bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing COVID-19 Classification in Chest X-ray Images through CNN-based Model Optimization Techniques
Authors: Taneja Aadesh 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This paper explores the enhancement of COVID-19 classification in chest X-ray images through the integration of advanced model optimization techniques. Utilizing a dataset compiled by researchers from Qatar University, Doha, Qatar, and the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, the study employs a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture, specifically leveraging transfer learning with the VGG network. The dataset, named COVID-QU-Ex, contains 33,920 chest X-ray images, including 11,956 COVID-19 positive cases, 11,263 Non-COVID infections (Viral or Bacterial Pneumonia), and 10,701 Normal cases.
The model incorporates Global Average Pooling (GAP) to reduce overfitting and improve generalization by replacing fully connected layers. Additionally, Spatial Transformer Networks (STN) are utilized to enhance the network's spatial invariance, allowing it to better handle variations in the input images. The outcomes demonstrate a significant improvement in classification accuracy, with the optimized model achieving superior performance compared to baseline approaches. This research highlights the potential of these techniques in improving the reliability and effectiveness of COVID-19 detection in medical imaging.
Ethnic differences in root resorption induced by orthodoncic forces.
Authors: Iber-Diaz Paula , Dehesa-Santos Alexandra , Senen-Carramolino Raquel , Palma-Fernandez Juan Carlos , Iglesias-Linares Alejandro 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how ethnic differences influence susceptibility to external apical root resorption (EARR). The findings of this study are intended to inform the development of more personalized and effective orthodontic treatment plans, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and advancing orthodontic treatment.
Materials and Methods
This retrospective study included 200 patients divided into South European (n = 145), Latin American (n = 39), and East European (n = 16) groups. Panoramic radiographs measured EARR in upper central and lateral incisors using the Malgrem visual method and the modified by Brezniak Linge and Linge method. Crown/root ratio and apical morphology were also analyzed. Statistical tests included t-tests, chi-squared, and ANOVA (p < 0.05).
Results
Latin American patients showed a higher prevalence of pointed apex morphology (p = 0.010) and lower rates of mild/moderate EARR than South Europeans (p = 0.041). Additionally, South Europeans had a higher crown/root ratio (1.46 ± 0.20) than East Europeans (1.33 ± 0.16) for the upper lateral incisor (p = 0.007).
Conclusion
Ethnic differences affect the risk of EARR, particularly in the upper lateral incisor. Latin American patients showed a higher prevalence of pointed apex morphology and lower rates of mild/moderate EARR than Europeans. Additionally, treatment duration was linked to an increased risk of severe EARR, although no ethnic differences were observed in the most aggressive forms.
Clinical Relevance:
Recognizing ethnic variations in EARR susceptibility can help orthodontists develop risk-based, personalized treatments, potentially reducing adverse effects and improving care across diverse populations.
Weak genetic divergence and signals of adaptation obscured by high gene flow in an economically important aquaculture species
Authors: Calla Bernarda , Song Jingwei , Thompson Neil 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: The genetic diversity of a population defines its ability to adapt to episodic and fluctuating environmental changes. For species of agricultural value, available genetic diversity also determines their breeding potential and remains fundamental to the development of practices that maintain health and productivity. In this study, we used whole-genome resequencing to investigate genetic diversity within and between naturalized and captively reared populations of Pacific oysters from the US Pacific coast. The analyses included individuals from preserved samples dating to 1998 and 2004, two contemporary naturalized populations, and one domesticated population.
Results: Despite high overall heterozygosity, there was extremely low but significant genetic divergence between populations, indicative of high gene flow. The captive population, which was reared for over 25 years was the most genetically distinct population and exhibited reduced nucleotide diversity, attributable to inbreeding. Individuals from populations that were separated both geographically and temporally did not show detectable genetic differences, illustrating the consequences of human intervention in the form translocation of animals between farms, hatcheries and natural settings. Fifty-nine significant FST outlier sites were identified, the majority of which were present in high proportions of the captive population individuals, and which are possibly associated with domestication.
Conclusion: Pacific oysters in the US Pacific coast harbor high genetic heterozygosity which obscures weak population structure. Differences between these Pacific oyster populations could be leveraged for breeding and might be a source of adaptation to new environments.
Novel growth models of three valuable timber species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Santos João Paulo Bispo , de Resende Angélica Faria , Pereira Allana Katiussya Silva , Freitas Miguel Luiz Menezes , Ashton Mark S. , Montagnini Florencia , Brancalion Pedro Henrique Santin , Piotto Daniel , Rodrigues Ricardo Ribeiro , Souza Vinicius Castro 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Native timber production offers a promising pathway to make large-scale tropical forest restoration financially viable. However, there are still many gaps in knowledge on this subject. This study develops species-specific growth models for three valuable and threatened native timber species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest – Cariniana legalis, Dalbergia nigra, and Zeyheria tuberculosa – and evaluate their timber production potential. We collected data from 14 tree plantations distributed in the states of São Paulo, Espírito Santo, and Bahia, with a total of 5,564 sampled trees. The plantations span a broad climatic gradient, with ages ranging from 1 to 50 years. We developed and compared six models for predicting tree diameter and total height. We modeled and compared the growth patterns among the species and determined their commercial rotation ages, based on time needed to reach a diameter of 35 cm. Z. tuberculosa exhibited the lowest diameter increment (0.90 cm/year) and did not reach the threshold DBH, making it more suitable for non-premium uses, such as utensils and pallets. In contrast, D. nigra demonstrated the highest growth rate (1.33 cm/year) and a first harvest age of 22 years, demonstrating that it is a promising species to produce timber for furniture, and construction. C. legalis showed a slightly lower growth rate (1.16 cm/year) and required 31 years to reach first harvest, with wood ideal for construction and furniture. These findings highlight the potential of these species for timber production in restoration projects and the importance of timely silvicultural practices to enhance growth rates and wood quality.
Boosting Optical Current in Amorphous Silicon Solar Cells Using Multi-Layer Bimetallic Plasmonic Nano-Ring Structures
Authors: Heidarzadeh Hamid , Shahabi Taha 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Incorporating multi-layer bimetallic plasmonic nano-ring structures into amorphous silicon solar cells can effectively enhance the optical current by manipulating light absorption and trapping. Improving the photocurrent density in amorphous silicon (a-Si) solar cells is essential for enhancing their efficiency and competitiveness in thin-film photovoltaic applications. This study investigates the impact of multi-layer plasmonic nano-ring structures, composed of alternating layers of aluminum (Al) and nickel (Ni), on the optical current of a-Si solar cells. Using various nano-ring configurations for a cell with periods of 200 nm, 300 nm, and 400 nm, we analyze how different layering sequences affect photocurrent density. Results indicate that the inclusion of nano-rings significantly boosts photocurrent density and higher layer counts yielding the greatest improvements. For instance, the Al/Ni/Al/Ni/Al/Ni/Al configuration at 200 nm achieved a maximum photocurrent density of 23.88 mA/cm², a notable increase from the baseline value of 16.65 mA/cm² observed without nanoparticles. These findings highlight the role of tailored plasmonic nano-ring structures in enhancing light absorption and charge generation, providing a promising approach for optimizing a-Si solar cell performance through structural design innovations.
Assessing human-nature connection: A systematic review and a new Wetland Wanderer Tool for auditing nature connection in wetland environments
Authors: Pratt Kate , Prahalad Vishnu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Wetlands are critical ecosystems for sustaining human wellbeing through provisioning important ecosystem services and supporting biodiversity conservation. Globally, and in Australia, wetland ecosystems are threatened due in a large part to a lack of public awareness concerning wetland values and threats. Yet there is a lack of guidance and tools in being able to assess how public awareness is generated and enhanced in wetland ecosystems. This paper draws upon human-nature connection theory to develop a new tool for nature connections, the Wetland Wanderer Tool (WWT), which is also an auditing instrument for assessing how public awareness (or, orientation) is currently being fostered in Australian wetlands, and what access is currently available in these environments for nature-based experiences. WWT is built upon a systematic review of current auditing tools assessing nature connection. The review of the 14 existing tools identified a common hierarchical structure, scaled from domains to items, to identify and assess assets within natural environments that provide orientation and access for nature connection. This common architecture, with key domains and its component audit items, was adopted for WWT following refinement to suit both the Australian context and the ‘blue spaces’ of wetlands. The application of WWT is expected to provide an inventory of existing infrastructure in order to support the planning and improving of access and orientation to connect with nature in wetland environments, such that those experiences can lead to pro-environmental behaviours that support wetland conservation.
Root traits variations of subtropical evergreen tree Ligustrum lucidum and their adaptation to soil moisture and nutrient condition stress
Authors: Cheng Yuirui , Jiang yongjun , Li mengni , Li jiabin , Liu fang , Zhang peiling , He qiufang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Aims
In the face of extreme drought and increased soil erosion brought about by global changes, the physiological changes and response mechanisms of plant root systems to environmental stresses are understood by taking the example of suitable plants in typical karst areas that are subject to the dual stresses of drought and soil infertility.
Methods
We collected roots and soils of representative woody plants (Ligustrum lucidum) in sandy shale and limestone regions with different degrees of rock desertification, correlated root functional traits with soil physical and chemical characteristics, and then concluded the root resource utilization strategy of a representative woody plant.
Results
Soil moisture and nutrients in limestone areas are lower than those in sand shale areas. With the increase of rocky desertification, soil nutrients, and water content showed a significant decreasing trend. The diameter and volume of roots in sand shale areas are higher than those in limestone areas, and there are two kinds of resource utilization methods for root formation.
Conclusions
Root functional traits of Ligustrum lucidum adopt an active resource acquisition strategy in the limestone area but a conservative resource acquisition strategy in the sand shale area. The variability of root functional traits increased with the deterioration of soil moisture and nutrient conditions which was induced by deteriorative karst rocky desertification degree. Soil moisture variability affects plant root functional traits in the long term, and soil nutrients are a major influence on the variability of plant root functional traits.
How Do Macro-Financial Factors Influence Asset Classes' Performance? An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Bonaventura Luca Di , Morini Riccardo 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Asset class returns are strongly influenced by macro-financial factors such as economic growth, inflation, and market volatility. This study empirically examines these relationships by analyzing monthly data from January 1979 to August 2024 across four major asset classes and six composite indicators derived from fifteen macro-financial variables. We calculate the average excess return of each asset class first by conditioning solely on the direction of macro-factor changes, and subsequently by considering both the direction and initial levels of these factors. Two main findings emerge. First, variations in the six macro-financial factors are statistically significant drivers of the excess returns across the four major asset classes analyzed. Second, these relationships are state-dependent, as they vary with the initial conditions of the factors. These results have relevant implications for macro-based tactical asset allocation, as they demonstrate that relying solely on changes in macro-financial factors without accounting for the levels from which these changes originate may lead to misleading conclusions. For example, both equities and high yield bonds tend to underperform their unconditional historical average annualized return when inflation increases from high levels, while they generate positive excess returns when inflation rises from low levels, which do not necessitate anti-inflationary measures from central banks. Our findings underscore the importance of incorporating initial macro-financial conditions to bolster the effectiveness of macro-based tactical asset allocation strategies.
JEL Codes: E44, G10, G11.
10-GHz Ultrashort Optical pulse and Ultraflat Optical Comb Generation via a Semiconductor Mode-locked Laser
Authors: Sun Defan , Niu Yueying , Guo Fei , Zhang Ruikang , Zhao Lingjuan , Lu Dan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

We report a 10-GHz ultrashort pulse and optical comb generation using a quantum well (QW) semiconductor mode-locked laser (SMLL). With a dilute waveguide design, ultrashort pulses with pulse widths as short as 726 fs were also obtained from a 10-GHz SMLL without any compression, and the shortest pulse width of 576 fs was achieved after pulse compression. Direct generation of a flat comb with a −3-dB bandwidth of 9.92 nm (>125 comb lines in a span of 1.24 THz) and a −20-dB bandwidth of 19.22 nm (>240 comb lines in a span of 2.4 THz) was obtained. A further comb span extension was obtained by pumping a highly nonlinear fiber (HNLF) via the SMLL. A −20-dB bandwidth of 89.4 nm and a usable comb span of over 110 nm were demonstrated.
Efficient removal of Congo red and Alkali Blue 6b using biochar derived from wheat bran：kinetics, isotherms, and mechanism
Authors: Liang Ningjie , Zou Weihua , Li Qingyun , Han Xiuli , Chang Chun 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The biochar with rich functional groups and well-developed pore structure was obtained from wheat bran (WB) via immersing and non-immersing (BC-NaK and BC-NaK-n) followed by mixed molten salt template for activation. The specific surface areas (SBET) of BC-NaK and BC-NaK-n were 851.59 m2 g− 1 and 564.22 m2 g− 1, respectively, which were used as adsorbents for the removal of anionic dyes Congo red (CR) and Alkali Blue 6b (AB6b) from aqueous solution. The results of adsorption experiments showed that BC-NaK had better adsorptive capacities than BC-NaK-n for CR and AB6b. The adsorption behaviors of CR and AB6b onto BC-NaK were better in accordance with pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir, Sips and Koble-Corrigan isotherm models. The maximum monolayer adsorptive capacities of CR and AB6b on BC-NaK reached 1150.11 mg g− 1 and 622.28 mg g− 1 at 298K, respectively. In addition, the thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption processes of CR and AB6b were spontaneous and endothermic. The adsorption mechanism of CR and AB6b on BC-NaK mainly included hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, π-π interactions and hydrophobic interactions. Overall, the biochar prepared from WB had superior adsorption capacities for the anionic dyes CR and AB6b, which could be promising adsorbent for organic dye wastewater.
Agripreneurial Success Among University Students: Perceived Barriers to Agricultural Entrepreneurship in India
Authors: Kumar Rohit , Bhat Anil , Magotra Ankit , Singh Kuldeep , Sharma Eva 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The paper attempts to gauge the success of agripreneurs and seeks to explore the barriers which hinder the agripreneurial success among agricultural university students pursuing agriculture and allied education. This study proposes eight-dimension survey instrument called AgriSuccess scale for measuring the agripreneurial success. Responses from 300 students across various agricultural universities are analysed using SmartPLS. The study confirms the internal consistency and validity of the scales, with Cronbach's alpha values exceeding 0.7, indicating good reliability. The Fornell-Larcker criterion is met, ensuring adequate discriminant validity among constructs. This research adds to the literature on agricultural entrepreneurship by identifying specific barriers faced by aspiring agripreneurs and offering actionable recommendations for policymakers and educators.
Lipid nanoparticles as a tool to dissect dendritic cell maturation pathways
Authors: Janssens Sophie , Rennen Sofie , Bosteels Victor , De Nolf Clint , Lil Karo Van , Maréchal Sandra , Vetters Jessica , De Velde Evelien Van , Fayazpour Farzaneh , Roelandt Ria , Vandamme Niels , Verstaen Kevin , De Smedt Stefaan , Breckpot Karine , De Geest Bruno , Verbeke Rein , Lentacker Ine 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Dendritic cells (DCs) are short-lived immune cells that continuously roam our body in search for foreign or self-antigens. Upon acquisition of antigen, they mature and start migrating to the lymph node to present the antigen to naïve T cells. Depending on the context wherein the antigen is acquired, DCs will mature in a homeostatic or immunogenic manner. So far, the field is lacking proper tools to distinguish between the two maturation states. Most maturation markers are shared between the two states and therefore inappropriate to use. Still, defining the proper maturation type is crucial as it determines how the DCs will instruct the T cells towards antigen expressing cells. In this study, we used a lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based approach to steer DC maturation pathways in vivo. CITE-seq analysis allowed us to design a panel of flow cytometry markers that reliably annotates the two DC maturation states, as validated in an infection and in a tumor model. Furthermore, the data corroborated that uptake of empty LNPs in DCs induces their homeostatic maturation, in contrast to uptake of mRNA-LNPs or TLR ligand-adjuvanted LNPs, leading to distinct effector T cell outputs. This reveals that LNPs themselves are not being decoded as “danger” by cDC1s, and that the cargo is essential to provide adjuvants activity, which is highly relevant for targeted design of LNP-based therapies.
Petroleum complexes of metalloporphyrins and their dioxygen adducts
Authors: Aghahuseynova Minira , Vazirova Leyla 
Published: November 2024

Porphyrin is the most studied tetrapyrrole-based compound. The cavity of porphyrin contains four pyrrolic nitrogen’s that are well suited to binding the majority of metal ions to form metalloporphyrin. The present work is devoted to the formation of petroleum-derived dioxygen and metalloporphyrin adducts in receptor compartments. Cyclodextrin is used as the receptor. It was determined that the oxidation reaction was selective and highly efficient, and that the clathrate compound was produced through noncovalent bonds. Cobalt, iron, nickel and manganese porphyrins have been shown to form dioxygen adducts with molecular oxygen. The structure and properties of dioxygen and metalloporphyrin adducts were studied for the first time. The dependence of the metalloporphyrin oxidation product yield on the number of receptors, reaction time, temperature, pressure, and nature of the solvent was studied. The above dependence shows that, unlike other metalloporphyrins, manganese-containing porphyrins are converted to dioxygen adducts with a high efficiency of 88 %. Based on experimental data, the equilibrium constant for the formation of dioxygen and petroleum metalloporphyrin adducts was calculated for the first time. It has been shown that the value of the equilibrium constant for the formation of adducts in the presence of the receptor exceeds the value of the equilibrium constant for oxygen reactions in the absence of the receptor by 4–5 points. In all metalloporphyrin complexes, a correlation in the formation of the peroxide structure of dioxygen adducts was established, which was confirmed by the presence in the IR spectrum of specific absorption bands characteristic of the fragment O2-2. Synthetic dioxygen adducts of metalloporphyrin compounds are of great interest because they transport synthetic oxygen.