bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Target Tracking Method Based on Kalman and Temporal Scale Adaptive Fusion CF
Authors: Zhang Yinhuan , Xiao Qinkun , Wei Yongquan , Chu Chaoqin , Du Yu , Xue Jingyun , Liu Xing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Aiming at the problem of tracking drift and even loss caused by background occlusion in the tracking process of dim-small targets, a new tracking method combining Kalman and temporal scale adaptive fusion KCF (AKF-CF) is proposed.Firstly, extract the multi-modal features of the target grayscale image and directional gradient histogram (HOG), detect the target position, and improve the recognition ability of the target. Then the bilinear interpolation method is used to obtain a temporal scale adaptive box, and the size of the tracking box is dynamically adjusted. Using Average Peak Correlation Energy (APCE) for target occlusion detection and improving on KCF algorithm: if occlusion occurs, the Kalman filter algorithm is used to predict the target position at the next moment and replace the target in the original KCF algorithm to prevent tracking drift; If no occlusion occurs, the KCF algorithm continues to track, thus achieving effective tracking of targets in occluded environments. Using the OTB100 dataset for tracking long duration and occlusion sequences in videos. Compared with the ACSRCF algorithm on the OTB50 dataset, the accuracy and success rates improved by 0.8% and 0.06%, respectively. The data on the OTB100 dataset were 92.50% and 68.10%, respectively, surpassing other related filtering algorithms. Therefore, the success rate and tracking accuracy of the algorithm proposed in this paper have been significantly improved.
A Comparison of Clinical Profile and Treatment Outcome of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in Tanzania According to HIV Status during the HAART era
Authors: Mbai Mercy M , Md Emmanuel , Thuo Samuel , Rugengamanzi Eulad , Malichewe Christina V , Lugina Emmanuel L. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
The incidence of Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) in HIV-positive individuals is approximately 19X more than in HIV-negative persons. Most HIV-HL patients present at an advanced stage (Ann Arbor stage III-IV), have “B” symptoms and extranodal involvement. HAART's development has led to a significant change in the natural history and risk stratification of HIV-HL. Therefore, this study aimed to determine differences in clinicopathological and survival patterns of HL among individuals with and without HIV disease in Tanzania in the HAART era.
Methodology
This hospital-based retrospective cohort study was conducted at the ORCI, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare proportions. Student t-test was used to compare means. The log-rank test was applied to the variables in univariate analysis to identify factors that predict survival. The factors that were significant in univariate analysis were then analyzed in multivariate fashion using a Cox regression model.
Results
83 patients with HL were recruited, and the prevalence of HIV-positive status was 27.7%. Most of the patients with HIV-HL had an age of more than 30 years (73.9%), while most of the non-HIV-HL patients had an age of less than 30 years (63.3%) (P = 0.02). The 2-year OS rate for HIV-HL was 34%, while that for non-HIV-HL was 67%. Among the HIV-HL patients, predictors of a poorer outcome were a CD4 count ≤ 200 cells/mm3 (P = 0.05), lack of HAART use (P = 0.00), and the use of HAART for ≤ 10 months (P = 0.00).
Conclusion
The prevalence of HIV-HL was 27.7% among HL patients. HIV positivity is still a poor prognostic factor in our setting, especially for patients not on HAART, on HAART for less than ten or ten months, or with a low CD4 count below 200 cells/mm3.Patients with HIV-HL were older and had higher LDH levels, whereas patients with non-HIV-HL were younger and had low LDH levels.
Microalgal biorefinery: effect of sugarcane vinasse cooling on the heterotrophic growth and biodiesel production by Phormidium autumnale
Authors: Réco Aline Sotta , Savoldi Gabriela dos Santos , Silva Mariana Altenhofen da , Bastos Reinaldo Gaspar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The use of microalgae in the wastewater treatment has been studied due to efficiency of nutrients removal and waste valuation for obtaining a biomass with economic interest. Filamentous Phormidium autumnale is recognized as a robust species normally found in extreme environments due to its tolerance to limiting conditions. Vinasse is the main wastewater in the sugarcane processing with a high polluting impact, originally obtained at high temperatures from output of alcoholic distillation, and requires the cooling for biological treatment. Microalgal biodiesel with adequate properties could be made possible from the use of agro-industrial by-products, according a “biorefinery” concept. It is important to evaluate the effect of this gradual cooling of the culture medium on the kinetic parameters of growth and removal of carbon and nitrogen from vinasse, as well as, fatty acid profile in microalgal biomass with estimate the properties of a potential biodiesel. Results indicated maximum specific growth rates around 0.05 h− 1 and maximum carbon and nitrogen removals of 30 and 38%, respectively, after 72 hours. Fatty acid profile indicated palmitic acid (C16:0) with the highest occurrence (28% mass/mass), followed by linoleic acid (C18:2), stearic acid (18:0) and eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5). Results indicate that the cyanobacterium Phormidium autumnale is tolerant to temperature variations and presents potential use in this vinasse wastewater for biomass and biodiesel production.
Quantum classifier based on open quantum systems with amplitude information loading
Authors: Brito Eduardo Barreto , Neto Fernando M. De Paula , Bernardes Nadja K. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Although the studies on quantum algorithms have been progressing, it is still necessary to broaden the investigation of open quantum systems. In this study, we present the use of an open quantum system to implement a quantum classifier algorithm. Zhang et al. propose a one QuBit system interacting with the environment through a unitary operator that comes from the Hamiltonian. In our proposal, the input data is loaded into the amplitude of the environment instead of being in the unitary operator. This change positively impacts the performance of different databases tested and causes a difference in the system entanglement behavior. For evaluation, both the Zhang et. al model and the proposed model were tested in four real-world datasets and seven other toy problems. The results are evaluated according to accuracy and F1-Score. A deeper analysis of the Iris dataset is also done, checking the creation of entanglement and an extensive random search for better parameters on the proposed model. The results show that for most real-world datasets configurations, the proposed model, although having a simpler decision area, performed better than the one inspired by the Zhang et. al model, and that there is no pattern for the system entanglement in the Iris Dataset.
Human Economic Value (HEV) and Jobket: Pioneering Economic Vitality and Ownership in the Employment Market
Authors: Efatmanesh Puyan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This paper introduces and examines two pioneering concepts, Human Economic Value (HEV) and Jobket, which together propose a groundbreaking framework for economic transformation and social reorganization. HEV posits a model where individuals are allocated a lifetime economic value of $1 million, ensuring fundamental financial security through universal basic income, and covering essential needs such as housing, education, food, and healthcare. Jobket, a novel fusion of 'job' and 'market,' enables individuals to invest a portion of their HEV in employment, thereby transitioning from mere employees to active shareholders in their places of work. This integration not only promises a new level of commitment and engagement in the workforce but also allows individuals to build their net worth beyond the initial HEV, effectively transforming every citizen from a potential economic liability into a vital asset of the national economy. The paper aims to critically evaluate the synergistic potential of HEV and Jobket in revolutionizing employment, wealth distribution, and societal organization. It further explores the role of HEV in addressing poverty, fostering economic stability, and promoting societal progress, particularly through the mechanisms of universal basic income and incremental education incentives. Through this exploration, the paper seeks to offer a comprehensive analysis of how HEV and Jobket can collaboratively pave the way for a more equitable, prosperous, and resilient society.
Novel Hing gum-based adsorbent with optimized synthesis parameters for cationic dye removal
Authors: Gautam Samiksha , Kumar Vijay 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This research investigates the utilization of Hing gum-based hydrogel as an effective adsorbent for the removal of Malachite Green (MG) dye from aqueous solutions. The hydrogel was synthesized using Hing gum as the backbone, acrylamide as the monomer, ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator in free radical polymerization, and N, N'-Methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinking agent. Optimization of different reaction parameters was carried out using the Response surface methodology. A full factorial model was utilized to achieve the maximum swelling percentage, and key factors were identified through a Pareto chart. The optimized variables, including the initiator (2.19 ×10− 2 mol L− 1), monomer (8.65 × 10− 1 mol L− 1), and solvent (13 mL), resulted in a maximum percentage swelling of 760%. The significance of the model was confirmed using ANOVA statistics. Various properties were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Field emission scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Zeta Potential, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller theory. The effectiveness of the prepared hydrogel in MG dye adsorption was evaluated by measuring contact time, pH impact, adsorbent dose, and temperature. The synthesized hydrogel exhibited high efficiency in removing MG dye from aqueous solutions, achieving a noteworthy adsorption rate of approximately 97% over 6 hours at room temperature. Adsorption calculations were described using kinetics and isotherm models. The results indicate that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model provided the best fit for the absorption process of MG. The obtained results highlight the adsorbent high absorption capacity and demonstrate its potential as an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for removing MG dye from water.
The Mitral to Aortic/Pulmonary Velocity-Time Integral Ratio Is a Simple, Feasible and Accurate Discriminator for Echocardiographic Evaluation of Severe Isolated Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Nerlekar Nitesh , Ramkumar Satish , Maggiore Paul , Teng Justin , Cimenkaya Cengiz , Be Kim Kuy , Baumann Angus , Nicholls Stephen J , Moir Stuart William 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Echocardiographic quantification of mitral regurgitation (MR) remains challenging, requiring dedicated image acquisition, and is limited by potential error from geometric assumptions of annular dimensions. Volume is a product of area and flow and assuming proportional mitral/aortic areas, an increased mitral-inflow volume compared to LV/RV-outflow semi-quantitatively represents greater MR regurgitant volume. Therefore, we investigated the feasibility and diagnostic performance of the mitral-aortic velocity-time integral(VTI) ratio in isolated MR. We also investigated the use of the mitral-pulmonary VTI ratio as an alternative in clinical situations where the LV outflow tract(LVOT) VTI could not be used.
Methods
We reviewed 166 consecutive patients (33%, n = 54 severe MR by multi-parameter integrated expert opinion)). Pulsed wave Doppler VTI at the mitral leaflet tips and the left ventricular outflow and continuous-wave Doppler of the RV outflow tract were measured individually and independently by blinded readers(expert and trainee status) to derive the ratio. Receiver operator characteristic area under the curve(AUC) comparison was calculated and compared with effective regurgitant orifice area(EROA > 40mm), regurgitant volume(RVol > 60mL), vena contracta(VC > 0.7cm), E-velocity > 1.2cm, systolic flow reversal(SFR), left atrial and ventricular dilatation.
Results
Increasing ratio was associated with severe MR(AUC 0.94) with optimal threshold defined at 1.3. This provided significant discrimination for severe MR(AUC 0.81) compared to EROA(0.68), VC(0.52), LV dilatation(0.69), LA dilatation(0.70), SFR(0.73), E-velocity(0.68) all p < 0.05, with sensitivity 82% and specificity 94%. The mitral-pulmonary VTI ratio demonstrated similar discrimination(AUC 0.92) with optimal threshold defined at 1.14. Excellent inter-observer reproducibility(intra-class correlation 0.97) was seen between trainee and expert readers. There was no difference in AUC comparison by MR mechanism or patient rhythm.
Conclusions
The mitral-aortic and mitral-pulmonary VTI ratios are simple, geometric-free parameters feasibly reproducible from routine echocardiographic datasets and are excellent discriminative tools for severe MR. Readers should consider integration of this parameter in routine reporting.
Facial Expression Recognition with Enhanced Relation-Aware Attention and Cross-Feature Fusion transformer
Authors: DONG YAN , Wang Ting , Pu Yanfeng , Gao Jian 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Face expression recognition(FER) is an important research branch in the field of the computer vision neighborhood. Three prevalent problems in FER tasks that severely impact recognition rates are inter-class similarity, intra-class differences, and facial occlusion issues. Although there have been studies that address some of these issues, none of them can adequately address all three issues in a unified framework. In this paper, we propose a novel dual-branch structure of enhanced relation-aware attention and cross-feature fusion transformer network to comprehensively solve all three issues. Specifically, we design the Enhanced Relation-Aware Attention module to maximize the exploration of more local expression features. At the same time, the Transformer Perceptual Encoder module is adopted to establishing the contextual relationship between individual patches under global information. This greatly alleviates the inter-class similarity problem and the facial occlusion and facial pose transformation problems. On the basis of a dual branch structure, we extract facial image features using facial landmarks features to guide them and design Cross-Feature Fusion Transformer module to deeply cross-fuse two different semantic features. Experiments are performed and results show that our method can greatly alleviated intra-class difference problem with comparison of several traditional methods on three commonly used datasets.
Efficacy and safety of immunotherapy plus chemotherapy in patients with pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma
Authors: Li Ruyue , Zhang Huanle , Zhao Ying , Li Ying , Yao Xiujing , Dong Xue , Xu Yali , Li Yintao 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy plus chemotherapy for pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC).
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the data of 124 patients with LCNEC hospitalized at Shandong Cancer Hospital between January 2018 and December 2022. Among these, 45 and 79 individuals were in the immunotherapy plus chemotherapy and chemotherapy groups, respectively. Baseline data of the two groups were balanced using propensity score matching (PSM), and the Kaplan–Meier survival curve was used to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the treatment regimen.
Results
The median follow-up period was 33.05 months. Compared with that in the chemotherapy group, the median overall survival (OS) in patients in the immunotherapy plus chemotherapy group showed a trend of clinical benefit (26.31 vs. 16.95 months, hazard ratio [HR] = 0.907, P = 0.675). After the PSM, the median OS (26.31 vs. 13.56 months, HR = 0.605, P = 0.041) showed statistically significant differences between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses found that patient age (P < 0.001) may be related to prognosis. In the immunotherapy plus chemotherapy group, the overall response rate was 46.7%, the disease control rate was 84.4%, and the median progression-free survival was 7.95 months (95% CI: 5.5–14.8). Simultaneously, Patients with early-stage LCNEC may obtain longer PFS by choosing immunotherapy plus chemotherapy in the first or second line.
Conclusion
Patients with LCNEC receiving immunotherapy plus chemotherapy may have better outcomes, with a tolerable safety profile without life-threatening adverse events.
Mediation effect of attitude and factors associated with practice towards corona virus disease-19 transmission prevention among students, Southern Ethiopia: - Generalized structural equation modeling approach.
Authors: Lajore Bereket Abrham , Abebaw Dessie , Gebeye Ejigu , Moges Sisay , Zakaria Hamdi Fekredin , Jaldo Mesfin Menza 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: - Ethiopia has taken unprecedented preventive and precautionary steps to monitor spread of COVID 19, safeguard people and ensure their well-being against novel corona virus disease. Numerous organizations, including schools like prep and high schools, have been affected by the viral epidemic. A generalized structural equation modeling approach was used in this study to identify factors associated with COVID-19 preventative practice (GSEM). Because knowledge, attitudes, and practices are latent constructs measured by survey items, GSEM is a suitable method for this study's variables. GSEM is suitable for answering the study's research questions due to its capacity to examine mediation with latent variables. This study sought to determine the extent and correlates of preparatory and high school students' knowledge, attitude, and practice of Corona virus disease-19.
Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 29 – April 08, 2021. A total of 1003 students from eight different schools were participated in the research. Generalized Structural Equation Modeling (GSEM) was employed to examine the relationship between variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
Result and Conclusion: In this study, age [adjusted β = 0.151], gender [adjusted β = 0.586], residence [adjusted β = 0.471], education [adjusted β = 0.38], comorbidity [adjusted β =1.144], and attitude [adjusted β = 0.880] positively predicted COVID-19 prevention practices both directly and indirectly, while knowledge only indirectly [adjusted β = 1.037] predicted practices. Age had direct [adjusted β = 0.108] and indirect [adjusted β = 0.043] positive effects. Females and urban residents adhered more to precautions than males and rural residents. Father's education of college and above predicted better practices compared to unable to read and write. Comorbidity had direct [adjusted β = 1.024], indirect [adjusted β = 0.120], and total positive effects. Positive attitude was significantly associated with better adherence to preventive practices. Therefore, because having better knowledge does not translate into good COVID-19 preventive and control practices. Rather, intervention aimed at a positive attitude would benefit controlling strategies of the pandemics.
A Conceptual Framework of Mobile Payment System Adoption and Use in Southeast Asia
Authors: Chang Andreas , Gunawan Theresia , Sumarwan Ujang 
Published: February 2024

The research aims to investigate the factors affecting consumers' adoption and use of Mobile Payment Systems (MPS) in Southeast Asia. Extant theoretical models need to be extended to cover the unique features of mobile payment technology. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) is conducted to analyse theoretical models utilized to predict the adoption and use of mobile payment. A total of 60 studies about adoption and use of MPS is analysed. The results of the investigations employ the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and Diffusion of Innovation model (IDT). It reveals that there are inconsistencies in determinants of behavioral intention to adopt and use MPS. Among them are performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence. The review also unveils the use of other determinants to predict behavioral intention to adopt and use MPS, such as perceived security, perceived risks, perceived trust, attitude, and financial incentives to lure new users. The researchers propose a conceptual framework for MPS adoption and use that includes four moderators: gender, age, educational level, and income level. The research contributes to the theory and practice by explicating relevant factors predicting behavioral intention to adopt and use mobile payment in the ASEAN region. Moreover, the SLR offers opportunities for future investigations.
АКЦЕНАТ ЈЕДНОСЛОЖНИХ ИМЕНИЦА МУШКОГ РОДА У ГОВОРУ БАСТАСА
Authors: Kozomara Dragomir V. 
Published: February 2024

У раду је дат детаљан преглед акценатских типова једносложних именица мушког рода у говору босанскограховског села Бастаси. Анализом исцрпно прикупљене дијалекатске грађе овдје се првенствено настоји установити колико су, генерално гледано, акценатски типови наведених именица сродни оним кодификованим, дакле у духу Даничићеве акцентуације. На основу досадашњих истраживања западнијих српских говора (скромних кад су у питању описи акценатских система појединих говора) познато је да се код таквих именица поједина одступања од актуелне акценатске норме и Даничићевих правила углавном своде на уопштавања која су резултат међусобне интерференције различитих акценатских типова, те је та врста уопштавања и овдје сасвим очекивана.
Анализирана дијалекатска грађа, осим са стањем код Даничића, поређена је са истраженим сродним српским говорима и сусједним икавским говорима ливањско-дувањског типа.
Photobleaching of face mask dyes BB and CR using novel BPPNTs-V2O5 nanotube composites: DFT studies of self-assembly and nanoclusters
Authors: Sivasankari K. , Naveenkumar R. , Karthikeyan B. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Self-assembly method demonstrated the viable production of 3,5-bistrifluoromethyl benzylamine derivative of phenylalanine nanotubes (BPPNTs). Nano-V2O5 composite of these BPPNTs has been synthesized and characterized. The reported nanocomposite shows a highly flexible nanotube structure that provides easy access to electrons when used as an electrocatalyst or photocatalyst. This promising platform is successfully applied in the electrochemical reaction by cyclic voltammetry. Maximum photodegradation of Congo red and Brilliant blue dyes (mask layer dyes) has been observed above 50% at given time intervals). This phenomena can be used in remediation applications like the degradation of used masks. Theoretical descriptions of the self-assembled BPPNT monomer and BPPNTs-V3O6 nanocluster composite by DFT calculations produced the validation of the predicted structural applications. The results concluded the proposed nanocomposite-coated mask layers for use in photodegradable masks are a valuable outcome of this study.