bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High Step-Up DC-DC Converter with Low Voltage Stress on Devices and Improved Gain-to-Element Ratio
Authors: Hajiabadi Mostafa Karimi , Mosallanjed Ali , Salemnia Ahmad 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This article introduces a high step-up DC-DC converter based on a three-winding coupled-inductor (3WCI). A 3WCI has been combined with voltage multiplier cells (VMCs) to enhance the voltage conversion ratio without increasing the number of components. As a result, the proposed converter's gain-to-element (G2E) ratio has been improved. In addition, high voltage gains are obtained in the proposed converter with low voltage stress on active and passive components, small footprint, and high efficiency. This article thoroughly discusses the operational modes, steady-state performance, and design process, and conducts a comparison between the proposed converter and its counterpart circuits. Moreover, a 240W, 22V/240V prototype has been fabricated. Experimental results validate the operation and performance of the converter, demonstrating that the proposed converter achieves a high voltage gain with only 10 components. The proposed topology outperforms in terms of the G2E ratio. Additionally, the experiments indicate that the maximum voltage stress on devices (MVSD) is reduced, by up to 60% of the output voltage. The practical efficiency of the converter under full load conditions is measured at 96.2%.
Prdx5 regulates macrophage polarization by modulating the TLR4/NF-κB pathway to promote apoptosis in chronic prostatitis
Authors: Wu# Weikang , Meng Tong , Wang# Yufan , Chen Jing , Liang Chaozhao 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective and design：Prdx5 is a member of the thiol-dependent peroxidase superfamily with peroxidase activity. Previous studies have demonstrated that Prdx5 is involved in the development of inflammatory arthritis. However, the role of Prdx5 in apoptosis within chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) remains unclear. To elucidate the role of Prdx5 in chronic prostatitis and its underlying mechanisms.
Material: Constructed experimental autoimmune prostatitis and conducted macrophage cell experiments.
Treatment： Fifty microliters of rat male accessory gland extract mixed with complete Freund's adjuvant was injected into the shoulder, inguinal region, and tail of the mice, followed by a booster immunization two weeks later. Ten days prior to the initial immunization of EAP mice, 100 µL of AVV-shPrdx5 was administered via tail vein injection. The EAP mice from the initial immunization were treated with 150 mg/kg of N-acetylcysteine three times per week and EAP mice injected with AVV-shPrdx5 were injected with an NF-κB activator (5 mg/kg) for two weeks from the initial immunization.
Methods: We assessed the severity of EAP through inflammation scoring, pain measurement, and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The expression of macrophages and Prdx5 in the prostate was evaluated using immunofluorescence. The levels of macrophage inflammatory cytokines, polarization, reactive oxygen species (ROS), TLR4/NF-κB pathway proteins, and prostate epithelial cell apoptosis were measured using NO assay, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, co-culture, TUNEL assay, and Western blotting.
Results: Knocking out Prdx5 can inhibit macrophage M1 polarization through the Tlr4/NF-κB pathway in a ROS-dependent manner. Additionally, the knockdown of Prdx5 in macrophages has been shown to alleviate EAP-induced prostate epithelial cell apoptosis, thereby mitigating EAP.
Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that Prdx5 regulates macrophage M1 polarization in EAP through the Tlr4/NF-κB pathway in a ROS-dependent manner, thereby alleviating prostatitis. This finding provides a new target for investigating the immunological mechanisms underlying CP/CPPS.
Deep reinforcement learning for the management of the wall regeneration cycle in wall-bounded turbulent flows
Authors: Cavallazzi Giorgio Maria , Guastoni Luca , Vinuesa Ricardo , Pinelli Alfredo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The wall cycle in wall-bounded turbulent flows is a complex turbulence regeneration mechanism that remains not fully understood. This study explores the potential of deep reinforcement learning (DRL) for managing the wall regeneration cycle to achieve desired flow dynamics. We integrate the StableBaselines3 DRL libraries with the open-source DNS solver CaNS to create a robust platform for dynamic flow control. The DRL agent interacts with the DNS environment, learning policies that modify wall boundary conditions to optimize objectives such as the reduction of the skin-friction coefficient or the enhancement of certain coherent structures features. Initial experiments demonstrate the capability of DRL to achieve drag-reduction rates comparable with those achieved via traditional methods, though limited to short time periods. We also propose a strategy to enhance the coherence of velocity streaks, assuming that maintaining straight streaks can inhibit instability and further reduce skin friction. The implementation makes use of the message-passing-interface (MPI) wrappers for efficient communication between the Python-based DRL agent and the DNS solver, ensuring scalability on high-performance computing architectures. Our results highlight the promise of DRL in flow control applications and underscore the need for more advanced control laws and objective functions. Future work will focus on optimizing actuation periods and exploring new computational architectures to extend the applicability and the efficiency of DRL in turbulent flow management.
A Stable and Sustainable Maximum Orbital Capacity in Low Earth Orbit
Authors: Lavezzi Giovanni , Jang Daniel , Linares Richard 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The population of satellites in Low Earth Orbit has recently witnessed a significant increase due to the advancements in satellite technology, the reduction of launch costs, and the deployment of large constellations of satellites. This raises concerns about the orbital capacity, essentially the ability of the Low Earth Orbit environment to sustain a certain number of satellites without unsustainable levels of risk due to space debris or collisions. More in-orbit collisions can generate debris that further threatens operational satellites and human spaceflight missions. The open-source MIT Orbital Capacity Assessment Tool is adopted to estimate the maximum number of satellites that fit in the very Low Earth Orbit, 200-900 km altitudes, under equilibrium points and failure rate of satellites as constraints. The results show an opposite trend between active satellites and debris for a sustainable centuries-long space environment: the number of active satellites decreases with altitude, while the amount of debris increases, reflecting the novel mechanism implemented for the dynamics of imparting the change in velocity to each new debris. The number of active satellites that can potentially fit at very low altitudes is in the range of hundreds of thousands to millions, due to a stronger atmospheric drag. Our results provide a theoretically stable upper boundary for the Low Earth Orbit capacity, supported by a first-ever comparison and validation analysis between a source-sink model of the space environment population with Monte-Carlo methods.
Unveiling the genetic basis of floral scent formation in roses using weighted gene co-expression and protein-protein interaction network analyses
Authors: Xu Chan , Guo Hang , Wang Yuanhui , Wang Zhijing , Chen Yuan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Rosa species possess significant economic and medicinal value and have been utilized in traditional medicine, essential oil production, and as landscape plants. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms underlying floral scent formation in rose remain poorly understood, impeding the genetic enhancement of this trait. To address this knowledge gap, we performed an integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis. We selected 12 floral scent components and identified 1,264 differentially expressed genes based on phenotypic differences. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed 702 genes potentially associated with floral scent formation. Of these, seven highly expressed genes were selected. Subsequently, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and topology analysis algorithm of the 702 genes identified 21 hub genes. By integrating the highly expressed genes with PPI hub genes, 26 candidate genes were selected and predicted to play pivotal roles in floral scent formation. Eight of these candidate genes have been directly or indirectly implicated in floral scent formation, thereby supporting the reliability of the candidate gene predictions. Furthermore, candidate genes involved in amino acid metabolism (ISS1, AS1, AG118, AO, HISN8, and HMGCL), starch and sucrose metabolism (TPPA and SUS2), sulfur metabolism (APK1 and APR1), and citrate cycle (FUM1) may contribute to the provision of precursors. Notably, TPPA and SUS2 may contribute to the precursor metabolism for terpenoid biosynthesis. Additionally, F3GT1 and UGT74AC may be involved in terpenoid biosynthesis. The ISC2 and ISS1 may play key roles in aromatic compounds biosynthesis. Furthermore, AUX22D, AUX22, ARG7, and GPAT2 may encode signaling molecules that regulate floral scent formation. A novel gene, LOC112189920, with an unknown function, may also be associated with floral scent formation.
New estimates and synthesis of chromosome number, ploidy level and genome size variation in Allium sect. Codonoprasum: a step towards understanding the hitherto unresolved diversification and evolution of the section
Authors: Kobrlová Lucie , Jandová Michaela , Vojtěchová Kateřina , Šafářová Lenka , Duchoslav Martin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
The genus Allium is known for its high chromosomal variability, but most chromosome counts are based on a few individuals and genome size (GS) reports are limited in certain taxonomic groups. This is evident in the Allium sect. Codonoprasum, a species-rich (> 150 species) and taxonomically complex section with weak morphological differences between taxa, the presence of polyploidy and frequent misidentification of taxa. Consequently, a significant proportion of older karyological reports may be unreliable and GS data are lacking for the majority of species within the section. This study, using chromosome counting and flow cytometry (FCM), provides the first complex and detailed insight into variation in chromosome number, polyploid frequency and distribution, and GS in section members, a step towards understanding the section's unresolved diversification and evolution.
Results
We analysed 1,582 individuals from 311 populations of 25 taxa and reported DNA ploidy levels and their GS, with calibration from chromosome counts in 21 taxa. Five taxa had multiple ploidy levels. GS estimates for 16 taxa are primary estimates. A comprehensive review of chromosome number and DNA-ploidy levels in 128 taxa of the section revealed that all taxa had x = 8, except A. rupestre with two polyploid series (x = 8, descending dysploidy x = 7), unique for this section. Diploid taxa dominated (71.1%), while di-/polyploid (12.5%) and pure polyploid (16.4%) taxa were less common. Ploidy diversity showed that diploid taxa were dominant in the eastern Mediterranean (> 85%), decreasing towards the west and north, with only polyploid taxa present in northern and northwestern Europe. A 4.1-fold variation in GS was observed across 33 taxa (2C = 22.3–92.1 pg), mainly due to polyploidy, with GS downsizing observed in taxa with multiple ploidy levels. Intra-sectional GS variation suggests evolutionary relationships, and intraspecific GS variation within some taxa may indicate taxonomic heterogeneity and/or historical migration patterns.
Conclusions
Our study showed advantages of FCM as an effective tool for detecting ploidy levels and determining GS within the section. GS could be an additional character in understanding evolution and phylogenetic relationships within the section.
Knowledge of HPV and Willingness to accept HPV Vaccine among HCW in a tertiary health facility in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
Authors: Anyanwu Onyinye Uchenna , Ezeonu Chinonyelum Thecla , Ezeanosike Obumneme Beniah , Joeakunne Chinwe Ifeoma , Asiegbu Uzoma Vivian , Chukwujindu-Anyanwu Tehilah Akachukwu 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of cervical cancer and other malignancies. Despite an effective vaccine, uptake remains low in regions like Nigeria. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are key in promoting vaccination, and their knowledge and attitudes influence vaccine acceptance.
Objective: This study assessed HPV knowledge and vaccine acceptance among HCWs at a tertiary health facility in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, aiming to identify knowledge gaps and barriers to acceptance.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki. A stratified random sample of 242 participants, including doctors, nurses, and laboratory scientists, completed a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with significance set at p<0.05.
Results: Among participants, 92.6% had heard of HPV, with a moderate knowledge score (mean 9.81±4.99 out of 21). Vaccine acceptability had a mean score of 2.39±3.80 out of 8. While 72.7% agreed on the necessity of vaccinating girls, only 50.0% supported vaccinating boys. The main reasons for vaccination were protection against genital cancer (67.8%) and safeguarding future sexual partners (40.9%). Vaccine hesitancy was primarily due to fear of adverse effects (14.9%) and insufficient information (7.4%). A positive correlation (r=0.475, p=0.000) was found between HPV knowledge and vaccine acceptance.
Conclusion: HCWs in Abakaliki show moderate knowledge of HPV and a willingness to accept the vaccine, especially with medical recommendation. However, concerns about vaccine safety and lack of information are barriers. Educational interventions targeting HCWs are crucial to enhancing HPV vaccine uptake and reducing HPV-related disease burdens.
Preparation and Characterization of ZnO-TiO2 Nanoparticles and Study of Their Effect on the Photodegradation of Ampicillin
Authors: Jurdh Maisam Al , Raheb Ibrahim , Ahmad Youssef AL 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In this research, the photodegradation of the ampicillin antibiotic (AMP) in an aqueous solution was studied by using ZnO–TiO2 nanoparticles prepared via the wet incipient impregnation method with TiO2 and Zn(NO3)2⋅6H2O as precursor materials using three different ratios of both oxides (1:1, 0.5:1, 1:0.5). The effects of different molar ratios of the prepared nanoparticles and ultraviolet radiation from sun rays and a UV lamp were studied. We utilized SEM, XRD, and EDX characterization techniques to study the structural features and morphology of the nanoprepared oxide. The removal of the antibiotic ampicillin was studied using an ultraviolet device at a wavelength of 254 nm in the presence of oxide nanoparticles and two radiation sources. The removal rate was 98% when using a composite oxide (ZnO-TiO2) in a proportion of 0.5:1 and applying solar radiation.
Automated Medical Records Review for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Authors: Wei Ruoqi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objectives: Unstructured and structured data in electronic health records (EHR) are a rich source of information for research and quality improvement studies. However, extracting accurate information from EHR is labor-intensive. Here we introduce an automated EHR phenotyping model to identify patients with Alzheimer's Disease, related dementias (ADRD), or mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Methods: We assembled medical notes and associated International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes and medication prescriptions from 3,626 outpatient adults from two hospitals seen between February 2015 and June 2022. Ground truth annotations regarding the presence vs. absence of a diagnosis of MCI or ADRD were determined through manual chart review. Indicators extracted from notes included the presence of keywords and phrases in unstructured clinical notes, prescriptions of medications associated with MCI/ADRD, and ICD codes associated with MCI/ADRD. We trained a regularized logistic regression model to predict the ground truth annotations. Model performance was evaluated using area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC), area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC), accuracy, specificity, precision/positive predictive value, recall/sensitivity, and F1 score (harmonic mean of precision and recall).
Results: Thirty percent of patients in the cohort carried diagnoses of MCI/ADRD based on manual review. When evaluated on a held-out test set, the best model using clinical notes, ICDs, and medications, achieved an AUROC of 0.98, an AUPRC of 0.98, an accuracy of 0.93, a sensitivity (recall) of 0.91, a specificity of 0.96, a precision of 0.96, and an F1 score of 0.93 The estimated overall accuracy for patients randomly selected from EHRs was 99.88%.
Conclusion: Automated EHR phenotyping accurately identifies patients with MCI/ADRD based on clinical notes, ICD codes, and medication records. This approach holds potential for large-scale MCI/ADRD research utilizing EHR databases.
Comparative analysis of HEC-HMS and machine learning models for rainfall-runoff prediction in the upper Baro watershed, Ethiopia
Authors: Belina Yonata , Kebede Asfaw , Masinde Muthoni 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Accurate streamflow simulation is crucial for effective hydrological management, especially in regions like the upper Baro watershed, Ethiopia, where data scarcity challenges conventional modeling approaches. This study evaluates the efficacy of three hydrological models: the Hydrologic Engineering Center's Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS), artificial neural network (ANN), and support vector regression (SVR) in predicting runoff. Using data from 2000 to 2016, the analysis focused on various performance metrics such as the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), root mean square error (RMSE), and coefficient of determination (R2). The results indicated that the ANN model significantly outperformed the others, achieving an NSE of 0.98, RMSE of 24 m3/s, and R2 of 0.99. In comparison, the HEC-HMS model yielded an NSE of 0.85, RMSE of 113.4 m3/s, and R2 of 0.89, while the SVR model displayed an NSE of 0.97, RMSE of 27 m3/s, and R2 of 0.99. These findings highlight the superior performance of ANN in regions with limited hydrological data, suggesting its potential as a reliable alternative to traditional physical models. By demonstrating the efficacy of machine learning models, this research facilitates the way for innovative approaches to water resource management, offering valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners.
Water resources management under climate change and anthropogenic pressure in the upper Bandama catchment in Northern Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Yao Franck Zokou , Dembélé Moctar , N'go Yao Alexis , Kouakou Yao Etienne 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

The upper Bandama basin at Badikaha in the North of Côte d'Ivoire, subject to climate change, has recorded a rapid population growth that significantly affects water availability. This study applies the water evaluation and planning (WEAP) system model to explore how the water resources available currently can meet people's needs in the future, mainly for irrigation, mining activities, rural and urban water supply and cattle breeding. The outputs from two regional climate models RACMO 22T and CCLM 4-8-17 under representative concentration pathway (RCP) 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios were used for the climate change impact assessment. Results predict an increase in mean annual temperature by 1.5°C while precipitation could decrease by 21% by 2090. The climate model outputs coupled with the WEAP model show that unmet water demand estimated to 50 million m3 in 2020 could reach 115 million m3 in 2050. Nevertheless, climate change mitigation scenarios by the WEAP model, including the implementation of dams, boreholes and the hydraulics infrastructure improvement reveal that water scarcity could be reduced significantly in the catchment.
Parsonage-Turner Syndrome Following AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Slouma Maroua , Dhifallah Malek , Ammar Lobna Ben , Gharsallah Imen 
Published: September 2024

Introduction:
Parsonage-Turner Syndrome is an uncommon cause of shoulder pain

Case Representation:
Herein, we present the case of a male in his 40s, who was presented with
a 3-month history of acute onset of intense shoulder pain, which decreased rapidly leaving behind
a residual upper limb weakness. The diagnosis of Parsonage-Turner Syndrome following
COVID-19 vaccination was made based on electroneuromyography and magnetic resonance imaging
findings. The patient responded well to analgesics and rehabilitation.

Conclusion:
A better knowledge of this disease and early recognition are crucial to prevent unnecessary
tests and interventions.
PENGGUNAAN PRINSIP SYARIAH DALAM BERBISNIS PADA PENGUSAHA
Authors: Laksono Dizza Ludfi , Muttaqin Aminnullah Achmad 
Published: September 2024

Business activities with sharia principles in this journal are seen from researcher observations and start from things that are clearly visible. Researchers want to know the motives behind changes in behavior, business operating procedures, and feedback on entrepreneurs who apply sharia principles to their business. The research was conducted in Sidoarjo Regency and aimed to find out the underlying reasons for entrepreneurs conducting business using sharia principles. The methodology used in this research is qualitative with a phenomenological approach. Data collection technique strategy was dept-interview with semi-structured methods, researchers managed to find 11 informants. The results of this research are entrepreneurs who intend to apply sharia principles which are not far from the explanations of the Qur'an and hadith and imitate the behavior of the prophet Muhammad ﷺ in doing business with the aim of complying with Islamic rules and prohibitions. For instance, not allowed to serve costumer during salah occurred, for entrepreneurs engaged in product, must not reduce scale in transaction, keep a promised negotiation, and for entrepreneur in services sales, that have to nurture as best as they can without belittling others. Other results stated that after implementing sharia principles, employees were able to work sincerely and customers almost never felt disappointed.