bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Right ventricular functional recovery assessment with stress echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing after pulmonary embolism: a pilot prospective multicentre study
Authors: Samaranayake Chinthaka Bhagya , Upham John , Tran Khoa , Howard Luke S , Nguyen Sean , Lwin Myo , Anderson James , Wahi Sudhir , Price Laura C , Wort Stephen , Li Wei , McCabe Colm , Keir Gregory J
Published: July 2023

Background

Data on right ventricular (RV) exercise adaptation following acute intermediate and high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the symptom burden, RV functional recovery during exercise and cardiopulmonary exercise parameters in survivors of intermediate and high-risk acute PE.

Methods

We prospectively recruited patients following acute intermediate and high-risk PE at four sites in Australia and UK. Study assessments included stress echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and ventilation–perfusion (VQ) scan at 3 months follow-up.

Results

Thirty patients were recruited and 24 (median age: 55 years, IQR: 22) completed follow-up. Reduced peak oxygen consumption (VO2) and workload was seen in 75.0% (n=18), with a persistent high symptom burden (mean PEmb-QoL Questionnaire 48.4±21.5 and emPHasis-10 score 22.4±8.8) reported at follow-up. All had improvement in RV-focused resting echocardiographic parameters. RV systolic dysfunction and RV to pulmonary artery (PA) uncoupling assessed by stress echocardiography was seen in 29.2% (n=7) patients and associated with increased ventilatory inefficiency (V̇E/V̇CO2slope 47.6 vs 32.4, p=0.03), peak exercise oxygen desaturation (93.2% vs 98.4%, p=0.01) and reduced peak oxygen pulse (p=0.036) compared with controls. Five out of seven patients with RV–PA uncoupling demonstrated persistent bilateral perfusion defects on VQ scintigraphy consistent with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary vascular disease.

Conclusion

In our cohort, impaired RV adaptation on exercise was seen in almost one-third of patients. Combined stress echocardiography and CPET may enable more accurate phenotyping of patients with persistent symptoms following acute PE to allow timely detection of long-term complications.
Global prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: En Li Cho Elina , Ang Chong Zhe , Quek Jingxuan , Fu Clarissa Elysia , Lim Lincoln Kai En , Heng Zane En Qi , Tan Darren Jun Hao , Lim Wen Hui , Yong Jie Ning , Zeng Rebecca , Chee Douglas , Nah Benjamin , Lesmana Cosmas Rinaldi Adithya , Bwa Aung Hlaing , Win Khin Maung , Faulkner Claire , Aboona Majd B , Lim Mei Chin , Syn Nicholas , Kulkarni Anand V. , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Takahashi Hirokazu , Tamaki Nobuharu , Wijarnpreecha Karn , Huang Daniel Q. , Muthiah Mark , Ng Cheng Han , Loomba Rohit
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease, with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as a major predictor. Insulin resistance and chronic inflammation are key pathways in the pathogenesis of T2DM leading to NAFLD and vice versa, with the synergistic effect of NAFLD and T2DM increasing morbidity and mortality risks. This meta-analysis aims to quantify the prevalence of NAFLD and the prevalence of clinically significant and advanced fibrosis in people with T2DM.

Methods

MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched from inception until 13 February 2023. The primary outcomes were the prevalence of NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis in people with T2DM. A generalised linear mixed model with Clopper-Pearson intervals was used for the analysis of proportions with sensitivity analysis conducted to explore heterogeneity between studies.

Results

156 studies met the inclusion criteria, and a pooled analysis of 1 832 125 patients determined that the prevalence rates of NAFLD and NASH in T2DM were 65.04% (95% CI 61.79% to 68.15%, I2=99.90%) and 31.55% (95% CI 17.12% to 50.70%, I2=97.70%), respectively. 35.54% (95% CI 19.56% to 55.56%, I2=100.00%) of individuals with T2DM with NAFLD had clinically significant fibrosis (F2–F4), while 14.95% (95% CI 11.03% to 19.95%, I2=99.00%) had advanced fibrosis (F3–F4).

Conclusion

This study determined a high prevalence of NAFLD, NASH and fibrosis in people with T2DM. Increased efforts are required to prevent T2DM to combat the rising burden of NAFLD.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022360251.
Clinical profile and treatment utilisation based on HLA-B*27 status in axial spondyloarthritis: results from ASAS-PerSpA study
Authors: Chaudhary Haseeb , López-Medina Clementina , Khan Muhammad Asim , Dougados Maxime , Magrey Marina
Published: July 2023

Objective

We aimed to characterize differences of clinical features, extra-musculoskeletal manifestations and treatment utilizations based on the patients’ HLA-B*27 status in a global axSpA cohort and identify predictors of HLA-B*27 negativity in these patients.

Methodology

In post-hoc analysis of the ASAS-PerSpA study, patients fulfilling the 2009 ASAS classification criteria for axSpA and typed for HLA-B*27 were included. The patient characteristics cwere compared between the HLA-B*27(+) and HLA-B*27(-) subgroups. Multivariablete logistic regression was conducted to identify predictors of HLA-B*27 negativity.

Results

Of 2910 patients with axSpA from 24 countries, 2269 were tested for HLA-B*27 [1753 HLA-B*27(+) and 516 HLA-B*27(-)]. The proportion of males was higher in the HLA-B*27 (+) compared to the HLA-B*27 (-) subgroup (72.1 vs 54.3%). Patient population with HLA-B*27 (+) more often had positive family history for axSpA (29.8 vs 15.3%), and younger age at diagnosis, 31.6 years (SD 10.9) vs 37.7 years (SD 12.1). HLA-B*27 (-) patients had significantly higher peripheral arthritis (47.5 vs 42.1%, p<0.05), psoriasis (19.4 vs 10.2), enthesitis (56.6 vs 49.8%) and IBD (12.8 vs 3.4) (p<0.001). The exposure to csDMARDS in HLA-B*27 (-) patients was higher (61.2 vs 55.0%, p< 0.05). On multivariable analysis, HLA-B*27 (-) status was positively associated with enthesitis, psoriasis and IBD with an OR 1.27 (1.02-1.57), 1.84 (1.36-2.48) and 4.84 (3.23-7.30) respectively, and inversely associated with uveitis, OR 0.37 (0.27-0.50).

Conclusion

HLA-B*27 (-) axSpA patients had a longer delay in diagnosis, more frequently had peripheral arthritis, enthesitis, IBD, psoriasis, and were more often treated with csDMARDs compared to HLA-B*27 (+) subgroup.
Digital health and inpatient palliative care: a cohort-controlled study
Authors: Singh Baldev Malkit , Kumari-Dewat Nisha , Ryder Adam , Parry Emma , Klaire Vijay , Matthews Dawn , Bennion Gemma , Jennens Hannah , Ritzenthaler Benoit M E , Rayner Sophie , Shears Jean , Ahmed Kamran , Sidhu Mona , Viswanath Ananth , Warren Kate
Published: July 2023

Objectives

End of life has unacceptable levels of hospital admission and death. We aimed to determine the association of a novel digital specific system (Proactive Risk-Based and Data-Driven Assessment of Patients at the End of Life, PRADA) to modify such events.

Methods

A cohort-controlled study of those discharged alive, who died within 90 days of discharge, comparing PRADA (n=114) with standard care (n=3730).

Results

At 90 days, the PRADA group were more likely to die (78.9% vs 46.2%, p<0.001), had a shorter time to death (58±90 vs 178±186 days, p<0.001) but readmission (20.2% vs 37.9%, p<0.001) or death in hospital (4.4% vs 28.9%, p<0.001) was lower with reduced risk for a combined 90-day outcome of postdischarge non-elective admission or hospital death (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.27–0.74, p<0.001). Tightening criteria with 1:1 matching (n=83 vs 83) showed persistent significant findings in PRADA contact with markedly reduced adverse events (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.02–0.96, p<0.05).

Conclusions

Being seen in hospital by a specialist palliative care team using the PRADA tool was associated with significantly improved postdischarge outcomes pertaining to those destined to die after discharge.
Longevity of multilayered textured HDPE geomembranes in low-level waste applications
Authors: Zafari M. , Rowe R.K. , Abdelaal F.B.
Published: July 2023

The degradation behaviour of five multilayered textured white geomembranes (GMBs) is investigated when immersed in two synthetic low-level waste (LLW) leachates with pH 7 and 9 at a range of temperatures (40–85 °C) for 48–55 months. Results are compared to the performance of the GMBs in synthetic municipal solid waste (MSW) leachate. Increasing pH from 7 to 9 gives slightly faster antioxidant depletion in LLW leachate. The estimated time to nominal failure for the GMBs is at least 20% longer in LLW leachate than in MSW leachate containing surfactant that accelerates both antioxidant depletion and stress cracking. Thus, MSW leachate can be used as a conservative proxy to estimate the service life of a GMB in contact with LLW leachate. Two GMBs are considered very highly likely to meet the required 550 year design life of the near-surface disposal facilities even based on the most conservative prediction of the time to nominal failure for the GMBs.
Lectures on SMEFT
Authors: Falkowski Adam
Published: July 2023

This document contains lectures on SMEFT, which is an effective field theory of the degrees of freedom of the Standard Model. The material is at a basic, introductory level, without assuming any prior knowledge of effective field theory techniques. The main focus is on phenomenological applications of SMEFT in collider, flavor, and low-energy physics.
Nonlinear radiation effects on water-based nanofluid containing CNTs subject to heat source/ sink past a wedge
Authors: Muqaddass N. , Mabood F. , Shehzad S. A. , Badruddin I. A. , Rauf A.
Published: July 2023

In this paper, a two-dimensional and incompressible laminar flow comprised of water-based carbon nanotubes over convectively heated moving wedge under the magnetic field and nonlinear radiation and heat production/ absorption is investigated. The base nanofluid (water) contains single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multiple walls carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). In order to convert the dimensional nonlinear partial differential equations in nondimensional nonlinear ordinary differential form, an adequate set of similarity variables had been used. These set of equations and boundary conditions are evaluated by the implementation of RKF-45 (Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg fourth-fifth) order scheme. The influence of several physical parameters on particular nanoparticle’s volume friction, temperature and velocity ratio parameter, heat source/ sink parameter, nonlinear radiative constraint, exponent constant, magnetic factor, Eckert and Biot numbers is studied. An opposite behavior of volume fraction and velocity ratio parameters on velocity and energy profiles is achieved.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Rising Effects of Renewable Energy Consumption and Climate Risk Development Finance: Evidence from BRICS Countries
Authors: Chang Bisharat Hussain , Auxilia P. A. Mary , Kalra Akash , Wong Wing-Keung , Uddin Mohammed Ahmar
Published: July 2023

In recent decades, the surge in greenhouse gas emissions has given rise to an increase in climate risk-related development finance. This research delves into the effect of renewable energy and climate risk-related development finance on greenhouse gas emissions in the BRICS region. Panel regression estimates were employed to uncover several noteworthy findings. Firstly, a slight yet significant surge in greenhouse gas emissions resulted from increased climate risk-related development finance. Secondly, augmented climate risk-related mitigation finance corresponded with a noteworthy upsurge in renewable energy usage. Thirdly, greater renewable energy consumption resulted in a considerable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Lastly, amplified renewable energy consumption alleviated the impact of climate risk-related mitigation finance on greenhouse gas emissions. These findings emphasize the necessity of efficiently utilizing climate finance in generating renewable energies like wind, biomass, geothermal, hydroelectric and solar energies. Additionally, it is recommended that benefactor nations and officials ensure a regular and uninterrupted flow of climate risk-related development mitigation finance to emerging nations.
A Tale of Two Markets: Investigating the Ransomware Payments Economy
Authors: Oosthoek Kris , Cable Jack , Smaragdakis Georgios
Published: July 2023

A data-driven, follow-the-money approach to characterize the ransomware ecosystem uncovers two parallel ransomware criminal markets: commodity ransomware and Ransomware as a Service (RaaS).
A Pragmatic Analysis of Machine Translation Techniques for Preserving the Authenticity of the Sanskrit Language
Authors: Sethi Nandini , Dev Amita , Bansal Poonam , Sharma Deepak Kumar , Gupta Deepak
Published: July 2023

Machine Translation has been a field of study for over six decades, but it has acquired substantial prominence in the last decade as processing capacity in personal computers has increased. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the usage of Sanskrit as a source, target, or supporting language in various Machine Translation systems. To investigate Machine Translation, researchers use a variety of strategies, including corpus-based, direct, and rule-based approaches. The primary goal of employing Sanskrit in Machine Translation is to evaluate its appropriateness, lexicon, and performance when proper Machine Translation methods are used. The research examines various modelling strategies for developing a machine translation system, specifically Statistical and Neural Machine Translation, in order to bridge the gap between Sanskrit and its current successor, Hindi. Interpretations are formed in Statistical Machine Translation by matching words from the source and target languages with statistical models and bilingual text corpora to learn parameters. Neural Machine Translation, on the other hand, uses an artificial neural network to predict the likelihood of a word sequence, frequently modelling entire phrases within a single integrated model. Neural Machine Translation is implemented using an encoder-decoder architecture with an attention mechanism. One of the most significant contributions of this paper is the use of different data sources, data collecting, and scraping to create a complete dataset. According to the study's findings, Neural Machine Translation outperforms the Statistical Machine Translation modelling technique. Furthermore, the paper examines the distinctive qualities of the Sanskrit language as well as the difficulties encountered by researchers in digesting Sanskrit while constructing the machine translation system. This study investigates the use of Sanskrit in Machine Translation and analyses several modelling methods, such as Statistical and Neural Machine Translation. The paper emphasizes the advantages of Neural Machine Translation and discusses the unique characteristics and challenges of the Sanskrit language in machine translation development.
Calculated Equilibrium Populations of Ti2C2@C82 Isomers
Authors: Slanina Zdeněk , Uhlík Filip , Yu Pengyuan , Bao Lipiao , Akasaka Takeshi , Lu Xing , Adamowicz Ludwik
Published: July 2023

High-temperature equilibrium relative populations of two Ti2C2@C82 isomers isolated recently are treated by quantum-chemical calculations, viz. endohedrals with the C

s
(c);6-C82 and C
3v
(b);8-C82 IPR (isolated-pentagon-rule) cages. The calculations are carried out using the Gibbs energy based on the MP2=FU/6-31+G*∼SDD energetics and B3LYP/6-31G*∼SDD entropy. The observed ratio Ti2C2@C

s
(c);6-C82 : Ti2C2@C
3v
(b);8-C82=1.6:1 is in the computations obtained at a temperature of 1543 K, i.e., in the supposed synthetic temperature region. Before that point, the two isomers reach their equimolarity at a temperature of 983 K. This fine theory-experiment agreement represents another example of a good performance of the Gibbs-energy based quantum-chemical evaluations of the fullerenic equilibrium compositions under the high-temperature synthetic conditions.
Inhibition of discoidin domain receptor 2 reveals kinase-dependent and kinase-independent functions in regulating fibroblast activity
Authors: Ling Song , Kwak Doyun , Kim Kevin K.
Published: July 2023

Type I collagen is a major component of fibrosis and can signal through cell surface receptors such as discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2). DDR2 activation can lead to further collagen deposition by fibroblasts setting up a profibrotic positive feedback loop. In this report, we find that inhibition of DDR2 with nintedanib or a specific DDR2 inhibitor, WRG-28, can disrupt this cycle and prevent fibrosis through augmented fibroblast apoptosis and inhibited activation.
Data Exchange Mechanism for Real-Time Object Detection in Cloud-Edge IoT System
Authors: Miao Weiwei , Zeng Zeng , Huang Jin , Li Shihao , Xia Yuanyi , Bi Sibo , Wang Xilong
Published: July 2023

Real-time target detection based on massive surveillance video data plays a key role in the smart grid, especially in power vision applications. With the indepth construction of power Internet of Things, centralized cloud applications pose challenges to real-time applications due to high bandwidth costs, resulting in delays and loads. Edge computing attempts to perform all the tasks on the edge. However, limited resources on the edge generally cannot guarantee real-time tasks, while complex intelligence algorithms are difficult to fully deploy. Given that both cloud computing solution and edge-only computing solution cannot achieve a good effect, this paper proposes a data exchange mechanism for real-time object detection in a cloud-edge IoT system, which achieves a balance of object detection task executing between delay and accuracy by utilizing the designed intelligent task scheduler. Experimental results performed in real environments using real surveillance video datasets show that by using our cloud-edge collaboration mechanism, the task response time of the system is only about 12% of cloud computing solution while ensuring query accuracy within the practical scope. The system also improves the query accuracy by about 59% compared to edge computing solutions, while the task response time was reduced to its 72%.
Geometric Degree Reduction of Wang–Ball Curves
Authors: Hamza Yusuf Fatihu , Hamza Mukhtar Fatihu , Rababah Abedallah , Ibrahim Salisu
Published: July 2023

There are substantial methods of degree reduction in the literature. Existing methods share some common limitations, such as lack of geometric continuity, complex computations, and one-degree reduction at a time. In this paper, an approximate geometric multidegree reduction algorithm of Wang–Ball curves is proposed.

G

0

-,

G

1

-, and

G

2

-continuity conditions are applied in the degree reduction process to preserve the boundary control points. The general equation for high-order (G2 and above) multidegree reduction algorithms is nonlinear, and the solutions of these nonlinear systems are quite expensive. In this paper,

C

1

-continuity conditions are imposed besides the

G

2

-continuity conditions. While some existing methods only achieve the multidegree reduction by repeating the one-degree reduction method recursively, our proposed method achieves multidegree reduction at once. The distance between the original curve and the degree-reduced curve is measured with the

L

2

-norm. Numerical example and figures are presented to state the adequacy of the algorithm. The proposed method not only outperforms the existing method of degree reduction of Wang–Ball curves but also guarantees geometric continuity conditions at the boundary points, which is very important in CAD and geometric modeling.
A Comprehensive LOVD Database for Fatty Acid Oxidation Disorders in Chinese Populations
Authors: Zhang Ting , Yu Zinan , Hu Lingwei , Zhang Chao , Miao Haixia , Yang Rulai , Qi Ming , Wu Benqing , Huang Xinwen
Published: July 2023

Fatty acid oxidation disorders (FAODs) are a group of rare, autosomal recessive, metabolic disorders with clinical symptoms from mild types of fatigue, muscle weakness to severe types of hypoketotic hypoglycemia, (cardio)myopathy, arrhythmia, and rhabdomyolysis, especially during prolonged fasting, exercise, and illness. There are eleven diseases caused by thirteen FAOD genes (SLC22A5, ETFDH, ETFA, ETFB, SLC25A20, ACADS, ACADM, ACADVL, ACAT1, CPT1A, CPT2, HADHA, and HADHB) which are specific enzymes or transport proteins involved in the mitochondrial catabolism of fatty acids. We built the LOVD database for FAODs focused on the Chinese population, in which we recorded all the reported variants by literature peer review. In addition, the unpublished variant data of patients from Zhejiang province were also incorporated into the database. Currently, a total of 538 unique variants have been recorded. We also compared the incidence of high-frequency variants of certain FAOD genes among different populations. The database would provide the guidance for genetic screening of Chinese patients.
Severe Spontaneous Hematomas in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19
Authors: Otero-Rodriguez Silvia , Guillen Cristina , Mataix Maria , Gonzalez-de-la-Aleja Pilar , Cruces-Fuentes Elisabeth , Mantilla-Pinilla Alix Juliette , Moreno-Perez Oscar , Sanchez-Martinez Rosario , Merino Esperanza , Ramos-Rincon Jose-Manuel
Published: July 2023

Objective. To describe the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics, medical treatment, and outcomes of a case series of severe spontaneous hematoma in COVID-19. Material and Methods. This retrospective study included patients hospitalized for COVID-19 who were diagnosed with severe spontaneous bleeding complications by following a standardized treatment protocol that included computed tomography angiography (CTA) from 1 March 2020 to 28 February 2022. The main outcomes were embolization and all-cause mortality. Baseline variables were analyzed for their association with mortality using bivariable logistic regression, and results were expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results. In total, 2450 adults were hospitalized for COVID-19 in our center during the study period. 20 patients presented severe and spontaneous intramuscular bleeding (8.1 per 1000 COVID-19 admission vs. 0.47 per 1000 non-COVID-19 admissions,

p
<
0.001

); their median age was 68.5 years (interquartile range (IQR) 63, 80), they had high comorbidity (median Charlson comorbidity index 4.5), and 95% were receiving high doses of heparin. The median interval from COVID-19 symptoms to bleeding was 17 days (IQR 13, 24), and 70% reported cough as a previous symptom. Hypovolemic shock, hypotension, and abdominal pain were the most frequent symptoms of the hematoma. All presented decreased hemoglobin, and 95% required transfusion. Intramuscular hematoma occurred most frequently in the rectus sheath, iliopsoas compartment, and femoral-iliac compartment. All patients underwent embolization; mortality was 45%. We did not identify risk factors associated with an increased risk of death. Conclusion. Although severe bleeding is an uncommon complication of COVID-19, its prevalence is higher than in inpatients without COVID-19, it usually needs embolization, and it is associated with high mortality.
T-HAD Score: A Novel Diagnostic Model for Advanced Fibrosis in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Authors: Oommen Tharun Tom , Varghese Jijo , Devadas Krishnadas , Hareendran Atul , Nahaz Nibin , Giri Suprabhat
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims. The NAFLD disease spectrum includes simple steatosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Progression from NASH, the forerunner of developing cirrhosis, portends a poor outcome as mortality is proportionately increased. This study sought to propose a new diagnostic model for advanced fibrosis in an Asian population cohort affected with NAFLD. Methods. Cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Medical College, Trivandrum. The study period was 2 years. After excluding secondary causes of hepatic steatosis, patients were subjected to vibration-controlled transient elastography or transient elastography (VCTE or TE) to assess hepatic fibrosis. Subjects were grouped into those with advanced fibrosis (

TE
>
10

 Kpa) and those without (

TE
<
10

 Kpa) based on the estimation of TE. A new scoring system was then developed. This was then validated in a cohort of 84 biopsy-proven patients.Results. 1617 NAFLD patients were included in the study. Independent predictors of advanced fibrosis in this cohort were hip circumference, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and diabetes mellitus (duration more than 10 years). The coefficient of beta for these variables was calculated. T-HAD score was calculated using the following formula:

Hip
 
circumference
×
0.044
+
AST
×
0.028
+
diabetes
 
mellitus
×
3.7

−

0.03
×
triglycerides

. The AUROC of the T-HAD score was 0.929. The T-HAD score had a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 77% at a cut off of >2 for advanced fibrosis. We validated this score in another cohort of liver biopsy with advanced fibrosis. In the validation cohort, the T-HAD score had an AUROC of 0.926 in diagnosing advanced fibrosis (sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 71% at a cut off of >2). Conclusion. The T-HAD score based on data from the Asian population is a new diagnostic model which is beneficial in estimating the risk of advanced fibrosis. It is a simple yet effective tool that could be in-cooperated into day-to-day practice in a resource-limited setting.
A Review on Hydrogen Generation by Photo-, Electro-, and Photoelectro-Catalysts Based on Chitosan, Chitin, Cellulose, and Carbon Materials Obtained from These Biopolymers
Authors: Keshipour Sajjad , Hadidi Mina , Gholipour Ozra
Published: July 2023

Biopolymer-based catalysts like chitosan, chitin, and cellulose offer sustainability and high efficiency both as the catalyst or catalyst support in a broad range of applications, especially in hydrogen evolution reactions. This review focused on hydrogen evolution catalysts of chitosan, chitin, cellulose, and carbon materials obtained from these biopolymers to highlight the opportunities of these sustainable catalysts in this field. All the reports in this area could be classified as one of the photocatalysts, electrocatalysts, and photoelectrocatalysts, and their mechanisms were clarified in the beginning. Then, the results of catalysts obtained from each of these biopolymers were discussed separately to reveal the roles of the biopolymers. It was concluded that all of the biopolymers enjoy some common benefits like hydrogen bonding, chelating with transition metals, easy chemical modification, high performance, and potential to be used as the precursors of carbon or porous materials. Among them, chitosan showed outstanding merit due to the better performance in metal grafting, amendment, and ability of hydrogen bonding. Moreover, it provides highly active nitrogen-doped carbon as the support of transition metals in the hydrogen generation, enhancing the reaction rate by retarding the charges recombination.
Anomaly Prediction over Human Crowded Scenes via Associate‐Based Data Mining and K‐Ary Tree Hashing
Authors: Yasin Affan , Tahir Sheikh Badar ud din , Frnda Jaroslav , Fatima Rubia , Ali Khan Javed , Anwar Muhammad Shahid
Published: July 2023

Anomaly detection and behavioral recognition are key research areas widely used to improve human safety. However, in recent times, with the extensive use of surveillance systems and the substantial increase in the volume of recorded scenes, the conventional analysis of categorizing anomalous events has proven to be a difficult task. As a result, machine learning researchers require a smart surveillance system to detect anomalies. This research introduces a robust system for predicting pedestrian anomalies. First, we acquired the crowd data as input from two benchmark datasets (including Avenue and ADOC). Then, different denoising techniques (such as frame conversion, background subtraction, and RGB‐to‐binary image conversion) for unfiltered data are carried out. Second, texton segmentation is performed to identify human subjects from acquired denoised data. Third, we used Gaussian smoothing and crowd clustering to analyze the multiple subjects from the acquired data for further estimations. The next step is to perform feature extraction to multiple abstract cues from the data. These bag of features include periodic motion, shape autocorrelation, and motion direction flow. Then, the abstracted features are mapped into a single vector in order to apply data optimization and mining techniques. Next, we apply the associate‐based mining approach for optimized feature selection. Finally, the resultant vector is served to the k‐ary tree hashing classifier to track normal and abnormal activities in pedestrian crowded scenes.
Treatment of Acne with Isotretinoin Should Be Avoided in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa “Conglobata Phenotype”
Authors: Daoud Mathieu , Suppa Mariano , Heudens Stephanie , Daxhelet Mathilde , Njimi Hassane , Nobile Laura , Tannous Julio , Van Damme Claire , Karama Jalila , White Jonathan M. , Revuz Jean , Benhadou Farida , del Marmol Veronique
Published: July 2023

Background: Acne conglobata (AC) and nodulocystic acne have long been confused clinically, despite the presentation and the response to treatment being different. AC and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) resemble each other; a subtype of HS called “conglobata phenotype” has recently been reported in a large Dutch cohort. Acne vulgaris and HS are often associated. Isotretinoin is typically ineffective in treating HS and may even aggravate it, but it is often indispensable in treating acne vulgaris. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess whether isotretinoin may be used safely in adults with both HS and acne vulgaris and when it might be contraindicated. Materials and Methods: Belgian HS patients from the European Registry for Hidradenitis Suppurativa Registry (ERHS) reporting a history of severe acne of the face and/or the back, and who have ever used isotretinoin for their acne, were all selected. Patients whose acne worsened on isotretinoin were compared to patients whose acne did not worsen (improvement or no change). Results: Among the 82 selected patients, 10 (12.2%) report that their acne was aggravated while taking isotretinoin, while 72 (87.8%) report that their acne was not aggravated on isotretinoin. Of the 10 HS patients whose acne worsened with isotretinoin, 9 (90%) were men (p = 0.04) and 8 (80%) were HS “conglobata phenotype” (p < 0.001). In contrast, 47 (65.3%) of the 72 patients whose acne did not worsen on isotretinoin belonged to the HS “regular phenotype” (p = 0.01). On multivariate analysis, the item most strongly associated with poor response to isotretinoin was the HS “conglobata phenotype,” followed by body mass index (BMI) (worse response to isotretinoin if BMI >25 kg/m2). Additionally, of 26 patients who received isotretinoin while their HS had already started, only 6 (23.1%) reported isotretinoin effectiveness on their HS. Conclusion: Subject to confirmation by larger studies, our study suggests that isotretinoin should be avoided in the treatment of acne in HS patients with the HS “conglobata phenotype,” as it may worsen the acne, likewise being male or having a BMI above 25 seems to increase this risk of a bad therapeutic outcome. Patients with an HS “regular phenotype” appear to be at a reduced risk of isotretinoin treatment worsening their acne.
Closed-loop control of BLDC motor using Hall effect sensors
Authors: Ramesh B. , Chenchireddy Kalagotla , Reddy Baddam Nikitha , Siddharth Bellamkonda , Kumar Chelmala Vinay , Manojkumar Putta
Published: July 2023

Due to its key advantages of top performance, strong torque, and simple volume, brushless direct current (BLDC) motors are now extensively employed in a variety of industrial sectors, including the automotive industry, robotics, and electrical vehicles. Yet, in some circumstances, it can be challenging to use speed control techniques for specific devices. The major goal of this work is to use a proportional integral derivative (PID) converter to regulate the speed characteristics of BLDC. PID converter is preferred over all other converters because of its straightforward design and straightforward implementation. Using MATLAB simulation results are verified at different reference speed changing conditions, the motor input current and back electromotive force (EMF) values are verified. The speed and torque characteristics are verified during steady and transient state conduction.
Leveraging PSO algorithms to achieve optimal stand-alone microgrid performance with a focus on battery lifetime
Authors: Kusuma Vicky Andria , Firdaus Aji Akbar , Suprapto Sena Sukmananda , Putra Dimas Fajar Uman , Prasetyo Yuli , Filliana Firillia
Published: July 2023

This research endeavors to increase the lifespan of a battery utilized in a standalone microgrid system, a self-sufficient electrical system that consists of multiple generators that are not connected to the main power grid. This type of system is ideal for use in remote locations or areas where the grid connection is not possible. The sources of energy for this system include photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, diesel generators, and batteries. The state of charge (SOC) of the battery is used to determine the amount of energy stored in it. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) method is applied to minimize energy generation costs and maximize battery life. The results show that battery optimization can decrease energy generation costs from Rp 5,271,523.03 ($338.64 in USD) to Rp 13,064,979.20 ($839.30 in USD) while increasing the battery's lifespan by 0.42%, with losses of 7.22 kW and 433.29 kVAR, and also a life loss cost of Rp 5,499/$0.35.
Using machine learning prediction to design an optimized renewable energy system for a remote area in Italy
Authors: Rezaei Ali , Balal Afshin , Jafarabadi Yaser Pakzad
Published: July 2023

Due to the lack of fossil fuels, there is a significant demand to employ renewable energy systems (RES) worldwide. This paper proposes designing an optimized RES for a remote microgrid that relies solely on solar and wind sources. The proposed RES aims to provide reliable and efficient energy to the microgrid by using machine learning algorithms to forecast the power output of the solar and wind sources. This forecasting will help the system to anticipate and adjust to changes in the weather patterns that may affect the availability of solar and wind. In addition, the system advisor model (SAM) software is used to design the hybrid solar/wind system, considering factors such as the size of the microgrid and the available resources. The system comprises a 60-kW wind system of ten turbines and a 100-kW PV system spread out over the houses. The results show that random forest regression (RFR) models achieved a high level of accuracy in predicting solar power generation, as evidenced by their low mean squared error (MSE) and high R² values. Additionally, a proposed hybrid system can generate enough energy to meet the area's needs.
Behavioral responses of tadpoles of Clinotarsus curtipes (Anura: Ranidae) to odor cues of dragonfly larvae
Authors: Mogali Santosh M. , Shanbhag Bhagyashri A. , Saidapur Srinivas K.
Published: July 2023

In aquatic environments, many prey animals, including anuran larvae, predominantly use chemical cues to assess predation risk. In such systems, a variety of chemical cues (e.g., kairomones, alarm, dietary) affect the behavioral responses of the prey tadpoles. Many anuran tadpoles are able to discriminate different chemical cues and exhibit differential antipredator behavioral responses according to the perceived risk. The behavioral responses of tadpoles of Clinotarsus curtipes to predatory larvae of the dragonfly Pantala flavescens were studied in the laboratory. The predator’s kairomones (water conditioned by a starved predator) or its diet-derived metabolites released in excreta of a predator after consumption of conspecific (C. curtipes) or heterogeneric (Indosylvirana temporalis) prey tadpoles were used to simulate predation threat. The tadpoles of C. curtipes had no behavioral response to predator kairomones. However, the tadpoles showed antipredator behavioral responses i.e., reduced swimming movements and overall time spent swimming, and had a higher burst speed in response to water-borne cues released from the excreta of predators fed both conspecific and heterogeneric prey. The antipredator behavioral responses of tadpoles were most intense in response to cues of predators fed on conspecific prey. The findings of the present study show that tadpoles of C. curtipes are capable of assessing levels of predation threat and modulating the intensity of their defense behavior in accordance with the perceived threat.
The Early neo2 Registry: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation With ACURATE
neo2
in a European Population
Authors: Rück Andreas , Kim Won‐Keun , Abdel‐Wahab Mohamed , Thiele Holger , Rudolph Tanja K. , Wolf Alexander , Wambach Jan Martin , De Backer Ole , Sondergaard Lars , Hengstenberg Christian , Laine Mika , Miyashita Hirokazu , Bjursten Henrik , Götberg Matthias , Pellegrini Costanza , Toggweiler Stefan , Wykrzykowska Joanna J. , Soliman Osama , Saleh Nawzad , Meduri Christopher U.
Published: July 2023

Background

ACURATE
neo2
is a transcatheter aortic valve implantation system consisting of a self‐expanding bioprosthetic valve with supra‐annular leaflet position and featuring innovations to facilitate placement accuracy and reduce paravalvular regurgitation.

Methods and Results

The goal of the Early neo2 (Early neo2 Registry of the ACURATE neo2 TAVI Prosthesis) was to gather real‐life data on safety and efficacy in a European transcatheter aortic valve implantation population treated with ACURATE
neo2
. Data were collected from 554 consecutive patients treated with ACURATE
neo2
at 12 European sites (mean age, 82 years; 66% women; mean European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II, 4.5%±3.8%) between September 2020 and March 2021. The composite primary end point was the occurrence of any of the following: postoperative (in‐hospital) paravalvular regurgitation grade ≥2, in‐hospital acute kidney injury stage 3, postoperative pacemaker implantation, 30‐day death, and 30‐day stroke. The primary end point occurred in 12.6% of patients. The 30‐day rates for all‐cause death and all stroke were 1.3% and 2.7%, respectively, and 1.5% of patients exhibited stage 3 acute kidney injury. A total of 34 patients (6.2%) received a postoperative permanent pacemaker. Per core laboratory–adjudicated echocardiographic analysis, mean postoperative aortic valve gradient was 7.6±3.3 mm Hg, and 2.8% of patients exhibited paravalvular regurgitation grade ≥2.

Conclusions

In this report of postmarket use of the ACURATE
neo2
valve in a real‐world transcatheter aortic valve implantation population, patients exhibited favorable postoperative hemodynamics and clinical outcomes and a low rate of postoperative pacemaker implantation.
The Macarian Homilies and Maximus the Confessor as Sources of al-Firdaws al-ʿaqlī (The Noetic Paradise)
Authors: Treiger Alexander
Published: July 2023

Al-Firdaws al-ʿaqlī (The Noetic Paradise) is an anonymous patristic treatise on spiritual life, which, as far as currently known, is lost in the original Greek and preserved only in Arabic. The purpose of the present contribution is to explore two of the principal sources of the Firdaws: the Macarian Homilies and the writings of St. Maximus the Confessor. This source-critical examination is a crucial preliminary step towards contextualizing the Firdaws and determining more precisely the location and time of its composition.
Pygmy grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Bạch Mã National Park, central Vietnam
Authors: STOROZHENKO SERGEY YU. , TAN MING KAI , VU TRUNG THANH , LE CUONG VIET CANH , PHAM THAI HONG
Published: July 2023

A list of 10 species from three subfamilies of Tetrigidae from Bạch Mã National Park in the province of Thừa Thiên-Huế, Vietnam is presented here. Eight of which are new for the national park. Among these, two new species are described: Miriatroides luna Tan & Storozhenko, sp. nov. and Rhopalina bachma Tan & Storozhenko, sp. nov. New synonymy is proposed: Systolederus cinereus Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1893 = Systolederus ridleyi Hancock, 1909, syn. nov. Three species are also recorded in Vietnam for the first time: Tegotettix bufocrocodil (Storozhenko & Dawwrueng, 2015) previously known from Thailand and Cambodia, Zhengitettix albitarsus Storozhenko, 2013 so far considered as endemic to Thailand, and Systolederus cinereus widely distributed in Southeast Asia.
Projections of Large-Scale Atmospheric Circulation Patterns and Associated Temperature and Precipitation over the Pacific Northwest Using CMIP6 Models
Authors: Taylor Graham P. , Loikith Paul C. , Lee Hugo Kyo , Lintner Benjamin , Aragon Christina M.
Published: July 2023

Climate model projections of atmospheric circulation patterns, their frequency, and associated temperature and precipitation anomalies under a high-end global warming scenario are assessed over the Pacific Northwest of North America for the final three decades of the twenty-first century. Model simulations are from phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) and circulation patterns are identified using the self-organizing maps (SOMs) approach, applied to 500-hPa geopotential height (Z500) anomalies. Overall, the range of projected circulation patterns is similar to that in the current climate, especially in winter, whereas in summer the models project a general reduction in the magnitude of Z500 anomalies. Significant changes in pattern frequencies are also projected in summer, with an overall decrease in the frequency of patterns with large Z500 anomalies. In winter, patterns historically associated with anomalously cold weather in northern latitudes are projected to warm the most, and in summer the largest temperature increases are projected over inland areas. Precipitation is found to increase across all seasons and most SOM patterns. However, some summer patterns that are associated with above-average precipitation in the current climate are projected to become significantly drier by the end of the century.

Significance Statement

This paper uses a novel method to analyze projections of large-scale atmospheric circulation over the Pacific Northwest of North America, reducing the uncertainty of changes to the circulation patterns over the region under a high-emissions scenario of global warming.
Reflectivity and fluffiness coupled optical algorithm for colored cotton fibrogram of random-beard image method
Authors: Wu Meiqin , Lu Zuoxiang , Ye Xinyi , Yu Houyong , Zhang Yi
Published: July 2023

Insufficient studies of reflectance and fluffiness effects on optical density caused large derivation and limited the application of fibrogram methods in colored cotton fiber length tests for decades. A coupled optical method was proposed here to solve this issue, named reflectivity and fluffiness coupled optical algorithm of the random-beard image method. In this algorithm, a defined theoretical reflectance was declared with an iteration method for optical linear density on the optical analysis of the derived Kubelka–Munk law, which satisfied its assumption of excluding reflected light at the interface with air. Meanwhile, an apparent polynomial relationship was revealed between the actual density and optical densities of fiber assemblies at different fluffiness. Its accuracy on weighted mean fiber length was demonstrated, referred to as advanced fiber information system, using 10 kinds of dyed cotton slivers and 12 kinds of naturally colored lint fibers whose mean and maximum absolute errors are 0.59 mm and 1.6 mm, respectively. Furthermore, their excellent agreement on fibrograms and the weighted mean length was confirmed by Bland–Altman analysis, correlation analysis and the T-test. Finally, an exceptionally high linear correlation (r2 = 0.93) was achieved on their weighted mean length and had no statistical difference with insignificant deviation under a significance level of a = 0.01. This new algorithm, featured fast and low cost, could provide accurate mean fiber length of colored or dark cotton, exhibiting valuable guidance in the potential application of the fiber trade and the quality control of colored cotton fibers or primaries in blending assemblies and yarn.
Pain Management Education for Rural Hospice Family Caregivers: A Pilot Study With Embedded Implementation Evaluation
Authors: Starr Lauren T. , Washington Karla T. , Jabbari JoAnn , Benson Jacquelyn J. , Oliver Debra Parker , Demiris George , Cagle John G.
Published: July 2023

Background

Assessing and managing hospice patients’ pain is a common source of anxiety among hospice family caregivers (HFCGs), especially caregivers in rural communities who face special challenges including distance, limited access, and concerns about opioid misuse.

Objective

To pilot test Ready2Care, a pain management education intervention for rural HFCGs. We sought to determine whether there was a signal of benefit for clinically-relevant outcomes and to identify contextual factors pertinent to conducting a future randomized clinical trial of Ready2Care.

Methods

We conducted a multi-method, single-arm study, enabling completion of paired t-tests comparing pre- and post-intervention measures of caregiver anxiety, pain management self-efficacy, barriers to pain management, and reports of patient pain intensity and corresponding patient and caregiver distress. We concurrently conducted an embedded implementation evaluation via calculation of descriptive statistics (recruitment and retention data) and directed content analysis of brief caregiver interviews.

Results

Twenty-seven (n = 27) HFCGs participated; 15 completed the study. Among completers, significant improvement was observed in patient pain intensity (average 1.4 points decrease on 0-10 scale) and in overall pain experience. No statistically significant changes were detected in caregiver anxiety, barriers to pain management, or pain management self-efficacy. Facilitators to successful conduct of a future clinical trial included high acceptability of Ready2Care, driven by its perceived clarity and relevance to caregivers’ concerns. Barriers included lower-than-anticipated accrual and an attrition rate of nearly 44%.

Conclusion

A multisite clinical trial of Ready2Care is warranted; however, its success may require more effective recruitment and retention strategies for rural caregiver participants.
Optimal placement method of multi-objective and multi-type sensors for courtyard-style timber historical buildings based on Meta-genetic algorithm
Authors: Zhang Chengwen , Chun Qing , Leng Jiawei , Lin Yijie , Qian Yuchong , Cao Guang , Dong Qingchong
Published: July 2023

Optimal sensor placement for timber architecture heritage poses a significant challenge due to the unique structural types and complex monitoring purposes. In this study, a three-stage method is proposed, taking a courtyard-style heritage, built 133 years ago, as an example. First, a finite element model that accounted for the parameter randomness and initial damage was constructed using a genetic algorithm (GA) and experimental results. Second, a new weighted fitness function of logarithmic type was developed for multi-type sensors and multi-objective monitoring. Third, a novel genetic algorithm, Meta-GA, was proposed, introducing competition group mechanisms and gene libraries to improve optimal capability while maintaining computational efficiency. The Meta-GA is then compared to the other two optimization modes using seven indexes. Finally, damage detection capability was tested for the proposed three schemes at noise levels of 0%, 5%, and 10%. The results reveal that the proposed three-stage method with Meta-GA can provide the best solution.