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Ensemble learning with explainable AI for improved heart disease prediction based on multiple datasets
Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants using pooled WGS
Predictive control for the navigation of spherical robots in obstacle-rich environments
Abstract This paper introduces an advanced predictive control algorithm tailored for spherical robots operating within obstacle-dense environments. The proposed strategy employs a sophisticated system model to forecast the robot’s behavior over a defined future time horizon, capitalizing on the strengths of predictive control, which include accelerated convergence time, particularly beneficial in dynamic scenarios. We conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis between the predictive control approach and feedback linearization control, focusing on the robot’s navigation through obstacles. Our findings indicate that the predictive control framework considerably improves the robot’s overall motion performance, leading to shorter response times, enhanced convergence capabilities, and greater resilience when navigating obstacle-dense environments. Furthermore, this approach effectively minimizes control errors, achieving rapid convergence to zero. This research highlights the effectiveness of predictive control in optimizing the agility and accuracy of spherical robots in challenging operational settings. The proposed method represents the first algorithm capable of effectively addressing a comprehensive range of motion tasks for spherical robots. This includes trajectory tracking and both static and dynamic obstacle avoidance with global stability and optimal performance, which are essential for their development.
Executive functions and associated brain volumetry in children with persistent stunting and catch-up growth
Abstract Early childhood stunting can result in sub-optimal executive functions (EF), affecting academic achievements and economic potential in later life. This study hypothesized that children always stunted (AS) at ages 2, 5 and 9 years had lower EF than those who were never stunted (NS). A birth-cohort in Vellore, India was followed up with periodic anthropometric and development/cognitive measures over 2, 5 and 9 years of age. Based on stunting status at these time points, children were classified as NS, stunted at 2 years and caught up by 5 years (S2N5), stunted at 2 and 5 years but caught up later (S5N9), and AS. At 9th year, children underwent neuroimaging using 3T MRI scanner and EF assessment using FAS phonemic fluency test, colour cancellation test and colour trials tests (CTT). From the original birth-cohort of 251, 205 children were reviewed at 9 years. FAS phonemic fluency test showed NS group had significantly higher test scores compared to AS (11.52 vs. 7.4, p = 0.02). In CTT, a significant difference in near misses score was observed between NS and AS groups (0.12 vs. 0.38, p = 0.03). Upon evaluating unimodal brain association areas, volumes of right occipital fusiform gyrus (9991 mm3 vs. 9313 mm3; p = 0.04; η2 = 0.11), and left lateral occipital cortex (13458 mm3 vs. 12559 mm3; p = 0.03; η2 = 0.07) were significantly higher among NS compared to AS group. Considering higher order association areas, only left pars triangularis was found to be significantly reduced among AS children compared to NS group (4284 mm3 vs. 3291 mm3; p = 0.01; η2 = 0.07). Similarly, there were also significance visible in the basal ganglia regions and the cerebellum. Current study demonstrated EF dysfunction in verbal fluency and inhibitory control in a dose response fashion in groups AS-to-NS with corresponding EF-related brain volumetric changes, highlighting the need for focused nutritional and nurturing approaches in early childhood for gain in human capital.
The combined effects of high-intensity interval training and time-restricted feeding on the AKT/FOXO1/PEPCK pathway in diabetic rats
Carroll–Schrödinger equation as the ultra-relativistic limit of the tachyon equation
Abstract The Poincaré symmetry can be contracted in two ways to yield the Galilei symmetry and the Carroll symmetry. The well-known Schrödinger equation exhibits the Galilei symmetry and is a fundamental equation in Galilean quantum mechanics. However, the question remains: what is the quantum equation that corresponds to the Carroll symmetry? In this paper, we derive a novel equation in two dimensions, called the “Carroll–Schrödinger equation”, which describes the quantum dynamics in the Carrollian framework. We also construct the so-called “Carroll–Schrödinger algebra” in two dimensions, which is a conformal extension of the centrally extended Carroll algebra with a dynamical exponent of $$z=1/2$$ . We demonstrate that this algebra is the symmetry algebra of the Carroll–Schrödinger field theory. Moreover, we apply the method of canonical quantization to the theory and utilize it to compute the transition amplitude. Finally, we discuss higher dimensions and identify the so-called “generalized Carroll–Schrödinger equation”.
Green space attributes and their impact on perceived stress in Poland
Abstract Inconsistent findings and limited research from various countries highlight the need for further investigation of the relationship between Satisfaction with Green Space Attributes (SGSA) and Perceived Stress (PS) levels, which is crucial for informing urban planning strategists to improve residents’ mental health using green areas. Presented study explored these relationships and differences in greenery usage and preferences in connection with self-perceived stress levels in the study area of post-socialist cities and other settlements units in Poland—the country belonging to the former block of Socialist Countries of People’s Democracy (specific type of urbanism and influence on mentality of residents). Data collected in 2022 via Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) covered demographics, green space utilization, SGSA, and PS levels using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Statistical analyses, including Kruskal–Wallis rank ANOVA, Mann–Whitney U-test and multiple regression, revealed that lower PS levels were correlated with higher SGSA across various greenery elements. Individuals with low stress levels spent more time in green spaces for leisure activities, mainly walking. However, satisfaction with greenery decreased with increasing stress levels, especially regarding the decrease of cleanliness, aesthetics and greenery amount. Multiple regression identified significant predictors of stress levels, such as health, greenery aesthetics satisfaction, income, and green area accessibility for children. The study underscores the importance of well-designed, diversified green infrastructure to enhance residents’ mental well-being. Accessible, well-maintained green spaces creating a network within urban environments are crucial for stress reduction. It is a guideline for policymakers and urban planners to create continuous green infrastructure consisting of various size and character green areas/elements and this green network should be as dense as possible, occupying every possible place.
Associations of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with hearing in U.S. Adults
Evaluating main gas emission and energy consumption economy during tobacco leaf curing life cycle based on clean energy
Abstract Coal roasters suffer from unstable combustion, resulting in high energy consumption and environmental pollution, this paper explores main gas emissions and energy consumption economy of biomass, alcohol-based and natural gas ovens in order to obtain the best alternative energy source. The paper conducted a comprehensive analysis of the following aspects in clean energy tobacco curing: major gas emission concentrations and volumes at each stage, emission quantities per cubic meter of major gases, gas emissions during the leaf yellowing/color-fixing stage and stem-drying stage of tobacco curing, total lifecycle emissions of major gases and energy consumption efficiency/economic feasibility of the curing facility. Data analysis showed that CO2 emission concentration of each energy roaster reached the highest in all stages under standard working conditions, and CO2 emission of biomass roaster reached 550.68 kg in the 10th stage, while there was no SO2 emission from alcohol-based and natural gas roasters. In addition, the highest total emissions per cubic meter of each of the major gaseous emitters CO2, SO2, NO and NO2 were all biomass, 21.1 kg, 0.057 kg, 0.036 kg and 0.0005 kg, respectively. During the baking process, CO2 emission of natural gas per ton of wet tobacco leaves was only 105.97 kg, with no NO and NO2 emissions, and no SO2 emissions from alcohol-based and natural gas. The emissions of CO2, SO2, NO and NO2 increased gradually in the yellowing period, color fixation period and dry tendon period, and most emissions were in the dry tendon period of biomass roasting room, which were 1203.85 kg, 35.23 kg, 1.53 kg and 0.248 kg, respectively. There was no emission of SO2 in the alcohol-based and natural gas roasting rooms. In addition, biomass had the largest total emissions in the entire life cycle of clean energy tobacco leaf baking. As baking time increases, pollutant emissions also increase. The highest CO2 emissions from biomass were 1518.82 kg. CO2 emission rates of alcohol-based and natural gas baking rooms are relatively slow, and the minimum CO2 emissions from the natural gas baking room were 582.82 kg. The ratio of fresh and dry cigarettes after roasting was roughly around 7:1, with the least consumption of natural gas for fresh tobacco, lower power consumption and a higher average dehumidification ratio per unit of energy consumption. The unit cost of dried tobacco leaves in the biomass curing room was 1.35 yuan, which was 22.3% and 16.2% lower than alcohol-based and natural gas. Although biomass curing barns had the lowest unit cost for dried tobacco leaves, their combustion produces more gas emissions. These results showed that biomass had the largest number of major gas emissions and the largest emission volumes, while natural gas and alcohol genes had lower emissions and better economic performance, which can play a significant role in energy conservation, emission reduction, cost reduction and efficiency improvement.
Association between age at diabetes diagnosis and the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy
MXene-supported Ni–Co bimetallic MOF 2D lamellar membrane for enhanced electrochemical oxygen reactions and Li–O2 battery
A novel deep learning approach to classify 3D foot types of diabetic patients
Securing the CAN bus using deep learning for intrusion detection in vehicles
The efficacy and safety of thymosin alpha-1 combined with lenvatinib plus sintilimab in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective study
Scale-dependent landscape variables and linear infrastructures influence smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) abundance in wetlands of a heavily urbanized lake
Abstract The degradation of freshwater ecosystems due to land use changes is one of the major driver of global biodiversity loss and amphibian declines with these impacts varying across different spatial scales. Our study aimed to assess how natural and human-modified land affects smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) abundance in the surrounding waterbodies of Lake Balaton, a highly urbanized area. We conducted aquatic trap surveys at 32 wetland sites during the breeding season and quantified land cover within 250, 500, and 1000-m radius buffer zones. We hypothesized that urban land use, cropland, and proximity to roads and railways would negatively correlate with newt abundance, while wetlands areas (marshes, swamps, periodically flooded grasslands) and natural terrestrial habitats (grasslands, forests and woodlands) would positively correlate, with effects varying across spatial scales. N-mixture models were used to analyse survey data, estimating abundance and examining relationships with covariates. Results revealed that wetland cover within a 500-m buffer zone increased newt abundance, probably due to supporting metapopulation connectivity. In contrast, cropland cover within 250 m and proximity to roads and railways negatively affected newt abundance. Conservation efforts should prioritize providing smooth newts with adequate breeding habitats and reducing disturbances from croplands, roads, and railways.