bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electricity Price Forecasting Combined with Wavelet Packet Decomposition and a Hybrid Deep Neural Network in Spot Market
Authors: Jia Heping , Guo Yuchen , Zhang Xiaobin , Yang Zhenglin , Zheng Yaxian , Zeng Dan , Liu Dunnan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Accurate electricity spot price forecasting is significant for market players to make decisions on bidding strategies. However, electricity spot prices are extremely volatile to forecast due to the influences of various factures. This paper develops an electricity price forecasting framework in spot market combined with wavelet packet decomposition (WPD) algorithm and a hybrid deep neural network. The WPD algorithm has higher decomposition accuracy and it can identify fluctuating trends and occasional noise in the data. The hybrid deep neural network is embedded with temporal convolutional neural (TCN) network, long and short-term memory (LSTM) neural network. The new hybrid framework is designed for improving the ability of feature extraction via TCN model and enhancing the efficiency of price forecasting. Case studies on the electricity market in UK confirm that the proposed model outperforms alternatives on the forecasting accuracy. Comparing to mean errors of other techniques, the average mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the proposed method are reduced by 27.3%, 66.9% and 22.8% respectively. Meanwhile, case studies on different denoising methods and datasets demonstrate that the proposed prediction model can better analyze the fluctuations in time series data and has certain generalization ability and robustness.
A Systematic Review on COVID-19 pandemic-related Gender-based Violence among Urban Poor in Low- and Middle-income Countries
Authors: Sahoo Krushna Chandra , Negi Sapna , Mahapatra Pranab , Samantaray Kajal , Bhattacharya Debdutta , Barrio Mariam Otmani , Pati Sanghamitra 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic imposed a colossal cost on governments worldwide, compelling them to adopt staying at home as a viable option for varying periods. These strategies have substantially reduced disease transmission, but have exacerbated existing gender inequality, resulting in a significant increase in gender-based violence (GBV).
Method
We conducted a search of eleven databases that were published between November 2019 and February 2022. Regardless of gender, studies that examined the prevalence of GBV among the urban poor during COVID-19 were included. The review did not consider secondary studies or studies published outside low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Included in the study were refugees, domestic workers, migrant labourers, slum dwellers, sex workers, and transgender individuals. The data were synthesised using thematic analysis.
Results
After identifying and screening a total of 6,490 publications at various stages, 20 studies were included. According to the studies, the prevalence of GBV has risen due to the pandemic. Financial hardship, alcoholism, social discrimination, school closures, lack of health facilities, limited transport, inadequate toilet facilities, and a misperception of COVID-19 infection contributed significantly to GBV during the pandemic. In addition, the difficulty of gaining access to law enforcement and legal institutions exacerbated instances of GBV. This persistent GBV has increased the likelihood of sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, and vulnerability among people living with mental health in urban slums.
Conclusion
It is essential to acknowledge the scope of GBV, raise awareness of the issue, reform government policies at all levels, and improve victims' access to resources and support networks during emergencies.
Effect of natural aging on biochar physicochemical property and mobility of Cd (II)
Authors: Liu Cenwei , Ye Jing , Lin Yi , Chen Longjun , Wu Xiaomei , Price G. W. , Wang Yixiang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This project utilized both field experiment and laboratory analysis to address the lack of understanding of the alterations in properties and functions of biochar, as well as the impact of heavy metal passivation in soil over long-term natural field aging. The study aimed to examine the changes in the physical and chemical characteristics of biochar over an extended period of natural aging. Additionally, it aimed to analyze the impact and mechanism of biochar on the reduction of the harmful effects of the heavy metal cadmium (Cd) during the aging process. Both original and aged biochar fitted to the pseudo-second-order kinetics model and the Langmuir model. The aging process increased the adsorption of Cd by biochar and decreased the leaching of Cd2+. This provided a scientific basis for evaluating biochar's environmental behavior and its potential for use in the remediation of soil contaminated with heavy metals.
Analysis of the efficacy and factors affecting the prognosis of intracranial dissecting aneurysm treated with multi-stent overlap technique
Authors: xiaolin li , huojun Hu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective: The study aims to identify characteristics that impact the postoperative prognosis and recurrence of intracranial dissecting aneurysms (IDA) patients treated using multi-stent overlapping techniques.
Methods:Clinical data from 69 IDA patients treated with multistate-assisted spring coil embolization at the Hospital between January 2017 and October 2023 were retrospectively reviewed, including clinical and imaging data gathered at admission and discharge. Patients were separated into two groups based on their prognosis at discharge: "good prognosis" and "wrong prognosis." They were split into two groups: recurrence and no-recurrence, based on whether the patients had recurrence during surgical follow-up. The patient's clinical information and aneurysm data were compared between the two groups to better understand the efficacy of multi-stenting for IDA and to investigate the factors that influence the good or negative prognosis of multi-stenting for IDA and recurrence.
Results: Ten patients with multiple stents died, while 59 had a good prognosis. Hunt classification (c2=25.503a, P=<0.01), hospitalization days (t=-3.873, P<0.01), operation time (t=-1.970, P=0.049), and aneurysm height (t=-1.969, P=0.049) were all significant. Sixty-two patients were discharged with four postoperative recurrences and 58 without recurrences in patients treated with multiple stents, with significant differences in the largest diameter (t=-2.235, P=0.025), basal length (t=-2.149, P=0.032), and staging (c2=10.955a, P=0.001). The postoperative recurrence rate was 5.8%, but 85.8% reported satisfactory neurologic function (mRS < 2). The case fatality rate was 10.1%.
Conclusion: Hunt-Hess grading on admission, hospitalization days, and operation time affect the prognosis of IDA. Aneurysm size, longest diameter, basal length, and location at the base of the pica affect recurrence. Involvement of the pica base by the dissecting aneurysm is an independent risk factor for recurrence.
Impairment of perioperative activities of daily living is associated with poor prognosis following pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ofuchi Takashi , Mima Kosuke , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Adachi Yuki , Kanemitsu Kosuke , Tajiri Takuya , Itoyama Rumi , Nakagawa Shigeki , Okabe Hirohisa , Baba Hideo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The number of patients with pancreatic cancer coping with impaired activities of daily living (ADLs) is continually increasing. This study aimed to examine the association between perioperative Barthel Index (BI) scores, a validated measure of ADLs, and survival outcomes after pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer.
Methods
We analyzed the data of 201 patients who underwent pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer between 2010 and 2020. Preoperative and postoperative ADLs were assessed using the BI (range: 0–100; higher scores indicated greater independence). A preoperative or postoperative BI score ≤ 85 was defined as an impairment of perioperative ADLs. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) after adjusting for potential confounders.
Results
Among the 201 patients, 14 (7.0%) had a preoperative BI score ≤ 85 and 50 (25%) had a postoperative BI score ≤ 85. Impairment of perioperative ADLs was independently associated with shorter overall survival (multivariable HR: 1.91, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.04–3.49, P = 0.036), cancer-specific survival (multivariable HR: 1.97, 95%CI: 1.15–3.38, P = 0.013), and recurrence-free survival (multivariable HR: 1.94, 95%CI: 1.08–3.50, P = 0.021).
Conclusion
Impairment of perioperative ADLs is associated with poor prognosis following pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer. The maintenance and improvement of perioperative ADLs could play an important role in providing favorable long-term outcomes in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Early and late neonatal mortality in term newborns: Survival differences according to public and private hospitals in Brazil
Authors: Lay Alejandra Andrea Roman , Junqueira Maria Elizangela Ramos , Queiroz Marcel Reis , Diniz Carmen Simone Grilo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: A better understanding of neonatal mortality risk factors in Brazil would guide improvements in these indicators. Thus, this study seeks to identify risk factors associated with early and late neonatal mortality stratified by public and private hospitals.
Methods: This is a cohort study of newborns between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2017. Mortality data were obtained through linkage between two Brazilian national government databases from São Paulo city. Cox regression models were used to estimate the associations between maternal and newborn characteristics on ENM (0-6 days) and LNM (7-27 days).
Results: In the public sector, mother's age (≥35), gestational age (<38 and ≥41 weeks), inadequate and intermediate Kotelchuk index, cesarean section and low birth weight (LBW) were risk factors for ENM. In the private sector, mother's skin color (black), inadequate Kotelchuk index, parity (2 or more) and LBW were risk factors for ENM, as for the mother's education (university), gestational age of 39 weeks and female sex of the newborn were protective factors for ENM. Furthermore, in the public sector, mother's age (≤19), gestational age (< 38 weeks), inadequate and intermediate Kotelchuk index, cesarean section and LBW were risk factors for LMN. While in the private sector gestational age of ≤ 37 weeks and LBW were risk factors for LNM, on the other hand, mother's education (university) and female sex remain protective factors for LNM.
Conclusions: In Brazil, there are differences in mother's characteristics and newborn between women cared for in the public and private sectors that could influence neonatal mortality.
Integration of mRNA-miRNA revealed the possible role of PyCYCD3 may increasing branches through bud-notching in pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd)
Authors: An Ze-Shan , Zuo Cun-Wu , Mao Juan , Ma Zong-Huan , Li Wen-Fang , Chen Bai-Hong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: The initiation of branching from the main stem of a pear tree is hindered in the absence of external stimuli, resulting in poor quality branching. Endogenous hormones and associated genes are pivotal in regulating the branching process in pear trees, while the patterns of branching in fruit trees and the underlying chemical mechanisms remain enigmatic.
Methods: The impact of notching on 'Huang guan' pear buds was investigated through the assessment of germination rate, branching rate, and hormone levels. Transcriptome sequencing was employed to examine mRNA and miRNA expression in notched and control buds, leading to the identification of a mRNA-miRNA network, which was subsequently validated using qRT-PCR. Furthermore, the CYCD3 gene was genetically manipulated and analyzed in notched and control buds of pears.
Results: Based on KEGG analysis, a notable proportion of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are linked to the biosynthesis pathway of plant compounds involved in signal transduction within the organism. Within this subset of DEGs, PyCYCD3was identified as an up-regulated gene, potentially indicating its involvement in the regulation of branching processes. Furthermore, a comprehensive investigation identified fifteen miRNAs that target three genes associated with plant hormones. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were validated through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). PyCYCD3was chosen for transformation into wild Arabidopsis plants, resulting in the generation of transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Subsequent analysis of branching patterns, plant hormone levels, and relative gene expression suggests that PyCYCD3may play a significant role in promoting lateral branches in pear trees through bud-notching.
Conclusions: This study suggests that the transport of brassinosteroids from lateral branches to the stem in pear trees may be crucial for the development of lateral buds. PyCYCD3 likely plays a significant regulatory role in both bud germination and branch growth.
Sirtuin 1 regulates the phenotype and functions of dendritic cells through Ido1 pathway in obesity.
Authors: Camara Niels Olsen Saraiva , De Lima Jean , Leite Jefferson , Basso Paulo José , Ghirotto Bruno , Martins Eloisa , Menezes-Silva Luisa , Hiyane Meire , Goes Carolina Purcell , Coutinho Luiz Lehmann , Andrade-Oliveira Vinicius 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a class III histone deacetylase (HDAC3) that plays a crucial role in regulating the activation and differentiation of dendritic cells (DCs) as well as controlling the polarization and activation of T cells. Obesity, a chronic inflammatory condition, is characterized by the activation of immune cells in various tissues. We hypothesized that SIRT1 might influence the phenotype and functions of DCs through the Ido1 pathway, ultimately leading to the polarization towards proinflammatory T cells in obesity. In our study, we observed that SIRT1 activity was reduced in bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) from obese animals. These BMDCs exhibited diminished oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and increased extracellular acidification rates (ECAR), along with enhanced expression of class II MHC, CD86, and CD40, and elevated secretion of IL-12p40, while the production of TGF-β was reduced. The kynurenine pathway activity was decreased in BMDCs from obese animals, particularly under SIRT1 inhibition. SIRT1 positively regulated the expression of Ido1 in DCs in a PPARγ-dependent manner. To support these findings, ATAC-seq analysis revealed that BMDCs from obese mice had differentially regulated open chromatin regions compared to those from lean mice, with reduced chromatin accessibility at the Sirt1 genomic locus in BMDCs from obese WT mice. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis indicated that BMDCs from obese animals had disrupted metabolic pathways, including those related to GTPase activity and insulin response. Differential expression analysis showed reduced levels of Pparg and Sirt1 in BMDCs from obese mice. This study highlights that SIRT1 controls the metabolism and functions of DCs through modulation of the kynurenine pathway and Ido1, with significant implications for obesity-related inflammation.
Mechanical site preparation impacts on soil structural quality in a forest plantation depend on soil moisture and excavator size
Authors: Collet Catherine , Agro Chloé , Akroume Emila , Puyal Malaurie , Vast Florian 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Mechanical site preparation (MSP) is widely performed around the globe to enhance the success of forest plantations. However, MSP can cause severe soil disturbance whose magnitude depends on various factors such as soil characteristics, soil moisture conditions and the type of machinery. We analyzed the combined effects of machine size and soil water content on the soil structural quality following MSP. We carried out MSP at two dates with different soil moisture contents, using two excavators that differed in weight (2.7 T and 9 T) and engine power, in two forest stands that differed in their soil characteristics but that showed compacted soils. We used a profile wall method to describe the soil structural quality after MSP was performed. All instances of MSP resulted in an increase in the volume of soil favorable to root growth, i.e., soil with a friable structure compared to the unprepared control. No evidence of soil degradation was found in comparison to the control. The larger excavator prepared the soil to a greater depth due to its larger MSP tool and its higher engine capacity. MSP performed during the dry period resulted in a greater volume of soil favorable to root growth than MSP performed during the wet period. Our results indicate that MSP provides better results when conducted during the dry period. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that forest operators carefully consider the timing of MSP operations and avoid executing them under moist soil conditions.
Calcite U-Pb geochronology of Huayuan carbonate-hosted Zn-Pb mineralization in Central Yangtze Craton, South China
Authors: Li Bin , Zhang Wen-Dong , Zhao Jian-Xin , Liu Peng , Feng Yue-Xing , Xiao Yang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The Yangtze Craton hosts significant Zn-Pb deposits in Neoproterozoic to Carboniferous carbonates (> 60 Mt Pb + Zn metals), accounting for 30% of China's Zn-Pb resources. However, determining the timing of zinc and lead mineralization in these reservoirs is challenging. This study employs LA-ICP-MS U-Pb geochronology on calcites to date Zn-Pb deposits hosted in Lower Cambrian limestone in the Huayuan orefield. Three generations of calcite formation were dated: the first recorded the pre-ore deposition of Lower Cambrian limestone at 517 ± 10 Ma, the second marked a hydrothermal event linked to stratiform sphalerite ore formation at 501.4 ± 8.4 Ma, and the third was associated with discordant breccia-hosted Zn-Pb mineralization at 397.5 ± 9.6 Ma. Our results indicate that Paleozoic carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn mineralization in the Yangtze Craton is linked to (1) the final assembly of Gondwana in the late Cambrian-early Ordovician (520 − 480 Ma); and (2) the intracontinental orogeny response to Jiangnan Uplift (420 − 400 Ma). This study highlights the spatial-temporal relationship between low temperature carbonate-hosted mineralization and orogenic events that are consistent with classic Mississippi Valley-type models worldwide. Furthermore, it demonstrates the potential of in situ U-Pb calcite geochronology to date ore deposits lacking syn-ore minerals suitable for traditional dating methods.
Maximizing Insights from Longitudinal Epigenetic Age Data: Simulations, Applications, and Practical Guidance
Authors: Großbach Anna , Suderman Matthew J. , Hüls Anke , Lussier Alexandre A. , Smith Andrew D.A.C. , Walton Esther , Dunn Erin C. , Simpkin Andrew J. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Epigenetic Age (EA) is an age estimate, developed using DNA methylation (DNAm) states of selected CpG sites across the genome. Although EA and chronological age are highly correlated, EA may not increase uniformly with time. Departures, known as epigenetic age acceleration (EAA), are common and have been linked to various traits and future disease risk. Limited by available data, most studies investigating these relationships have been cross-sectional - using a single EA measurement. However, the recent growth in longitudinal DNAm studies has led to analyses of associations with EA over time. These studies differ in (i) their choice of model; (ii) the primary outcome (EA vs. EAA); and (iii) in their use of chronological age or age-independent time variables to account for the temporal dynamic. We evaluated the robustness of each approach using simulations and tested our results in two real-world examples, using biological sex and birthweight as predictors of longitudinal EA.
Results
Our simulations showed most accurate effect sizes in a linear mixed model or generalized estimating equation, using chronological age as the time variable. The use of EA versus EAA as an outcome did not strongly impact estimates. Applying the optimal model in real-world data uncovered an accelerated EA rate in males and an advanced EA that decelerates over time in children with higher birthweight.
Conclusion
Our results can serve as a guide for forthcoming longitudinal EA studies, aiding in methodological decisions that may determine whether an association is accurately estimated, overestimated, or potentially overlooked.
Convolutional Automatic Identification of B-lines and Interstitial Syndrome in Lung Ultrasound Images Using Pre-Trained Neural Networks with Feature Fusion
Authors: Moafa Khalid , Antico Maria , Vukovic Damjan , Edwards Christopher , Canty David , Serra Ximena Cid , Royse Alistair , Royse Colin , Haji Kavi , Dowling Jason , Steffens Marian , Fontanarosa Davide 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background Interstitial/Alveolar Syndrome (IS) is a condition detectable on lung ultrasound (LUS) that indicates underlying pulmonary or cardiac diseases associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality rates. The diagnosis of IS using LUS can be challenging and time-consuming, and it requires clinical expertise.
Methods In this study, multiple Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) deep learning (DL) models were trained, acting as binary classifiers, to accurately screen for IS from LUS frames by differentiating between IS-present and healthy cases. The CNN DL models were initially pre-trained using a generic image dataset to learn general visual features (ImageNet), and then fine-tuned on our specific dataset of 108 LUS clips from 54 patients (27 healthy and 27 with IS), with two clips per patient, to perform a binary classification task. Each frame within a clip was assessed to determine the presence of IS features or to confirm a healthy lung status. The dataset was split into training (70%), validation (15%), and testing (15%) sets. Following the process of fine-tuning, we successfully extracted features from pre-trained DL models. These extracted features were utilised to train multiple machine learning (ML) classifiers, hence the trained ML classifiers yielded significantly improved accuracy in IS classification. Advanced visual interpretation techniques, such as heatmaps based on Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) and Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic explanations (LIME), were implemented to further analyse the outcomes.
Results The best-trained ML model achieved a test accuracy of 98.2%, with specificity, recall, precision, and F1-score values all above 97.9%. Our study demonstrates, for the first time, the feasibility of using a pre-trained CNN with the feature extraction and fusion technique as a diagnostic tool for IS screening on LUS frames, providing a time-efficient and practical approach to clinical decision-making.
Conclusion This study confirms the practicality of using pre-trained CNN models, with the feature extraction and fusion technique, for screening IS through LUS frames. This represents a noteworthy advancement in improving the efficiency of diagnosis. In the next steps, validation on larger datasets will assess the applicability and robustness of these CNN models in more complex clinical settings.