In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an efficacious form of aided reproduction to deal with infertility. Human embryos are taken from the body, and these are kept in a supervised laboratory atmosphere during the IVF technique until they exhibit blastocyst properties. A human expert manually analyzes the morphometric properties of the blastocyst and its compartments to predict viability through manual microscopic evaluation. A few deep learning-based approaches deal with this task via semantic segmentation, but they are inaccurate and use expensive architecture. To automatically detect the human blastocyst compartments, we propose a parallel stream fusion network (PSF-Net) that performs the semantic segmentation of embryo microscopic images with inexpensive shallow architecture. The PSF-Net has a shallow architecture that combines the benefits of feature aggregation through depth-wise concatenation and element-wise summation, which helps the network to provide accurate detection using 0.7 million trainable parameters only. In addition, we compute fractal dimension estimation for all compartments of the blastocyst, providing medical experts with significant information regarding the distributional characteristics of blastocyst compartments. An open dataset of microscopic images of the human embryo is used to evaluate the proposed approach. The proposed method also demonstrates promising segmentation performance for all compartments of the blastocyst compared with state-of-the-art methods, achieving a mean Jaccard index (MJI) of 87.69%. The effectiveness of PSF-Net architecture is also confirmed with the ablation studies. Full article

In unsupervised learning, clustering is a common starting point for data processing. The convex or concave fusion clustering method is a novel approach that is more stable and accurate than traditional methods such as k-means and hierarchical clustering. However, the optimization algorithm used with this method can be slowed down significantly by the complexity of the fusion penalty, which increases the computational burden. This paper introduces a random projection ADMM algorithm based on the Bernoulli distribution and develops a double random projection ADMM method for high-dimensional fusion clustering. These new approaches significantly outperform the classical ADMM algorithm due to their ability to significantly increase computational speed by reducing complexity and improving clustering accuracy by using multiple random projections under a new evaluation criterion. We also demonstrate the convergence of our new algorithm and test its performance on both simulated and real data examples. Full article

In the European Union, bioequivalence (BE) for narrow therapeutic index (NTI) drugs is currently demonstrated when the 90% confidence interval for the ratio of the population geometric means of the test and reference products for AUC, and in some cases for Cmax, falls within the acceptance range of 90.00% to 111.11%. However, meeting this requirement results in an increased difficulty of demonstrating BE and a need for clinical trials with larger subject sample sizes, especially for medium-to-high variability drugs. To address this challenge, a scaled average BE based on the reference product within-subject variability for narrowing the acceptance range of NTI drugs was recently proposed. However, this approach showed increased type I error (T1E), especially close to the cut-off point between the unscaled and scaled portions of the method. Based on simulations, this limitation can be overcome by predefining the protocol the path to be followed: either the fixed 90.00–111.11% acceptance range approach or the previously proposed scaled average BE approach with a slight adjustment of the one-sided significance level α to 0.042 for a 2 × 3 × 3 partial replicate design and without a lower cut-off point. This results in a mixed approach allowing to reduce the sample size whilst not inflating the T1E. Full article

In biological control, joint releases of predators and parasitoids are standard. However, intraguild predation (IGP) can occur when a predator attacks a parasitoid, potentially affecting pest control dynamics. In addition to the focal prey (FP), Trialeurodes vaporariorum, the intraguild predator (IG-predator) Geocoris punctipes can consume the parasitoid Eretmocerus eremicus (IG-prey). In this IGP context with multiple prey, an alternative prey (AP), like the aphid Myzus persicae, may influence interactions. Theory predicts that, in simple interactions, a predator’s functional response (FR) to the FP changes with the presence of an AP. However, whether this holds in an IGP context is unknown. In this study, we empirically tested that prediction. Our results show that without IGP, G. punctipes exhibits a generalized FR with and without AP. Nevertheless, with IGP, the predator exhibited a Type II FR at low and high AP densities, increasing pressure on the FP and potentially favoring short-term biological control strategies. However, when 25 AP were offered, the predator’s response shifted, underscoring the importance of monitoring AP densities to prevent potential disruptions in FP control. In both contexts, the increase in AP produced a handling time increase and a decrease in consumption rate. These results indicate that the theoretical prediction of the effect of AP on the FR is met only under specific conditions, and the complexity of multitrophic interactions must be considered. Full article

Agri-food waste represents a serious problem that can be overcome by converting it into added-value material for the production of plasters for green building; in fact, it can be used as a reinforcement additive in the building material industry. In this study, the performance of gypsum-based plasters with pistachio shell additives was evaluated. Before being used as additives for gypsum-based plasters, pistachio shells were ground at three different grain sizes in order to verify how grain size influences the performance of the material. Tests were then carried out on all the produced mortars to evaluate their chemical and physical characteristics, and interesting results regarding the mechanical resistance of some of the produced materials were obtained. The results showed that the addition of pistachio shells improved mechanical performance in all cases and that the best mechanical performance and water absorption by capillarity were achieved with the 0.5–2 mm pistachio grain size, while the best thermal conductivity was achieved with the 2–4 mm grain size. Summarizing, the best results were obtained with a pistachio shell granulometry of 0.5–2 mm, sand, and a water/gypsum ratio of 0.86–0.74. Full article

Genome-wide prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening can be used to screen for a wide range of fetal chromosomal anomalies in pregnant patients. In this study, we describe our clinical experience with a genome-wide cfDNA assay in screening for common trisomies, sex chromosomal aneuploidies (SCAs), rare autosomal aneuploidies (RAAs), and copy-number variations (CNVs) in about 6000 patients over a three-year period at our hospital’s Prenatal Diagnostic Unit in Spain. Overall, 204 (3.3%) patients had a high-risk call, which included 76 trisomy 21, 21 trisomy 18, 7 trisomy 13, 29 SCAs, 31 RAAs, 31 CNVs, and 9 cases with multiple anomalies. The diagnostic outcomes were obtained for the high-risk cases when available, allowing for the calculation of positive predictive values (PPVs). Calculated PPVs were 95.9% for trisomy 21, 77.8% for trisomy 18, 66.7% for trisomy 13, 10.7% for RAAs, and 10.7% for CNVs. Pregnancy and birth outcomes were also collected for the majority of RAA and CNV cases. Adverse perinatal outcomes for some of these cases included preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, reduced birth weight, and major congenital structural abnormalities. In conclusion, our study showed strong performance for genome-wide cfDNA screening in a large cohort of pregnancy patients in Spain. Full article

Despite the prevalent application of 18% Ni maraging steel in critical sectors such as aerospace and automotive due to its unique characteristics, including high ductility, yield strength, and hardenability, its machining presents enormous challenges, categorizing it as a difficult-to-machine material. The cutting tool’s geometry is crucial in machining, significantly affecting chip formation, cutting forces, power consumption, and obtainable surface quality. In particular, wiper insert technology, characterized by its multi-radius design, offers an increased contact area compared to conventional inserts, potentially enhancing the quality of the machined surface. This study explores the effectiveness of wiper inserts in the face-milling of maraging steel 350, conducting a comparative analysis across three distinct machining setups. These setups vary by alternating the number of wiper and conventional inserts within the same cutter, thereby examining the influence of insert configuration on machining outcomes. The research employs a reliable and well-established statistical approach to evaluate how different variables, such as cutting speed and feed rate, affect surface quality, power consumption, and material removal rate (MRR). It also sheds light on the material removal mechanisms facilitated by each type of insert. The findings reveal that incorporating a higher number of wiper inserts significantly enhances the surface finish but concurrently increases power consumption. Thus, the study successfully identifies an optimal set of process parameters that attain a balance between achieving superior surface quality and maintaining energy efficiency in the machining of maraging steel 350. This balance is crucial for optimizing manufacturing processes while adhering to the stringent quality and sustainability standards required in aerospace and automotive manufacturing. Full article

The separation section of the methanol-to-olefin (MTO) process is energy-intensive, and the optimization and heat integration can enhance energy efficiency and reduce costs. A bi-level optimization model framework is proposed to optimize the separation process and simultaneously integrate the heat exchanger network (HEN). The upper level employs a data-driven BP neural network proxy model instead of the mechanism model for the separation process, while the lower level adopts a stage-wise superstructure for the HEN without stream splits. The interaction between the two systems is realized effectively through information exchange. A bi-level particle swarm algorithm is employed to optimize complex problems and determine the optimal operational parameters for the distillation system and HEN. Compared with the typical sequential synthesis method, the optimization by the proposed approach reduces the total annual cost by $1.4293\times {10}^6$ USD/y, accounting for 4.76%. Full article

This article explores the evolution of integrated circuits $\left(ICs\right)$, highlighting the fundamental role of open source Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools in their development. It describes the IC’s design flow, differentiating between Front-end and Back-end design stages, and details the process of implementing the digital stage in offset quadrature phase-shift keying (OQPSK) modulation in an IC, including its hardware description language (HDL), the implementation test in the field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and the physical layout using the first manufactured open source process design kits (PDKs) in Global Foundries’ 180 nm, as well as the use of OpenLane and Caravel. To conclude, the results of the physical tests obtained from the digital modulation are presented, as well as the performance of the raised cosine shaping filter. Full article

Background: Unsolicited patient feedback (compliments and complaints) should allow the healthcare system to address and improve individual and overall patient, family, and staff experiences. We evaluated feedback at a tertiary cancer centre to identify potential areas for optimizing care delivery. Methods: unsolicited feedback submitted to the Patient Relations Department, relating to the Divisions of Medical and Radiation Oncology, at the Ottawa Hospital, was analyzed. Results: Of 580 individual reports submitted from 2016 to 2022, patient demographics were available for 97% (563/580). Median patient age was 65 years (range 17–101), and 53% (301/563) were female. The most common cancer types were breast (127/545, 23%) and gastrointestinal (119/545, 22%) malignancies, and most (64%, 311/486) patients had metastatic disease. Feedback was submitted mainly by patients (291/579, 50%), and predominantly negative (489/569, 86%). The main reasons for complaints included: communication (29%, 162/566) and attitude/conduct of care (28%, 159/566). While feedback rates were initially stable, an increase occurred from 2019 to 2021. Conclusions: Unsolicited feedback remains mostly negative, and relates to physician communication. If we are to drive meaningful changes in care delivery, more standardized means of assessing feedback and implementation strategies are needed. In addition, in an era of increased healthcare provider burnout, strategies to enhance formal positive feedback are also warranted. Full article

Impact tests on post-fire concrete confined by Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer/Plastic (CFRP) sheets were carried out by using Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) experimental setup in this paper, with emphasis on the effect of exposed temperatures, CFRP layers and impact velocities. Firstly, according to the measured stress-strain curves, the effects of experiment parameters on concrete dynamic mechanical performance such as compressive strength, ultimate strain and energy absorption are discussed in details. Additionally, temperature caused a softening effect on the compressive strength of concrete specimens, while CFRP confinement and strain rate play a hardening effect, which can lead to the increase in dynamic compressive strength by 1.8 to 3.6 times compared to static conditions. However, their hardening mechanisms and action stages are extremely different. Finally, nine widely accepted Dynamic Increase Factor (DIF) models considering strain rate effect were summarized, and a simplified model evaluating dynamic compressive strength of post-fire concrete confined by CFRP sheets was proposed, which can provide evidence for engineering emergency repair after fire accidents. Full article

The role of selenium in the developmental process of esophageal cancer (EC) requires further investigation. To explore the relationship between selenium-related factors and EC through bioinformatic analysis, a case-control study was conducted to verify the results. Utilizing the GEPIA and TCGA databases, we delineated the differential expression of glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) in EC and normal tissues, identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and a performed visualization analysis. Additionally, 100 pairs of dietary and plasma samples from esophageal precancerous lesions (EPLs) of esophageal squamous cancer (ESCC) cases and healthy controls from Huai’an district, Jiangsu, were screened. The levels of dietary selenium, plasma selenium, and related enzymes were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) or ELISA kits. The results showed lower GPx3 expression in tumor tissues compared to normal tissues. Further analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly involved in the fat digestion and absorption pathway, and the core protein fatty acid binding protein 1 (FABP1) was significantly upregulated and negatively correlated with GPx3 expression. Our case-control study found that selenium itself was not associated with EPLs risk. However, both the decreased concentration of GPx3 and the increase in FABP1 were positively correlated with the EPLs risk (p for trend = 0.035 and 0.046, respectively). The different expressions of GPx3 and FABP1 reflect the potential of selenium for preventing ESCC at the EPLs stage. GPx3 may affect myocardial infarction through FABP1, which remains to be further studied. Full article

Large compressors have complex structures and constantly changing operating conditions. It is challenging to build physical models of compressors to analyse their performance parameters. An improved error-based stacked ensemble learning prediction model is proposed in this work. This model simplifies the modelling steps in a data-driven manner and obtains accurate prediction results. An enhanced integrated model employs K-fold cross-validation to assign dataset weights based on validation set errors, achieving a 12.4% reduction in average output error. Additionally, the output error of the meta-model undergoes a Box–Cox transformation for error compensation, decreasing the average output error by 14.0%. The Stacking model, combining the above improvements, notably reduces the root-mean-square errors for power, surge, and blocking boundaries by 24.2%, 20.6%, and 23.3%, respectively. This integration significantly boosts prediction accuracy. Full article

Cryptic Aspergillus species are increasingly recognized as pathogens involved in human disease. They are ubiquitarian fungi with high tenacity in their environment and can express various resistance mechanisms, often due to exposure to antifungal agents employed in agriculture and farming. The identification of such species is increasing thanks to molecular techniques, and a better description of this type of pathogen is granted. Nevertheless, the number of species and their importance in the clinical setting still need to be well studied. Furthermore, their cross-sectional involvement in animal disease, plants, and human activities requires a multidisciplinary approach involving experts from various fields. This comprehensive review aims to provide a sharp vision of the cryptic Aspergillus species, from the importance of correct identification to the better management of the infections caused by these pathogens. The review also accentuates the importance of the One Health approach for this kind of microorganism, given the interconnection between environmental exposure and aspergillosis, embracing transversely the multidisciplinary process for managing the cryptic Aspergillus species. The paper advocates the need for improving knowledge in this little-known species, given the burden of economic and health implications related to the diffusion of these bugs. Full article

The use, misuse, and overuse of antimicrobials is one of the main public health threats of the 21st century. We investigated the risk factor of the presence of extended-spectrum, cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales in feces of non-domestic and domestic birds and other domestic animals in Piauí State, northeast Brazil. We collected a total of 387 cloacal and rectal swab samples of free-living birds, domestic birds, and domestic mammals in five municipalities: Amarante, Água Branca, Lagoa Alegre, Parnaíba, and Teresina. A total of 59/387 (15.2%) of these samples harbored extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales. Using the MALDI-TOF technique, we identified fifty-seven samples as Escherichia coli and two samples as Klebsiella pneumoniae. Teresina and Parnaíba had the highest prevalence of animals with resistant bacteria (32.1% and 27.1%, respectively) and highest exposure risk factor (OR of 16.06 and 8.58, respectively, and p < 0.001 for all). Multidrug-resistant, ESBL-producing Enterobacterales were observed in 72.8% of the samples (43/59). For the free-living birds, the positive samples belonged to a great kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus) and a semipalmated sandpiper (Calidris pusilla) in migratory and resident species, respectively. For domestic animals, the swine samples showed the highest prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. The lack of access to veterinary care and information regarding antimicrobial therapy, along with the easy access to antimicrobials without medical prescription, favors the inadequate use of antimicrobials in Piauí. Full article

Partitioning experiments and the chemistry of iron meteorites indicate that the light element nitrogen could be sequestered into the metallic core of rocky planets during core–mantle differentiation. The thermal conductivity and the mineralogy of the Fe–N system under core conditions could therefore influence the planetary cooling, core crystallization, and evolution of the intrinsic magnetic field of rocky planets. Limited experiments have been conducted to study the thermal properties and phase relations of Fe–N components under planetary core conditions, such as those found in the Moon, Mercury, and Ganymede. In this study, we report results from high-pressure experiments involving electrical resistivity measurements of Fe–N phases at a pressure of 5 GPa and temperatures up to 1400 K. Four Fe–N compositions, including Fe–10%N, Fe–6.4%N, Fe–2%N, and Fe–1%N (by weight percent), were prepared and subjected to recovery experiments at 5 GPa and 1273 K. These experiments show that Fe–10%N and Fe–6.4%N form a single hexagonal close-packed phase (ɛ-nitrides), while Fe–2%N and Fe–1%N exhibit a face-centered cubic structure (γ-Fe). In separate experiments, the resistivity data were collected during the cooling after compressing the starting materials to 5 GPa and heating to ~1400 K. The resistivity of all compositions, similar to the pure γ-Fe, exhibits weak temperature dependence. We found that N has a strong effect on the resistivity of metallic Fe under rocky planetary core conditions compared to other potential light elements such as Si. The temperature-dependence of the resistivity also revealed high-pressure phase transition points in the Fe–N system. A congruent reaction, ε ⇌ γ’, occurs at ~673 K in Fe–6.4%N, which is ~280 K lower than that at ambient pressure. Furthermore, the resistivity data provided constraints on the high-pressure phase boundary of the polymorphic transition, γ ⇌ α, and an eutectoid equilibrium of γ’ ⇌ α + ε. The data, along with the recently reported phase equilibrium experiments at high pressures, enable construction of a phase diagram of the Fe–N binary system at 5 GPa. Full article

One-third of humanity harbors a lifelong infection with Toxoplasma gondii, and probably about 80% are infected with human cytomegalovirus (CMV). This study aims to delineate the associations between toxoplasmosis and cognitive abilities and compare these to the associations with CMV. We evaluated the cognitive performance of 557 students, who had been examined for Toxoplasma and CMV infections, using intelligence, memory, and psychomotor tests. The results indicated cognitive impairments in seropositive individuals for both pathogens, with variations in cognitive impact related to sex and the Rh factor. Specifically, Toxoplasma infection was associated with lower IQ in men, whereas CMV was predominantly associated with worse performance by women when testing memory and reaction speeds. Analysis of the antibody concentrations indicated that certain Toxoplasma-associated cognitive detrimental effects may wane (impaired intelligence) or worsen (impaired reaction times) over time following infection. The findings imply that the cognitive impairments caused by both neurotropic pathogens are likely due to pathological changes in the brain rather than from direct manipulative action by the parasites. Full article

Building information modeling (BIM) has been used by the architectural and engineering disciplines to streamline the building design, construction, and management process, but there has been much more limited experience in extending the application to landscape design and implementation. This study integrated BIM software (Autodesk InfraWorks 2024.1) with a dynamic, process-oriented, conceptual hydrologic/hydraulic model (PCSWMM 2023, version 7.6.3665) to enhance the analytical tools for sustainable landscape design. We illustrate the model integration through a case study that links an existing nature-based solution (NbS) development, the PTT Metro Forest Park, Bangkok, Thailand, with theoretical new-build NbS for an adjacent property. A BIM school building was virtually situated on an empty lot beside the Metro Forest Park and seven NbS scenarios were run with design storms having 2-year, 5-year, and 100-year return intervals. The combination of a rain garden, permeable pavement, a retention pond, and a green roof was effective in sustainably managing runoff from the theoretical new-build site discharging to the Metro Forest. NbS design characteristics such as rain garden substrate depth and green roof area were optimized using the hydrologic/hydraulic model. Model results showed that even with the 100-year rainfall event, the existing Metro Forest pond storage capacity was sufficient so that flooding on the property would not occur. The consideration of connectivity between NbS features is facilitated by the modeling approach, which is important for NbS planning and assessment at a regional scale. Full article

A strong case can be made that the concept of naskh, “abrogation” or “annulment”, was the most potent weapon in the arsenal of Muslim polemicists seeking to convert Jews (Burton‘s Encyclopaedia of the Qurʾān is highly informative but deals almost exclusively with naskh in its internal Islamic contexts, e.g., hermeneutics and legal theory). Naskh did not necessarily involve any rejection of Jewish scripture or tradition as fraudulent or corrupt. It rested on the simple premise, explicitly confirmed by the Qur’an, that the deity may alter or replace His legislation over the course of time. In the first part of this paper, I will briefly review the topic, adding some texts and observations that, to the best of my knowledge, have not appeared in the academic literature (comprehensively surveyed in Adang’s Muslim Writers on Judaism and the Hebrew Bible: From Ibn Rabban to Ibn Hazm, 1996; also in Adang and Schmidtke’s Polemics (Muslim-Jewish) in Encyclopedia of Jews in the Islamic World, 2010). The bulk of this paper will consist of a fairly detailed summary of an unpublished tract on naskh written by Rashīd al-Dīn Faḍlullāh Hamadānī (RD) (1247–1318), himself a Jewish convert to Islam and a monumental politician, cultural broker, historian, and author. Full article

This study aimed to examine the spatio-temporal variations in the atmospheric boundary layer height (ABLH) over the Tarim Basin (TB). Monthly ABLH data from the ERA-Interim dataset from January 1979 to December 2018 were used. Periodicity analysis and the Mann–Kendall Abrupt Changes test were employed to identify the change cycle and abrupt change year of the boundary layer height. The Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) method was utilized to determine the spatial distribution of the boundary layer height, and the RF method was used to establish the relationship between the ABLH and influencing factors. The results demonstrated that the highest values of ABLH (over 1900 m) were observed in the middle parts of the study area in June, and the ABLH exhibited a significant increase over the TB throughout the study period. Abrupt changes in the ABLH were also identified in 2004, as well as in 2-, 5-, 9-, and 15-year changing cycles. The first EOF ABLH mode indicated that the middle and northeast regions are relatively high ABLH areas within the study area. Additionally, the monthly variations in ABLH show a moderately positive correlation with air temperature, while exhibiting a negative correlation with air pressure and relative humidity. Full article

Pathological processes often change the mechanical properties of cells. Increased rigidity could be a marker of cellular malfunction. Erythrocytes are a type of cell that deforms to squeeze through tiny capillaries; changes in their rigidity can dramatically affect their functionality. Furthermore, differences in the homeostatic elasticity of the cell can be used as a tool for diagnosis and even for choosing the adequate treatment for some illnesses. More accurate types of equipment needed to study biomechanical phenomena at the single-cell level are very costly and thus out of reach for many laboratories around the world. This study presents a simple and low-cost technique to study the rigidity of red blood cells (RBCs) through the application of electric fields in a hand-made microfluidic chamber that uses a capacitor principle. As RBCs are deformed with the application of voltage, cells are observed under a light microscope. From mechanical force vs. deformation data, the elastic constant of the cells is determined. The results obtained with the capacitor-based method were compared with those obtained using optical tweezers, finding good agreement. In addition, P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes were tested with the electric field applicator. Our technique provides a simple means of testing the mechanical properties of individual cells. Full article

Bézier and B-spline curves are foundational tools for curve representation in computer graphics and computer-aided geometric design, with their intersection computation presenting a fundamental challenge in geometric modeling. This study introduces an innovative algorithm that quickly and effectively resolves intersections between Bézier and B-spline curves. The number of intersections between the two input curves within a specified region is initially determined by applying the resultant of a polynomial system and Sturm’s theorem. Subsequently, the potential region of the intersection is established through the utilization of the pseudo-curvature-based subdivision scheme and the bounding box detection technique. The projected Gauss-Newton method is ultimately employed to efficiently converge to the intersection. The robustness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm are demonstrated through numerical experiments, demonstrating a speedup of 3 to 150 times over traditional methods. Full article