bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Hoek-Brown Strength Parameters from Time-Dependent Geotechnical Classification as Coal Roof Index (CRI) using Critical Plastic Strain Technique
Authors: Saran Sonu , Gadepaka Prudhvi Raju , Jaiswal Ashok 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The roof fall or side fall is the most common type of rock failure observed particularly in underground coal mines. The numerical Method is one of the most advanced tools for the prediction of roof rock behaviour. The appropriate failure criteria play an important role in Numerical modelling. In this study, author has adopted Hoek-brown failure criteria for coal galleries using in numerical modelling. Numerical approaches take into account data from various 35 stable and failed cases of Indian coal mines. The Coal Roof Index (CRI) classification is a prime input parameter. The author first derived the range of ‘s’ parameter from the short-term stable cases (stand-up time < 90 days) and then the range of ‘m’ parameter value was refined by long term stable cases (stand-up time > 365 days). The final function of the strength parameter has been précised by consideration of all 35 cases. It has taken each of four different functions from the range of ‘m’, ‘s’, and ‘a’ parameter. Sixty-four function combinations of strength parameters have been simulated and the plastic strain value was obtained. These sixty-four combinations have been carried out based on the feedback mechanism after every combination to optimize the result and change the condition. The best-fitted curve has been established through the back analysis. It has been proposing an exponential relationship with CRI classification to estimate the Hoek-Brown strength parameters m, s, and a. The rock load height (RLH) was also observed through numerical modelling and a relationship was proposed between CRI and rock load height. The correlation coefficient for RLH vs CRI is quite impressive with R2 value of 0.84. The rock load is measured by multiplication of roof rock density and RLH. Thus, an appropriate support resistance can be calculated. The validation has been done by considering 5 Indian coal mine cases among which 2 are stable cases and 3 are unstable cases.
A Cross-sectional Study of the Prevalence, and Risk Factors Associated With Malaria Transmission Among Sickle Cell Anaemia Patients in Urban Communities of Taraba, Northeastern Nigeria.
Authors: Elkanah Deborah Sambo , Cyril S.O Otoikhian , Bosah Bernadette Obiageli , Elkanah Obadiah Sambo , Odozie Esther Uche , Oyegoke Paul Ifeleke 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Sickle cell disease (SCD) poses significant health challenges, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa where its prevalence is high. Malaria, a prevalent infectious disease in this region, exacerbates the complications associated with SCD. Understanding the epidemiology and risk factors of malaria among SCD patients is crucial for effective management and control strategies.
Aim
This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with malaria transmission among sickle cell anaemia patients in urban communities of Taraba State, Northeastern Nigeria.
Methods
The study involved the screening of sickle cell anaemia patients in selected health facilities in Taraba State from December 2022 to December 2023. Data on demographic characteristics, risk factors, and malaria status were collected using structured questionnaires and blood samples. Parasitological examination was conducted to determine malaria prevalence, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0.
Results
The study revealed a malaria prevalence of 12.9% among sickle cell anaemia patients, with higher rates observed in Takum compared to other communities. Malaria infection was more common among males, children aged 1–10 years, non-educated individuals, and those engaged in specific occupations like farming and trading. Risk factors such as stagnant water around residences, presence of bushes, lack of insecticidal nets, and use of indigenous herbs were associated with higher malaria transmission rates.
Conclusion
The findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions to mitigate malaria burden among sickle cell anaemia patients, including educational campaigns, access to preventive measures such as insecticidal nets, and improvement in environmental hygiene practices. Implementing these strategies is crucial for reducing malaria-related morbidity and mortality in affected communities.
The Effect of Different Parameters on the Mechanical Properties of Two- Stage Concrete under Triaxial Compression
Authors: Moaf Farzam Omidi , Rajabi Ali M. , Abdelgader Hakim S. , Kurpińska Marzena , Murali Gunasekaran , Miśkiewicz Mikołaj 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study conducts a comprehensive comparative analysis of the triaxial compressive strength and associated mechanical properties between Two-Stage Concrete (TSC) and Conventional Concrete (CC). Through rigorous using triaxial test methodologies, our research quantitatively delineates TSC's mechanical superiority, promoting its broader application in diverse construction settings. Key findings reveal that TSC, particularly types with finer aggregates, demonstrates superior shear strength, achieving up to 52.4 MPa under dry conditions compared to CC's 48.38 MPa. Furthermore, TSC exhibits remarkable stress tolerance, withstanding up to 82.04 MPa, significantly outperforming CC, which manages only 69.61 MPa under similar conditions. TSC also maintains higher modulus of elasticity and internal friction angles, indicating better deformation behavior and shear resistance. Additionally, TSC shows greater resilience to moisture, suggesting its potential for use in variable moisture environments. These properties highlight TSC’s robustness for high-load applications and its suitability for infrastructure prone to environmental fluctuations. By aligning with existing literature on the benefits of finer aggregate sizes in enhancing concrete's mechanical resistance, this research underscores the strategic advantage of integrating TSC in modern construction practices, emphasizing its enhanced strength, durability, and environmental adaptability.
Standardisation of high throughput microdilution antifungal susceptibility testing for Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Floyd Holly , Kavanagh Angela , Lowe Gabrielle , Amado Maite , Frazer James , Blaskovich Mark , Elliott Alysha , Zuegg Johannes 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M27 guidelines are the recommended and most commonly used protocols for broth microdilution antifungal susceptibility testing of yeasts. However, these guidelines are limited to the use of 96-well assay plates, limiting assay capacity. With the increased risk of fungal resistance emerging in the community, it is important to have alternative protocols available, that offer higher throughput and can screen more than eight to ten potential antifungal compounds per plate. This study presents an optimised broth microdilution minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method for testing the susceptibility of yeasts in an efficient high throughput screening setup, with minimal growth variability and maximum reproducibility. We extend the M27 guidelines and optimise the conditions for 384-well plates. Validation of the assay was performed with ten clinically used antifungals (fluconazole, amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, posaconazole, voriconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, caspofungin diacetate, anidulafungin and micafungin) against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans.
Innovative Optimization of Microgrid Configuration for Sustainable, Reliable and Economical Energy Using Homer Software
Authors: Usman Habib Muhammad , Sharma Nirma Kumari , Joshi Deepak Kumar , Kaushik Aditya , Saminu Sani 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Mewar University grapples with exorbitant energy costs of approximately $1kWh, unreliable power supply, and a significant reliance on diesel engines and the grid. This dependency not only escalates energy expenses but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change, global warming, and environmental pollution. To mitigate these issues, this study proposes an optimized microgrid design integrating PV solar panels, wind turbines, diesel generators, and grid connectivity, utilizing HOMER software for optimization. The software identified multiple configurations, with the optimal design meeting an energy demand of 20,077,351 kWh/year through a combination of solar PV (288,947,670 kWh annually), wind turbines (36,825,618 kWh annually), and minimal reliance on diesel generators. The system would purchase 3,827,194 kWh annually from the grid during low renewable output periods and sell 167,761,193 kWh annually during surplus production. This design achieves a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of $0.00146/kWh and a return on investment (ROI) of 10.1%, with total component expenditure of $16,207,384, covering capital investments, operations and maintenance (O&M), and fuel costs. Solar photovoltaics contributes 83% of the annual production, with the remaining 17% from the grid and wind turbines, establishing the system as cost-effective and environmentally friendly due to its heavy reliance on renewable energy sources (RES). Comprehensive feasibility, technical, economic and sensitivity analyses confirm the viability of implementing this proposed system. Ultimately, the proposed microgrid design promises a sustainable, economical, and reliable energy solution for the University.
Analysis of beat frequencies of transverse mode degeneracy in diode-pumped Nd:YVO4 laser
Authors: Wang Jing , Lin Da , Lin Zhanglang , Li Bingxuan , Liao Wenbin , Zhang Ge 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This paper provides a detailed analysis of transverse mode degeneracy process of end-pumped Nd:YVO4 laser. By observing the intersection of the beat frequency signals in the concave-plano cavity, the exact cavity length position of the transverse mode degeneracy can be clearly identified, which is also where transverse-mode locking occurs. Investigating the positions of the degeneracy of 1/3 and 2/7 reveals that transverse-mode locking occurs within the micrometer range. Our results give a simple and intuitive description of frequency degeneracy in a common solid-state laser.
Effects of the implementation of matrix support in the operation of the community mental health network in a medium-sized Brazilian municipality: an ex-ante and ex-post evaluation
Authors: Treichel Carlos Alberto dos Santos , Saidel Maria Giovana Borges , Lourencetti Ana Laura Salomé , Pinheiro Lívia Penteado , Amorim Sulamita Gonzaga Silva , Campos Rosana Teresa Onocko 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
The implementation of shared care strategies has been a global response to the challenge of the mental health care gap at primary levels of care and the lack of integration of health networks. In the Brazilian context, this perspective takes shape through Matrix Support, an interdisciplinary collaboration proposal that aims to improve mental health care, connecting specialized teams with Primary Care professionals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of implementing matrix support in a medium-sized Brazilian municipality on the performance of the community mental health network. To this end, three main components were analyzed: (1) the characterization of the participants' profile, (2) the identification of therapeutic offers, and (3) the identification of clinical care received by participants in each of the services studied.
Methods
This is a cross-sectional study based on documents, ex-ante and ex-post, carried out through the analysis of medical records of participants linked to the three community mental health services in the city of Itatiba-SP. The study had two points of measurement (T0 and T1), with T0 carried out between May and July 2019 and T1 between November and December 2021. Descriptive statistical analysis was employed to estimate absolute and relative frequencies for each variable under investigation.
Results
The findings indicated a significant decrease in the number of patients whose diagnosis was unknown, suggesting an important reconfiguration of referral patterns within the health network. While there was a significant decrease in admissions due to spontaneous demand, there was a significant increase in referrals made through primary care. Furthermore, there was an increase in the number of patients receiving home care and patients receiving clinical healthcare, with a greater proportion of individuals having physical health issues included in their care plans.
Conclusions
The implementation of Matrix Support in the studied network may have contributed to the reorganization of the studied health network, with a greater focus on Primary Care and more comprehensive care for individuals requiring specialized mental health services.
Five new species of Huberia (Melastomataceae) from the eastern Brazilian mountains
Authors: Bochorny Thuane , Gonella Paulo Minatel , Gonçalves Lucas Nogueira , Völtz Rafael Rosenstock , Goldenberg Renato 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Huberia is a genus with 37 species mostly occurring in high elevation grasslands in eastern Brazil, except for four species in the Andes of Ecuador and Peru. It belongs to Tribe Pyramieae (Melastomataceae) and can be recognized by shrubs to trees (rarely climbers), tetra- to hexamerous flowers with a campanulate or apically constricted hypanthium, white to light-pink or purple petals, stamens bearing dorsal connective appendages, as well as an inferior or partially inferior ovary and capsular fruits. We describe here five new species in this genus: H. campostriniae, H. ciliata, H. mayarae, H. revoluta, and H. rubricalyx from eastern Brazilian rocky outcrops, and also provide detailed photographs, taxonomic comments, distribution map, and conservation status assessments.
Staged Feature Mapping Optimization Learning for Visible-Infrared Person Re-identification
Authors: Zhuang Yuchen , Zhuang Jianjun , Wang Nan , Hao Yong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Visible-infrared person re-identification (VI-ReID) is a significant and intricate endeavor in specific person retrieval, requiring the fusion of distinct features observed in visible and infrared modalities. To address the limitations of current methods, which predominantly use simple Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) structures as the backbone, leading to spatial information loss during training and complicating cross-modal feature alignment, we propose a novel approach using Swin-TransformerV2 as the backbone and staged feature mapping optimization learning for VI-ReID. Firstly, we introduce a new Ratio Center Difference Loss (RCD) to address the scattering of positive samples from different modalities in feature space, and we devise a Cross-modal Intra-class Denoising Loss (CID) which dynamically calculates the average distance between positive and negative samples to strengthen the differences between classes and adjust the feature space in different stages. Additionally, to accommodate the latest backbone models during the training phase, we design a Staged Modality-shared Loss Scheduler (SMS). Finally, our method introduces Channel Hybrid Filling Module (CHF), which enriches datasets and mitigates low-level modal discrepancies. After conducting numerous experiments on the SYSU-MM01 and RegDB datasets, it has been proven that our proposed method surpasses the current forefront methods in visible-infrared person re-identification.
MDGlass: Microscopic Defect Dataset for Glass with Polarized and Orthogonal Images
Authors: Li Shupan , Li Qiang , Jiang XiaoHeng , Jiu Mingyuan , Chen Li , Lu Yang , Chen Yan , Guo Wei , Dong Ming , Xu Mingliang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The glass defect dataset serves as the foundation for analyzing defects and applying artificial intelligence algorithms to classify them. The current glass defect datasets are very limited and cannot reflect the microscopic state of defects. To fill this gap, we built a microscopic glass defect dataset. This dataset comprises 4 types of defects, namely glassy state, surface spots, and so on, and can be categorized into a real subset and a generated subset. The real subset contains approximately 450 images collected directly from the production line. The defect sizes range from 0.1mm to 10mm, and the images are magnified 50-100 times using a Leica polarizing microscope under polarised and orthogonal illumination. As the real subset is small, we also built a generated subset with 1150 images using DcGAN, DDPM and Stable Diffusion algorithms. Furthermore, we evaluated the image quality of the dataset using 6 broad metrics, such as Contrast and NIQE, and established a classification baseline for the dataset by employing classical image classification algorithms.
Heat-triggered Dynamic Self-healing Framework for Variable-temperature Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Meng , Tang Ying , Zhang Zuhong , Li Guixiang , Qin Chaochao , Su Zhen-Huang , Liu Hairui , Yang Feng , Yang Yonggang , Aldamasy Mahmoud Hussein , Deng Lin-Long , Wang Luyao , Liu Yufang , Abate Antonio 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are promising as the next-generation photovoltaic technology. However, the inferior stability under various temperatures remains a significant obstacle to commercialization. Here, we implement a heat-triggered dynamic self-healing framework (HDSF) to repair defects at grain boundaries caused by thermal variability, enhancing PSCs' temperature stability. HDSF, distributed at the grain boundaries and surface of the perovskite film, stabilizes the perovskite lattice and releases the perovskite crystal stress through the dynamic exchange reaction and shape memory effect of sulfide bonds. The resultant PSCs achieved a power-conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.32% (certified 25.84%) with elevated temperature stability, retaining 94.2% of the initial PCE after 500 h at 85℃. In a variable temperature cycling test (between −40℃ and 80℃), the HDSF-treated device retained 87.6% of its initial PCE at −40℃ and 92.6% at 80℃ after 160 thermal cycles. This heat-triggered dynamic self-healing strategy could significantly enhance the reliability of PSCs in application scenarios.
Angiotensin-(1-7) decreases inflammation and lung damage caused by betacoronavirus infection in mice
Authors: Lima Erick Bryan de Sousa , Carvalho Antônio Felipe Silva , Zaidan Isabella , Monteiro Adelson Héric A. , Cardoso Camila , Lara Edvaldo S. , Carneiro Fernanda S. , Oliveira Leonardo C. , Resende Filipe , Santos Felipe Rocha da Silva , de Souza-Costa Luiz Pedro , Queiroz-Junior Celso M. , Russo Remo C. , Santos Robson A. S. , Tavares Luciana P. , Teixeira Mauro M. , Costa Vivian V. , Sousa Lirlândia P. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective: Pro-resolving molecules, including the peptide Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)], have potential adjunctive therapy for infections. Here we evaluate the actions of Ang-(1-7) in betacoronavirus infection in mice.
Methods: C57BL/6 mice were infected intranasally with the murine betacoronavirus MHV-3 and K18-hACE2 mice were infected with SARS-CoV-2. Mice were treated with Ang-(1-7) (30 μg/mouse, i.p.) at 24-, 36-, and 48-hours post-infection (hpi) or at 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h. For lethality evaluation, one additional dose of Ang-(1-7) was given at 120 hpi. At 3- and 5-days post- infection (dpi) blood cell, inflammatory mediators, viral loads, and lung histopathology were evaluated.
Results: Ang-(1-7) rescued lymphopenia in MHV-infected mice, and decreased airways leukocyte infiltration and lung damage at 3- and 5-dpi. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and virus titers in lung and plasma were decreased by Ang-(1-7) during MHV infection. Ang-(1-7) improved lung function and increased survival rates in MHV-infected mice. Notably, Ang-(1-7) treatment during SARS-CoV-2 infection restored blood lymphocytes to baseline, decreased weight loss, virus titters and levels of inflammatory cytokines, resulting in improvement of pulmonary damage and clinical scores.
Conclusion: Ang-(1-7) protected mice from lung damage and death during betacoronavirus infections by modulating inflammation, hematological parameters and enhancing viral clearance.
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus E protein induces unfolded protein response through activating both PERK and ATF6 rather than IRE1 signaling pathway
Authors: Zheng Liang , Zhang Hua 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) small envelope protein (E) plays important roles in virus budding, assembly and release. Our previous study found that PEDV E protein localizes in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to trigger the unfolded protein response (UPR). However, how UPR is directly regulated by PEDV E protein remains elusive. Thus, in this study, we investigated the expression of ER chaperone glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and activations of the three main UPR signaling pathways to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of UPR triggered by PEDV E protein. The results showed that over-expression of PEDV E protein increased expression of GRP78, and induced stronger phosphorylation of both protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK) and eukaryotic initiation factor-2α (eIF2α), as well as caused the significant degradation of activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), in both dose- and time-dependent manners. However, PEDV E protein did not induce UPR through the inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) signaling pathway, as revealed by the splicing of XBP1 remaining unaffected and unchanged when PEDV E protein was overexpressed. Taken together, these results demonstrate that PEDV E protein induces UPR through activation of both PERK and ATF6 pathways rather than IRE1 signaling. This study not only provides mechanistic details of UPR induced by the PEDV E protein, but also provides insights into these new biological functions to help us better understand the interactions between PEDV and host cells.
Spatio-temporal nonstationarity analysis and change point detection in multivariate hydrological time-series
Authors: Osmani Mazyar , Mahjouri Najmeh , Haghbin Sara 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT
The climate change and human activities significantly affect hydrological time series. Due to the mixed impacts of these factors on changing runoff time series, identifying the exact time of starting statistical change in the regime of runoff is usually complicated. The regional or spatial relationship among hydrologic time series as well as temporal correlation within multivariate time series can provide valuable information for analyzing change points. In this paper, a spatio-temporal multivariate method based on copula joint probability namely, copula-based sliding window method is developed for detecting change points in hydrological time series. The developed method can especially be used in watersheds that are subjected to intense human-induced changes. The developed copula-based sliding window method uses copula-based likelihood ratio (CLR) for analyzing nonstationarity and detecting change points in multivariate time series. To evaluate the applicability and effectiveness of the developed method, it is applied to detect change points in multivariate runoff time series in the Zayandehrud basin, Iran. The results indicate that the proposed method could locate three change points in the multivariate runoff time series (years 1985, 1996, and 2003), while the Cramer–von Mises (CvM) criterion method identifies only one of these change points (year 1985).