bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The value of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 as a Biomarker for Peripheral Artery Disease in Diabetes Patients
Authors: CHI CHUANG WAN , Chu Chih-Hsu , Yao Cai-Yin , Wei Mei-Chih , Hsieh I-Lun , Liao Chia-Mei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is significantly correlated with glycolipid metabolic disorders. Increased GDF15 levels are associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes as well as a poorer diabetes progression and prognosis. This study investigated the association between circulating GDF15 and diabetic peripheral artery disease.
Methods
A total of 174 diabetic patients aged 20–80 were enrolled. Plasma GDF15 levels were measured using ELISA. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) was evaluated with the Ankle brachial index (ABI) and the Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI).
Results
We found that diabetic patients with higher serum GDF15 levels (mean: 2521.5 pg/mL) had a higher incidence of peripheral artery disease. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that patients with high serum GDF15 levels were at an increased risk of developing peripheral artery disease and diabetic neuropathy. High GDF15 levels were associated with ABI < 0.9 (right and left mean 19.5% [p = 0.216]). Increased age (p = 0.003), family history (p = 0.001), heart failure (p = 0.022), sodium-glucose linked transporter 2 (SGLT 2) inhibitor use (p = 0.026), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (p = < 0.001), and uric acid (p = < 0.001) was also positively associated with high GDF15 levels. Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) (p = < 0.010) was associated with higher GDF15 levels after one year of follow up.
Conclusions
Elevated GDF15 was significantly associated with worsening metabolic parameters and an increased risk of peripheral artery disease. Thus, it may be a potential predictor of these outcomes in people with diabetes.
Revealing the Antioxidant Properties of Alkyl Gallates: A Novel Approach through Quantum Chemical Calculations and Molecular Docking
Authors: Karakuş Nihat 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the antioxidant properties of alkyl gallates (C1-C10) through quantum chemical calculations and molecular docking methods. Density functional theory (DFT) was employed to calculate key thermochemical parameters such as bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE), ionization potential (IP), proton dissociation enthalpy (PDE), proton affinity (PA), and electron transfer enthalpy (ETE) in both gas and solvent phases (benzene, ethanol, and water). The results indicate that the alkyl chain length and the solvent environment significantly influence the antioxidant activity of alkyl gallates. BDE values demonstrate that the hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) mechanism is preferred in the gas phase due to its relatively consistent BDE values and strong correlation with spin density distributions. Conversely, the SET-PT and SPLET mechanisms are more efficient in polar solvents, as indicated by significant reductions in IP, PDE, PA, and ETE values. Molecular docking studies with Tyrosine kinase Hck, Heme Oxygenase, and Human Serum Albumin reveal how structural changes in the alkyl chain influence binding interactions, guiding the synthesis of new compounds with enhanced antioxidant activity. The computational findings, which align well with experimental data, underscore the importance of considering both molecular structure and solvent effects in evaluating the antioxidant potential of alkyl gallates. This integrated approach highlights the critical interplay between computational predictions and experimental validations in advancing antioxidant research.
Quality of life viz-a-viz hypertension, obesity and diabetes: An exploratory study from rural Punjab, India
Authors: Kasaudhan Sapana , Chaudhary Vineet , Saraswathy Kallur Nava , Devi Naorem Kiranmala , Dhamija Rajender Kumar , Mahesh KSS Uma 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background Adverse health conditions are believed to reduce one’s quality of life (QoL). However, the impact of the most common lifestyle-related adversities like hypertension, obesity, and diabetes on the QoL of rural communities in India is largely unexplored.
Objective The present study aims to understand the QoL with respect to hypertension, diabetes, and obesity in rural areas of Punjab, India.
Methodology The present study was conducted among 931 individuals of both sexes, aged 20-75 years residing in the Mansa district of Punjab, India. Sociodemographic data were collected by using a pre-tested interview schedule. Somatometric measurements and blood pressure (BP) were measured by using standard protocols. QoL was assessed by using the short version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument (WHOQOL-BREF).
ResultsAlready-diagnosed hypertensives were found at higher risk for poor QoL in the overall analysis as well as in psychological and social-relationship health domains; whereas, underweight individuals were found to be at higher risk for poor QoL in physical health domains. Further, already-diagnosed diabetics were at a higher risk for poor QoL in the physiological health domain. Other health conditions such as high BMI, high WC, and high WHR were not found to be affecting QoL.
Conclusion Findings suggest that proper counselling and awareness regarding hypertension and diabetes should follow the diagnosis to dispel misinformation and minimize the negative consequences of diagnosis labelling.
Study on Gain Parameter Optimization for a Quadcopter Under Static Wind Turbulence using Bio-Inspired Algorithms
Authors: Soyinka Olukunle Kolawole , Ikpaya Monica Ngunan , Luka Lumi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The use of multi-winged drones in real-world applications continues to make it a topic of scholarly research. This paper considers the stabilization of the quadcopter’s attitude rates \(\:\dot{\varvec{\varphi\:}},\dot{\varvec{\theta\:}}\:\varvec{a}\varvec{n}\varvec{d}\:\dot{\varvec{\psi\:}}\) along the three axes in a static wind gust environment. To determine the required PID controller gain parameters this paper utilizes a Simulink model of the quadcopter combined with the PSO algorithm and the Cuckoo Search algorithm respectively to minimize error in the attitude rate. Comparison is made of the gain parameters of the PID controller obtained from the two Bio-inspired algorithms implemented to stabilize the attitude rate of a quadcopter UAV. The convergence rate, final error and thrust input from the motors are used as a metric for comparison of the two algorithms. The results indicate that the two algorithms performed suitably with the Cuckoo search showing better convergence in the final error.
Unrestricted Sequential Discrete Morphological Neural Networks
Authors: Marcondes Diego , Feldman Mariana , Barrera Junior 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

There have been attempts to insert mathematical morphology (MM) operators into convolutional neural networks (CNN), and the most successful endeavor to date has been the morphological neural networks (MNN). Although MNN have performed better than CNN in solving some problems, they inherit their black-box nature. Furthermore, in the case of binary images, they are approximations that lose the Boolean lattice structure of MM operators and, thus, it is not possible to represent a specific class of W-operators with desired properties. In a recent work, we proposed the Discrete Morphological Neural Networks (DMNN) for binary image transformation to represent specific classes of W-operators and estimate them via machine learning. We also proposed a stochastic lattice descent algorithm (SLDA) to learn the parameters of Canonical Discrete Morphological Neural Networks (CDMNN), whose architecture is composed only of operators that can be decomposed as the supremum, infimum, and complement of erosions and dilations. In this paper, we propose an algorithm to learn unrestricted sequential DMNN (USDMNN) for image processing and classification, whose architecture is given by the composition of general W-operators. With an efficient implementation that leverages GPUs for matrix computations, we illustrate the algorithm in an example of image transformation, for learning the transition W-operator of the Conway's Game of Life and for classifying the manuscript digits of the MNIST dataset. The performance of USDMNN on the MNIST dataset was compared with a CNN and the USDMNN performed better when trained with small sample sizes. These examples illustrate the robustness of the method to noise and its advantages over CNN related to the ability to learn with fewer samples and the interpretability of the results.
Assessment of Circulating Red Cell and Platelet Microparticles Levels in Children with Non-Transfusion Dependent Beta-Thalassemia
Authors: El-Domiaty Bothaina , Salama Moustafa , Saad Neveen , Donia Hanaa , Ibrahim Wessam , Hassanein Nehad 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Elevated circulating microparticles (MPs) have been hypothesized to be responsible for thromboembolic events (TEEs) in thalassemia patients. The aim of the study is to evaluate the circulating red cell and platelet microparticle levels in children with non-transfusion dependent Beta-thalassemia (NTDT) and its possible role in thromboembolic events.
Methods: Fifty NTDT children from Alexandria University Children's Hospital and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy children were enrolled in this study. CBC, LDH, serum ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), D-dimer. Serum levels of erythrocyte microparticles (EMPs) and platelet microparticles (PMPs) were measured by flow cytometry and serum B-type natriuretic peptide (NT- pro-BNP) levels were measured.
Results: Serum levels of EMPs and PMPs were significantly elevated in NTDT patients compared to healthy controls. Mean serum ferritin levels and mean sTfR levels were significantly higher in patients than in control. Twelve percent of our cases were splenectomized. Splenectomized patients had significantly higher platelet count, PMPs level, and serum ferritin level than non-splenectomized counterparts—no statistically significant difference in NT- proBNP level between patients and controls.
Conclusions: our study demonstrated the presence of elevated levels of EMPs and PMPs in NTDT patients compared to the control group. Splenectomized patients had higher platelet count, PMP levels, and serum ferritin levels. So, assessing EMPs and PMPs might provide efficacy in theearly detection of thromboembolic complications.
ADIoT : An Anomaly Detection Model for IoT Devices Based on Behavioral Feature Analysis
Authors: Wang Liang , Wang Zhipeng , Zuo Lina 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The existing anomaly detection methods for IoT devices suffer from several limitations, including inadequate and untimely implementation of security control measures, as well as an inability to promptly mitigate intrusion behaviors. To address these issues, we propose an anomaly detection model for IoT devices based on behavioral feature analysis (ADIoT). The model implements two methods, specifically multidimensional behavior feature selection and anomaly detection. The first method uses the principal component analysis based on weighted contribution(WCPCA) to identify the most representative feature combination from a large number of features and generate a feature dataset that accurately reflects the device behavior patterns. The second method uses an anomaly detection method based on isolation forests to score and identify anomalies in behavioral data and dynamically adjust the anomaly detection threshold. Experimental results demonstrate that ADIoT achieves a detection accuracy of 98.6% on the TON dataset, outperforming state-of-the-art anomaly detection models. Additionally, ADIoT significantly improves time efficiency, reducing test times by 30.79% compared to SVM-based models and by 20.11\% compared to CNN-based models.
Improving the solar harvest of plasmonic organicsolar cells utilizing dielectric coatings
Authors: Mulat Simenew A. , Hone Fekadu G. , Bekri Nika , Tegegne Newayemedhin A. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The plasmonic properties of Nanoparticles (NPs) such as Silver (Ag) can be utilized to improve photon harvest in organic solar cells (OSCs). In this work, we utilized four dielectrics namely TiO2, SnO2, ZnO, and SiO2, to improve the near-field and far-field enhancement in addition to pushing the LSPR of Ag NPs to the visible region. The plasmon-assisted photon harvesting in P3HT:PCBM based inverted organic solar cell (OSC) devices was investigated using a 70 nm silver nanoparticle coated with dielectrics. This study employed a 3D finite difference time domain (FDTD) method for the analysis. The results show that the PCE of P3HT:PCBM could be enhanced by more than 26% when the NPS were embedded in the active layer due to the synergistic effect of near-field and farfield enhancement, with TiO2 that has higher dielectric constant compared to others and bare Ag NPs. Furthermore, it was observed that backscattering as the dominant scattering mechanism could be used to improve the PCE of the device by about 10% when placed at the HTL/AL interface followed by ETL/AL (4%) while placing it at the ETL/ITO interface was found to reduce the PCE due to the reduced light transmittance.
Enhanced Security in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Nishad Dinesh Kumar Nishad , Verma Vandana Rani , Khalid Saifullah , Singh Vinay Kumar Singh 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) face numerous security challenges due to their limited resources, unsupervised operation, and reliance on broadcast transmission. Traditional security systems often struggle to detect and mitigate complex threats effectively. This study introduces an innovative methodology leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the security of WSNs. By employing machine learning algorithms such as neural networks, support vector machines, random forests, and deep neural networks, we develop an intelligent intrusion detection system capable of accurately identifying malicious activities. Additionally, we propose a secure and energy-efficient routing protocol that balances security and energy consumption. Our extensive simulations demonstrate that the proposed framework significantly outperforms existing solutions, achieving a detection rate of 98.7% and a false positive rate of 1.1%. Furthermore, our routing protocol extends the network's lifetime by up to 25% compared to standard protocols. This research highlights the potential of AI-driven solutions in addressing the evolving security needs of WSNs, offering a robust and scalable approach to intrusion detection and secure routing.
Numerical modeling of the upper and lower major temporal arcade in fundus images using genetic algorithms
Authors: Álvarez José Alfredo Soto , Luna Luis Alberto Torres , Fraga Teodoro Córdova , Aceves Iván Cruz 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In this paper, a new numerical modeling methodology is presented for the thickest vein in the retina, the major temporal arcade, since previous studies have shown that modifications in its opening, tortuosity and even thickness are indicative that the patient suffers from a type of retinopathy, which if not treated promptly, can lead to irreversible blindness. A model for the arcade vein is analyzed by spline functions, where a genetic algorithm was applied to determine the control points. Subsequently, once the model was determined, the equations of the cubic tracers were used to estimate the opening angle of the arcade. The results obtained were compared using two measures, the mean distance to the closest point and the Hausdorff distance. Although the UMDA+SA method remains the fastest, the proposed method is only 0.39 seconds below it, however, its measurements are 27.81 and 68.39 (Mean Distance to the Closest Point and Hausdorff distance) pixels larger with respect to the new method. Different measurements for the opening angle were obtained for the set of images from the DRIVE database. The models of cubic splines and the opening angle have been obtained quickly and this type of functions are excellent since they are smooth functions and do not present abrupt oscillations in the fit.
Y-mer: A k-mer based method for determining human Y chromosome haplogroups from ultra-low sequencing depth data
Authors: Puurand Tarmo , Möls Märt , Kaplinski Lauris , Maal Kadri , Krjutskov Kaarel , Salumets Andres , Kivisild Toomas , Remm Maido 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Determining genetic ancestry of an individual is challenging from poorly preserved or mixed samples that permit only ultra-low sequence (ulcWGS) depth < 0.1x to be gained at target loci. Leveraging the recent advances in telomere-to-telomere sequencing of the whole genomes with long reads we show first in a simplified example how short DNA string (k-mer) copy numbers at two different types of repeat arrays correlate with basal chromosome Y (chrY) haplogroups (HG-s). We develop a new k-mer based method Y- mer and show how information from hundreds of thousands of k-mers in distance-based models enables accurate inference of chrY haplogroup from WGS sequence at depth less than 0.01x without additional PCR or capture. We test the performance of Y-mer on ancient DNA and prenatal screening data showing its potential for genetic ancestry inference for cell free, forensic and ancient DNA research from short read WGS data.
Remarkable Enhancement of Thermoelectric Performance of Semicrystalline Polymer Films upon Incorporating A Nucleating Agent Additive
Authors: Lin Yue , Chen Chen , Ma Haibao , Lu Kaiqing , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Yue Baiqiao , Song Ce , Huang Pochong , Cheng HaiFeng 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Nucleating agents are widely recognized for their ability to refine the solid-state morphology and microstructure of semi-crystalline polymers, significantly influencing their physicochemical properties. This study presents a simple yet effective strategy to dramatically improve the thermoelectric properties of semi-crystalline polymer films. By blending less than 1 wt% of the nucleating agent N,N'-(1,4-phenyl)diisonicotinamide (PDA) into Poly(2,5-bis(3-alkylthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene) (PBTTT-C14), we induce a controlled modulation of crystallization behavior, resulting in optimized microstructures with reduced structural disorder and improved charge carrier mobility. Systematic analysis of varying PDA concentrations identifies an optimal loading of 0.9 wt%, which yields a remarkable 45% increase in crystallinity relative to pristine PBTTT films. Under optimized doping conditions, the doped PBTTT-C14 film with 0.9 wt% PDA exhibits an exceptional electrical conductivity of 1800 S cm−¹ and an optimal power factor of 150 µW m− 1 K− 2, representing 105% and 384% improvements, respectively, over the doped pristine PBTTT-C14 film. These enhancements are primarily due to the synergistic effects of polymer chain extension and reduction of grain boundary size, which together mitigate grain boundary resistance and improve charge transport efficiency. Furthermore, the study elucidates the role of ion exchange doping in maintaining a high density of charge carriers without compromising the crystalline structure introduced by PDA. This research not only deepens the understanding of polymer thermoelectrics but also sets the stage for the development of innovative materials that could transform energy conversion technologies and polymer-based electronic devices.
Implications of weaving pattern on the material properties of two-dimensional molecularly woven fabrics
Authors: Zhang Liang , He Xiao , Zhang Zhi-Hui , Chen Yijing , Chen Shiwei , Yang Jinrong , Li yun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Similar to macroscopic woven fabrics, molecularly woven polymers constructed from identical molecular strands but different weaving architectures are anticipated to display diverse physical and mechanical characteristics. Nonetheless, identifying these distinctions and comprehending the underlying mechanisms poses a significant challenge. Herein, we evaluate the impacts of different weaving patterns—plain, mix, and basket—on the characteristics of two-dimensional (2D) organic woven polymers through systematic all-atom simulation. Three weaves, consisting of the same molecular strands, are produced by adjusting the connections of the enantiomers of an inherently chiral 2×2 interwoven grid. Among the tested patterns, the plain weave exhibits superior stability, minimal structural deformation, and the most consistent pore size compared to others. The maintenance of the weaves in kinetically stable high-energy states is attributed to both aromatic stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions between warp and weft strands, while the alteration of weaving patterns leads to variations in the type and strength of these weak interactions. Despite the differences on the weaving pattern, the mechanical stress tends to localize at the contact field. Further analysis on impact resistance and in-plane stretchability highlights how weaving architectures influence the energy dissipation pathways and reinforce the mechanical properties of individual molecular chains. Simulation outcomes indicate that the disparities resulting from various weave patterns primarily stem from the total number and density of entanglements, as well as the interstrand non-covalent interactions. This research highlights the critical influence of weaving architecture on molecularly interlacing material properties, providing valuable insights for future invention and engineering of molecular-level weaving.
Properties of a ZnO:B Layer Fabricated by LPCVD and Its Application in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhantuarov Sultan , Carnie Matthew , Tokmoldin Nurlan , Shongalova Aigul , Zholdybaev Kairat , Abdullin Khabibulla , Aimaganbetov Kazybek 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

A process for finding inexpensive materials for use in perovskite solar cell applications is an interesting task for research aimed at reducing the cost of producing samples. To address this problem, the application of a metal oxide can be helpful. Metal oxides have always attracted attention due to their combination of conductive and optic properties. Among them, zinc oxide stands out. Zinc oxide films, which are nontoxic and easy to produce, have a suitable band gap and can be recommended as promising materials in optoelectronics. In this work, the results of the research of a ZnO film doped with boron (ZnO:B) on glass substrates were obtained via the LPCVD (low-pressure chemical vapor deposition) method. The surface, electrical, structural, and optical properties of the ZnO:B layer were studied. The application of a ZnO:B layer in planar perovskite solar cells was demonstrated. The fabricated test sample of such perovskite solar cells has an efficiency of 2,62%. An opportunity for the use of a ZnO:B film as an inexpensive substitute for transparent conductive oxides such as FTO and ITO substrates was shown.