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GraphFedAI framework for DDoS attack detection in IoT systems using federated learning and graph based artificial intelligence

A comparative study of machine learning models for automated detection and classification of retinal diseases in Ghana

Introduction: Retinal diseases, a significant global health concern, often lead to severe vision impairment and blindness, resulting in substantial functional and social limitations. This study explored a novel goal of developing and comparing the performance of multiple state-of-the-art convolutional neural network (CNN) models for the automated detection and classification of retinal diseases using optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. Method: The study utilized several models, including DenseNet121, ResNet50, Inception V3, MobileNet, and OCT images obtained from the WATBORG Eye Clinic, to detect and classify multiple retinal diseases such as glaucoma, macular edema, posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), and normal eye cases. The preprocessing techniques employed included data augmentation, resizing, and one-hot encoding. We also used the Gaussian Process-based Bayesian Optimization (GPBBO) approach to fine-tune the hyperparameters. Model performance was evaluated using the F1-Score, precision, recall, and area under the curve (AUC). Result: All the CNN models evaluated in this study demonstrated a strong capability to detect and classify various retinal diseases with high accuracy. MobileNet achieved the highest accuracy at 96% and AUC of 0.975, closely followed by DenseNet121, which had 95% accuracy and an AUC of 0.963. Inception V3 and ResNet50, while not as high in accuracy, showed potential in specific contexts, with 83% and 79% accuracy, respectively. Conclusion: These results underscore the potential of advanced CNN models for diagnosing retinal diseases. With the exception of ResNet50, the other CNN models displayed accuracy levels that are comparable to other state-of-the-art deep learning models. Notably, MobileNet and DenseNet121 showed considerable promise for use in clinical settings, enabling healthcare practitioners to make rapid and accurate diagnoses of retinal diseases. Future research should focus on expanding datasets, integrating multi-modal data, exploring hybrid models, and validating these models in clinical environments to further enhance their performance and real-world applicability.

Trichoderma harzianum-loaded maize biochar enhances Cd–Cu immobilization and reduces bio-accessibility in contaminated soil

Relationships between nitrogen-fixing bacteria community structure in Vicia villosa nodules, soil properties and rocky desertification degree in karst area southwest China

Rocky desertification, a common phenomenon in karst ecosystems, significantly impacts soil fertility and vegetation restoration. Therefore, understanding the relationship between nitrogen-fixing bacteria and soil properties under different degrees of rocky desertification is crucial. Our experiment was conducted to investigate the bacterial community structure and the main environmental factors affecting the distribution of the nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the nodules of V. villosa. Based on nifH gene sequence analysis, we found that the community composition of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the nodules was significantly correlated with the degree of rocky desertification. The soil physicochemical properties affecting community composition were analyzed. The results revealed that: (1) The soil water content, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen content, and total nitrogen content in the slight rocky desertification area GJ4 were significantly higher than those in the moderate rocky desertification areas KY and MZ3. (2) There were significant differences in the community composition of nitrogen-fixing bacteria across the four rocky desertification areas (R2 = 0.448, P = 0.001). Within the same area, the Shannon index in slight rocky desertification was significantly higher than that of moderate rocky desertification. Rhizobium was the dominant genus. (3) In Gejiu, Yunnan Province, it has been observed that there is a clear negative correlation was observed among rocky desertification grade, soil water content, and nitrogen-fixing bacterial diversity in the typical karst ecosystem. Specifically, intensifying rocky desertification significantly reduces soil moisture and bacterial diversity. The degree of soil rocky desertification, total nitrogen content, total phosphorus content, and pH of soil are the main factors that play a key role in the community composition of the nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the nodules of V. villosa. This study provides a theoretical basis for the control of rocky desertification.

Ratcheting fatigue behaviour of advanced structural materials at their service temperatures

When to stop: Understanding the landscape of extreme-duration cardiopulmonary resuscitation practices among pediatricians in Sudan

Background Pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving intervention, but its effectiveness in extreme durations remains debated. This study aimed to explore the frequency and decision-making regarding prolonged CPR (PCPR) practices in hospitalized Sudanese children. Methods A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among pediatricians and pediatric trainees in Sudan. The survey investigated their experience with prolonged, ultra-prolonged, and extreme-duration CPR and factors influencing termination decisions. Results Ninety-six Sudanese pediatricians and trainees responded to the survey, reporting varied experiences with prolonged CPR durations: over half (51%) and 81% of respondents reported encountering extreme-duration (> 12 hours) and ultra-prolonged (> 2 hours) CPR at least once, respectively. Around 5% and 1% reported to have encountered CPR durations of 48–72 hours and more than 72 hours, respectively, while 18% reported a 12–14-hour as their record high CPR duration. Four participants reported encountering extreme-duration (> 12 hours) CPR more than 15 times. Respondents most frequently (41%) cited the absence of a pulse and heartbeat as the primary factor for terminating CPR. A vast majority acknowledged ethical considerations (84%) and a lack of clear protocols (83%) as a barrier to terminating PCPR. Thematic analysis of an open question revealed a critical need for a standardized protocol addressing PCPR, enhanced CPR training, and better post-resuscitation support. Conclusions This study revealed a relatively high frequency of extended-duration CPR in Sudanese pediatric settings. Termination decisions focused on cardiac activity becoming clinically undetectable rather than brain death signs or specific cutoff CPR durations. The absence of a clear protocol on when to terminate CPR seems to contribute the most to this phenomenon. Further research on patient outcomes after prolonged CPR in this context is warranted.

DMM-YOLO: A high efficiency soil fauna detection model based on an adaptive dynamic shuffle mechanism

Protocol for a scoping review investigating success in research capacity building for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals

Objective To identify and describe how success is currently conceptualised in research capacity building in nurses, midwives and allied health professionals in the UK. Introduction Having a research active healthcare workforce is associated with improved patient outcomes as well as staff retention. It is therefore seen as a key target for many healthcare organisations. Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals form the largest group of healthcare professionals but are traditionally less involved in research than medically trained staff. A variety of schemes have aimed to address this through so called “research capacity building” activities but an understanding of what constitutes success is needed to aid development of future interventions. Inclusion criteria Participants - Any or all of Nurses, Midwives or Allied Health Professionals. Concept- Definition of success or description of aims of activities aimed at research capacity building. Context- Within in the UK. Methods Content from peer reviewed journals will be searched for in: Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE, AMED, BNI and EMCARE Web of Science Core Collection. Grey Literature will be searched for in Google and Overton as well as key websites of organisations that work in developing research capacity. Website searches will include National Institute for Health and Care Research, all charities that form the Association of Medical Research Charities as of search date and the websites for the recognised professional bodies for Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals. Screening of titles and abstracts then full text will be undertaken by one person with 20% cross checked by a second reviewer. Data extraction will use a bespoke data extraction tool and will be undertaken by one person, with 20% cross checked with a second reviewer. A narrative synthesis and qualitative content analysis will be used to synthesise the data. Registered OSF Registries: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/QVCDX

The optimal mix proportion design method of similar transparent materials in soft soil foundation

Adherence to iron-folic acid supplementation and its associated factors among pregnant women in Kenya: A multilevel data analysis of the 2022 Kenyan Demographic and Health Survey

Background Iron and folic acid deficiency is a global public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Adherence to iron-folic acid supplementation (IFAS) remains low in Kenya. Despite several studies on IFAS adherence in Kenya, they do not assess the national scope and clustering effects using advanced analytical models. Therefore, we aimed to assess IFAS adherence and its associated factors among pregnant women in Kenya using data from the 2022 Kenyan Demographic and Health Survey. Methods A secondary data analysis was conducted using data from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, which was obtained from the official Demographic and Health Survey program database. Weighted samples of 8,460 participants were used in the analysis. The study employed a multivariable multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model. Variables from the bi-variable model that had p < 0.25 were considered in the multivariable analysis. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant in the multivariable model, and the adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) with its 95% CI was reported. Results The prevalence of IFAS among pregnant women in Kenya was 61.72% (95% CI: 60.68, 62.75). Women aged 20–39 years were 1.3 to 1.7 times more likely to adhere to IFAS during pregnancy, with the likelihood increasing steadily by age group. Moreover, primigravida [aOR = 1.22 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.41)], with a family size of ≥ 10 [aOR = 0.72 (95% CI 0.59, 0.90)], antenatal care visits ≥ 4 [aOR = 3.96 (95% CI: 1.91, 8.23)], first start of antenatal care at the third trimester of pregnancy [aOR = 0.30 (95% CI: 0.15, 0.62)], and with a higher level of education [aOR = 1.6 (95% CI: 1.35, 1.90)] were statistically significant factors associated with adherence to IFAS. Conclusion and recommendation Nearly two in five pregnant women didn’t receive IFAS for the recommended periods. Factors such as maternal age, parity, antenatal visits, and education enhanced IFAS adherence, whereas large family size and starting antenatal care in the third trimester of pregnancy reduced adherence. Therefore, the community, government, and non-governmental organizations should enhance adherence by implementing customized interventions on the factors identified as positive and negative associations.

Sex-specific associations of blood lead and cadmium levels with sarcopenia in US adults

The inverse relationship between dietary anthocyanidins consumption and frailty: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Objective This study investigates the association between dietary anthocyanidins consumption and the risk of frailty in the general adult population using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods A cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data was conducted, examining the relationship between dietary anthocyanidins intake and frailty risk. Dose-response relationships and subgroup analyses were performed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the associations. Results The results indicate a significant inverse relationship between the consumption of specific anthocyanidin types, including malvidin and delphinidin, as well as total anthocyanidins, and the odds of frailty. Particularly, individuals aged 41–60 years and males exhibited a notable protective effect of anthocyanidins against frailty. Dose-response analyses revealed a U-shaped relationship between total anthocyanidins intake and frailty risk, with an optimal consumption level of 33.322 mg per day. Conclusion This pioneering study emphasizes the potential protective role of dietary anthocyanidins in mitigating frailty, especially among middle-aged individuals and males.

Non-ureolytic EICP as a novel enzymatic pathway for sustainable soil stabilization

Abstract In order to address the challenges of the modern era, such as population growth and greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable soil improvement techniques have been in high demand. In a quest to find more sustainable ground improvement methods, microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) and enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) have attracted researchers worldwide. For the first time, this study investigates a non-ureolytic enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation method using formate dehydrogenase (FDH) as a sustainable approach for soil stabilization. Unlike traditional EICP and MICP methods, this technique avoids ammonium by-products, providing an environmentally friendly alternative. FDH activity was optimized at pH 7.6 and 37 °C. Its thermal stability was found to be reasonably suitable for biogeotechnical applications, maintaining over 90% efficiency up to 50 °C and achieving over 50% efficiency at 60 °C. The compressive strength of non-ureolytic EICP-treated soil samples and calcium carbonate content were investigated across various treatment cycles on poorly graded sand (SP). The optimal enzyme concentration was 75 mg/L with 50 g/L of calcium formate. Soil treated with this method exhibited a 31-fold increase in strength after five treatment cycles, with 1.89% calcium carbonate precipitation. Microstructural analyses (XRD, FTIR, SEM) and calcium carbonate content measurements using the Bernard calcimeter confirmed the formation of carbonate crystals between soil grains, contributing to this strength enhancement.

Defining household exposure to the food environment: A comparison of measures based on residential area and activity space

The food environment’s impact on food behaviors is widely recognized, yet there is no consensus on how to measure individual exposure, potentially leading to inconsistent results. This study aimed to assess how the relationship between food environment exposure and household characteristics differs based on whether exposure is measured solely via buffers around the home or extended to cover activity spaces. Data from the Mont’Panier cross-sectional study, comprising 699 households in Montpellier city-region, France, were analyzed. We used multivariate multinomial regression models and multiple logistic regression models to explore the associations between household characteristics and five indicators of households’ food environment exposure: number of food stores, number of restaurants, diversity of food stores, relative density of stores selling fruits and vegetables, and relative density of fast-food restaurants. Exposure was measured using two methods: (i) 500m network-buffers around household’s home; and (ii) activity spaces delimited using the daily path area method. Our findings confirm that social disparities in food environment exposure can vary based on the defined exposure area. Variables such as ‘employment status’ and ‘education’, not associated with indicators of food environment exposure around the home, show associations in the activity space. Conversely, ‘age’ and ‘car ownership’ are associated with various indicators of food environment exposure around the home but not in the activity space. Additionally, our analysis reveals that the abundance and diversity of food outlets tend to decrease as household’s distance from the city center increases. Combining measures of food exposure (residential area, activity space) presents a promising approach to understanding food environment dynamics. Future research should investigate whether and how the choice of exposure measures affects food behaviors relative to households’ socioeconomic characteristics. Lastly, we propose two avenues for reflection concerning public policy.

Detection of vital signs based on millimeter wave radar

Postoperative improvement in the index finger center of pressure trajectory during precision grip in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy

Objective The aim of this study was to kinetically evaluate the changes in precision grip in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy before and after decompressive surgery. Methods Twenty-nine patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy participated in the study. Participants performed a grip-and-lift task by pulp pinch using their thumb and index finger before and after surgery. We monitored individual finger grip force (GF) and center of pressure (COP) trajectory in total five seconds and during the first second while lifting and holding an object. Correlations between the pre-operative COP trajectory and other hand clinical outcomes were analyzed. A multiple regression analysis was used to identify the predictive value of the pre-operative COP trajectory to the severity of sensorimotor dysfunction. Results There was a significant improvement in the 1-second COP trajectory in the index finger after surgery, but not the GF. Moreover, pre-operative COP trajectory was associated with the post-operative severity of clinical symptoms. The multiple regression analysis concerning the severity of upper extremity symptoms indicated that the model incorporating pre-operative COP trajectory exhibited the highest adjusted R2 compared to GF or conventional clinical tests. Conclusion These results suggested that patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy could improve their COP trajectory in the index finger after surgery, and the finger kinetic measure could provide an important index for predicting neurological improvement.

Investigation of high temperature rheological properties for attapulgite suspensions

Automated vehicles and sustainability when considering rebound effects

While automated vehicles are expected to lower energy consumption, improve traffic flow and enhance road safety, their deployment may increase traffic volume, leading to a rebound effect. Addressing this issue, we develop a framework to assess the environmental, social and time costs of private and of shared automated vehicle usage in urban and rural areas in Germany. When comparing the status quo and automated vehicle usage, we show that 34–47% of additional traffic volume could emerge without deteriorating current conditions, depending on the area and usage concept. Shared automated vehicles in rural areas constitute the most distinct case, as they are the most beneficial for the environment and society but are the least attractive with respect to the time costs of passengers. Policymakers and system providers should strive to mitigate this dichotomy.

Pharmacokinetic variability of 20(S)-protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides Rb1, rd, and compound K from Korean red ginseng in experimental rodents

Association of FGF Receptor-2rs2981578 SNP with breast cancer in women at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia

Introduction Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-2 single nucleotide polymorphisms are implicated in breast cancer development. However, there are inconsistencies and contradictions in the reports. The current study aimed to determine the association between Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-2 rs2981578 single nucleotide polymorphism and breast cancer among female breast cancer patients. Methods A case-control study was conducted between August 2023 and April 2024 at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Gondar, and Northwest Ethiopia. Semi-structured was adapted to collect socio-demographic character and anthropometric measurement and 5 ml of blood were drawn from each randomly selected participant for molecular analysis. The data was entered into Epi-Data-7.2 and exported to SPSS-25. Binary logistic regression model was used to look into the association between various factors. Statistical significance was regarded as a p-value of < 0.05. Results The Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-2 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms rs2981578 AA genotype and A allele were more frequent in breast cancer patients than in controls (37% vs. 17% and 58% vs 42%; the chi-square p = 0.025 and p = 0.009, respectively). Individuals with the AA genotype and A allele were more prone to breast cancer (OR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.293–8.538, and OR =1.88; 95% CI: 1.173, 3.029, respectively) than those with the wild type GG genotype. The risk allele correlated with the late TNM stage (COR = 3.41, 95% CI: 1.07–10.88). Conclusion The AA genotype and the A allele of the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-2 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms rs2981578 gene are more prevalent among women with breast cancer. They are correlated with increased susceptibility to breast cancer and a worsening of its stage.