bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementation of JPEG XS entropy encoding and decoding on FPGA
Authors: Tian Shuang , He Jialin , Wang Yihan , Du Gang , Zhang Dongxia 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
JPEG XS is the latest international standard for shallow compression fields launched by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The coding standard was officially released in 2019. The JPEG XS standard can be encoded and decoded on different devices, but there is no research on the implementation of JPEG XS entropy codec on FPGAs. This paper briefly introduces JPEG XS encoding, proposes a modular design scheme of encoder and decoder on FPGA for the entropy encoding and decoding part, and parallelizes the algorithm in JPEG XS coding standard according to the characteristics of FPGA parallelization processing, mainly including low-latency optimization design, storage space optimization design. So that the coding speed can reach 4 coefficients/clock and the decoding speed reach 2 coefficients/clock, which reduces the encoding and decoding time by 75%. The maximum clock frequency of the entropy encoder is about 222.6MHz, and the maximum clock frequency of the entropy decoder is about 127MHz. The design and implementation of the FPGA-based JPEG XS entropy encoding and decoding algorithm is of great significance and provides ideas for the subsequent implementation and optimization of the entire JPEG XS standard on FPGAs. This work is the first in the world to propose the design and implementation of an algorithm that can implement the JPEG XS entropy encoding and decoding process on FPGA. It creates the possibility for the effective application of JPEG XS standard in more media.
Combining ability and hybrid breeding in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br.) for agronomic traits and resistance to Striga hermonthica
Authors: Rouamba Armel , Shimelis Hussein , Drabo Inoussa , Mrema Emmanuel , Mashilo Jacob , Mwadzingeni Learnmore 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br., 2n = 2x = 14) is a nutrient-dense and climate-resilient crop widely cultivated in the dry regions of Africa and Asia. In Burkina Faso, the actual mean yield of the crop is < 1 ton/ha compared with a potential yield of 3 tons/ha. Several constraints, including cultivar susceptibility to the noxious weed Striga hermonthica (Del.) Bentham (Sh) and severe and recurrent drought stress limit the potential productivity of the crop. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the combining ability effects and degree of heterosis for agronomic traits and resistance to Sh among complementary pearl millet genotypes to select promising parental lines and hybrids to develop and deploy farmer-preferred varieties. The narrow-and broad-sense heritability were relatively higher for Striga-resistance (≥ 70%) and low (≤ 23%) for grain yield. The general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) ratios were less than unity for agronomic traits and Striga reaction indicating the predominance of non-additive gene action conditioning the assessed traits. The new experimental hybrids such as IP-11358 × ICMB177111, IP-11358 × IKMB18002, IP-10579 × ICMB177002 and IP-9242 × ICMB177002 are recommended for multi-environment evaluation and production in Sh-infested pearl millet cultivation agro-ecologies in Burkina Faso or similar agro-ecologies.
DNMT3A/TET2/ASXL1 mutations are an age-independent thrombotic risk factor in polycythemia vera patients: an observational study
Authors: Segura-Díaz Adrián , Stuckey Ruth , Florido Yanira , Sobas Marta , Álvarez-Larrán Alberto , Ferrer-Marín Francisca , Pérez-Encinas Manuel , Carreño-Tarragona Gonzalo , Fox María Laura , Vega Barbara Tazón , Cuevas Beatriz , Rodríguez Juan Francisco López , Farías-Sánchez Nuria , González-Martín Jesús M. , Gómez-Casares María Teresa , Bilbao-Sieyro Cristina 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Polycythemia vera (PV) patients are classified as being of high or low thrombotic risk based on age>60 years and prior history of thrombosis. Despite adherence to treatment recommendations, vascular events remain frequent, even in younger patients, leading us to question whether thrombotic risk stratification could be improved. We previously reported an association between thrombotic events and mutations in DTA genes (DNMT3A, TET2 and ASXL1, frequently mutated in clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential, CHIP). The objective of this study was to confirm this observation in a larger series of PV patients.
Methods: Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of PV and a minimum follow-up of 3 years were recruited from 8 European centers. Medical history was searched for thrombotic event recorded at any time and next-generation sequencing carried out with a myeloid panel to detect somatic mutations. Logistic regression multivariable analysis evaluated the impact of age, myeloid mutations and previous event on thrombotic risk. Kaplan–Meier thrombosis-free survival curves were compared by the Log Rank test. Associations in the total cohort were confirmed in a case-control study to exclude selection bias.
Results:Of the 136 patients recruited, 74 (56.1%) had a thrombotic event during a median follow-up of 9.4 years. The incidence density of vascular events was 2.83 per 100 person-years, with cerebral events the most frequent. In multivariable analysis, age ≥60 years was not a risk factor for thrombotic event but presence of DTA mutation was. Importantly, presence of DTA mutation was predictive of shorter thrombosis-free survival (p=0.007). A gender- and age-matched case (with event, n=47) control (without thrombotic events, n=47) study was carried out, confirming the association between thrombotic event and DTA mutation, even in a subgroup of patients aged≤ 60 years.
Conclusions: Our study confirms that the presence of DTA mutations is an age-independent risk factor for a thrombotic event and predicts for shorter thrombosis-free survival in PV patients. In conclusion, our results support the use of molecular testing at diagnosis tohelp predict which PV patients (including younger patients and those with classical risk factors) are at higher risk of developing thrombosis.
A New Simple Family of Non-periodic Tilings With Square Tiles
Authors: Vereshchagin Nikolay 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We define a new family of non-periodic tilings with square tiles that is mutually locally derivable with some family of tilings with isosceles right triangles. Both families are defined by simple local rules, and the proof of their non-periodicity is as simple as that of the non-periodicity of Robinson's tilings.
Efficiency Analysis of Decentralized Services Tax in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: an Application of Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Atif Muhammad , Nazir Naila 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The study offers an innovative empirical study to evaluate the efficiency of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa revenue agency and the Federal Board of Revenue with reference to the decentralized services sales tax. The paper makes a unique contribution by incorporating the effect of fiscal decentralisation on the efficiency of services tax in current empirical research. The study evaluated both tax departments using a non-parametric technique termed advanced envelopment analysis. Six inputs and four outputs make up the main service operations carried out by the tax offices. Regarding the efficiency score, which is satisfactorily, the empirical outcomes of both technical efficiency output and input DEA approaches are remarkably close. The study, which also concentrated on the post-decentralization situation, revealed a number of potential difficulties that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa revenue administration may have encountered in the early years of its existence, clearly demonstrating a lack of preparedness prior to devolution. Finally, the study recommended addressing the concerns mentioned, including the conflict of jurisdiction, the refund issue, and the lack of sales tax experts to empower province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to handle the devolved services tax to the full extent of its potential.
Joint Angle Estimation during Shoulder Abduction Exercise Using Contactless Technology
Authors: Khanghah Ali Barzegar , Fernie Geoff , Fekr Atena Roshan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Tele-rehabilitation, also known as tele-rehab, uses communication technologies to provide rehabilitation services from a distance. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of tele-rehab, where the in-person visits declined and the demand for remote healthcare rises. Tele-rehab offers enhanced accessibility, convenience, cost-effectiveness, flexibility, care quality, continuity, and communication. However, the current systems are often not able to perform a comprehensive movement analysis. To address this, we propose and validate a novel approach using depth technology and skeleton tracking algorithms.
Methods
Our data involved 14 participants (8 females, 6 males) performing shoulder abduction exercises. We collected depth videos from a LiDAR camera and motion data from a Motion Capture (Mocap) system as our ground truth. The data was collected at distances of 2 m, 2.5 m, and 3.5 m from the LiDAR sensor for both arms. Our innovative approach integrates LiDAR with the Cubemos and Mediapipe skeleton tracking frameworks, enabling the assessment of 3D joint angles. We validated the system by comparing the estimated joint angles versus Mocap outputs. Personalized calibration was applied using various regression models to enhance the accuracy of the joint angle calculations.
Results
The Cubemos skeleton tracking system outperformed Mediapipe in joint angle estimation with higher accuracy and fewer errors. The proposed system showed a strong correlation with Mocap results, although some deviations were present due to noise. Precision decreased as distance from the camera increased. Calibration significantly improved performance. Linear regression models consistently outperformed nonlinear models, especially at shorter distances.
Conclusion
This study showcases the potential of a marker-less system, to proficiently track body joints and upper-limb angles. Signals from the proposed system and the Mocap system exhibited robust correlation, with Mean Absolute Errors (MAEs) consistently below 10°. LiDAR's depth feature enabled accurate computation of in-depth angles beyond the reach of traditional RGB cameras. Altogether, this emphasizes the depth-based system's potential for precise joint tracking and angle calculation in tele-rehab applications.
Optimization of online system for COD measurement in water pollution through bias correction and uncertainty evaluation over an entire range of materials
Authors: Douwen Wang , Zhijing Sun 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is an item of water pollutant that must be measured by the State. When undertaking COD measurement tasks, compared with the reference operation (as the Y-method) in the laboratory, the online system (as X-method), a process stream analyzer of automatic monitoring in the domestic field, is much superior. However, we believe that X-method is a non-standard system, and its measurement reliability deserves attention. In this paper under top-down measurement condition, we propose to use the variable error fitting of Deming regression, establish a bias correction function between the two methods, based on the matrix sample size at different levels by our power curve estimate in chronological order, and carry out a more rigorous check on the reliability of X-method. To ensure that the residuals derived from the bias correction function is in an independence and identical distribution (i.i.d) condition, we strongly recommend a more rigorous and robust Anderson Darling (AD) hypothesis test technique for confirmation. If the AD null hypothesis is held, we can believe that the reliability of X-method is validated, and incorporate all cumulative effects, with the minimized complex correlation, brought in the bias correction function fitting process, into the uncertainty estimate over an entire range. The practices we advocate in this paper are very helpful in raising the quality level of the online system.
Echis carinatus snakebite, a rare case of fatal envenomation in a young Pakistani boy: a case report.
Authors: Siddiqui Farina Fatima , Siddiqui Aisha Rehman 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Snakebite poses a significant public health concern in the Sindh region of Pakistan,. The Echis carinatus,also known as Saw Scaled Viper (SSV), a venomous snake from the Viperidae family, is one of the species found in the area. It is responsible for a substantial number of the approximately 29,000 snakebites reported annually in the country. We reported the case of a young Pakistani boy, who was bitten by an SSV and developed venom-induced consumptive coagulopathy (VICC) within 24 hours. Additionally, he experienced necrotizing fasciitis at the bite site, which led to systemic septicemia and acute renal failure. Despite receiving the best treatment available, the patient passed away within five days. This case report underscores the importance of early FFP transfusions and prophylactic use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in treating VICC, acute renal failure, and wound infections.
An Enhanced Convolutional Neural Network Schema for Structural Class-based Software Fault Prediction
Authors: Nabi Faisal 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Malicious software detection is the most prominent process required by various industries to avoid server failure. It is required to detect malicious software accurately to avoid time and cost wastage. Various research works have been introduced earlier for the detection of malicious software. In the existing work Support Vector Machine (SVM) is introduced for malicious software detection. However, existing works cannot perform well where there are error modules in the software. It is addressed in this suggested study by developing Coupling and Cohesion Metrics based Fault Detection (CCMFD). In this research work, structural measures are mainly examined which come under the cohesion measures and comprise deficient cohesion in approaches (LCOM), and Conceptual Coupling between Object Classes (CCBO). Failure situ- ations and measures relating to information flow are used in other techniques. A high-quality service has a low coupling and a high cohesiveness. These extracted features will be given as input to the enhanced Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for software mistake forecasting. A complete study analysis is done in a Java simulator, indicating that the suggested approach tends to have superior fault prediction outcomes than the current method.
Electrostatic and Electromagnetic Parametric Analysis of RF MEMS Switches for Reconfigurable Antenna
Authors: Sathuluri Mallikharjuna Rao , G Sasikala 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

This work presents RF MEMS switch design, packaging and incorporation in patch antenna. Electrostatic and Electromagnetic parametric analysis is performed. The RF MEMS switch packaging aspects also highlight. Novel configuration of MEMS switch, and antenna performance was studied in 0.5–40 GHz frequency range. A modified serpentine membrane is designed and simulated, offering a low actuation voltage of 5 V, switching time of 100 µs, and damping duration is 1.6 ms. The switch design is extended up to packaging by extracting contacts. Diamond shape patch is considered for antenna design. Two identical switches are used to design a reconfigurable antenna, where frequency reconfigurability is analyzed under different switching conditions. The proposed antenna is found suitable for X, and K band applications
Assessment of Essential and Non-Essential Metals in Commonly Consumed Grains in Kogi State, North Central, Nigeria
Authors: Onoja Alexander D. , Idakwoji Precious A. , Oniemola Joan M. , Zakari David A. , Enesi Katumi O. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This study assessed the concentration of essential and non-essential metals in commonly consumed grains in Kogi State, Nigeria. Four (4) grains; rice (Oryza sativa), maize (Zea mays), millet (Panicum miliaceum) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) were collected from major sale points in selected Local Governments Areas (LGAs) across the three Senatorial Districts of Kogi State, Nigeria. The concentrations of the metals (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Pb, Cd and Cr) were analyzed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS solar 969 Unican series) and subsequently compared to the FAO/WHO MPLs (Maximum Permissible Limits). Results of the analysis showed that the essential and non-essential metals were detected in the grains (rice, maize, millet and beans) sourced from the three (3) senatorial districts of Kogi State in varying concentrations. All the essential metals were present in the grains at concentrations below their MPLs while some of the non-essential metals were present at concentrations above their MPLs. The major contaminant of rice and millet was Cd. Cd was detected in rice and millet samples in a number of LGAs across the Senatorial Districts at concentrations above their PMLs. Pb was also present in rice and millet samples from some LGAs at concentrations above its MPL. For maize and bean samples, Cd and Pb were the only metals detected in one LGA in Kogi West Senatorial District at concentrations above their MPLs. The other non-essential metal assessed- Cr was not detected in majority of the grains but below its MPL in samples where it was detected. Cd and Pb therefore, are the major contaminants of grains consumed in Kogi State as revealed by this study. Accumulation of these non-essential metal is a major public health concern. We therefore, recommend regular monitoring of grains and other foods sold within Kogi State and Nigeria at large.
Framework for the documentation of nature-based solutions for stormwater management
Authors: Raspati Gema Sakti , Bruaset Stian , Azrague Kamal , Ugarelli Rita Maria , Muthanna Tone Merete , Time Berit , Sivertsen Edvard 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Nature-based solutions (NBSs) are widely implemented for stormwater management; as such they have become important assets that require proper asset management at different stages of their service life. Hence, there is a need for systematic documentation of the applied NBS in accordance with the principles of infrastructure asset management and in combination with a set of requirements in the newly adopted National Standard NS3456:2022 in Norway. A framework for the documentation of NBSs was developed based on a systematic literature study, the experience gained from operating NBS pilots, and the interaction with stakeholders in a research centre, Klima 2050. The framework proposed a set of specific information in the form of a data structure covering a set of categories that presents information gathered during the planning, design, operation, and maintenance phases of the NBS. Both technical and sociotechnical aspects were included in the data structure. The data structure can be tailor-made depending on the type of NBS applied. The data structure was applied in documenting the NBS pilots of the research centre to demonstrate the framework's ability to help ensure a smooth flow of information from the actors involved in the planning, constructing, and operating of the NBS.
Validity of the Mean Platelet Volume and Revised Clinical Risk Index for Babies
(CRIB-II) Score to Assess Mortality Risk in Preterm Infants
Authors: Alshafei Atef , Zawam Entesar , Galal Mahmoud , Khan Anwar , El Saba Yaser , Hassan Moustafa 
Published: September 2023

Objective:
This study aimed to investigate the validity of the mean platelet volume (MPV) alone and MPV combined with the revised Clinical Risk Index for Babies (CRIB II) score to predict neonatal mortality in preterm infants.

Materials and Methods:
This retrospective observational study performed between May 2018 and June 2021 included preterm neonates (gestational age 23–32 weeks) admitted to a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) within 12 hours of birth, who were followed up until death or discharge. MPV was recorded at admission and within 72 hours before death or discharge. The CRIB II score variables were assessed within 12 hours of birth, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated for the MPV and CRIB II scores to predict neonatal mortality.

Results:
We investigated 404 newborns, of whom 28 (6.9%) died. The mean neonatal gestational age was 28.6±2.8 weeks. The MPV was significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors (p=0.001). The AUC for the MPV and the CRIB II score was 0.68 (95% CI: 0.55–0.80) and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.79–0.91), respectively. The AUC for the MPV combined with the CRIB II score was 0.91 (95% CI 0.87–0.95). The difference in MPV at birth between survivors and non-survivors was statistically non-significant.

Conclusion:
MPV was found to be a poorer predictor of neonatal mortality than the CRIB II score; however, MPV combined with the CRIB II score demonstrated significantly improved predictive ability for preterm infant mortality risk.
In silico and In vitro Assessment of Antibacterial Activity, LPS Binding
Affinity, and Toxicity of the GKY25 Peptide
Authors: Amiri Parisa , Hakemi-Vala Mojdeh , Nazarian Ahmad , Barneh Farnoosh , Pooshang Bagheri Kamran 
Published: September 2023

Introduction:
Extensively and multi-drug resistant isolates of bacteria (MDR, XDR) have caused significant
health problems and are responsible for high morbidity and mortality as well. In this critical condition,
the discovery, design, or development of new antibiotics is of great concern. According to this necessity, antimicrobial
peptides (AMPs) suggested as promising agents. Accordingly, this study aims to evaluate the GKY25
peptide to develop its future antibacterial applications as well as confirmation of LPS neutralization.

Methods:
Predictions of 3D structure and helical wheel projection analysis of the peptide were performed by ITASSER
and Heliquest servers. Binding affinity and antibacterial activity were performed using molecular
docking and CAMPR4, respectively, followed by experimental binding assay as well as in vitro antibacterial assay.

Results:
GKY25 was predicted as an alpha-helical peptide, and its helicity showed probable projection of hydrophobic
and positively-charged amino acid residues. Docking studies showed binding affinity of GKY25 peptide
to gram-positive and outer and inner gram-negative bacterial membranes as -5.7, -6.8, and -4 kcal/mole, respectively.
CAMPR4 analysis predicted the peptide as an AMP. Experimental binding assay showed that the peptide
binds LPS immediately and their interaction was observed at 274 nm.

Conclusion:
Gathering all in silico and in vitro data together, GKY25 is a good drug lead that could be examined
further using clinical isolates of gram-negative bacteria in vitro.