bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical relevance of transcranial Doppler in a cardiac surgery setting: embolic load predicts difficult separation from cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Jarry Stéphanie , Couture Etienne J. , Beaubien-Souligny William , Fernandes Armindo , Fortier Annik , Ben-Ali Walid , Desjardins Georges , Huard Karel , Mailhot Tanya , Denault André Y.
Published: February 2024

Background

During cardiac surgery, transcranial Doppler (TCD) represents a non-invasive modality that allows measurement of red blood cell flow velocities in the cerebral arteries. TCD can also be used to detect and monitor embolic material in the cerebral circulation. Detection of microemboli is reported as a high intensity transient signal (HITS). The importance of cerebral microemboli during cardiac surgery has been linked to the increased incidence of postoperative renal failure, right ventricular dysfunction, and hemodynamic instability. The objective of this study is to determine whether the embolic load is associated with hemodynamic instability during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) separation and postoperative complications.

Methods

A retrospective single-centre cohort study of 354 patients undergoing cardiac surgery between December 2015 and March 2020 was conducted. Patients were divided in tertiles, where 117 patients had a low quantity of embolic material (LEM), 119 patients have a medium quantity of microemboli (MEM) and 118 patients who have a high quantity of embolic material (HEM). The primary endpoint was a difficult CPB separation. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the potential association between a difficult CPB separation and the number of embolic materials.

Results

Patients who had a difficult CPB separation had more HITS compared to patients who had a successful CPB separation (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, patients with MEM decreased their odds of having a difficult CPB weaning compared to patients in the HEM group (OR = 0.253, CI 0.111–0.593; p = 0.001). In the postoperative period patients in the HEM group have a higher Time of Persistent Organ Dysfunction (TPOD), a longer stay in the ICU, a longer duration under vasopressor drugs and a higher mortality rate compared to those in the MEM and LEM groups.

Conclusion

The result of this study suggests that a high quantity of cerebral embolic material increases the odds of having a difficult CPB separation. Also, it seems to be associated to more complex surgery, a longer CPB time, a higher TPOD and a longer stay in the ICU. Six out of eight patients who died in this cohort were in the HEM group.
Secondary peripheral chondrosarcoma in multiple osteochondromas: a retrospective single-institution case series
Authors: Gnoli Maria , Gambarotti Marco , Righi Alberto , Staals Eric Lodewijk , Evangelista Andrea , Tremosini Morena , Brizola Evelise , Mordenti Marina , Boarini Manila , Locatelli Manuela , Pedrini Elena , Sangiorgi Luca
Published: February 2024

Background

Multiple osteochondromas is genetic disorder characterized by the formation of multiple benign cartilage-capped bone tumors, named osteochondromas, during skeletal development. The most feared complication is the secondary peripheral chondrosarcoma, a malignant cartilaginous neoplasm that arises from the chondroid cap of pre-existent osteochondromas. We conducted a retrospective cohort study on patients diagnosed and followed up from 1960 to 2019 to describe the clinical and pathological features of individuals affected by peripheral chondrosarcoma in multiple osteochondromas, to evaluate follow up information and individual outcome and to compare the results with literature. Data, including age, gender, site, histological grade, cartilage cap thickness, surgical treatments, surgical margins, genotype mutational status as well as treatment details were captured from the hospital electronic health records and from Registry of Multiple Osteochondromas. In addition, a complete histological review of all hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections has been performed by expert pathologists.

Results

One hundred five of the screened cases were included in the present study. The age at diagnosis of SPC ranges from 13 to 63, with median age at diagnosis of 34 years. The site most frequently affected by malignant degeneration was the pelvis (46 patients, 44%) with higher incidence in male patients (32 males vs.14 females). The second one was lower limbs (including femur, fibula, or tibia), identified in 35 patients. Histological information - available for 103 patients – showed: 59 patients with grade 1; 40 patients had a grade 2 and 4 patients had a grade 3. The most common surgical treatment was the complete resection, followed by debulking, amputation and partial resection. Most of cases did not have recurrence of the disease. Outcome in disease-free survival highlights that a worse course of the disease was associated with histological grade 2 or 3, and partial resection surgery. In most of analyzed cases (94%) a pathogenic variant was identified.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the present study gives an overview of the secondary peripheral chondrosarcomas, confirming that this disease represents an impacting complication for multiple osteochondromas patients and suggests that malignant transformation can occur also in younger patient, in a not irrelevant number of cases.
Recommendations for optimal interdisciplinary management and healthcare settings for patients with rare neurological diseases
Authors: Graessner Holm , Reinhard Carola , Bäumer Tobias , Baumgärtner Annette , Brockmann Knut , Brüggemann Norbert , Bültmann Eva , Erdmann Jeanette , Heise Kirstin , Höglinger Günter , Hüning Irina , Kaiser Frank J. , Klein Christine , Klopstock Thomas , Krägeloh-Mann Ingeborg , Kraemer Markus , Luedtke Kerstin , Mücke Martin , Musacchio Thomas , Nadke Andreas , Osmanovic Alma , Ritter Gabriele , Röse Katharina , Schippers Christopher , Schöls Ludger , Schüle Rebecca , Schulz Jörg B. , Sproß Joachim , Stasch Eveline , Wunderlich Gilbert , Münchau Alexander
Published: February 2024

Background

In 2017, the German Academy for Rare Neurological Diseases (Deutsche Akademie für Seltene Neurologische Erkrankungen; DASNE) was founded to pave the way for an optimized personalized management of patients with rare neurological diseases (RND) in all age groups. Since then a dynamic national network for rare neurological disorders has been established comprising renowned experts in neurology, pediatric neurology, (neuro-) genetics and neuroradiology. DASNE has successfully implemented case presentations and multidisciplinary discussions both at yearly symposia and monthly virtual case conferences, as well as further educational activities covering a broad spectrum of interdisciplinary expertise associated with RND. Here, we present recommendation statements for optimized personalized management of patients with RND, which have been developed and reviewed in a structured Delphi process by a group of experts.

Methods

An interdisciplinary group of 37 RND experts comprising DASNE experts, patient representatives, as well as healthcare professionals and managers was involved in the Delphi process. First, an online collection was performed of topics considered relevant for optimal patient care by the expert group. Second, a two-step Delphi process was carried out to rank the importance of the selected topics. Small interdisciplinary working groups then drafted recommendations. In two consensus meetings and one online review round these recommendations were finally consented.

Results

38 statements were consented and grouped into 11 topics: health care structure, core neurological expertise and core mission, interdisciplinary team composition, diagnostics, continuous care and therapy development, case conferences, exchange / cooperation between Centers for Rare Diseases and other healthcare partners, patient advocacy group, databases, translation and health policy.

Conclusions

This German interdisciplinary Delphi expert panel developed consented recommendations for optimal care of patients with RND in a structured Delphi process. These represent a basis for further developments and adjustments in the health care system to improve care for patients with RND and their families.
Deleting IP6K1 stabilizes neuronal sodium–potassium pumps and suppresses excitability
Authors: Jin Hongfu , Liu Aili , Chin Alfred C. , Fu Chenglai , Shen Hui , Cheng Weiwei
Published: February 2024

Inositol pyrophosphates are key signaling molecules that regulate diverse neurobiological processes. We previously reported that the inositol pyrophosphate 5-InsP7, generated by inositol hexakisphosphate kinase 1 (IP6K1), governs the degradation of Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) via an autoinhibitory domain of PI3K p85α. NKA is required for maintaining electrochemical gradients for proper neuronal firing. Here we characterized the electrophysiology of IP6K1 knockout (KO) neurons to further expand upon the functions of IP6K1-regulated control of NKA stability. We found that IP6K1 KO neurons have a lower frequency of action potentials and a specific deepening of the afterhyperpolarization phase. Our results demonstrate that deleting IP6K1 suppresses neuronal excitability, which is consistent with hyperpolarization due to an enrichment of NKA. Given that impaired NKA function contributes to the pathophysiology of various neurological diseases, including hyperexcitability in epilepsy, our findings may have therapeutic implications.
A hybrid digital parenting programme to prevent abuse of adolescents in Tanzania: study protocol for a pragmatic cluster-randomised controlled trial
Authors: Baerecke Lauren , Ornellas Abigail , Wamoyi Joyce , Wambura Mwita , Klapwijk Jonathan , Chetty Angelique N. , Simpson Ashlin , Janowski Roselinde , de Graaf Kristen , Stern David , Clements Lily , te Winkel Esmee , Christine Laetitia , Mbosoli Gervas , Nyalali Kija , Onduru Onduru Gervas , Booij Anna , Mjwara Sussie N. , Tsoanyane Sibongile , Mshana Gerry , Mwakitalu Mbutolwe Esther , Melendez-Torres G. J. , Calderon Francisco , Awah Isang , Green Ohad , Vallance Inge , Somefun Oluwaseyi , Gardner Frances , Sherr Lorraine , Martin Mackenzie , Lachman Jamie M. , Cluver Lucie D.
Published: February 2024

Background

Evidence-based parenting programmes have strong evidence in preventing and mitigating violence, but in-person programmes are challenging to deliver at scale. ParentApp is an open-source, offline-first app-based adaptation of the Parenting for Lifelong Health for Parents and Teens programme to promote playful and positive parenting, reduce risks for sexual violence victimisation, and prevent violence against adolescents. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of ParentApp compared to an attention-control group.

Methods

This study is a two-arm pragmatic cluster-randomised controlled trial to test whether ParentApp reduces adolescent physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual violence risks and victimisation at 1 month and 12 months post-intervention. Caregivers of adolescents aged 10–17 years and their adolescent children (N = 2400 caregiver-adolescent dyads) will be recruited in urban and peri-urban communities in the Mwanza region of Tanzania. A total of 80 study clusters will be stratified and randomised (1:1) to the intervention group, who will receive ParentApp with support through a WhatsApp group, or to an attention-control group, who will receive a water, sanitation, and hygiene app. Quantitative data will be collected through outcomes questionnaires with caregivers and adolescents, administered at baseline, 4 months post-baseline, and 16 months post-baseline, as well as through routine implementation data and ParentApp engagement data. Qualitative data will be collected through individual interviews and focus groups with caregivers, adolescents, and implementing partner staff.

Discussion

App-based interventions have the potential to expand access to evidence-based parenting support, but currently lack rigorous evidence in low- and middle-income countries. This is the first known randomised control trial of a hybrid digital parenting programme to prevent the abuse of adolescents in low- and middle-income settings.

Trial registration

The trial was registered on the Open Science Framework on 14 March 2023, registration: OSF.IO/T9FXZ.
Effect of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in nontraumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a multinational, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Kim Hee Eun , Chu Sheng-En , Jo You Hwan , Chiang Wen-Chu , Jang Dong-Hyun , Chang Chin-Hao , Oh So Hee , Chen Hsuan-An , Park Seung Min , Sun Jen-Tang , Lee Dong Keon
Published: February 2024

Background

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a significant public health issue worldwide and is associated with low survival rates and poor neurological outcomes. The generation of optimal coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) via high-quality chest compressions is a key factor in enhancing survival rates. However, it is often challenging to provide adequate CPP in real-world cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) scenarios. Based on animal studies and human trials on improving CPP in patients with nontraumatic OHCA, resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a promising technique in these cases. This study aims to investigate the benefits of REBOA adjunct to CPR compared with conventional CPR for the clinical management of nontraumatic OHCA.

Methods

This is a parallel-group, randomized, controlled, multinational trial that will be conducted at two urban academic tertiary hospitals in Korea and Taiwan. Patients aged 20–80 years presenting with witnessed OHCA will be enrolled in this study. Eligible participants must fulfill the inclusion criteria, and written informed consent should be collected from their legal representatives. Patients will be randomly assigned to the intervention (REBOA-CPR) or control (conventional CPR) group. The intervention group will receive REBOA and standard advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS). Meanwhile, the control group will receive ACLS based on the 2020 American Heart Association guidelines. The primary outcome is the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The secondary outcomes include sustained ROSC, survival to admission, survival to discharge, neurological outcome, and hemodynamic changes.

Discussion

Our upcoming trial can provide essential evidence regarding the efficacy of REBOA, a mechanical method for enhancing CPP, in OHCA resuscitation. Our study aims to determine whether REBOA can improve treatment strategies for patients with nontraumatic OHCA based on clinical outcomes, thereby potentially providing valuable insights and guiding further advancements in this critical public health area.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06031623. Registered on September 9, 2023
Marine cyanobacterial biomass is an efficient feedstock for fungal bioprocesses
Authors: Gupta Jai Kumar , Jain Kavish K. , Kaushal Mehak , Upton Daniel J. , Joshi Manish , Pachauri Piyush , Wood A. Jamie , Yazdani Syed Shams , Srivastava Shireesh
Published: February 2024

Background

Marine cyanobacteria offer many sustainability advantages, such as the ability to fix atmospheric CO2, very fast growth and no dependence on freshwater for culture. Cyanobacterial biomass is a rich source of sugars and proteins, two essential nutrients for culturing any heterotroph. However, no previous study has evaluated their application as a feedstock for fungal bioprocesses.

Results

In this work, we cultured the marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 in a 3-L externally illuminated bioreactor with working volume of 2 L with a biomass productivity of ~ 0.8 g L−1 day−1. Hydrolysis of the biomass with acids released proteins and hydrolyzed glycogen while hydrolysis of the biomass with base released only proteins but did not hydrolyze glycogen. Among the different acids tested, treatment with HNO3 led to the highest release of proteins and glucose. Cyanobacterial biomass hydrolysate (CBH) prepared in HNO3 was used as a medium to produce cellulase enzyme by the Penicillium funiculosum OAO3 strain while CBH prepared in HCl and treated with charcoal was used as a medium for citric acid by Aspergillus tubingensis. Approximately 50% higher titers of both products were obtained compared to traditional media.

Conclusions

These results show that the hydrolysate of marine cyanobacteria is an effective source of nutrients/proteins for fungal bioprocesses.
Assessment framework for deepfake detection in real-world situations
Authors: Lu Yuhang , Ebrahimi Touradj
Published: February 2024

Detecting digital face manipulation in images and video has attracted extensive attention due to the potential risk to public trust. To counteract the malicious usage of such techniques, deep learning-based deepfake detection methods have been employed and have exhibited remarkable performance. However, the performance of such detectors is often assessed on related benchmarks that hardly reflect real-world situations. For example, the impact of various image and video processing operations and typical workflow distortions on detection accuracy has not been systematically measured. In this paper, a more reliable assessment framework is proposed to evaluate the performance of learning-based deepfake detectors in more realistic settings. To the best of our acknowledgment, it is the first systematic assessment approach for deepfake detectors that not only reports the general performance under real-world conditions but also quantitatively measures their robustness toward different processing operations. To demonstrate the effectiveness and usage of the framework, extensive experiments and detailed analysis of four popular deepfake detection methods are further presented in this paper. In addition, a stochastic degradation-based data augmentation method driven by realistic processing operations is designed, which significantly improves the robustness of deepfake detectors.
Emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial intention among university undergraduates in Nigeria: exploring the mediating roles of self-efficacy domains
Authors: Nwibe Kenechukwu Joshua , Ogbuanya Theresa Chinyere
Published: February 2024

How emotional competencies influence entrepreneurial behaviour especially among college students remains an under-researched subject in the entrepreneurship literature. In a unique perspective, this study examined the mediating roles of self-efficacy belief dimensions in the relationship between emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial intention of Electrical/Electronics Technology Education (EETE) students. The study was carried out among 192 EETE university students in 4 federal universities in South-East Nigeria. The hypothesized causal relationships based on literature were tested using covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM). Andrew Hayes’ PROCESS plugin in SPSS was used to simultaneously estimate the mediating effects of the self-efficacy components (perceived competence, perceived control, and perceived persistence). Data analysis results revealed that emotional intelligence had a significant positive effect on entrepreneurial intention in isolation, while the direct effect of emotional intelligence in the structural (mediation) model was not significant. Out of the three dimensions of self-efficacy, perceived competence and perceived persistence had significant partial mediating effects. The implications of the findings and recommendations were discussed.
Examining media reports of pediatric unintentional firearm injury deaths for prevention messaging concerning secured storage of firearms: U.S., 2021–2022
Authors: Hammig Bart , Bordelon Abigail , Chandler Corinne
Published: February 2024

Background

Media outlets that report on firearm injuries and deaths may provide an important role in emphasizing safe storage practices, particularly when unintentional firearm injuries and deaths occur among young children. There has been a scarcity of research on aspects of media reports on injuries, particularly concerning prevention messaging. The objective of the present study was to examine prevention messaging on the safe storage of firearms among media outlets when reporting on unintentional firearm injury deaths among children aged 0–11.

Methods

The Gun Violence Archive collects information from media sources regarding firearm injuries and deaths. We analyzed data from 2021 to 2022 to analyze prevention messaging incorporated into the media reports. We then examined if media reporting of events that occurred in States with child access prevention (CAP) laws had a higher likelihood of including prevention messaging compared to those events occurring in States without CAP laws.

Results

There were 223 deaths reported that were attributed to unintentional firearm discharge among children aged 0–11. Prevention messages were delivered in 61 of the 223 incidents. Specific messages which included the word “lock” when referring to firearm storage were included in 21.9% of all incidents. An analysis examining State CAP laws and the presence of any prevention message per event did not yield any discernable relationship.

Conclusion

Inclusion of prevention messaging stating that firearms should be stored locked and unloaded when reporting on unintentional firearm injury deaths among children is lacking. When specific prevention messaging was included, the source was often law enforcement. Public health officials may play an important role in educating the journalistic and law enforcement communities about the inclusion of safe storage messages when reporting on firearm deaths.
Behavioural patterns of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study of the effects of active transportation, uninterrupted sitting time, and screen use on physical activity and sitting time
Authors: Marchant Gonzalo , Chevance Guillaume , Ladino Andrés , Lefèvre Brice , Jacquemond Nicolas
Published: February 2024

Background The closure of universities due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may alter the behaviour of students. This study aimed to determine the effect of active transportation duration, uninterrupted sitting time, and screen time to study on physical activity and sitting time during the lockdown. Methods This was a cross-sectional study based on data collected via an online questionnaire for university students during the second confinement in France (between October and December 2020). Participants (N=2873) completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, which assessed physical activity and sedentary behaviour, and contained questions about modes of transport, and perception of uninterrupted sitting time and screen time to study prior to confinement and during confinement. Multiple regression models assessed how time duration of active transportation, uninterrupted sitting time, and screen time studying increased or reduced confinement effects on physical activity and sitting time. Results The regression models showed that physical activity decreased during confinement for students who engaged in more prolonged periods of active transportation prior to confinement. Moreover, the perception of long, uninterrupted sitting time and high screen time prior to confinement significantly increased sitting time during confinement. Students who adopted the most active transport time prior to confinement were the least likely to increase their screen time during confinement. Conclusions Confinement reduced physical activity levels and increased sitting time, mainly among students who adopted active transport and accumulated longer uninterrupted sitting time prior to confinement. Students who combined-long periods of uninterrupted sitting time with high screen use could be a riskier profile for health. Analysis of physical activity time and sitting position should include its accumulation patterns.
A Lorentz variant theory that passes fundamental tests of special relativity and makes diverging, testable but as of yet untested predictions
Authors: Bischoff van Heemskerck Daniël
Published: February 2024

Background Tests of special relativity have been conducted over the past century with increasing accuracy and none have showed violations of Lorentz invariance. In this paper we will examine whether these tests are together sufficient to rule out theories that violate observational symmetry. Methods A variant theory is outlined where relativistic effects such as length contraction and time dilation are purely local consequences of the relative velocity between a system and its medium. The outlined theory is tested against the fundamental tests of special relativity. Results It is found that although this alteration does not align with the principle of relativity, it quantitatively aligns with the experimental results of the fundamental tests of special relativity and their modern variations, and makes diverging, testable but as of yet untested predictions concerning Doppler shift and time dilation. Conclusions These results warrant a closer theoretical inspection of the outlined theory, and could provide a direction to test for new physics. A modified Ives-Stilwell experiment is proposed to test between this model and special relativity.
The attitudes and practices of United Arab Emirates consumers towards food waste: A nationwide cross-sectional study
Authors: Kennedy Lynne , Safi Samir , Osaili Taareq. M. , Al Rajabi Ala , Alblooshi Ayesha , Al Jawarneh Dima , Al Kaabi Ahmed , Al Rubaei Fakhra , Albreiki Maitha , Alfadli Maryam , Alhefeiti Aseilah , Ezzat Faris MoezAlIslam , Allaham Kholoud , Junaidi Sameeha , Khan Moien AB
Published: February 2024

Background Reducing global food waste is an international environmental, health, and sus-tainability priority. Although significant reductions have been achieved across the food chain, progress by UAE households and consumers remain inadequate. This study seeks to understand the association between consumer attitudes, knowledge, and awareness relating to food waste practice of residents living in the UAE. to help inform policy and action for addressing this national priority. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated semi-structured online questionnaire through stratified sampling (n =1052). The Spearman correlation coefficient was performed to determine the correlations. Two independent regression analysis were used to determine the association between food waste practice with: 1) knowledge and awareness and attitude subdomains, and 2) sociodemographic characteristics. Respondents (n=1072) largely reflect the socio-demographic characteristics and population distribution across the seven Emirates. Results As expected, a significant and negative correlation was found between food waste practice knowledge and awareness and overall attitude. The regression models showed reduced food waste practice was associated with better knowledge, personal attitude, financial attitude (first model), older age and fewer adults in the household (second model). We found a significant and negative association of personal attitude (a commitment, intention), financial attitude (cost-saving motivation), and (existing) knowledge of Food waste (FW) with practice of food waste, indicating that better knowledge about FW, personal attitude or financial attitude was associated with reduction in undesirable food waste practice. While awareness and emotional attitude (moral concerns) were positively and significantly associated with food waste practice (undesirable behaviour). Conclusions Food waste poses significant challenges in the UAE, and addressing it requires a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted factors influencing consumer behavior. By promoting knowledge, fostering positive attitudes, and considering socio-cultural factors, policymakers can develop effective strategies to reduce food waste in households and contribute to sustainable development goals.
Automated ChIPmentation procedure on limited biological material of the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Lasica Chrystelle , de Carvalho Augusto Ronaldo , Moné Hélène , Mouahid Gabriel , Chaparro Cristian , Veillard Anne-Clémence , Zelisko-Schmidt Agnieszka , Grunau Christoph
Published: February 2024

In living cells, the genetic information stored in the DNA sequence is always associated with chromosomal and extra-chromosomal epigenetic information. Chromatin is formed by the DNA and associated proteins, in particular histones. Covalent histone modifications are important bearers of epigenetic information and as such have been increasingly studied since about the year 2000. One of the principal techniques to gather information about the association between DNA and modified histones is chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), also combined with massive sequencing (ChIP-Seq). Automated ChIPmentation procedure is a convenient alternative to native chromatin immunoprecipitation (N-ChIP). It is now routinely used for ChIP-Seq in many model species, using in general roughly 106 cells per experiment. Such high cell numbers are sometimes difficult to produce. Using the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni, whose production requires sacrificing animals and should therefore be kept to a minimum, we show here that automated ChIPmentation is suitable for limited biological material. We define the operational limit as ≥20,000 Schistosoma cells with 30,000-300,000 cells as optimum. We also present a streamlined protocol for the preparation of ChIP input libraries.
Huellas de España en la Exposición Iberoamericana de Sevilla. Volumen I Galicia. Visión, presencia y mensajes.
Authors: Graciani García Amparo
Published: February 2024

Este libro resume la participación de las cuatro diputaciones provinciales gallegas (A Coruña, Lugo, Ourense y Pontevedra) en la Exposición Iberoamericana de Sevilla en 1929 en el Pabellón de Galicia. Materializada a través de las respectivas diputaciones provinciales, las diversas regiones españolas tuvieron presencia como parte de un proyecto político-propagandístico del régimen de Primo de Rivera fundamentado en la exaltación de la unidad nacional. La obra analiza las características y particularidades del pabellón de Galicia, que fue desmontado a la clausura del certamen. Además se reflejan las obras de arte expuestas (unas históricas y otras realizadas expresamente para la muestra), aportándose noticias sobre la localización actual de las pieza, la visión de la región que se proyectaba al resto del país y a la comunidad internacional, sin olvidar la polémica sobre el posible origen gallego de Cristóbal Colón.
Incentive Auction Design Alternatives: A Simulation Study
Authors: Newman Neil , Leyton-Brown Kevin , Milgrom Paul , Segal Ilya
Published: February 2024

This paper revisits the descending clock “reverse” auction design used in the U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s 2016–2017 “incentive auction.” We use extensive computational simulations to investigate the quantitative significance of various aspects of the design, leveraging a reverse auction simulator and realistic models of bidder values.

This paper was accepted by Gabriel Weintraub, revenue management and market analytics.

Funding: This work was supported by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency [Grant FA8750-19-2-0222 CFDA\# 12.910], the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research [Canada AI Research Chair at the Alberta Machine In], the National Science Foundation [Grant 1525730], and the Canadian Network for Research and Innovation in Machining Technology, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada [Discovery Grant, Discovery Grant Supplement].

Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2020.02489 .
ANALYSIS OF MEASURING STOCK OPNAME OF CEMENT SUPPORTING RAW MATERIALS BY TOTAL STATION
Authors: Rahmania Tsabita Bayu , Kristian Naomy Elliana
Published: February 2024

PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk is a BUMN (State-Owned Enterprise) company that operates in the cement industry in Indonesia and even abroad. PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk is located in Sumberarum Village, Kerek District, Tuban Regency, East Java Province. PT. Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk implements an open pit mining system using the Quarry method. This company is always close to mining activities where they can run if they meet the requirements of the Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) requirements per the Decree of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources No. 1806 K/30/MEM/2018. Mining activity planning is the most crucial aspect in designing mine designs, as a reference for achieving production targets and analyzing stock reserves of production raw materials. Stock taking is a temporary storage place after undergoing the transportation process from the mining front so that it can be ensured that the quality of the limestone can be maintained as originally. (Aliyusra Jolo, 2017). The method used in this research involves field surveys, taking detailed points according to the shape of the appearance, and processing the data using AutoCAD Civil 3D software which has a Triangular Irregular Network (TIN) working concept. The results of the research show that in stock-taking, after calculating the area and volume, we obtained an area of 4634,266 m² for stock opname 1, an area of 2916,728 m² for stock-taking 2, 1669,189 m² for stock-taking 3, and the total area of stock opname was 6298,750 m². And for the volume itself, the resulting volume was 24,204,084 m³ for stock opname 1, an area of 14,263,732 m³ for stock opname 2, 4321,165 m³ for stock opname 3, and the overall stock opname area was 42,788,981m³. As a result, this limestone stock will be used as a supporting material for cement production.
Nutritional factors and pressure injury risk in hospitalised patients post-stroke
Authors: Schott Mairin , Dalmolin Cristina , Golin Anieli , Alves Bruna Pessoa , Cassol Milena Cervo , Brondani Juliana Ebling , Marques Andréa Rodrigues , Marques Clandio Timm , Colpo Elisângela
Published: February 2024

Objective:

This study aimed to analyse the nutritional factors and pressure injury (PI) risk in hospitalised patients post-stroke.

Method:

The research employed a descriptive observational method in which patients ≥18 years of age were followed for six days. Nutritional evaluation was based on anthropometric and dietary factors. The nutritional risk was assessed via anthropometric measurements, Braden nutrition subscale and daily dietary intake. PI risk was evaluated through the Braden Scale. The Wilcoxon test, paired t-test, and Kruskal–Wallis test were applied and corrected with Bonferroni correction or analysis of variance, followed by the post hoc Tukey test.

Results:

During their hospital stays, the participating 59 patients had an increase in sensory perception (p=0.02) and nutrition (p=0.005) scores. It was observed that patients at high risk of PI did not meet daily nutritional recommendations for calories, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and micronutrients (zinc, selenium and copper) compared with patients at low-to-moderate risk. Weight (p<0.001), body mass index (p<0.001), calf (p=0.01) and arm (p=0.04) circumferences, and subscapular (p=0.003) and triceps (p<0.001) skinfolds decreased during the six days of hospitalisation.

Conclusion:

From the findings of this study, it was concluded that nutritional factors, such as unmet recommended daily nutritional requirements of macronutrients and micronutrients, and nutritional status are associated with a higher risk of developing a PI.
Effect of prophylactic dressings to reduce pressure injuries: a polymer-based skin model
Authors: Kohta Masushi , Yunoki Shunji , Sugama Junko
Published: February 2024

Objective:

This study evaluated the effect of pressure injury (PI) prophylactic dressings used for patients at high risk of PI development to reduce friction, shear force and pressure, and their combined force, in an original polymer-based skin model.

Method:

A low-friction outer-layer hydrocolloid (LFH) dressing and a multilayered silicone foam (MSF) dressing were used. Before application, compression and friction properties were measured. Our original experimental model—the ‘simulated skin-shearing test’—consisted of: a weight; a polyurethane-based skin model containing a three-axis tactile sensor; dressings; a table covered with bedsheets; and a mechanical tester, by which the interface friction force, internal shear force and pressure were measured continuously during skin model movements. An estimated combined force generated by internal shear and pressure was represented as a vector. A model with no dressing was used as a control.

Results:

The LFH dressing had significantly higher compression strength versus the MSF dressing. In contrast, the dynamic coefficient of friction was lower for the LFH dressing versus the MSF dressing (p<0.05). In simulated skin-shearing test results, shear forces were 0.45N and 0.42N for LFH and MSF dressings, respectively, with no significant difference. The estimated combined force was lower for the MSF dressing compared with that of the LFH dressing and control.

Conclusion:

The shear force-reducing effect in the skin model was equivalent between the LFH and MSF dressings. However, the MSF dressing significantly reduced the force generated by a combination of internal shear force and pressure compared with the LFH dressing.
Sorting, trapping, and shifting of microparticles with stagnation point flow on an optofluidic chip
Authors: Huang Xiaofang , Huang Yihang , Mai Wenshuo , Zhang Hang , Xiong Sha
Published: February 2024

This paper proposes an optofluidic chip for highly efficient and multipurpose microparticle manipulation including sorting, trapping, and shifting. The operating principles are based on the different optical forces exerted on the microparticles by controllable optical and fluidic conditions. The microparticles are confined by hydrodynamic focusing and conveyed to the optical active region, where the particles are slowed down by stagnation flow. Low velocity extends the acting time, allowing high-efficiency optical sorting by a laser of 500 mW power. Numerical simulations are utilized to optimize the fluidic conditions. Experiments have demonstrated the sorting of polystyrene particles with a diameter of 3.2 µm from those of 1.1 µm. In addition, we have realized the trapping of a single 3.2 µm particle with adjustable equilibrium positions. Velocity variation of the microparticles has been analyzed during the manipulation process. The proposed design presents an alternative to provide desirable sorting performance, target selectivity, throughput, and versatility of an integrated device in biomedical applications.
Enhancing perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells through numerical optical and electric optimizations for light management
Authors: Yang Jinpeng , Bao Qinye
Published: February 2024

We integrated optical and electrical numerical simulations to precisely investigate the effectiveness of using a pyramidal perovskite (Cs0.18FA0.82Pb(I,Br)3) nanostructured film as an example in perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells to reduce reflective losses and balance the current densities. Through our calculations, the PCE of tandem solar cells can be improved from 29.2% (the planar structures without texturing) to 36.1% in the best-performing textured tandem devices under the consistently calculated absorbed and EQE spectrum, where the predicted open-circuit voltage could reach over 2 V. These findings offer valuable theoretical insights for the advancement and optimization of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells.
Performance of long-wave infrared band of microstructured heavily doped InAsSb on type II superlattice layer part 1: the photonic study
Authors: Gureghian Clément , Rodriguez Jean-Baptiste , Dupuis Christophe , Bardou Nathalie , Ferlazzo Laurence , Ribet Isabelle , Gonzalez-Posada Fernando , Taliercio Thierry , Vincent Grégory
Published: February 2024

This article deals with the optical study of nanostructured components which absorb light across the entire long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectral band. The components are made of type-II superlattice (T2SL) absorber and highly doped InAsSb, the latter being nanostructured to ensure multiple resonances. We studied two components: in the first one, the T2SL has a thickness of 1.6 μm, and in the second its thickness is 300 nm. The calculated absorption spectra were shown and the components revealed high absorption thanks to optical resonance and high angular acceptance. A fabrication process has been developed, and optical measurements have confirmed the reliability of the model.
Edge illumination x-ray phase contrast simulations using the CAD-ASTRA toolbox
Authors: Francken Nicholas , Sanctorum Jonathan , Paramonov Pavel , Sijbers Jan , De Beenhouwer Jan
Published: February 2024

Edge illumination x-ray phase contrast imaging (XPCI) provides increased contrast for low absorbing materials compared to attenuation images and sheds light on the material microstructure through dark field contrast. To apply XPCI in areas such as non-destructive testing and inline inspection, where scanned samples are increasingly compared to simulated reference images, accurate and efficient simulation software is required. However, currently available simulators rely on expensive Monte Carlo techniques or wave-optics frameworks, resulting in long simulation times. Furthermore, these simulators are often not optimized to work with computer-aided design (CAD) models, a common and memory-efficient method to represent manufactured objects, hindering their integration in an inspection pipeline. In this work, we address these shortcomings by introducing an edge illumination XPCI simulation framework built upon the recently developed CAD-ASTRA toolbox. CAD-ASTRA allows for the efficient simulation of x-ray projections from CAD models through GPU-accelerated ray tracing and supports ray refraction in a geometric optics framework. The edge illumination implementation is validated and its performance is benchmarked against GATE, a state-of-the-art Monte Carlo simulator, revealing a simulation speed increase of up to three orders of magnitude, while maintaining high accuracy in the resulting images.
Triple line-scan camera measurement for efficient and accurate narrow-space 3-D scanning with motion estimation
Authors: Ma Luyao , Zhu Jigui , Yang Linghui , Liu Haoyue , Fan Yiyuan , Yang Shuo
Published: February 2024

Vision-based three-dimensional (3-D) shape measurement plays a crucial role in the inspection of vehicles and trains in the field of transportation. Consequently, the demand for more comprehensive narrow-space inspection has become an inevitable necessity and presents a great challenge to conventional vision methods. We propose the following efficient and accurate narrow-space 3-D scanning method based on triple line-scan cameras. First, the structure of coplanar dual line-scan cameras with a narrow reflector is proposed, making it easy for the optical path to enter a narrow space and obtain 3-D shape information. Efficient in-motion measurement with a large field of view is thereby achieved without the worries that often accompany narrow-space constraints. Secondly, an additional line-scan camera is attached to the coplanar dual cameras and creates a time-space constraint in point cloud stitching direction through the triple line-scan camera structure. With an efficient algorithm template including matching and motion estimation, accurate point cloud stitching is ensured. Lastly, point cloud texture mapping and light source optimization are realized. Our experimental results prove that the method realizes low-distortion in-motion reconstruction in narrow space despite motion variation.
Vortex harmonic generation in indium tin oxide thin film irradiated by a two-color field
Authors: Zhang Chaojin , Jiang Yu , Du Henglei , Liu Chengpu
Published: February 2024

When a two-color Laguerre-Gaussian laser beam propagates through an indium tin oxide (ITO) material, the spatial distributions of odd- and even-order vortex harmonics carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) are studied. The origin of vortex harmonics can be directly clarified by investigating their dependence on the incident laser field amplitude and frequency. In addition, it is shown that the spectral intensities of vortex harmonics are sensitive to the epsilon-near-zero nonlinear enhancing effects and the thickness of ITO materials. Thus the vortex harmonics can be conveniently tunable, which provides a wider potential application in optical communications based on high-order OAM coherent vortex beams.
Fully automated structured light scanning for high-fidelity 3D reconstruction via graph optimization
Authors: Lai Zhengchao , Zhang Runlin , Wang Xuanquan , Zhang Yu , Jia Zhizhou , Han Shaokun
Published: February 2024

Convenient and high-fidelity 3D model reconstruction is crucial for industries like manufacturing, medicine and archaeology. Current scanning approaches struggle with high manual costs and the accumulation of errors in large-scale modeling. This paper is dedicated to achieving industrial-grade seamless and high-fidelity 3D reconstruction with minimal manual intervention. The innovative method proposed transforms the multi-frame registration into a graph optimization problem, addressing the issue of error accumulation encountered in frame-by-frame registration. Initially, a global consistency cost is established based on point cloud cross-multipath registration, followed by using the geometric and color differences of corresponding points as dynamic nonlinear weights. Finally, the iteratively reweighted least squares (IRLS) method is adopted to perform the bundle adjustment (BA) optimization of all poses. Significantly enhances registration accuracy and robustness under the premise of maintaining near real-time efficiency. Additionally, for generating watertight, seamless surface models, a local-to-global transitioning strategy for multiframe fusion is introduced. This method facilitates efficient correction of normal vector consistency, addressing mesh discontinuities in surface reconstruction resulting from normal flips. To validate our algorithm, we designed a 3D reconstruction platform enabling spatial viewpoint transformations. We collected extensive real and simulated model data. These datasets were rigorously evaluated against advanced methods, roving the effectiveness of our approach. Our data and implementation is made available on GitHub for community development.
Effect of the configuration mixing on the polarization and angular distribution of x-ray line emissions following electron-impact excitation of Ne-like ions
Authors: Yang Zhihao , Chen Guangping , Zhong Yan , Zhang Caihong , Tu Hong , Luo Tianluo , He Zhencen , Hu Zhimin
Published: February 2024

We present a systematic theoretical study on the angular distribution and linear polarization of x-ray line emissions of neon-like ions following the electron-impact excitation from the ground state to the excited levels [(2p5)1/23d3/2]J=1, [(2p5)3/23d5/2]J=1, [(2p5)3/23d3/2]J=1, and [(2p5)1/23s]J=1. The cross sections are calculated by using the flexible atomic code under configuration-interaction plus many-body perturbation theory method. The angular distribution and linear polarization are obtained based on density matrix theory. Emphasis has been placed on the effect of the configuration mixing on the angular distribution and polarization. It has been proved that the strong mixing of configuration [(2p5)3/23d3/2]J=1 with configuration [(2p5)1/23s]J=1 can result in the abrupt change of Z-dependence of angular distribution and polarization. It indicates that angular distribution and polarization can be expected to serve as a tool for investigation of configuration mixing effect.