bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wavelet integrated multiscale feature fusion network for imbalanced skin lesion classification
Authors: Shi Xin , Dong Xiaofang , Ye Shuhua , Li Wei , Li Haiyan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Accurate medical skin lesion classification is crucial for disease diagnosis and treatment planning. However, current methods are challenged by the presence of scattered feature, imbalanced class distributions and adverse effects of noise. To address these issues, a wavelet integrated multi-scale feature fusion network for imbalanced skin lesion classification is proposed. Firstly, a multi-scale feature fusion network (MSFuse) is designed, which contains parallel local and global feature modules to efficiently capture local spatial context features and global semantic information representation of features at different scales, while implementing adaptive hierarchical feature fusion blocks (HFF) to fuse semantic information between features at different scales in each branch. Subsequently, a Multi-Weighted New Loss (MWNL) function is proposed to overcome the challenge of uneven sample size and classification difficulty while reducing the impact of abnormal samples on training. Finally, the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) is incorporated instead of the average pooling of the fusion branch in MSFuse to remove the high-frequency components of the output features and extract the high-level features from the low-frequency components to suppress the effect of noise on the final classification results and improve the classification accuracy. Ablation experiments and comparison experiments are conducted on the ISIC2018 dataset, and the subjective and objective experimental results demonstrate that the proposed network outperforms the state-of-the-art methods and achieves the superior skin lesion classification results with 84.42%, 70.35%, 74.53%, 74.76% and 74.34% for Acc, MCC, F1, Prec, and Recall, respectively.
Dimethyl phthalate exposure induces cognitive impairment through COX2-mediated microglial activation
Authors: Wang Genghuan , Shen Jian , Lin Yingcong , Zhai Liping , Guan Qiaobing , Shen Heping 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

AIM
We investigated the mechanism of action whereby exposure to dimethyl phthalate (DMP), an environmental pollutant, causes cognitive impairment.
METHODS
Network pharmacology was used to analyze the targets and regulatory networks associated with DMP-brain injury-cognitive impairment. The environmental intake of DMP was simulated by DMP exposure, and Morris water maze was adopted to examine cognitive impairment. The tissue levels of inflammatory cytokines were detected. Brain tissue damage was assayed by H&E and Nissl staining, and protein expression was identified by Western blotting. The effects of DMP were observed after separate application of siRNA-COX2 and celecoxib-COX2 inhibitors. In the in vitro experiment, the effects of DMP on microglia activation were investigated.
RESULTS
Network pharmacology revealed that PTGS2 (COX2) was significantly correlated with DMP, which could act through COX2. After exposure to DMP, mice showed significant brain injury and cognitive impairment, along with activation of microglia and upregulation of inflammatory cytokines. The application of siRNA-COX2 and celecoxib-COX2 could inhibit the effects of DMP and ameliorate the cognitive impairment in mice. The in vitro results showed that DMP could activate microglia and cause microglia activation and neuroinflammation.
CONCLUSION
DMP exposure can induce neuroinflammation through COX2-mediated activation of microglia, resulting in cognitive impairment. COX2 is an important target for DMP action.
Multi-response Optimisation Applied on Friction Stir Processing to Enhanced Wear and Corrosion performance in Al-Si Alloys
Authors: Traiano Denner , Nascimento Silvia Rosa , Lourençato Luciano Augusto , Roca Angel Sánchez , Orozco Mario César Sánchez , Fals Hipólito Domingo Carvajal 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Eutectic (Al12Si) and hyper-eutectic (Al14Si) Al–Si alloys were processed through friction-stir processing (FSP). These Al-Si alloys' microstructure, microhardness, wear, and corrosion behaviour were studied. FSP led to the fragmentation and uniform distribution of Si and Fe-rich intermetallic phases in the Al matrix. Multi-response optimisation of the friction-stir process of Al–Si alloys was investigated. The optimum FSP parameters were a tool rotation speed of 1100 rpm and a 16 mm/min travel speed for Al12Si alloy. The friction stir processed Al12Si samples exhibit the highest microhardness (93 Hv); the most considerable fragmentation of Si particles and Fe-rich intermetallic phases, with average sizes of 2.82 and 2.07 µm, respectively; and optimal values of coefficient of friction (0.60); and corrosion rate (1.28×10− 4 mm/y). This work provided a mathematical model to obtain the optimum FSP parameters for producing surfaces in Al12Si alloys with excellent microstructural characteristics, high hardness, and better wear and corrosion resistance.
Research on the Combustion Mode and Thrust Performance of Rotating Detonation Scrarmjet Engines
Authors: Qingwu Wang , Xuedong Zhang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This article primarily focuses on the numerical simulation and theoretical analysis of these two combustion modes:deflagration and detonation. The research indicates that as the combustible mixture injected into the combustion chamber increases, the combustion mode transitions from deflagration combustion to self-sustaining detonation combustion and then to forced detonation combustion to maintain stable combustion in the chamber. Under self-sustaining detonation combustion mode, as the amount of combustible mixture injected into the chamber increases, the number of detonation waves gradually increases from one to multiple and the angle between the detonation waves and the inflow changes from acute to right angles. In the forced detonation combustion mode, the minimum shock wave intensity required to initiate detonation combustion can be obtained by drawing a tangent from the Rayleigh line. The structure generating oblique shock waves in the combustion chamber needs to match the shock wave intensity. In the detonation combustion mode, both the exit total temperature and specific impulse of the combustion chamber increase with the increase in Mach number at the inlet, while the pressure ratio decreases. This article provides a reference for the design of the combustion chamber in supersonic combustion ramjet engines.
Human physiologic changes with exposure to a new concept conducted electrical weapon
Authors: Dawes Donald , Ho Jeffrey , Kunz Sebastian , Kuo Jonathan , Knack Sarah 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Axon Enterprise, Inc. has developed a new concept Conducted Electrical Weapon (CEW). Instead of the traditional high-voltage, electrically paired 2- or 4-probe design, the new CEW uses a lower-voltage, variable waveform, floating probe polarity, independently targeted 10 probe design. With this design, electrical connections can occur between any probes. With 10 probes independently targeted and deployed, field efficacy should be higher than the traditional CEW designs. Additionally, the new CEW uses an ignitable primer system to propel the probes instead of the compressed gas in prior weapons. This, along with other incremental design changes such as thinner wires and a redesigned probe, should afford better accuracy at longer distances and better probe adherence. With the possibility of up to 10 probes on target (the current firmware limits the total connections between probes to 4), the possibility of anterior-posterior transthoracic connections, probes potentially rapidly alternating polarity, a waveform that can vary with load, and with higher velocity probes, this new CEW presents new areas for safety study. The authors used their previously published human physiology methodology to study 8-second exposures using different numbers of probes (up to 6; maximum 4 connections between probes) and connection locations. In our study, venous blood was drawn pre-exposure, immediately post-exposure, at 1 hour and at 24 hours post-exposure. Blood variables studied included potassium, pH, lactate, troponin, CK and catecholamines. EKGs were done immediately pre and post exposure and continuous spirometry was performed. There were 27 subjects in our study. There were no clinically significant blood marker changes except for modest changes in pH and lactate and catecholamines immediately post-exposure consistent with prior weapons and rises in CK which were similar to prior multi-shot weapons. The spirometry data had mixed results. There were no dysrhythmias, ectopy or ischemic changes on any EKGs.
Trends, epidemiology and causes of maternal deaths over a decade (2013-2022) in a context of crisis among 8 health zones in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Mwene-Batu Pacifique , Ndokabilya Eustache , Lembebu Jean Corneille , Ngaboyeka Gaylord , Mary Meighan , tapis Hannah , Dramaix Michelle , chimanuka Christine , Chiribagula Christian , Bigirinama Rosine , hermans Michel P , Bisimwa Ghislain 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Maternal mortality (MM) remains a real scourge that hits hardest in the poorest regions of the world, particularly those affected by conflict. However, despite this worrying reality, few studies have been conducted about MM in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The study aimed to describe the trends as well as the epidemiological profile and causes of maternal deaths between 2013 and 2022 in Eastern DRC.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2023 and August 2023 in eight Health Zones (HZ), five in South Kivu Province (Mwana, Minova, Miti-Murhesa, Kamituga and Idjwi) and three in North Kivu Province (Kirotshe, Karisimbi and Kayna) in the eastern region of the DRC. Data from registers and medical records of maternal deaths recorded in these zones over the last 10 years (2013–2022) were extracted along with information on the number of deliveries and live births. Differences in sociodemographic, clinical parameters, Blood and ultrasound tests and suspected causes of death between provinces were assessed using chi-square and non-parametric Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests, with a 5% significance level.
RESULTS
From 2013 to 2022, the study sites experienced two significant drops in MMR (in 2015 and 2018), and a spike in 2016–2017. Nonetheless, the combined MMR (across study sites) started and ended the 10-year study period at approximately the same level (53 in 2013 and 57 in 2022). Overall, 62,6% of the deaths were reported from secondary hospital. Most deaths were of married women in their thirties (93.5%). Almost 47.8% had not completed four antenatal consultations (ANC). The main direct causes of death were, in decreasing order of frequency: post-partum haemorrhage (55.2%), uterine rupture (14.0), hypertensive disorders (8.4%), abortions (7.7%) puerperal infections (2.8%) and placental abruption (0.7%).When comparing among provinces, reported abortion-related maternal mortality (14.1% vs 0%, p = 0,001) was significantly more frequent in North Kivu than in South Kivu.
CONCLUSION
This study imperatively highlights the need for targeted interventions to reduce maternal mortality. By emphasizing the crucial importance of antenatal consultations, intrapartum/immediate post-partum care and quality of care, significant progress can be made in guaranteeing maternal health and reducing many avoidable deaths.
In Vitro Color Stability of Bleached Teeth Using Peroxide-Free Bleaching Gel, Carbamide Peroxide and Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: AlKheraif Abdulaziz A. , Wasi Aisha , Adam Tasneem R. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This in vitro study investigates the effects of various bleaching agents on the color stability of extracted human teeth in two different staining media, Pepsi and saffron. Twenty human incisors were randomly allocated into four groups: a control group that was not treated with bleach, two groups treated with different concentrations of carbamide peroxide (22% and 16%), and a group treated with a peroxide-free bleaching agent containing phenolmidoperoxycaproic acid (PAP). Color measurements were taken at baseline, after bleaching, and following staining with either Pepsi or saffron. Statistical analysis revealed the bleaching treatments significantly affected the color, with the PAP-based bleaching agent demonstrating the lowest level of color change. Post hoc analysis confirmed significant differences between all pairs of groups, with Group 4 (PAP-based) showing the lowest mean color change. The study highlights the efficacy of peroxide-free bleaching agents and underscores its potential as a safe and effective alternative to traditional peroxide-based bleaching agents. Limitations include the in vitro nature of the study and the relatively small sample size. Future research should explore the long-term effects of different bleaching agents and staining conditions on safety and tooth color stability.
Biological Degradation of Aflatoxin in Dried Figs
Authors: KÖSE Senem ÖZTÜRK , BIYIK Hacı Halil 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to identify the microorganisms isolated from aflatoxin-containing dried figs, the biodegradation of aflatoxin and the products resulting from biodegradation studies. Within the scope of the study, adapted microorganisms in aflatoxin-containing dried figs were isolated and preliminary screening studies were carried out to determine their morphological/molecular identification and aflatoxin degradation properties. In biodegradation studies of aflatoxin, both microorganism cultures and supernatants were examined separately. Aflatoxin biodegradation occurred with the isolated microorganisms Bacillus cereus HBB532, Bacillus safensis HBB 526, Periesta megaterium HBB 522, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii HBB 542 and Zygosaccharomyces pseudorouxii HBB 545. Biodegradation amounts were determined using high pressure liquid chromatography. QTOF-LC/MS analyzes were performed to determine the degradation products formed after biodegradation in the samples where aflatoxin biodegradation took place. With these microorganisms, the amount of aflatoxin in dried figs was reduced by 50% or more. As a result of biodegradation, 22 degradation products were identified. This study is the first aflatoxin biodegradation study conducted using dried figs. In this study, aflatoxin biodegradation was evaluated with the matrix effect.
Effect of Seed Cycling on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Ajith K , Meera raman 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The objective of this study is to assess the effects of Seed cycling on menstrual cycle, hirsutism and blood sugar in PCOS. 32 women with PCOS who fulfilled the selection criteria were included in this open label interventional study. Menstrual history, measurement of body weight, BMI, random blood sugar and Ferriman Galleway scoring for hirsutism were done at baseline. The subjects were given 10 grams of seeds to be taken every day four times for 3 months.30 subjects completed the study. The above parameters were measured before and after three months. The results were analysed using paired T test. A significant reduction in BMI and Improvement in menstrual cycle was observed after seed therapy. The mean reduction in the BMI, 25.85 ± 3.4 in pre and post its 22.75 ± 4.3 respectively by end of 3 months respectively.
SLAM in Weak Environment Information Applications using Swarm Robots
Authors: Guo Jikai , Li Dayou , Qiu Renxi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM) in weak environment information scenarios where there are only sparse and ambiguous references available presents significant challenges. Feature sparsity and repetitive elements of landmarks impose difficulties in establishing stable tracking and lead perception overlap. The point-line matching based approach presented in this paper provides additional geometric context that makes it easier to distinguish between similar features. This method identifies landmarks as points, extrapolates lines from consecutive point observations, and generates point-line pairs using geometric and appearance-based criteria. The pairs serve as unique identifiers for locations and, hence, effectively solves the identical perceptions problem. To optimize this solution further, we introduce the generation of trajectory graphs, allowing the swarm to refine its map and location estimates iteratively. Experimental results validate that our approach outperforms traditional methods in the challenging weak environment information applications.
An Efficient Formulation for Studying the Dynamics of Double-wishbone Suspension of Generic Geometry with Jounce and Steering Inputs
Authors: Ashtekar Vyankatesh , Bandyopadhyay Sandipan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive theoretical and numerical framework for highly efficient and accurate simulation of the dynamics of complex rigid-body systems. The proposed methodology is demonstrated in the context of a double-wishbone suspension system, which is a representative example of a highly constrained spatial mechanism, since it has five rigid links, a spring and a damper, but possesses only two degrees-of-freedom. The proposed framework is used to simulate the forward and inverse dynamic problems, as well as a combination of both. In the forward dynamic simulation, a system of differential algebraic equations is developed and solved in an efficient manner, reducing the number of ordinary differential equations to be solved to the minimum possible. Consequently, the simulation is found to run 225 times faster than the physical system. The results are verified by comparing them with those obtained from a commercial multi-body dynamic simulator. The proposed framework can be used to simulate similar complex multi-body systems with multiple kinematic constraints.
Organizational profiles and personal factors affecting Health-related quality of life among older persons diagnosed with depressive disorders: path analysis and GEE
Authors:   1.	Thida Mulalint,   2.	Acharaporn Seeherunwong,   3.	Sasima Tongsai,   4.	Napaporn Wanitkun
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Knowledge about mental health service use for depression, mediating organizational profiles, and personal factors on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among older persons is critical to the health service system. Our study aimed to explore HRQoL six months through one year after persons received services for depression, and explains the effect of organizational profiles and personal factors on HRQoL, mediated through continued mental health service use. It also explains organizational profiles and personal factors affecting HRQoL.
Method
This study is a cross-sectional analytic study with information on 424 older persons (≥ 60 years) diagnosed with depressive disorder (DD)—medical record information provided data on personal and clinical factors. HRQoL and attitude toward depression and its treatment (ATDS) were obtained six months to one year after diagnosis with DD. HRQoL was measured using the EuroQol Group's EQ-5D Index and a visual analog scale (EQ-VAS). Organizational profiles were obtained from the authorized staff of 12 hospitals identified by latent class analysis into two classes. Descriptive statistics and path analysis tested mediated factors, and a marginal linear regression model using a generalized estimating equation (GEE) analyzed the final model.
Results
HRQoL at six months to one year was assessed as good and higher than in previous studies. Continuing mental health service use was not a mediated variable among organizational profiles and personal factors. HRQoL of older persons with DD is associated with personal factors, including age, sex, comorbidity, ATDS, perceived social support, and sufficient income. However, high and low-resource organizational profiles did not affect HRQoL.
Conclusions
These findings are crucial for reconsidering the quality of care and mental health services in general hospitals.
The causal effect of childhood violence on experiences of intimate partner victimisation and perpetration in later adolescence and young adulthood: a cohort study in Uganda
Authors: Carter Daniel , Bhatia Amiya , Allen Elizabeth , Knight Louise , Zinke-Allmang Anja , Nakuti Janet , Mirembe Angel , Akim Aggrey , Atuhaire Lydia , Kyegombe Nambusi , Weiss Helen , Seeley Janet , Datzberger Simone , Namy Sophie , Nevatia Tvisha , Parkes Jenny , Naker Dipak , Devries Karen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Eliminating violence against women and children are part of Sustainable Development Goals 4, 5 and 16. Using data from a prospective cohort of 3438 young people in Luwero, Uganda followed at a median age of 13 years, 17 years, and 21 years, we find that childhood violence from teachers, peers, and caregivers increases risk of subsequent intimate partner violence (IPV) victimisation in women and perpetration in men. Among women, risk of adult IPV victimisation is increased by experience of both severe childhood violence, as well as normative acts like corporal punishment. We use a causal mediation analysis to show that childhood violence has long-term impacts on young adulthood IPV victimisation that are not through pathways involving experiences of IPV in adolescence. Our results reinforce the importance of preventing childhood violence and suggest that addressing both normative and severe violence could lower women’s risk of intimate partner violence in early adulthood.
Patterns, outcomes, and preventability of clinically manifest drug-drug interactions in older outpatients: A subgroup analysis from a six-year-long observational study in North India
Authors: Kaur Upinder , Reddy Jaideep , Re Noti Taruni Srija , Gambhir Indrajeet Singh , Yadav Ashish Kumar , Chakrabarti Sankha Shubhra 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
Older adults are vulnerable to adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Evidence on clinically-manifest DDIs in older outpatients is scanty. The present study aims to report clinically-manifest DDIs, their risk factors, and preventive measures.
Methods:
This was a subgroup analysis of a six-year (2015–2021) long prospective study conducted in a tertiary hospital in North India. Older outpatients with ADRs constituted the study participants.
Results
Among 933 ADRs reported in 10400 patient registrations, clinically-manifest DDIs occurred in 199 (21.3%). DDIs accounted for 29.9%, 26.5%, and 21.3% of drug-related metabolic, vascular, and nervous system disorders respectively. Movement disorders (n = 18), hypotension (n = 16), and hypoglycemia (n = 15) were the common manifestations. 86% of DDIs were pharmacodynamic type and 13.1% were immune-mediated. Around 35% of DDIs required hospitalization with hyponatremia, movement disorders, and acute kidney injury as the common reasons. Older adults with Parkinsonism, acute infection, coronary artery disease, neuropsychiatric illness, and diabetes respectively had 3.14, 2.78, 1.97, 1.82-, and 1.77 times higher odds of DDIs. Those receiving ≥ 10 drugs had 5.33 times higher odds of DDIs compared to individuals receiving 1–4 drugs. ‘Avoiding the causative drug’, ‘optimal monitoring of the patient’, and ‘start-low and go-slow’ policy together, could prevent 85% of DDIs.
Conclusions
Every-fifth case of ADRs and nearly one-third of ADR-related hospitalizations in older adults are related to DDIs. Movement disorders, hypotension, and hypoglycemia are the common manifestations. A holistic approach with drug omission, optimal patient monitoring, and slow titration of therapy can prevent significant DDIs in the old.