bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing parasitic organism detection in microscopy images through deep learning and fine-tuned optimizer
Authors: Kumar Yogesh , Garg Pertik , Moudgil Manu Raj , Singh Rupinder , Woźniak Marcin , Shafi Jana , Ijaz Muhammad Fazal
Published: March 2024

Parasitic organisms pose a major global health threat, mainly in regions that lack advanced medical facilities. Early and accurate detection of parasitic organisms is vital to saving lives. Deep learning models have uplifted the medical sector by providing promising results in diagnosing, detecting, and classifying diseases. This paper explores the role of deep learning techniques in detecting and classifying various parasitic organisms. The research works on a dataset consisting of 34,298 samples of parasites such as Toxoplasma Gondii, Trypanosome, Plasmodium, Leishmania, Babesia, and Trichomonad along with host cells like red blood cells and white blood cells. These images are initially converted from RGB to grayscale followed by the computation of morphological features such as perimeter, height, area, and width. Later, Otsu thresholding and watershed techniques are applied to differentiate foreground from background and create markers on the images for the identification of regions of interest. Deep transfer learning models such as VGG19, InceptionV3, ResNet50V2, ResNet152V2, EfficientNetB3, EfficientNetB0, MobileNetV2, Xception, DenseNet169, and a hybrid model, InceptionResNetV2, are employed. The parameters of these models are fine-tuned using three optimizers: SGD, RMSprop, and Adam. Experimental results reveal that when RMSprop is applied, VGG19, InceptionV3, and EfficientNetB0 achieve the highest accuracy of 99.1% with a loss of 0.09. Similarly, using the SGD optimizer, InceptionV3 performs exceptionally well, achieving the highest accuracy of 99.91% with a loss of 0.98. Finally, applying the Adam optimizer, InceptionResNetV2 excels, achieving the highest accuracy of 99.96% with a loss of 0.13, outperforming other optimizers. The findings of this research signify that using deep learning models coupled with image processing methods generates a highly accurate and efficient way to detect and classify parasitic organisms.
Optimization of the plasmonic properties of titanium nitride films sputtered at room temperature through microstructure and thickness control
Authors: Nieborek Mateusz , Jastrzębski Cezariusz , Płociński Tomasz , Wróbel Piotr , Seweryn Aleksandra , Judek Jarosław
Published: March 2024

A current approach to depositing highly plasmonic titanium nitride films using the magnetron sputtering technique assumes that the process is performed at temperatures high enough to ensure the atoms have sufficient diffusivities to form dense and highly crystalline films. In this work, we demonstrate that the plasmonic properties of TiN films can be efficiently tuned even without intentional substrate heating by influencing the details of the deposition process and entailed films’ stoichiometry and microstructure. We also discuss the dependence of the deposition time/films’ thickness on the optical properties, which is another degree of freedom in controlling the optical response of the refractory metal nitride films. The proposed strategy allows for robust and cost-effective production of large-scale substrates with good plasmonic properties in a CMOS technology-compatible process that can be further processed, e.g., structurized. All reported films are characterized by the maximal values of the plasmonic Figure of Merit (FoM = − ε1/ε2) ranging from 0.8 to 2.6, and the sample with the best plasmonic properties is characterized by FoM at 700 nm and 1550 nm that is equal 2.1 in both cases. These are outstanding results, considering the films’ polycrystallinity and deposition at room temperature onto a non-matched substrate.
Incidence, risk and prognosis of second primary malignancy of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jin Liyan , Su Xinyue , Li Wenjing , Wu Jie , Zhang Hua
Published: March 2024

Due to the long-term low survival rates of gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) patients, the occurrence and prognosis of second primary malignancies (SPMs) are often underreported and overlooked as a significant concern.To date, only a few studies have addressed this issue in the context of GAC. These studies, however, are limited by their small patient cohorts and lack of substantial, meaningful findings. Our study aims to fill this gap by investigating the incidence, risk factors, and prognostic significance of SPMs among GAC survivors. Utilizing the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, we analysed data from patients diagnosed with GAC between 2000 and 2020. The study employs the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) to assess the relative risk of SPMs, competing risk regression to identify risk factors for SPM development after GAC, and Kaplan-Meier and COX regression analyses for survival outcomes. Out of 44,041 GAC patients analyzed, 2,032 (4.3%) developed SPMs, with a median latency period of 36 months. The incidence of SPMs was significantly higher in GAC patients (SIR 1.36, 95% CI 1.32-1.4, EAR 53.57) compared to the general population. Key factors including older age, sex, tumor grade, summary stage, and history of surgical and radiation therapy were related to the higher risk of developing SPMs following GAC. Interestingly, GAC patients without SPMs exhibited poorer overall survival compared to those with SPMs. Age, summary stage, and surgical history were identified as independent prognostic factors for GAC patients with SPMs. This comprehensive analysis underscores the necessity of vigilant monitoring and tailored follow-up for SPMs in GAC survivors, highlighting the study's contribution to enhancing GAC survivors care strategies.
Pharmacological evaluation and phytochemical profiling of butanol extract of L. edodes with in- silico virtual screening
Authors: Ejaz Umer , Afzal Muhammad , Naveed Muhammad , Amin Zeemal Seemab , Atta Asia , Aziz Tariq , Kainat Gul , Mehmood Noshaba , Alharbi Metab , Alasmari Abdullah F.
Published: March 2024

L. edodes (L. edodes) is the most consumed mushroom in the world and has been well known for its therapeutic potential as an edible and medicinal candidate, it contains dietary fibers, vitamins, proteins, minerals, and carbohydrates. In the current study butanolic extract of mushroom was used to form semisolid butanol extract. The current study aimed to explore biometabolites that might have biological activities in n-butanol extract of L. edodes using FT-IR and GC–MS and LC–MS. The synergistic properties of bioactive compounds were futher assessed by performing different biological assays such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic. FTIR spectra showed different functional groups including amide N–H group, Alkane (C-H stretching), and (C = C stretching) groups at different spectrum peaks in the range of 500 cm−1 to 5000 cm−1 respectively. GC–MS profiling of n-butanol extract depicted 34 potent biomolecules among those dimethyl; Morphine, 2TMS derivative; Benzoic acid, methyl ester 1-(2-methoxy-1-methylethoxy)-2-propanol were spotted at highest range. Results indicate that L. edodes n-butanol extract showed a maximum anti-inflammatory potential 91.4% at 300 mg/mL. Antioxidant activity was observed by measuring free radical scavenging activity which is 64.6% at optimized concentration along with good antidiabetic activity. In-silico study executed the biopotential of active ingredient morphine which proved the best docking score (− 7.0 kJ/mol) against aldose reductase. The in-silico drug design analysis was performed on biometabolites detected through GC–MS that might be a potential target for sulfatase-2 to treat ruminated arthritis. Morphine binds more strongly (− 7.9 kJ/mol) than other bioactive constituents indicated. QSAR and ADMET analysis shown that morphine is a good candidates against ruminated arthritis. The current study showed that L. edodes might be used as potent drug molecules to cure multiple ailments. As mushrooms have high bioactivity, they can be used against different diseases and to develop antibacterial drugs based on the current situation in the world in which drug resistance is going to increase due to misuse of antibiotics so new and noval biological active compounds are needed to overcome the situation.
Comparison of autoclaving and γ-radiation impact on four spices aroma profiles and microbial load using HS-SPME GC–MS and chemometric tools
Authors: Baky Mostafa H. , Elkenawy Nora M. , El-Nashar Heba A. S. , Abib Bishoy , Farag Mohamed A.
Published: March 2024

Herbal spices are widely consumed as food additives owing to their distinct aroma and taste as well as a myriad of economic and health value. The aroma profile of four major spices including bay leaf, black pepper, capsicum, and fennel was tested using HS-SPME/GC–MS and in response to the most widely used spices´ processing methods including autoclaving and γ-radiation at low and high doses. Additionally, the impact of processing on microbial contamination of spices was tested using total aerobic count. GC–MS analysis led to the identification of 22 volatiles in bay leaf, 34 in black pepper, 23 in capsicum, and 24 in fennel. All the identified volatiles belonged to oxides/phenols/ethers, esters, ketones, alcohols, sesquiterpene and monoterpene hydrocarbons. Oxides/phenol/ethers were detected at high levels in all tested spices at ca. 44, 28.2, 48.8, 61.1%, in bay leaves, black pepper, capsicum, and fennel, respectively of the total blend and signifying their typical use as spices. Total oxides/phenol/ethers showed an increase in bay leaf upon exposure to γ-radiation from 44 to 47.5%, while monoterpene hydrocarbons were enriched in black pepper upon autoclaving from 11.4 in control to reach 65.9 and 82.6% for high dose and low dose of autoclaving, respectively. Cineole was detected in bay leaf at 17.9% and upon exposure to autoclaving at high dose and γ-radiation (both doses) its level increased by 29–31%. Both autoclaving and γ-radiation distinctly affected aroma profiles in examined spices. Further, volatile variations in response to processing were assessed using multivariate data analysis (MVA) revealing distinct separation between autoclaved and γ-radiated samples compared to control. Both autoclaving at 115 °C for 15 min and radiation at 10 kGy eliminated detected bioburden in all tested spices i.e., reduced the microbial counts below the detection limit (< 10 cfu/g).
Bridging the literacy gap for surgical consents: an AI-human expert collaborative approach
Authors: Ali Rohaid , Connolly Ian D. , Tang Oliver Y. , Mirza Fatima N. , Johnston Benjamin , Abdulrazeq Hael F. , Lim Rachel K. , Galamaga Paul F. , Libby Tiffany J. , Sodha Neel R. , Groff Michael W. , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Telfeian Albert E. , Shin John H. , Asaad Wael F. , Zou James , Doberstein Curtis E.
Published: March 2024

Despite the importance of informed consent in healthcare, the readability and specificity of consent forms often impede patients’ comprehension. This study investigates the use of GPT-4 to simplify surgical consent forms and introduces an AI-human expert collaborative approach to validate content appropriateness. Consent forms from multiple institutions were assessed for readability and simplified using GPT-4, with pre- and post-simplification readability metrics compared using nonparametric tests. Independent reviews by medical authors and a malpractice defense attorney were conducted. Finally, GPT-4’s potential for generating de novo procedure-specific consent forms was assessed, with forms evaluated using a validated 8-item rubric and expert subspecialty surgeon review. Analysis of 15 academic medical centers’ consent forms revealed significant reductions in average reading time, word rarity, and passive sentence frequency (all P < 0.05) following GPT-4-faciliated simplification. Readability improved from an average college freshman to an 8th-grade level (P = 0.004), matching the average American’s reading level. Medical and legal sufficiency consistency was confirmed. GPT-4 generated procedure-specific consent forms for five varied surgical procedures at an average 6th-grade reading level. These forms received perfect scores on a standardized consent form rubric and withstood scrutiny upon expert subspeciality surgeon review. This study demonstrates the first AI-human expert collaboration to enhance surgical consent forms, significantly improving readability without sacrificing clinical detail. Our framework could be extended to other patient communication materials, emphasizing clear communication and mitigating disparities related to health literacy barriers.
Memory reactivation in slow wave sleep enhances relational learning in humans
Authors: Santamaria Lorena , Kashif Ibad , McGinley Niall , Lewis Penelope A.
Published: March 2024

Sleep boosts the integration of memories, and can thus facilitate relational learning. This benefit may be due to memory reactivation during non-REM sleep. We set out to test this by explicitly cueing reactivation using a technique called targeted memory reactivation (TMR), in which sounds are paired with learned material in wake and then softly played during subsequent sleep, triggering reactivation of the associated memories. We specifically tested whether TMR in slow wave sleep leads to enhancements in inferential thinking in a transitive inference task. Because the Up-phase of the slow oscillation is more responsive to cues than the Down-phase, we also asked whether Up-phase stimulation is more beneficial for such integration. Our data show that TMR during the Up-Phase boosts the ability to make inferences, but only for the most distant inferential leaps. Up-phase stimulation was also associated with detectable memory reinstatement, whereas Down-phase stimulation led to below-chance performance the next morning. Detection of memory reinstatement after Up-state stimulation was negatively correlated with performance on the most difficult inferences the next morning. These findings demonstrate that cueing memory reactivation at specific time points in sleep can benefit difficult relational learning problems.
Human cytomegalovirus infection triggers a paracrine senescence loop in renal epithelial cells
Authors: Raviola Stefano , Griffante Gloria , Iannucci Andrea , Chandel Shikha , Lo Cigno Irene , Lacarbonara Davide , Caneparo Valeria , Pasquero Selina , Favero Francesco , Corà Davide , Trisolini Elena , Boldorini Renzo , Cantaluppi Vincenzo , Landolfo Santo , Gariglio Marisa , De Andrea Marco
Published: March 2024

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an opportunistic pathogen causing severe diseases in immunosuppressed individuals. To replicate its double-stranded DNA genome, HCMV induces profound changes in cellular homeostasis that may resemble senescence. However, it remains to be determined whether HCMV-induced senescence contributes to organ-specific pathogenesis. Here, we show a direct cytopathic effect of HCMV on primary renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (RPTECs), a natural setting of HCMV disease. We find that RPTECs are fully permissive for HCMV replication, which endows them with an inflammatory gene signature resembling the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), as confirmed by the presence of the recently established SenMayo gene set, which is not observed in retina-derived epithelial (ARPE-19) cells. Although HCMV-induced senescence is not cell-type specific, as it can be observed in both RPTECs and human fibroblasts (HFFs), only infected RPTECs show downregulation of LAMINB1 and KI67 mRNAs, and enhanced secretion of IL-6 and IL-8, which are well-established hallmarks of senescence. Finally, HCMV-infected RPTECs have the ability to trigger a senescence/inflammatory loop in an IL-6-dependent manner, leading to the development of a similar senescence/inflammatory phenotype in neighboring uninfected cells. Overall, our findings raise the intriguing possibility that this unique inflammatory loop contributes to HCMV-related pathogenesis in the kidney.
Validity of Markovian modeling for transient memory-dependent epidemic dynamics
Authors: Feng Mi , Tian Liang , Lai Ying-Cheng , Zhou Changsong
Published: March 2024

The initial transient phase of an emerging epidemic is of critical importance for data-driven model building, model-based prediction of the epidemic trend, and articulation of control/prevention strategies. Quantitative models for real-world epidemics need to be memory-dependent or non-Markovian, but this presents difficulties for data collection, parameter estimation, computation, and analyses. In contrast, such difficulties do not arise in the traditional Markovian models. To uncover the conditions under which Markovian and non-Markovian models are equivalent, we develop a comprehensive computational and analytic framework. We show that the transient-state equivalence holds when the average generation time matches the average removal time, resulting in minimal Markovian estimation errors in the basic reproduction number, epidemic forecasting, and evaluation of control strategy. The errors depend primarily on the generation-to-removal time ratio, while rarely on the specific values and distributions of these times. Overall, our study provides a general criterion for modeling memory-dependent processes using Markovian frameworks.
Recycling and repurposing of waste carbon nanofiber polymers: a critical review
Authors: Liu Zhihao , Chen Zhijie , Wang Zimin , Zhang Daijun , Ni Bing-Jie
Published: March 2024

Carbon nanofibers are a class of lightweight, high-performance composite materials.
Enabling close backbone stacking in near-amorphous n-type polymer semiconductors via side-chain engineering
Authors: Cao Xu , Xu Chenhui , Li Hongxiang , Han Yang , Deng Yunfeng , Tian Hongkun , Liu Jun , Wang Lixiang
Published: March 2024

This work demonstrates that the close π–π stacking distance is a more important factor to the electron mobility than crystallinity in near-amorphous polymer semiconductors.
Single-atom and cluster catalysts for thermocatalytic ammonia synthesis at mild conditions
Authors: Peng Xuanbei , Zhang Mingyuan , Zhang Tianhua , Zhou Yanliang , Ni Jun , Wang Xiuyun , Jiang Lilong
Published: March 2024

Recent advances in single-atom and cluster catalysts, including single-atom catalysts (SACs), single-cluster catalysts (SCCs), and bimetallic-cluster catalysts (BCCs), for thermocatalytic NH3 synthesis at mild conditions.
Motion of microswimmers in cylindrical microchannels
Authors: Overberg Florian A. , Gompper Gerhard , Fedosov Dmitry A.
Published: March 2024

Microswimmers in confinement slow down, and can exert pulling or pushing forces in particular at the end of a closed channel. Simulations and approximate theoretical calculation for the squirmer model are employed to predict this behavior.
Electrohydrodynamics of diffuse porous colloids
Authors: Mahapatra Paramita , Pal S. K. , Ohshima H. , Gopmandal Partha P.
Published: March 2024

The present article deals with the electrohydrodynamic motion of diffuse porous particles governed by an applied DC electric field.
A co-type ductile film with high tensile strength and fast self-healing properties for shaped fruit preservation
Authors: Liu Li , Zhang Yuancheng , Jiang Fengqiong , He Qiuwen , Lin Baofeng
Published: March 2024

Structural formula of CTPB hydrogels and schematic diagram of co-type film formation; CTPB hydrogel has rapid self-healing, antimicrobial properties and biosafety.
Study on the structure–activity relationship of cationic polyacrylates for the treatment of oilfield produced water
Authors: Chen Zhiping , Wang Xiujun , Zhang Jian , Zhang Wenju , Duan Ming , Xiong Yan , Fang Shenwen
Published: March 2024

Cationic polyacrylates exhibit both reverse demulsification and flotation performance, which can avoid incompatibility between the reverse demulsifier and flotation agent during treatment of produced water from offshore oilfields.
Correction: Ultrafast metal corrosion engineering facilitates the construction of CoSx derived from MOFs as enhanced supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Chen Hao , Yan Xuehua , Pan Jianmei , Shahnavaz Zohreh , Moradian Jamile Mohammadi
Published: March 2024

Correction for ‘Ultrafast metal corrosion engineering facilitates the construction of CoSx derived from MOFs as enhanced supercapacitor electrodes’ by Hao Chen et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA00413B.
Two-dimensional molecular moiré superlattices of tryptophan with visible photoluminescence for photo-activatable CO2 sensing and storage
Authors: Dey Ujjala , Chattopadhyay Arun
Published: March 2024

Molecular 2D moiré superlattices with visible fluorescence were formed, after heating (at 80 °C) and continuous stirring L or D tryptophan in water, that provided a new way of reversible CO2 storage and sensing in the presence of UV light.
Deciding Irreducibility/Indecomposability of Feedback Shift Registers Is NP‐Hard
Authors: Wang Lin
Published: March 2024

Feedback shift registers (FSRs) are used as a fundamental component in electronics and confidential communication. A FSR f is said to be reducible if all the output sequences of another FSR g can also be generated by f and the FSR g costs less memory than f. A FSR is said to be decomposable if it has the same set of output sequences as a cascade connection of two FSRs. Two polynomial‐time computable transformations from Boolean circuits to FSRs are proposed such that the output FSR of the first (resp. second) transformation is irreducible (resp. indecomposable) if and only if the input Boolean circuit is satisfiable. Through the two transformations, it is proved that deciding irreducibility (indecomposability) of FSRs is NP‐hard. Additionally, FSRs are constructed to show that there exist infinitely many irreducible (resp. indecomposable) FSRs which are decomposable (resp. reducible).
Contactless current measurement for suspended overhead lines using a magnetic field sensor array
Authors: Chen Kun‐Long , Chen Jui‐Hsiang
Published: March 2024

In this study, a long‐distance non‐contact current measurement method is proposed based on the non‐contact sensor array measurement technology, combined with a new current algorithm. The sensor array is a vertical array composed of three three‐axis magnetic field (MF) sensors that is placed on the ground plane below the measured overhead line. The proposed current algorithm can optimize the geometry of the overhead line using the spatial MF values measured by the sensor array and then the three‐phase currents can be calculated. To improve the accuracy of current measurement, the spatial MF model in the algorithm considers the influence of cable sag. It enables a more accurate coupling matrix between the measured overhead line and the sensor array to be established. Additionally, the current algorithm architecture is designed using a composite algorithm to more optimally obtain the best three‐phase current values. A scale‐down overhead‐line measurement system is developed to test the proposed current measurement method. The results show whether a cable sag exists when the three‐phase currents are approximately balanced, with errors less than 2.0%. Moreover, it can be determined whether cable sag exists when the three‐phase currents are unbalanced, with less than 3.4% errors.
Insights into the physics of gamma-ray bursts from the high-energy extension of their prompt emission spectra
Authors: Ravasio M. E. , Ghirlanda G. , Ghisellini G.
Published: March 2024

The study of the high-energy part (MeV-GeV) of the spectrum of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) can play a crucial role in investigating the physics of prompt emission, but it is often hampered by low statistics and the paucity of GeV observations. In this work, we analyze the prompt emission spectra of the 22 brightest GRBs which have been simultaneously observed byFermi/GBM andFermi/LAT, spanning six orders of magnitude in energy. The high-energy photon spectra can be modeled with a power-lawN(E)∝E−βpossibly featuring an exponential cutoff. We find that, with the inclusion of the LAT data, the spectral indexβis softer than what is typically inferred from the analysis ofFermi/GBM data alone. Under the assumption that the emission is synchrotron, we derived a median value of the indexp ∼ 2.79 of the power-law energy distribution of accelerated particles (N(γ)∝γ−p). In nine out of 22 GRB spectra, we find a significant presence of an exponential cutoff at high energy, ranging between 14 and 298 MeV. By interpreting the observed cutoff as a sign of pair-production opacity, we estimate the jet bulk Lorentz factor Γ, finding values in the range 130–330. These values are consistent with those inferred from the afterglow light curve onset time. Finally, by combining the information from the high-energy prompt emission spectrum with the afterglow light curve, we exploited a promising method to derive the distanceRfrom the central engine where the prompt emission occurs. The distances (R > 1013 − 15cm) inferred for the only two GRBs in our sample that are suitable for the application of this method, which have only lower limits on their cutoff energies, suggest large emitting regions, although they are still compatible with the standard model. Larger samples of GRBs with measured cutoff energies and afterglow deceleration time will allow for more informative values to be derived. These results highlight the importance of including high-energy data, when available, in the study of prompt spectra and their role in addressing the current challenges of the GRB standard model.
The impact of AGN X-ray selection on the AGN halo occupation distribution
Authors: Powell M. C. , Krumpe M. , Coil A. , Miyaji T.
Published: March 2024

Aims. The connection between active galactic nuclei (AGN) and their host dark matter halos provides powerful insights into how supermassive black holes (SMBHs) grow and coevolve with their host galaxies. Here we investigate the impact of observational AGN selection on the AGN halo occupation distribution (HOD) by forward-modeling AGN activity into cosmological N-body simulations.

Methods. By assuming straightforward relationships between the SMBH mass, galaxy mass, and (sub)halo mass, as well as a uniform broken power law distribution of Eddington ratios, we find that luminosity-limited AGN samples result in biased HOD shapes.

Results. While AGN defined by an Eddington ratio threshold produce AGN fractions that are flat across halo mass (unbiased by definition), luminosity-limited AGN fractions peak around galaxy-group-sized halo masses and then decrease with increasing halo mass. With higher luminosities, the rise of the AGN fraction starts at higher halo masses, the peak is shifted towards higher halo masses, and the decline at higher halo masses is more rapid. These results are consistent with recent HOD constraints from AGN clustering measurements, which find (1) characteristic halo mass scales of log MVir ∼ 12–13 [h−1 M⊙] and (2) a shallower rise of the number of satellite AGN with increasing halo mass than for the overall galaxy population. Thus the observational biases due to AGN selection can naturally explain the constant, characteristic halo mass scale inferred from large-scale AGN clustering amplitudes over a range of redshifts, as well as the measured inconsistencies between AGN and galaxy HODs.

Conclusions. We conclude that AGN selection biases can have significant impacts on the inferred AGN HOD, and can therefore lead to possible misinterpretations of how AGN populate dark matter halos and the AGN-host galaxy connection.
Venovenous bypass in liver transplantation: Exploring the benefits, efficacy, and safety
Authors: Butt Salman Pervaiz , Kumar Arun , Ashiq Fazil , Minou Andrei , Iuppa Giuseppe , Quintini Cristiano
Published: March 2024

Venovenous bypass (VVB) is a technique used in liver transplantation (LT) to maintain hemodynamic stability and abdominal organ perfusion and thereby improve patient outcomes. Despite its perceived benefits, VVB utilization has declined globally due to concerns related to heparinization, major bleeding and the need for expertise. Recent advancements, such as percutaneous cannulation techniques and improved extracorporeal technology have improved the safety of VVB in LT. This paper presents a modified VVB circuit with enhanced safety features. Cannulation plays a pivotal role in VVB establishment, with percutaneous methods increasingly favored. Studies demonstrate VVB’s efficacy in improving patient outcomes with lower incidence of acute kidney injury and reduced operative time and blood loss, with no added morbidity or mortality. However, its routine use faces challenges, with alternative techniques gaining traction. Our experience highlights VVB’s role in various clinical scenarios, including patients with high Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores, challenging surgical anatomy, portal vein thrombosis and pre-existing cardiovascular disease, emphasizing its safety and efficacy. Continued research is needed to optimize VVB techniques and ensure better outcomes for liver transplant recipients.
Evaluation of oral health-related quality of life in a sample of Iraqi patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a case-control study
Authors: Khalid Khalid Burhan , Humadi Yasameen Abbas , Gorial Faiq I. , Awadh Nabaa Ihsan , Jamal Mahmood Shahad , Mahmood Roaa Salim
Published: March 2024

Background: Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) has been investigated as a component of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in recent years. However, there is a lack of local data using OHRQoL questionnaires to assess life quality in individuals rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at the present time. Objectives: to assess the OHRQoL of RA patients and explore any potential effects of various clinical indicators. Methods: A cross-sectional study compared 100 RA patients and 100 control individuals to assess and compare their OHRQoL. The study examined the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) as one of the oral health factors under investigation, examining the association between the disease activity score of RA (CDAI and DAS28) and the OHIP. Results: Patients with RA had a median OHIP-14 of 14 (4–24.5), while controls had a median of 6 (2–18), yielding a significant difference (p = 0.005). A significant positive yet weak correlation was observed between OHIP-14 and CDAI (r = 0.26, p = 0.009). A weak positive correlation was seen between OHIP-14 and DAS28, although the correlation did not attain statistical significance (r = 0.15, p = 0.125). Conclusions: Patients with RA reported a more unfavorable evaluation of their OHRQoL compared to those without RA.
Research on dynamic pricing and coordination model of fresh produce supply chain based on differential game considering traceability goodwill
Authors: Luo Ming , Luo Rong , Dai Yuhon , Li Jinjun , Xu Hao
Published: March 2024

This study aims to solve the current pricing and coordination problems in the fresh produce supply chain by proposing a dynamic pricing and coordination differential game model based on traceability goodwill to optimize the operational efficiency and profitability of the supply chain. Freshness and traceability are critical consumer trust and brand value factors incorporated into the dynamic pricing and coordination model in the agricultural supply chain. The research methodology of this paper integrates critical factors such as supply chain cost and market demand to construct a comprehensive differential game model. It also highlights the motivation of dynamic pricing strategy and coordination mechanism based on traceability goodwill. Through traceability goodwill, operating companies can better assess and manage product quality and improve consumer trust in agricultural products, thus enhancing brand value. The dynamic pricing strategy based on traceability goodwill can flexibly adjust prices according to changes in the quality characteristics of agricultural products and market demand, realizing a dynamic balance between supply and demand. On the other hand, the mutual cost-sharing and coordination mechanism promotes the synergy between the various links of the supply chain. It improves overall efficiency through cooperation coo, coordination, and other means. The validity and reliability of the model are verified through numerical simulation experiments. The numerical simulation results show that the dynamic pricing and coordination model based on traceability will significantly improve supply chain efficiency and profitability compared with the traditional model. Specifically, the interests of supply chain participants are balanced, and the overall supply chain operational efficiency is improved. The main contribution of this study is to propose a dynamic pricing and coordination model based on traceability goodwill and verify its superiority through numerical simulation experiments. This study provides a valuable reference for fresh agricultural products supply chain management and offers new ideas for improving supply chain efficiency and profitability.
Dual-channel decision models for the transnational supply chain considering strategic inputs and compensation
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhang Ranran , Peng Biyu
Published: March 2024

Based on a transnational dual-channel supply chain consisting of the domestic manufacturer and retailer, this paper constructs four models, namely, the without tariff model, the tariff model, the retailer’s strategic inputs model, and the manufacturer’s compensation model, to investigate the impact of the tariff imposing on supply chain decisions, the effect of the retailer’s strategic inputs to hedge against tariffs, and the incentive effect of the manufacturer’s compensation. The results show that the tariff imposed by the foreign government leads to higher product prices and lower sales volumes, resulting in welfare losses for foreign consumers. When the domestic retailer makes strategic inputs, the prices of products in the foreign market decrease and the sales volumes increase, which increases the profits of the domestic retailer and manufacturer and improves the welfare of foreign consumers. The equilibrium solutions of the models also show that the manufacturer has an incentive to compensate the retailer for its strategic inputs; when the manufacturer compensates for the retailer’s strategic inputs, the profit of the retailer and the manufacturer will be improved again, and thus, the whole supply chain will achieve Pareto improvement.
Optimality conditions for bilevel optimal control problems with non-convex quasi-variational inequalities
Authors: El Idrissi Rachid , Lafhim Lahoussine , Kalmoun El Mostafa , Ouakrim Youssef
Published: March 2024

We establish Pontryagin optimality conditions for a generalized bilevel optimal control problem in which the leader is subject to a pure state inequality constraint, while the follower is governed by a non-convex quasi-variational inequality parameterized by the final state. To simplify the problem at hand, we convert it into a single-level optimal control problem by mapping the solution set of the quasi-variational inequality to a parametric optimization problem and employing the value function reformulation. Furthermore, we introduce certain regularity conditions to ensure that the derived maximum principle remains non-degenerate. Finally, we provide an illustrative example to elucidate our research findings.
Understanding the secular variability of solar irradiance: the potential of Ca II K observations
Authors: Chatzistergos Theodosios , Krivova Natalie A. , Ermolli Ilaria
Published: March 2024

With the increasing concern about climate change, it is important to have accurate information on the individual contributions by the potential driving agents, solar variability being one of them. Long and reliable records of solar irradiance, which describe the solar radiative energy input into the climate system, are essential for assessing the role of the Sun. The short temporal extent (since the 1970s) of direct space-based irradiance measurements leaves reconstructions of the past variability with the help of models as the only avenue. Such models require information on the surface distribution and evolution of solar magnetic regions, dark sunspots and bright faculae, and network regions. However, such data become increasingly scarce and of diminishing quality further back in time. Prior to the period of direct irradiance measurements, reconstructions mainly rely on sunspot observations or other indirect data to describe facular and network regions. The resulting estimates of the long-term change between the Maunder minimum and the present diverge by about an order of magnitude. Having direct information on bright magnetic regions can help resolve these discrepancies. The by far most promising data for this purpose are the full-disc observations of the Sun in the Ca II K line. Despite the wealth of such data all the way back to 1892, their use up to now has been rather limited, owing to a number of intricacies of the data. Here we review the recent efforts to bring Ca II K datasets to their full potential. We briefly discuss the problems plaguing the data and processing methods that have been developed to account for them before switching to a summary of the products derived from them. Focus is given to reconstructions of total and spectral irradiance variations from Ca II K observations. We summarise the available such reconstructions and discuss various aspects requiring further attention in order to allow Ca II K observations to be used to their full potential and thus eventually more accurate irradiance reconstructions back to 1892.
Rettungswissenschaft und Rettungsmedizin: Forschungsfeld „Außerklinische Notfall-Therapie“ für ein erweitertes Modell Rettungswissenschaft
Authors: Prescher Thomas , Eßer Bernhard
Published: March 2024

Dieser Beitrag untersucht die aktuellen Spannungen und Abgrenzungen im Diskurs der Disziplinbildung zwischen der „neuen“ Rettungswissenschaft und der Notfall- bzw. Rettungsmedizin.

Eine interdisziplinäre Analyse des Rettungswissenschaftsmodells nach Prescher et al. (2023), insbesondere in Bezug auf seine Begründung und die Einbindung medizinischer Perspektiven.

Es wird eine integrative Perspektive vorgeschlagen, die entlang des zentralen Forschungsgegenstandes Rettung und Notfallversorgung die Notfall- und Rettungsmedizin als notwendigen bezugswissenschaftlicher Bestandteil der Disziplinbildung aufgreift.

Für eine holistische Entwicklung der Rettungswissenschaft fördert die Etablierung des Forschungsfeldes „Außerklinische Notfall-Therapie“ eine konsistente, patientenorientierte Forschung im Bereich prä- und außerklinischer Notfallversorgung und bildet damit die Brücke zur Bezugswissenschaft Notfall- und Rettungsmedizin.
Three-Dimensional Analysis of Polyaxial Volar Locking Plate Position for Distal Radius Fracture
Authors: Eda Yusuke , Kohyama Sho , Ikumi Akira , Ishii Tomoo , Yamazaki Masashi , Yoshii Yuichi
Published: March 2024

Background To avoid screw penetration into the joint when using the polyaxial volar locking plate (VLP) for osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures, it is important to note that the optimal screw insertion angles depending on the plate positions.

Purpose The purpose of this study was 2-fold: first, to evaluate the differences of the most distal plate position where the screw does not penetrate into the joint in the three-dimensional (3D) radius models; second, to evaluate the relationship between the plate position and the transverse diameter of the distal radius.

Patients and Methods Thirty plain X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans of healthy wrists were evaluated. The transverse diameter was measured on plain X-rays. 3D radius models were reconstructed from CT data. A 3D image of polyaxial VLP was used to investigate the most distal plate position at three different screw insertion angles. The linear distance between the volar articular edge and the plate edge was measured and compared among different screw insertion angles. The correlations between the plate positions and the transverse diameter were also evaluated. In addition, the relationship between the most distal screw place and articular surface was confirmed with one case of distal radius fracture.

Results The optimal positions relative to the neutral were 2.7 mm proximal in the distal swing and 1.9 mm distal in the proximal swing. The linear distance was significantly correlated with the transverse diameter in each group. It was confirmed that the relationship between the most distal screw place and articular surface was applicable in the actual case.

Conclusion The results showed that the most distal position of the polyaxial VLP differed depending on the screw insertion angle and became more proximal as the transverse diameter increased. These results may be useful as a reference for preoperative planning.

Levels of Evidence III.
Low Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index Predicts Early Complications following Distal Radius Fracture Open Reduction Internal Fixation
Authors: Liu Steven H. , Cerri-Droz Patricia , Loyst Rachel A. , Warheit Zachary , Komatsu David E. , Wang Edward D.
Published: March 2024

Background While previous studies have investigated the association between the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and functional outcomes following distal radius fracture (DRF), no large-scale studies have investigated the associations between GNRI and postoperative outcomes following DRFs.

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between GNRI, a simple multifaceted measure of malnutrition risk, and 30-day postoperative complications following DRF open reduction internal fixation (ORIF).

Materials and Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for patients who underwent DRF ORIF from 2015 to 2021. Patients were organized into three groups based on preoperative GNRI: normal/reference (GNRI > 98), moderate malnutrition (92 ≤ GNRI ≤ 98), and severe malnutrition (GNRI < 92). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between preoperative GNRI and postoperative complications.

Results Severe malnutrition was independently associated with a greater likelihood of any complication (odds ratio [OR]: 3.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.48–4.17; p < 0.001), sepsis (OR: 15.41, 95% CI: 1.66–143.32; p = 0.016), cardiac arrest or myocardial infarction (OR: 20.58, 95% CI: 1.62–261.26; p = 0.020), pulmonary embolism (OR: 9.40, 95% CI: 1.76–50.11; p = 0.009), surgical site infection (OR: 7.73, 95% CI: 1.99–30.02; p = 0.003), nonhome discharge (OR: 2.55, 95% CI: 1.87–3.49; p < 0.001), readmission (OR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.47–4.14; p < 0.001), and length of stay > 2 days (OR: 3.51, 95% CI: 2.67–4.62; p < 0.001).

Conclusions Malnutrition is an independent significant predictor of early complications following DRF ORIF.

Level of Evidence Level III; retrospective cohort comparison; prognosis study.
The effects of knowledge management processes on service sector performance: evidence from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alharbi Ghadah Lafi , Aloud Monira Essa
Published: March 2024

This study examines the effect of Knowledge Management (KM) processes on organizational performance in Saudi Arabian service organizations. It focuses on knowledge creation, capture, sharing, and application, and examines their effects on quality, operational, and innovation performance. While the service sector can enhance operational efficiencies through effective KM implementation, the extent of this impact, particularly in terms of quality and operational performance in developing countries like Saudi Arabia, remains underexplored. The study uses a quantitative methodology, obtaining 605 valid responses from Saudi service sector managers through an online self-reported questionnaire. Structural equation modeling validates the research model and tests the hypotheses. Results indicate that knowledge sharing has a nonsignificant effect, while knowledge creation, capture, and application have substantial impacts. Specifically, knowledge application significantly improves operational performance, while knowledge creation influences quality and innovation performance. Organizations are advised to understand their KM processes’ structure to effectively implement and leverage their impact on performance. Emphasizing knowledge sharing through personalized communication channels, employee development opportunities, and effective incentive systems is recommended to sustain engagement and motivation. Furthermore, prioritizing KM tools and technology for seamless knowledge flow across organizational levels and implementing collaborative tools can enhance innovative capabilities, adaptability, and competitive advantages.
Systematic literature review based on the descriptive, bibliometric, and content analysis of renewable energy supply chain for a circular economy
Authors: Arıöz Yağmur , Yıldızbaşı Abdullah , Özceylan Eren , Yılmaz İbrahim
Published: March 2024

Recently, the renewable energy supply chain has gained momentum as a vital component for clean energy, contributing to a sustainable future for the world. The development of the renewable energy supply chain is directly linked to circular economy targets and practices. This paper presents a systematic literature review of studies that analyze the roles, functions, and application objectives of the circular economy in the renewable energy supply chain. The aim of this review is to investigate key elements of renewable energy supply chains in the circular economy, shedding light on the state of research on the progress of sustainability in renewable energy supply chains, and guiding future research. Mainly, the systematic literature review demonstrates its findings by identifying and mapping the collated literature to reviews and applied studies that support and drive the renewable energy supply chain under the circular economy. This review paper is handled with a systematically descriptive, bibliometric, and content analysis hybrid approach, framed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis methodology on the research topic. Findings show that circular economy applications have gained momentum in the renewable energy supply chain; nonetheless, some deficiencies persist. Redesign-based applications and design for recycling concepts encompass a significant gap in the renewable energy supply chain. Moreover, the current literature lacks outcomes on the applicability of circular economy 10R targets and the interrelationship and scalability of sustainable development goals in the renewable energy supply chain.
Progress of organic wastewater degradation by atmospheric pressure gliding arc plasma technology: A review
Authors: Tian Di , Cheng Jiushan , Pei Xueyun , Liu Zhongwei , Liu Qianyu , Chen Qiang
Published: March 2024

The prevention and treatment of organic pollutants in wastewater have attracted extensive attention because they threaten ecological balance and human health. Traditional wastewater treatment technologies, such as physical, chemical, biological methods, etc., are still limiting and challenging due to some factors, such as high energy consumption, chemical agents, low efficiency, and secondary pollution. At present, gliding arc plasma, based on equilibrium/non-equilibrium in plasma temperature, demonstrates itself to be one of the most promising technologies for the degradation of refractory organics with its fast degradation rates, no secondary contamination, high efficiency, and so on. The theoretical mechanisms and typical applications of gliding arc plasma degradation of wastewater are introduced in detail in this paper. The physical and chemical characteristics of gliding arc plasma and the role of the reactive species in the plasma are reviewed.