bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimised extreme gradient boosting model for short term electric load demand forecasting of regional grid system
Authors: Qinghe Zhao , Wen Xiang , Boyan Huang , Jong Wang , Junlong Fang 
Published: November 2022

AbstractLoad forecast provides effective and reliable guidance for power construction and grid operation. It is essential for the power utility to forecast the exact in-future coming energy demand. Advanced machine learning methods can support competently for load forecasting, and extreme gradient boosting is an algorithm with great research potential. But there is less research about the energy time series itself as only an internal variable, especially for feature engineering of time univariate. And the machine learning tuning is another issue to applicate boosting method in energy demand, which has more significant effects than improving the core of the model. We take the extreme gradient boosting algorithm as the original model and combine the Tree-structured Parzen Estimator method to design the TPE-XGBoost model for completing the high-performance single-lag power load forecasting task. We resample the power load data of the Île-de-France Region Grid provided by Réseau de Transport d’Électricité in the day, train and optimise the TPE-XGBoost model by samples from 2016 to 2018, and test and evaluate in samples of 2019. The optimal window width of the time series data is determined in this study through Discrete Fourier Transform and Pearson Correlation Coefficient Methods, and five additional date features are introduced to complete feature engineering. By 500 iterations, TPE optimisation ensures nine hyperparameters’ values of XGBoost and improves the models obviously. In the dataset of 2019, the TPE-XGBoost model we designed has an excellent performance of MAE = 166.020 and MAPE = 2.61%. Compared with the original model, the two metrics are respectively improved by 14.23 and 14.14%; compared with the other eight machine learning algorithms, the model performs with the best metrics as well.
Mental health in myasthenia gravis patients and its impact on caregiver burden
Authors: Marbin Derin , Piper Sophie K. , Lehnerer Sophie , Harms Ulrike , Meisel Andreas 
Published: November 2022

AbstractPsychiatric comorbidities are relevant in patients with Myasthenia gravis (MG). Also, MG patients experience a reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We aimed to quantify the impact of depression as well as self-perceived MG severity on HRQoL and caregivers' burden. In this cross-sectional study, we used a survey encompassing demographic, disease-related information, and standardized questionnaires to assess symptoms of depression, anxiety, HRQoL (MG Quality of Life scale; MG-QoL15), and caregiver burden (Burden Scale for Family Caregivers; BSFC). Data from 1399 participating patients (96%) and 1042 caregivers (65%) were eligible for further analysis. Symptoms of depression and anxiety disorder were indicated by 31% and 36% of patients. Self-reported MG severity (MG severity) and MG-QoL15 scores were strongly associated (estimated marginal means for severe versus mild MG severity = 18 95% CI [16; 21]; p ≤ 0.001). Adjusting for symptoms of depression decreased the estimated strength of this association (estimated marginal means for severe versus mild MG severity = 15 [13; 17]; p ≤ 0.001). Caregiver burden was associated to MG disease severity (estimated marginal means for severe vs. mild MG severity = 0.16 [0.13; 0,19); p ≤ 0.001) and also negatively influenced by symptoms of depression (estimated marginal means = 0.12 [0.09; 0.15]). Symptoms of depression and anxiety disorder in MG are frequent. Beyond MG severity, symptoms of depression have negative effects on HRQoL as well as on caregivers’ burden. Diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric comorbidities should be considered an important element in MG care. Screening tools for mental health conditions should be implemented at least in specialized MG centers.
The burden of rheumatoid arthritis in the Middle East and North Africa region, 1990–2019
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Ehsan , Nejadghaderi Seyed Aria , Khabbazi Alireza , Alizadeh Mahasti , Sullman Mark J. M. , Kaufman Jay S. , Collins Gary S. , Safiri Saeid 
Published: November 2022

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease. The present study reported the burden of RA in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region from 1990 to 2019 by age, sex, and socio-demographic index (SDI). Publicly available data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study was used to report the modelled point prevalence, annual incidence, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of RA, as counts and age-standardised rates with their corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). In 2019, RA had an age-standardised point prevalence of 120.6 per 100,000 population (107.0–135.7) and an annual incidence rate of 5.9 (5.2–6.6) in MENA, which have increased 28.3% and 25.2%, respectively, since 1990. In 2019, the number of DALYs due to RA in the region was 103.6 thousand (74.2–136.7), with an age-standardised rate of 19.0 (13.9–24.9) DALYs per 100,000 population, which has increased by 18.6% since 1990 (6.7–28.2). The highest point prevalence was found in females aged 50–54, and in males aged 45–49. The highest number of DALYs was observed in the 50–54 age group. The MENA DALY rate was lower than the global rate (19.0 vs. 39.6 per 100,000), but the rate was higher in all age groups in 2019, when compared with 1990. In addition, from 1990 to 2019 an increased burden from RA was associated with an increase in SDI. In line with global trends, the burden of RA in the MENA region showed a steady increase from 1990 to 2019. This highlights the increasing need for updating the available health data to design more accurate guidelines to enable the early detection and treatment of RA in the MENA countries.
Utilizing birch leaf extract in pickling liquid as a sustainable source of corrosion inhibitor for pipeline steel
Authors: Mohsen Q. , Deyab M. A. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis study set out to determine the effectiveness of birch leaves extract (BLE) as a corrosion inhibitor against X52 pipeline steel in the pickling solution. Chemical and electrochemical techniques, as well as scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), and adsorption isotherms were used in the research. Various triterpenoids, including betulin, betulinic acid, oleanolic acid, sitosterol, and kaempferol, are unquestionably involved in the corrosion inhibition mechanism, according to the high-performance-liquid-chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The 95% efficiency of the produced BLE extract (at optimum concentration 400 mg L−1) significantly reduced the corrosion rate of X52 pipeline steel in the pickling solution. The adsorption of BLE extract molecules on the X52-steel surface was demonstrated by SEM and FT-IR analysis. The adsorption activity follows the Langmuir adsorption theory.
Neolignans isolated from Saururus cernuus L. (Saururaceae) exhibit efficacy against Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Brito Juliana R. , Wilairatana Polrat , Roquini Daniel B. , Parra Beatriz C. , Gonçalves Marina M. , Souza Dalete Christine S. , Ferreira Edgard A. , Salvadori Maria C. , Teixeira Fernanda S. , Lago João Henrique G. , de Moraes Josué 
Published: November 2022

AbstractSchistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by the blood fluke of the genus Schistosoma, affects over 230 million people, especially in developing countries. Despite the significant economic and public health consequences, only one drug is currently available for treatment of schistosomiasis, praziquantel. Thus, there is an urgent demand for new anthelmintic agents. Based on our continuous studies involving the chemical prospection of floristic biodiversity aiming to discover new bioactive compounds, this work reports the in vitro antiparasitic activity against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms of neolignans threo-austrobailignan-6 and verrucosin, both isolated from Saururus cernuus L. (Saururaceae). These neolignans showed a significant in vitro schistosomicidal activity, with EC50 values of 12.6–28.1 µM. Further analysis revealed a pronounced reduction in the number of S. mansoni eggs. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed morphological alterations when schistosomes were exposed to either threo-austrobailignan-6 or verrucosin. These relevant antischistosomal properties were accompanied by low cytotoxicity potential against the animal (Vero) and human (HaCaT) cell lines, resulting in a high selectivity index. Considering the promising chemical and biological properties of threo-austrobailignan-6 and verrucosin, this research should be of interest to those in the area of neglected diseases and in particular antischistosomal drug discovery.
Coastal engineering infrastructure impacts Blue Carbon habitats distribution and ecosystem functions
Authors: Mazarrasa Inés , Garcia-Orellana Jordi , Puente Araceli , Juanes José A. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIntertidal estuarine habitats (e.g., saltmarshes and tidal flats) provide important ecosystem services to society, including coastal protection, food provision and Corg sequestration. Yet, estuaries and estuarine habitats have been subjected to intense human pressure, such as land-use change and artificialization of the shoreline to support economic activities and uses. Construction of engineering infrastructures (e.g., piers, bridges) in these areas alters estuary-wide hydromorphological conditions and thus sedimentation patterns at the estuarine scale, which are key drivers of habitats distribution and ecosystem structure, processes and functions. Most of the research on the impact of civil engineering structures on coastal habitats has focused on the biological communities that colonize them or the bottoms where they are placed, whereas their indirect impacts on adjacent habitats has been largely unexplored. Understanding the influence of man-made infrastructures on the distribution of estuarine habitats and functions is critical, particularly considering that shoreline armoring is expected to increase as a way to protect coastal areas from hazards derived from climate change. Shifts in habitat distribution and functions occur in several years or decades and relating them with the occurrence of past historical events is challenging when no monitoring data is available. By examining historical aerial photographs and different biogeochemical properties along a saltmarsh soil record, this study demonstrates that the construction of an infrastructure (i.e. bridge) caused a rapid transformation (~ 30 years) of a bare sandflat into a high marsh community and to significant changes in sediment biogeochemical properties, including the decrease in sediment accretion rate and Corg burial rates since then. This study contributes to increase the knowledge on the impact that the construction in coastal areas of civil engineering infrastructures can cause in intertidal habitats distribution and the ecological functions they provide for climate change adaption and mitigation.
A novel genetic-artificial neural network based age estimation system
Authors: Oladipo Oluwasegun , Omidiora Elijah Olusayo , Osamor Victor Chukwudi 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAge estimation is the ability to predict the age of an individual based on facial clues. This could be put to practical use in underage voting detection, underage driving detection, and overage sportsmen detection. To date, no popular automatic age estimation system has been developed to target black faces. This study developed a novel age estimation system from the combination of a genetic algorithm and a back propagation (BP)-trained artificial neural network (ANN) and using the local binary pattern feature extraction technique (LBGANN) targeted at black faces. The system was trained with a predominantly black face database, and the result was compared against that of a standard ANN system (LBANN). The results showed that the developed system LBGANN outperformed the LBANN in terms of the correct classification rate.
An impairment-specific hip exoskeleton assistance for gait training in subjects with acquired brain injury: a feasibility study
Authors: Livolsi Chiara , Conti Roberto , Guanziroli Eleonora , Friðriksson Þór , Alexandersson Ásgeir , Kristjánsson Kristleifur , Esquenazi Alberto , Molino Lova Raffaele , Romo Duane , Giovacchini Francesco , Crea Simona , Molteni Franco , Vitiello Nicola 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis study was designed to investigate the feasibility and the potential effects on walking performance of a short gait training with a novel impairment-specific hip assistance (iHA) through a bilateral active pelvis orthosis (APO) in patients with acquired brain injury (ABI). Fourteen subjects capable of independent gait and exhibiting mild-to-moderate gait deficits, due to an ABI, were enrolled. Subjects presenting deficit in hip flexion and/or extension were included and divided into two groups based on the presence (group A, n = 6) or absence (group B, n = 8) of knee hyperextension during stance phase of walking. Two iHA-based profiles were developed for the groups. The protocol included two overground gait training sessions using APO, and two evaluation sessions, pre and post training. Primary outcomes were pre vs. post-training walking distance and steady-state speed in the 6-min walking test. Secondary outcomes were self-selected speed, joint kinematics and kinetics, gait symmetry and forward propulsion, assessed through 3D gait analysis. Following the training, study participants significantly increased the walked distance and average steady-state speed in the 6-min walking tests, both when walking with and without the APO. The increased walked distance surpassed the minimal clinically important difference for groups A and B, (respectively, 42 and 57 m > 34 m). In group A, five out of six subjects had decreased knee hyperextension at the post-training session (on average the peak of the knee extension angle was reduced by 36%). Knee flexion during swing phase increased, by 16% and 31%, for A and B groups respectively. Two-day gait training with APO providing iHA was effective and safe in improving walking performance and knee kinematics in ABI survivors. These preliminary findings suggest that this strategy may be viable for subject-specific post-ABI gait rehabilitation.
Paternal genetic diversity, differentiation and phylogeny of three white yak breeds/populations in China
Authors: Luo Jing , Wei Xudong , Liu Wenxian , Chen Shengmei , Ahmed Zulfiqar , Sun Wenping , Lei Chuzhao , Ma Zhijie 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe white yak, a type of unique and valuable farm animals on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, are mainly distributed in Tianzhu (County of Gansu Province), Menyuan, Huzhu and Ledu (three Counties of Qinghai Province) in China. In the present study, the Y-chromosomal genetic diversity, differentiation and phylogeny of three Chinese white yak breeds/populations (Tianzhu, Huzhu and Menyuan) were comprehensively explored using five Y-SNPs (SRY4, USP9Y, UTY19, AMELY3 and OFD1Y10) and one Y-STR (INRA189) markers. The results showed that six Y-haplotypes (H1Y1, H9Y1, H10Y1, H11Y2, H12Y2 and H13Y2) were identified in 97 male yak from three white yak breeds/populations. Among these haplotypes, H1Y1, H10Y1 and H11Y2 were shared by all of breeds/populations and H12Y2 was shared by Tianzhu and Huzhu populations. However, H9Y1 and H13Y2 haplotypes were only detected in Menyuan and Tianzhu white yak populations, respectively. The Y-haplotype diversity was maximum in Huzhu white yak (0.7500 ± 0.0349), the medium in Tianzhu white yak (0.6881 ± 0.0614) and the lowest in Menyuan white yak (0.5720 ± 0.0657). The total Y-haplotype diversity of three white yak breeds/populations was 0.7567 ± 0.0233, indicating rich paternal genetic diversity in white yak. The FST values showed a moderate differentiation between Tianzhu and Menyuan (FST = 0.0763, P < 0.05) populations, but a weak differentiation between Huzhu and Tianzhu white yak breeds/populations (FST = 0.0186, P > 0.05) and Huzhu and Menyuan (FST = − 0.005, P > 0.05) populations. The clustering analysis revealed a close genetic relationship between Huzhu and Menyuan white yak, both were far from Tianzhu white yak breed. The phylogenetic analyses showed that white yak had two Y-haplogroups/lineages (Y1 and Y2) with two potential paternal origins. The findings of present study provide new insight into the basic information for the formulation of molecular breeding programs of white yak. Moreover, it also contributes to the conservation and utilization of this special animal genetic resource.
Long-term monitoring and analysis of the longitudinal differential settlement of an expressway bridge–subgrade transition section in a loess area
Authors: Du Yang , He Xiongjun , Wu Chao , Wu Weiwei 
Published: November 2022

AbstractTo solve the problem of "bridgehead bumping" in the transition section between the road and bridge of an expressway in a collapsible loess area, a lime–soil compaction pile composite foundation is used for the first time in the transition section between the road and bridge of an expressway in China; the loess subgrade is improved by adding lime, and the subgrade is arranged in a multilayer geogrid for the joint treatment of various engineering measures. At the same time, a new type of precision differential pressure settlement meter is used to monitor the long-term settlement of a bridge–subgrade transition section with a small settlement magnitude after the joint treatment, and the distribution characteristics and variation laws of the settlement along the longitudinal direction of the line are obtained. The results show that the effect is better and the differential settlement is smaller when using a lime–soil compaction pile composite foundation; lime improves the loess subgrade backfill, and the multilayer geogrid addresses the bridge–subgrade transition in the collapsible loess area. The differential settlement and settlement rate of the subgrade and abutment increase with increased monitoring time, and the differential settlement increases gradually, while the growth rate decreases gradually and finally tends to be stable. The differential settlement of the transition section is predicted and analysed by using a hyperbolic curve, exponential curve and their combination in a prediction model, and the prediction analysis shows that the combined prediction model has the best prediction effect. These research results can provide guidance and reference for the design and construction of subgrade structures similar to the wet transition section between roads and bridges.
Application of multi-objective optimization in the study of anti-breast cancer candidate drugs
Authors: Mei Yuan , Wu Kaijun 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIn the development of anti-breast cancer drugs, the quantitative structure-activity relationship model of compounds is usually used to select potential active compounds. However, the existing methods often have problems such as low model prediction performance, lack of overall consideration of the biological activity and related properties of compounds, and difficulty in directly selection candidate drugs. Therefore, this paper constructs a complete set of compound selection framework from three aspects: feature selection, relationship mapping and multi-objective optimization problem solving. In feature selection part, a feature selection method based on unsupervised spectral clustering is proposed. The selected features have more comprehensive information expression ability. In the relationship mapping part, a variety of machine learning algorithms are used for comparative experiments. Finally, the CatBoost algorithm is selected to perform the relationship mapping between each other, and better prediction performance is achieved. In the multi-objective optimization part, based on the analysis of the conflict relationship between the objectives, the AGE-MOEA algorithm is improved and used to solve this problem. Compared with various algorithms, the improved algorithm has better search performance.
The ischaemic preconditioning paradox and its implications for islet isolation from heart-beating and non heart-beating donors
Authors: Brandhorst Daniel , Brandhorst Heide , Acreman Samuel , Johnson Paul R. V. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe impact of ischaemia can severely damage procured donor organs for transplantation. The pancreas, and pancreatic islets in particular, is one of the most sensitive tissues towards hypoxia. The present study was aimed to assess the effect of hypoxic preconditioning (HP) performed ex-vivo in islets isolated from heart-beating donor (HBD) and non heart-beating donor (NHBD) rats. After HP purified islets were cultured for 24 h in hypoxia followed by islet characterisation. Post-culture islet yields were significantly lower in sham-treated NHBD than in HBD. This difference was reduced when NHBD islets were preconditioned. Similar results were observed regarding viability, apoptosis and in vitro function. Reactive oxygen species generation after hypoxic culture was significantly enhanced in sham-treated NHBD than in HBD islets. Again, this difference could be diminished through HP. qRT-PCR revealed that HP decreases pro-apoptotic genes but increases HIF-1 and VEGF. However, the extent of reduction and augmentation was always substantially higher in preconditioned NHBD than in HBD islets. Our findings indicate a lower benefit of HBD islets from HP than NHBD islets. The ischaemic preconditioning paradox suggests that HP should be primarily applied to islets from marginal donors. This observation needs evaluation in human islets.
Nondestructive and noncontact evaluation of cellulose nanofiber-reinforced composites using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy
Authors: Nakanishi Atsushi , Kanno Naoko , Satozono Hiroshi 
Published: November 2022

AbstractCellulose nanofibers (CNFs) can be obtained from natural sources, such as plants and wood fibers. Thermoplastic resin composites reinforced with CNFs exhibit various features, including superior mechanical strength. As the mechanical properties of composites reinforced with CNFs are affected by the amount of fiber addition, it is important to determine the concentration of the CNF filler in the matrix after injection or extrusion molding. We confirmed that there was good linearity between the CNF concentration and terahertz absorption. We could distinguish the difference in the 1%-point-CNF concentration with terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. Furthermore, we estimated the mechanical properties of the CNF nanocomposites using terahertz information.
Overall structural seismic damage rapid assessment method based on period and displacement response characteristics
Authors: Wang Mingzhen , Gao Lin , Yang Zailin 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe seismic damage state of building structure can be rapidly evaluated by coupling effect of structural displacement response and periodic characteristics. Firstly, the fundamental period calculation formula that adapts to the deformation pattern and distribution mode of horizontal seismic action for reinforced concrete frame structure is derived. Secondly, the seismic damage assessment standard of building structure considering period variation is established. Then, the seismic damage assessment method of building structure is constructed. Finally, the seismic damage example is used to verify the established evaluation method. The results show that the established research method has high accuracy and good engineering practicability.