bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Future changes in soil salinization across Central Asia under CMIP6 forcing scenarios
Authors: Dong Xin , Ding Jianli , Ge Xiangyu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSoil salinization is a critical environmental and socio‐economic concern with global implications, and its severity is expected to amplify under changing climate. The impact of climate change on salinization in Central Asia is still not fully understood. This study addresses this gap by employing a digital soil mapping (DSM) framework. Cubist, random forest (RF), and quantile regression forests (QRF) are utilized to project variations in soil surface salinity (0‐10 cm) in Central Asia from 2025 to 2100 under two shared socio‐economic pathways (SSPs): SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5. These models are developed using data from 20 global climate models (GCMs) obtained from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). The results reveal that the RF model exhibits superior predictive capability in estimating soil salinity. RF performed on the calibration set with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.86, root mean square error (RMSE) of 9.84 and 9.90 dS m−1, ratio of performance to interquartile distance (RPIQ) of 3.09 and 3.07, and a Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) of 0.86. The multi‐GCM ensemble means revealed the potential for varying degrees of salinization in Central Asia, with higher levels predominantly observed in the southeast and southwest of the study area, particularly downstream of the river and in the lakeside areas. Temporal analysis of soil salinity evolution reveals an overall increase in salinity across the region, with more notable changes projected under SSP5‐8.5. Specifically, the projected increase rate in soil salinity for Central Asia was 0.0005 dS m−1/year under SSP2‐4.5 and 0.01 dS m−1/year under SSP5‐8.5. Turkmenistan is notable for possessing the highest regional average of soil salinity, with the exception of a declining trend observed within this area. The remaining regions of Central Asia exhibit an upward trend in average soil salinity, particularly noteworthy under the SSP5‐8.5 scenario, where variations in soil salinity are more obvious. These findings hold significant potential in enhancing our understanding of how Central Asia responds to global change, advances toward sustainable development, and enhances comprehension of the dynamics within the region.
Generating 3D images of VMAT plans for predictive models and activation maps associated with plan deliverability
Authors: Cho Hyeonjeong , Lee Jae Sung , Kim Jin Sung , Kim Deok , Chang Jee Suk , Byun Hwa Kyung , Lee Ik Jae , Kim Yong Bae , Kim Changhwan , Lee Ho , Kim Hojin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundIntensity modulation with dynamic multi‐leaf collimator (MLC) and monitor unit (MU) changes across control points (CPs) characterizes volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). The increased uncertainty in plan deliverability required patient‐specific quality assurance (PSQA), which remained inefficient upon Quality Assurance (QA) failure. To prevent waste before QA, plan complexity metrics (PCMs) and machine learning models with the metrics were generated, which were lack of providing CP‐specific information upon QA failures.PurposeBy generating 3D images from digital imaging and comminications in medicine in radiation therapy (DICOM RT) plan, we proposed a predictive model that can estimate the deliverability of VMAT plans and visualize CP‐specific regions associated with plan deliverability.MethodsThe patient cohort consisted of 259 and 190 cases for left‐ and right‐breast VMAT treatments, which were split into 235 and 166 cases for training and 24 cases from each treatment for testing the networks. Three‐channel 3D images generated from DICOM RT plans were fed into a DenseNet‐based deep learning network. To reflect VMAT plan complexity as an image, the first two channels described MLC and MU variations between two consecutive CPs, while the last channel assigned the beam field size. The network output was defined as binary classified PSQA results, indicating deliverability. The predictive performance was assessed by accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1‐score, and area under the curve (AUC). The gradient‐weighted class activation map (Grad‐CAM) highlighted the regions of CPs in VMAT plans associated with deliverability, compared against PCMs by Spearman correlation.ResultsThe DenseNet‐based predictive model yielded AUCs of 92.2% and 93.8%, F1‐scores of 97.0% and 93.8% and accuracies of 95.8% and 91.7% for the left‐ and right‐breast VMAT cases. Additionally, the specificity of 87.5% for both cases indicated that the predictive model accurately detected QA failing cases. The activation maps significantly differentiated QA failing‐labeled from passing‐labeled classes for the non‐deliverable cases. The PCM with the highest correlation to the Grad‐CAM varied from patient cases, implying that plan deliverability would be considered patient‐specific.ConclusionThis work demonstrated that the deep learning‐based network based on visualization of dynamic VMAT plan information successfully predicted plan deliverability, which also provided control‐point specific planning parameter information associated with plan deliverability in a patient‐specific manner.
The efficacy and safety of monoclonal antibody therapies for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Cao Zhi‐Gang , Li Fu‐Dong , Zhang Chun‐Lei , Luo Guo‐Xiong , Chang De‐Hui 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of monoclonal antibody therapies (MATs) for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).MethodsA systematic search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Embase, clinicalTrial.gov, and the Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing MATs versus placebo were included. Primary outcomes comprised the Global Response Assessment (GRA) scale and the O'Leary‐Sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI). Additional analyses encompassed mean daily frequency of voids, the O'Leary‐Sant Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index, pain scores, and complications. Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.3.ResultsFive high‐quality RCTs, comprising 263 patients with IC/BPS, were ultimately selected. MATs were generally effective in treating IC/BPS. Patients receiving MATs exhibited a higher satisfaction rate (odds ratio [OR]: 2.7, confidence interval [CI]: 1.31–5.58, p = 0.007) and lower ICSI scores (mean difference [MD]: −1.44, CI: −2.36 to −0.52, p = 0.002). Moreover, MAT recipients experienced reduced pain (MD: −0.53, CI: −0.79 to −0.26, p < 0.0001) and decreased frequency of urination (MD: −1.91, CI: −2.55 to −1.27, p < 0.00001). Importantly, there were no disparities regarding complication incidence in the MAT and control groups.ConclusionsThe current findings indicate that MATs are effective and safe for treating IC/BPS. Nonetheless, future RCTs with larger sample sizes and long‐term follow‐up are warranted.
Early bladder dysfunction after vesicovaginal fistula repair: A prospective comparative analysis of transvaginal, open, and laparoscopic abdominal approaches
Authors: Anand Madhur , Kumar Manoj , Jain Mayank , Gupta Amber , Kumar Abhijeet , Singh Bhupendra Pal , Singh Vishwajeet , Goel Apul 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionWe aim to compare the clinical and urodynamic profile of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients undergoing laparoscopic, open transabdominal, and laparoscopic transabdominal vesicovaginal fistulae (VVF) repair at 3 months of repair, that is, in early postoperative period.Materials and MethodsFifty‐one consecutive patients with endoscopically confirmed VVF were enrolled in our study over 2 years. Malignant fistulae, radiation‐induced, and complex fistulae were excluded after cross‐sectional imaging. All patients underwent a postoperative assessment for the success of the repair. Then at 3 months, they completed the American Urological Association Symptom Score questionnaire and underwent a dual channel pressure‐flow urodynamic study. The results of transvaginal, laparoscopic, and open transabdominal repairs were compared.ResultsAll patients belonged to the Indian Caucasian race. The mean age was 35.43 ± 6.63 years. Thirty‐two patients had supratrigonal and 19 had trigonal fistulae. Laparoscopic transabdominal repair was done in 15 patients, open transabdominal repair in 22 patients, and transvaginal repair in 14 patients. Forty‐six patients reported some LUTS at a median follow‐up of 5.83 ± 2.37 months postoperatively. Only 18 (35.2%) of these patients had moderate to severe symptoms The postoperative bladder dysfunction rates in open transabdominal, transvaginal and laparoscopic transabdominal groups were 36.4%, 28.6%, and 20%, respectively. Twenty‐seven patients (52.9%) had some urodynamic abnormality, that is, small capacity (5), high voiding pressures (14), genuine stress incontinence (3), and poor compliance (3). Bladder capacity was a significant predictor of bladder dysfunction in our patients.ConclusionsIn our study, all three surgical approaches were associated with bladder dysfunction, however, it was the least in the laparoscopic transabdominal approach. Postoperative bladder capacity is a significant predictor of bladder dysfunction.
Intelligent switching gain based sliding mode control for optimization of power consumption in cooperative manipulators
Authors: Kia Ali Parsai , Korayem Moharam Habibnejad , Lademakhi Naeim Yousefi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCooperative manipulators, vital for intricate tasks, are gaining widespread attention across industries. Recognizing their impact on power consumption, costs, and task outcomes, this paper emphasizes the critical study of control methods, actuator power consumption, and manipulator accuracy. Addressing these challenges, we propose a neural network‐sliding mode controller (NN‐SMC) to optimize actuator power consumption and minimize errors in cooperative manipulators. Operating in trajectory and point‐to‐point modes, the NN‐SMC dynamically generates real‐time switching mode controller (SMC) gains (L and K) for precise control. Stability is ensured by maintaining gains within permissible ranges. In point‐to‐point mode, the NN orchestrates an optimal path generation, along with tailored gains. To evaluate performance accurately, a novel control performance index is introduced. Experimental results on 3‐DOF cooperative manipulators demonstrate a remarkable 28% increase in the control performance index for the trajectory mode and a substantial reduction in computational complexity for both modes. This work not only addresses inherent challenges in cooperative manipulators but also signifies a methodological advancement through the integration of neural network‐based control, promising enhanced efficiency and stability.
Low‐velocity impact characterization of polyurethane rubber/nano‐clay enriched sustainable sandwich composites: Synergy of experimentation and simulations
Authors: Gowda Darshan , Mahesh Vinyas , Mahesh Vishwas , Ravishankar K. S. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis research proposes a novel sustainable composite using basalt (B), hemp (H) and polyurethane rubber (Pu) reinforced in nano clay functionalised epoxy matrix for sacrificial structural applications prone to low‐velocity impact (LVI). To this end, symmetric and asymmetric laminates such as HHHH, BBBB, BHHB, BHPuHB, BBPuHH and BPuBPuHPuH are fabricated using compression molding techniques and subjected to LVI at three different impact energies of 19.66, 39.39, and 59.05 J. The hemp fibers were treated with NaOH solution before fabrication. Material characterization such as X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and morphological studies has been carried out. The impact and post‐impact properties of the proposed composites are experimentally evaluated and validated with the finite element (FE) results. The effect on the residual tensile strength degradation of laminates at different interlayers and energy levels is also investigated using the Caprino analytical model. The barely visible impact damages (BVID) are investigated through non‐destructive dye‐penetration tests, which facilitate easy identification of the prominent LVI damages like “Plateau” and “Cliff‐drop” impressions. Based on the impact energy absorption and residual tensile strength, proposed laminates followed BHPuHB > BBBB > BHHB > HHHH. The experimentation suggests that Polyurethane core laminates support maximum impact energy absorption by favoring a structural change in interlayers. Also, the residual tensile strength decreases as impact velocity increases.Highlights
Low‐velocity impact behavior of sustainable composites is experimented.
Basalt, hemp and polyurethane rubber are reinforced in nano clay epoxy matrix.
A FE framework to validate the experimentation is proposed.
Dye penetrant NDT is adopted to investigate the damages.
Morphological studies are conducted to understand LVI responses.
Epitaxial Growth of Nano‐Sized Pb Islands on SrTiO3 Substrate: Competition Between Electron Correlation and Enhanced Superconductivity
Authors: Shao Zhibin , Sun Haigen , Cao Yan , Zhang Zongyuan , Li Shaojian , Zhang Xin , Bian Qi , Gedeon Habakubaho , Yuan Hui , Pan Minghu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe discovery of the interface‐enhanced superconductivity in the single‐layer film of FeSe epitaxially grown on SrTiO3 substrates has triggered a flurry of activity in the field of superconductivity. It raised the hope to find more conventional high transition temperature (Tc) superconductors that are purely driven by the electron‐phonon interaction at ambient pressure. Here the epitaxial growth of the Pb nano‐sized islands on SrTiO3 (001) substrates with the island volumes ranging from 286 to 4945 nm3 is reported by molecular beam epitaxy, followed by systematic scanning tunneling microscopic/spectroscopic (STM/S) investigation. The observed STS gap for the nanoscale islands highly dependent on the volumes of nano‐sized islands, can be divided into three regions. By performing a detailed spectroscopic investigation, it is founded that superconductivity in the volume above 3700 nm3 (Region I) has a zero temperature energy gap (Δ(0)) and Tc of 6.8 meV and 9.8 K obtained by BCS fitting, showing the largely‐enhanced Δ and slightly‐increased Tc by comparing to the bulk Pb (1.4 meV and 7.2 K). As the volume in the range from 1300 to 3700 nm3 (Region II), a large Coulomb gap induced by electron correlation emerged and shows a volume‐dependent behavior, suggesting the reduced size can enhance electron correlation in Pb islands. As the volume decreases down to Region III, enhanced electron correlation and Coulomb gap become more dominant and superconductivity is totally suppressed. The experiment reveals that an electron‐electron interaction in nano‐sized Pb islands can be significantly enhanced by reducing the island sizes and suppresses the superconductivity, thus demonstrates a competition between superconductivity and electron correlation as the volume varies.
A review of robot‐assisted ultrasound examination: Systems and technology
Authors: Du Haiyan , Zhang Xinran , Zhang Yongde , Zhang Fujun , Lin Letao , Huang Tao 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundAt present, the number and overall level of ultrasound (US) doctors cannot meet the medical needs, and the medical ultrasound robots will largely solve the shortage of medical resources.MethodsAccording to the degree of automation, the handheld, semi‐automatic and automatic ultrasound examination robot systems are summarised. Ultrasound scanning path planning and robot control are the keys to ensure that the robot systems can obtain high‐quality images. Therefore, the ultrasound scanning path planning and control methods are summarised. The research progress and future trends are discussed.ResultsA variety of ultrasound robot systems have been applied to various medical works. With the continuous improvement of automation, the systems provide high‐quality ultrasound images and image guidance for clinicians.ConclusionAlthough the development of medical ultrasound robot still faces challenges, with the continuous progress of robot technology and communication technology, medical ultrasound robot will have great development potential and broad application space.
Resilience in the face of ecological challenges: Strategies for integrating environmental considerations into social policy planning in Africa
Authors: Adebayo Waidi Gbenro 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAfrica faces severe ecological crises, such as climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss, undermining sustainable development efforts and exacerbating poverty and hunger. Integrating environmental concerns into social policy planning could help build community resilience and support sustainable development. This study employed policy analysis and stakeholder engagement to identify key environmental issues, policy gaps, and strategies for integrating environmental considerations into social policies across various sectors in Africa. The study found a significant lack of integration of environmental concerns into social policy across areas like disaster management, agriculture, urban planning, healthcare access, and infrastructure development policies. As a percentage of respondents, the top environmental issues were flooding (32%), drought/desertification (13%), and food security/agriculture (11%), with farmers (35.4%) and women (21.7%) being the most vulnerable to climate change. Most community stakeholders (87.5%) emphasized the importance of integrating environmental considerations into social policy, with 56.25% rating it a high priority. They underscored the need for more locally driven planning, ecological monitoring, land restoration, diversified livelihoods, and climate change adaptation support through social policies to enhance environmental sustainability. This study's novelty lies in its comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing the complex interplay between environmental challenges and social policy planning in Africa. The findings emphasize the urgent need for policymakers to develop cross‐sectoral national and local policies that use participatory processes to prioritize environmental sustainability, adaptation, community empowerment, and alignment with sustainable development goals while being responsive to continuing environmental uncertainty and change.
Using system dynamics to support a functional exercise for pandemic preparedness and response
Authors: Green Caroline , Beishuizen Berend , Stein Mart , Rovers Chantal P. , Tostmann Alma , de Jong Daan L. K. , Houareau Claudia , Perseke Knut , Spieker Clara , Grote Ulrike , Csornai Patrick , Tighe Carlos , Hayes Conor , Andrade Jair , Connolly Máire A. , Duggan Jim 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn pandemic preparedness and response, a Functional Exercise (FX) is used to simulate a situation as close to a real‐life event as possible without the deployment of resources. Participants are drawn from public health emergency operations centres, and work through a scenario script to test possible responses to a novel pathogen outbreak. This paper summarises the role of system dynamics modelling in the design and implementation of a functional exercise, which involved the Dutch and German national public health institutes in March 2023. The findings confirm the value of the system dynamics method in integrating disease and hospital models, and also highlights how well the method aligns with modern software development processes. The paper concludes with a discussion of what worked well, and presents areas for future enhancements of management flight simulators to support functional exercises. © 2024 The Author(s). System Dynamics Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of System Dynamics Society.
Anthocyanin‐Enhanced Bacterial Cellulose Nanofibers for Sustainable Hg(II) Ion Sensing
Authors: Minabi‐Nezhad Mehran , Moeinpour Farid , Mohseni‐Shahri Fatemeh S. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHg(II), poses a significant threat to both the environment and overall well‐being. The present indicator utilizes anthocyanin extract from roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), RSE, and incorporates it into bacterial cellulose nanofibers (BCNF) to detect Hg(II) ions. Through examination of the CIE Lab color variables, it is determined that the binding of Hg(II) leads to a discernible alteration in the color. The visible color changes as the Hg(II) concentration increases. ATR‐FTIR(Attenuated Total Reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and SEM(scanning electron microscopy) are utilized to analyze the bacterial cellulose nanofibers containing anthocyanin. The selectivity of the proposed sensor is assessed by conducting experiments with different types of metal ions including Co2+, Al3+, Na+, Ba2+, Ni2+, Mg2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, and Cu2+. The outcomes indicate that the sensor exhibits a remarkable ability to distinguish and respond specifically to Hg(II) ions. This particular sensing technique allows for the precise and reliable detection of Hg(II), with a detection limit of 0.72 ppm, by simply observing with the naked eye. For the effective treatment of a tap water sample, the BCNF‐RSE film provides successful results in the detection of Hg(II) ions. This innovative metallochromic sensor offers a promising solution for the on‐site, cost‐effective, portable, easy to use, and real‐time detection of Hg(II) ions.
An integrative taxonomy of Asian Caryodaphnopsis (Lauraceae) based on morphology and phylogenomics
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Sun Tiantian , Omollo Wyckliffe Omondi , Le Chi Toan , Nguyen Van Hieu , Chen Zhiduan , Lin Qinwen , Yang Yong , Liu Bing 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCaryodaphnopsis is a small genus of the Lauraceae family with disjunct distribution in tropical Asia and tropical America. Taxa from each region form a well­supported monophyletic clade. However, the species circumscription in Asian Caryodaphnopsis remains ambiguous due to few and generally unstable morphological characters used for classification. To address this, we conducted an integrative taxonomy of the Asian clade. We investigated 13 populations, sampled 57 accessions covering the entire taxonomic diversity, geographic range, and morphological variation in Asia, and reconstructed a new phylogeny using single‐nucleotide polymorphisms. We obtained a well‐resolved phylogeny of the Asian Caryodaphnopsis. The first diverged clade consists of three species endemic to lowland forests. The second (largest) clade (eight species in total) mainly occurs in limestone mountain forests and has a double‐layered lower leaf epidermis morphology of type 2 (less complete roomy with closed “roof”) and type 3 (complete roomy with closed “roof”). Based on the diagnostic morphological characters, distinct distributional ranges, and monophyly of each clade, we recognize 12 species in the Asian Caryodaphnopsis, including three new species: C. cangyuanensis sp. nov., C. hekouensis sp. nov., and C. rubrinervis sp. nov. We also reinstate C. latifolia, and re‐circumscribe the widespread C. tonkinensis and other species based on fruit and inflorescence morphology and molecular evidence.