bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Scalable Masked Image Modeling based Self-Supervised Approach for Hand Mesh Estimation
Authors: Li Yanli , Wang Congyi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

With an enormous number of hand images generated over time, unleashing pose knowledge from unlabeled images for supervised hand mesh estimation is an emerging yet challenging topic. Semi-supervised and self-supervised approaches have been proposed to alleviate this issue, but the reliance on high-quality fine-grained keypoint detection models or conventional ResNet backbones limits them. In this paper, inspired by the rapid progress of Masked Image Modeling (MIM) and Vision Transformer (ViT) in visual classification tasks, we propose a novel self-supervised pre-training strategy for regressing 3D hand mesh parameters. Our approach involves a unified and multi-granularity strategy with a pseudo keypoint alignment module in the teacher-student framework for learning pose-aware semantic class tokens. We adopt a self-distillation manner between teacher and student network based on MIM pre-training for patch tokens with detailed locality. To better fit low-level regression tasks, we also incorporate masked pixel reconstruction tasks for multi-level representation learning. Additionally, we designed a strong pose estimation baseline using a simple vanilla Vision Transformer (ViT) as the backbone and attached a Pyramidal Mesh Alignment Feedback (PyMAF) head for mesh regression. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our proposed approach, named HandMIM, achieves state-of-the-art (SOTA) performance on various datasets. Notably, HandMIM outperforms specially optimized architectures, achieving an 8.00mm PAVPE (Procrustes Alignment Vertex-Point-Error) on the challenging HO3Dv2 test set, thereby establishing new state-of-the-art records in 3D hand mesh estimation.
Crack-SAM: Crack Segmentation Using a Foundation Model
Authors: R Rakshitha , S Srinath , Kumar N Vinay , S Rashmi , V Poornima B 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Ensuring the structural integrity of pavements requires precise crack detection and evaluation. Manual inspections, although essential, are labour-intensive, time-consuming, and susceptible to errors, emphasizing the need for automated visual inspection techniques. This study presents an integrated approach to crack assessment by utilizing advanced visual models such as the Detectron2 model zoo and the Segment Anything Model (SAM) on Dataset A and Dataset B, which contain images from diverse locations with complex backgrounds and varying crack structures. Experiments were conducted using the Detectron2 model with four baseline configurations (mask_rcnn_R_50_FPN_3x, mask_rcnn_R_101_FPN_3x, fast_rcnn_R_50_FPN_3x, and fast_rcnn_R_101_FPN_3x), selected for their proven performance in object detection tasks and their ability to balance computational efficiency with high detection accuracy. Additionally, SAM was fine-tuned with three loss functions (Focal Loss, DiceCELoss, and DiceFocalLoss) chosen for their effectiveness in handling class imbalance and improving segmentation accuracy. Results demonstrate that SAM fine-tuned with DiceFocalLoss outperforms Detectron2 in crack segmentation, achieving mean intersection over union (MIoU) values of 0.69 for Dataset A and 0.59 for Dataset B. The integration of Detectron2 with fast_rcnn_R_101_FPN_3x as the baseline and SAM with DiceFocalLoss involves training the Detectron2 model to generate approximate bounding boxes around objects of interest, which are then used as prompts for the SAM model to produce segmentation masks, resulting in MIoU values of 0.83 for Dataset A and 0.75 for Dataset B. These findings represent significant advancements in crack identification methods, with substantial implications for improving highway maintenance practices.
Congenital Atrio-Ventricular Block: looking for optimal implantation timing. A single tertiary referral centre experience
Authors: Papaccioli Giovanni , Ciriello Giovanni Domenico , Correra Anna , Colonna Diego , Fratta Fiorella , Farina Gabriella , Esposito Raffaella , Romeo Emanuele , Sorice Davide , Orlando Antonio , Oppido Guido , Russo Maria Giovanna , Sarubbi Berardo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Congenital atrio-ventricular block (CAVB) affects 1 in 15,000 live births with a mortality rate of 16–30%. It can be associated with congenital heart disease (CHD) or maternal autoantibodies and, less commonly, with viral infections or drug side effects. CAVB detected in utero is more severe, leading to higher neonatal mortality and early pacemaker (PM) implantation. Physicians face challenges in determining if and when to implant a permanent PM. This study reports on the experience of a single tertiary referral center with fetuses and children diagnosed with CAVB, focusing on incidence, PM implantation indications and timing, device types, complications, re-interventions, and long-term clinical outcomes.
Methods
The diagnostic database of the Paediatric Cardiology and Adult Congenital Heart Disease and Congenital and Familiar Arrhythmias Unit was reviewed to identify patients with CAVB from January 1996 to January 2023. Patients were followed for an average of 10.3 ± 7.3 years.
Results
Forty patients (average age 14.3 ± 11.7 years; 57.5% male; 80% with complete CAVB) were included. The median age at diagnoses was 3 (IR 0.06–6.3) years, ranging from in utero to 22 years. Nine patients (22.5%) had symptoms at time of diagnosis, 8 (20%) received a foetal diagnosis of CAVB, and 23 (57.5%) were diagnosed after casual detection of bradycardia during routine exams. Twelve patients (30%) had concomitant congenital heart disease (CHD), one patient had multiple cardiac rhabdomyomas and one had atrio-ventricular septal aneurysm at aorto-mitral junction. After a mean follow-up of 10.3 ± 7.3 years, 24 (60%) patients underwent a PM implant (15 epicardial PM and 9 transvenous PM) with a median time from the diagnosis to the implant procedure of 5 months (IR 1–18). PMs were implanted for symptoms in 45.8% and prophylactically in 54.2%. Cardiologic therapies were significantly associated with PM implantation (HR 9; P = 0.04). In the subgroup of implanted patients, ejection fraction (EF) showed an improvement at the last follow-up compared to the last pre-implantation value (P = 0.02), as was Fractional Shortening (FS) (P = 0.01) and left ventricle z-score end-systolic diameter (P = 0.045). Seven patients in PM group (29.1%) underwent a re-intervention, 6 due to lead failure and 1 due to infective endocarditis. Only 1 death (2.5%) occurred in a preterm infant with a very low body-weight at birth.
Conclusion
Accurate follow-up and optimal timing of PM implantation, including prophylactic pacing as per current recommendations, are associated with good long-term outcomes.
Effect of Lachnanthocarpone on the Structural and Functional Properties of a Protein-starch-based Film: A Promising Alternative for Active Packaging
Authors: Ramirez-Álvarez Milanyela , Mesa-López Kevin , Duarte-Correa Yudy , Mesías Ricardo , Granda-Restrepo Diana 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Due to their adaptability, plastics are used in everyday products, including food, which need to be protected to avoid spoilage reactions like lipid oxidation. However, today, the interest is in developing active food packaging materials with natural compounds such as α-Tocopherol and Lachnanthocarpone(2,6-dihydroxy-9-phenyl-1H-phenalen-1-one). The first is a natural antioxidant that has been successfully incorporated in based films. The second is a powerful natural antioxidant, with more than twice the activity of Trolox in vitro, which has scarcely been explored for its application in food or food packaging. The objective of the study presented here was twofold: first, it intended to evaluate, through a solvent-casting technique, the effects of these two antioxidants on some properties of films based on cassava starch and concentrated whey protein. Second, it aimed to analyze the biodegradability and functionality of lachnanthocarpone for developing active packaging using a commercial fresh-semi-hard cheese as a reference food. Results of the study showed significant differences between the films with antioxidants and the control film (without antioxidants), thus, the latter had the highest light transmittance of the films, indicating that the food was subjected to more significant oxidative damage. On the other hand, the former showed biodegradability characteristics and less quantity of hexanal production after 30 days of storage, which demonstrated its protective effect on the reference food, leading to lower lipid oxidation. These results suggest that the developed films with incorporated antioxidants are a promising alternative for reducing plastic food packaging materials, with the added value of oxidative protection.
Experimental investigation οf bio-based polymers reinforced with graphene oxide
Authors: Gargala Aikaterini N. , Polydoropoulou Panagiota V. , Tserpes Konstantinos 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Graphene oxide (GO) is a commonly used additive to enhance the mechanical properties of epoxy polymers. The efficiency of GO can be significantly influenced by various parameters, such as the quality of GO and the homogeneity of its dispersion. Efficient dispersion of graphene within the epoxy medium can notably improve the mechanical properties of multifunctional polymers. This work aims to maximize the effect of GO on the mechanical properties of bio-based polymers by synthesizing high-quality GO and achieving efficient dispersion in the epoxy. To this end, we investigated the effect of adding solvents (acetone, THF) on the mechanical behavior of multifunctional bio-based polymers subjected to several types of static loading. Five different types of materials were examined: neat epoxy resin as the reference material, enhanced epoxy resin without solvent, enhanced epoxy with acetone solvent, enhanced epoxy resin with THF solvent, and epoxy resin enhanced with pure graphite powder. The concentration of GO or graphite was maintained at 0.5 wt%. The findings were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Raman Spectroscopy. A significant increase in the tensile strength of polymers filled with GO without solvent was observed compared to the enhanced materials with solvents. Additionally, the fracture toughness properties were improved. SEM analysis of the fracture surfaces revealed resin penetration into the graphene sheets, indicating strong bonding of the amino groups to the graphene oxide in the case of the enhanced epoxy resin without solvent. In contrast, in the enhanced epoxies with the two types of solvents, the bonding between the GO and epoxy appeared to be either deteriorated or destroyed. TGA analysis revealed that both the neat and GO-reinforced resins without solvent were thermally stable up to 360°C, beyond which the material began to melt and decompose. Raman spectra showed the vibrations of the epoxy ring during the curing process, with the intensity of the observed peaks indicating the quantity of free epoxides in the samples. Finally, it was revealed that the enhanced material with GO exhibited reduced intensity (fewer free epoxides) due to the connection of epoxides with the functional groups on the surface of the graphene oxide.
Human Fields and Their Impact on Brain Waves
Authors: Acosta-Elias Jesus , Mendez-Moreno Santiago , Vital-Ochoa Omar , Espinosa-Tanguma Ricardo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

During brain function, various groups of neurons fire synchronously. When these groups are very large, the signal amplitude can be high enough to be measured on the surface of the scalp using Electroencephalography (EEG). These electrical waves exhibit certain patterns depending on the brain's activity, whether it is asleep, awake, or performing mental calculations. Additionally, these patterns can be modified by external factors, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS involves bringing an antenna that generates variable electromagnetic fields close to specific areas of the skull to treat certain pathologies. Given that the human body naturally generates magnetic fields, a question arises: Can these fields influence the EEG by modulating neuronal function, causing a resonance effect, or through some unknown interaction? This study investigated whether approaching the palm of the hand to the top of the head could induce effects in the EEG. We found that 7 out of 20 subjects exhibited changes in their EEG, specifically an increase in the amplitude of certain frequency bands.
Association between skeletal muscle mass to visceral fat area ratio and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Tang Si-yun , Wu Hui , Liu Meng-ran , Li Jing , Lu Yi-chen , Cao Rui-li , Lu Gu-qin , Li Xiao-hua 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Methods A cross-sectional design was used in this study. We investigated the Skeletal muscle mass to visceral fat area ratio (SVR), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and insulin resistance (IR) in 201 patients with T2DMwho treated in the outpatient department and ward of the Department of Endocrinology of the Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between June 2022 and March 2023. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), total body fat (TBF), visceral fat area (VFA), and basal metabolic volume were measured using multifrequency bioimpedance analysis method. The percentage of body fat to body mass (TBF%), appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), and SVR were calculated.
Results Patients were divided equally into three groups (Q1–Q3) according to SVR levels. Compared with the Q3 group, in both Q1 and Q2 groups, waist-hip ratio, neutrophils, NLR, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglycerides, total cholesterol, free fatty acid, TBF, TBF%, and VFA were all increased (P<0.005), whereas lymphocytes, insulin sensitivity index (ISI), ASM, ASMI, basal metabolic rate, and SVR were all decreased (P<0.005).
Conclusion There is a correlation between SVR and IR in T2DM patients, suggesting that SVR has certain clinical value in the early warning of IR in T2DM.
Dynamic Adaptive Scaling Network for Camouflaged Object Detection
Authors: Wang Lili , Ruan Kang , Yan Pu , Zhao Yang , Wang Xu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Recently, accurately segmenting objects from backgrounds has become a significant challenge for Camouflaged Object Detection(COD). Currently, traditional single-view approaches have limitations in predicting the boundary of camouflaged objects. Moreover, a fixed scaling ratio fails to fully explore imperceptible clues between camouflaged objects and background surroundings. To overcome these obstacles, we propose a triplet network via dynamic adaptive scaling strategy, named Dynamic Adaptive Scaling Network for Camouflaged Object Detection(DASNet). It mimics the behavior of humans dynamically adjusting observation distances when observing indistinct objects to zoom in and out images. Specifically, we design a dynamic adaptive scaling module(DASM) to obtain the optimal scaling ratios for each view. In addition, we design the multi-view feature fusion module(MVFF) and the multi-scale feature fusion module(MSFF) to guide the learning of multi-view and multi-scale features and enhance feature representation. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed DASNet outperforms 23 other representative methods on three public datasets.
Enhancing Time-Series Access Control Using Deep Recurrent Neural Networks and Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Mohammadi Nasibeh , Rezakhani Afshin , Seydjavadi Seyd Hamid Haj , Asghari Parvaneh 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In this research, we introduce an innovative Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) system incorporating the novel attribute of "access history" and deep learning techniques, specifically time-series neural networks such as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) networks, to enhance decision-making accuracy. The system includes key components such as Policy Decision and Enforcement Points, access log management, and an offline-trained deep learning model for real-time access validation. Our proposed method improves accuracy by integrating Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to generate realistic synthetic data for training. Experimental results on various datasets, including real-world and synthetic data, demonstrate the superior performance of our model over traditional and recent methods, achieving an accuracy of over 98% in complex access control scenarios.
Effects of general anesthesia combined with epidural block on stress response and shift of T helper cells in patients after cervical cancer surgery
Authors: Li Wei , Zhang Ying , Lv Jianrui , Zhang Yong , Luo Bin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the effects of general anesthesia combined with epidural block on the stress response and shift of T helper (Th) cells in patients after cervical cancer surgery.
Methods
A total of 106 patients undergoing radical surgery of cervical cancer were randomly assigned into a general anesthesia combined with epidural block (observation) group and a general anesthesia (control) group. Peripheral blood was collected before anesthesia (T0), during anesthesia maintenance (T1), as well as 10 min (T2), 1 d (T3), 2 d (T4) and 7 d after surgery (T5). The levels of cytokines interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were detected by ELISA, and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio was calculated.
Results
Compared with the control group, the observation group had significantly lower levels of GH, PRL and Cor, proportions of Th2 and Treg cells, and levels of IL-4 and TGF-β1 during anesthesia maintenance and at each time point after surgery (P < 0.05), but higher proportion of Th1 cells, Th1/Th2 cell ratio, IFN-γ level and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
General anesthesia combined with epidural block can better alleviate the stress response and protect the immune function of patients after cervical cancer surgery.
Promising resistance donors for yellow mosaic and charcoal rot diseases in soybean (Glycine max, L.)
Authors: Amrate Pawan Kumar , Nataraj Vennampally , Shivakumar M , Shrivastava Manoj , Rajput Laxman Singh , Mohare Salikram , Agrawal Nisha , Mandloi Saloni , Anand Kumar Jai , Ratnaparkhe Milind B. , K Bhojaraja Naik , Gupta Sanjay , Singh K. H. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Soybean in India is facing many production challenges in the form of biotic and abiotic stresses. Among biotic stresses, yellow mosaic and charcoal rot diseases are causing significant yield losses. Current study was undertaken to identify promising genotypes for yellow mosaic and charcoal rot diseases and higher yield under high disease pressure. A total of seventy-eight genotypes were screened for resistance against yellow mosaic and charcoal rot diseases, and grain yield under sick plot conditions across three years (2021, 2022 and 2023). In addition, these genotypes were also evaluated for seedling charcoal rot resistance through artificial inoculation. Genotypes JS 94 − 67, EC 34372, JS 21–78, JS 21–73, JS 21 − 05 and PS 1024 were found to be promising donors for yellow mosaic disease, while JS 22 − 18, JS 22 − 12 and JS 21 − 05 showed stable field resistance against charcoal rot disease. Through artificial inoculation for charcoal rot resistance, least AUDPC was found in JS 22 − 10 followed by PS 1613, JS 22 − 12, JS 22 − 16, JS 2–05, JS 22 − 15, JS 22 − 18 and KDS 1073. Two genotypes, JS 94 − 67 and JS 21 − 05 were found to superior resistance donors for both the diseases, while JS 22 − 10 and PS 1613 were found to be the best resistance sources for seedling charcoal rot disease. Genotypes identified for different traits will be used by us as parents in developing high-yielding, yellow mosaic and charcoal rot resistant cultivars to sustain the soybean production in India.
Groundwater Quality Assessment for Drinking and Irrigation Purposes in Khartoum Area- between two Niles–Sudan
Authors: Abdelwdood Braa , Elsheikh Abdalla 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The Nile and groundwater waters are the two sources for drinking and irrigation water in Khartoum corridors. The assessment of groundwater quality is of high priority for safe uses of water. The suitability of groundwater for drinking purpose was made by applying water quality index (WQI). For irrigation purpose the assessment was based on the Percentage of sodium, Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), Permeability index (PI), Residual sodium carbonate (RSC), Kelly’s ratio (KR), Magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR) and Chloro-alkaline indices (CAI). The water quality index (WQI) reveals that all groundwater samples are found between excellent and good category of water and appropriate for drinking purposes. It is indicated that 95% and 96% of groundwater samples are grouped as excellent water for Gezira and Sandstone aquifers respectively, the remaining samples grouped as Good water. Most of the characteristics of irrigation water which calculated for the groundwater of Sandstone aquifers are more suitable for irrigation than the groundwater for Gezira aquifers (%Na, SAR, PI %, RCS, MAR%, KR and CAI). In the Sandstone aquifers the water quality adjacent to the Blue Nile is excellent than water quality adjacent to the White Nile. WQI is influenced by T.D.S in Gezira aquifers and by Nitrogen compounds in Sandstone aquifers.
Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Patients Admitted with Infective Endocarditis Who Undergo Patient-Directed Discharge: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Crooker Kyle , He YuTing , Lahey Tim , Hickey Tess , HoddWells Max , Sarathy Ashwini , Teng Torrance , Muniz Sean , Lor Jennifer , Chang Amy , Tompkins Bradley J. , Hale Andrew 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
There is an increase of patients with infective endocarditis who undergo patient-directed discharge prior to completion of the recommended duration of parenteral antibiotics. Outcomes of patients with infective endocarditis who do or do not undergo patient-directed discharge have not been clearly elucidated.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was done on all adult patients with infective endocarditis admitted at a single center between 2010–2020 who did or did not undergo patient-directed discharge. The authors compared baseline characteristics as well as 30-day, 90-day, 1-year, and 2-year outcomes.
Results
A total of 389 patients were included, with 47 in the patient-directed discharge cohort and 342 in the non-patient-directed discharge cohort. The patient-directed discharge cohort was younger and more likely to use intravenous drugs, but less likely to suffer from chronic diseases. The patient-directed discharge cohort was more likely to be infected with S. aureus, to experience right-sided valvular disease, and to receive less parenteral antibiotics. While there was no significant difference in mortality, the patient-directed discharge cohort had increased risk of complications.
Conclusions
Patients with infective endocarditis who undergo patient-directed discharge have significantly different baseline characteristics and are more likely to have complications of infective endocarditis when compared to non-patient-directed discharge, but with no significant difference in mortality.