bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Montmorillonite Clay as an Adsorbent for the Remediation of Cd (II) Ions in Aqueous Solutions: A Comparison With Pb (II) Ions
Authors: Tako Edlira , Baraj Edlira , Mele Altin , Hoxha Vjosana
Published: September 2024

Heavy metal ions are hazardous to both human health and the environment. Montmorillonite (MMT) clay has recently piqued interest for its adsorption capacity of heavy metals and its use in controlling contaminants, in particular in surface and waste waters. This research sheds light on the possibility of the application of natural Albanian MMT clay from the Prrenjas Region of Albania as an adsorbent of Cd (II) ions in aqueous solutions, making a comparison with the capacity of such clay for the adsorption of Pb (II) ions. The set of variables studied included concentrations of metal ions, amount of clay pH, time, and temperature of interaction and adsorption process (all of them following batch technique), and optimal conditions have been determined. The adsorption capacity of natural clay for Cd (II) ions was 6.735 mg/g, as compared to 17.9 mg/g for Pb (II) ions. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were applied to evaluate the mode of adsorption with results showing that all isotherms are linear and the Langmuir model fitted better with the experimental data. It is determined that the adsorption of Cd (II), similar to that of Pb (II), is well‐fitted by the second‐order reaction kinetic following the Lagergen model. The results demonstrate good potentiality for Prrenjas MMT as a low‐cost adsorbent to remove Cd (II) from aqueous systems, in particular, for wastewater treatment.
A Joint Temporal Model for Hospitalizations and ICU Admissions Due to COVID‐19 in Quebec
Authors: Carmona‐Baez Mariana , Schmidt Alexandra M. , Golchi Shirin , Buckeridge David
Published: September 2024

Infectious respiratory diseases have been of interest in recent years for the great burden they place on health systems, for instance, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) that caused the global COVID‐19 pandemic. As many of these diseases might require hospitalization and even intensive care unit (ICU) admission, understanding the joint dynamics of hospitalizations and ICU admissions across time and different groups of the population remains of great importance. We aim to understand the joint evolution of hospital and ICU admissions given COVID‐19 test‐positive cases in the province of Quebec, Canada. We obtain the daily counts, by age group, on the number of confirmed COVID‐19 cases, the number of hospitalizations and the number of ICU admissions due to COVID‐19, from March 2020 through October 2021 in Quebec. We propose a joint Bayesian generalized dynamic linear model for the number of hospitalizations and ICU admissions to study their temporal trends and possible associations with sex and age group. Additionally, we use transfer functions to investigate if there is a memory effect of the number of cases on hospitalizations across the different age groups. The results suggest that there is a clear distinction in the patterns of hospitalizations and ICU admissions across age groups and that the number of cases has a persistent effect on the rate of hospitalization.
Strut‐and‐tie model for column‐to‐drilled shaft connections in reinforced concrete bridge columns subjected to lateral loads
Authors: Zhang Penghui , Zhou Lianxu , Guo Junjun , Wang Zhiqiang
Published: September 2024

Drilled shafts with a larger diameter than columns are frequently adopted as the foundation of highway bridge columns due to their superior economic efficiency and lower impact on existing facilities in the urban built‐up area. Different section dimensions lead to a socket connection between the column and the oversized shaft and a noncontact lap splice of their longitudinal bars. The force‐transfer mechanism and failure process of column‐to‐drilled shaft connections were deeply revealed in this study. Detailed FE models were developed at the Diana platform and validated against previous experimental results. Subsequently, a parametric study investigated the effect of the shear span‐to‐depth ratio, diameter ratio of shaft‐to‐column, column embedment depth, and shaft stirrup ratio. Finally, a modified strut‐and‐tie model (STM) was proposed to design stirrups of the transition region efficiently considering the experimental failure mechanism. Results indicate that the numerical models built in the Diana platform can precisely simulate the mechanical behavior of column‐to‐drilled shaft connections. The failure mechanism of column‐to‐drilled shaft connections is shaft stirrups yield at the compressive side induced by extrusion between the embedded column and shaft. The lateral loading capacity of column‐to‐drilled shaft connections increases with the increase of shear span‐to‐depth ratio, diameter ratio of shaft‐to‐column, column embedment depth, and shaft stirrup ratio. The modified STM is able to reveal the variation tendency of shaft transverse reinforcement demand with the various design parameters and give an average stirrup stress ratio of 1.20 and a coefficient of variation of only 8.31%.
Exploring the frontiers of generative AI in assessment: Is there potential for a human‐AI partnership?
Authors: DiSabito David , Hansen Lisa , Mennella Thomas , Rodriguez Josephine
Published: September 2024

This chapter investigates the integration of generative AI (GenAI), specifically ChatGPT, into institutional and course‐level assessment at Western New England University. It explores the potential of GenAI to streamline the assessment process, making it more efficient, equitable, and objective. Through the development of a proprietary GenAI tool, the study examines GenAI's assessment of student evidence, including written assignments and computer coding tasks, against human assessment. It addresses challenges such as data collection, coordination, and the need for well‐defined and precise rubrics. We found notable differences in GenAI and human scoring in some cases, indicating GenAI's potential in certain assessment contexts while also acknowledging its limitations in others. Our research suggests that GenAI could enhance educational assessment processes, but its integration requires addressing biases in training data and securing buy‐in from various stakeholders. Using GenAI to handle particular routine tasks can potentially free up faculty to engage in richer discussions and educational improvements.
Thermomechanical interaction in a living tissue due to variable thermal loading with memory
Authors: Abbas Ibrahim A. , Sur Abhik
Published: September 2024

In order to address various clinical applications within living tissue, the aim of this work is to analytically study the thermomechanical interaction for a living tissue which is subjected to variable thermal loadings. Human tissues undergoing regional hyperthermia treatment for cancer therapy is based on graded changes of the cells, and as a consequences, the constitutive equations have been formulated using the nonlocal elasticity theory. The heat transport equation for the present problem is formulated in the context of Moore‐Gibson‐Thompson theory of generalized thermoelasticity assimilating the memory‐dependent derivative within a slipping interval. Both the boundaries of the tissue is maintaining the condition of zero traction. The lower boundary of the tissue is subjected to prescribed thermal loading while, the upper boundary is kept at zero temperature. Utilizing the Laplace transform mechanism, the governing equations have been solved and the general solutions have been obtained in the transformed domain. In order to arrive at the solutions in the real space‐time domain, suitable inversion of the Laplace transform has been carried out numerically using the method of Zakian. Numerical findings suggest that thermomechanical waves propagate through skin tissue over finite distances, which helps mitigate the unrealistic predictions made by the Pennes' model. Significant effect due to different effective parameter such as nonlocal parameter and the time‐delay parameter is reported. Also, how a nonlinear kernel function can be more effective in bio‐heat transfer, is outlined in the study also.
A Deep Dive Into Effects of Structural Bias on CMA-ES Performance Along Affine Trajectories
Authors: van Stein Niki , Thomson Sarah L. , Kononova Anna V.
Published: September 2024

To guide the design of better iterative optimisation heuristics, it is imperative to understand how inherent structural biases within algorithm components affect the performance on a wide variety of search landscapes. This study explores the impact of structural bias in the modular Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolution Strategy (modCMA), focusing on the roles of various modulars within the algorithm. Through an extensive investigation involving $$435\,456$$

435

456

configurations of modCMA, we identified key modules that significantly influence structural bias of various classes. Our analysis utilized the Deep-BIAS toolbox for structural bias detection and classification, complemented by SHAP analysis for quantifying module contributions. The performance of these configurations was tested on a sequence of affine-recombined functions, maintaining fixed optimum locations while gradually varying the landscape features. Our results demonstrate an interplay between module-induced structural bias and algorithm performance across different landscape characteristics.
Nambu-Goto equation from three-dimensional gravity
Authors: Banerjee Avik , Mukhopadhyay Ayan , Policastro Giuseppe
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We demonstrate that the solutions of three-dimensional gravity obtained by gluing two copies of a spacetime across a junction constituted of a tensile string are in one-to-one correspondence with the solutions of the Nambu-Goto equation in the same spacetime up to a finite number of rigid deformations related to worldsheet and spacetime isometries. The non-linear Nambu-Goto equation satisfied by the average of the embedding coordinates of the junction emerges directly from the junction conditions along with the rigid deformations and corrections due to the tension. Therefore, the equivalence principle generalizes non-trivially to the string. Our results are valid both in three-dimensional flat and AdS spacetimes. In the context of AdS3/CFT2 correspondence, our setup could be used to describe a class of interfaces in the conformal field theory featuring relative time reparametrization at the interface which encodes the solution of the Nambu-Goto equation corresponding to the bulk junction.
PNN Enhanced Seismic Inversion for Porosity Modeling and Delineating the Potential Heterogeneous Gas Sands via Comparative Inversion Analysis in the Lower Indus Basin
Authors: Shakir Urooj , Ali Aamir , Hussain Muyyassar , Radwan Ahmed E. , Aal Ahmed Abd El
Published: September 2024

Seismic inversion has been in use for the last two decades to measure inverted impedances using an integrated data set approach. This research focuses on the application of multi-attribute seismic inversion and the geostatistical probabilistic neural network (PNN) approach for determining rock properties and litho-fluid classification in the Mehar-Mazarani Field of the Lower Indus Basin (LIB), Pakistan. The study compares five different inversion techniques, including model-based inversion (MBI), colored inversion (CI), linear sparse spike inversion (LSSI), band-limited inversion (BLI), and maximum likelihood sparse spike inversion (MLSSI). The inverted outputs, such as acoustic P-impedance (Zp), density (ρ), porosity (φ), and shale volume (Vsh), were analyzed in Paleocene and Cretaceous geological complex reservoirs to identify gas-bearing zones. The results indicated the existence of gas between 1630 and 1700 ms (ms) and corresponding depth ranges from approximately 3200 m up to 4200 m with varying thickness. Amongst the inversion techniques, MBI demonstrated greater accuracy, with inverted density volumes showing a strong correlation coefficient of 0.98 and the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) and relative error of 0.10 m/s * g/cc. A geostatistical PNN approach was employed to estimate variations in Vsh and φ within the sand reservoir. MBI again yielded more reliable results, with a strong correlation between the measured and inverted attributes. High φ and low Vsh were observed in predetermined low-impedance zones. Overall, MBI is proven to be the most accurate and reliable technique, providing clear identification of the gas occurrence. This research highlights the effectiveness of seismic inversion, particularly the application of MBI, in determining rock properties and identifying gas-bearing zones within the Mehar-Mazarani gas field.
On a Serrin Type Overdetermined Problem
Authors: Celentano A. , Nitsch C. , Trombetti C.
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we prove a Serrin-type result for an elliptic system of equations, overdetermined with both Dirichlet and generalized Neumann conditions. With this tool, we characterize the critical shapes of some domain functionals under volume constraints.
Implicating type 2 diabetes effector genes in relevant metabolic cellular models using promoter-focused Capture-C
Authors: Wachowski Nicholas A. , Pippin James A. , Boehm Keith , Lu Sumei , Leonard Michelle E. , Manduchi Elisabetta , Parlin Ursula W. , Wabitsch Martin , Chesi Alessandra , Wells Andrew D. , Grant Struan F. A. , Pahl Matthew C.
Published: September 2024

Aims/hypothesis

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified hundreds of type 2 diabetes loci, with the vast majority of signals located in non-coding regions; as a consequence, it remains largely unclear which ‘effector’ genes these variants influence. Determining these effector genes has been hampered by the relatively challenging cellular settings in which they are hypothesised to confer their effects.

Methods

To implicate such effector genes, we elected to generate and integrate high-resolution promoter-focused Capture-C, assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq) and RNA-seq datasets to characterise chromatin and expression profiles in multiple cell lines relevant to type 2 diabetes for subsequent functional follow-up analyses: EndoC-BH1 (pancreatic beta cell), HepG2 (hepatocyte) and Simpson–Golabi–Behmel syndrome (SGBS; adipocyte).

Results

The subsequent variant-to-gene analysis implicated 810 candidate effector genes at 370 type 2 diabetes risk loci. Using partitioned linkage disequilibrium score regression, we observed enrichment for type 2 diabetes and fasting glucose GWAS loci in promoter-connected putative cis-regulatory elements in EndoC-BH1 cells as well as fasting insulin GWAS loci in SGBS cells. Moreover, as a proof of principle, when we knocked down expression of the SMCO4 gene in EndoC-BH1 cells, we observed a statistically significant increase in insulin secretion.

Conclusions/interpretation

These results provide a resource for comparing tissue-specific data in tractable cellular models as opposed to relatively challenging primary cell settings.

Data availability

Raw and processed next-generation sequencing data for EndoC-BH1, HepG2, SGBS_undiff and SGBS_diff cells are deposited in GEO under the Superseries accession GSE262484. Promoter-focused Capture-C data are deposited under accession GSE262496. Hi-C data are deposited under accession GSE262481. Bulk ATAC-seq data are deposited under accession GSE262479. Bulk RNA-seq data are deposited under accession GSE262480.

Graphical Abstract
Reappraisal of the mechanism of cardiovascular responses to sympathomimetic amines in anaesthetised rats: dual α1-adrenoceptor and trace amine receptor mechanisms
Authors: Broadley Kenneth J.
Published: September 2024

Established dogma is that sympathomimetic amines, including β-phenylethylamine (PEA), increase blood pressure by releasing noradrenaline from sympathetic neurons. Recent evidence allowing longer contact with isolated immersed tissues indicates other mechanisms. The present study re-evaluates the mechanism of pressor responses to PEA in anaesthetised rats with longer exposure to infusions. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored by cannulating a common carotid artery of anaesthetised male Sprague–Dawley rats. Drugs were administered by bolus doses or by 20-min infusions via a cannulated jugular vein. Increases in blood pressure by bolus doses of the α-adrenoceptor agonist, phenylephrine, were converted to depressor responses by prazosin and therefore α-adrenoceptor-mediated. Pressor responses to bolus doses of PEA were reduced. PEA infusions yielded four-phase responses: An initial increase in pressure (phase 1) blocked by prazosin was due to α-adrenoceptor vasoconstriction and a secondary fall in pressure (phase 2) due to vasodilatation by nitric oxide release. A later pressure increase (phase 3), further elevated after infusion stopped (phase 4), was not attenuated by prazosin and therefore non-adrenergic. This study showed for the first time that the sympathomimetic amine, β-phenylethylamine, increases blood pressure by two mechanisms. The established indirect sympathomimetic mechanism applies to bolus dose administration. However, with prolonged exposure to infusions, an additional slow-onset sustained non-adrenergic blood pressure increase occurs, most likely mediated via trace amine-associated receptors (TAAR-1). This response will dominate with prolonged exposures in clinical practice. These results prompt a re-evaluation of established dogma on the indirect sympathomimetic mechanisms of these amines.
Voriconazole therapeutic drug monitoring including analysis of CYP2C19 phenotype in immunocompromised pediatric patients with invasive fungal infections
Authors: Resztak Matylda , Zalewska Paulina , Wachowiak Jacek , Sobkowiak-Sobierajska Agnieszka , Główka Franciszek K.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of voriconazole (VCZ) should be mandatory for all pediatric patients with invasive fungal infections (IFIs). The narrow therapeutic index, inter-individual variability in VCZ pharmacokinetics, and genetic polymorphisms cause achieving therapeutic concentration during therapy to be challenging in this population.

Methods

The study included 44 children suffering from IFIs treated with VCZ. Trough concentrations (Ctrough) of VCZ ware determined by the HPLC-FLD method. Identification of the CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*17 genetic polymorphisms was performed by PCR–RFLP. The correlation between polymorphisms and VCZ Ctrough was analyzed. Moreover, the effect of factors such as dose, age, sex, route of administration, and drug interactions was investigated.

Results

VCZ was administered orally and intravenously at a median maintenance dosage of 14.7 mg/kg/day for a median of 10 days. The VCZ Ctrough was highly variable and ranged from 0.1 to 6.8 mg/L. Only 45% of children reached the therapeutic range. There was no significant association between Ctrough and dosage, age, sex, route of administration, and concomitant medications. The frequencies of variant phenotype normal (NM), intermediate (IM), rapid (RM) and ultrarapid metabolizers (UM) were 41%, 18%, 28%, and 13%, respectively. Ctrough of VCZ were significantly higher in NM and IM groups compared with RM, and UM groups.

Conclusion

The Ctrough of VCZ is characterized by inter-individual variability and a low rate of patients reaching the therapeutic range. The significant association exists in children between VCZ Ctrough and CYPC19 phenotype. The combination of repeated TDM and genotyping is necessary to ensure effective treatment.
ESR Essentials: advanced MR safety in vulnerable patients—practice recommendations by the European Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology
Authors: Santini Francesco , Pansini Michele , Deligianni Xeni , Caligiuri Maria Eugenia , Oei Edwin H. G.
Published: September 2024

For every patient, the MR safety evaluation should include the assessment of risks in three key areas, each corresponding to a specific hazard posed by the electromagnetic fields generated by the MR scanner: ferromagnetic attraction and displacement by the static field; stimulation, acoustic noise, and device interaction by the gradient fields; and bulk and focal heating by the radiofrequency field. MR safety guidelines and procedures are typically designed around the “average” patient: adult, responsive, and of typical habitus. For this type of patient, we can safely expect that a detailed history can identify metallic objects inside and outside the body, verbal contact during the scan can detect signs of discomfort from heating or acoustic noise, and safety calculations performed by the scanner can prevent hyperthermia. However, for some less common patient categories, these assumptions do not hold. For instance, patients with larger habitus, febrile patients, or pregnant people are more subject to bulk heating and require more conservative MR protocols, while at the same time presenting challenges during positioning and preparation. Other vulnerable categories are infants, children, and patients unable to communicate, who might require screening for ferromagnetic objects with other imaging modalities or dedicated equipment. This paper will provide guidance to implement appropriate safety margins in the workflow and scanning protocols in various vulnerable patient categories that are sometimes overlooked in basic MR safety guidance documents.

Clinical relevance statement

Special care in the implementation of MR safety procedures is of paramount importance in the handling of patients. While most institutions have streamlined operations in place, some vulnerable patient categories require specific considerations to obtain images of optimal quality while minimizing the risks derived by exposure to the MR environment.

Key Points

Patients unable to effectively communicate need to be carefully screened for foreign objects.

Core temperature management is important in specific patient categories.

There are no hard quantitative criteria that make a patient fall into a specific vulnerable category. Protocols and procedures need to be adaptable.
Unraveling the mechanisms of high-level gait control in functional gait disorders
Authors: Sandri Angela , Bonetto Chiara , Fiorio Mirta , Salaorni Francesca , Bonardi Giulia , Geroin Christian , Smania Nicola , Tinazzi Michele , Gandolfi Marialuisa
Published: September 2024

Functional gait disorders (FGDs) are a disabling subset of Functional Neurological Disorders in which presenting symptoms arise from altered high-level motor control. The dual-task paradigm can be used to investigate mechanisms of high-level gait control. The study aimed to determine the objective measures of gait that best discriminate between individuals with FGDs and healthy controls and the relationship with disease severity and duration. High-level spatiotemporal gait outcomes were analyzed in 87 patients with FGDs (79.3% women, average age 41.9±14.7 years) and 48 healthy controls (60.4% women, average age 41.9±15.7 years) on single and motor, cognitive, and visual-fixation dual tasks. The area under the curve (AUC) from the receiver operator characteristic plot and the dual-task effect (DTE) were calculated for each measure. Dual-task interference on the top single-task gait characteristics was determined by two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Stride time variability and its standard deviation (SD) failed to discriminate between the two groups in single and dual-task conditions (AUC<0.80 for all). Significant group x task interactions were observed for swing time SD and stride time on the cognitive dual tasks (p<0.035 for all). Longer disease duration was associated with poor gait performance and unsteadiness in motor and cognitive DTE (p<0.003) but improvement in stride length and swing time on the visual dual tasks (p<0.041). Our preliminary findings shed light on measures of gait automaticity as a diagnostic and prognostic gait biomarker and underline the importance of early diagnosis and management in individuals with FGDs.
Topiramate-induced bilateral acute angle-closure attack
Authors: Pattinger Christina , Rauchegger Teresa , Teuchner Barbara
Published: September 2024

Background

Topiramate, a sulfonamide-derived drug, is not only approved as an anticonvulsant but also for migraine prophylaxis. Ocular side effects are rare.

Case presentation

The case of a 25-year-old woman with bilateral topiramate-induced angle-closure attack is presented. Clinical findings included elevated intraocular pressure, reduced anterior chamber depth, iridotrabecular contact, thickening of the lens, forward displacement of the iris–lens diaphragm, myopic shift and uveal effusion. Non-invasive techniques such as anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and B‑scan ultrasonography were used to confirm the diagnosis. Under discontinuation of topiramate, aqueous suppressants, cycloplegia and corticosteroids, symptoms and findings were reversible.

Conclusion and importance

The aim is to raise awareness of possible side effects of topiramate among ophthalmologists and neurologists in order to avoid permanent visual impairment due to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Detecting violations of the monotonicity condition under the assumption of weak disposability in eco-DEA models
Authors: Schnabl Alexander
Published: September 2024

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) was originally developed to evaluate entities (firms, regions, countries, etc.) that carry out production processes in which multiple inputs are converted into multiple outputs and for which prices as a valuation system are (partially) unavailable. Subsequent developed DEA models also consider the undesirable outputs (“bads”) of production. The most prevalent approach that incorporates bads into these models is the assumption of their weak disposability. One drawback of this approach is the potential violation of the monotonicity condition, a violation that could lead to possible misclassifications of efficient and inefficient units and incorrect efficiency values. Unlike with other constraints in DEA, equations represent weak disposability. As is generally known, the shadow prices in the dual program can accept any sign and can also be negative. If the bads increase, the eco-efficiency value also increases, with negative associated shadow prices. This implausible phenomenon is examined, including the (economic) conditions that facilitate its occurrence; the data structure that depends on the relations between inputs, outputs, and bads; and its implications for the presentation of eco-DEA models and their outcomes. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that these models are related to the more-for-less paradox in linear programming in specific instances. Sufficient conditions for identifying units for which this phenomenon occurs are presented. This study further demonstrates that, under the weak disposability assumption, the efficiency frontier changes with the orientation of the DEA model, in contrast to the standard DEA models; this result is also applicable to detecting such units.
Decoding pediatric spinal tumors: a single-center retrospective case series on etiology, presentation, therapeutic strategies, and outcomes
Authors: Lenga Pavlina , Kühlwein Daniel , Grutza Martin , Issa Mohammed , Hinz Felix , Sahm Felix , Selt Florian , Milde Till , Günther Patrick , Unterberg Andreas W. , Krieg Sandro M. , Damaty Ahmed El
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Spinal tumors (ST) often result in dire prognosis, carrying risks such as permanent paralysis, sensory loss, and sphincter dysfunction. Data on their incidence and etiology in pediatric populations are markedly scant. Our study investigates the etiology, clinical manifestation, treatment, and outcomes of pediatric ST.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of our institutional pediatric oncology and neurosurgery database, examining 14 patients under 18 years admitted with ST due to oncological diseases since 2005. We analyzed the clinical presentations, evaluations, molecular diagnostics and treatments for these patients.

Results

The study spanned 15 years and included 14 pediatric patients, each diagnosed with distinct spinal tumor entity. The mean patient age was approximately 19.6 ± 10.1 months. Severe axial pain along the vertebral column was observed in 13 patients, while acute neurological deterioration manifested in 7 patients. As a first-line intervention, 13 patients underwent decompressive surgery through laminectomy and tumor resection, and only one patient received chemotherapy solely. Before surgery, seven patients were unable to walk; post-surgery, six of them regained their ability to ambulate. The diagnosis encompassed a range of neoplasms: two instances of Ewing sarcoma, 3 instances of teratoma, one case presenting an atypical teratoid Rhabdoid tumor, two instances each of low-grade astrocytoma and neuroblastoma, and single instances of ependymoma, meningioma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes (ETMRs). Three patients succumbed two years after initiating therapy.

Conclusion

Despite their rarity, intraspinal tumors in pediatric patients pose substantial therapeutic challenges. The intertwined complexities of the disease entity and the patient’s neurological status demand swift initiation of an individualized therapeutic strategy. This crucial step helps optimize outcomes for this patient cohort, who frequently grapple with debilitating health conditions. Inclusion of these patients within a registry is mandatory to optimize treatment outcomes due to their rarity in pediatric population.
Data-driven inverse dynamics modeling using neural-networks and regression-based techniques
Authors: Pikuliński Maciej , Malczyk Paweł , Aarts Ronald
Published: September 2024

This research proposes a novel approach for the residual modeling of inverse dynamics employed to control a real robotic device. Specifically, we use techniques based on linear regression for residual modeling while a nominal model is discovered by physics-informed neural networks such as the Lagrangian Neural Network and the Feedforward Neural Network. We introduce an efficient online learning mechanism for the residual models that utilizes rank-one updates based on the Sherman–Morrison formula. This enables faster adaptation and updates to effects not captured by the neural networks. While the time complexity of updating the model is comparable to other successful learning methods, the method excels in prediction complexity, which depends solely on the model dimension. We propose two online learning strategies: a weighted approach that gradually diminishes the influence of past measurements on the model, and a windowed approach that sharply excludes the oldest data from impacting the model. We explore the relationship between these strategies, offering recommendations for parameter selection and practical application. Special attention is given to optimizing the computation time of the weighted approach when recomputation techniques are implemented, which results in comparable or even lower execution times of the weighted controller than the windowed one. Additionally, we assess other methods, such as the Woodbury identity, QR decomposition, and Cholesky decomposition, which can be implicitly used to update the model. We empirically validate our approach using real data from a 2-degrees-of-freedom flexible manipulator, demonstrating consistent improvements in feedforward controller performance.
Development of an identification method for the minimal set of inertial parameters of a multibody system
Authors: Homma T. , Yamaura H.
Published: September 2024

The inertial properties of an object (mass, center of gravity, and inertia tensor) are fundamental parameters that considerably affect the accuracy of motion control and simulation results. Therefore, an accurate identification of inertial properties is crucial. All inertial properties of individual links modeled with multiple links cannot be identified via link motion, interjoint torque, or external force data because they are redundant to the multibody dynamics model. The minimum dynamic parameters necessary to represent the multibody dynamics model have been defined and identified. These dynamic parameters are obtained by combining the geometric parameters and inertial properties of the counterpart elements and are called the minimal set of inertial parameters (MSIP). Conventional identification methods use a set of measured link motions and ground reaction forces. MSIP for a sagittal plane can be identified from motions such as the walking motion of human bodies. However, applying these methods to three-dimensional identification is challenging. The primary difficulty lies in the large number of parameters involved, making it challenging to find motions that appropriately excite all MSIP in three dimensions to be identified. In this study, a new method for identifying the MSIP of a multibody system is developed by expanding and applying the identification method based on free vibration measurements, which is the identification method for the inertial properties of a single body. This method shows that MSIP for three dimensions can be identified theoretically and experimentally with high accuracy via considerably simple motion measurements.
Statistical assessment of digital transformation in European Union countries under sustainable development goal 9
Authors: Fura Barbara , Karasek Aneta , Hysa Beata
Published: September 2024

The pivotal role of digital transformation (DT) in contemporary socio-economic development cannot be overstated. This crucial aspect is highlighted in the Agenda 2030, specifically in goal 9 among the 17 objectives. This article presents the results of a study assessing the level of DT in industry, innovation, and infrastructure in the 27 European Union (EU) countries in 2015 and 2020. Central to this study is the proposition of an aggregated Digital Transformation Assessment Indicator (DTAI), serving as a metric to gauge the progression of EU member states. Utilizing this indicator, the article assesses the advancement status of EU countries and orchestrates a comparative ranking of their achievements in fulfilling Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 between 2015 and 2020. Moreover, a classification of countries into analogous groups based on this criterion for both periods is provided. The DTAI is prepared following the methodology of the linear ordering of objects—countries of the EU 27. The zero unitarization method (ZUM) is used as the main ordering method. To compare the results obtained, the DTAI value and classifications of countries in 2015, and 2020, are also presented using Hellwig’s pattern development method. The findings of this investigation underscore the variances existing among the EU 27 nations concerning the implementation of SDG 9. Furthermore, notable fluctuations in ranking positions are also observed. The research outcomes underscore significant challenges in DT implementation, particularly within Central, Eastern, and Southern European nations. The utilized research methodology bears substantial implications for the effective realization of the 2030 Agenda and its corresponding SDGs, both at the individual nation-state level and within the broader framework of the EU.
Freizeitverhalten von Medizinstudierenden
Authors: Kühhirt Anne , Götz Katja , Grienitz Katharina , Steinhäuser Jost
Published: September 2024

Hintergrund

Das Freizeitverhalten hat für Mediziner*innen einen wichtigen Einfluss auf die Lebensplanung und die psychische Gesundheit. Ein positives Freizeitverhalten stärkt die Resilienz. Damit kann Burnout und Depression entgegenwirkt werden. Wie (lange) der Beruf als Arzt oder Ärztin ausgeübt wird, kann somit beeinflusst werden. Wie gestalten zukünftige Ärzt*innen ihre Freizeit? Spielt sie eine Rolle in der Frage für eine Tätigkeit im ländlichen Raum?

Methode

Nach Literaturrecherche, Ergebnissen einer Vorstudie und Erfahrungen der Autoren wurde ein Fragebogen zum Thema Freizeitverhalten erstellt. Dieser wurde von 11/2020 bis 03/2021 per Online-Befragung an Medizinstudierende in Deutschland gesendet. Neben einer deskriptiven Analyse wurden die Einflussfaktoren durch eine binäre Regressionsanalyse auf den Ort des geplanten Praktizierens basierend auf dem Statistikprogramm SPSS 27.0 berechnet.

Ergebnisse

Aus 23 medizinischen Fakultäten nahmen 1553 Studierende (61 % weiblich, Alter [Mittelwert (MW)]: 24 [Standardabweichung [SD] 4,1] Jahre, Semester [MW]: 6,4 [SD 3,2]) an der Umfrage teil. Ländlich zu praktizieren konnten sich 21,0 % (n = 331) der Teilnehmenden vorstellen. Besuche von Restaurants, Freunden oder Fitnessstudios fanden wesentlich häufiger statt als Theater‑, Opern- oder Kinobesuche. Die Bereitschaft, Zeit für verschiedene Freizeitaktivitäten zu investieren war sehr hoch, angeführt davon, sich mit Freunden zu treffen. Die Wahrscheinlichkeit sich ländlich niederzulassen war mit Merkmalen wie geringere Restaurant- oder Kinobesuche (Odds Ratio [OR] 0,78; 95%-Konfidenzintervall [KI] 0,66; 0,95 bzw. OR 0,69; 95 %-KI 0,55; 0,86) assoziiert.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Ergebnisse liefern wichtige Hinweise für die Nachwuchsgewinnung im ländlichen Raum und können für die Förderung und den Erhalt der psychischen Gesundheit beitragen. Bei den Strategien gegen den Landarztmangel wird das Freizeitangebot als Entscheidungsfaktor überschätzt.
New constructions of MSRD codes
Authors: Martínez-Peñas Umberto
Published: September 2024

In this work, we provide four methods for constructing new maximum sum-rank distance (MSRD) codes. The first method, a variant of cartesian products, allows faster decoding than known MSRD codes of the same parameters. The other three methods allow us to extend or modify existing MSRD codes in order to obtain new explicit MSRD codes for sets of matrix sizes (numbers of rows and columns in different blocks) that were not attainable by previous constructions. In this way, we show that MSRD codes exist (by giving explicit constructions) for new ranges of parameters, in particular with different numbers of rows and columns at different positions.
Travel counsellors’ perspectives on AI assistance
Authors: Baumgartner Marco , Kopp Tobias , Kick Elena , Richter Dennis , Kinkel Steffen
Published: September 2024

Research on AI in the context of travel counselling has mainly focused on increasing the efficiency and level of automation of online travel bookings. However, AI solutions can also be used in the context of offline travel counselling, i.e., face-to-face counselling at a travel agency service desk. In this specific application domain, AI has the potential to change personal interaction between counsellors and clients in different ways. In order to design AI solutions to enrich personal interaction, research on the specific requirements of counsellors, customers, and other relevant stakeholders in the context of AI-assisted offline travel counselling is needed. Human-centered design (HCD) is a promising approach to investigate and incorporate these perspectives on the course of the AI design process. In this paper, we present our approach of applying HCD elements to deepen the understanding of the context of use, to specify user requirements, and to find potential design solutions for a real-world use case of AI assistance in offline travel counselling. In addition, we highlight the key findings and insights regarding travel counsellors’ perspectives and requirements on possible AI adoption, showing that they are primarily open to AI-based innovations, but also have some concerns about the devaluation of the counselling profession. Further, we critically discuss additional design elements that would be needed for human-centered AI design in an ambitious sense.

Practical Relevance: The findings are of high practical relevance as they demonstrate how HCD principles can be applied to real-life use cases, which aim to introduce human-AI interaction in work domains. At the same time, our findings provide valuable insights for practitioners into the specific work environment of offline travel counsellors.
The role of Self-Help Groups in strengthening resilience amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: Insights from India
Authors: Sinha Debashree , Chattopadhyay Aparajita
Published: September 2024

Self-Help Groups (SHGs), the credit based voluntary groups in India are widely known for their potential to alleviate poverty and empower women. This research article explores a lesser-known theme. It tries to analyze the possibility of utilizing the current SHG model of the Indian Government to build and strengthen resilience of the SHG members in case of an external shock like financial stress, food insecurity, dispute in home for joining SHG, and difficulty to repay loan amidst lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This article also focuses on their coping mechanisms and attitude towards these crises. By utilizing primary data collected from 320 SHG members in one of the aspirational districts in West Bengal, India, the present paper tries to fulfill its objective. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the problems faced by the SHG members by combining both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The findings reveal that from organizing vocational trainings to relaxing loan repayment, SHGs and its women members overcame various adversities with tenacity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the study findings, it is reasonable to conclude that the current SHG model in India presents a promising avenue for enhancing the resilience of its members in the face of external shocks.
Development of TRACER: A Translational Research Accomplishments Cataloguer for Clinical and Translational Science Award hub activity tracking, evaluation, and decision-making
Authors: Sperling Jessica , Quenstedt Stella , Leiro Anthony , Muhigaba Perusi B. , McClernon F. Joseph
Published: September 2024

Organizations supporting translational research and translational science, including Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) hubs, provide a diverse and often changing array of resources, support, and services to a myriad of researchers and research efforts. While a wide-ranging scope of programs is essential to the advancement of translational research and science, it also complicates a systematic and unified process for tracking activities, studying research processes, and examining impact. To overcome these challenges, the Duke University School of Medicine’s CTSA hub created a data platform, Translational Research Accomplishment Cataloguer (TRACER), that provides capacity to enhance strategic decision-making, impact assessment, and equitable resource distribution. This article reviews TRACER development processes, provides an overview of the TRACER platform, addresses challenges in the development process, and describes avenues for addressing or overcoming these challenges. TRACER development allowed our hub to conceptually identify key processes and goals within programs and linkages between programs, and it sets the stage for advancing evidence-based improvement across our hub. This platform development provides key insight into facilitators that can inform other initiatives seeking to collect and align organizational data for strategic decision-making and impact assessment. TRACER or similar platforms are additionally well positioned to advance the study of translational science.
Exploring the associations of food and financial insecurity and food assistance with breastfeeding practices among first-time mothers
Authors: de Brito Junia N , Friedman Jessica K , Johnson Sydney T , Berge Jerica M , Mason Susan M
Published: September 2024

Objective:

Social determinants of health (SDoH), such as food and financial insecurity and food assistance, are potentially modifiable factors that may influence breastfeeding initiation and duration. Knowledge gaps exist regarding the relationship between these SDoH and infant feeding practices. We explored the relationships of food and financial insecurity and food assistance with the continuation of breastfeeding at four months postpartum among mothers and whether race and ethnicity modified these associations.

Design:

Mothers retrospectively reported food and financial insecurity and receipt of food assistance (e.g. Women, Infants and Children and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) during pregnancy with their first child and infant feeding practices (exclusive/mostly breastfeeding v. exclusive/mostly formula feeding) following the birth of their first child. Sociodemographic-adjusted modified Poisson regressions estimated prevalence ratios and 95 % CI.

Setting:

Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota.

Participants:

Mothers who participated in the Life-course Experiences And Pregnancy study (LEAP) (n 486).

Results:

Ten percent of mothers reported food insecurity, 43 % financial insecurity and 22 % food assistance during their pregnancies. At four months postpartum, 63 % exclusively/mostly breastfed and 37 % exclusively/mostly formula-fed. We found a lower adjusted prevalence of breastfeeding at four months postpartum for mothers who reported experiencing food insecurity (0·65; 0·43–0·98) and receiving food assistance (0·66; 0·94–0·88) relative to those who did not. For financial insecurity (aPR 0·92; 0·78, 1·08), adjusted estimates showed little evidence of an association.

Conclusions:

We found a lower level of breastfeeding among mothers experiencing food insecurity and using food assistance. Resources to support longer breastfeeding duration for mothers are needed. Moreover, facilitators, barriers and mechanisms of breastfeeding initiation and duration must be identified.
Effects of Anthropogenic Aerosols on the East Asian Winter Monsoon
Authors: Zhang Shenglong , Wright Jonathon S. , Guo Zengyuan , Huang Wenyu , Peng Yiran
Published: September 2024

Circulation patterns linked to the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) affect precipitation, surface temperature, and air quality extremes over East Asia. These circulation patterns can in turn be influenced by aerosol radiative and microphysical effects through diabatic heating and its impacts on atmospheric vorticity. Using global model simulations, we investigate the effects of anthropogenic aerosol emissions and concentration changes on the intensity and variability of the EAWM. Comparison with reanalysis products indicates that the model captures the mean state of the EAWM well. The experiments indicate that anthropogenic aerosol emissions strengthen the Siberian High but weaken the East Asian jet stream, making the land areas of East Asia colder, drier, and snowier. Aerosols reduce mean surface air temperatures by approximately C, comparable to about half of the difference between strong and weak EAWM episodes in the control simulation. The mechanisms behind these changes are evaluated by analyzing differences in the potential vorticity budget. Anthropogenic aerosol effects on diabatic heating strengthen anomalous subsidence over southern East Asia, establishing an anticyclonic circulation anomaly that suppresses deep convection and precipitation. Aerosol effects on cloud cover and cloud longwave radiative heating weaken stability over the eastern flank of the Tibetan Plateau, intensifying upslope flow along the western side of the anticyclone. Both circulation anomalies contribute to reducing surface air temperatures through regional impacts on thermal advection and the atmospheric radiative balance.
All Eyes on Jupiter
Authors: Sidik Saima
Published: September 2024

Astronomers hope amateur enthusiasts will help them monitor Jovian weather.