bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Occurrence and Ecological Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in sediments and water of Left-Bank canals of Indus River, Pakistan
Authors: Sidiqui Mohammed Hammad , Imran Uzma , Shaikh Kaleemullah , Ahmed Shoaib , Begum Razia , Shoukat Sohail 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Kotri Barrage Left Bank Canals, i.e., Akram Pinyari, and Phuleli Wah, pass through Hyderabad Sindh, Pakistan. These canals are utilized for industrial, domestic, and agricultural purposes. These canals are badly affected by anthropogenic activities, which are major sources of organic content, especially PAHs. The present study aimed to investigate the presence, distribution, source, and ecological risk assessment of sixteen ∑16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water and sediments of Left-bank canals of River Indus-Pakistan in both pre & post monsoon seasons. From each canal 3 water and 2 sediment samples were collected in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. After collection of sample EPA liquid-liquid extraction were used for the extraction of samples then GC-chromatography was used to investigate the concentration of PAHs. The cumulative concentrations of ∑16PAHs in the pre-monsoon season ranged between 22.26–836.46 ng/l and 26.95–49560 ng/g in water and sediments respectively. The total concentration of water and sediments in the post-monsoon season ranged between 76.51-5663.1 ng/L and 2976.70 -15238.33 ng/g respectively. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that industrial and domestic wastewater discharge, solid waste burning, heavy vehicular exhaust, biomass combustion, and petroleum residues are the primary sources of PAH contamination. The toxic equivalent factor (TEF) depicted that Benzo(a)Pyrene and Banzo(a,h)anthracene are the contributing PAHs with higher carcinogenic exposure equivalent in both water and sediments. The left-bank canals of River Indus are highly contaminated with PAHs, thus posing a severe health issue to humans and aquatic life.
Swiss Cooperation Fundings for Local Government Management in Benin: what are the Impacts on Peasant Family Farming from Maize Production Yield Perspective?
Authors: DEDEHOUANOU Arnaud , Statisticien Ingénieur 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The aim of this research was to contribute to the literature on the impact of funding (subsidies) on farmers' productivity and hence on local development. To achieve this objective, the data collected concerned a sample of 521 maize producers accessing from PASDeR spread over the intervention zone (Borgou, Alibori, Atacora and Donga). Heckman's two-stage estimation method was used to make the estimates. Based on the estimation results obtained, we found that the selection process for financial subsidy beneficiaries is optimal. They also show that the financial subsidy is significant in explaining maize yield. However, the correlation between the financial subsidy and maize yield is negative, confirming the assertion of Blair, 1984 and Sonne 2010. This is because PASDeR's target group is mainly poor and does not have easy access to conventional financial services to bridge the funding gap. Finally, policy recommendations aiming to strong involvement of elected representatives, an in-depth diagnosis of the real and complete needs of farming and the rigorous monitoring of beneficiaries must be addressed.
J.E.L. Classification H72, H75
Assessing the Uncertainty of Embankment Breach Outflow due to Overtopping
Authors: Hayal Neslihan Godek , Calamak Melih , Yanmaz A. Melih 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Embankment breach outflows resulting from overtopping were analyzed using probabilistic modeling. The effects of uncertainties in the inflow hydrograph and embankment breach parameters on the breach outflow were evaluated using a numerical model considering (1) breach parameters, including final bottom elevation, width, side slopes, formation time, weir coefficient, and water surface elevation triggering the breach; and (2) inflow hydrograph parameters, such as the peak flow rate and time to peak, as probabilistic parameters. The Monte Carlo method was used for the probabilistic analyses. The histograms and exceedance probability curves of the resulting peak flows were obtained, and probability density functions were fitted. A Chi-square goodness of fit test was performed to examine the fitted distributions. It was found that the upper and lower bounds, as well as the type of the final bottom elevation distribution of the breach play an important role in the breach outflow. Treating the inflow as deterministic or probabilistic did not significantly affect the discharge; however, it is suggested that it can be modeled using a normal distribution. The deterministic breach model underestimated the outflow compared to the maximum peak discharges of the probabilistic models.
Decoding Self-similar Earthquake Patterns and Static Stress; a Pathway to Enhanced Earthquake Forecasting
Authors: Chandriyan Haritha , Reddy Ramakrushna , Roy Paresh Nath Singha 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the collaborative application of fractal clustering patterns and cumulative Coulomb stress (CCS) in the context of earthquake precursory signal identification. We evaluated CCS created by the events based on the period when the Correlation fractal dimension (Dc) commenced falling into relatively lower values. We tested this approach to four strong (M > 7) earthquakes of southern and Baja California, revealing a correlation between these parameters. The crustal readjustment period prior to large earthquakes frequently exhibits a succession of events that result in positive CCS and a higher degree of spatial clustering, indicating low Dc. Preceding strong earthquakes, positive CCS values have been observed concurrently with the onset of low Dc, indicating the potential significance of Dc in seismic hazard assessment studies. We examined these parameters in the Ridgecrest and Baja California regions following the 2010 Mw 7.2 and 2019 Mw 7.1 events. Signs of strain were observed in the northwestern region of the epicenters, indicated by the presence patch of low Dc and positive CCS. We observed that earthquake frequency is typically highest in regions with low to medium Dc values. Multiple sections of the Garlock Fault, manifested by low Dc regions, are loaded, posing a significant seismic risk in Southern California. Similarly, the southern segment of the San Andreas fault displays demonstrate low Dc and high stress, has been inactive for a prolonged period. While these faults may be inactive, we must not underestimate the unpredictability of earthquakes.
Widening of narrow urethral plates with lateral skin in TIP hypospadias repair: single center series
Authors: Xu Yingrui , He Yan , Wang Hongwei , Wu Xuemin , Liu Zhaoquan , Du Guoqiang , Wu Xiangyu , Wu Rongde , Wang Yanze , Liu Wei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
To compare the outcomes of hypospadias repair using tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty and modified TIP with lateral skin to widen the urethral plate (WTIP).
Materials and methods
Data were obtained from pre-pubertal boys who underwent primary hypospadias repair between May 2018 and July 2023. The cases were divided into two groups; one group underwent TIP with urethral plate ≥ 6 mm width and the other group with urethral plate width < 6 mm underwent WTIP. WTIP urethroplasty was performed by widening incisions on the outer margins of the urethral plate to incorporate penile and glandular skin lateral to the urethral plate to facilitate tubularization. Complication rates and urinary functions were compared.
Results
A total of 157 patients were enrolled in this study. Eighty-eight cases with narrow urethral plate were subjected to WTIP urethroplasty, and the rest were subjected to TIP urethroplasty. The preoperative glans width in WTIP group was less than that in TIP group (P < 0.001), and 44.3% had midshaft meatus in WTIP group compared to 17.4% in TIP group (P < 0.001). However, the incidences of postoperative complications (17.6% vs. 21.6%, P = 0.550) were not statistically different between the TIP and WTIP groups. In addition, both groups did not differ significantly in postoperative uroflowmetry assessment.
Conclusions
The described technique helps to create an adequately caliber aesthetic neomeatus and facilitates tubularization, especially in hypospadias with a narrow urethral plate. Our data suggest that augmentation of a narrow urethral plate with WTIP has a similar surgical outcome to that of the TIP procedure in patients with a wide urethral plate.
Transcript and protein signatures derived from shared molecular interactions across cancers are associated with mortality
Authors: Zhao Yelin , Li Xinxiu , Loscalzo Joseph , Smelik Martin , Sysoev Oleg , Wang Yunzhang , AKM Firoj Mahmud , Aly Dina Mansour , Benson Mikael 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Characterization of shared cancer mechanisms have been proposed to improve therapy strategies and prognosis. Here, we aimed to identify shared cell-cell interactions (CCIs) within the tumor microenvironment across multiple solid cancers and assess their association with cancer mortality.
Methods
CCIs of each cancer were identified by NicheNet analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data from breast, colon, liver, lung, and ovarian cancers. These CCIs were used to construct a shared multi-cellular tumor model (shMCTM) representing common CCIs across cancers. A gene signature was identified from the shMCTM and tested on the mRNA and protein level in two large independent cohorts: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA, 9,185 tumor samples and 727 controls across 22 cancers) and UK biobank (UKBB, 10,384 cancer patients and 5,063 controls with proteomics data across 17 cancers). Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association of the signature with 10-year all-cause mortality, including sex-specific analysis.
Results
A shMCTM was derived from five individual cancers. A shared gene signature was extracted from this shMCTM and the most prominent regulatory cell type, matrix cancer-associated fibroblast (mCAF). The signature exhibited significant expression changes in multiple cancers compared to controls at both mRNA and protein levels in two independent cohorts. Importantly, it was significantly associated with mortality in cancer patients in both cohorts. The highest hazard ratios were observed for brain cancer in TCGA (HR [95%CI] = 6.90[4.64–10.25]) and ovarian cancer in UKBB (5.53[2.08–8.80]). Sex-specific analysis revealed distinct risks, with a higher mortality risk associated with the protein signature score in males (2.41[1.97–2.96]) compared to females (1.84[1.44–2.37]).
Conclusion
We identified a gene signature from a comprehensive shMCTM representing common CCIs across different cancers and revealed the regulatory role of mCAF in the tumor microenvironment. The pathogenic relevance of the gene signature was supported by differential expression and association with mortality on both mRNA and protein levels in two independent cohorts.
Effect of hybrid basalt-brucite fibers in the microstructure of low heat cement concrete
Authors: Zhu Haitang , Wang Yingxuan , Wan Cong , Ma Mei , Zhang Yongjie , Hao Zitai 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In this paper, the mechanical properties and microstructure of hybrid basalt-brucite fibers reinforeced low heat cement concrete were investigated, including compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, hydration products, microstructure, and pore. The results showed that the composite effect of hybrid fibers can effectively improve the mechanical properties of low heat cement concrete and affect the failure mode of specimens. Based on microscopic techniques, it was found that hybrid fibers had a good bonding effect with the mortar. The failure mode of hybrid fibers in mortar included pull-out, tensile failure, and torsional failure. Meanwhile, mineral fibers can effectively promote hydration reaction, enhanced the interface transition zone between fibers and concrete, and improve the compactness of concrete by compensating for small pores in concrete. Based on the theory of composite materials, the reinforcement mechanism of hybrid fibers on low heat cement concrete was elucidated.
WITHDRAWN: Thangka Image Caption Generation Method Combining Multi-scale and Multi-level Aggregation
Authors: YUE Chaoyang , Hu Wenjin , Zhang Fujun , Shi Xinyue 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Thangka, as a distinctive form of painting in China, plays a crucial role in facilitating a more profound appreciation and comprehension of Thangka through automated image description. Considering the diverse semantic objects and varying scales present in Thangka images, as well as their distinct spatial distribution characteristics, along with the challenge of potential information loss in image key features using Transformer-based encoding layers, this paper proposes a novel approach for generating Thangka descriptions, integrating multi-scale and multi-level aggregation. The proposed method, named Multi-scale and Multi-level Aggregation (MMA), addresses these challenges and enhances the quality of Thangka image description. At the encoding stage, we employ asymmetric convolutions to enhance the spatial information-capturing capability of convolutional layers. Additionally, we utilize a pyramid pooling module to further integrate multi-scale contextual information from both global and local regions of Thangka images, resulting in feature representations that possess rich semantic information. In the decoding stage, a multi-level aggregation network is designed to aggregate features from different encoding layers, thereby improving the utilization of semantic information from higher-level encoding layers and content information from lower-level encoding layers. This effectively addresses the issue of information loss. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model achieves promising performance on the Thangka dataset. Compared to the NIC model, it achieves a significant improvement of 26.7% in BLEU-4 and 0.9% in METEOR, while generating descriptions with higher accuracy.
Morphing Compliant Trailingedge Skin Concept
Authors: Tikalsky Jan , Monner H. P. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Mitigating global warming and its associated consequences stands as the paramount challenge of our generation. The aviation industry and its aircraft must actively contribute to achieving climate neutrality. Regardless of the fuel used, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency emerges as a pivotal factor in attaining this goal. While numerous analyses and wind tunnel tests have highlighted the decisive advantages of variable wing trailing edges, no such system has yet been implemented commercially. The increasing mass and system complexity, however, compromise many of these advantages. This paper introduces a novel concept for morphing the trailing edge (Hyperelastic Trailing Edge Morphing, HyTEM), which has a completely continuous wing skin and possesses the potential to map spanwise-differentiated deflections. This capability enables the optimization of lift distribution based on the flight point. An application scenario of HyTEM are trailing edges of normal-category aeroplanes like CS-23. However, first Implementation is planned on a scaled demonstrator “Proteus”. The system is initially outlined and subsequently scrutinized using two analytical and two finite element methods. Although all these models rely on assumptions of linear material behaviour. Coupon tests were conducted to determine a specific stiffness. The linear material behaviour was verified through the single lap shear test. The results demonstrate that the application of HyTEM can reduce internal driving forces to 0,01% to 0,0001% of those in a conventional trailing edge connection with a continuous wing skin. Moreover, it has been established that linear material behaviour within the utilized strain is feasible and the method already provides sufficient accuracy for actuator sizing.
Navigating Thrombotic Terrain: Unveiling a Novel Homocystinuria Mutation Associated with Thrombophilia in a 16-Year-Old: A Case Report
Authors: TULASI POOJITHA , Veeramachaneni Amulya , Kamble Niranjan , Rangaswamy Darshan Rajatadri 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: Thrombophilia is characterised by an abnormality of blood coagulation that increases thrombosis. Homocystinuria, encompasses a group of disorders marked by increased levels of homocysteine and other amino acids detectable in the bloodstream and urine. Conversely, homocystinuria due to Methylenetetrahydrofolatereductase (MTHFR) deficiency, a rarer disorder, stems from impaired folate metabolism due to deficient MTHFR enzyme.
Case presentation: A 16-year-old presented with walking difficulties, headaches, and thrombotic events, thrombophilia workup led to a diagnosis of Homocystinuria due to a novel mutation in MTHFR gene. Anticoagulant therapy was initiated which showed clinical imrpovement, but financial constraints hindered follow-up.
Conclusions: This case highlights the complexities of diagnosing and treating pediatric thrombophilia, particularly in resource-limited settings. Notably, the identified homozygous Autosomal Recessive (AR) missense variation in the MTHFR gene (Exon 4 – c582C>G) represents a novel mutation, suggesting the ongoing significance of genetic research in elucidating the underlying mechanisms of thrombotic disorders.
Mycorrhizal Types Determined the Response of Yield of Woody Bioenergy Crops to Environmental Factors
Authors: Luo Mengyuan , Shi Zhaoyong , Yuan Mingli 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Fossil energy has been difficult to meet people's demand for energy. To avoid energy shortages, woody bioenergy crops as a renewable energy have become the object of research by many researchers. Also, mycorrhizas play an important role in crop productivity which inevitably affected biomass yield of woody bioenergy crops. Based on a global synthesis of biomass yield of woody bioenergy crops, we described a framework for recognizing responses of biomass yield of bioenergy crops to mycorrhizal types and made comparisons of biomass yield. Our resulted found that the biomass yield of woody bioenergy crops ranked from high to low as ectomycorrhizas (ECM) crops (10.2 ton DM ha− 1 yr− 1) > arbuscular mycorrhizas (AM) + ECM crops (8.8 ton DM ha− 1 yr− 1) > AM crops (8.0 ton DM ha− 1 yr− 1). In addition, we indicated that the climate has the strongest effect on biomass yield in AM and ECM crops, whereas geography had the strongest effect on biomass yield in AM + ECM crops. Also, the response of biomass yield to geographic factors (latitude and elevation) and climatic factors (mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP) varied among different mycorrhizal and plants types. When AM crops are planted, we can pay more attention to the temperature conditions-warmer location, while ECM crops are planted to choose a place with more precipitation conditions. This study revealed the relationship between mycorrhiza and bioenergy crops. It provided data and theoretical support for the rational explanation of the differences of different woody bioenergy crops and their different responses to global changes and increase production of bioenergy crops.
Consequences of Cancer on Zebrafish Danio rerio: Insights into Sex Determination, Sex Ratio, and Offspring Survival.
Authors: Boutry Justine , Douhard Mathieu , Asselin Klara , Dujon Antoine M , Meliani Jordan , De Backer Olivier , Nicolas Delphine , Shultz Aaron G , Biro Peter A , Beckmann Christa , Fontenille Laura , Kissa Karima , Ujvari Beata , Thomas Frederic 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Offspring sex ratio has been proposed as an indicator of the risk of developing certain cancers in humans, but offspring sex ratio may also be a consequence of the disease. In this study, we investigate this subject using the zebrafish, Danio rerio, as a model system. First, we explore whether inducing skin cancer at an early stage of the host's life (embryonic stage) has the potential to influence sex determination and/or sex-specific mortality. Second, we investigate whether the sex ratio in offspring produced by tumor-bearing adult females differs from that of healthy females. Third, we compare the survival (until sexual maturity) of offspring produced by cancerous and non-cancerous females. We found that skin cancer did not influence sex determination and sex ratio of the offspring. However, consistent with previous studies on other model systems, the survival of offspring was higher when mothers were cancerous, suggesting that diseased females allocate more resources to current reproductive efforts compared to their healthy counterparts. This study makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the ecological and evolutionary consequences of host-tumor interactions in animals.
Suitable Deep Learning Classifier Recommendation for Multi-variate Time Series Classification
Authors: Gan Rui 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Time series classification can be categorized into two main types: univariate and multivariate. The major difference between the two is that multivariate datasets have multiple dimensions, which makes them more intricate than univariate datasets. Selecting a suitable classifier for multivariate time series classification can be challenging, as it involves trying out several algorithms to handle the intricate data. While some studies have been conducted on automatically finding suitable classifiers for univariate datasets, there are currently no such studies for multivariate ones. To fill this gap, this paper introduces a recommendation system for deep-learning classifiers that are suitable for multivariate time series classification. The experiments demonstrate that this recommendation system can automatically identify the suitable deep-learning classifier for some multivariate time series datasets.
Identifying hotspots of heat waves, droughts, floods, and their co-occurrences
Authors: Passos Marlon Vieira , Kan Jung-Ching , Destouni Georgia , Barquet Karina , Kalantari Zahra 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

To address the increasing need for hydroclimatic hazard assessment, a framework to map hotspots and analyze trends in heat waves, droughts, floods, and their compound occurrences was developed. The framework uses temperature, precipitation, river discharge, and derived climate indices to characterize the spatial distribution of hazard intensity, frequency, duration, co-occurrence, dependence, and their projected changes. The relevant climate indices applied are Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardized Precipitation and Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), Standardized Streamflow Index (SSI), Heatwave Index (HWI), and Daily Flood Index (DFI). Suitable environmental indicators and corresponding thresholds for each hazard were selected based on estimated extreme event detection accuracy using receiver operating characteristics. Compound hazard dependence was assessed using Likelihood Multiplication Factor. The framework was tested for the case of Sweden, using daily data for the period 1922-2021. The results show that HWI, SPEI12, DFI are suitable indices to represent heat waves, droughts, and floods, respectively. Application of these indices shows increasing heat wave and flood occurrence in large areas of Sweden, but no significant change trend for droughts. Compound drought-heat wave and drought-flood events are found to be positively correlated in some locations, which can exacerbate their impacts. The novel framework developed here adds to existing hydroclimatic hazard research by (1) using local data and documentation to validate indicator-based hazard hotspots, (2) evaluating compound hazards at regional scale, (3) requiring just a few widely available input variables to (4) attain satisfactory accuracy levels for indicator-based hazard assessment, and (5) being generalizable to various hazard types.