bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial contamination of hospital-prepared enteral tube feeding formulas in Kerman, Iran
Authors: Ahmadinejad Mehdi , Moshafi Mohammad Hosien , Izadi Fatemeh , Mousavipour Fariba , Sohrevardi Seyed Mojtaba
Published: October 2024

Background: Blenderized feedings continue to be used in most parts of Iran, mostly due to economic and cultural reasons. The most important problem of this kind of food is bacterial contamination.
Materials and Methods: 54 samples were taken at the first and the last time of their giving to patients from blenderized food. Furthermore, 10 samples were collected from the commercial brand Fresubin® in the same way. Samples were brought to the laboratory and analyzed for the presence of some microbial pathogens.
Results: Citrobacter diversus, Enterobacter cloacae, E.coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus sp, Klebsiella oxytoca, Hafnia alvei, Serratia sp, Shigella sonnei were identified from blenderized feeding. The mean bacterial contamination of 54 samples that were collected from 3 intensive care units was 5/5×106 CFU/ml. Bacterial contamination of commercial food was obtained less than 1 organism/ml. According to these results, there are significant differences between these foods. Commercial foods are the best choice for feeding patients in the hospital.
Conclusion: The results indicated that a majority of the blenderized enteral tube feedings in those hospitals are not safe. In comparison to the standard limits, these enteral tube feedings are highly contaminated and pose a substantial risk of developing a foodborne disease or nosocomial infection.
Evaluation of Intravenous Immunoglobulin Usage in a Teaching Hospital: A Case Series Study in Kerman, Iran
Authors: Asadipour Ali , Moharamkhani Mahdieh , Rashidinejad Hamidreza , Sohrevardi Seyed Mojtaba
Published: October 2024

Background: Assessing the utilization of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is crucial due to its high cost and limited availability. IVIG preparations are utilized in various disorders. This study aimed to investigate the prescribing and consumption patterns of IVIG at Kerman Afzalipour Hospital and to propose strategies for reducing drug expenditures.
Materials and Methods: Over one year, physician orders and patient charts of individuals treated with IVIG were reviewed to collect data. Descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis using SPSS software.
Results: During the study period, 62 IVIG administrations were documented at the hospital, with 54.1% involving female patients. Of these, 51.4% were prescribed for labeled indications, while 48.6% were for off-label indications. No contraindications were observed, although precaution was warranted in 9.6% of cases, which was not consistently addressed, and laboratory parameters were not evaluated in any case.
Conclusion: This study reveals that IVIG infusions for off-label indications were nearly as frequent as those for labeled indications.
Varenicline: Efficacy, Precaution, and Safety in Smoking Cessation
Authors: Afshang Habibollah , Bidaki Reza
Published: October 2024

Varenicline is a medication used to help people quit smoking when used in conjunction with education and counseling. It is the first-line treatment for smoking cessation and is available in 0.5 mg and 1 mg strength oral tablets. Varenicline is primarily eliminated via the kidney through glomerular filtration, and its excretion is via the renal route, so it is important to monitor renal function before and during treatment. Varenicline has been associated with an increased risk of new psychiatric conditions, anxiety, and mood disorders in some individuals. The use of Varenicline should be accompanied by close monitoring and careful consideration of individual patient factors. While Varenicline can be used in a wide range of patients, its use should be carefully considered in patients with heart or blood vessel disease, renal impairment, psychiatric disorder, or seizure.
Hematological Side Effects of Psychiatric Drugs
Authors: Afshang Habibollah , Kheiri Shima , Tafti Farima Fallah , Bidaki Reza
Published: October 2024

This review article focuses on hematological disorders caused by psychiatric drugs, including neutropenia, leukopenia, leukocytosis, and anemia. Most major psychiatric drugs induce neutropenia and thrombocytopenia through various mechanisms, such as toxic bone marrow suppression and drug-dependent antineutrophil antibodies against hematopoietic precursors. Among these, agranulocytosis associated with phenothiazines is a well-discussed hematological side effect. Although rare, agranulocytosis is a dangerous and often fatal complication that may go unnoticed until infection occurs. We conducted a comprehensive literature search from 1977 to 2021, identifying 64 relevant articles. Our study aims to analyze outcomes related to pancytopenia, leucopenia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and other hematological complications leading to hospitalization.
Amaurosis After Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block Injection in a Seven-year-old Girl: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Amirkhani Arman , Mosleh Hamid
Published: October 2024

A seven-year-old girl was referred for the treatment of her primary teeth. An inferior alveolar nerve block was administered using 1 mL of 2% lidocaine. Shortly after the injection, the patient experienced pain, erythema, blurred vision, and temporary loss of vision in her right eye. Based on these symptoms, a diagnosis of transient vision loss due to the anesthetic injection was made. The situation was explained to the child and her parents, assuring them that the complication was temporary. The right eye was covered with wet gauze, and all symptoms resolved within 20 minutes. A follow-up ophthalmological examination showed no abnormalities, and the procedure was successfully completed without further complications. A one-day follow-up revealed no issues
Lymph Node Metastasis and its Risk Factors for Early Gastritis Individuals Who Underwent Noncurative Endoscopic Resection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xu Na , Zhang Yuejun , Ma Xiaoxia , Meng Wei
Published: October 2024

Background: In the present review, we carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze possible lymph node metastasis (LNM) hazards in individuals with endoscopic resection of gastric cancer.
Methods: Relevant literature was selected by evaluating the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar electronic databases since from inception to March 2022. Corresponding clinicopathological outcomes were summarized, and pooled log odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were assessed. The random effect model was preferred if variations among studies is high otherwise fixed effect model was preferred.
Results: Overall, 12 associated papers, including 4808 early gastric cancer individuals who endured more surgery after noncurative endoscopic resection, were entered into this analysis. The outcomes showed that submucosal invasion (log odd ratio 1.75, 95% (CI): 0.77–3.95, I2 = 80.0%); vertical margin (log odd ratio 6.53, 95% (CI): 2.81-15.17, I2 = 65%); horizontal margin (log Odd ratio 0.69 95% (CI): 0.22-2.14, I2 = 52%), lymphatic invasion (Odd ratio 6.33 95% (CI): 1.98-20.24, I2 = 91%), and vascular invasion (Odd ratio 3.55, 95% (CI): 1.31-9.58, I2 = 92%) was significantly related to metastasis of lymph node for these patients.
Conclusion: There was a significant association of LNM hazards in individuals with endoscopic resection of gastric cancer. Therefore, invasion to lymph, vascular, submucosa and positive vertical margin should be strongly noticed when selecting surgical treatment factors.
The Benefits and Applications of Lactobacillus plantarum in Food and Health: A Narrative Review
Authors: Zare Davood , Aryaee Hadis , Mirdamadi Saeed , Shirkhan Faezeh
Published: October 2024

Lactobacillus plantarum is a type of gram-positive lactic acid bacteria. This bacterium is considered a safe probiotic and, many applications and benefits including prolonging food shelf-life, enhancing antioxidant activity, improving food flavor characteristics and antimicrobial activities in the food industry, and application as a potential starter for dairy products have been attributed to it. Various studies have also emphasized its health-giving properties. As a result, the features and wide application of this bacterium, as well as the safety of L. plantarum and its strains, have made it a popular probiotic in the food and medical industries. Thus, in the present study keywords including L. plantarum and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum along with application, benefits, food, health, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-depression were searched in databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Sience direct and Google Scholar with no time restriction. Then, important features, benefits, and uses of L. plantarum were categorized and discussed. The ability of L. plantarum on the food such as prolonging food shelf-life, enhancing antioxidant activity, improving food flavor characteristics and antimicrobial activities in the food industry, and as a potential starter for dairy products is effective. In addition, several studies have emphasized of L. plantarum health-giving properties
Evaluation of Reporting Quality of Systematic Reviews on Health Economic Evaluation Studies Based on the CHEERS Statement: An Overview of Reviews
Authors: Daastari Fakhraddin , Tajvar Maryam , Mohammadi Amin , Karami Badriyeh
Published: October 2024

Background: Economic evaluations in healthcare are designed to inform decisions by the estimation of cost and effect trade-off of two or more interventions. We aimed to evaluate the standards of systematic reviews on health economic evaluation studies using the CHEERS (Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Report Standards) tool.
Methods: We searched the PubMed database with keywords CHEERS and its complete form in combination with keywords related to cost or economic evaluation without language and time limits until November 17, 2021. The CHEERS tool was then used to include systematic reviews.
Results: Overall, 32 systematic reviews, included 610 primary studies were included. Of the 32 included studies, only 1 study (3.1%) had poor quality, 5 studies (15.6%) had good quality, remaining studies had very good and excellent quality.
Conclusion: Some studies still have problems in expressing the standards. The necessity of standards for reporting economic evaluation studies in the field of health is very serious, and Cheers is one of the most important tools.
Implementation of the Package of Essential Non-Communicable (PEN) Disease Interventions in Low-Resource Settings: A Systematic Review
Authors: Aminpour Mina , Aryankhesal Aidin , Hashjin Asgar Aghaei , Pourasghari Hamid
Published: October 2024

Background: To deal with the rising prevalence and death rate of non-communicable diseases, the WHO designed a package of essential interventions for non-communicable diseases for low- and middle-income countries. This review aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators of the implementation of this program.
Methods: The electronic databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scientific Information Database (SID) were searched for papers without a time limit at the end of Dec 2020. Only English and Persian languages were considered. The PRISMA guideline was consulted.
Results: Overall, 15 articles were selected for the final analysis out of 404 initially retrieved ones, based on inclusion/exclusion criteria and quality assessment. Thirteen articles had good quality, while 2 articles were of fair quality. Studies were published during 2014-2020. Thematic analysis was used to make sense of papers so that barriers and facilitators were categorized within 2 main themes and 7 sub-themes. Certain organizational factors including human resources, service delivery, structure, leadership/governance, data and information, resources, and financing were identified as barriers and facilitators. Knowledge and culture, and economic and social factors were identified as contextual factors.
Conclusion: By considering the factors identified in this study, policymakers and health system managers can be more successful in implementing this WHO PEN and similar packages.
Assessment of the Effect of Community-Based Health Insurance Scheme on Health-Related Outcomes in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yihdego Abraham Gebrehiwot , Tajvar Maryam , Akbari Sari Ali
Published: October 2024

Background: We aimed to review the effect of community-based health insurance on health-related outcomes in Ethiopia.
Methods: A systematic review was undertaken utilizing a major relevant published literature review from September 2017 to June 15, 2023. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, EMBASE, ProQuest, Hinari, and the Cochrane Library were used to search for relevant literature. Moreover, the Prisma flow model was used to select eligible findings.
Results: Overall, 72% of the articles employed cross-sectional comparative study designs and procedures, and 36% of them employed samples ranging in size from 501 to 1000 participants. Furthermore, 76% were studied using descriptive statistics and logistic regression, whereas fewer utilized a random model, a probity model, or a correlation model. Similarly, 32% of the research used two-stage stratified sampling methods, and around 40% of the data revealed that the scheme increased healthcare utilization services. About 72 % of the reviewed study results showed that the scheme reduced catastrophic health expenditure and increases utilization of healthcare services. And the 20% reviewed studies stated that the CBHI boosts household satisfaction level. Moreover 12% of the reviewed studies stated that, CBHI increased QoL (quality of life).
Conclusion: Most of the studies provide evidence of the positive effect of CBHI in Ethiopia. Mainly, its membership improved the utilization of health services and decreased the incidence of catastrophic health expenditures. Thus, all actors should cooperate to strengthen it to solve the effective attribute of the deprived value of health care and continuity of care delivery system related to the country's new policy.
Evaluation of Mortality Statistics in Turkey from 2017 to 2022: An Analysis of the Impact of COVID-19
Authors: Çelik Cemil , Ata Uğur , Saka Naile Esra
Published: October 2024

Background: Examining death statistics at regular intervals is highly useful for assessing public health. This study aimed to analyze cause-specific mortality statistics, to ascertain their distribution over the years, and to offer remedial solutions to enhance public health outcomes.
Methods: In this retrospective descriptive study, an analysis was conducted on data sourced from the "Death and Cause of Death Statistics" provided by the Turkish Statistical Institute between 2017 and 2022.
Results: While the crude mortality rate remained stable from 2017 to 2019, a discernible increase in mortality rates has been observed since 2020, attributed to the impact of the pandemic. The crude death rate was the highest in the <5 yr and ≥65 yr age groups. Approximately 70% of the total mortality cases in Turkey were attributed to cardiovascular diseases, cancers, respiratory diseases, and diabetes.
Conclusion: Given the world's rapidly aging population, an increase in deaths related to the four major noncommunicable diseases is foreseen. Therefore, there is an imperative need to enhance efforts aimed at preventing and controlling these diseases.
Maternal Fasting Plasma Glucose, Age and Body Mass Index as Prediction of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Iran
Authors: Hantoushzadeh Sedigheh , Shariat Mamak , Sahebi Leyla , Lamiyan Minor , Moghaddam-Banaem Lida , Moradi Raheleh
Published: October 2024

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication of pregnancy that can lead to adverse outcomes. In this retrospective cohort study, maternal fasting blood sugar (FBS) in the second trimester of pregnancy, body mass index (BMI), and age were assessed as potential screening indicators of later GDM.
Methods: The study population included information on 4007 Iranian pregnant women documented by the Integrated Health Record System (SIB) record system (2019-2020).
Results: In the adjusted analysis, FBS maintained a significant relationship with GDM (P ≤0.001). In the simple ROC analysis, the AUC (SE) of FBS for the prediction of GDM was 0.905(0.09), and considering the cut-off point as 85.95, sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) were equal to 0.81 and 0.71, respectively, but by stillbirth, abortion, prematurity, neonatal weight, height, and head circumference not obtained acceptable AUC (≥.60) for detection of FBS cut-off point. The cut-off point of FBS in the presence of maternal age (AUC>0.6) and BMI (AUC>0.6) by GDM was 83.75(Se= 86.4%, Sp= 80.0%).
Conclusion: Based on the evidence presented, maternal weight and BMI are important in predicting hyperglycemia leading to GDM. It is necessary to conduct more precise national studies to standardize the FBS cut-off point by controlling age and BMI variables.
Effects of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior on Metabolic Syndrome in Postmenopausal Korean Women
Authors: Huang Yingcheng , Lee Dae-Yeon
Published: October 2024

The Article Abstract is not available.
Intradialytic Hypotension: An Often Neglected and Common Hemodialysis Complication Affecting Quality of Life in Patients
Authors: Aghakhani Nader , Nikoonejad Alireza , Hazrati Mohammad
Published: October 2024

The Article Abstract is not available.
Perspectives on Metallo-β-Lactamase Inhibitors: Challenges and Implications of Metallo-β-Lactamase Variants
Authors: Lee Jung Hun , Kim Dae-Wi , Lee Sang Hee
Published: October 2024

The Article Abstract is not available.
Understanding Factors Responsible for Delay and Non-Compliance in COVID-19 Vaccination at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Mumbai, India
Authors: C Miranda Roshni , Patil Girijaprasad , D Chate Priyanka
Published: October 2024

Background: Despite extensive first-dose coverage, delays in second doses and late first doses prompted a study on vaccine hesitancy and non-compliance.
Methods: In 2022, a cross-sectional survey was conducted at a Mumbai vaccination center, involving 504 individuals who had received either the first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The study, conducted from February to April 2022, included interviews using a pre-validated schedule to assess vaccine acceptance, refusal, socio-demographics, and reasons for hesitancy. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software 23.0 to understand factors influencing vaccine delay and non-compliance.
Result: The study interviewed 504 participants at a Mumbai vaccination center. Most were male (63.9%), aged 18-44 (80%), and skilled workers (22.6%). Of those surveyed, 64 had received only the first vaccine dose. The delay in receiving the second dose was 37.4% for BBV152 and 41% for ChAdOx1 nCoV-19. The primary reason for delay was lack of time (50.6%), followed by fear of the vaccine (14.8%). Reasons for getting vaccinated later included resolving constraints (40.5%) and compulsion (25.8%). Vaccine choice reasons varied significantly (p < 0.0005), but delay proportions were similar across vaccines (p = 0.531).
Conclusion: Even after many efforts by the  government, large numbers of people have not taken vaccine on time. One of the reasons, as seen in the study is a busy work schedule which has hindered timely vaccination in individuals. Making vaccine available at work place may address this issue to some extent, besides ownership of the program by the public.
Assessment of the Current Situation and Solutions to Attract Australian FDI Capital to Vietnam in the Context of International Integration
Authors: Giang Le Thu , Han Nguyen Ngoc , Anh Pham Le Quynh , Tam Le Thi Minh , Nga Doan Thi My , Phong Bui Hai
Published: October 2024

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has played a pivotal role in Vietnam’s economic transformation, significantly contributing to industrialization, job creation, and export growth. Since the introduction of the Law on Foreign Investment in 1987 and Vietnam’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2007, the country has emerged as a leading destination for foreign investors in Southeast Asia. Key sectors attracting FDI include manufacturing, real estate, and services, which have driven economic development and facilitated Vietnam’s integration into the global economy.
Despite these successes, challenges remain that hinder FDI’s full potential, including administrative inefficiencies, complex regulations, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure. The shortage of highly skilled labor, especially in technology-driven fields, also limits the country's ability to attract higher-value FDI projects. Moreover, there are regional disparities in FDI distribution, with major urban centers like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi receiving most investments, while rural areas are often overlooked.
The impact of new-generation Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), is also examined. These agreements enhance market access, legal protections for investors, and reduce trade barriers, making Vietnam increasingly attractive for high-tech and service industries.
This paper assesses the current FDI landscape in Vietnam, identifying opportunities and challenges for foreign investors. Recommendations include simplifying business procedures, implementing anti-corruption measures, improving infrastructure, and enhancing workforce training to address skills gaps. By adopting these reforms, Vietnam can attract higher-quality investments, strengthen ties with global supply chains, and foster sustainable economic growth.
Additionally, the research emphasizes the importance of building stronger partnerships between FDI enterprises and local firms to ensure the widespread distribution of investment benefits across the economy. With a more favorable investment climate, Vietnam can reinforce its position as a premier destination for global investors and enhance its role in the international market.
Impact De Microcredit Sur Le Bien-Etre Des Menages De La Ville De Kenge
Authors: Muyombo Mutatshi Richard , Kabibu Henry Muayila , Tshikala Sam Kaninda , Wati Espérant Nkusu , Miyuku Faustin Muyene , Khandula Laurent Malenda
Published: October 2024

The main concern in this investigation is to analyze the impact of access to microcredit on improving thewell-being of households in the city of Kenge. Specifically, the first step is to identify the determinants ofaccess to microcredit at the COOPEC; Secondly, it is a question of determining the effect of the treatment(access to micro-credit) on the well-being of the beneficiaries' households. To carry out our study, the dataof this study were collected in a blind (accidental) sample of 260 individuals drawn from a population of3.591 members of the Mutual Woman and Man evolve together for the Development of the KwangoMFHPEK. Multiple regression with the Logit model used to identify the determinants of access tomicrocredit and the evaluation of the effects of treatment with the propensity score matching method.
The results of the logit regression reveal that gender, socio-professional category (categories employees withsalary or civil servant and trader), having access to a support service are positively associated with thepropensity to access credit at the COOPEC at the 1% threshold. On the other hand, the distance from thelocal market negatively influences the fact of receiving credit at the COOPEC at the 5% threshold. As forthe propensity score matching method, receiving credit positively improves the beneficiary's schooling rate.On the other hand, a negative impact is observed on income as well as food consumption
Climate Change and Social networks: The use of Instagram and TikTok among secondary-school students in relation to sustainability
Authors: Palos Rey Laia , Diez Bosch Miriam , Israel Turim Veronica
Published: October 2024

Climate change has been identified as the greatest challenge facing humanity.In this research we sought to find out the extent to which teenagers use socialmedia to stay informed about the climate emergency and sustainability. Westudied the case of 98 teenagers, examining what types of content they view onInstagram and Tik Tok, and which accounts they follow. The main results of thisresearch indicate that these teenagers do not use the analysed platforms toconsume content on climate emergency and sustainability, highlighting the needfor further educational intervention as a way to promote interest in these issues.
The impact of capital flight on economic development: An empirical analysis from Palestine
Authors: Badwan Nemer
Published: October 2024

This study focused on the function of capital flight to ascertain the true impact of the phenomenon of capital flight on economic development in Palestine and aimed to analyze the short- and long-term dynamic relationship between capital flight and economic development, including other affected variables. This research employed a quantitative research design and the descriptive analysis method. The analysis uses quarterly data from 2004 to 2022. This study employed the autoregressive distribution lag (ARDL) bound testing approach. Actual data from Palestine spanning the years 2004-2022 yielded significant findings. Based on heteroskedastic dynamic regression as an ARDL panel model, important findings were reached. First, both local country fundamentals and global variables have an impact on economic development and its rates over the long term, but in the near term, global forces may be predominantly recognized as drivers. Second, the variable of interest, capital flight, has a favorable impact on tax advantages. The empirical findings revealed that the short- and long-run analyses are consistent with each other. This necessitates putting into practice a variety of tactics, from creating efficient judicial and political institutions to encouraging economic development through managing macroeconomic issues. This study provides a fresh insight for policymakers to evaluate the impact of capital flight on economic development factors when coordinating fiscal and monetary policy in Palestine. The monetary and fiscal authorities should create an efficient policy framework. Palestine must reduce and stop the outflow of cash from inside its borders to improve its capacity to pay back its loans and debts to foreign creditors.
The value of ultrasound for monitoring disease activity in giant cell arteritis
Authors: Martins-Martinho Joana , Sopa Inês , Ponte Cristina
Published: October 2024

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common primary systemic vasculitis in the elderly. Although the diagnosis of GCA has improved, monitoring its disease activity remains challenging due to the lack of validated tools and biomarkers. The current reliance on assessing symptoms, physical signs, and inflammatory markers during disease follow-up presents limitations, notably the nonspecific nature of GCA-related symptoms and the suppressive impact of IL-6 inhibitors on inflammatory markers. Therefore, recent attention has shifted toward acknowledging imaging as a monitoring tool, particularly ultrasound, given its widespread accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and well-established role in GCA diagnosis. Research on this topic has found that ultrasound characteristics, including the number of affected arterial segments and halo size, are associated with laboratory markers and treatment response, underscoring the ultrasound’s potential as a monitoring tool for GCA. It has also been demonstrated that ultrasound abnormalities progress differently throughout the disease course, depending on the type of arterial involvement, with vessel wall changes in the axillary arteries resolving more slowly than those in the temporal arteries. Nevertheless, there are still no studies comparing the added value of regular ultrasounds for monitoring disease activity to clinical and laboratory monitoring alone; hence, this imaging modality is not yet recommended for patients with GCA in clinical and biochemical remission. This narrative review aims to synthesize the main research findings of key studies addressing the role of ultrasound for monitoring disease activity in GCA, with a focus on the pattern of arterial involvement. It highlights the potential of ultrasound, particularly halo sign assessment, for evaluating disease progression but notes that further validation and standardization of protocols are needed to improve accuracy and enable routine use.
Analyzing the precision and readability of a healthcare focused artificial intelligence platform on common questions regarding breast augmentation
Authors: Boyd Carter J. , Perez Rivera Lucas R. , Hemal Kshipra , Sorenson Thomas J. , Amro Chris , Choi Mihye , Karp Nolan S.
Published: October 2024

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the quality and accessibility of the outputs from a healthcare-specific artificial intelligence (AI) platform for common questions during the perioperative period for a common plastic surgery procedure.

Methods: Doximity GPT (Doximity, San Francisco, CA) and ChatGPT 3.5 (OpenAI, San Francisco, CA) were utilized to search 20 common perioperative patient inquiries regarding breast augmentation. The structure, content, and readability of responses were compared using t -tests and chi-square tests, with P < 0.05 used as the cutoff for significance.

Results: Out of 80 total AI-generated outputs, ChatGPT responses were significantly longer (331 vs. 218 words, P < 0.001). Doximity GPT outputs were structured as a letter from a medical provider to the patient, whereas ChatGPT outputs were a bulleted list. Doximity GPT outputs were significantly more readable by four validated scales: Flesch Kincaid Reading Ease (42.6 vs. 29.9, P < 0.001) and Flesch Kincaid Grade Level (11.4 vs. 14.1 grade, P < 0.001), Coleman-Liau Index (14.9 vs. 17 grade, P < 0.001), and Automated Readability Index (11.3 vs. 14.8 grade, P < 0.001). Regarding content, there was no difference between the two platforms regarding the appropriateness of the topic (99% overall). Medical advice from all outputs was deemed reasonable.

Conclusion: Doximity’s AI platform produces reasonable, accurate information in response to common patient queries. With continued reinforcement learning with human feedback (RLHF), Doximity GPT has the potential to be a useful tool to plastic surgeons and can assist with a range of tasks, such as providing basic information on procedures and writing appeal letters to insurance providers.
Proposal of UAV-SLAM-Based 3D Point Cloud Map Generation Method for Orchards Measurements
Authors: Nishiwaki Soki , Kondo Haruki , Yoshida Shuhei , Emaru Takanori
Published: October 2024

This paper proposes a method for generating highly accurate point cloud maps of orchards using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with light detection and ranging (LiDAR). The point cloud captured by the UAV-LiDAR was converted to a geographic coordinate system using a global navigation satellite system / inertial measurement unit (GNSS/IMU). The converted point cloud is then aligned with the simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) technique. As a result, a 3D model of an orchard is generated in a low-cost and easy-to-use manner for pesticide application with precision. The method of direct point cloud alignment with real-time kinematic-global navigation satellite system (RTK-GNSS) had a root mean square error (RMSE) of 42 cm between the predicted and true crop height values, primarily due to the effects of GNSS multipath and vibration of automated vehicles. Contrastingly, our method demonstrated better results, with RMSE of 5.43 cm and 2.14 cm in the vertical and horizontal axes, respectively. The proposed method for predicting crop location successfully achieved the required accuracy of less than 1 m with errors not exceeding 30 cm in the geographic coordinate system.
Effect of Bio-Inspired Cutout Shapes at the Leading Edge of Propellers on Noise and Flight Efficiency
Authors: Noda Ryusuke , Hirose Masaki , Ikeda Teruaki , Nakata Toshiyuki , Liu Hao
Published: October 2024

In recent years, the application of bio-inspired structures has garnered attention for enhancing the performance of fluid machinery. In this study, we experimentally investigated the effects of introducing a bio-inspired cutout structure to the propellers of drones, aiming to improve thrust efficiency and reduce noise levels. Our results demonstrated reductions in noise levels compared to conventional propellers. Parametric studies revealed that the roundness of the structure significantly influenced both flight efficiency and noise levels, suggesting its importance for replicating the inherent fluid characteristics found in nature. Additionally, optimal parameters for noise reduction, such as the length of the cutout, angle of incision relative to the flow direction, and the distance between the gap were identified. Although no improvements in flight efficiency were observed, most of the models investigated exhibited only around a 5% reduction in efficiency compared to the standard propellers, suggesting practical applicability for scenarios such as nighttime drone operations in urban areas. The noteworthy reduction in sound pressure levels in the mid- to high-frequency range achieved by the bio-inspired propellers in this study holds the potential to address the issue of drone noise pollution and encourage drone operations in urban areas. Moreover, the confirmed decrease in sound pressure at specific frequencies and the suggested controllability hint at the possibility of enhancing sound source localization performance using drones.
Research on Tilt-Rotor Type Water-Air Multicopter
Authors: Hatsuda Naoki , Miwa Masafumi
Published: October 2024

In Japan today, aging infrastructures such as dams and bridges are becoming an issue. We considered that the use of a hydrofoil multicopter would be an effective method for inspecting and surveying such facilities. When using a hydrofoil multicopter, it is possible to take off from the shore, land on the water, and dive without using a ship. The aircraft developed in this study has the capability to communicate with the land. The aircraft developed in this study is equipped with a communication buoy, and after landing on the water, a communication cable is extended from the buoy to enable underwater maneuvering via wired communication. We report on the development of a precise control system for flight and diving of this aircraft.
Study on Improvement of Docking Mechanism for Docking–Undocking Drones in the Air and Docking Control Using an Onboard Camera
Authors: Dohi Rikiya , Higashi Yoshiyuki
Published: October 2024

In this study, we developed a docking mechanism for drones that enables docking and undocking in the air for cargo transportation. This capability allows the drone configuration to be adapted depending on the cargo size and shape. We introduced a novel docking mechanism that incorporates magnetic adsorption and a newly engineered locking mechanism. We developed a drone detection system capable of estimating the relative position of a target drone by utilizing an onboard camera to identify the infrared LEDs on the target drone via image processing. Moreover, flight experiments, including detection, docking, and undocking, were performed using a mock drone to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed system.
A Novel Tailsitter UAV with Configurable Wings
Authors: Yoshinaga Shunsuke , Sakaguchi Akinori , Yamamoto Kaoru
Published: October 2024

In this study, we propose a novel tailsitter unmanned aerial vehicle with configurable wings using a parallel link mechanism. It has two flight modes: a hover mode and a forward flight mode by pitching, similar to conventional tailsitters. In addition, it can deform its airframe in each flight mode. In the hover mode, it can tilt the frame in the pitch direction while hovering. In the forward flight mode, it can change the configuration of the wings during forward flight. In experiments, we show that it can transition from the hover mode to the forward flight mode with three wing configurations: non-staggered wings (biplane) and positively and negatively staggered wings (tandem wing plane), using an attitude controller for conventional quadrotors.
Development of Wall Hammering Inspection Systems Using Two-Wheeled Multi-Copters
Authors: Seki Shuto , Sugiura Keisuke , Nakano Satoshi , Watanabe Masao , Yamada Manabu
Published: October 2024

In this study, we investigated inspection robots that can safely, accurately, and quickly perform hammer sound inspections on tile exterior walls and present new wall hammering inspection systems using two-wheeled multi-copters. Our results yielded the following five advantages. First, the proposed multi-copter can use its wheels not only to move freely on the walls of buildings but also to overcome obstacles on the walls. Therefore, almost any tile wall surface can be inspected for hammering sound. Second, the multi-copter was equipped with both hammer-shaped rods to hit the tile exterior wall and microphones to collect the hammer sound of the tile, while moving quickly on the wall surface. Third, the wall hammering inspection systems can be used safely with a work assistance mechanism using a wire even in densely populated areas, such as urban areas, because the multi-copter has high wind resistance against crosswinds by both pushing against the wall and operating by the wire. Fourth, we presented some automatic control systems that make the multi-copter operation easy during hammering inspections and demonstrated its usefulness through experiments. Fifth, we proposed useful methods for detecting floating tiles based on the hammering results, conducted some outdoor flight experiments on building exterior walls, and demonstrated that floating tiles can be determined with high accuracy.
Drone System Remotely Controlled by Human Eyes: A Consideration of its Effectiveness When Remotely Controlling a Robot
Authors: Kai Yoshihiro , Seki Yuki , Wu Yuze , Blaquera Allan Paulo , Tanioka Tetsuya
Published: October 2024

In recent years, Japan has experienced numerous natural disasters, such as typhoons and earthquakes. Teleoperated ground robots (including construction equipment) are effective tools for restoration work at disaster sites and other locations that are dangerous and inaccessible to humans. Using visual information obtained from various viewpoints by a drone can allow for more effective remote control of a teleoperated ground robot, making it easier for the robot to perform a task. We previously proposed and developed a remote-controlled drone system using only human eyes. However, the effectiveness of using this drone system during the remote control of a robot has never been verified. In this paper, as the first step in verifying the effectiveness of the remote-controlled drone system using only the eyes when remote-controlling a robot, we consider its effectiveness in a simple task based on the task times, subjects’ eye fatigue, and subjective evaluations of subjects. First, the previously proposed drone system is briefly described. Next, we describe an experiment in which a drone was controlled by the eyes using the drone system while a robot was controlled by hand, and an experiment in which both the drone and robot were controlled by hand without using the drone system. Based on the experimental results, we evaluate the effectiveness of the remote-controlled drone system using only the eyes when remote-controlling a robot.
CFD Analysis of Takeoff from a Water Surface for an Insect-Scale Aerial/Aquatic Robot
Authors: Hashimoto Noa , Suzuki Rui , Kikuchi Koki
Published: October 2024

To develop an insect-scale aerial/aquatic robot, we analyzed takeoff mechanisms to counteract surface tension, such as paddling, slapping, and clap-and-fling. Because a diving beetle, Eretes griseus, takes off directly from the water surface, a flapping-wing robot is promising as an alternative to a drone with multiple rotary wings. In this study, we first investigated diving beetle flight with a three-dimensional high-speed camera system and analyzed the motion characteristics. Subsequently, we developed a computational fluid dynamics method that tracked the water surface using a volume of fluid method, reproduced the motion with a multibody model, treated the deformation of the elastic membrane wing with the phase delay of the joint angle functions, and simulated takeoff, that is, the transition from water to air, and hovering near the water surface. The simulation result showed that during the transition, the slapping motion exerted the maximum and average lift per unit of body weight of 18 and 9.2, respectively, while those of paddling produced 0.46 and 0.23, respectively. The water surface effect improved the lift by 25% at the normalized height of less than 0.44 and disappeared at a height greater than 0.7. During hovering, while the clap-and-fling motion improved lift by 2.6% and the water surface effect was 9.8%, the synergy effect was 22%. In addition, the former enhanced it significantly after the fling, while the latter was remarkable during the wing acceleration phase. In contrast to ground effects, flapping reduced the water level and caused the ripples, dynamically changing the water surface effect.
Performance Evaluation and Wing Deformation Analysis of Flapping-Wing Aerial Vehicles with Varying Flapping Parameters and Patterns
Authors: Afakh Muhammad Labiyb , Sato Hidaka , Takesue Naoyuki
Published: October 2024

There has been significant interest in the field of bio-inspired robotics, particularly in the development of flapping-wing robots from micro to bird size. Most flapping robots use lever-crank mechanisms or servomotors as wing flapping mechanisms. Servomotor-based flapping has the advantage of being able to generate various flapping patterns according to amplitude, offset, frequency, waveform, and other factors. However, it is not clear how these factors affect thrust generation. Therefore, this study focuses on the force generation and power consumption in different flapping patterns as well as the wing deformation during the flapping motion to provide some insights into the performance improvement. The results showed that the response characteristics of the actuators caused the thrust to saturate at high frequencies, and that sinusoidal pattern could generally achieve good performance and efficiency.
Single-Use Aircraft Launch System with Small Helium Balloon for 1 kPa Flight Testing
Authors: Otsuka Hikaru , Ueno Hiromi , Oishi Renta , Hayashi Naoki , Nakayama Ryoma , Tokutake Hiroshi
Published: October 2024

A single-use aircraft launch system using a small helium balloon concept was proposed to elevate the likelihood of successful high-altitude flight tests above 30 km. The system, capable of carrying a payload of 0.5 kg, has been developed and reported. Completing the flight within a range of 92 km, which represents the maximum communication distance between the airborne flight system and the ground station for operational phase control, is imperative. Therefore, a straightforward method for simulating flight trajectories was outlined to determine launch windows and suitable locations to ensure flight completion within uninhabited areas. Simulation studies revealed that the shortest landing distance was obtained during summer at the selected launch site. Additionally, a parameter study was conducted to assess the influence of varying ascent velocities on the targeted flight test altitude, which depends on the payload weight and helium gas volume. Consequently, the parameter study results established the constraints for flight model design. A demonstration flight was conducted in 2023 to validate the feasibility of the system for high-altitude flight experiments. This flight successfully released the flight model at 31 km and recovered flight data before landing on the sea surface. The proposed system concept offers an expedited approach to aircraft design for operating in thin air. It enables component function tests and scaled model flights as an alternative to employing large high-altitude balloons for high-altitude experiments.
Development of a UAV Flight Control Computer for High Altitude Environments and the Results of Observation Flights in Antarctica
Authors: Tsutsumi Masataka , Higashino Shin-Ichiro , Hayashi Masahiko
Published: October 2024

The authors have been developing small fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for use in various scientific observations. For example, in Antarctica, atmospheric observations have been conducted using a combination of a balloon and UAV. In Ethiopia, wide-area magnetic field observations have been conducted using a UAV capable of long-range flights. These UAVs are equipped with an in-house flight control computer and are capable of automatic flights. However, although approximately 20 years have passed since the development of this computer, issues such as inadequate computing power and memory as well as insufficient number of output ports for pulse width modulation signals remain, posing challenges when constructing complicated systems. To solve these problems, we developed a flight-control computer using a 32-bit microcontroller designed to conduct atmospheric observation missions in Antarctica and withstand low temperature environments down to -40°C. Aerosol observations and sample-return missions were conducted in Antarctica, and aerosol samples were successfully collected at an altitude of 27 km using the developed computer. This paper provides detailed descriptions of the developed flight control computer named “AP-CUB-G2” and the results of the atmospheric observation flight in Antarctica.
Investigation of the Possibility of High-Speed Motion of a Non-Pulley Musculoskeletal Robot
Authors: Morizono Tetsuya , Furusawa Kotaro , Kino Hitoshi
Published: October 2024

Robots with parallel-link structures are generally considered useful for achieving high-speed motion; however, they are typically large in size. Robot size can be reduced by using a serial-link structure. However, their moving parts, typically having a large mass or moment of inertia, are considered unsuitable for high-speed motion. High-speed motion performance can be improved by avoiding mounting actuators on the moving parts using some method to transmit the drive force or motion. In this letter, we propose a model in which a non-pulley musculoskeletal robot, previously studied by us, is modified to avoid mounting actuators on the movable parts. We demonstrate that the robot can be controlled to achieve the target posture using this modified model. We also discuss the feasibility of high-speed motion of a prototype robot using muscular forces computed for several motion patterns based on the minimum muscle-tension change model.