bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changing windstorm characteristics over the US Northeast in a single model large ensemble
Authors: Coburn Jacob , Barthelmie Rebecca J , Pryor Sara C
Published: September 2024

Extreme windstorms pose a significant hazard to infrastructure and public safety, particularly in the highly populated US Northeast (NE). However, the influence climate change and changing land use will have on these events remains unclear. A large ensemble generated using the Max-Planck Institute (MPI) Earth system model is used to generate projections of NE windstorms under different shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) and to attribute changes to projected land use land cover (LULC) change, externally forced changes and internal climate variability. To reduce the influence of coarse grid cell resolution and uncertainties in surface roughness lengths, windstorms are identified using simultaneous widespread exceedance of local 99th percentile 10 m wind speeds (U99). Projected declines in forest cover in the NE and the resulting reductions in surface roughness length under SSP3-7.0 lead to projections of large increases in U99 and derived windstorm intensity and scale. However, these projected changes in regional LULC under SSP3-7.0 are unprecedented in a historical context and may not be realistic. After corrections are applied to remove the influence of LULC on wind speeds, regionally averaged U99 exhibit declines for most of the single model initial-condition large ensemble (SMILE) members which are broadly proportional to the radiative forcing and global air temperature increase in the SSPs, with a median value of −0.15 ms−1 °C−1. While weak cyclones are projected to decline in frequency in the NE, intense cyclones and the resulting windstorms and indices of socioeconomic loss do not. Where present, significant trends in these loss indices are positive, and some MPI SMILE members generate future windstorms that are unprecedented in the historical period.
Fault Detection in Turbines Using Machine Learning: A study of the capabilities of Various Classification Algorithms
Authors: Baral Aditi , Verma Neha , Adhikari Image , Chitrakar Sailesh , Dahlhaug Ole Gunnar
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive study of application of different machine learning techniques for the prediction of turbine faults in an early stage. As the need to ensure an optimal turbine operation through early stage fault detection grows, precise predictive models using machine learning techniques are also increasing rapidly. This study primarily focuses on development and evaluation of the predictive models capable of anticipating fault phases using different range of classification algorithms. It assesses the effectiveness of different classification methods including Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Random Forest, and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to predict distinct turbine phases. These algorithms are evaluated on experimented dataset encompassing various stages of faults. The results from the algorithm show that CNN was accurately predicting the particular turbine fault phases achieving 80% accuracy with a small length of time series. The deep learning capabilities of CNN capture intricate spatial patterns in turbine data enabling them to discern fault indicators eluded by traditional machine learning methods. The insights gained from this research helps to extend the application of machine learning approaches in the field of turbine fault detection, paving the way for more precise and dependable early failure detection systems.
Calcium phosphate complex of recombinant human thrombomodulin promote bone formation in interbody fusion
Authors: Lin Cheng-Li , Chen Yu-Wei , Kuo Cheng-Hsiang , Tu Ting-Yuan , Wu Hua-Lin , Tsai Jui-Chen , Shyong Yan-Jye
Published: September 2024

Interbody fusion is an orthopedic surgical procedure to connect two adjacent vertebrae in patients suffering from spinal disc disease. The combination of synthetic bone grafts with protein-based drugs is an intriguing approach to stimulate interbody bone growth, specifically in patients exhibiting restricted bone progression. Recombinant human thrombomodulin (rhTM), a novel protein drug characterized by its superior stability and potency, shows promise in enhancing bone formation. A composite bone graft, termed CaP-rhTM, has been synthesized, combining calcium phosphate (CaP) microparticles as a delivery vehicle for rhTM to facilitate interbody fusion. In vitro studies have demonstrated that rhTM significantly promotes the proliferation and maturation of preosteoblasts at nanogram dosage, while exerting minimal impact on osteosarcoma cell growth. The expression levels of mature osteoblast markers, including osteocalcin, osteopontin, alkaline phosphatase, and calcium deposition were also enhanced by rhTM. In rat caudal disc model of interbody fusion, CaP-rhTM with 800 ng of drug dosage was implanted along with a polylactic acid cage, to ensure structural stability within the intervertebral space. Microcomputed tomography analyses revealed that from 8 to 24 weeks, CaP-rhTM substantially improves both bone volume and trabecular architecture, in addition to the textural integrity of bony endplate surfaces. Histological examination confirmed the formation of a continuous bone bridge connecting adjacent vertebrae. Furthermore, biomechanical assessment via three-point bending tests indicated an improved bone quality of the fused disc. This study has demostrated that rhTM exhibits considerable potential in promoting osteogenesis. The use of CaP-rhTM has also shown significant improvements in promoting interbody fusion.
Ecosystem services in the Yangtze River Basin and their trade-offs/synergies relationships in response to climate change
Authors: Xu Yuqing , Hou Ruiping , Xiao Fengjin
Published: September 2024

The Yangtze River Basin is an important ecological security barrier with significant economic status, but it is greatly affected by climate change. Therefore, we investigated the spatio-temporal evolution characteristics of annual ecosystem service (net primary production (NPP), water conservation and soil retention), their interrelationships and responses to climate change in the Yangtze River Basin from 2001 to 2020. The annual NPP, soil retention and water conservation were 511 gC m−2, 632 t and 272 mm, respectively and they all increased over 2001–2020 though this varied in both time and space. The capacities of soil retention and water conservation did not increase, and even gradually decreased for first 10 years (2001–2010), most likely due to the subsequent effects of the catastrophic flood of Yangtze River occurred in 1998. There are tradeoffs between NPP and soil retention/water conservation in the west Sichaun Province, which is different from the rest of the Yangtze River Basin where synergistic relationships dominate. Precipitation is the dominate climatic influencing factor on the ecosystem service trends found in the Yangtze River Basin. The concept of ecosystem services is being incorporated into decision-making and management, this study is critical to guide regional effective resource utilization, ecosystem management decisions and feasible policies.
An in-depth study of the synthesis of ReSe2 for anisotropic Raman characteristics
Authors: Nam Giho , Park Sohyeon , Heo Keun , Bong Jungwoo , Lee DongGyu , Kim Hyunsoo , Ponnusamy Krishna Moorthy , Bae Hagyoul , Park Hyeong Gi , Lee Jae-Hyun , Jang Hyeon-Sik
Published: September 2024

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have received more interest for their potential role in future electronic and optoelectronic applications. Unlike other TMDs, Rhenium diselenide (ReSe2) stands out for its distinctive anisotropic growth characteristics. These unique features arise from its low lattice symmetry and interlayer decoupling, this has sparked significant interest among researchers. Previous research has indicated the presence of various growth patterns, including dendritic formations and structures resembling flowers. In this study, we effectively produced ReSe2 using the ‘Tilting Boat’ method to achieve growth on a 21 μm scale. Through precise manipulation of the growth conditions, we successfully attained flakes of 21 μm scale in comparison to prior findings. Moreover, we successfully produced a variety of shapes, including triangles, diamonds, and hexagons, on 1 × 1 cm2 Si/SiO2 substrates. Furthermore, we achieved the successful production of a continuous ReSe2 film on a 1 × 3 cm2 Al2O3 substrate. We verified the distinct anisotropic properties of ReSe2 via Raman Spectroscopy. Furthermore, we acquired three-dimensional visual representations of ReSe2 flakes and continuous films via SEM measurements. By employing EDS data and analysing x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra, we have established a compositional ratio of 1:2 for Re and Se, which aligns with the MX2 structure. This confirmation indicates the successful synthesis of high-quality ReSe2 flakes.
Process optimization of preparing CMOS backplane for ultrahigh pixel density red Micro-LED display
Authors: Wang Xue-Yan , Guo Cheng-Long , Zhou Yi-Jian , Zhu Xue-Qi , Yan Zhi-Bing , Li Yang , Yang Tian-Xi , Sun Jie , Yan Qun
Published: September 2024

In this paper, an AlGaInP-based red Micro-LED display measured 17.78 mm (0.7 in), with a resolution of 1920 × 1080, a light-emitting mesa size of 6 μm, a pixel pitch of 8 μm and a pixel density of 3175 PPI was designed and fabricated with a CMOS driver backplane. The metal bump preparation technology of the complementary metal-oxide semiconductor driver backplane was optimized to enhance the bonding yield and create an optimal display effect. Improper sizing of the etched window in the SiO2 insulation and passivation layer can have a detrimental impact on the metal bump preparation and subsequent bonding process. By optimizing the settings of lithography and dry etching, the appropriate size of the etched aperture in the passivation layer was achieved. The high density, small size, and large aspect ratio of the photoresist openings for the bump fabrication made it challenging to remove the photoresist following the metal evaporation. To successfully remove the photoresist, it is important to carefully choose suitable experimental conditions for the removal. Afterwards, an 8 μm AlGaInP-based red Micro-LED display was effectively integrated with complementary metal-oxide semiconductor using flip-chip bonding technology. This work may be of reference value to those who work on ultrahigh density red Micro-LEDs that is challenging but crucial for future full color micro displays.
A critical review on the high entropy material coatings: criteria for materials selection and coating procedure
Authors: Polyakova Marina , Ostovari Moghaddam Ahmad , Trofimova Svetlana , Samodurova Marina , Trofimov Evgeny
Published: September 2024

There is a continuous demand to design materials with comprehensive properties as the boundaries of human works extend to new branches of technological activities. For designing parts from new materials, it is essential to consider the possible technological problems and economic aspects, however, not always the solution is evident. In this regard, multi-component high entropy materials (HEMs) have opened promising perspectives to be employed as both structural materials and coatings. This review paper summarizes the most important factors affecting fabrication of HEA coatings with a defined level of functional properties. The procedure is presented as a hierarchical system of the effective factors which are divided into two groups: functional and exploitation demands to the coating properties and technological features of the coatings deposition technique. We show that the most important factors in functional and exploitation demands are exploitation conditions and design/ergonomic properties, which determine the functional properties and subsequently material of the coatings. On the other hand, in technological features, parameters such as structural material (substrate), shape and dimension of the part, accuracy and surface finish and modes of the manufacturing process are critical ones and determine the coating deposition technique. This approach makes it possible to evaluate the importance of different factors on the exploitation conditions of HEAs coatings. By considering the published investigations, it is illustrated how to implement the proposed procedure to choose coatings which will be efficient for a definite exploitation condition.
Optimal initial duty for improved MPPT under change in irradiances and partial shading conditions
Authors: B S S Santosh , Mohammed Thameem Ansari M , P Kanta Rao , G Harish Kumar Varma
Published: September 2024

Solar photovoltaic cells are widely used in renewable energy power generation. The efficient operation of these photovoltaic (PV) system is based on maximum power point tracking (MPPT). Various MPPT methods have been proposed to increase the output of a PV system. But confusion arises when choosing the optimal MPPT algorithm and its parameters such as perturbation time and initial duty. This paper examines the optimal initial duty and perturbation time to improve the performance of conventional MPPT techniques under uniform shading and partial shading. During the change in irradiances, at the initial irradiance the Modified P&O tracked MPPT faster because the modified P&O had less settling time during changes in irradiance for different initial duty ratios. During partial shading conditions, the TCT generates more power than the S and SP topologies and modified P&O tracked the MPPT in less time. However, at the high duty ratio, the P&O and INC gave similar results, which were better than the modified P&O. It was also observed that the initial duty ratio (Di) in the MPPT algorithm had a negligible effect on TCT configuration under partial shading conditions. These findings help in various applications for PV systems.
Fault diagnosis of wind turbine gears based on OCSSA-VMD and WOA-CNN-BiLSTM
Authors: Liu Hongyue , Wang Zhen , Gong Jinlong , Kou Lei , Xu Yan
Published: September 2024

The accuracy of wind turbine gearbox fault diagnosis will be compromised if the fault feature data is not adequately extracted during operation. To enhance fault identification efficiency and mitigate human interference in parameter setting, this paper introduces an optimized mode decomposition algorithm OCSSA-VMD, derived from variational mode decomposition (VMD) and further optimized by osprey-Cauchy-sparrow search algorithm (OCSSA). This algorithm offers two key advantages: (1) automatic optimization of parameters such as the number of modes k and penalty factor α; (2) reduction of feature dimensionality through mean impact value (MIV) algorithm based on minimum envelope entropy principle, resulting in a multi-fault feature vector set from 13 time-domain features in the intrinsic mode function (IMF) optimal component of wind turbine gearbox vibration data. Additionally, a fault diagnosis model WOA-CNN-BiLSTM is proposed based on whale optimization algorithm (WOA) and convolutional neural network-bidirectional long-short-term-memory (CNN-BiLSTM), which demonstrates improved fault classification accuracy to 98.3333% and diagnosis accuracy to 98.3853% under conditions of insufficient data when compared with other models.
A prediction rigidity formalism for low-cost uncertainties in trained neural networks
Authors: Bigi Filippo , Chong Sanggyu , Ceriotti Michele , Grasselli Federico
Published: September 2024

Quantifying the uncertainty of regression models is essential to ensure their reliability, particularly since their application often extends beyond their training domain. Based on the solution of a constrained optimization problem, this work proposes ‘prediction rigidities’ as a formalism to obtain uncertainties of arbitrary pre-trained regressors. A clear connection between the suggested framework and Bayesian inference is established, and a last-layer approximation is developed and rigorously justified to enable the application of the method to neural networks. This extension affords cheap uncertainties without any modification to the neural network itself or its training procedure. The effectiveness of this approach is shown for a wide range of regression tasks, ranging from simple toy models to applications in chemistry and meteorology.
PASCL: supervised contrastive learning with perturbative augmentation for particle decay reconstruction
Authors: Lu Junjian , Liu Siwei , Kobylianskii Dmitrii , Dreyer Etienne , Gross Eilam , Liang Shangsong
Published: September 2024

In high-energy physics, particles produced in collision events decay in a format of a hierarchical tree structure, where only the final decay products can be observed using detectors. However, the large combinatorial space of possible tree structures makes it challenging to recover the actual decay process given a set of final particles. To better analyse the hierarchical tree structure, we propose a graph-based deep learning model to infer the tree structure to reconstruct collision events. In particular, we use a compact matrix representation termed as lowest common ancestor generations matrix, to encode the particle decay tree structure. Then, we introduce a perturbative augmentation technique applied to node features, aiming to mimic experimental uncertainties and increase data diversity. We further propose a supervised graph contrastive learning algorithm to utilize the information of inter-particle relations from multiple decay processes. Extensive experiments show that our proposed supervised graph contrastive learning with perturbative augmentation method outperforms state-of-the-art baseline models on an existing physics-based dataset, significantly improving the reconstruction accuracy. This method provides a more effective training strategy for models with the same parameters and makes way for more accurate and efficient high-energy particle physics data analysis.
Local classification of crystalline structures in complex plasmas using a PointNet
Authors: Dormagen N , Klein M , Schmitz A S , Wimmer L , Thoma M H , Schwarz M
Published: September 2024

In complex plasmas, microparticles can form ordered crystalline structures under specific conditions. Accurately identifying these structures, such as face-centered cubic, hexagonal close-packed, and body-centered cubic, is a common task in physics. Previous methods rely on detecting symmetries in the spatial arrangement of particles, often requiring extensive calculations. This study presents a novel approach by utilizing a PointNet-based deep learning algorithm, called WignerNet, to classify these structures directly from three-dimensional reconstructions of their Voronoi cells. The model was trained exclusively on artificial and labeled data, incorporating various noise levels, and subsequently tested on real experimental data. The results demonstrate that our method effectively classifies structures, reducing computational complexity and improving accuracy compared to conventional techniques. This advancement opens up new possibilities for real-time analysis of complex plasma systems in various research.
Gendered impacts of climate change: evidence from weather shocks
Authors: Fruttero Anna , Halim Daniel , Broccolini Chiara , Coelho Bernardo , Gninafon Horace , Muller Noël
Published: September 2024

Climate change is a critical challenge of our era, and its effects on human well-being are undeniable. It may not be immediately apparent that its impacts can vary by gender. Drawing from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that a shock can affect men and women differently, due to social norms and pre-existing gender differences. This paper reviews economic studies on how weather shocks—such as floods, droughts, and extreme temperatures—affect a broad spectrum of outcomes, ranging from endowments to economic opportunities and agency. Although specific physiological vulnerabilities exist (e.g. boys are more vulnerable to prenatal shocks, while girls and women are more vulnerable to heat), the most significant gendered impacts stem from pre-existing inequalities and societal responses to these shocks. In regions with a strong preference for boys, families facing resource shortages from shocks might prioritize boys for food and other resources, pull girls from school, marry them off young, or withdraw women from agricultural work so they can focus on household chores. Conversely, boys and men might leave school or migrate to seek alternative income sources during or after such shocks. Without gender-responsive climate policies, climate change is likely to exacerbate existing gender inequalities.
Life and work
Authors: Townend Matthew
Published: September 2024

This chapter provides an overview of the life and career of J. R. R. Tolkien. It explains how the major traumas of his life (especially the death of his parents and his service in the First World War) took place before the age of 25, and explores some of his main personality traits as an adult. It presents an account of his professional career as a scholar of medieval language and literature, and then outlines the chronology, publication history, and dominant patterns of Tolkien’s very unusual career as writer: even though he was the author of two of the most influential books of the twentieth century, his life and career scarcely conform to the dominant models of modern authorship.
Language
Authors: Townend Matthew
Published: September 2024

This chapter examines the centrality of language in the works of J. R. R. Tolkien. A professional philologist, Tolkien was a passionate believer in linguistic aesthetics, and in his invented names and languages (especially Elvish) he endeavoured to create a linguistic medium that gave great pleasure. The chapter presents an overview of Tolkien’s two main Elvish languages, Quenya and Sindarin or Noldorin, and explores their relations with each other and also their real-world inspirations in Finnish and Welsh. The chapter then highlights the multilingualism of Middle-earth as it is depicted in The Lord of the Rings, and explores the rationale and tensions behind Tolkien’s decision to present his stories as if they are translations from other languages.
Middle-earth
Authors: Townend Matthew
Published: September 2024

This chapter focuses on Middle-earth, the setting for most of J. R. R. Tolkien’s works, especially The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien’s stories are set on our Earth, not another planet, but in a mythical or legendary past. Middle-earth is the name Tolkien gave to the great landmass where most of his stories are set, and his stories focus in particular on the north-west of Middle-earth, broadly equivalent to the modern continent of Europe. The chapter provides an overview of some of the most important aspects of Middle-earth that emerged from Tolkien’s world-building activities: its landscape, environment, and flora; its peoples and their cultures and societies; and its politics and systems of government.
The rule of law’s green shoots
Authors: Huq Aziz Z.
Published: September 2024

The idea of the rule of law was first theorized in a relatively formal law by the English scholar A. V. Dicey. His Lectures Introductory to the Study of the Law of Constitution set forth a new account of the English constitution as law, rather than historical practice or theory. One of the two principles of this new “constitution” was the rule of law. The latter was defined as having three elements, all of which placed stress on the “ordinary” courts, applying “ordinary” law, as vessels by which the rule of law is realized. The chapter explores those principles, and concludes by evaluating the application of Dicey’s ideas to debates about imperialism contemporary to his later career.
Three branches of the modern rule of law
Authors: Huq Aziz Z.
Published: September 2024

This chapter sets out three main lines or branches of twentieth-century thinking about the rule of law. The focus here is on Dicey’s Anglo-American heirs. Each of these three branches appeals to a different set of values. Each one corresponds to a different ambition for the law. Each distinct ambition can be aligned with a different academic discipline. These are law, political philosophy, and economics. Each of these disciplines has its own priorities when it comes to the law. The three branches are thus labeled after the three disciplines. They are the lawyer’s, the political philosopher’s, and the economist’s rule of law—labels that reflect their methodological choices and their normative orientation.
Cultivating the rule of law in new lands
Authors: Huq Aziz Z.
Published: September 2024

This chapter explores the postwar dispersion of the rule of law by focusing on how that phrase has been used by three influential actors: the World Bank, the Singaporean government led by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, and successive generations of Chinese Communist Party leadership. These repay attention because they involve self-conscious efforts to articulate alternative versions of the rule of law. After World War II, there was a new diffusion of the rule of law internationally. One important vector was the Bretton Woods institutions established to promote a certain version of macroeconomic stability. Ultimately, the World Bank in particular came to understand the rule of law as central to this vision. In the cases of Singapore and China, a novel account of the rule of law has been tightly integrated into the dominant political party’s project of monopolizing political power. The result is a situation in which zones of legality and unbridled state power uneasily rub up alongside each other.
Epilogue
Authors: Huq Aziz Z.
Published: September 2024

The Epilogue reflects on the future and asks: what then will become of the rule of law? The future currently might look bleak with the collapse of the middle class, continuing climate change, and the rise of populists and other autocracies. In addition to that, law is a technology. It allows the state to govern and control within certain boundaries. The rule of law as it stands now encompasses an ambition towards the acceptable use of the tools of technology. This book has examined the range of possible futures for the rule of law. Although it cannot predict an exact future, it can help equip readers with the intellectual tools to imagine whether that future might be something of despair or celebration.
Which law should govern the ‘arbitrability’ of a dispute in England?
Authors: Moollan Salim , Price Robert , Browne Oliver
Published: September 2024

This article considers, from an English law perspective, the question of which law should govern the arbitrability of a dispute. The focus of the article is on the position preaward as opposed to postaward, which is expressly addressed by the New York Convention. The article analyses this question in light of the decision of the Singapore Court of Appeal in Anupam Mittal v Westbridge Ventures II Investment Holdings, the only authoritative treatment of the relevant issues by a common law jurisdiction. In Anupam, the court concluded that a composite approach to the law applicable to the arbitrability of a dispute should apply, requiring a dispute to be arbitrable under both the law of the seat of arbitration and the law applicable to the arbitration agreement.

The authors suggest that a composite approach to the issue of arbitrability should not be followed in England. Instead, English law should apply the more orthodox approach of looking to the law of the seat. An approach that looks to the law of the arbitration agreement would be particularly detrimental to English arbitration law given the decision of the UK Supreme Court in Enka v Chubb. It underlines the need for reform of the Arbitration Act 1996 to address some of the well-known problems caused by Enka and which could be expanded by the additional focus on the law applicable to the arbitration agreement provided by Anupam.
Giant Lipoma in the Trapezius Muscle: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Meza-Hernandez Javier , Gonzalez-Cantú Iván , Del Carmen-Ortega Ignacio , Vázquez-Sánchez Hernando Alberto , Apellaniz-Campo Armando Guillermo
Published: September 2024

Intramuscular lipomas, although rare, are benign growths within muscle tissue. Typically occurring between ages 40 and 70, they present as infiltrative masses, with the thigh being the most common location. Lipomas exceeding 5 cm are termed giant lipomas. Instances within the trapezius muscle are notably scarce, necessitating further research due to their relative rarity. A 40-year-old male presented with a 2-year history of a tumor on his right shoulder, causing mild limitation but no pain or tingling. Initial attempts at removal failed due to depth. Imaging revealed a well-defined, vascular mass, confirmed by MRI as a 1041 cm3 intramuscular lipoma in the right trapezius muscle. Surgical extraction was successful without complications. Few cases of intramuscular lipomas in the trapezius muscle have been reported. These slow-growing masses can cause discomfort and mimic other conditions. MRI is crucial for accurate diagnosis, distinguishing them from other soft tissue tumors. Surgical excision is preferred for symptomat cases, with low recurrence rates. This case highlights a rare giant intramuscular lipoma in the trapezius muscle, emphasizing the importance of precise imaging for diagnosis. Further epidemiological research on intramuscular lipomas is needed, particularly in the trapezius muscle.

Level of Evidence: 5 (Therapeutic)
VirTAXA: enhancing RNA virus taxonomic classification with remote homology search and tree-based validation
Authors: Zhu Yilin , Chen Guowei , Sun Yanni
Published: September 2024

RNA viruses are ubiquitous across a broad spectrum of ecosystems. Therefore, beyond their significant implications for public health, RNA viruses are also key players in ecological processes. High-through sequencing has accelerated the discovery of RNA viruses. Nevertheless, many of these viruses lack taxonomic annotation, posing a challenge to functional inference and evolutionary study. In particular, virus classification at the genus level remains difficult due to the limited reference data and ambiguous boundaries between some closely related genera. We introduce VirTAXA, a robust classification tool that combines remote homology search and tree-based validation to enhance the genus-level taxonomic classification of RNA viruses. VirTAXA is able to predict the genus label of an assembled viral contig and provide evidence type for each prediction. It achieves comparable accuracy to state-of-the-art methods while assigning genus labels to a greater number of sequences. Specifically, on the Global Ocean RNA metatranscriptomic data, VirTAXA can assign genus labels for 18% more contigs than the second-best classification tool. Furthermore, we demonstrated that VirTAXA can be conveniently extended to other types of viruses.

Availability and implementation

The source code and data of VirTAXA are available via https://github.com/JudithEllyn/VirTAXA.
Impact of laparoscopic training course for surgical trainees based on an evidence-based pedagogical framework: randomized trial
Authors: Pan Ruijun , Zhou Xueliang , Wu Chao , Zhang Luyang , Wang Jiayu , Zheng Minhua , Shi Ting , Cai Wei , Sun Jing
Published: September 2024

Background

The ‘Learn, See, Practice, Prove, Do, Maintain’ (LSPPDM) pedagogical framework is an evidence-based framework developed through a careful review and synthesis of the literature. The purpose of the study was to explore the effectiveness and applicability of the LSPPDM pedagogical framework in the laparoscopic training course for surgical residents.

Methods

Prospective study of surgical residents who underwent standardized surgical residency training in a single institution from December 2020 to December 2022. Trainees were randomized to either the pedagogical group (6-step LSPPDM pedagogical framework) or traditional group (2-step traditional approach with twice-weekly lectures and a weekly laparoscopic operating skills session). The Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills scale was used for technical skills, and the Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons assessment form was used for non-technical skills.

Results

Sixty trainees were randomized. The pedagogical group scored higher on subjective perception (P < 0.050) and the theoretical assessment (mean(s.d.) 41.83(6.66)) than those in the traditional group (37.83(5.77)) (P = 0.016). Trainees in the pedagogical group took less time to complete the assessment of models, had fewer failures and higher scores, took less time to complete laparoscopic sutures and knots, showed better proficiency with laparoscopic instruments, and completed at higher quality (P < 0.050). Trainees performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in animal models demonstrated higher technical and non-technical skill scores in the pedagogical group (P < 0.050). ‘Tissue handling’ and ‘Decision making’ were common areas for improvement for both groups of trainees.

Conclusions

The LSPPDM pedagogical framework is feasible and demonstrated improvements in technical and non-technical skills in surgical trainees compared to a traditional training programme.
Expression profile and function of secretogranin V, and its effects on the malignant behavior of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hamrah Mohammad Hussain , Kanda Mitsuro , Sato Yusuke , Zhu Haote , Bayasgalan Tuvshin , Garza Flor , Shinozuka Takahiro , Ito Yuki , Sasahara Masahiro , Shimizu Dai , Umeda Shinichi , Takami Hideki , Hattori Norifumi , Hayashi Masamichi , Tanaka Chie , Kodera Yasuhiro
Published: September 2024

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is recognized as one of the most aggressive cancers with a poor prognosis. Global expression profiling was conducted on primary ESCC tissues with distant metastases. We investigated the identification of secretogranin V (SCG5) as a promising biomarker for the detection and assessment of ESCC. SCG5 transcription levels were evaluated in 21 ESCC cell lines. Small interfering RNA–mediated knockdown experiments validated SCG5’s roles in cell invasion, proliferation, and migration. We utilized a mouse subcutaneous xenograft model to assess tumor growth. SCG5 expression was measured in 164 ESCC tissues by quantitative reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and its association with clinicopathological parameters was investigated. SCG5 protein levels were assessed in surgically resected tissues from 177 patients with ESCC using a tissue microarray. The mRNA expression levels of SCG5 varied widely in ESCC cell lines. The in vitro cell invasion, proliferation, and migration of ESCC cells were suppressed by the knockdown of SCG5. Mouse xenograft models revealed that tumor growth was reduced by small interfering RNA–mediated SCG5 knockdown. Analysis of clinical samples demonstrated that SCG5 mRNA was expressed in ESCC compared to adjacent normal esophageal tissues. High SCG5 mRNA expression was linked to significant decreases in overall and disease-specific survival. Furthermore, SCG5 protein expression was linked to a decrease in disease-specific survival and disease-free survival. The expression of the SCG5 was significantly associated with disease-specific survival, suggesting that SCG5 may play a significant role as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for ESCC.
Validation of machine learning-based risk stratification scores for patients with acute coronary syndrome treated with percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Molenaar Mitchel A , Selder Jasper L , Schmidt Amand F , Asselbergs Folkert W , Nieuwendijk Jelle D , van Dalfsen Brigitte , Schuuring Mark J , Bouma Berto J , Chamuleau Steven A J , Verouden Niels J
Published: September 2024

Aims

This study aimed to validate the machine learning-based Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) 3.0 score and PRAISE (Prediction of Adverse Events following an Acute Coronary Syndrome) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for predicting mortality.

Methods and results

Data of consecutive patients with ACS treated with PCI in a tertiary centre in the Netherlands between 2014 and 2021 were used for external validation. The GRACE 3.0 score for predicting in-hospital mortality was evaluated in 2759 patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) treated with PCI. The PRAISE score for predicting one-year mortality was evaluated in 4347 patients with ACS treated with PCI. Both risk scores were compared with the GRACE 2.0 score. The GRACE 3.0 score showed excellent discrimination [c-statistic 0.90 (95% CI 0.84, 0.94)] for predicting in-hospital mortality, with well-calibrated predictions (calibration-in-the large [CIL] −0.19 [95% CI −0.45, 0.07]). The PRAISE score demonstrated moderate discrimination [c-statistic 0.75 (95% CI 0.70, 0.80)] and overestimated the one-year risk of mortality [CIL −0.56 (95% CI −0.73, −0.39)]. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the GRACE 3.0 score offered improved risk prediction compared with the GRACE 2.0 score, while the PRAISE score did not.

Conclusion

This study in ACS patients treated with PCI provides suggestive evidence that the GRACE 3.0 score effectively predicts in-hospital mortality beyond the GRACE 2.0 score. The PRAISE score demonstrated limited potential for predicting one-year mortality risk. Further external validation studies in larger cohorts including patients without PCI are warranted.
Optimal planning and management strategies for minimally invasive lung segmentectomies: an international Delphi consensus report
Authors: Bertolaccini Luca , Abu Akar Firas , Aigner Clemens , Brunelli Alessandro , Decker Georges , Fang Wentao , Furák József , Ismail Mahmoud , Jiménez Marcelo , Kirschbaum Andreas , Kostic Marko , Lucchi Marco , Mohamed Shehab , Murthy Sudish C , Ng Calvin S H , Ortlieb Heribert , Novoa Nuria , Prisciandaro Elena , Spaggiari Lorenzo , Figueroa Paula A Ugalde , Zaraca Francesco
Published: September 2024

OBJECTIVES

CALGB140503/JCOG0802 RCTs comparing lobectomy with sublobar resection in stage IA NSCLC have confirmed the non-inferiority of segmentectomy. Additional insight is needed to improve preoperative work-up and intraoperative strategies to increase safety and promote the dissemination of minimally invasive segmentectomy (MIS). A Delphi panel study assessed the level of consensus among surgeons for the planning and management of MIS.

METHODS

Twenty-one expert lung surgeons represented academic institutions, major teaching hospitals, and community hospitals from Europe, North America, and Asia. A 3-round Delphi methodology was used to analyse the answers of each panellist. Recognizing that questions with fewer response options have a higher consensus probability due to limited variability, weighted consensus thresholds were modified based on the number of response options.

RESULTS

The 21 panellists responded to all 3 rounds of questions. Based on the most robust consensus (94.4%), 3D chest CT reconstructions are recommended only when planning complex segmentectomies. Surgeons should perform 3D reconstructions chest CT scans (consensus = 83.3%). The most effective and safest technique is image-guided VATS in a hybrid operating room (consensus = 83.3%). Dyes with intravenous administration are the safest technique for identifying the intersegmental plane during MIS (consensus = 72.2%). Augmented/mixed reality will probably not immediately help reduce perioperative complications (consensus = 72.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

This Delphi consensus supports 3D reconstructions and preoperative pulmonary nodule localization before complex MIS. These recommendations should be considered when allocating resources to improve MIS’s safety and oncologic efficacy for patients with small, early-stage lung cancers.
164 Is it time to rethink the communication of physical activity messages with adolescents? Findings from the Active School Flag programme
Authors: Grady Caera , Ng Kwok , Bengoechea Enrique Garcia , Murtagh Elaine , Woods Catherine
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The Active School Flag (ASF) is a multi-stage, multi-component, whole-of-school physical activity (PA) programme in Ireland. This study assessed health literacy, PA knowledge, beliefs about consequences of PA and programme awareness among ASF secondary school students. Survey findings prompted an inquiry with ASF programme implementers to explore the communication of PA in the school.

Methods

Seventeen schools were invited to take part. Five schools took part in the survey (Nov 2021) assessing health literacy, knowledge and beliefs about consequences of PA, and programme awareness. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the factors influencing adolescents’ health literacy, 484 students were included in the analysis. Programme implementers from the 17 schools were invited to a focus group at the end of the year (May 2022). Ten schools engaged in the process aiming to understand how PA messages were communicated in the schools. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Comparisons between gender(s) showed significant differences for health literacy (p = .002), PA knowledge (p = .021) and beliefs about consequences (p = .007). No significant differences were found for school stage i.e. junior vs senior. The overall model significantly predicted health literacy, F(5, 478) = 56.08, p = <.001. Significant predictors included knowledge of PA (B= .869, p<.001) and beliefs about the consequences (B = 2.34, p<.001). Gender, year group and designated-disadvantage status were not significant predictors of health literacy.

Findings described the manner in which PA messages are communicated in relation to the i) types of communication, ii) the content of the messages, and iii) the mode of delivery. However, disparities between schools highlighted the lack of a clear communication plan.

Conclusions

Low levels of PA knowledge, its’ consequences and health literacy among adolescents in the ASF programme warranted further exploration into the methods used to communicate PA messages in ASF schools. The methods used to communicate PA in Irish secondary schools, varied and a clear communication plan was missing. Further research is needed to improve the communication of PA messages with adolescents and increase levels of knowledge, awareness and health literacy.

Support/funding source

Mayo Education Centre and the Irish Research Council Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship.
135 It’s about time for exercise: the Exercise Participation Explained in Relation to Time (EXPERT) Model
Authors: Healy Sean , Patterson Freda , Biddle Stuart , Dumuid Dorothea , Glorieux Ignace , Olds Tim , Woods Catherine , Bauman Adrian , Gaba Aleš , Herring Matthew , Kastelic Kaja , Lachapelle Ugo , Volpe Stella , Pedisic Željko
Published: September 2024

Background

‘Lack of time’ is consistently the most commonly reported barrier to regular exercise participation. However, this term insufficiently captures the complex and multidimensional nature of time. Recognizing the need for a more comprehensive analysis of ‘lack of time’ as a barrier to exercise, in this presentation the authors introduce the Exercise Participation Explained in Relation to Time (EXPERT) model.

Purpose

To present the temporal (time-related) factors relevant to exercise via the Exercise Participation Explained in Relation to Time (EXPERT) model.

Methods

To develop the EXPERT model, the authors used a rigorous sequential process that comprised the following steps. First, an umbrella literature review of time as barrier, determinant, and correlate of exercise was conducted. Second, a targeted review of existing temporal models was completed. Third, the lead author developed a first draft of the EXPERT model, led a series of focused discussions with members of the authorship team to refine the model, and then conducted a Delphi process to solicit pointed feedback and produce the penultimate model. Finally, this penultimate model was shared with a convenience sample of end-users and experts who informed revisions to make the final EXPERT model.

Results

The final EXPERT model factors includes four categories of factors: (1) Temporal needs and preferences for exercise (an individual’s preferences in relation to when they exercise); (2) Temporal autonomy for exercise (an individual’s autonomy in scheduling their free time); (3) Temporal conditions for exercise (an individual’s actual available time for exercise); and, (4) Temporal dimensions of exercise (an individual’s actual use of time for exercise). These four categories include multiple factors which collectively represent an individual’s preferences for, autonomy over, conditions for, and actual use of time for exercise.

Conclusions

The EXPERT model provides a framework that comprehensively explains the temporal factors that relate to exercise participation. This framework can help guide more nuanced assessments of time as a barrier to exercise and help inform novel approaches to mitigate this pervasive and potent barrier to regular exercise engagement.
219 Older Adults’ Experiences of a Peer-led Walking Intervention: A Qualitative Study of the ‘Walk with Me’ Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Adams Michael , Tully Mark , Simpson Liz , Murphy Marie , Hardeman Wendy
Published: September 2024

Background and Purpose

Development of effective physical activity interventions for older adults is important in eliciting positive health and well-being outcomes. ‘Walk with Me’ is a community-based, peer-led walking intervention aimed at increasing moderate-vigorous physical activity in older adults living in socio-economically disadvantaged areas. This qualitative study aims to understand participant and mentor experiences of the ‘Walk with Me’ intervention.

Methods

Six participant and four peer-mentor focus groups were conducted immediately post-intervention using semi-structured topic guides. Participants and mentors, all aged 60 years or above, were purposely sampled to reflect the wider demographic of the ‘Walk with Me’ intervention. Sessions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and validated for accuracy by another author. A framework analysis approach is currently being used for coding transcripts. Analysis will be conducted in the following stages: familiarisation with the audio recordings, coding of the transcripts, development of an analytical framework, application of the framework, charting and interpretation of the data. Analysis will explore the similarities and differences in responses across demographic factors.

Preliminary results

A total of 30 participants (19 females and 11 males) and 16 peer-mentors (nine females and seven males) participated in the focus groups. Each focus group session was comprised of between three and nine individuals, and lasted between 35 and 59 minutes. A preliminary analysis of three participant focus group transcripts suggest that the among the key mediators and moderators of walking in this intervention are social support, feelings of accountability, improved self-efficacy, raised awareness and the physical environment. There are indications that behavioural change techniques of goal setting, feedback and monitoring, problem-solving (overcoming barriers) and action planning may have positively contributed to engagement. Perceived barriers and facilitators to participation, perceived outcomes and perceptions of the implementation of key intervention components have also been provisionally identified.

Preliminary Conclusions

The findings are likely to highlight considerations for implementation, the role of key mechanisms and the contextual factors that may have influenced delivery, receipt and enactment of a peer-led walking intervention. It is expected that findings will help propose refinements to the intervention logic model and recommendations that can inform future studies.