bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross-Modal Fusion for Indoor RGB-D Semantic Segmentation with Transformers: Introducing CRDF
Authors: Teng Qianqian , He Xianbo , Zhu Ke 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Indoor scene understanding is crucial for intelligent robotics, and RGB-D imagesprovide complementary depth information to enhance semantic segmentation.However, integrating multi-modal data poses challenges due to their inherentdifferences. In this paper, we propose CRDF, a Cross-modal Fusion frame-work specifically tailored for indoor scene RGB-D semantic segmentation usingTransformers. CRDF introduces the Pattern-Variable Feature Rectification (PV-FR) and Pattern-Variable Feature Fusion (PV-FF) modules, which effectivelyextract and fuse multi-scale features from RGB and depth images. By reducingattention computations on depth images during downsampling, CRDF achievesfast convergence and robust performance. Experiments on the NYU Depth v2and SUN-RGBD datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of CRDF, achievingstate-of-the-art results with 55.51% mIoU and 67.73% MPA on NYU Depthv2, and 52.19% mIoU and 64.58% MPA on SUN-RGBD. Code is available at:https://github.com/tqqwww/CRDF.
A feature classification learning method based on multi-objective swarm intelligence optimization
Authors: Ma Fumin , Zhong Yuqi , Chen Yihui , Ding Xiaojian , Yang Fan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In the context of the exponential growth in data volume, the efficient and accurate classification of large and often redundant datasets has become a critical aspect of data processing and analysis. The Extreme Learning Machine (ELM), known for its randomized parameter selection and efficient hidden layer mapping, is particularly adept at classifying nonlinear problems, especially when dealing with large-scale data. However, the random initialization of hidden layer parameters in a single ELM network introduces inherent uncertainty, which can lead to significant fluctuations in data representation and processing within the network. These fluctuations may result in instability in classification outcomes. Additionally, when the training data contain noise, individual ELMs may be prone to overfitting.To address these challenges, this paper presents a novel enhanced ELM classification algorithm, referred to as ELM-MOFGA. The algorithm utilizes a Multi-Objective Fitness Genetic Algorithm (MOFGA) to evaluate and optimize a series of ELM classifiers, incorporating a more robust double error rate evaluation to improve the stability and reliability of the classifiers. The most optimal predictions from the ensemble of multiple ELM models are then aggregated through a voting mechanism, significantly enhancing the models' overall performance and stability. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed ELM-MOFGA algorithm achieves superior prediction accuracy when applied to the Cancer, Diabetic, and Fourclass datasets.
Effects of pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment on the mass transfer of NaCl and moisture in radish tissues (Raphanus sativus L.): Accelerating diffusion rates while maintaining intact microstructure
Authors: Jeong Se-Ho , Lee Han-Baek , Park Gyeong-Seo , Shahbaz Hafiz Muhammad , Lee Dong-Un 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The present study investigated the effects of pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment on the mass transfer of NaCl and moisture in radish tissues. PEF treatment was administered by adjusting the number of pulses (50, 75, and 150) at a fixed field strength, pulse width, and frequency (1.0 kV/cm, 20 μs, and 50 Hz, respectively). The degree of cell membrane permeability was estimated using the conductivity disintegration index (Z-index). Three numeric models (Peleg, Azuara, and Crank) were employed to predict the mass transfer of NaCl and moisture. The Z-index increased with PEF intensity (0.16, 0.39, and 0.85, respectively). The initial absorption of NaCl was increased in proportion to the Z-index. PEF treatment accelerated the mass transfer of NaCl under isotonic (1% NaCl) and hypertonic conditions (5% and 10% NaCl) while holding the moisture of radish tissue. The PEF treatment suppressed volume shrinkage owing to the maintenance of an intact microstructure under the hypertonic conditions. Based on these findings, PEF treatment can help reduce salting concentration or time, while simultaneously enhancing the physical quality of salted radish.
A survey of Smallholder dairy cattle farmers in Tanzania: Farmer Demographic Characteristics and Basic Management Constraints
Authors: Ngou Athanas , Laven Richard , Parkinson Timothy , Donaghy Danny , Kashoma Isaac 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Since the 1980s, there has been a significant change in the population of smallholder dairy cattle farmers across Tanzania. Therefore, we lack demographic data on that population as well as information on the key constraints reducing productivity. This survey of smallholder dairy farmers across six regions of Tanzania aimed to provide demographic data and to identify those key constraints.
Results
Of the 301 households surveyed, 74% were headed by men, but in Njombe there was an equal number of women and men. Across all regions, the majority of household heads were aged between 41 to 60 years and had ≤ 10 years of experience as a smallholder dairy farmer. Dairying was the major source of income on 84% of households, ranging from 59–100%, across the six regions. Most respondents had primary education but had gone no further (55%); however, in Morogoro 68% of farmers had been in secondary/university education. Across four regions (Njombe, Mbeya, Kilimanjaro and Arusha), herd size of 3–4 animals was most common (32–50%); however, in Morogoro and Tanga most herds had ˃4 animals (66% and 78%, respectively). Zero-grazing was the most common grazing system (75%), but tethering was predominant (68%) in Mbeya. Across all regions natural pastures were the principal feed source. Across all respondents, cash purchase was the most common means of obtaining their first cattle beast (66%), although in Mbeya a gift from a relative/friend (49%) was the most common source., High input costs (93%), unavailability of feed (71%), lack of land (68%) and diseases (62%) were the most commonly identified constraints., while high breeding costs (96%), poor oestrus detection (89%), cows not displaying oestrus (79%) and lack of AI services (51%) were the key constraints to successful breeding.
Conclusion
Although there are significant common pints across all six regions in our study, demographic differences across the regions necessitate a regional approach to development. This approach needs to focus on who the farmers are in that region and what those farmers need rather than trying to implement the same solutions across Tanzania.
Research on laser-induced plasma shock wave propulsion microspheres based on fiber structure
Authors: Yu Haichao , Sun Wenhui , Gong Chenghao , Liu Xuelian 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This paper presents a novel approach to microsphere propulsion by harnessing laser-induced plasma shock waves through fiber structures. The research provides a comprehensive analysis of various propulsion aspects, including motion characteristics (distance, velocity), propulsion efficiency, power sources, and potential applications. To gain deeper insights into the experimental outcomes, a physical model of the fiber propulsion structure was developed. The investigation highlights the substantial impact of factors such as laser energy, microsphere size, and fiber structure design on the motion characteristics and propulsion efficiency of microspheres, as evidenced by the analysis of experimental and simulation data. Analysis of characteristic peaks in the plasma spectrum confirms that the power propelling the microsphere is derived from the shock wave generated by air plasma expansion. Moreover, the direction of microsphere movement indirectly validates the spherical expansion of the shock wave, aligning with simulation findings. Notably, the fiber structure is shown to have the capacity to manipulate the shock wave's propagation direction, opening up possibilities for applications like laser billiard ball and surface impurity particle removal. These findings offer valuable theoretical underpinning for future research pursuits.
Natural convection of ternary hybrid nanofluid flow in an inclined porous trapezoidal enclosure
Authors: Roy Nepal Chandra , Pop Ioan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study reveals the flow and heat transfer of natural convection flow of a ternary hybrid nanofluid in an inclined trapezoidal cavity embedded in a porous medium. The left inclined wall of the enclosure is isothermally heated while the right inclined wall is cold. The top and bottom walls are adiabatic. Using variable transformations, the governing equations of the problem are transformed into a dimensionless system of equations. For numerical simulations, a coordinate transformation is utilized which converts the physical domain to computational domain. The equations of computational domain are solved using the finite difference method. The effects of volume fractions of nanoparticles (φ1, φ2, φ3), Rayleigh number (Ra), enclosure inclination (γ) and inclined walls' inclination (Ω) are elucidated with streamlines, isotherms and average Nusselt number. Intensity of stream function gradually increases with the increase of enclosure inclination, Rayleigh number, and nanoparticles' volume fractions. On the other hand, the average Nusselt number exponentially augments for increasing volume fractions of nanoparticles and Rayleigh number, however, it shows a parabolic pattern for an increase in the inclination angles of the enclosure and inclined walls. Moreover, Al2O3-water nanofluid's heat transfer is higher than pure water and Cu-Al2O3-water hybrid nanofluid's heat transfer is higher than that of the nanofluid. It is also found that the average Nusselt number for ternary hybrid nanofluid is higher than nanofluid's and hybrid nanofluid's average Nusselt number, although the total nanoparticles' volume fraction for ternary hybrid nanofluid is lower than for those.
Individual Characteristics in the Comprehension of Pandemic Video Communication: Randomized Controlled Between-Subjects Design
Authors: Lungu Daniel Adrian , Røislien Jo , Smeets Ionica , Wiig Siri , Brønnick Kolbjørn Kallesten 
Published: September 2024

Background
Video played an important role in health communication throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. It was used to communicate pandemic information to the public, with a variety of formats, presenters, and topics. Evidence regarding the effectiveness of video features is available, while how individual characteristics of recipients influence communication comprehension is still limited.

Objective
This study aimed to test 6 individual characteristics and assess their effect on the comprehension of pandemic video communication.

Methods
Short health communication videos were presented to a large sample of subjects, receiving questionnaire responses from 1194 participants. Individual characteristics consisted of age, sex, living area, education level, income level, and belief in science. Communication comprehension consisted of both perceived and objective comprehension. The data were analyzed by multiple linear regression.

Results
Age had a negative effect on both perceived and objective comprehension—age was negatively associated with comprehension. There were sex differences, with higher perceived comprehension and lower objective comprehension among female than male individuals. Living in an urban or a rural area had no significant effect (all P>.05). The level of education and income had a positive effect on both subjective and objective comprehension. Finally, the belief in science had a positive effect on perceived comprehension (P<.001) but did not have a statistically significant effect on objective comprehension (P=.87).

Conclusions
The main differences between those who think they understand pandemic communication and those who comprehend it better are sex (female individuals have a higher perception of having comprehended, while male individuals have higher levels of objective comprehension) and belief in science (higher belief in science leads to higher perceived comprehension, while it does not have any impact on objectively understanding the message conveyed).
The effect of COVID-19 on the presentation of thyroid antibodies. Case report
Authors: Zeqiraj Afrim 
Published: September 2024

Background. In December 2019, the World Health Organization was notified about cases of pneumonia of unknown etiology originating in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and other thyroid disorders including Graves’ disease affects almost 5 % of the general population. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a chronic disease in which the body interprets the thyroid gland and its hormone products as threats, therefore producing special antibodies that target thyroid cells, thereby destroying them. It may pre­sent with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism and with or without goiter. Basic questions in the consideration of a clinical case: what is COVID-19, and health complications? What concerns are related to pain in the front of the neck? How much has COVID-19 affected the occurrence of thyroid problems? Сase report. A 40-year-old man presented to the infectious disease clinic with a fever (37.9 °C), sore throat, body aches, and lethargy for 3 days on January 25, 2021. Due to the clinical features and the COVID-19 pandemic, a nasopharyngeal swab was used for sampling, and SARS-CoV-2 test was positive (mRNA in real time RT-PCR). On the 13th day, the patient’s general condition improved, but he complained of sore throat. On re-examination, we noticed a slight tenderness in the neck in the thyroid area. On thyroid ultrasound, a heterogeneous thyroid gland with ill-defined bilateral hypoechoic areas revealed subacute thyroiditis. The same patient presented to the infectious clinic with a fever (37.1 °C), sore throat, body aches and fatigue on June 28, 2022. After 5 days, the test for SARS-CoV-2 was negative, but, after one month of recovery, blood samples were analyzed to identify the functional state of the thyroid gland, and we obtained results with high values of thyroid-stimu­lating hormone. Conclusions. COVID-19 is a new disease for which larger-scale research is still ongoing, potential complications of COVID-19 and organ involvement are still being elucidated in the literature. Pain in the front of the neck, which can be combined with the upper part of the respiratory tract, especially in the conditions of COVID-19, should not be overlooked and requires further examinations. Subacute thyroiditis is a rare complication of COVID-19 that should be considered, especially in the progression of COVID-19 and the appea­rance of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
ENFRENTAMENTO À MORTALIDADE MATERNA NO ESTADO DO AMAPÁ: PROJETO DE EXTENSÃO DO PROFID
Authors: Mendes Lise Maria Carvalho , Pantoja Luane Julyelle Duarte , Frota Alessandra Yasmim Freitas da , Santos Hanna Moraes dos , Bueno Caike Michel Pessoa , Canuto Édico Renê de Carvalho , Souza Vilmara Crystine Fonseca Gomes de , Costa Rafael Wagner dos Santos , Souza Leandro Rodrigues de , Lima Melque da Costa 
Published: September 2024

Objetivo: Este estudo propõe apresentar os resultados do projeto de extensão da UNIFAP Enfrentamento à mortalidade materna no estado do Amapá. Metodologia: O projeto foi desenvolvido em instituições públicas e privadas que prestam assistência às mulheres durante o ciclo gravídico-puerperal, incluindo unidades de pronto atendimento, unidades básicas de saúde e escolas. Cada instituição recebeu uma capacitação de quatro horas. Foram também realizadas capacitações via Google Meet, com pesquisadores da Universidade de São Paulo. As capacitações abordaram a identificação, orientação e tratamento de sinais e sintomas de gravidade no ciclo gravídico-puerperal, englobando aspectos biológicos e psicossociais. O público-alvo direto incluiu médicos, enfermeiros, fisioterapeutas, técnicos de enfermagem, gestores de saúde e acadêmicos da área da saúde. Resultados: O projeto pretendeu não apenas aprimorar a competência técnica dos profissionais de saúde, mas também promover uma conscientização mais ampla sobre a importância de uma abordagem integral na assistência à saúde materna. A redução das taxas de mortalidade materna resultará em benefícios significativos para a saúde pública e para a coesão social no estado do Amapá, contribuindo para a formação de um sistema de saúde mais eficiente e humanizado.
Mediating Power-to-X: A case study of green imaginaries and environmental conflicts in local Danish news media
Authors: Horsbøl Anders 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Recently, Power-to-X (PtX) has come to play a prominent role in the public discussion of a green energy future, with high hopes expressed by political and business players. In the Danish news media, PtX has experienced a steep rise in attention, which calls for studies of how PtX is made sense of as a societal, not only a technological, phenomenon. Informed by the notion of sociotechnical imaginaries, this article investigates the local introduction of PtX in Frederica, one of the forerunner towns for PtX in Denmark, as represented in the coverage of the daily newspaper Fredericia Dagblad. The study analyses how PtX is made sense of by being connected to local actors, circumstances, and imagined futures. Two diverging sociotechnical imaginaries are identified, centring on 1) local (business) cooperation for green energy solutions towards a PtX adventure, and 2) concerns for scarce nature in a densely industrialised area. The findings show both similarities with and differences to already known mediatised environmental conflicts and point to dynamics between media, market, politics, and civil society in future mediatised environmental conflicts.
Does portal vein anatomy influence intrahepatic distribution of metastases from colorectal cancer?
Authors: Tribolet Anaïs , Barat Maxime , Fuks David , Aissaoui Mathilde , Soyer Philippe , Marchese Ugo , Gaillard Martin , Nassar Alexandra , Hardwigsen Jean , Tzedakis Stylianos 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Other than location of the primary colorectal cancer (CRC), a few factors are known to influence the intrahepatic distribution of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM). We aimed to assess whether the anatomy of the portal vein (PV) could influence the intrahepatic distribution of CRLM.

Patients and methods
Patients with CRLM diagnosed between January 2018 and December 2022 at two tertiary centers were included and imaging was reviewed by two radiologists independently. Intra-operator concordance was assessed according to the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The influence of the diameter, angulation of the PV branches and their variations on the number and distribution of CRLM were compared using Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, Pearson's Chi-square and Spearman's correlation tests.

Results
Two hundred patients were included. ICC was high (> 0.90, P < 0.001). Intrahepatic CRLM distribution was right-liver, left-liver unilateral and bilateral in 66 (33%), 24 (12%) and 110 patients (55%), respectively. Median number of CRLM was 3 (1–7). Type 1, 2 and 3 portal vein variations were observed in 156 (78%), 19 (9.5%) and 25 (12%) patients, respectively. CRLM unilateral or bilateral distribution was not influenced by PV anatomical variations (P = 0.13), diameter of the right (P = 0.90) or left (P = 0.50) PV branches, angulation of the right (P = 0.20) or left (P = 0.80) PV branches and was independent from primary tumor localisation (P = 0.60). No correlations were found between CRLM number and diameter (R: 0.093, P = 0.10) or angulation of the PV branches (R: 0.012, P = 0.83).

Conclusions
PV anatomy does not seem to influence the distribution and number of CRLM.
Predictive potential of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and plasma-derived angiogenic factors for response to concurrent chemoradiotherapy in human papillomavirus-negative oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Longo Alja , Hudler Petra , Strojan Primoz , Plavc Gaber , Umek Lan , Popovic Katarina Surlan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) can assess tumour vascularity, which depends on the process of angiogenesis and affects tumour response to treatment. Our study explored the associations between DCE-MRI parameters and the expression of plasma angiogenic factors in human papilloma virus (HPV)-negative oropharyngeal cancer, as well as their predictive value for response to concurrent chemoradiotherapy (cCRT).

Patients and methods
Twenty-five patients with locally advanced HPV-negative oropharyngeal carcinoma were prospectively enrolled in the study. DCE-MRI and blood plasma sampling were conducted before cCRT, after receiving a radiation dose of 20 Gy, and after the completion of cCRT. Perfusion parameters ktrans, kep, Ve, initial area under the curve (iAUC) and plasma expression levels of angiogenic factors (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], connective tissue growth factor [CTGF], platelet-derived growth factor [PDGF]-AB, angiogenin [ANG], endostatin [END] and thrombospondin-1 [THBS1]) were measured at each time-point. Patients were stratified into responders and non-responders based on clinical evaluation. Differences and correlations between measures were used to generate prognostic models for response prediction.

Results
Higher perfusion parameter ktrans and higher plasma VEGF levels successfully discriminated responders from non-responders across all measured time-points, whereas higher iAUC and higher plasma PDGF-AB levels were also discriminative at selected time points. Using early intra-treatment measurements of ktrans and VEGF, a predictive model was created with cut-off values of 0.259 min−1 for ktrans and 62.5 pg/mL for plasma VEGF.

Conclusions
Early intra-treatment DCE-MRI parameter ktrans and plasma VEGF levels may be valuable early predictors of response to cCRT in HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancer.
Analysis of magnetic resonance contrast agent entrapment following reversible electroporation in vitro
Authors: Strucic Marko , Miklavcic Damijan , Vidic Zala , Scuderi Maria , Sersa Igor , Kranjc Matej 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Administering gadolinium-based contrast agent before electroporation allows the contrast agent to enter the cells and enables MRI assessment of reversibly electroporated regions. The aim of this study was evaluation of contrast agent entrapment in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and comparison of these results with those determined by standard in vitro methods for assessing cell membrane permeability, cell membrane integrity and cell survival following electroporation.

Materials and methods
Cell membrane permeabilization and cell membrane integrity experiments were performed using YO-PRO-1 dye and propidium iodide, respectively. Cell survival experiments were performed by assessing metabolic activity of cells using MTS assay. The entrapment of gadolinium-based contrast agent gadobutrol inside the cells was evaluated using T1 relaxometry of cell suspensions 25 min and 24 h after electroporation and confirmed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Results
Contrast agent was detected 25 min and 24 h after the delivery of electric pulses in cells that were reversibly electroporated. In addition, contrast agent was present in irreversibly electroporated cells 25 min after the delivery of electric pulses but was no longer detected in irreversibly electroporated cells after 24 h. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry showed a proportional decrease in gadolinium content per cell with shortening of T1 relaxation time (R
2 = 0.88 and p = 0.0191).

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that the contrast agent is entrapped in cells exposed to reversible electroporation but exits from cells exposed to irreversible electroporation within 24 h, thus confirming the hypothesis on which detection experiments in vivo were based.