: Tokuda Takahiro , Yamamoto Masanori , Kagase Ai , Shimura Testuro , Yamaguchi Ryo , Saji Mike , Asami Masahiko , Enta Yusuke , Nakashima Masaki , Shirai Shinichi , Izumo Masaki , Mizuno Shingo , Watanabe Yusuke , Amaki Makoto , Kodama Kazuhisa , Yamaguchi Junichi , Nakajima Yoshifumi , Naganuma Toru , Bota Hiroki , Ohno Yohei , Yamawaki Masahiro , Ueno Hiroshi , Mizutani Kazuki , Otsuka Toshiaki , Kubo Shunsuke , Hayashida Kentaro ,   OCEAN‐Mitral Investigators
Published: October 2024

Background

The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) is a useful frailty marker for predicting clinical outcomes in patients undergoing invasive therapy. However, the clinical impact of CFS after transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the association between the baseline frail status defined by the CFS and clinical outcomes with or without postprocedural MR ≥2+ (post‐MR ≥2+) after transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair.

Methods and Results

Based on a Japanese multicenter registry (OCEAN [Optimized Catheter Valvular Intervention]‐Mitral), data from 2078 patients with MR who underwent transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair were analyzed. The patients were classified into 5 groups: CFS 1 to 3, 4, 5, 6, and ≥7. The procedural and clinical outcomes and post‐MR ≥2+ were compared among the groups. All‐cause mortality for up to 2 years was explored using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Although the rates of acute procedural success and post‐MR ≥2+ were similar, all‐cause mortality at 2 years was significantly increased across the 5 CFS categories (15.5%, 23.8%, 27.7%, 34.6%, and 48.8%, respectively,
P
<0.001). The incremental CFS categories and post‐MR ≥2+ were independent predictive risk factors of all‐cause mortality (all
P
<0.05). Among the patients with 5 CFS categories, the incidence of all‐cause mortality was higher in those with post‐MR ≥2+ than in those without (all
P
<0.05).

Conclusions

Although prognosis was poor in patients with higher CFS grade after transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair, minimizing modifiable factors of residual MR is warranted to improve the clinical outcomes.

Registration Information

URL:
https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi‐open‐bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000027188
;

Unique identifier: UMIN000023653.
Longitudinal Assessment of T1 Mapping Trends Disease in Pediatric Patients With Heart Transplant
Authors: Ceneri Nicolle M. , Vegulla Ravi , Mouzakis Nicholas , Hamann Karin , Richmann Devika , Kanter Joshua , Berger John , Downing Tacy , Loke Yue‐Hin , Staffa Steven J. , Zurakowski David , Cross Russell , Olivieri Laura J.
Published: October 2024

Background

Surveillance for heart transplant rejection by endomyocardial biopsy is invasive and may yield false negatives. T1 and T2 mapping from cardiac magnetic resonance can demonstrate elevations with rejection. We sought to evaluate longitudinal changes in T1 and T2 mapping in pediatric patients with heart transplant.

Methods and Results

A cohort study was performed of pediatric patients with heart transplant who underwent concurrent endomyocardial biopsy and cardiac magnetic resonance with T1 and T2 mapping from December 2019 to July 2024. Segmental values were measured and subsegmental elevations (ie, hotspots) were identified. Subjects were categorized as either treated rejection or no rejection. Peak and mean T1 and T2 values and number of hotspots at/between each time point for patient dyads were compared between the groups. A total of 21 subjects (7 treated rejection, 14 no rejection) with 68 total encounters met inclusion criteria. Peak and mean T1 values were higher in treated rejection patients during the rejection period and decreased with treatment (peak, 1086 versus 1052; mean, 1028 versus 1021), such that at last follow‐up when their rejection had resolved, there was no significant difference in values when compared with no rejection patients (peak, 1066; mean, 1016). The number of T1 hotspots decreased after rejection treatment (2 versus 1). There were no changes in peak or mean T2 values in the treated rejection group despite treatment, and peak and mean T2 values were similar to patients with no rejection through last follow‐up.

Conclusions

Elevated T1 values and hotspots observed during cardiac allograft rejection decline in response to treatment. Cardiac magnetic resonance may serve as a noninvasive monitoring tool for the development and resolution of rejection, as well as the effectiveness of rejection therapy.
Travel and Hospitality in Josephus’ Representation of the Essene Community (Judean War 2.124–127) and Its Literary and Cultural Contexts
Authors: Glas Eelco , Glass R. Gillian
Published: October 2024

In his description of the Essenes in the Judean War, Josephus asserts that members of this group settled in many cities, and, in doing so, formed an interregional community with members travelling between and visiting each other in different places. Individual travellers, in turn, travel light because they can enjoy the hospitality of the host community in the cities which they visit (War 2.124–127). How can we explain Josephus’ emphasis on the Essenes as a hospitable community in view of a first-century readership of War and in the wider socio-cultural context of the Roman Mediterranean? This article has two interlocking aims. The first is to examine the emphasis on travel and hospitality in Josephus’ description of the Essenes. To draw out this emphasis, we situate this passage in its wider narrative context and compare it to descriptions of the Essenes in other classical sources, especially the writings of Philo of Alexandria. Our second aim, taking the image of the Essenes as hosts and travellers as a departure point, is to elucidate the cultural constructs undergirding Josephus’ descriptions of hospitality throughout his writings. Starting from the premise that Josephus’ language of guest-friendship would be recognisable to local audiences in and around Rome, we consider how Josephus’ diction of travel and hospitality participates in broader cultural practices.
Climate-Smart Horticultural Practices: Building Resilience in a Changing Environment: A Scoping Review
Authors: Ali Usman
Published: October 2024

Climate change disrupts weather patterns, intensifies water scarcity and exacerbates pest and disease pressures, posing a significant threat to horticultural production systems. This scoping review explores a range of climate-smart practices to enhance adaptation and resilience within the sector. Core practices like water-efficient irrigation, heat stress mitigation strategies, and adjustments to cropping patterns for altered rainfall are investigated. Integrated pest management is presented as a cornerstone for sustainable pest control. The review further explores the potential of precision agriculture, controlled-environment agriculture, and vertical farming to optimize resource use and mitigate climate risks. Beyond technical solutions, the review emphasizes continuous research and development for breeding climate-resistant varieties, refining existing practices, and exploring novel technologies. It advocates for an integrated approach, tailoring climate smart practices to specific contexts and socioeconomic considerations. Knowledge-sharing initiatives, training programs, economically viable technologies, and supportive government policies are identified as crucial for widespread adoption, particularly among smallholder farmers. The paper concludes with a call for collaboration among researchers, extension services, policymakers, and producers. By fostering knowledge dissemination, technology transfer, and financial incentives, stakeholders can empower farmers to adapt and thrive in a changing climate. Through collective action and unwavering commitment to innovation, the horticultural sector can ensure a secure and sustainable future for food production.
Astronomical handbooks in 16th-century South Asia: Analysis of mean planetary motions in the 1520 Graha-lāghava of Gaṇeśa Daivajña
Authors: Cidambi Sahana , Montelle Clemency , Plofker Kim
Published: October 2024

The Graha-lāghava (“Easy [computation] of the planets”; epoch date 1520), is an astronomical handbook, authored by Gaṇeśa Daivajña (b. 1507 CE) of Nandigrāma. This work became one of the most popular astronomical texts of the second millennium in India and gave rise to a new astronomical school of parameters, eponymously known as the “Gaṇeśa-pakṣa.” We analyze the first of the 16 chapters that make up this work, which covers planetary mean positions and velocities, providing a translation and technical commentary of the text. In our exposition, we also invoke two substantial commentaries on this work that were composed in the 17th-century by brothers Mallāri and Viśvanātha, which help clarify and contextualize Gaṇeśa’s contributions. An Appendix to the online edition of the Journal gives the Sanskrit text of the quoted passages.
Urban Open Space Utilization for Subsistence Agriculture: A Study of Esikhaleni Township
Authors: Maseko Zwelakhe Thulasizwe Mascot
Published: October 2024

This research investigates the motivations driving the utilization of urban open spaces for subsistence agriculture and assesses its impact on the livelihoods of residents in Esikhaleni Township. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study conducts structured interviews with local farmers and in-depth interviews with municipal officials from the uMhlathuze Municipality. The findings highlight food insecurity, the necessity for accessible fresh produce, agricultural passion, and rising food costs as primary drivers compelling Esikhaleni residents towards open space farming. Moreover, the research underscores the significant contribution of open space agriculture to the livelihoods of Esikhaleni residents, including improved access to fresh food, reduced food expenditures, and supplementary income generation through produce sales. The study concludes by recommending the integration of urban agriculture into urban planning efforts to safeguard land for agricultural purposes, thereby enabling residents of Esikhaleni Township to engage in sustainable agricultural practices.
The Diverse Effects of Government Sponsored Health Insurance and the Role of Public Hospitals in Kerala
Authors: Philip Cyril , Devika P.
Published: October 2024

The Kerala model of development, founded on ‘good health at low cost’ in the 1970s, was seriously threatened by economic, social, demographic, and epidemiological transitions in Kerala, leading to ‘poor health at exorbitant cost’ by the early 2000s. To tackle these exorbitant healthcare costs, mainly precipitated by a reliance on private hospitals, the state government partnered with the central government to introduce various Government-Sponsored Health Insurance (GSHI) schemes. This study traces the diverse effects that the state policy might have created in Kerala by using GSHI as a mechanism to divert the GSHI-covered households towards public hospitals between 2008 and 2020.
Energy factors affecting environmental pollution for sustainable development goals: The case of India
Authors: Ngoc Xuan Vu
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the nexus between electricity consumption, fossil fuel dependency, renewable energy adoption, population growth, trade activities, economic growth, and environmental pollution in India. The primary objective is to understand how these factors interrelate and influence each other, focusing on their implications for sustainable development. The study used data from the World Bank from 2000 to 2023; the methodology adopted includes vector autoregression modeling, Granger causality tests, cointegration analysis, impulse response functions, and variance decomposition. These econometric techniques were selected due to their ability to capture dynamic relationships, determine causality, and identify long-term equilibrium among the variables. The findings reveal that economic growth significantly increases electricity consumption and fossil fuel usage, leading to higher carbon dioxide emissions. On the other hand, renewable energy adoption reduces environmental pollution. The study also highlights the complex interplay between population growth, urbanization, and trade activities in shaping India's energy demand and environmental outcomes. The implications of these findings are critical for India's sustainable development. The results suggest that while economic growth is essential, it must be balanced with sustainable energy practices to mitigate environmental pollution. The findings emphasize the need for policy interventions that promote renewable energy, enhance energy efficiency, and enforce environmental regulations. Recommendations include accelerating renewable energy adoption, implementing stringent energy efficiency standards, and developing integrated policies that simultaneously address the economic, energy, and environmental dimensions. These actions will help India achieve a sustainable balance between economic growth and environmental protection, ensuring a healthier future for its population.
‘I would work with a client, but I have to fill out papers’: understanding professional roles and role conflicts experienced by Lithuanian probation officers
Authors: Nikartas Simonas , Paliauka Justinas
Published: October 2024

This article aims to explore the roles that Lithuanian probation officers associate with their profession, the differences between their ideal and actual roles, and the conflicts they encounter in their daily work with probation clients. The research was conducted using both quantitative and qualitative methods, including a survey of 129 individuals and interviews with 20 probation officers. Results from the survey showed that Lithuanian probation officers tend to associate their profession with control and balancing roles. Interviews revealed that probation officers associate their ideal roles with control or resocialisation functions but accept these contrasting roles as a professional necessity. The study also found that probation officers face a high workload related to paperwork, which suggests an actual role as a bureaucrat. Nevertheless, this role is not desired by the officers and is rejected. Additionally, the study revealed that probation officers experience internal conflicts related to the different expectations of their clients and the management of the probation service. This article argues that the organisation's attitude and requirements influence the gap between the ideal and actual roles of probation officers and orient their actual roles towards bureaucratic and control functions.
Real-time detection of coke particles in blast furnace operations using machine learning: Case of a steel plant in India
Authors: Sabharwal Meenakshi , Meena Harsh , Sarkar Sobhan , Damani Meenu , Sharma Neelima
Published: October 2024

The efficiency of blast furnace operations in a steel plant relies on the quality of raw materials, including coke. The particle size distribution (PSD) of coke plays a vital role in ensuring the efficiency of the blast furnace. Conventional methods of measuring average particle size are time-consuming and labour-intensive leading to delayed operations. To address the issue, various studies have used different techniques for real-time measurement of coke particle size, including laser diffraction, acoustic sounding, X-ray computed tomography, and computer vision. While these methods have shown successful applications, there have been limitations in their lower prediction accuracy and detection speed. Therefore, our study proposes a practical approach that leverages the integration of computer vision algorithms to enhance accuracy and detection speed. The proposed methodology is compared with the conventional method of measuring particle size in the lab at a blast furnace. Our results reveal that the YOLOv8 algorithm outperforms the conventional method, providing efficient detection of 5.419 frames per second and with a mean absolute error of [Formula: see text]1.77 mm within the lab results. YOLOv8 can perform object segmentation providing much more precise polygon masks of the coke particles instead of simply providing rectangular dimensions using traditional object detection, as explored in previous studies. This approach enables real-time monitoring of PSD and timely alerts to the onsite team, significantly improving the efficiency of blast furnace operations.
Metro/Nonmetro Migration as a Risk Factor for Opioid Use Disorder Among Older Medicare Beneficiaries: A Longitudinal Analysis of 2013–2018 Data
Authors: Yang Tse-Chuan , Park Kiwoong , Shoff Carla
Published: October 2024

Opioid use disorder (OUD) among older adults (65+) has drawn researchers’ attention. Nonetheless, whether migration between a metropolitan (metro) and nonmetropolitan (nonmetro) county shapes the risk of OUD remains underexplored. The drift hypothesis argues that individuals susceptible to a certain health condition tend to move, increasing the prevalence of the health condition in the destinations. By contrast, the environmental breeder hypothesis claims that migration alters the exposures to residential environment factors, which are associated with the occurrence of health conditions. Applying fixed-effects modeling to longitudinal data of older Medicare beneficiaries moving at least once between 2013 and 2018 ( N = 6,227, person-year = 28,874), this study finds that older beneficiaries moving between metro and nonmetro counties demonstrated a higher risk of OUD than those who did not move. The positive association between migration and OUD risk is particularly strong for those moving from metro to nonmetro counties and the drift hypothesis receives stronger support.
Unveiling the Gender Symmetry Debate: Exploring Consequences, Instructions, and Forms of Violence in Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Zapata-Calvente Antonella Ludmila , Moya Miguel , Megías Jesús L.
Published: October 2024

Official statistics and data from police and judicial systems consistently show that intimate partner violence (IPV) is a worldwide problem predominantly affecting women perpetrated by male partners. Yet, certain behavioral checklists yield similar IPV rates for both genders, sparking the gender symmetry/asymmetry debate. Some possible explanations for this discrepancy reside in (a) considering or not the consequences of violence, (b) possible inadequacies of the instructions given to participants when answering checklists, and (c) considering or not certain behaviors typically asymmetrical (e.g., economic violence). In order to test these three hypotheses, we conducted two studies in the Spanish context using the Partner Victimization Scale (PVS). In Study 1, participants ( n = 449) answered a Spanish version of the PVS (with the instructions “Not including horseplay or joking around”) and reported consequences of violence on their self-esteem and health. In Study 2 ( n = 172), we experimentally manipulated the instructions given to participants when answering the PVS (including those of Study 1 or not) and also added some items of typically asymmetrical violence. Other measures of consequences of violence were assessed. Results of Study 1 replicated the original PVSs factor structure and showed gender asymmetry (more female than male victimization) in four of five items, and the victimization rates were related to consequences of violence, providing construct validity to this version of the scale. Results of Study 2 underlined the relevance of the instructions and of the addition of certain types of violence in the symmetry/asymmetry rates informed. Additionally, the IPV reported was associated with worse consequences for women than for men. Our findings suggest that the detection of IPV increases when the instructions are clarified, when certain items are added, and when the consequences of IPV are considered.
In the Grip of Traditionalism? How Nigerian Middle-Class Working Mothers Navigate Normative Ideals of Femininity
Authors: Adekoya Olatunji David , Adamson Maria , Mordi Chima , Ajonbadi Hakeem Adeniyi , Adisa Toyin
Published: October 2024

Changing socioeconomic conditions are enticing more and more Nigerian mothers to work and pursue careers. This article explores how middle-class professional women navigate working mother subjectivities in the context of Nigeria’s strong patriarchal culture, where traditional notions of maternal femininity prevail. We argue that the working mother’s subjectivity is a key site where the struggle over gendered cultural meanings takes place. Drawing on 32 qualitative interviews, we demonstrate how a small group of women refused traditional feminine subject positions; however, most mothers either embraced or reluctantly acquiesced to traditional femininity, despite having access to broader cultural repertoires and material resources. By unveiling the complexities of the cultural appeal of traditional femininity and social penalties for breaching it, the article extends our understanding of how patriarchal cultures resist gendered change and the nuances and limits of individual patterns of resistance.
Neoliberalism and sustainability of higher education in Australia
Authors: Harun Harun , Durden Chris
Published: October 2024

This paper critically examines the influence of neoliberal policies on the direction of Australian universities in recent years. By examining publicly available sources, including media, court, and parliamentary reports, we contend that the internationalization of higher education in Australia is a strategic response to these neoliberal policies, which have reduced government funding for the sector. However, the excessive application of neoliberalism in funding and cost management of universities has led to notable issues, such as a persistent decline in service quality, unfair treatment of international students, and insufficient pay for casual academics. The paper concludes with recommendations for policy improvements.
Optimal path planning for unmanned aerial vehicles in power line inspection in rechargeable scenario
Authors: Zhang Weihao , Chen Bojian , Chen Zhuolei , Li Zhezhou , Han Tengfei , Wu Wenbin , Zhang Xiaoqiang
Published: October 2024

To address the issue that a single charge of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) do not satisfy task requirements, this paper proposes a solution involving the deployment of charging stations in the mission area. An energy-efficient path planning method is designed for UAVs with charging stations, which simultaneously determines the deployment locations and quantities of charging stations. The method formulates the energy optimization path planning problem of UAVs as an integer linear programming and an algorithm based on greedy strategy is designed for solving the model. A numerical example including simulations across various scenarios demonstrate that the proposed method can search a more energy-efficient paths compared to single-agent multi-sortie schemes with a greedy strategy. This research contributes to the development of intelligent and autonomous UAV systems for power line inspection, enhancing grid reliability and safety.
Research on intelligent control of fresh air introduction based on electric vehicle air conditioning system
Authors: Wang Shuang , Liang Yuanqing , Wang Jianbin
Published: October 2024

The high power consumption of air conditioning systems is an important reason for the significant reduction in EVs (electric vehicles) range. Reducing its energy consumption has become an urgent industry problem to be solved. In order to reduce the energy consumption of the air conditioning system, this paper proposes an intelligent control strategy for the proportion of fresh air in the cabin of EVs, taking into account the impact of factors such as the number of passengers in the cabin, ambient temperature, and humidity on demand for fresh air, and analyzes the energy-saving effect of the intelligent control strategy through simulation. The analysis found that the minimum fresh air demand in the passenger compartment is greatly affected by the number of passengers in the cabin. The developed intelligent control strategy can significantly reduce the energy consumption of air conditioning systems. The energy-saving effect in northern China is significantly better than in southern China. The actual driving range of refrigeration and heating modes can be improved by 50 and 126 km, respectively.