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Improved SwinUNet with fusion transformer and large kernel convolutional attention for liver and tumor segmentation in CT images

Evaluation of plant and animal products against Chilo partellus Swinhoe (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) infestation in sorghum field

Plant and animal products with optimum concentrations were synthesized and evaluated against Chilo partellus Swinhoe infestation in the sorghum field. The experiment was designed in a randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement with three replications. The treatments were M. ferruginea aqua extract, Cow urine, and a mixture of M. ferruginea and Cow urine each at three rates of concentration (5%, 10%, and 15%). Treatments were applied at two levels of frequencies (2 and 3 times application). The pest infestations and all its activities were systematically screened as well. Results indicated that all formulations significantly (P<0.01) reduced damage at the highest rates with three times applications. The mixture treatments were most effective in reducing leaf damage, dead hearts and the pest infestations with significant larval mortality at a higher rate with three times applications. No larvae per plant were recorded on sorghum treated with M. ferruginea aqua extract at a higher rate in three applications. Likewise, the highest mortality was recorded at the higher rate (15% concentration) of the mixture. Application rates and frequencies of all treatments were positively correlated to larval mortality. M. ferruginea aqua extract and the mixture were negatively correlated while cow urine has no relation to the density of larvae. Significantly taller plants, a smaller number of holes per plant, and the shortest tunnel length were recorded from the mixture, and M. ferruginea aqua extract treated plots at a higher rate and two times more applications. Best grain yields and yield advantages were recorded at three times applications of the higher rates. In conclusion, plant and animal-based insecticides at the higher rates with three times applications were best in reducing C. partellus infestations in the field. Likewise, their effect on the main natural enemy of the pest was minimal.

A novel stroke classification model based on EEG feature fusion

Intelligent recognition of human activities using deep learning techniques

Recognition of Human Actions (HAR) Portrays a crucial significance in various applications due to its ability for analyzing behaviour of humans within videos. This research investigates HAR in Red, Green, and Blue, or RGB videos using frameworks for deep learning. The model’s ensemble method integrates the forecasts from two models, 3D-AlexNet-RF and InceptionV3 Google-Net, to improve accuracy in recognizing human activities. Each model independently predicts the activity, and the ensembles method merges these predictions, often using voting or averaging, to produce a more accurate and reliable final classification. This approach leverages the advantages of each design, leading to enhanced performance recognition for activities. The performance of our ensemble framework is evaluated on our contesting HMDB51 dataset, known for its diverse human actions. Training the Inflated-3D (I3D) video classifiers using HMDB51 dataset, our system aims to improve patient care, enhance security, surveillances, Interaction between Humans and Computers, or HCI, and advance human-robot interaction. The ensemble model achieves exceptional results in every class, with an astounding aggregate accuracy of 99.54% accuracy, 97.94% precision, 97.94% recall, 99.56% specificity, 97.88% F1-Score, 95.43% IoU,97. 36% MCC and Cohen’s Kappa 97.17%. These findings suggest that the ensemble model is highly effective & a powerful tool for HAR tasks. Multi-tiered ensembles boost wearable recognition, setting a new gold standard for healthcare, surveillance, and robotics.

Predicting porosity in tight sandstone reservoirs based on logging while drilling engineering parameters

Spatial immune scoring system predicts hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence

A decline in the coverage and utilization of long-lasting insecticidal nets in Southern Ethiopia: A repeated cross-sectional study

Background Despite ongoing interventions like long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) distribution and indoor residual spraying, malaria is increasing in Ethiopia. LLIN ownership and utilization vary from time to time and place to place; thus, local evidence of LLIN ownership and use is required. Hence, this study aimed to investigate LLIN ownership, access within household, use, and associated factors using repeated indicators measures. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study with repeated measures was conducted in the Sidama region, southern Ethiopia. The first survey was conducted in February and March 2023, and the second was done from October to December 2023. Multi-stage cluster sampling was employed to select representative households. LLIN coverage and use were estimated per the World Health Organization’s recommendations. Descriptive and multilevel logistic regression analyses were performed, and effect sizes were measured using adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results A total of 1647 households with 8054 individuals were included in the study. Most households were headed by males (89%), farmers (63%), and persons who were unable to read and write (55%). The ownership of at least one LLIN per household was 85% in survey one and dropped to 69% in survey two. The sufficiency of one LLIN for every two people was 36% in survey one and decreased to 29% in survey two. Similarly, the proportion of the population with access to LLIN within households decreased from 66.5% to 54.2%. Moreover, LLIN use dropped from 30.5% to 19.9% between the two surveys. The sufficiency of one LLIN to every two household members was consistently associated with geographical residence, sex, and education of household heads. In contrast, the education of household heads, family size, and age of individuals were consistent predictors of LLIN use. Females were likely to use LLIN during first survey, but no difference was noted during second survey. Conclusion LLIN ownership and use were far below the conventional target (80%). LLIN ownership and utilization declined before the expected period. More than half of the population with access to LLIN within households do not use it. Thus, the malaria programs should consider more LLIN distribution and strengthen LLIN use among population with access to LLIN within their households.

Identification and evaluation of Pharmacological enhancers of the factor VII p.Q160R variant

Exploring emotion recognition in patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s dementia undergoing a rehabilitation program

Aim This study aimed to explore differences in the emotions of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) in group rehabilitation using facial analysis. Method We conducted rehabilitation consisting of aerobic exercise, cognitive training, dual tasks (a combination of exercise and cognitive training), and creative activities in a group format with patients with MCI and dementia. The faces of the 30 patients (MCI: n=14; mild/moderate AD: n=16) who participated were filmed from the front with a small camera during the four tasks. Then, we used the Kokoro Sensor (CAC Corporation, Japan), a device which estimates emotion scores (anger, contempt, disgust, fear, joy, sadness, surprise) based on different parts of the face using artificial intelligence, to calculate emotion scores for each activity, and compared them between the MCI and AD groups. Results Emotion scores for fear and surprise were significantly higher for the AD group than for the MCI group during dual tasks (p=0.016), while emotion scores for joy were significantly higher for the MCI group than for the AD group during creative activities (p=0.012). Conclusion Creative activities and dual tasks, which require simultaneous physical activity and cognitive thinking, were difficult for patients with AD. On the other hand, tasks which used a range of cognitive functions, such as creative activities, evoked joy in patients with MCI. It may be beneficial to provide tasks and support to patients with respect to their unique emotions based on these results.

Experimental study on isothermal adsorption and desorption characteristics and influencing factors of transitional facies shale gas

Cynicism among medical students: An in-depth analysis of mental health dynamics and protective factors in medical education using structural equation modeling

Background Medical students frequently grapple with challenges during their studies, including emotional impacts, career socialization, psychiatric comorbidities, and burnout syndrome. Burnout syndrome profoundly influences mental and physical health, impacting patient care. Within this complex landscape, elevated stress levels specifically manifest in increased cynicism, reduced idealism, and other mental health issues. The simultaneous decline of empathy during medical education adds a layer of complexity. Understanding these dynamics and the potential protective factors is crucial for addressing students’ well-being and optimizing curriculum development. Methods The present study comprised third-year and fifth-year Hungarian medical students from the University of Pécs in a partially cross-sectional, partially longitudinal investigation conducted at two time points (2018/19: 124 third-years; 127 fifth-years; 2020/21: 82 third-years; 37 fifth-years). All medical students were sampled in the given year of the selected semester (third-year students at the first timepoint were asked once again as fifth-year students at the second timepoint). In addition to descriptive statistics, structural equation modelling was used to assess the impact of time, role model, perceived stress, empathy, and burnout on medical students. Results The analysis indicated that there was a significant increase in cynicism during the institutional socialization of medical students. While there was only partial support for the reduction in the perception of patient-centered role models during institutional socialization, the findings indicated that the perception of patient-centered role models and empathy acted as protective factors mitigating cynicism. Unexpectedly, the analysis found an increase in stress and cynicism over time, possibly influenced by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion The study’s findings indicate a rise in cynicism among medical students over time that could threaten future doctor-patient relationships. The findings emphasize the protective role of empathy and patient-centered role models, emphasizing the need for humanistic integration in medical education.

Numerical study of decoupling charge drilling and blasting under high stress conditions

A simple and low-cost electrode based on Nafion-stabilized silver nanoparticles supported on FTO for the electrochemical determination of Pb (II) and Cu (II)

Increasing awareness of the environmental risks posed by heavy metal accumulation in the environment—due to their toxicity and persistence in biological systems—has driven the development of more efficient and accessible detection methods. Conventional techniques, despite their accuracy, are often expensive, time-consuming, and reliant on non-portable specialized equipment. This study presents a novel, low-cost electrochemical sensor using a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) electrode modified with Nafion-stabilized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for the rapid and accurate detection of Pb (II) and Cu (II) in water samples. The electrode preparation involved the ultrasonic cleaning of the FTO, followed by its surface modification with Nafion and the electrodeposition of AgNPs. Electrochemical and structural characterization confirmed the advantages of this approach, showing a significant improvement in conductivity and in the active surface area of the electrode, which allowed for the sensitive detection of the target metals. The optimization of analytical parameters, including accumulation time, deposition potential, and pH, facilitated the effective determination of the analytes by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPV). The results demonstrated low detection limits of 8.87 ppb for Pb (II) and 3.26 ppb for Cu (II), suitable for in-situ applications in environmental monitoring according to environmental quality standards. The sensor’s portability, coupled with its low cost and rapid analysis capability, addresses critical challenges in current monitoring practices and opens new avenues for widespread environmental surveillance in remote areas such as the Andean regions, where heavy metal contamination is a significant concern.

Sex-specific Mendelian randomization phenome-wide association study of basal metabolic rate

Determinants of pelvic organ prolapse among adult gynecologic patients in Mekelle University Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia: Case control study design

Background Pelvic organ prolapse is a major cause of morbidity among women in both high-income and low-income countries. Despite the severity of the problem, the risk factors associated with pelvic organ prolapse has been poorly understood in Ethiopia mainly in the study area. Hence, the purpose of this study was to identify determinants of pelvic organ prolapse among adult gynecologic patients at Mekelle University Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Objective To identify determinants of pelvic organ prolapse among adult gynecologic patients in Mekelle University Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2024. Methods Hospital-based case-control study design was conducted from March 01, 2024 to May 30, 2024. All cases diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse were enrolled in the study. Then, 4:1 control-to-cases ratio was applied. Data were entered into Epi Data version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Figures and tables were used for descriptive statistics. Variables with P-value less than 0.2 during binary logistic regression were labeled as candidates for multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors of pelvic organ prolapse at p-value < 0.05. The overall model fitness was checked by Hosmer Lemeshow at a P-value > 0.05. Finally, variables with P-value less than 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval of adjusted odds ratio were considered significant factors for the determinants of pelvic organ prolapse. Results A total of 478 participants were recruited with a 100% response rate for both cases and controls. Low income (AOR=3.3; 95% CI: 1.1–9.7), vaginal tear (AOR=6.6; 95% CI: 2.5–17.6), menopausal status (AOR=9.2, 95% CI:2.3–37.4), body mass index <18 kg/m2 (AOR=6.3, 95% CI: 2.7–14.4), body mass index ≥25 (AOR= 5.6, 95% CI: 1.5–21.2) and chronic constipation (AOR=6.4, 95% CI: 2.9–13.9) were identified as determinants of pelvic organ prolapse. Conclusions In this study, income of the participant, vaginal tear, menopausal status, body mass index (both underweight and overweight), and chronic constipation were factors found to be significantly associated with pelvic organ prolapse. Therefore, creating awareness about risk factors of pelvic organ prolapse, screening and early intervention, weight management program, and hormonal support is recommended.

Development and testing of an open source mobile application for audiometry test result analysis and diagnosis support

Core collection construction and genetic diversity analysis of tea plant (Camellia sinensis [L:] O. Kuntze) accessions in Huangshan city using SSR markers

Assessing genetic diversity and building a core collection is essential to advancing tea plant breeding. In this study, ten SSR markers exhibiting robust amplification and polymorphism were employed to genotype 292 tea accessions sourced from various regions in Huangshan city. The results revealed significant genetic variation, encompassing 180 alleles. Genetic structure was evaluated using neighbor-joining clustering, principal coordinate analysis, and Structure analyses, which categorized the tea accessions into two primary clusters. The genetic diversity within these clusters demonstrated high similarity, likely due to their close geographical proximity. A core collection was established utilizing Core Hunter software, resulting in the selection of 35% of the accessions to effectively represent the genetic diversity of the entire collection. This core collection comprises 102 tea accessions, preserving a high percentage of allele richness and genetic diversity. This research offers valuable insights into genomics research and the sustainable management of tea plant genetic resources in Huangshan city.

A novel variant of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) associated with risk of glioma in a Korean population

Determinants of successful driving rehabilitation training in licensed individuals with disabilities

Previous studies have provided that self-driving can enhance the mobility of people with disabilities and their quality of life. The National Rehabilitation Center has been providing driving rehabilitation education for people with disabilities since 1994, as part of a welfare service project aimed at guaranteeing their right to free movement. However, there is no analysis of the status and results of driving rehabilitation education and evaluations in South Korea, and research on these programs is lacking. This study aims to analyze the on-road driving rehabilitation education and evaluation results conducted by the National Rehabilitation Center from 2019 to 2021. It seeks to identify the characteristics of the prior license holders with disabilities and the factors influencing the need for additional driving rehabilitation education. Out of a total of 676 prior license holders, 532 were included in the analysis regarding the need for additional driving rehabilitation education. The results of this study indicate that women were 2.07 times more likely than men to require additional driving rehabilitation education. Conversely, the likelihood of requiring additional driving rehabilitation education was lower for those with better driving senses (0.17 times), less tension (0.46 times), and less impact from their disability (0.45 times). For prior license holders, it was found that demographic characteristics (excluding gender) or the nature of their disabilities had less significant impacts compared to the driver’s response level, the type of driving license held, and the number of assistive devices used. These findings can be used for developing effective driving education programs for people with disabilities and designing strategies to enhance license acquisition rates, thereby improving their mobility rights.

A multifunctional nursing pad for lactating mothers