bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Construction of a Remote Sensing Image Training Set for Rail Transit Protection Zones in Megacities and Evaluation of Building Identification Accuracy
Authors: Qian Chengyang , Zhao Long , Ni Peilin , Zhang Yu , Cao Zini , Jia Cai 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

With the acceleration of urbanization in China, rail transit has increasingly become a crucial part of the transportation system. However, construction activities such as pit construction, new construction, or demolition of buildings in rail transit protection zones pose a substantial threat to structural safety. Efficiently monitoring and managing changes in buildings within these zones has become a hot spot in current research. Presently, academics are predominantly concentrating on the iteration and optimization of deep learning algorithms for building recognition and achieving fruitful results. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of evaluation on the effectiveness of the identical deep learning algorithm on different sample sets. Consequently, this paper selects the protection zones of 16 lines under the Beijing Subway Operation Co., Ltd. and employs the Mask R-CNN algorithm to identify and extract building changes. The study utilizes two general datasets and a dedicated training sample set for quantitative analysis and evaluation of effectiveness. Results demonstrate that the Mask R-CNN algorithm, with the dedicated training sample set, achieves superior performance in all metrics. The P reaches 92.45%, showing a significant improvement compared to the general datasets. The R is 93.28%, with a relatively smaller improvement. The F1 score and IOU are 92.86% and 86.38%, respectively, which are significantly higher than those of the general datasets. Furthermore, compared to the advanced building change detection algorithm EGRCNN, the R is 1.06% lower. However, other indicators show improvements, with increases of 1.04%, 3.62%, and 5.81%, correspondingly.
A wide range of chromosome numbers result from unreduced gamete production in Brassica juncea × B. napus (AABC) interspecific hybrids
Authors: Mason Annaliese , Nyarko Charles Addo , Katche Elvis , Baez Mariana , Lv Zhenling 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The establishment of successful interspecies hybrids requires restoration of a stable “2n” chromosome complement which can produce viable “n” gametes. This may occur (rarely) via recombination between non-homologous chromosomes, or more commonly is associated with a doubling of parental chromosome number to produce new homologous pairing partners in the hybrid. The production of unreduced “2n” gametes (gametes with the somatic chromosome number) may therefore be evolutionarily useful by serving as a key pathway for the formation of new polyploid hybrids, as might specific mechanisms permitting recombination between non-homologous chromosomes. Here, we investigated chromosome complements and fertility in third generation interspecific hybrids (AABC) resulting from a cross between allopolyploids Brassica juncea (AABB) × B. napus (AACC) followed by self-pollination for two generations. Chromosome numbers ranged from 2n = 48 – 74 in the experimental population (35 plants), with 9 - 16 B genome chromosomes and up to 4 copies of A genome chromosomes. Unreduced gamete production leading to a putative genome structure of approximately AAAABBCC was hence predicted to explain the high chromosome numbers observed. Additionally, the estimation of nuclei number in post-meiotic sporads revealed a higher frequency of unreduced gametes (0.04 - 5.21%) in the third generation AABC interspecific hybrids compared to the parental Brassica juncea (0.07%) and B. napus (0.13%). Our results suggest that unreduced gamete production in the subsequent generations following interspecific hybridization events may play a critical role in restoration of more stable, fertile chromosome complements.
Antifungal properties and α-amylase inhibitory activity of lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) partially purified from Capsicum chinense Jacq. seeds
Authors: Oliveira Arielle Pinheiro , Resende Larissa Maximiano , Silva Marciele Souza , Santos Layrana Azevedo , Carvalho André Oliveira , Chaves Renata Pinheiro , Negano Celso Shiniti , Moreira Felipe Figueirôa , Seabra Sérgio Henrique , Cunha Maura , Mello Érica de Oliveira , Taveira Gabriel Bonan , Rodrigues Rosana , Gomes Valdirene Moreira 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In this study, we identified and partially purified antimicrobial peptides belonging to the family of lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) from Capsicum chinense seeds (UENF 1751 accession). Fractions rich in LTPs were obtained via ion exchange chromatography and subsequently purified via reverse-phase chromatography in an HPLC system. Therefore, two fractions were revealed: C1 (the nonretained fraction) and C2 (the retained fraction). Fraction C1 was subjected to reverse-phase chromatography via a C18 column on an HPLC system, and ten fractions were obtained (P1–P10), all of which significantly inhibited the growth of C. albicans, except for P4 and P9. The viability analysis of the active fractions at a concentration of 100 µg.mL-1 against C. albicans revealed that they did not exhibit fungicidal activity but rather exhibited fungistatic activity. Fractions P3, P4, P7, and P10 inhibited Tenebrio molitor larvae α-amylase. The P10 fraction presented protein bands in its electrophoretic profile with a molecular mass between 6.5 kDa and 14.2 kDa and reacted positively to an antibody produced against a protein from the LTP family by Western blotting. The results of the analysis of amino acid residues from the P10 fraction revealed similarity between type I LTPs and type II LTPs. The ultrastructural aspects of C. albicans cells exposed to the P10 fraction were evaluated via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), with significant differences in their morphology being evident compared with those of the control. In summary, our results demonstrated the presence of LTPs in C. chinense seeds with inhibitory effects on the growth of yeasts of the genus Candida, which exhibited fungistatic effects and structural changes in C. albicans cells, in addition to exhibiting inhibitory effects on the larval insect T. molitor α-amylase.
Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B Among Health Facility Staff in Salima District – a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Limwado George Dalitso , Nuka Yamikani , Mpinga Kondwani , Mawindo Yanja , Chakwiya Mark , Abraham Luciano , Chikwapulo Victor , Chalira Mzee , Kambalame Dzimkambani , Ngulinga Flexon , Mitambo Collins , Chise Yonasi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Hepatitis B (HBV) poses a significant public health challenge in Malawi, particularly among healthcare workers. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HBV infection among healthcare workers in Salima District, Malawi, and assess the severity of positive cases.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in September 2020 across all public health facilities in Salima District. HBV screening using antigen point-of-care tests was performed on 854 healthcare workers, with data on demographics and risk history collected. Positive cases were linked to care, with subsequent assessments conducted by medical officers. Family members of positive cases were also screened or linked to care.
Results
The prevalence of HBV infection among healthcare workers was 2.93% (25 infections, 95% CI: 0.019–0.0429). Infections were more common among males, married individuals, and those unvaccinated against HBV. Environmental health personnel exhibited the highest chronic HBV prevalence. All positive cases were enrolled in the HBV clinic within two weeks of diagnosis, with no signs of severe liver disease.
Discussion
Despite lower prevalence than the general population, HBV infection rates remain concerning among healthcare workers, particularly those in non-clinical roles. The lack of vaccination history is a notable risk factor for infection.
Conclusion
The study underscores the elevated prevalence of HBV infection among healthcare workers in the Salima District, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and prompt linkage to care.
Omitting labor responses to heat stress underestimates future climate impact on agriculture
Authors: Sheng Di , Zhao Xin , Edmonds James , Waldhoff Stephanie , Patel Pralit , O'Neill Brian , Tebaldi Claudia , Wise Marshall 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Agricultural labor is highly vulnerable to heat stress. However, existing studies on the climate impact on agriculture have primarily focused on crop yields, often overlooking the effects on labor and the resulting market responses. Here we incorporate labor response to heat stress into an established model-coupling framework to examine the climate impact on agricultural production and market dynamics, considering both biophysical crop yield and labor productivity responses. Under a severe scenario, global agricultural labor productivity could decrease by 18% by the end of the century, with especially pronounced effects in Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Our results highlight the critical role of labor in agricultural production and the importance of including labor responses in climate impact assessments. This study enhances the understanding of long-term climate impacts on agriculture and demonstrates the high sensitivity of the evaluation to the choice of climate models, crop response models, and labor-heat response functions.
Population dynamics of sympatric Phortica spp. and first record of stable presence of Phortica oldenbergi in a Thelazia callipaeda-endemic area of Italy
Authors: Bernardini Ilaria , Poggi Cristiana , Porretta Daniele , Máca Jan , Perugini Eleonora , Manzi Sara , Gabrielli Simona , Pichler Verena , Latrofa Maria Stefania , Fourie Josephus , Lia Riccardo Paolo , Beugnet Frédéric , Otranto Domenico , Pombi Marco 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Five species of the Phortica genus (Diptera: Drosophilidae) are known in Europe and the Middle East. Among these, Phortica variegataand Phortica okadai are better known for their role as vectors of the zoonotic eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda. Other species, such as Phortica semivirgo and Phortica oldenbergi, have been studied less. Given the paucity of data about these Phorticaspp. vectors, we explored the population dynamics and ecology of Phorticaspp. in an area highly endemic for T. callipeada (Manziana, Rome, Central Italy).
Methods: Phortica spp. flies were collected over a three-year period (2018-2020) during their active season (April-October) with a sweep net while hovering around: i) a fermenting fruit bait, and ii) a human operator acting as bait. Collected flies were morphologically identified and tested for T. callipaeda infection and Wolbachia presence by PCR. Population dynamics of species collected was associated to environmental drivers through Generalized Additive Models.
Results: Of the 5,564 flies collected, 90.8% were P. variegata, 9.1% were P. oldenbergi, 0.05% were P. semivirgo, and one specimen was P. okadai. Only P. variegata scored molecularly infected with T. callipaeda throughout the three-year sampling period (1.8%). Phortica oldenbergi, observed consistently during the entire sampling period, exhibited a marked preference for fruit traps, contrasting with the lachryphagous activity of P. variegata. Analysis of environmental drivers of P. oldenbergi and P. variegatapopulation dynamics indicated temperature, wind speed, and pressure as significant factors. In addition, Wolbachia pipientis endosymbiont was detected in P. oldenbergi and P. okadai.
Conclusions: For the first time, this study analysed several ecological aspects of Phortica species coexisting in a T. callipaeda endemic area, highlighting different behaviours in the same environment and the vectorial role of this zoonotic parasite. Notably, this is also the first report of the presence of P. oldenbergi in Italy and P. okadai in Europe, underscoring the importance of extensive sampling for detecting potential vectors and alien species with direct implications for vector-borne disease epidemiology.
Cultural Stress And Mental Health Among Venezuelan Migrants: Cross-National Evidence From 2017 To 2024
Authors: Salas-Wright Christopher P. , Pérez-Gómez Augusto , Maldonado-Molina Mildred M. , Mejia-Trujillo Juliana , García María Fernanda , Bates Melissa , Vaughn Michael G. , Calderón Ivonne , Santos Veronica G. Los , Brown Eric C. , Sanchez Mariana , Andrade Patricia , Schwartz Seth J. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Since 2015, ~ 8 million Venezuelans have fled what was once Latin America’s most prosperous nation, with many relocating to nearby Colombia and others migrating to the United States (U.S.). Emerging research suggests that migration-related cultural stress is a challenge for Venezuelans and is related to an increased risk of mental health problems. However, it remains uncertain how cultural stress and mental health outcomes manifest over time and across countries.
METHODS
We analyze survey data from multiple studies of Venezuelan migrants in Bogotá and Medellín, Colombia, and the U.S. State of Florida. Data collected include self-report measures on discrimination, negative context of reception (NCR), and depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) screening diagnoses, collected from distinct cross-national cohorts in 2017 (N = 638) and 2023–2024 (N = 1,241).
RESULTS
Self-reported NCR and discrimination were consistently higher among Venezuelan migrants in Colombia than among Venezuelans in Florida. Levels of cultural stress within countries were variable, with NCR decreasing across years in Florida and self-reported discrimination increasing in both Florida and Colombia. Many Venezuelan migrants reported symptoms of mental health problems, with half of the sample in Colombia (54–56%) and two-fifths of the sample in Florida (39–41%) screening positive for depression in 2017 and 2023–2024. Individuals exposed to higher levels of cultural stress were substantially more likely to screen positive for depression and PTSD.
CONCLUSIONS
This study is the first to examine cultural stress and mental health among Venezuelan migrants across national contexts and different stages of the still-unfolding international migration crisis.
Bacterial-Chemotaxis-Based Structural Topology Optimization Algorithm
Authors: León-Medina Jerson Xavier , Avila Juan Felipe Giraldo , Pardo María Alejandra Guzmán , Morales Jesus Daniel Villalba 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This article proposes a bacterial-chemotaxis-based bio-inspired algorithm (BCBTOA) to solve structural topology optimization problems in two and three-dimensional continuous, which describe the chemotactic strategy as a simulated process for removing material from a structure. A chemotaxis-based regularization numerical scheme was employed for common checkerboards and mesh dependence issues. The algorithm minimizes compliance and maximizes stiffness, so it is applied to various configurations of beams to show its efficiency, performance, and versatility. Then, the algorithm is evaluated to determine its effectiveness and computational performance. Results are compared with the Sequential Element Rejection and Admission (SERA) method and the Soft Bidirectional Evolutionary Structural Optimization (Soft BESO) method using several performance metrics. The results showed that BCBTOA possessed a better computational performance on some benchmark problems and showed layouts with entirely clear gray areas.
Understanding the influence of depth on the global deep-sea plasmidome
Authors: Calderón-Osorno Melany , Rojas-Villalta Dorian , Lejzerowicz Franck , Cortés Jorge , Arias-Andres Maria , Rojas-Jimenez Keilor 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Plasmids play a crucial role in facilitating genetic exchange and enhancing the adaptability of microbial communities. Despite their importance, environmental plasmids remain understudied, particularly those in fragile and underexplored ecosystems such as the deep-sea. In this paper we implemented a bioinformatics pipeline to study the composition, diversity, and functional attributes of plasmid communities (plasmidome) in 81 deep-sea metagenomes from the Tara and Malaspina expeditions, sampled from the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans at depths ranging from 270 to 4005 m. We observed an association between depth and plasmid traits, with the 270-1000 m range exhibiting the highest number of plasmids and the largest plasmid sizes. Plasmids of Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria were predominant across the oceans, particularly in this depth range, which also showed the highest species diversity and abundance of metabolic pathways, including aromatic compound degradation. Surprisingly, relatively few antibiotic resistance genes were found in the deep-sea ecosystem, with most being found in the superficial layer. These included classes such as beta-lactamase, biocide resistance, and aminoglycosides. Our study also identified the MOBP and MOBQ relaxase families as prevalent across various taxonomic classes. This research highlights the significance of studying the plasmidome separately from the chromosomal context to better understand the microbial ecology in the deep-sea. We emphasize the need for caution in human activities such as mining, as they may have unforeseen consequences on the deep-sea plasmidome and the overall ecosystem.
Modeling of hiking trail degradation using machine-learning techniques to find optimized recreational trails in an arid environment
Authors: Adab Hamed , Ghelichipour Zahra , Atabati Azadeh 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The present study aims to use different machine-learning algorithms to map trail susceptibility and use it to find the best hiking trail between specified locations across the Sarigol National Park and Protected Area (SNPP), Iran based on the least cost path analysis. Furthermore, the study compares the predictive performance of Artificial Neural Network, Support Vector Regression, and Gene expression programming model for trail susceptibility mapping. We have considered nine trail susceptibility conditioning factors as model input, namely Land use coverages, Landform classes, Annual precipitation, NDVI, Soil types, LS-factor, Wind explosion index, Topographic witness index, and Elevation. The study concluded that ANN gives better performance in overall accuracy assessment as compared to GEP and SVM models. The importance of predictor variables as identified by the ANN model indicated that the LS factor, Soil types, NDVI, and Landform classes represented the highest level of significance attributed to the model. The study found that LCPA is an efficient tool to find the “lowest land degradation” to connect two locations of hiking trails. This suggested that park planners should consider potential land degradation locations to identify suitable hiking trails.
Listening to Namdapha: Estimating the amphibian species richness of Namdapha Tiger Reserve using passive acoustic monitoring
Authors: Rajiv N. V. , Das Abhijit 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Assessment of Amphibians at a large scale is a necessary first step towards conserving the most threatened vertebrate class. Overcoming the challenges of accessibility, manpower, safety and synchronisation, we conduct the first passive acoustic monitoring exercise in Namdapha tiger reserve, India, to estimate the amphibian species richness. We use incidence-based Chao, Jackknife and Bootstrap methods to estimate the amphibian richness. By detecting 19 amphibian species, the acoustic monitoring is fairly accurate in comparison to previously conducted active manual searches. The bias corrected estimate of species richness is marginally higher than the observed value. High species richness is not confined to a single habitat but is found to occur across diverse habitats. The acoustic analysis reveals that the dominant frequency of the amphibians are not different across the different habitats of the Namdapha tiger reserve. Overall the study underscores the accuracy of passive acoustics in monitoring the poorly known amphibians in India’s Protected area.
The impact of diabetes mellitus on postoperative outcomes following radical prostatectomy: a 5-year retrospective analysis
Authors: Han Yichao , Chen Yue , Xuan Xujun , Guan Hongyu , Luo Cheng , Wang Daohu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been confirmed as a common risk factor for postoperative complications. This study aims to elucidate the impact of DM on postoperative complications following radical prostatectomy.
Methods
Using data from a national inpatient sample from 2016 to 2020, patients aged ≥ 18 years who were diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) and underwent radical prostatectomy were identified and divided into a DM group and a non-DM group. We further divided the DM group into uncomplicated DM and advanced DM groups. We compared the outcome variables between the three groups through univariate analysis and adjusted multivariate logistic regression.
Results
Seventeen thousand five hundred eighty-eight records were undergoing radical prostatectomy included in the present study, among which 2683 records (9.43%) had a diagnosis of DM. The DM group will incur higher costs (53,775 [38,286 − 65,482] vs. 51,546 [37,195 − 61,815] p < 0.001). After adjusting the variables with baseline differences in the multivariate regression models, DM was identified as an independent risk factor for unfavorable discharge (aOR = 1.20, 95%CI [1.02–1.42], P = 0.31), genitourinary complication (aOR = 1.40, 95%CI [1.13–1.73], P = 0.002), cardiac complication (aOR = 1.29, 95%CI [1.04–1.6], P = 0.019), and ventilatory support (aOR = 1.55, 95%CI [1.05–2.29], P = 0.028). After subgrouping the DM group by DM-related complications, the advanced DM group has more than double the risks of blood transfusion, genitourinary, and respiratory complications, compared to the non-DM group.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that DM is more likely to face adverse clinical outcomes and higher incidences of postoperative complications. It found that DM is an independent risk factor for adverse clinical outcomes after radical prostatectomy for cancer.
Age-Related Changes in Cognition, Plasma Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factors and Selected Indices of Inflammation in Adults at Different Decades of Life
Authors: Rahamon Sheu Kadiri , Yusuff Abiodun Olaide , Ayinde Olatunde Olayinka , Taiwo Funmilola 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Cognition, plasma brain derived neurotrophic (BDNF) levels and indices of inflammation were determined in 88 adults sub-divided into 4 groups; Group I (30–39 years), Group II (40–49 years), Group III (50–59 years) and Group IV (≥ 60 years) using standard procedures. There was a significant progressive reduction in cognitive score and plasma BDNF levels as the decades of life increased. The neurocognitive scores were significantly higher in Groups I, II and III than in Group IV. Similarly, the median plasma BDNF level was significantly higher in Group I than in Groups III and IV. Regression analysis revealed that age was negatively related to cognition (R2 = 0.522, p = 0.000) and BDNF levels (R2 = 0.095, p = 0.003). Plasma BDNF levels and cognitive scores progressively decrease with increasing age hence, plasma BDNF levels could predict susceptibility to neurocognitive dysfunction as aging progresses.