bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Grassland Burning on Ants in the Shock Phase: Local Species Extinctions and Changes in Population Size
Authors: Barbosa¹ Gabriel Gonçalves , Podgaiski¹ Luciana Regina 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Fire is an important disturbance that alters processes and the structure of communities and populations of organisms in adapted ecosystems. The effects of fire on arthropods begin in the combustion phase and extend into the shock phase until the vegetation begins to regrow. We evaluated the effects of the shock phase on ant local species extinctions/disappearances, survival probability and activity in grasslands. Fourteen paired 10-m² plots were established in disturbance-excluded grasslands in southern Brazil. One plot of each pair was randomly chosen for burning with the other being considered a control, forming a block. The ant community in each plot was assessed before and one month after fire (BA:CI) using pitfall-traps and sweep nets. One month after the fire was considered the shock phase period, when there are considerable changes in abiotic conditions and habitat structure. A total of 52 species in 25 genera were recorded. Absolute and relative local species extinctions/disappearances did not differ between control and burned plots and species survival probability was not altered. Ant community abundance was higher in burned plots, as was the population abundance of some target species, with only one species having its activity decreased by fire. Our results show that the shock phase caused by the effects of fire does not alter extinction/disappearance nor survival of species and may even potentially favor species activity.
Implications for insect conservation: The ecosystems we studied are adapted to disturbances such as fire, where there are species not only adapted to, but also dependent on this disturbance. Although small-scale burning may cause the xeric environment in the shock phase, our results show that this period does not influence the mortality and survival of ant species. Grassland conservation policies in Brazil should consider prescribed small-scale fires as a conservation tool.
Optimal Dynamic Nonlinear Income Taxation with Wage Regulations
Authors: Chen Yunmin 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
We extend Stiglitz (1982) to a dynamic and stochastic optimal taxation model, while assessing the effects of exogenous wage regulations. We show that when wage regulations are imposed, consumption inequality rises more than when they are removed. The results lead to an important policy implication that in the face of exogenous wage regulations, the social planner who can design optimal tax schedule prefers to widen the consumption inequality. In this regard, the desire to improve the production efficiency is stronger than the motive for redistribution. A conventional wisdom that full employment commitment and minimum wage legislation should serve as a buffer for the minority may not be taken for granted. In the qualitative analysis, we find that as wage regulations tighten, the lower bound of the marginal tax rate on capital rises. Our quantitative result validates that, showing that the marginal tax rate on capital increases to varying degrees in response to wage requirements of varying tightness.
JEL Classifications: C61; D82; H21; J31
Visual Categorization of Fruit disease using Fine-Grained Stacking Ensemble Learning
Authors: Kavitha A , Raja S Daniel Madan 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Marssonina blotch infect the entire tree and black rot creates the possibility for fungicides to infect the neighborhood fruits thereby creating the entire fruit basket infected. Marssonina blotch and black rot are the most commonly occurring infections on fruits. Scab is discovered as the other category of fruit infection caused by a fungus infecting even leaves that cause cracks and immature stage of fruits and leaves. The preprocessing steps involve the process of segmentation, filtration and haar cascade defect training using the training data set consisting of 2500 defect records on apple, strawberry, grapefruit, cucumber, kiwi, lime, mango and guava. Deep learning and Stacking ensemble learning is used to diagnose the infections on fruits by using the CNN algorithm to create fine grained chunk visuals for disease prediction. The system is constructed to identify color of the fruit so that the system is able to predict the fruit image on all the possible colors for example on apple both red and green color apples are trained. The overall accuracy of prediction recorded by the proposed work is 97.8% which proves to hit the required efficiency of the diagnosis system to prevent the infection on fruits and increase the productivity and marketing strategy. Blotch prediction accuracy is observed as 97.5%, scab as 95.89 %and rot prediction accuracy is recorded to 98.2%.
Dose–response relationship in patients with newly diagnosed atypical meningioma treated with adjuvant radiotherapy
Authors: Kim Dowook , Chang Won Ick , Byun Hwa Kyung , Kim In Ah , Cho Jaeho , Lee Joo Ho , Yoon Hong In , Wee Chan Woo 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to identify the radiation dose–response relationship in patients with newly diagnosed atypical meningioma (AM) treated with adjuvant radiotherapy (ART) using conventional fractionation.
Methods: In total, 158 patients who underwent surgery and ART between 1998 and 2018 were reviewed. Among these patients, 135 with complete information on radiotherapy (RT) dose/fractionation and pathological reports were analyzed. We entered RT dose as a continuous variable into the Cox regression model using penalized spline to allow for a nonlinear relationship between RT dose and events. Local control (LC), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. The corresponding biological equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions (EQD2) was calculated using an α/β ratio of 4 Gy.
Results: The median follow-up duration was 56.0 months. The median ART dose delivered was 61.2 Gy in 24–34 daily fractions, corresponding to a median EQD2 of 59.16 Gy. In multivariate analysis, larger size and higher mitotic count significantly reduced LC (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively), PFS (P < 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively), and OS (P = 0.006 and P = 0.001, respectively). Meanwhile, a higher RT dose was significantly associated with improved LC, PFS, and OS. Moreover, RT showed a dose-dependent effect on LC, PFS, and OS; local failure, tumor progression, and death were reduced by 12%, 12%, and 16%, respectively, per 1 Gy increase in the dose (EQD2).
Conclusion: The dose of ART in AM has a dose–response relationship with LC and survival outcomes.
Long-term outcome of reduced-port laparoscopic surgery (single port surgery + 1 port) as a technical option in the patients with rectal cancer
Authors: Ishii Yoshiyuki , Ochiai Hiroki , Sako Hiroyuki , Watanabe Masahiko 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
The purpose of this study was to clarify the oncological safety of reduced-port laparoscopic surgery (RPS) for the patients with rectal cancer, by assessing the long-term outcome.
Methods
A total of 63 selected patients with clinical Stage I-III (T1-3 and N0-2) rectal cancer located within 15 cm from the anal verge were enrolled in this study. They had undergone laparoscopic anterior resection of the rectum by RPS, i.e., a platform with three channels on a single port plus one port surgery.
Results
The median operation time and intraoperative blood loss were 272 minutes and 10 mL, respectively. The median number of harvested lymph nodes was 22. Additional ports were required in 8 patients (13%), and conversion to open surgery was needed in one patient (2%). Intra- and postoperative complications occurred in one (2%) and 12 patients (19%), respectively. The median postoperative hospital stay was 8 days. The median follow-up period was 58 months, and cancer recurrence occurred in 4 patients (6%). The five-year relapse-free and overall survival rates were 100% and 100% in the patients with pathological Stage I disease, and 84% and 91% in the patients with pathological Stage II/III disease, respectively.
Conclusions
In the selected patients with rectal cancer, anterior resection by RPS may be secure in technical and oncological aspect as well as multi-port laparoscopic surgery and a reliable surgical option.
Automated detection of oil spills in images: combining a novel feature extraction technique based on the q- Exponential distribution with machine learning models
Authors: Negreiros Ana Cláudia Souza Vidal , Lins Isis Didier , Maior Caio Bezerra Souto , Moura Márcio das Chagas 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Oil spills are harmful, with negative environmental, social, and economic consequences. Generally, a risk-based framework involves preventing, detecting, and mitigating these undesirable events. Regarding detection, rapid oil spill identification is essential for mitigation, which fosters the use of automated procedures. Usually, automated oil spill detection involves radar images, computer vision, and machine learning techniques for classification. In this work, we propose a novel feature extraction method based on the q-Exponential probability distribution, named q-EFE. Such a model is suitable to account for atypical extreme pixel values, as it can have the power-law behavior. The q-EFE is combined with machine learning (ML) models, comprising a computer vision methodology to automatically classify images as “with oil spill” or “without oil spill”. We used a public dataset with 1112 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images to validate our methodology. Considering the proposed q-Exponential-based feature extraction, the SVM and XGB models outperformed deep learning models, including a ResNet50 one, and LBP and GLCM techniques for the biggest dataset size. The obtained results suggest that the proposed q-EFE can extract complex features from SAR images. Combined with ML models, it can perform image classification with satisfactory balanced accuracy.
Composite Reinforcement for Bridge Deck Slabs
Authors: Tharmarajah Gobithas , Taylor Susan E. , Cleland David , Robinson Des 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Expansive corrosion in steel reinforcement significantly reduces the design life and durability of concrete structures. Composite materials such as Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) and Basalt Fibre Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) can provide a more durable alternative to steel reinforcement due to their resistance to corrosive environment, such as those experienced by a bridge deck slab. Replacing conventional steel with composite reinforcement in new structures can be beneficial and reduce the need for bridge repairs and associated costs. FRP reinforcement can be used successfully in laterally restrained slabs by recognising the benefits of arching action. This paper discusses tests carried out on laterally restrained FRP reinforced slabs and details the development of arching action theory and its application.
The role of some heavy metal pollution in idiopathic recurrent spontaneous abortion
Authors: El-Sikaily Amany , Helal Mohamed , Nsonwu-Anyanwu Augesta , Azab Hossam , ElMoneim Neveen Abd , Mohamed Jihan , Hassanine Tamer , Saad Aziza 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background: Environmental pollution with heavy metal (HM) have been associated with human reproductive failure. Oxidative stress and disruption of homeostatic regulation of reproductive hormones has been implicated in HM induced reproductive toxicity. The HM, indices of oxidative stress, reproductive hormone and red cell indices in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) in relation to exposure to HM contaminated mussels were assessed in this study.
Methods: Seventy-six women (20-35 years) categorized into 18 fertile women without RPL (control group), and Groups I, II and III comprising 24, 18 and 16 women with RPL (2, 3, and >3 abortions respectively) were studied. Whole blood samples were collected for the estimation of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), metallothionein (rbcMT), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), progesterone, haemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH). Mussel samples were collected for Cd, Pb and metallothionein (MT) estimation.
Results: The cadmium content of mussels were above the maximum limit. Women with RPL (Groups I-III) had higher Cd, Pb, rbcMT and MDA and lower catalase, GSH, P4, Hb, MCV and MCH compared to Group I (p=<0.001). Negative associations were observed between Cd and catalase (r=-0.320, p=0.014), GSH (r=-0.359, p=-0.006) and MCV (r=-0.391, p=-0.002) respectively and between Pb and GSH (r=-0.501, p=<0.001), Hb (r=-0.289, p=0.028), MCV (r=-0.394, p=0.002) and MCH (r=-0.277, p=0.036) respectively in women with RPL. Positive correlations were observed between Cd and Pb (r=0.533, p=<0.001), rbcMT with Cd (r=0.312, p=0.017), Pb (r=0.488, p=<0.000) and MDA (r=0.282, p=0.032) respectively in women with RPL.
Conclusion: Elevated cadmium levels in mussels in conjunction with increased HM, metallothionein, MDA and reduced antioxidants, progesterone and red cell indices observed in women with RPL suggest that HM induced oxidative stress and hormonal imbalance may be implicated in recurrent pregnancy loss.
Application of adenosine pathway prediction model in tumor classification and precision cancer medicine
Authors: Gao Guanfei , He Chuanjie , Chen Xiaotong , Wang Zhenlong , Du Jiangfeng 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Cancer is a large group of diseases that exert heterogeneity individually, which resulted in the various lifetime individually and the specific response to anti-cancer drugs. Classification of patients as the prognostics is thereafter the key point for drug selection and therapeutic effect. Adenosine pathway which hydrolyzes extracellular ATP into adenosine has been recognized as new immune checkpoint pathway that can significantly impair anti-tumor immunity of multiple types of cancer. Therefore, a prognostic model based on adenosine pathway would benefit for cancer classification and treatment. In this study, 25 adenosine pathway related genes were screened from literature. An adenosine pathway prediction model (AP) based on 9769 patients from TCGA were constructed for cancer classification, and the AP model was sufficient to distinguish the patients with long overall survivals (OS) from short OS. Cancers could be categorized into two types (ADO unfavored and ADO favored) based on AP model. Next, the tumor microenvironment of two subtypes were characterized and they exhibit different cell components and immune patterns. Based on GEO dataset, AP model was capable to screen proper anti-cancer drugs for patients. To identify key genes that cause drug tolerance, the AP related genes and their drug sensitivity network were constructed and a series of key genes and the corresponding drugs were identified. Finally, AP model and drug sensitivity network identified that the expression of NT5E is correlated to the poor survival of patients with APHigh subtype, and the application of NT5E related drugs may be beneficial for the treatment of patients with APHigh subtype.
Perceived Risks and Perceptions of Covid–19 Vaccination in Patients with Autoimmune Skin Diseases Attending a Tertiary Care Centre in South India – A Questionnaire Based Study
Authors: R Lomine karain , Kumaraguru Akila , M Bandhala Rajan , Jansy R , S Seethalakshmi R 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
COVID vaccines against the SARS-CoV2 infection helped in reducing the devastating effects of the COVID pandemic. Many studies have portrayed the efficacy and safety of vaccines, there are people who are hesitant to get vaccines due to the fear of side effects and the fear is especially high in patients with autoimmune disorders on systemic immunosuppressant possibly due to lack of awareness and proper counselling. Thus, we intended to study the perceived risks and perceptions of COVID–19 vaccination in patients with autoimmune skin diseases attending a tertiary care centre in India.This is a cross sectional study done in the Department of Dermatology, The study participant who fulfilled the inclusion and the exclusion criteria were included in this study. COVID vaccination details were obtained from 50 patients with autoimmune skin disorders attending the skin OPD.Age of the patient ranged from 18 – 70 years in which 45-60 years of the age group were predominant [18(36%)]. The most common autoimmune disease among the study participants was Psoriasis vulgaris 24(48%). Patients taking immunosuppressant were about 20 (40%) study participants. About 72% were vaccinated for COVID-19.72% of study population got vaccinated and the common reason is due to its free of cost in our country followed by confidence in its efficacy. The rest hesitated due to their personal superstitious beliefs and their ignorance. Overall, during the study period, no major adverse effects related to the vaccine were noted in our study participants.
Fish Species Identification on Low Resolution - A Study with Enhanced Super Resolution Generative Adversarial Network (ESRGAN), YOLO and VGG-16
Authors: Adhikary Subhrangshu 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

A smart detection and recognition model for the species of a fish from camera footage is of urgent requirement as fishery contributes to a large portion of the world economy and these kinds of advanced models can aid fishermen on a large scale. Such models incorporating a pick-and-place machine can be very useful to sort different fish species in a bulk without human intervention and this can greatly reduce costs for large scale fishing industries. Existing methods for detecting and recognizing fish species have many limitations such as limited scalability, detection accuracy, failing to detect multiple species, degraded performance at a lower resolution, or pinpointing the exact location of the fish. By modifying the head of a very powerful deep learning model namely VGG-16 with pre-trained weights can be used to detect both the species of the fish and find the exact location of the fish in an image by implementing a modified YOLO to incorporate the bounding box regression head. We have proposed the usage of the ESRGAN algorithm along with the proposed neural network to amplify the image resolution by a factor of 4. With this method, the overall detection accuracy of 96.5% has been obtained. The experiment has been conducted based on a total of 9460 images spread across 9 species. After further improving the model, a pick-and-place machine could be integrated for very fast sorting of the fish according to their species in different large-scale fish industries.
Climate-multi-Criteria Optimization of the Reliability and Maintainability of a Distribution System by MARKOV Chains and Elitist Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Arouna Oloulade , Gilles Agbokpanzo Richard , Marcaire Agbomahena , Imano Adolphe Moukengue , Sèminvo Montcho Arnaud , Antoine Vianou 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The reliability of the distribution networks has been threatened by the disturbances which have occurred on the said networks and which have led to supply interruptions to customers. From the analysis of the faults that have occurred on these networks, it emerged that the most recurring disturbances are faults originating from external causes (atmospheric overvoltages, violent winds) and which represent 90% of the causes, transient faults (70%) and broken conductors (40%). The study of the reliability indices showed that the most disturbed departures are the MV departures from Ouidah, ITTA, Calavi and Togba whose SAIDIs are respectively 15.64; 13.9; 10.05; and 8.52. The optimization of the maintenance plan by genetic algorithms of the NSGA II type made it possible to identify the number of inspections which is 5 days and 11 days respectively during the rainy season and the dry season. The inter-inspection period related to these inspection periods is (21 days). This study led to the proposal of an optimal plan taking into account climatological criticalities and the aim of which is to reduce these disturbances which are more untimely in the rainy season. The resolution of the reliability problem by genetic algorithms of the NSGA-II type made it possible to deduce that the undistributed energies are reduced by 92.22% on the departure of Togba, 93.43% on the departure of ITTA and 95, 54% on departure from Ouidah. This energy could have brought Beninese Electricity Company (SBEE) a sum of nine hundred fifty-one million eighty-four thousand two hundred and fifty CFA francs (951,084,250 FCFA) on only three MV departures. This optimization denotes the technical and financial interest of SBEE by focusing more on strategies for reducing disruptions on its networks while giving priority to the rehabilitations, effectiveness and efficiency of its maintenance plans. The methodology used is efficient and effective and can allow SBEE to make substantial savings which will enable it to make a reinvestment in its distribution networks.
Decreased GPX3 mRNA level in peripheral blood mononuclear cells is associated with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Han Li-Yan , Sun Wei-Juan , Zhao Ze-Hua , Gao Shuai , Wang Kai 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies with increasing mortality. Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) is a widely used biomarker for HCC but has been questioned for its limited sensitivity and specificity. In this study, we aim to determine the alteration and diagnostic value of GXP3 expression for HCC.
Methods: We recruited 243 subjects, including 132 HCC patients, 78 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and 33 healthy controls (HCs). The mRNA level of GPX3 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).
Results: The GPX3 plasma level was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The GPX3 mRNA level was significantly decreased in HCC patients compared with CHB patients and HCs (P<0.05). Plasma GPX3 level was significantly lower in patients with HCC than CHB and HCs (P<0.05). In HCC subgroup, the GPX3 mRNA level was significantly lower in patients with positive HBeAg, ascites, advanced stage and poor differentiation compared with the remaining groups (P<0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to estimate the diagnostic value of GPX3 mRNA level for HBV associated HCC. The GPX3 mRNA level showed a significantly better diagnostic ability compared with AFP (AUC 0.769 vs. 0.658, p<0.001).
Conclusion: we found that decreased GPX3 mRNA level might serve as a potential noninvasive biomarker for HCC. It showed better diagnostic ability compared with AFP.