bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi-scale Local and Global Aggregation for Cloth-Changing Person Re-identification
Authors: Wang Yao , Geng Xia , Lu Hu , Wu Shengli , Liu Qingchao 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Cloth-Changing person Re-identification(CC-ReID) aims at retrieving the target person despite changes in clothing.
However, this task faces some challenges:
(1) CC-ReID involves considerable within-class variability due to clothing changes, while between-class variations can be subtle.
(2)
There's a need to explore more discriminative fine-grained features.
Existing research has primarily tackled these issues by integrating cross-modality information (\emph{e.g.}, silhouettes, gaits, and 3D shapes) using offline models to extract biologically meaningful features.
However, the effectiveness of these models heavily depends on the accuracy of the incorporated cross-modality information.
In response to these challenges, we first illustrate that contrastive learning is suitable for CC-ReID and we further propose the Local-Global Interaction Attention (LGIA) framework.
LGIA is a unified contrastive learning framework designed to extract discriminative and robust pedestrian representations.
It incorporates the Identity-Cloth Center Aware Constraint and Global-Local Mutual Learning.
Specifically, we leverage a combination of CNN-based and Transformer-based models to extract local-aware and global-aware fine-grained representations, respectively.
To mitigate the impact of clothing changes, we introduce the Identity-Cloth Aware Center Constraint module between these two branches. Within this module, a memory bank is employed to regularize instance features concerning identity-class centers and clothing-class centers, spanning from low-level to high-level features. Additionally, we design Local-Global Mutual Learning to enhance the representations extracted by CNN and Transformer branches by exchanging multi-semantic information.
To validate the effectiveness of our method, we conducted evaluations on three publicly available CC-ReID datasets. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our approach significantly outperforms existing state-of-the-art methods for cloth-changing person re-identification. We will release our code for reproduction.
Preparation of mesoporous silica SBA-15 modified by CTAB for extraction, preconcentration and determination of trace amounts of carmoisine in food samples
Authors: Mirabi Ali , Norouzi Banafsheh 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
A simple, sensitive, and high-efficiency method was presented for the extraction and preconcentration of trace amounts of carmoisine. In this method, SBA-15 modified with cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (SBA-15/CTAB) was used as a suitable absorbent. UV-Vis technique (ʎmax=522 nm) was used to study the amount of carmoisine absorption. The characteristics of SBA-15 and SBA-15/CTAB were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), map analysis, Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and CHN elemental analysis. Effective parameters (pH, amount of nanocomposite, type of recovery solvent, surfactant volume, etc.) for the extraction of carmoisine by SBA-15/CTAB were investigated. The merit figures of the method, such as accuracy, detection limit, preconcentration factor, and enrichment factor have been obtained with suitable results. The calibration curve was obtained linearly in the range of 0.3–20 ng mL− 1 with a detection limit of 0.12 ng mL− 1. A concentration factor was calculated at about 50. The proposed method for measuring carmoisine was applied at a negligible level in food samples such as cherry juice, blackberry juice, pomegranate juice, red grape juice, blueberry juice, cherry jelly, ketchup, tomato paste, smarties, and cherry compote with satisfactory results.
Usability testing of the Smart Work Injury Management (SWIM) system to assist case managers in predicting the work disability of injured workers
Authors: Yeung Yumiki Y.K. , Chen Peter Q. , Ng Peter H. F. , Cheng Andy S. K. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose Many countries have developed clinical decision-making support (CDMS) tools, such as the Smart Work Injury Management (SWIM) system in Hong Kong, to predict rehabilitation paths and address global issues related to work injury disability. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of SWIM by comparing its predictions on real work injury cases to those made by human case managers, specifically with regard to the duration of sick leave and the percentage of permanent disability.
Methods The study analysed a total of 442 work injury cases covering the period from 2012 to 2020, dividing them into non-litigated and litigated cases. The Krustal-Wallis post hoc test with Bonferroni adjustment was used to evaluate the differences between the actual data, the SWIM predictions, and the estimations made by three case managers. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess the inter-rater reliability of the raters.
Results The Krustal-Wallis test revealed a statistically significant similarity between the predictions of SWIM and a case manager with about four years of case management experience on non-litigated cases. The predictions made by case managers with 9 and 20 years of experience were also significantly similar for all cases. However, SWIM’s prediction of the permanent disability percentage differed significantly from the predictions of the other groups.
Conclusions The study confirmed that SWIM could effectively simulate the predictions of a case manager with roughly four years of case management experience regarding sick leave duration. It is recommended that future research considers the influence of psycho-social factors on predictions as these are often factored in by experienced case managers.
Implications SWIM can aid case managers in estimating non-litigated cases, thereby addressing the shortage of human resources in Hong Kong and reducing inconsistencies in case estimations.
Does limited-margin radiotherapy change the recurrence pattern and survival of patients with high-grade gliomas? Analysis and validation of a different approach
Authors: Semiz Volkan , Çetinayak Oğuz , Kınay Şeyda , Akçay Doğukan , Karabay Nuri , Can Fadime Akman 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose:We aimed to analyze our radiotherapy protocol by evaluating its effect on recurrence patterns and survival outcomes.
Methods: We assessed 89 patients diagnosed with high-grade gliomas (HGGs) who underwent chemoradiotherapy at our institution from January 2014 to January 2021. A high-risk clinical target volume (CTV high) was created with a 1 cm margin in all directions from the GTV, while a low-risk clinical target volume (CTV low) was established with a 2 cm margin. Planned treatment volumes with a 2-3 mm margin in all directions were created, and doses of 60 Gy and 46-50 Gy were prescribed in 30 fractions. Recurrence patterns were classified as central, in-field, marginal, or distant based on the 60 and 50 Gy D95 isodose lines.
Results: With a median follow-up of 29 months, 77.5% of patients experienced recurrence. Recurrence patterns were central in 65.2%, in-field in 16%, marginal in 4.3%, and distant in 14.5%. The overall survival rates at 1, 2, and 5 years were 87.6%, 60.3%, and 26.8%, respectively. The progression-free survival rates at the same intervals were 53.9%, 32.6%, and 20.7%, respectively.
Conclusion: The recurrence pattern remained unchanged with our protocol. With longer survival times, distant recurrence rates increase, yet central and in-field recurrences remain dominant. Despite the decrease in the volume that received the 60 Gy dose, marginal recurrences remained at a notably low level.
Effects of climate change on the distribution of the native Carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) in Morocco
Authors: Kassout Jalal , Chakkour Soufian , Ouahrani Abdeltif El , Hmimsa Younes , Fatehi Salama El , Yang Yanzheng , Hadria Rachid , Ariza-Mateos David , Palacios-Rodríguez Guillermo , Navarro-Cerrillo Rafael , Ater Mohammed 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Climate change is expected to alter many natural ecosystems around the world, by affecting plants growth and distribution. This is particularly emphasized for several Mediterranean plant species and communities. In this study, we investigate the suitable habitat and geographical distribution of a remarkable Mediterranean tree, Ceratonia siliqua L. (Leguminosae), in Morocco. We hypothesized a reduction in the carob tree suitable habitats under climate change scenarios. To this end, we applied the maximum entropy algorithm (Maxent) to generate current and future models using 303 occurrence points coupled with 19 bioclimatic variables. Two representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) by 2050 and 2070 were considered as future input scenarios. The maximum entropy model provides satisfactory results, with a high value of the Area Under Curve equal to 0.987 (±0.001). Jackknife tests indicate that precipitation followed by temperature play a significant role in the biogeographical dynamics of the Moroccan carob tree. Thus, the obtained results confirm our hypothesis of a reduction of the suitable area under the projected climate change scenarios by 2050 and 2070. The approaches developed in this study is promising to predict the potential distribution of native Mediterranean species and can be an effective tool to support conservation and restoration programs.
Extension of optical radiation pressure force exerted on rigid sphere by nondiffracting beams to acoustical domain
Authors: Ahmidi A. , Chafiq A. , Belafhal A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In this paper, the analytical expression of the axial acoustic radiation force (ARF) exerted on a spherical particle located on the propagation axis of nondiffracting beams constructed by a discrete superposition of Bessel beams is calculated. The axial acoustic radiation for the fundamental nondiffracting beams as cosine beams, Bessel beams, Mathieu beams, and parabolic or Weber beams are considered. This study is a generalization of some results on Mathieu beams published recently. In addition, the influences of each beam parameter, such as the angle of the half cone, the beam's own value, and the beam order on ARF will be examined, and the dependence of ARF with the particle radius is treated. In addition, some numerical simulations are performed the influence these parameters on the ARF. Furthermore, a comparison between the ARF exerted by each nondiffracting beam. This work may contribute to understanding the interaction between spherical particles and the fundamental nondiffracting beams. At the end of this work, a conclusion is given.
Chemical and Nutritional Composition of Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) Plant from Different Sources in Cape Coast, Ghana - A Preliminary Study
Authors: Teye M , Chikpah S. K , Odoi F.N.A , Nuamah Emmanuel 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Water lettuce is found growing in several water bodies in Ghana, reaching pest levels in certain locations. They often pose negative effects on their aquatic life and water quality. Attempts at eradication have proven difficult and expensive, although utilization as animal feed has been reported elsewhere. This study was undertaken to assess the nutritional and chemical compositions of water lettuce plants obtained from different water bodies in Cape Coast: freshwater (Kakum River), saline water (Fosu Lagoon), and Wastewater (Residential Areas). The water lettuce samples were harvested on the same days from the various water bodies from August to December, 2013, using seine nets. Proximate compositions of the whole plant, its parts were determined, as well as the heavy metal content of the whole plant. In addition, samples of water from the various water bodies were analyzed for heavy metal content. Data obtained from the study were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GenStat statistical software (fourth edition). Results from the study indicated that the heavy metal contents of the plants and the water bodies from which they were harvested were significantly (P<0.05) lower than the maximum permissible levels set by the European Commission. The crude protein contents were higher in the leaves of the plant than in the corresponding stems and roots. The leaves had higher crude protein and fats, but had lower fibre content than the other parts of the plant. Findings from this study indicate that water lettuce has potential for use as livestock feed. It is recommended that preliminary feeding trial with various species of livestock in Ghana be undertaken to determine its effects on growth and carcass parameters.
The effect of 11β-HSD activity on glucocorticoid replacement therapy in secondary adrenal insufficiency with GHD: Based on LC-MS/MS method
Authors: Li Ting , Li Songlin , Liu Hui , Tan Huiwen , Li Jiaqi , Li Jianwei , Yu Yerong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose The prognosis of patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI) receiving long-term glucocorticoid (GC) replacement therapy varies greatly. The reasons behind the phenomenon remain unclear. This study aims to explore whether the heterogeneity of SAI patients’ prognosis was related to change of 11β-HSD activity and the relationship between 11β-HSD1 activity and growth hormone deficiency (GHD).Methods The case-control study included 30 SAI patients with GHD, 20 patients with primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) and 20 healthy controls (HC). Urinary cortisol/cortisone and their metabolites were analyzed by LC-MS/MS to evaluate the 11β-HSD activity. The 11β-HSD1 activity was evaluated by calculating 5-αTHF + THF/ THE, with a higher ratio, representing a better activity and the 11β-HSD2 activity was evaluated by calculating urinary cortisol/cortisone ratio, which was higher, representing a weaker activity. The differences of 11β-HSD activity were compared among three groups and between different types of GC replacement. The relationship between the activity of 11β-HSD1 and GH/ insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1) was analyzed.Results Compared to PAI group, patients in SAI group had lower GC replacement dose(P < 0.001) and higher triceps skinfold thickness and abdominal skinfold thickness (P < 0.01). (5-αTHF + THF) /THE in SAI group was higher than that in PAI and HC groups (P < 0.001). Urinary F/E in PAI group was significantly higher than that in HC group (P < 0.01). There was no linear correlation between 11β-HSD1 activity and GH/IGF-1 levels (r2 =-0.191/0.060, P > 0.05).Conclusion The dose of GC replacement might decrease in SAI patients with GHD based on the augmenting 11β-HSD1 activity.
Classifying irreducible fixed points of five scalar fields in perturbation theory
Authors: Rong Junchen , Rychkov Slava 
Published: February 2024

Classifying perturbative fixed points near upper critical dimensions plays an important role in understanding the space of conformal field theories and critical phases of matter. In this work, we consider perturbative fixed points of N=5 scalar bosons coupled with quartic interactions preserving an arbitrary subgroup G\subset⊂ O(5). We perform an exhaustive algorithmic search over the symmetry groups G which are irreducible and satisfy the Landau condition, so that the fixed point can be reached by fine-tuning a single mass term and there is no need to tune the cubic couplings. We also impose stability of the RG flow in the space of quartic couplings, and reality. We thus prove that there exist no new stable fixed points in d=4-\epsilonϵ dimensions beyond the two known ones: namely the O(5) nvariant fixed point and the Cubic(5) fixed point. This work is a continuation of the classification of such fixed points with N=4 scalars by Toledano, Michel, Toledano and Brézin in 1985 [Phys. Rev. B 31, 7171 (1985)].
Ecological health assessment of the Qinghe River Basin: analysis and recommendations
Authors: Lei Jingcheng , Zhang Jinfeng , Li Peiying , Zhang Hongliang , Xu Chengbin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The assessment of ecosystem health at the scale of a large river basin is currently an important direction in environmental science and landscape ecology research. This study focuses on the ecological health assessment of the Qinghe River Basin. Following the Guidelines for Eco-health Assessment of Basin (Trial), a framework was designed to construct an assessment system. The aquatic and terrestrial systems of the Basin were selected, and the ecological pattern, ecological function, and ecological pressure were evaluated. The comprehensive assessment index, i.e., whole health index (WHI), was used to evaluate the overall situation of the basin, providing a comprehensive reflection of its state. The results indicate that the comprehensive index of ecological health assessment for the Qinghe River Basin is 58.66, indicating an average evaluation grade. By evaluating the health of the ecological system in the Qinghe River Basin, this study has gained an understanding of the current situation and identified major issues in the area. The study also proposes suggestions for future sustainable development and effective management of the Qinghe River Basin. These findings hold significant practical importance for the comprehensive protection and development of the area.
The economic impact of water diversion: evidence from China
Authors: Xu Hang , Yang Rui 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Many areas in the world are facing the problem of sustainable development due to water scarcity. One of the reasons for this issue is that the regional distribution of water resources is inequitable worldwide. The water diversion is a potential way to ease the water shortages as a result of the unequal distribution of water resources. As is well known, the South-to-North Water Diversion Project (SNWDP) in China is the largest project of water diversion over the world, which is transferring water resources between two river basins. This paper analyses the economic impact of the water diversion with the example of the SNWDP. It was found that the economic status of the areas affected by the SNWDP increased, relative to other regions. This result is robust when estimating with alternative outcome measure or subsample, and with alternative methods. The mechanism analysis shows that the main reason for the increased economic development level is that the water diversion encourages growth of the service industry in the water-receiving areas by supplying water for domestic use. These results imply that the sectors with more value-added may benefit better from the water diversion.
Assessment of using ponds as a nature-based solution on the optimal irrigation management of paddy fields
Authors: Janatrostami Somaye 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The water availability to supply agricultural water requirements plays an important role in the performance of agricultural products. Paddy fields depend heavily on water during cultivation, making this issue particularly important. In such cases, nature-based solutions, such as ponds, can be a suitable method to address water shortages for irrigation purposes. This study aims to develop a water allocation optimization model to evaluate the impact of two scenarios in ponds. In the scenario of increasing the ponds' depth, the hydraulic connection between the ponds and the groundwater level was taken into consideration. Based on this perspective, the scenario of increasing the depth resulted in a 0.33 million m3 increase in the volume of ponds, leading to an average percentage increase of 0.23% in the supply of irrigation requirements. The optimized model results in the pond dredging scenario showed a 2.03 million m3 increase in the volume of available water compared to the existing conditions, and a 1.70 million m3 increase compared to the pond deepening scenario. The results show that dredging ponds have a greater impact on increasing available water volume. It is also important to consider the hydraulic connection between ponds and groundwater levels in the pond-deepening approach.
Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation to Elucidate the Pharmacological Mechanisms of Luteolin Against Chondrocyte Senescence
Authors: Long Ling , Tang Xiaokai , Wang Yi , Gu Jiaxiang , Xiong Jiachao , Luo Hao , Lv Hao , Zhou Faxin , Cao Kai , Lin Sijian 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Luteolin, a flavonoid found in various medicinal plants, has shown
promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. The cartilaginous endplate
(CEP) represents a crucial constituent of the intervertebral disc (IVD), assuming a pivotal responsibility
in upholding both the structural and functional stability of the IVD.

Objective:
Exploring the precise mechanism underlying the protective effects of luteolin against
senescence and degeneration of endplate chondrocytes (EPCs).

Methods:
Relevant targets associated with luteolin and aging were obtained from publicly available
databases. To ascertain cellular functions and signaling pathways, Gene Ontology (GO) and
Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were employed. Core genes were
identified through the construction of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Molecular
docking (MD) was utilized to assess the binding affinity of luteolin to these core genes. Finally,
the impact of luteolin on the senescence and degeneration of EPCs was evaluated in an in vitro
cellular senescence model induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP).

Results:
There are 145 overlapping targets between luteolin and senescence. Analysis using GO
revealed that these targets primarily participate in cellular response to oxidative stress and reactive
oxygen species. KEGG analysis demonstrated that these markers mainly associate with signaling
pathways such as p53 and PI3K-Akt. MD simulations exhibited luteolin’s binding affinity
to P53, Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)2, and CDK4. Cell cycle, cell proliferation, and β-
galactosidase assays confirmed that luteolin mitigated senescence in SW1353 cells. Western blot
assays exhibited that luteolin significantly suppressed the expression of Matrix Metallopeptidase
(MMP) 13, P53, and P21, while concurrently promoting CDK2, CDK4, and Collagen Type II
Alpha 1 (COL2A1) expression.

Conclusion:
In summary, luteolin demonstrated beneficial properties against aging and degeneration
in EPCs, offering novel insights to mitigate the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration
(IVDD).