bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Site-specific traffic modelling and simulation for a major Italian highway based on weigh-in-motion systems accounting for gross vehicle weight limitations
Authors: Ravichandran Nagavinothini , Losanno Daniele , Pecce Maria Rosaria , Parisi Fulvio 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe present-day road traffic with the persistent change in the type and volume of vehicles needs to be specifically investigated for effective safety management of aging highway infrastructures. Actual traffic data can be implemented in refined procedures for stochastic simulation of road infrastructure performance, structural health monitoring (SHM), definition of weight limits on highways, and traffic-informed structural safety checks. While weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems had been widely used in many countries, their installation on Italian highways was mostly discussed and carried out only after the catastrophic collapse of the Polcevera bridge in 2018. This study presents a statistical data analysis, probabilistic models, and a simulation procedure for highway traffic, based on measurements of two WIM systems located along European route E45 close to Naples, Italy. Different limitations to maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) were enforced at the locations of the two WIM systems, according to the Italian road code and the Italian guidelines for risk classification, safety assessment and monitoring of existing bridges, respectively. WIM data sets were filtered to exclude erroneous traffic data and vehicle classes defined according to the number of axles and axle distance were statistically characterised, allowing the derivation of probabilistic models for all traffic parameters of interest. A simulation methodology to generate random traffic load from the WIM data is also presented for its possible use in probabilistic performance assessment and traffic informed SHM of road infrastructures such as bridges.
Logarithmically sparse symmetric matrices
Authors: Pavlov Dmitrii 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA positive definite matrix is called logarithmically sparse if its matrix logarithm has many zero entries. Such matrices play a significant role in high-dimensional statistics and semidefinite optimization. In this paper, logarithmically sparse matrices are studied from the point of view of computational algebraic geometry: we present a formula for the dimension of the Zariski closure of a set of matrices with a given logarithmic sparsity pattern, give a degree bound for this variety and develop implicitization algorithms that allow to find its defining equations. We illustrate our approach with numerous examples.
ONECUT2 is a druggable driver of luminal to basal breast cancer plasticity
Authors: Zamora Irene , Gutiérrez Mirian , Pascual Alex , Pajares María J. , Barajas Miguel , Perez Lillian M. , You Sungyong , Knudsen Beatrice S. , Freeman Michael R. , Encío Ignacio J. , Rotinen Mirja 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Tumor heterogeneity complicates patient treatment and can be due to transitioning of cancer cells across phenotypic cell states. This process is associated with the acquisition of independence from an oncogenic driver, such as the estrogen receptor (ER) in breast cancer (BC), resulting in tumor progression, therapeutic failure and metastatic spread. The transcription factor ONECUT2 (OC2) has been shown to be a master regulator protein of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) tumors that promotes lineage plasticity to a drug-resistant neuroendocrine (NEPC) phenotype. Here, we investigate the role of OC2 in the dynamic conversion between different molecular subtypes in BC.

Methods
We analyze OC2 expression and clinical significance in BC using public databases and immunohistochemical staining. In vitro, we perform RNA-Seq, RT-qPCR and western-blot after OC2 enforced expression. We also assess cellular effects of OC2 silencing and inhibition with a drug-like small molecule in vitro and in vivo.

Results
OC2 is highly expressed in a substantial subset of hormone receptor negative human BC tumors and tamoxifen-resistant models, and is associated with poor clinical outcome, lymph node metastasis and heightened clinical stage. OC2 inhibits ER expression and activity, suppresses a gene expression program associated with luminal differentiation and activates a basal-like state at the gene expression level. We also show that OC2 is required for cell growth and survival in metastatic BC models and that it can be targeted with a small molecule inhibitor providing a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with OC2 active tumors.

Conclusions
The transcription factor OC2 is a driver of BC heterogeneity and a potential drug target in distinct cell states within the breast tumors.

Graphical Abstract
Development of a predictive model for the risk of microalbuminuria: comparison of 2 machine learning algorithms
Authors: Long Wenyan , Wang Xiaohua , Lu Liqin , Wei Zhengang , Yang Jijin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To identify the independent risk variables that contribute to the emergence of microalbuminuria(MAU) in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM), to develop two different prediction models, and to show the order of importance of the factors in the better prediction model combined with a SHAP(Shapley Additive exPlanations) plot.

Methods
Retrospective analysis of data from 981 patients with T2DM from March 2021 to March 2023. This dataset included socio-demographic characteristics, disease attributes, and clinical biochemical indicators. After preprocessing and variable screening, the dataset was randomly divided into training and testing sets at a 7:3 ratio. To address class imbalance, the Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) was applied to balance the training set. Subsequently, prediction models for MAU were constructed using two algorithms: Random Forest and BP neural network. The performance of these models was evaluated using k-fold cross-validation (k = 5), and metrics such as the area under the ROC curve (AUC), accuracy, precision, recall, specificity, and F1 score were utilized for assessment.

Results
The final variables selected through multifactorial logistic regression analysis were age, BMI, stroke, diabetic retinopathy(DR), diabetic peripheral vascular disease (DPVD), 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), LDL cholesterol, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were used to construct the risk prediction models of Random Forest and BP neural network, respectively, and the Random Forest model demonstrated superior overall performance (AUC = 0.87, Accuracy = 0.80, Precision = 0.79, Recall = 0.84, Specificity = 0.76, F1 Score = 0.81). The SHAP feature matrix plot revealed that HbA1c, NLR, and 25(OH)D were the three most significant factors in predicting the development of MAU in T2DM, with 25(OH)D acting as an independent protective factor.

Conclusion
Effective identification of MAU in T2DM, therapeutic strategies for controllable high-risk factors, and prevention or delay of diabetic kidney disease(DKD) can all be achieved with the help of the risk prediction model developed in this study.
Teaching Reading Skills to Individuals with Autism and/or Intellectual Disabilities Using Computer-Assisted Instruction: a Systematic Review
Authors: Kurzeja Olivia , Flynn Samantha , Grindle Corinna F. , Sutherland Daniel , Hastings Richard P. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractReading is an essential life skill that can lead to independence. However, many individuals with autism and/or intellectual disabilities find this skill difficult to acquire. Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is one approach that combines recommended reading elements (e.g., phonics, fluency, and comprehension) with evidence-based teaching strategies to support the development of reading skills. The first aim of this systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42021253686) was to identify CAI reading programs and their effectiveness for individuals with autism and/or intellectual disability. A second aim was to evaluate the views and experiences of those with autism and/or intellectual disability, their teachers, and other stakeholders about CAI reading programs. Electronic searches of 7 databases identified a total of 3539 records for review, with 262 full-text articles evaluated, and 47 papers included in the review for data extraction and quality appraisal. The review identified both single-component and multicomponent CAI reading programs that were commercially available interventions (e.g., Headsprout©, ABRACADABRA) and bespoke interventions (e.g., personalized e-books). Thirty-four of the 47 studies reported positive outcomes in terms of effectiveness. However, the quality of these studies was often poor, and the description of the interventions was often limited (e.g., rationale for the intervention, who delivered it and how), leading to concerns about the rigor of the evidence base. Stakeholders’ views and experiences were reported in half of the evaluated studies. CAI reading programs were reported as enjoyable and easy to use. They were considered effective by the stakeholders. Further research is needed to develop and explore the effectiveness of CAI reading interventions using rigorous study designs, so that individuals with autism and/or intellectual disability can be provided with access to a wider range of evidence-based reading programs.
A blockchain-based hybrid encryption technique with anti-quantum signature for securing electronic health records
Authors: Alsubai Shtwai , Alqahtani Abdullah , Garg Harish , Sha Mohemmed , Gumaei Abdu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractElectronic health records (EHRs) are important for the efficient management of healthcare data. However, Healthcare data travels across an open route, i.e., the Internet, making EHR security a difficult process to do. This puts healthcare data vulnerable to cyber assaults. A possible method for protecting EHRs is blockchain technology. In this work, we develop an EHR architecture based on blockchain, which ensures all stakeholder's safety and privacy. We analyze various security architectures used for EHRs and the standard encryption system is integrated with quantum computing (QC). To safeguard the conventional traditional encrypting system against quantum assaults, we provide a hybrid signature technique that combines the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) and Dilithium within the anti-quantum lattice-based blind signature. Based on the difficulty of lattice problems over finite fields, Dilithium is a lattice-based signature method that is substantially safe against selected message assaults. The developed technique creates high entropy secret keys using the lattice basis delegation mechanism. The combination of ECDSA and Dilithium provides an efficient and secure signature system that is resilient to quantum attacks. The proposed scheme ensures that only authorized users with a defined role can use the database to access the data. We evaluate the efficiency of our scheme by comparing its performance to other state-of-the-art solutions in terms of transaction throughput, resource utilization, and communication cost. Results demonstrate that the developed technique outperforms the existing techniques in terms of efficiency and security.
Internationalization and individual firm performance: a resource-based view
Authors: Arbelo Antonio , Arbelo-Pérez Marta , Pérez-Gómez Pilar 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis paper, through an analysis of the relationship between internationalization and a novel concept of performance at the firm level, sheds new light on this stream of literature, as our analysis presents a new approach by examining the internationalization-performance relationship at the firm level and arguing that this relationship is dependent on firm-specific assets. To test this argument, we use a sample of 267 manufacturing firms in Spain. We use a Bayesian stochastic frontier model with random coefficients to adequately capture the heterogeneity of resources across firms. The results reveal that the effect of internationalization on performance is heterogeneously distributed across firms. Finally, the strategic implications of these results for achieving a sustained competitive advantage by firms are discussed.
The Practicality of Using Generic Acoustical Equipment in Impedance Tube Design
Authors: Barzegar Mohammad , Davies Clive E. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe impedance tube method is commonly employed to measure the acoustical properties of materials, but commercial versions are prohibitively expensive for researchers lacking access to well-funded acoustical laboratories. A significant expense in traditional impedance tube setups is the pressure field microphones. This study explores the feasibility of using low-cost consumer-grade electret microphones, which are substantially cheaper than their pressure field counterparts. Our impedance tube design was validated and tested with high-cost pressure field microphones, contrasting it with electret microphones priced under one US dollar (USD). The findings reveal that the sound absorption coefficient can still be effectively and accurately measured using inexpensive microphones, subject to suitable signal conditioning and accurate microphone calibration. The trade-off is a slight loss of accuracy for the low-end frequency range of < 250 Hz.
Entropy-Conservative Discontinuous Galerkin Methods for the Shallow Water Equations with Uncertainty
Authors: Bender Janina , Öffner Philipp 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we develop an entropy-conservative discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method for the shallow water (SW) equation with random inputs. One of the most popular methods for uncertainty quantification is the generalized Polynomial Chaos (gPC) approach which we consider in the following manuscript. We apply the stochastic Galerkin (SG) method to the stochastic SW equations. Using the SG approach in the stochastic hyperbolic SW system yields a purely deterministic system that is not necessarily hyperbolic anymore. The lack of the hyperbolicity leads to ill-posedness and stability issues in numerical simulations. By transforming the system using Roe variables, the hyperbolicity can be ensured and an entropy-entropy flux pair is known from a recent investigation by Gerster and Herty (Commun. Comput. Phys. 27(3): 639–671, 2020). We use this pair and determine a corresponding entropy flux potential. Then, we construct entropy conservative numerical two-point fluxes for this augmented system. By applying these new numerical fluxes in a nodal DG spectral element method (DGSEM) with flux differencing ansatz, we obtain a provable entropy conservative (dissipative) scheme. In numerical experiments, we validate our theoretical findings.
Mechanical and tribological properties of Ti1-xZrxB2 coatings deposited by magnetron sputtering on hot work steel
Authors: Cieniek Łukasz , Kopia Agnieszka , Kot Marcin , Cempura Grzegorz , Gruszczyński Adam , Kopyściański Mateusz , Smolik Jerzy , Kacprzyńska-Gołacka Joanna 
Published: May 2024

AbstractLow fracture toughness is a common problem encountered by many researchers in the application of pure TiB2 coatings. To improve their properties, a convenient and useful method is the use of doping, so this study proposes the deposition of TiB2 enriched with Zr on a steel substrate. The objective of the research was to investigate the impact of Zr addition to TiB2 coatings on both their mechanical and tribological properties. Four coatings with varying compositions (pure TiB2; TiB2 doped with 3, 6, and 10 at.% Zr) were deposited using magnetron sputtering from TiB2 and Zr targets. The coating structures were analyzed by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Nanoindentation, scratch test, and ball-on-disk test were used to determine the mechanical and tribological properties. In most cases, only two factors have a significant impact on the mechanical and tribological properties of the Zr-doped coating. Firstly, a change in the preferred orientation of the coating from (102)(111) to (100) results in increased hardness and wear resistance. Secondly, a reduction in crystallite and column size enhances ductility and fracture toughness by impeding or altering the direction of crack propagation. Based on the study, one can conclude that the optimal Ti1-xZrxB2 properties were obtained for 6 at.% Zr content.
An optimal design method for magnetorheological fluid sealing structure for beam director using multi-objective optimizer
Authors: Shen Yurui , Li Weihua , Liu Xinhua , Deng Lei , Gołdasz Janusz , Kang Mingxia , Krolczyk Grzegorz , Li Zhixiong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFor beam directors, tight optical path sealing and low rotational friction torque are critical aspects for the tracking and positioning performance. To maximize sealing pressure and minimize rotational friction torque, a magnetorheological fluid sealing (MRFS) structure design method based on multi-objective COOT (MOCOOT) algorithm optimizer was proposed in this work. The MOCOOT integrates archive, grid strategy, chaotic mapping strategy and COOT optimization algorithm. Firstly, the magnetic field strength of the sealing clearance was derived based on the equivalent magnetic circuit model, the sealing pressure formula of MRFS with pole teeth structures was established, and the friction torque model of MRFS based on Bingham equation was also developed. Then, according to the actual requirements of optical path sealing of beam directors, the constraint conditions of structure parameters were determined, and the optimization target model of sealing pressure and friction torque was constructed. As follows, a multi-objective version of COOT optimization algorithm, named MOCOOT, was proposed to optimize the structural parameters of MRFS structure. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method was verified via pressure and rotating friction torque tests implemented on an established experimental platform.
Seedbed management, transplanting methods and irrigation regimes influence the growth, productivity and economics of summer rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Mondal Mousumi , Biswas Benukar , Garai Sourav , Jana Soujanya , Dey Saikat , Mandal Tanuj Kumar , Maitra Sagar , Skalicka Jitka , Skalicky Milan , Gaber Ahmed , Hossain Akbar 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA field experiment was conducted during the rabi (winter) seasons of 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 at the Central Research Farm under Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, India, to study the effects of planting techniques, irrigation regimes, and nursery bed management on the growth, yield, nutrient dynamics, water productivity, and economics of summer rice (cv. Shatabdi) production. The experiment was performed in a strip-split plot design with twelve treatment combinations, which were replicated three times. The design consisted of two types of transplanted rice establishment methods (viz., puddled transplanted rice (PTR) and nonpuddled transplanted rice (NPTR)) allocated to the main plot, three irrigation regimes (three-day intervals; six-day intervals; nine-day intervals) allocated to the subplot, and two nursery bed management practices (conventional seedbed and improved seedbed) allocated to the subplot. Higher growth attributes, such as plant height, tiller count, biomass, and LAI, were found under nonpuddled conditions at the time of harvesting. Similarly, a three-day irrigation interval and improved seedlings led to better growth traits. The yield attributes and yield varied nonsignificantly among the crop establishment methods. However, the lowest irrigation intervals accounted for 53.78% and 43.02% greater grain yield than did the nine-day intervals in two consecutive years, respectively, and produced statistically similar yields with six-day intervals. The percentage of seedlings transplanted from improved seedbeds was 4.01 and 4.13% greater than that from conventional seedlings. A similar trend was observed for both input and irrigation water productivity, except that the nine-day irrigation interval resulted in significantly greater water productivity than did the other intervals. The treatment consisted of nonpuddled transplanted rice along with six six-day irrigation intervals and improved seedbed management, resulting in the highest net return and benefit:cost ratio due to the low production cost. Thus, it can be concluded that transplanting seedlings into nonpuddled soil from an improved seedbed with intermittent irrigation might be the most judicious and recommended in terms of productivity as well as profitability for summer rice production.
Examining Ethical and Social Implications of Digital Mental Health Technologies Through Expert Interviews and Sociotechnical Systems Theory
Authors: Adams Jonathan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis paper aims to understand how science and technology experts working in the digital mental health field interpret the ethical and social implications of its technologies, combining an ‘expert interview’ methodology with insights from sociotechnical systems theory. Following recruitment of experts in science and technology fields who had experience of supporting the development of DMH interventions, 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed in accordance with the Framework Method. A single theme of ‘complexity of implications’ is presented here and divided into the categories of ‘implications for users’, ‘implications for healthcare professionals and systems’, and ‘implications for society’. Participants identified a range of ethical and social implications of digital mental health technologies at the three different levels, which this discussion relates to three key aspects of complex sociotechnical systems identified in existing theoretical work. These are ‘heterogeneity’, ‘interdependence’ and ‘distribution’, each of which raises important questions for future research about how complex values, relationships and responsibilities should be negotiated in digital mental health. The paper concludes that this study’s approach provides a model for understanding the implications of digital health more broadly, with participants’ combined experience and knowledge shedding light on key interventions at the forefront of digitalization in healthcare.
Nonlinearities detection in river-tide interaction in Río Negro hydrographic lower basin (Argentina) using higher-order spectra
Authors: García Bu Bucogen Grethel , Huck Gabriel Eduardo , Piccolo María Cintia , Bohn Vanesa Yael , Perillo Gerardo Miguel Eduardo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe nonlinear interactions between river discharge, astronomical tidal wave, and local geomorphology during storm passage or water release from upstream dams can produce severe floods in the Río Negro lower basin (Argentina). For this reason, this paper aims to detect and study nonlinear processes in this area. The watercourse hydrodynamics was described using hourly water level data from three limnigraphs during 2003 – 2021 and flow time series. The tide gauge dataset was employed to describe the influence of tidal cycles on the hydrological regimen. Nonlinear processes' impact on the astronomical tidal cycle and river discharge was analyzed using Harmonic Analysis, and Fourier higher-order spectra, also it was complemented with the selection of two study cases. Harmonic Analysis results showed that the tidal wave entry upstream of the Río Negro modulates its hydrological regime, presenting the water column semidiurnal variations. Also, high-order spectral analysis detected nonlinear interactions in the signal in storm conditions with an energetic redistribution among the linear tidal constituents toward shallow water harmonics. Additionally, nonlinear interactions provoked a delay in the tidal ebb phase with a consequential extension of flooding duration time. This type of study contributes to the knowledge of the flood mechanisms activated during a storm.