bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inverse inference based on interpretable constrained solutions of fuzzy relational equations with extended max-min composition
Authors: Rakytyanska Hanna 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
In this paper, the method of inverse inference based on interpretable constrained solutions of the system of fuzzy relation equations (SFRE) with extended max-min composition is developed. The properties of interval and constrained solutions of the extended maxmin SFRE with granular and relational structure of the solution set are investigated. The extended max-min SFRE can be represented in the form of the max-min subsystems aggregated using the min operator or dual min-max subsystems aggregated using the max operator. When decomposing the max-min and dual min-max subsystems, the set of interval solutions can be decomposed into the lower and upper subsets bounded by the same aggregating solutions. Each lower (upper) subset is defined by the unique greatest (least) or aggregating solution and the set of minimal (maximal) solutions. Following (Bartl et al. 2012), to avoid excessive granularity and ensure interpretability of the interval solutions when restoring causes through observed effects, the constraints in the form of linguistic modifiers are imposed on the measures of causes significances. Given constraints, solving the SFRE is reduced to finding unknown relations which take the values 1(0) if the modifier is present (absent) in the linguistic description of the interval solution. To completely cover the interval solution, the notion of the complete crisp solution is introduced. Then, the reduced set of constrained solutions can be decomposed into the lower and upper subsets of complete crisp solutions bounded by the constrained aggregating solutions. The search for the set of constrained solutions amounts to solving the discrete optimization problem. The properties of the set of interval (constrained) solutions allow parallelizing the genetic search for the lower and upper subsets for each aggregating solution. The developed method makes it possible to simplify the search for the solution set based on the constraints on accuracy (interpretability) of the applied problem.
Heavy metals in street dust in Beijing, China: seasonal and spatial variations, pollution characteristics and health risk assessment
Authors: Feng Haiyan , Chen Xinhao , Yu Lianming , Yu Xiangnan , Xue Fei , Yang Danyu 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Street dust samples were collected from industrial, residential, educational, commercial, and park areas in Beijing, China, during spring and winter to investigate the contents of heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, As, Cd and Hg) and evaluate the source apportionment and degree of environmental pollution according to the geo-accumulation index, ecological indices, and human health risk assessment. The average contents of eight heavy metals (mg/kg) in spring are as follows: Cr (98.17), Ni (26.38), Cu (67.33), Zn (394.87), Pb (64.39), As (6.32), Cd (0.618), and Hg (0.207). In winter they are Cr (94.54), Ni (26.13), Cu (73.03), Zn (341.73), Pb(73.09), As (7.66), Cd (0.635), and Hg (0.279). The rank order of heavy metals concentrations in functional areas is IA (Industrial area) >CA(Commercial area) >EA(Educational area) >RA(Residential area) >PA(Park area). The source apportionment analysis indicates that heavy metals in the street dust are mainly derived from mixed sources of natural, industrial and traffic-related source (54.64%). Both the geo-accumulation index and potential pollution index shows the pollution levels of different heavy metals in different functional areas: from unpolluted, moderately polluted to heavily polluted. A health risk assessment shows no non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk of heavy metals to children and adults. Among the five functional areas, the industrial area has the highest non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk compared to that of the others.
The combined impact of global warming and AMOC collapse on the Amazon Rainforest
Authors: Nian Da , Bathiany Sebastian , Ben-Yami Maya , Blaschke Lana , Hirota Marina , Rodrigues Regina , Boers Niklas 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The Amazon rainforest is threatened by both anthropogenic climate and land use change. Observations and some modelling results suggest that the Amazon rainforest might abruptly transition to a savanna-like state and that this transition would be practically irreversible. Here, we analyze observations of precipitation, temperature and tree cover together with high-resolution simulations of several comprehensive climate models to investigate the combined effect global warming and a potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) will have on the Amazon. Our results show that, while high levels of warming lead to forest dieback, an AMOC collapse would tend to stabilize the forest by increasing rainfall and decreasing temperature in most of the Amazon basin. Although an AMOC collapse would have devastating impacts globally, our results hence suggest that it may delay or even prevent parts of the Amazon rainforest from transitioning to a savanna-like state.
An on-demand bioresorbable neurostimulator
Authors: Lee Dong-Min , Kang Minki , Hyun Inah , Park Byung Joon , Kim Hye Jin , Nam Soo Hyun , Yoon Hong-Joon , Ryu Hanjun , Choi Byung-Ok , Kim Sang-Woo 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Bioresorbable electroceuticals, as a therapeutic approach for peripheral neuropathy, hold substantial potential, given their capability of spontaneous degradation and elimination, thereby obviating the necessity for surgical removal. Recent advances in bioresorbable electronics provide significant progress with rational design strategies on materials and device structures, allowing for a wide range of clinical applications. Nonetheless, two major challenges must be addressed to enable their practical adaptation in medical settings. First, they require sustainable energy solutions with biodegradable components that can operate for prolonged periods through a biosafe powering mechanism. More importantly, their functionality is rarely trusted due to the unpredictable device lifetime, complicated by the complex degradation kinetics of polymers. We propose an on-demand bioresorbable neurostimulator to address these challenges, where clinical operations can be manipulated using biosafe ultrasound sources. The ultrasound-mediated transient mechanism enables: i) electrical stimulation through transcutaneous ultrasound-driven triboelectricity and ii) rapid device elimination using high-intensity ultrasound without adverse health consequences. Furthermore, our neurostimulator provides remarkable therapeutic benefits for both acquired peripheral nerve injury and hereditary peripheral neuropathy, as demonstrated through nerve conduction studies and histopathological analyses. Through this study, we anticipate that the on-demand bioresorbable neurostimulator will introduce a paradigm shift in medical implants to treat peripheral neuropathy.
COVID-19 diagnosis by extracting new features from lung CT images using Fractional Fourier Transform
Authors: Nokhostin Allie , Rashidi Saeid 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Covid-19 is a lung disease caused by a Coronavirus family virus. Due to its extraordinary prevalence and death rates, it has spread quickly to every country in the world. Thus, achieving peaks and outlines and curing different types of relapses is extremely important. Given the worldwide prevalence of Coronavirus and the participation of physicians in all countries, Information has been gathered regarding the properties of the virus, its diverse types, and the means of analyzing it. Numerous approaches have been used to identify this evolving virus. It is generally considered the most accurate and acceptable method of examining the patient's lungs and chest through a CT scan. As part of the feature extraction process, a method known as fractional Fourier transform (FrFT) has been applied as one of the time-frequency domain transformations. The proposed method was applied to a database consisting of 2481 CT images. Following the transformation of all images into equal sizes and the removal of non-lung areas, multiple combination windows are used to reduce the number of features extracted from the images. In this paper, the results obtained for KNN and SVM classification have been obtained with accuracy values of 99.84% and 99.90%, respectively.
HARLEM: A carbon–phenolic ablator for scientific exploration
Authors: Poloni Erik , Grigat Felix , Eberhart Martin , Leiser David , Sautière Quentin , Ravichandran Ranjith , Delahaie Sara , Duernhofer Christian , Hoerner Igor , Hufgard Fabian , Loehle Stefan 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Space exploration missions rely on ablative heat shields for the thermal protection of spacecraft during atmospheric entry flights. While dedicated research is needed for future missions, the scientific community has limited access to ablative materials typically used in aerospace. In this paper, we report the development of the HEFDiG Ablation Research Laboratory ExperimentMaterial (HARLEM), a carbon–phenolic ablator designed to supply the need for ablative materials in laboratory experiments. HARLEM is manufactured using polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fiber preforms and a simplified processing route for phenolic impregnation. We characterized the thermal protection performance of HARLEM in arcjet experiments conducted in the plasma wind tunnel PWK1 of the Institute of Space Systems at the University of Stuttgart. We assessed the performance of the new material by measuring surface recession rate and temperature using photogrammetry and thermography setups during the experiments, respectively. Our results show that HARLEM’s thermal protection performance is comparable to legacy carbon–phenolic ablators that have been validated in different arcjet facilities or in-flight, as demonstrated by calculations of the effective heat of ablation and scanning electron microscopy of as-produced samples. In-house manufacturing of carbon–phenolic ablators enables the addition of embedded diagnostics to ablators, allowing for the acquisition of data on internal pressure and more sophisticated pyrolysis analysis techniques.
Covalent Organic Framework Membrane for Efficient Removal of Emerging Trace Organic Contaminants from Water Environment
Authors: Liu Tongtong , Zhang Yayun , Shan Zhen , Wu Miaomiao , Li Bocong , Sun Hao , Su Guanyong , Wang Rui , Zhang Gen 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Emerging trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) are harmful pollutants that accumulate over time and pose serious potential hazards to human health and the ecosystem. Membrane technology provides a promising and sustainable method to remove them from water environment. However, the pore sizes of most commercial membranes are larger than the molecular size of most TrOCs, making it challenging to achieve effective interception. To address this problem, we proposed a side-chain engineering strategy to regulate the pore size of covalent organic framework membranes (COMs) from mesopore to micropore by introducing alkyl chains (Cn) of varying lengths into their pore surfaces. The Cn-COMs demonstrated efficient interception of various organic pollutants, including citrate esters, nitro polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, organophosphate esters, and pesticides, even those as small as 0.35 nm, with a rejection rate greater than 99% and corresponding flux higher than 110 kg·m− 2·h− 1·MPa− 1, which cannot be achieved by any commercial membranes. This work provides a new avenue for effectively removing different types of organic pollutants from water resources to ensure the safety and sustainability of our water supply.
Factors Affecting Medical Students' Intentions to Use Rain Classroom: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Lv Hui , Low Jinghong , Tan Siowkian 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: Rain Classroom was one of the most popular online learning platforms in Chinese higher education during the pandemic. However, there is little research on user intention under the guidance of technology acceptance and unified theory (UTAUT).
Objective: This research aims to discover factors influencing students' intentions to use Rain Classroom.
Methods: In this cross-sectional and correlational investigation, 1138 medical students from five medical universities in Guangxi Province, China, made up the sample. This study added self-efficacy (SE), motivation (MO), stress (ST), and anxiety (AN) to the UTAUT framework. This study modified the framework by excluding actual usage variables and focusing only on intention determinants. SPSS-26 and AMOS-26 were used to analyze the data. The structural equation modeling technique was used to confirm the hypothesis.
Results: Except for facilitating conditions (FC), all proposed factors, including performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), self-efficacy (SE), motivation (MO), anxiety (AN), and stress (ST), had a significant effect on students' behavioral intentions to use Rain Classroom.
Conclusions The research revealed that the proposed model, which was based on the UTAUT, is excellent at identifying the variables that influence students' behavioralintentions in the Rain Classroom. Higher education institutions can plan and implement productive classrooms.
Facility Characteristics Preferred by Older Men Seeking Medical Male Circumcision Services in Kenya: Qualitative Findings From the ‘tasco’ Study (May 2014-june 2016)
Authors: Aduda Dickens S. Omondi , Agot Kawango , Ohaga Spala , Aoko Appolonia , Onyango Jacob , Toroitich-Ruto Cathy , Kambona Caroline , Odoyo-June Elijah 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Primary healthcare facilities are central to the implementation of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) as points of access to integrated health services. Factors that explain men’s uptake of VMMC and sexual health services at these facilities and differences across demographic groups remain poorly understood. Using qualitative methodologies, we examined determinants of facility choice for VMMC services among men aged 25 - 39 years who previously underwent VMMC. As part of a randomized controlled trial to assess impact of two demand creation interventions in western Kenya, we conducted 24 focus group discussions (FGD) with 6-10 participants. Six FGDs were conducted for each of the four distinct participant groups; circumcised men, their sex partners, uncircumcised men, and their sex partners. Similarly, six in-depth interviews (IDI) were conducted with participants from each of the four groups for a total of 24. Identified themes were organized as follows: service availability, accessibility, affordability, appropriateness and, acceptability. Facility location, physical layout, organization of patient flow, infrastructure, and service provider skills were the outstanding factors affecting the choice of VMMC service outlets by men aged 25 - 39 years. Men’s preferences were further influenced by individual attitudes, knowledge of VMMC services, and tacit balance between their own recognized health needs versus conformity to social-cultural norms. Understanding the determinants of VMMC facility selection by demographic groups is helpful for developing age-specific approaches to increase VMMC uptake.
Fabrication and Investigation of (PVA/PAA/Ag) nanocomposites for Antibacterial Application
Authors: Obeid Zahraa Hasson , Rebee Bahaa H. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

A nanocomposite (PVA/PAA/Ag) was prepared by casting method in different concentration of the nanomaterial (Ag) represented by (2,4,6 and 8(%wt. the structural, optical and antibacterial characteristic were studied. The optical microscope (OM) proved the silver nanoparticles form a continuous network within the blend at a concentration of (8wt.%). SEM measurements reveal the surface morphology of the (PVA/PAA/Ag) nanocomposites films, which are homogeneous and coherent with aggregates or chunks scattered at random on the top surface. Optical measurement showed an increase in the absorbance with an increase in the concentration of the nanomaterial, while the transmission and gap of energy decreased, also the coefficient of absorption, coefficient of extinction, index of refractive, real and imaginary parts of dielectric constants and optical conductivity are rising with the rise of the content of Ag NPs. The inhibition zone for gram-positive and gram-negative was increased with increase the content of Ag nanoparticles.
Clinical outcomes of scalp or face angiosarcoma treatment with intensity-modulated radiotherapy: a multicenter study
Authors: Iwai Takahiro , Imagumbai Toshiyuki , Hiraoka Shinya , Kishi Takahiro , Okabayashi Shun , Ashida Ryo , Mitsuyoshi Takamasa , Matsuo Yukinori , Ishigaki Takashi , Mizowaki Takashi , Kokubo Masaki 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: Combined modality therapy, including radiotherapy (RT), is a common treatment for scalp or face angiosarcoma. Although intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) can deliver homogeneous doses to the scalp or face, the clinical data are limited. The aim of this multicenter study was to evaluate the scalp or face angiosarcoma treated with definitive or postoperative IMRT.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from patients who received IMRT for scalp or face angiosarcoma at three institutions between January 2015 and March 2020. Local control (LC) rate, overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), recurrence patterns, and toxicity were evaluated.
Results: Fifteen patients underwent IMRT during the study period. Definitive RT was performed in five patients and postoperative RT in 10 patients. The 1-year LC rate was 85.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 53.9–96.2%). The 1-year OS and PFS rates were 66.7% (95% CI, 37.5–84.6%) and 53.3% (95% CI, 26.3%–74.4%), respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that the presence of nodules in the primary tumor and a clinical target volume over 500 cm3 were associated with poor LC. Distant metastasis was the most common recurrence pattern. All patients experienced grade 2 or 3 radiation dermatitis, and five patients experienced ≥ grade 3 skin ulceration. Fisher’s exact test showed that postoperative RT was significantly associated with an increased risk of skin ulceration of grade ≥ 3.
Conclusions: IMRT is a feasible and effective treatment for scalp or face angiosarcoma, although skin ulceration of ≥ grade 3 is a common side effect in patients who receive postoperative RT.
Duck Tembusu virus induces incomplete autophagy via the ERK/mTOR and AMPK/mTOR signalling pathways to promote viral replication in neuronal cells
Authors: Wang Qing , Jiang Yaqian , Bao Guangbin , Yao Weiping , Yang Qing , Chen Shuyue , Wang Guijun 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV) is a neurotropic virus belonging to the genus Flavivirus, and causes massive economic losses to the poultry industry in China and neighbouring countries. Autophagy plays a pivotal role in cellular responses to pathogens and viral pathogenesis. However, little is known about the roles of autophagy in DTMUV replication and virus pathogenesis, especially in neuropathogenesis. In this study, mouse neuroblastoma cells (Neuro-2a) were used to establish a DTMUV infection cell model. Our experiments indicated that DTMUV infection induced incomplete autophagy in Neuro-2a cells. Then, autophagy induced by DTMUV was altered with different autophagy regulators, and we found that incomplete autophagy promoted DTMUV replication. Furthermore, we showed that DTMUV infection activated both the ERK and AMPK pathways, resulting in decreased phosphorylation levels of the autophagy repressor mTOR, subsequently leading to autophagic induction. In addition, we utilized ICR mice as the DTMUV-infected animal model to evaluate the autophagic responses in brain tissues and investigate the effects of autophagy on viral replication and tissue lesions. As a result, we confirmed that DTMUV induced incomplete autophagy in mouse brain tissues and that autophagy inducer treatment promoted DTMUV replication and aggravated DTMUV-induced lesions, whereas autophagy inhibitor treatment led to the opposite effects. Collectively, DTMUV infection induced incomplete autophagy through the ERK/mTOR and AMPK/mTOR signalling pathways to promote viral replication in mouse neuronal cells, and DTMUV-induced incomplete autophagy contributed to the neuropathogenesis of DTMUV.
NIR Light-Controlled DNA Nanodevice for Amplified mRNA Imaging and Precise Gene Therapy
Authors: Xiang Miaomiao , Jiang Yuelin , zhou jiajia , Bao Guochen , Luo Xianzhu , Zhang Le , Jin Dayong , Xian Yuezhong , Zhang Cuiling 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Accurately delivering antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to tumor cells for gene therapy poses a significant challenge. To address this issue, we develop a NIR light-activable DNA nanodevice to target survivin mRNA and simultaneously release ASOs in tumor cells, which allows high-precision spatiotemporal imaging with high sensitivity and efficient gene therapy. The concept is based on upconversion nanoparticles, which can convert NIR light into UV emissions to activate an entropy-driven DNA walking system that further determines mRNA in tumor cells. The intramolecular toehold-mediated entropy-driven catalytic reaction generates a large amount of Bcl-2 ASOs, which allows accurate delivery of ASOs for gene therapy due to the specific targeting of mRNA in tumor cells. Both in vitro and in vivo results show that the NIR light induced-DNA nanodevice can detect mRNA with high sensitivity by DNA walking amplification system and high precision in gene delivery. Moreover, the released ASOs from DNA walking system deregulate the expression of Bcl-2 anti-apoptosis protein and induce tumor cell apoptosis, thereby suppressing tumor growth without a transfection reagent. The NIR-light-controlled DNA nanodevice holds great potential for precise gene therapy in clinical applications.
Assessing the impact of banning the single use plastic carrier bags: A case study for Kenyan marine environment
Authors: Kosore Charles , Waiyaki Edward , Kimanga Faith 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Poor waste management and unsustainable collective and individual behaviors, have led to the accumulation of plastic litter in many habitats worldwide. Assessment of plastic pollution in Kenyan marine environment was conducted focusing on the impact of banning the single use plastic bags in Kenya. The quantification, composition and distribution of plastics were determined at eleven (11) beaches along Kenyan coastline. A total of 750 plastics were determined with only 53 pieces being single use plastic bags. A great number of plastics (n = 383), including the single use carrier bags were identified by their original use, with packaging plastics being the most common (n = 221). Macroplastics were dominant at 67%, mesoplastics (21%) and microplastics (12%). Low density polyethylene (LDPE) was the dominant polymer (44%), followed by polypropylene (PP), 34%, polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene tetraphthalate (PET), 8% each and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), 6%. The absence of single use plastic bags in various beaches signified the effectiveness of the ban in Kenya. Monitoring of trends and sources of plastic debris is encouraged to help enhance the science-policy linkage aimed at reducing marine plastic pollution.