bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Compression Reinforcement on the Shear Behavior of Concrete Beams with Hybrid Reinforcement
Authors: Ibrahim Abdulrahman A. , Rasheed Mohammed M. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study examines the impact of steel compression reinforcement on the shear behavior of concrete beams reinforced with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars, steel bars, and hybrid reinforcement of GFRP and steel bars. Nine beams, measuring (1200 mm x 150 mm x 250 mm), were tested under a three-point loading system. The beams were divided into three groups based on the GFRP-to-steel reinforcement ratio in the tensile region: T1 (100% steel), T2 (50% GFRP, 50% steel), and T3 (100% GFRP). Each group had three beams that differed in the amount of compression reinforcement as a percentage of tensile reinforcement (0%, about 50%, and about 100%). Beams fully reinforced with GFRP showed a significant decrease in ultimate load capacity compared to those with hybrid or steel reinforcement. Beams with partial or full GFRP reinforcement exhibited wider cracks and higher deflection than steel-reinforced beams. Conversely, adding compression reinforcement increased ultimate load capacity, particularly in beams with the highest compression reinforcement amount, and reduced deflections, strains, crack widths and crack formation across all groups. This behavior underscores the lower stiffness of GFRP and the benefits of adding compression reinforcement, which enhanced the stiffness and shear strength of the tested beams. Hybrid reinforcement of GFRP and steel bars in the tensile region, paired with an adequate amount of compression reinforcement, provides an optimal reinforcement strategy. This approach balances stiffness and ductility, and enhances the shear capacity and overall performance of concrete beams compared to those reinforced only with GFRP.
Diversification of the European bladdernuts (Staphylea, Staphyleaceae) in context of the whole genus and the rich fossil record
Authors: Vetters Herlinde , Affenzeller Matthias , Tribsch Andreas 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Staphyleaceae is a small family of shrubs and trees with its name-giving genus Staphylea having a highly disjunct distribution. Staphylea has a rich fossil record and was an important element in warm temperate Tertiary forests and is therefore regarded as a Tertiary relict. Based on DNA-sequence analyses of the nuclear marker ITS 1–2 and the chloroplast marker trnL-F as well as AFLP fingerprinting (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms) we gained more insights into the evolution and diversification of the two ‶European″ bladdernut species, the widespread diploid Staphylea pinnata and the tetraploid Staphylea colchica of the Caucasus. As the Caucasus is located west of the Ural Mountains, we consider both species as European. Staphylea pinnata seems to be involved in the hybridization of the likely allo-poly-ploidization of Staphylea colchica together with an unknown, supposedly now extinct species. Ancient repeat types of ITS 1–2 in Staphylea pinnata of Central Europe and Georgia suggested possible glacial refugia in Georgia, sequence similarity (especially a characteristic gap) in ITS 1–2 sequences of Ukrainian and Central European samples indicate refugia also in Ukraine. Staphylea emodi, the only Staphylea species of Central Asia (Tibetan Plateau), was in our research more closely related to the European species than to American representatives.
Differences by race and ethnicity in drug use patterns, harm reduction practices and barriers to treatment among people who use drugs in Rhode Island
Authors: Parker Samantha , Reichley Nya , Biello Katie B. , Goldman Jacqueline , Buxton Jane A. , Hadland Scott E. , Sherman Susan G. , Marshall Brandon D.L. , Macmadu Alexandria 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: As in much of the United States, there have been significant increases in overdose deaths among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic/Latinx populations in Rhode Island over the past decade. Given the shifting dynamics of the overdose epidemic, there is an urgent need for focused interventions that address the specific needs of diverse communities. This study explores differences in drug use patterns, harm reduction behaviors and types and barriers to treatment by race and ethnicity.
Methods: This study utilized baseline data from the Rhode Island Prescription and Illicit Drug Study (RAPIDS). We assessed sociodemographic characteristics, drug use patterns, harm reduction practices, treatment type, and barriers to treatment in a cross-sectional analysis of people who use drugs (PWUD), stratified by race and ethnicity (non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic other race, and Hispanic). Chi-square tests of independence and ANOVA tests were used to identify statistically significant differences by race and ethnicity.
Results: Among 509 participants, the median age was 43, and the majority were men (64%). Non-Hispanic Black participants reported significantly less regular use of unregulated opioids, such as heroin (10%) and fentanyl (12%), as compared to non-Hispanic white participants (39% and 33%, respectively). Non-Hispanic Black participants reported significantly less experience responding to overdoses: only 39% had ever administered naloxone and 34% had ever performed rescue breathing, as compared to 67% and 57% among non-Hispanic white participants, respectively. Despite significant differences in drug use patterns, there were few differences in harm reduction practices by race and ethnicity. Current treatment enrollment was highest among those who were non-Hispanic white (38%) and lowest among those who were non-Hispanic Black (7%).
Conclusions: These findings suggest that there are differences in overdose response experience and treatment exposure between non-Hispanic Black PWUD and those belonging to other racial and ethnic groups, indicating a need for enhanced investment in overdose response education, naloxone distribution and treatment access for non-Hispanic Black PWUD.
A Vanadium Redox Flow Process for Carbon Capture and Energy Storage
Authors: Rahimi Mohammad (Mim) , Afshari Mohsen , Refaie Abdelrahman , Aleta Prince , Hassan Ahmad 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Climate change mitigation by decreasing worldwide CO2 emissions is an urgent and demanding challenge that requires innovative technical solutions. This work, inspired by vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB), introduces an integrated electrochemical process for carbon capture and energy storage. It utilizes established vanadium and ferricyanide redox couples for pH modulation for CO2 desorption and absorbent regeneration. The developed process consumes electricity during the daytime—when renewable electricity is available—to desorb CO2 and charge the cell, and it can regenerate the absorbent for further CO2 absorption while releasing electricity to the grid during nighttime when solar power is unavailable. This research explores the process fundamentals and scalability potential, through an extensive study of the system's thermodynamics, transport phenomena, kinetics, and bench-scale operations. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was utilized to study the thermodynamics of the process, mapping the redox profiles to identify ideal potential windows for operation. The CV results pinpointed a 0.3 V Nernstian overpotential as the thermodynamic minimum required for cell operation. Additionally, polarization studies were conducted to select the practical operating potential, identifying 0.5 V as optimal for the CO2 desorption cycle to provide sufficient polarity to overcome activation barriers in addition to the Nernstian potential. Mass transfer analysis balanced conductivity and desorption efficiency, with a 1:1 ratio identified as optimal for redox-active species and background electrolyte concentration. To further enhance the kinetics of the redox reactions, plasma treatment of electrode surfaces was implemented, resulting in a 43% decrease in charge transfer resistance, as measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis. Finally, a bench-scale operation of the system demonstrated an energy consumption of 54 kJ/mol CO2, which is competitive with other electrochemical carbon capture technologies. Besides its energy competitiveness, the process offers multiple additional advantages, including the elimination of precious metal electrodes, oxygen insensitivity in flue gas, scalability inspired by VRFB technology, and the unique ability to function as a battery during the absorbent regeneration process, enabling efficient day-night operation.
An efficient method to induce polyploidization pollen in Chinese cork oak
Authors: Li Rui , Shi Yang , Yang Qinsong , Li Guolei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Quercus variabilis is a widely distributed species of cork oak in East Asia, with significant ecological and economic value. However, its slow growth rate limits its overall value and applications, and the ploidy advantage of multiploidy can improve its growth rate. Therefore, it is of great significance to establish a technological system to artificially induce polyploidization (2n) pollen for of Q. variabilis. Colchicine injections and high-temperature treatments were administered to the floral buds to induce 2n pollen in Q. variabilis. The impact of colchicine injection and high-temperature treatments on the surface structure of 2n pollen grains and pollen viability was examined using scanning electron microscopy and in vitro germination tests. This study differentiated the characteristics of flower bud development and meiotic stages of microspore mother cells of Q. variabilis, induced 2n pollen in Q. variabilis through colchicine and high-temperature, respectively, and compared the effects of different induction methods on pollen. The most effective condition for inducing 2n pollen (13.54%) using colchicine is to inject a 0.5% colchicine solution seven times when microspore cells enter the pachytene stage. The most effective condition for high-temperature induction of 2n pollen (29.63%) is to apply a six hours of 42°C heat treatment as microspore cells enter the metaphase Ⅰ stage. Comparatively, high-temperature treatment is more effective in inducing 2n pollen in Q. variabilis. This lays an important foundation for further development of triploid germplasm innovation in Q. variabilis. It also provides a new approach for the polyploidy of Quercus species.
Enhancing Malware Detection through Ensemble Learning Techniques
Authors: Moujoud First Loubna , Ayache Second Meryeme , Belmekki Third Abdelhamid 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The pervasive threat of malware presents a significant challenge to cybersecurity efforts worldwide, necessitating advanced and adaptive detection mechanisms. Traditional malware detection systems, relying on signature-based or heuristic analyses, struggle to keep pace with the rapidly evolving landscape of malware tactics, techniques, and procedures. In response, this paper explores the efficacy of ensemble learning techniques in the context of malware detection, offering three scenarios of ensemble models. The evaluation is conducted using a diverse dataset of malware samples, encompassing a wide range of malware types and behaviors. Through rigorous testing and validation, we demonstrate that ensemble learning models significantly outperform single-model approaches in detecting novel and sophisticated malware. The results highlight the potential of ensemble learning to improve detection accuracy and reduce false positive rates.
Dropout from Maternity Continuum of Care and Associated Factors Among Mothers in Arabsiyo District, Marodijeh Region, Somaliland: A Community-based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jama Hassan Abdi , Abdeeq Barkhad Aden , Mohamed Mustakim , Mohamed Ahmed Ismail , Yitbarek Kiddus 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Dropout from the maternity continuum of care is defined as not having ANC 4 and more visits during pregnancy, delivering out of a health facility, and not having a postnatal check-up. The continuum of care for maternal health in Sub-Saharan countries is low. In 2021, the overall utilization of maternal health care in Sub-Saharan countries showed 87.9%. The aim of this study is to determine dropout from maternity continuum care and associated factors among mothers in Arabsiyo Community, Gabiley District, Somaliland
Methods
Community Based Cross-section study was employed among mothers in Arabsiyo District, Somaliland. A total of 273 mothers were interviewed using simple random sampling technique. Quantitative data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. SPSS version 25 was entered and analyzed the data. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to summarize the findings and p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
The overall dropout from the maternity continuum of care is 78.4% (95% CI: 72.8 - 83.2%). Mothers who did not receive information about maternal health such ANC, Institutional delivery, and PNC were (AOR=4.29, 95% CI: 2.29 - 8.00, P-value <0.01). Similarly, Mothers who were not satisfied with ANC, Institutional delivery, and postanal care services had (AOR=3.07, 95% CI: 1.53 - 6.16, P-value <0.01). Mothers who resident rural were (AOR 2.03, 95% Cl: 1.13 - 3.65, P-value <0.01) were associated factors with the dropouts from maternity continuum of care.
Conclusions
Identifying wherever drop-out arises can enable populations to better target interventions. Four or more ANC visits, institutional delivery and postnatal care follow-ups plays a significant role within the continuum of care and permits more programmatic consideration. Policies and strategies to ensure that vital services are available to all women and implement to awareness women regarding information seeking and benefit of attend antenatal care can diminish the birth complication for the future maternal health.
Stability Analysis of Pillar Goaf Group and Mining Sequence Optimization of Deep Untouched Ore Body
Authors: Li Shuai , Huang Qi , Hu Boyi , Chen Junyu , Wu Jianjun , Yang Jianguo , Zhou Xinghui , Wang Xinmin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

For many years, the lead-zinc mine of Suichang Gold Mine has been mined by the segmented open-field method, and the mining above 500 m has been basically completed, forming a high-stage and large-span columnar goaf group, which is very easy to produce roof fall, slope fragmentation and instability collapse, and then leading to large-scale ground pressure disasters, causing surface subsidence and collapse, and endangering the safety of mining operations of deep untouched ore bodies. In order to better discuss the stability of the goaf, Flac3D is used for numerical simulation through field investigation and indoor rock mechanics experiment to analyze the stability change of the upper goaf before and after filling and its impact on the deep untouched orebody, and simulate the stability of the deep untouched orebody after the goaf is mined out and whether the hidden danger of safety can be eliminated after filling. Discuss the necessity of filling the levels of 260m ~ 290m, 300m ~ 390m, 420m ~ 500m, and 528m ~ 610m, and optimize the mining sequence of deep untouched ore bodies. The results show that the level 260m ~ 290m, 300m ~ 390m, 420m ~ 500m, and 540m ~ 610m should be filled with cementitious filling with a cement-sand ratio of 1:20, and the level 528m ~ 540m should be filled with cementitious filling with a cement-sand ratio of 1:8. Finally, the process and laws of goaf destruction are analyzed through the chain theory of disaster.
Berberis SP. In the American Extreme South: Archaeobotanical Record of Use by Patagonian Hunter-gatherers During the Holocene
Authors: Fermé Caruso , Macchioni N. , Massaferro G. , Zapata C. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The general objective of this work is to deepen the knowledge on the use of Berberis sp. wood among Patagonian hunter-gatherer societies during the Holocene. For this purpose, the presence of Berberis sp. remains in the Patagonian archeological sites and the existence of artifacts made with Berberis sp. wood belonging to the ethnographic collections are studied. The physical properties (density) of the wood of these shrubs are also analyzed. The results obtained show the recovery of Berberis sp. remains in 24 Patagonian archaeological sites. At the sites Cerro Casa de Piedra 5 and Cerro Casa de Piedra 7, different types of Berberis sp. remains and wooden artifacts were recovered. The basal density of the samples of Berberis sp. taken allows them to be considered as medium-heavy woods of medium density. Finally, the results achieved show the selection and use of Berberis sp. wood as raw material for artifact manufacture from early times (9,390 ± 40 BP) until the contact with Europeans (19th century-early 20th century).
CXCL8 (IL-8)-pyroptosis-related genes as potential biomarkers for predicting prognosis in CRC
Authors: Pan Dingguo , Bi Chengwei , Hao Jingchao , Li Qiang , Guo Guanghui , Yang Zhaoyu , Li Yunfeng 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aim
Pyroptosis plays an important role in initiating and progressing several cancers, one of these cancers is colorectal cancer (CRC). CXCL8 (IL-8) can promote angiogenesis, proliferation, invasion, migration and survival of CRC cells. This study aimed to investigate the role of CXCL8 (IL-8)-pyroptosis-related genes in CRC.
Methods
We analyzed CRC gene expression using UCSC Xena and GEO’s GSE39582, identifying Differentially expressed genes(DEGs) and pyroptosis-related genes. We derived pyroptosis scores via ssGSEA and integrated these with CXCL8(IL-8) expression using WGCNA to detect related genes. These genes underwent enrichment analysis, and selected biomarkers through Cox and LASSO regression formed a validated risk model for CRC. This facilitated the creation of a prognostic nomogram and allowed for further gene set enrichment and immune microenvironment analysis.
Results
We intersected DEGs with CXCL8(IL-8)-pyroptosis genes to find 458 relevant DEGs. Five biomarkers were identified using Cox and LASSO regression for a risk model, which was validated using the GSE39582 dataset. The nomogram’s accuracy was confirmed by calibration, DCA, and ROC curves. KEGG_APOPTOSIS and related pathways were enriched. Analysis revealed 26 distinct immune cells varying between high and low-risk groups, with RiskScore and Activated B cells having the strongest negative correlation.
Conclusion
Five biomarkers that are associated with CXCL8 (IL-8) and pyroptosis in CRC were investigated. Risk modelling, immune microenvironment analysis and functional pathway enrichment analysis were carried out to enhance our understanding of CRC.
Local excitations of functional eigenmodes characterize spatiotemporally coordinated neural dynamics in the human brain
Authors: Gore John , Zhao Yu , Zu Zhongliang , Wu Min , Gao Yurui , Chen Yuhao , Zhang Wenjing , Ding Zhaohua , Lui Su 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been widely employed for brain function mapping by localizing neural activities evoked by conditional stimuli, with temporal variations in fMRI signals modeled as superpositions of linear hemodynamic responses to these stimuli. However, this standard model overlooks the brain’s nonlinear responses to external stimuli and inherent spatial organizations of brain activities. The dynamics of many natural systems can be well described by their eigenmodes, which are the fundamental resonant patterns determined by their internal structures. Here, we explore the potential of characterizing brain dynamics in a framework that integrates temporal and spatial profiles of brain activities using an eigenmode paradigm. Specifically, spatiotemporally coordinated neural dynamics are represented as local excitations of brain eigenmodes derived from functional connectomes that reflect the brain’s axonal connection structures. We found that eigenmode-represented signals can reliably characterize subtle spatiotemporal trajectories of brain dynamics. Through this representation, we further reveal the widespread existence of non-linear brain responses, which potentially bias the results of conventional analyses. To map brain functions with non-linearity explicitly considered, we exploited the similarity in eigenmode-represented signals measured under repeated stimuli to identify evoked brain responses. Our findings demonstrate that cognitive tasks elicit more extensive engagements of brain networks than those detected using linear models, unveiling previously underappreciated neural architectures underlying specific brain functions. Moreover, our results of function mapping exhibit significantly enhanced individual-level repeatability and accelerated convergence to group consensus, enabling investigations into personalized brain function and potentially advancing applications of fMRI that target individual brain variations.
Co-existence of Fahr’s syndrome with a Meningioma: A Case Report and Literature review.
Authors: Welhenge Chiranthi , Fernando Kavindya , Fernando Nilshan , Ranawaka Udaya 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Bilateral basal ganglia calcification is associated with various neurological, metabolic and infectious conditions. Fahr’s syndrome, characterized by basal ganglia calcification in the presence of secondary causes, is uncommon. The association of bilateral basal ganglia calcification with a brain tumour has only been rarely described. We present a case of Fahr’s syndrome coexisting with a calcified meningioma. A 62-year-old woman with a history of total thyroidectomy presented with a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Imaging revealed bilateral basal ganglia calcifications and a calcified meningioma. Biochemical analysis confirmed hypocalcemia with an inappropriately low parathyroid hormone level suggestive of primary hypoparathyroidism, associated with hyperphosphatemia and hypomagnesemia. Despite magnesium correction, persistent hypocalcemia was noted, attributed to possible parathyroid gland injury during thyroidectomy. The co-occurrence of a cerebral tumour with Fahr’s syndrome has not been previously reported. This case highlights the importance of correlation of biochemical evaluation with neuroimaging.
WITHDRAWN: Decoupling the Unconventional Catalytic Kinetics of Dual-Field-Regulated Chaotic High-Entropy Ceramics towards Li2S4 Intermediate
Authors: Liu Handing , Zhou Lin , Liu Ji-Xuan , Zhang Xinrui , Yao Yixi , Wang Ruirui , Chen Ziliang , Zhang Guojun 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Electrocatalytic performance of high-entropy ceramics have been recognized as a pivotal prerequisite to realizing ultra-durability for Li-S batteries. However, the dynamics of accurately capturing Li2S4 are full of unknowns, thus a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism between dynamic control factors and electrocatalytic performance remains largely unexplored. Here, we visually present the Li2S4 electrocatalytic process and accurately identify that high-entropy engineering of rare earth sites leads to positive modifications in crystal field splitting energy and electronegativity. In conjunction with theoretical analysis, the adsorption energy of Li2S4 is optimized by the electronic structure and covalency under dual-fields (electric field and crystal field) regulation, lead to efficient electrocatalytic performance. These findings have enabled us to develop a run of more than 10000 hours of ultra-durable ceramic electrocatalyst (La0.15Nd0.15Sm0.4Eu0.15Gd0.15)2Zr2O7 as sulfur cathode (HEZO-S). This basic understanding of the intrinsic relationship provides a feasible high-entropy strategy for the design of advanced catalysts for lithium-sulfur batteries.