bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of microstructural changes in the brain in transfusion dependent thalassemia patients with advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques
Authors: Genç Barış , Aslan Kerim , Atay Memiş Hilmi , Akan Hüseyin
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) is associated with iron accumulation in the body and an increased tendency for thrombosis. With the increased life expectancy in these patients, the detection of neurocognitive complications has gained importance. This study investigates the microstructural changes in TDT patients using advanced diffusion MRI techniques and their relationship with laboratory parameters.

Methods

The study included 14 TDT patients and 14 control subjects. Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) were used to examine differences in DTI parameters such as fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) in thalassemia patients using multi-shell DWI images. The mean kurtosis (MK) difference was investigated using diffusion kurtosis imaging. Fiber density (FD), fiber cross-section (FC), and fiber density and cross-section (FDC) differences were examined using fixel-based analysis. In the patient group, correlative tractography was used to investigate the relationship between DTI parameters and platelet (PLT) and ferritin levels.

Results

Increase in RD and MD was observed, particularly in the white matter tracts of the corona radiata in patient group. Additionally, an increase in AD was detected in a limited area. Correlative tractography in thalasemia patients showed a positive correlation between increases in RD, MD, and AD with PLT and ferritin. Fixel-based analysis demonstrated a dispersed distribution in white matter fibers, with a more pronounced decrease in FD, FC, and FDC in the internal capsule.

Conclusion

There is widespread involvement in the white matter and fiber tracts in thalassemia patients, which is highly correlated with thrombotic parameters.
Prunus dulcis response to novel defense elicitor peptides and control of Xylella fastidiosa infections
Authors: Moll Luis , Giralt Núria , Planas Marta , Feliu Lidia , Montesinos Emilio , Bonaterra Anna , Badosa Esther
Published: July 2024

Key message

New defense elicitor peptides have been identified which control Xylella fastidiosa infections in almond.

Xylella fastidiosa is a plant pathogenic bacterium that has been introduced in the European Union (EU), threatening the agricultural economy of relevant Mediterranean crops such as almond (Prunus dulcis). Plant defense elicitor peptides would be promising to manage diseases such as almond leaf scorch, but their effect on the host has not been fully studied. In this work, the response of almond plants to the defense elicitor peptide flg22-NH2 was studied in depth using RNA-seq, confirming the activation of the salicylic acid and abscisic acid pathways. Marker genes related to the response triggered by flg22-NH2 were used to study the effect of the application strategy of the peptide on almond plants and to depict its time course. The application of flg22-NH2 by endotherapy triggered the highest number of upregulated genes, especially at 6 h after the treatment. A library of peptides that includes BP100-flg15, HpaG23, FV7, RIJK2, PIP-1, Pep13, BP16-Pep13, flg15-BP100 and BP16 triggered a stronger defense response in almond plants than flg22-NH2. The best candidate, FV7, when applied by endotherapy on almond plants inoculated with X. fastidiosa, significantly reduced levels of the pathogen and decreased disease symptoms. Therefore, these novel plant defense elicitors are suitable candidates to manage diseases caused by X. fastidiosa, in particular almond leaf scorch.
Synovial calprotectin in prosthetic joint infection. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature
Authors: Festa E. , Ascione T. , Di Gennaro D. , De Mauro D. , Mariconda M. , Balato G.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Calprotectin is a protein endowed with antimicrobial properties, rendering it a distinctive marker for infection. Two methods are currently available for the assay of calprotectin: the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the lateral flow test (LFT). We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of synovial fluid calprotectin and to compare the accuracy of the laboratory-based test and the qualitative assessment for the diagnosis of hip and knee prosthetic infection.

Materials and methods

We searched (from inception to November 2023) MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane for studies on calprotectin in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio (LR), and diagnostic odds ratio were analyzed. The receiver-operating curve for each method was calculated.

Results

We included 14 articles in our meta-analysis, including 902 patients who underwent total hip and knee arthroplasties revision; 331 (37%) had a joint infection according to MSIS, MSIS-modified criteria, ICM 2018 and EBJIS 2021. Considering the false-positive result rate of 6% and false-negative result rate of 7%, pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.92 (95% CI 0.89–0.94) and 0.93 (0.91–0.95), respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.93 (95% CI 0.91–0.94). No statistical differences in terms of sensitivity and specificity were found between ELISA and LFT. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of the two calprotectin assessment methods were: LFT 0.90 (95% CI 0.869–0.935) and 0.92 (95% CI 0.894–0.941), respectively; ELISA 0.96 (95% CI 0.914–0.986) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.934–0.988), respectively. The diagnostic odds ratio of the ELISA was superior to that of the LFT (906.6667, 95% CI 271.2686–3030.3712 versus 113.8886, 95% CI 70.4001-184.2414; p < 0.001). The AUC for ELISA and LFT was 0.968 (95% CI 0.944–0.984) and 0.915 (95% CI 0.895–0.933), respectively.

Conclusions

Detection of synovial calprotectin is an accurate test for diagnosis of hip and knee prosthetic infections. The diagnostic accuracy of the two calprotectin assessment methods is almost comparable. The LFT is a valid, rapid, and more available diagnostic tool, particularly to rule out PJI.
Fertility-sparing strategy in a rare case of highly malignant Dicer-1-associated sarcoma of the cervix
Authors: Altmann J. , Kubiak K. , Sehouli J. , Roser E.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

We present the rare case of an 18-year-old patient with a Dicer-1 mutation-associated sarcoma of the cervix uteri.

Case

The patient presented with irregular vaginal bleeding in July 2022. The clinical examination showed an exophytic tumor of the cervix, uterus and ovaries were normal in sonogram. The tumor of the cervix was resected, followed by a diagnostic hysteroscopy and abrasion of the uterine cervix and cavity. Hysteroscopy showed normal findings of the cervix and uterus. After diagnosis of a highly malignant Dicer-1 mutation-associated sarcoma of the cervix, cryopreservation of oocytes was realized. Based on the principle of obtaining maximum oncological safety while preserving fertility in this 18-year-old patient, we recommended chemotherapy rather than radiation with its far severe implications on the patient´s reproductive organs. 4 cycles of chemotherapy consisting of doxorubicin and ifosfamide were applied until December 2022. After re-staging in December 2022 via CT scan and MRI, the abdomen and pelvis as well as control hysteroscopy and abrasion were unremarkable. Until now, the patient is tumor free.

Discussion

Primary sarcomas of the cervix are very rare. Recent literature hints towards a distinct DICER-1 sarcoma entity characterized by specific mutational clusters. Limited follow-up data suggested that DICER1-mutant tumors might exhibit a less aggressive clinical course than DICER1-wild-type tumors.

Conclusion

Decision-making in case of rare histological entities with sparse recommendations in the literature poses a challenge to the treating physician. Treatment strategies should consider oncological safety as well as options of preserving fertility. Gonadotoxic potential of different strategies should be taken into consideration and discussed in detail with the affected patient.
Interaction of sensory processing and balance in adult cochlear implant users
Authors: Kutlu Sevgi , Aydogan Zehra , Baş Banu , Meço Cem , Tokgoz-Yilmaz Suna
Published: July 2024

Puropse

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensory processing skills, quality of life and balance performance in adult cochlear implant users.

Methods

A sample of 40 individuals was studied in two groups; 20 normal hearing individuals (37.84 ± 15.39 years old) and 20 cochlear implant users (35.58 ± 11.22 year old). Balance performance was assessed by Computerized Dynamic Posturography. The Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile completed by the individual was used to assess sensory processing skills. Finally, quality of life was assessed with the Short Form-36.

Results

Among the different sensory processing parameters in the adolescent/adult sensory profile, a significant difference was found between the two groups in the parameters of low registration, sensory sensitivity and sensory avoidance (p < .05). Visual, vestibular and composite scores were found to be lower in cochlear implant users by Computerised Dynamic Posturography assessment (p < .05). When assessing quality of life, emotional well-being and social functioning parameters were found to be lower in cochlear implant users (p < .05).

Conclusion

Factors such as the inability to reach sufficient auditory stimuli due to hearing loss and the occurrence of vestibular problems after cochlear implant surgery limit the quantity and quality of sensory stimuli from the environment. Individuals with cochlear implants may prefer to live isolated from society because they cannot adequately process incoming sensory stimuli due to hearing/balance problems, and this may negatively affect the quality of life of individuals. Our findings revealed the necessity of multisensory assessment and therapy protocols when rehabilitating individuals with cochlear implants.
The long-term effect of COVID-19 infection on olfaction and taste; a prospective analysis
Authors: Boldes Tomer , Ritter Amit , Soudry Ethan , Diker Dror , Reifen Ella , Yosefof Eyal
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To estimate long-term prognosis of chemosensory dysfunctions among patients recovering from COVID-19 disease.

Methods

Between April 2020 and July 2022, we conducted a prospective, observational study enrolling 48 patients who experienced smell and/or taste dysfunction during the acute-phase of COVID-19. Patients were evaluated for chemosensory function up to 24 months after disease onset.

Results

During the acute-phase of COVID-19, 80% of patients reported anosmia, 15% hyposmia, 63% ageusia, and 33% hypogeusia. At two years’ follow-up, 53% still experienced smell impairment, and 42% suffered from taste impairment. Moreover, 63% of patients who reported parosmia remained with olfactory disturbance. Interestingly, we found a negative correlation between visual analogue scale scores for smell and taste impairments during the acute-phase of COVID-19 and the likelihood of long-term recovery.

Conclusion

Our study sheds light on the natural history and long-term follow-up of chemosensory dysfunction in patients recovering from COVID-19 disease. Most patients who initially suffered from smell and/or taste disturbance did not reach full recovery after 2 years follow-up. The severity of impairment may serve as a prognostic indicator for full recovery.
Efficacy and safety of apatinib plus immune checkpoint inhibitors and transarterial chemoembolization for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wu Jianfei , Bai Xuefeng , Yu Guodong , Zhang Quan , Tian Xixi , Wang Yuan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The evidence of apatinib plus immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for treating advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is limited. This study aimed to compare the treatment efficacy and safety of apatinib plus ICIs and TACE with apatinib plus TACE in these patients.

Methods

This study retrospectively enrolled 90 patients with advanced HCC treated with apatinib plus TACE (A-TACE group, n = 52) or apatinib plus ICIs and TACE (IA-TACE group, n = 38).

Results

The objective response rate was numerically higher in IA-TACE group compared with A-TACE group without statistical significance (57.9% vs. 36.5%, P = 0.055). Disease control rate was not different between groups (86.8% vs. 76.9%, P = 0.248). Progression-free survival (PFS) was improved in IA-TACE group compared with A-TACE group (P = 0.018). The median PFS (95% confidence interval) was 12.5 (8.7–16.3) months in IA-TACE group and 8.5 (5.6–11.4) months in A-TACE group. Overall survival (OS) was also prolonged in IA-TACE group compared with A-TACE group (P = 0.007). The median OS (95% confidence interval) was 21.1 (15.8–26.4) months in IA-TACE group and 14.3 (11.5–17.1) months in A-TACE group. By multivariate Cox regression model, IA-TACE was independently associated with prolonged PFS (hazard ratio = 0.539, P = 0.038) and OS (hazard ratio = 0.447, P = 0.025). Most adverse events were not different between groups. Only the incidence of reactive cutaneous capillary endothelial proliferation was higher in IA-TACE group compared with A-TACE group (10.5% vs. 0.0%, P = 0.029).

Conclusion

Apatinib plus ICIs and TACE may be an effective and safe treatment for patients with advanced HCC, but further large-scale studies are needed for verification.
Hypoalbuminemia predicts early postoperative complications following noninfectious revision total shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Liu Steven H. , Cerri-Droz Patricia , Loyst Rachel A. , Komatsu David E. , Wang Edward D.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the association between preoperative hypoalbuminemia and 30-day postoperative complications following noninfectious revision total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA).

Methods

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all patients who underwent noninfectious revision TSA from 2015 to 2021. The study population was divided into two groups based on preoperative serum albumin: normal albumin (≥ 3.5 g/dL) and hypoalbuminemia (< 3.5 g/dL). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between preoperative hypoalbuminemia and postoperative complications.

Results

Compared to normal albumin, hypoalbuminemia was independently associated with a significantly greater likelihood of experiencing any complication (odds ratio [OR] 3.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.04–5.19; P < .001), sepsis (OR 9.92, 95% CI 1.29–76.35; P = .028), blood transfusions (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.20–6.93; P = .017), non-home discharge (OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.55–5.35; P < .001), readmission (OR 3.46, 95% CI 1.57–7.58; P = .002), and length of stay > 2 days (OR 3.00, 95% CI 1.85–4.86; P < .001).

Conclusions

Preoperative hypoalbuminemia was associated with early postoperative complications following revision TSA.

Level of evidence

Level III; Retrospective Cohort Comparison; Prognosis Study.
Climatology and trends of atmospheric water vapour transport in New Zealand
Authors: Krishna Nithin , Kingston Daniel G. , Mager Sarah M.
Published: July 2024

Atmospheric moisture transport is crucial for understanding New Zealand’s climate dynamics, particularly with respect to extreme precipitation events. While the majority of previous studies have focussed on Atmospheric Rivers (ARs), this study examines the entire spectrum of water vapour transport and its link to extreme precipitation using 40 years (1981–2020) of Integrated Water Vapour Transport (IVT) data over the region. Although ARs are important drivers of extreme precipitation, they are infrequent as they account for less than 10% of total moisture transport at most coastal locations. Extreme water vapour transport (defined by the 90th percentile IVT threshold) corresponds more closely with precipitation extremes than ARs alone, even using an expanded AR detection range. Here, IVT is classified into strength categories from weak to strong. Over the study period, all but the weakest category of IVT has increased in frequency of occurrence over most of the South Island, while decreasing in northern North Island. Similarly, monthly IVT anomaly trends show a positive trend in the South Island and negative trend in the northern North Island during warmer months. Separate analysis of moisture weighted wind speeds (UV) and total column water vapour (TCWV) revealed that even though the dynamic component of IVT has decreased in many locations, the increase in TCWV across New Zealand is the driving factor underpinning the IVT trends. Correspondingly, these findings indicate the importance of analysis both dynamic and thermodynamic factors in seeking to understand hydrometeorological variation and when investigating the responses to climate change.
Exploring the role of high-value crops to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in New Zealand
Authors: Thomas Steve M. , Ausseil Anne-Gaelle , Guo Jing , Herzig Alexander , Khaembah Edith , Renwick Alan , Teixeira Edmar , van der Weerden Tony , Wakelin Steve J. , Vetharaniam Indrakumar
Published: July 2024

This study explores the potential benefits of transitioning from livestock farming to high-value alternative crops as a strategy for mitigating agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in New Zealand. The government has set ambitious targets for reducing methane (CH4) emissions. However, since animal product exports play a crucial role in New Zealand’s economy, any shift in land use will have significant impacts on both the regional and national economy. We developed a GIS framework that integrated (i) growing requirements, (ii) GHG emissions and (iii) profitability for crops. Analysis of export market opportunities identified twelve high-value “alternative crops”. Availability of suitable land for crop expansion was not a limiting factor. Working with the Ministry for Primary Industries, we explored how land use change scenarios contributed to Government 2050 biogenic CH4 emission reduction targets. Doubling the area of alternative crops (a 195,000-ha increase) by reallocating land from livestock farming resulted in reducing biogenic CH4 emissions by 1.2 to 5.4% (0.35 to 1.57 Mt CO2-e) compared to 2017 baseline values, contributing to between 2.6 and 22.5% of the 2050 CH4 reduction targets, simultaneously increasing profitability by $NZ1.25 to 1.32 billion annually. While this approach demonstrates potential benefits of land use change, a deeper understanding of the complexity of land use decision-making is required to enable successful transitions. Addressing barriers to change requires collaborative efforts from land users, researchers and policy makers.
Mesoclimate scale effects of river intermittency on aquatic insects in Seto Inland Sea watersheds, Western Japan
Authors: Nakagawa Hikaru , Mori Terutaka
Published: July 2024

The responses of assemblages and ecosystems to river intermittency are often considered on large spatial scales, such as those associated with the Köppen climate classification. However, river intermittency may naturally occur even in humid regions, and the effects may differ from those where intermittency occurs throughout the area. This study aimed to examine the differences in taxonomic and trait composition of aquatic insects between intermittent rivers in the Seto Inland Sea watersheds and neighboring humid-temperate rivers in Japan using national census data. While the climate in the most part of the Japanese Archipelago is categorized as humid-temperate, and rivers are usually perennial, local climate in the Seto Inland Sea watersheds has low summer precipitation compared with that in neighboring regions, thereby resulting in river intermittency. Consistent with the previous studies in the regions where rivers are intermittent on a large spatial scale, we observed that aquatic insects with multivoltinism and/or aerial respiration notably tolerated river intermittency. In contrast, the aquatic insect fauna in Japanese intermittent rivers represented subsets of those in the humid-temperate rivers, although previous studies such in Mediterranean regions have reported high endemism and species diversity in intermittent rivers. These results highlight the importance of exploring the role of river intermittency on small to medium spatial scales, as well as on large scales, to project effects of ongoing and future climate changes on species diversity.
Using the ACE framework to enforce access and usage control with notifications of revoked access rights
Authors: Rasori Marco , Saracino Andrea , Mori Paolo , Tiloca Marco
Published: July 2024

The standard ACE framework provides authentication and authorization mechanisms similar to those of the standard OAuth 2.0 framework, but it is intended for use in Internet-of-Things environments. In particular, ACE relies on OAuth 2.0, CoAP, CBOR, and COSE as its core building blocks. In ACE, a non-constrained entity called Authorization Server issues Access Tokens to Clients according to some access control and policy evaluation mechanism. An Access Token is then consumed by a Resource Server, which verifies the Access Token and lets the Client accordingly access a protected resource it hosts. Access Tokens have a validity which is limited over time, but they can also be revoked by the Authorization Server before they expire. In this work, we propose the Usage Control framework as an underlying access control means for the ACE Authorization Server, and we assess its performance in terms of time required to issue and revoke Access Tokens. Moreover, we implement and evaluate a method relying on the Observe extension for CoAP, which allows to notify Clients and Resource Servers about revoked Access Tokens. Through results obtained in a real testbed, we show how this method reduces the duration of illegitimate access to protected resources following the revocation of an Access Token, as well as the time spent by Clients and Resource Servers to learn about their Access Tokens being revoked.
Automating shareable cyber threat intelligence production for closed source software vulnerabilities: a deep learning based detection system
Authors: Arıkan Süleyman Muhammed , Koçak Aynur , Alkan Mustafa
Published: July 2024

Software can be vulnerable to various types of interference. The production of cyber threat intelligence for closed source software requires significant effort, experience, and many manual steps. The objective of this study is to automate the process of producing cyber threat intelligence, focusing on closed source software vulnerabilities. To achieve our goal, we have developed a system called cti-for-css. Deep learning algorithms were used for detection. To simplify data representation and reduce pre-processing workload, the study proposes the function-as-sentence approach. The MLP, OneDNN, LSTM, and Bi-LSTM algorithms were trained using this approach with the SOSP and NDSS18 binary datasets, and their results were compared. The aforementioned datasets contain buffer error vulnerabilities (CWE-119) and resource management error vulnerabilities (CWE-399). Our results are as successful as the studies in the literature. The system achieved the best performance using Bi-LSTM, with F1 score of 82.4%. Additionally, AUC score of 93.0% was acquired, which is the best in the literature. The study concluded by producing cyber threat intelligence using closed source software. Shareable intelligence was produced in an average of 0.1 s, excluding the detection process. Each record, which was represented using our approach, was classified in under 0.32 s on average.
Conservation genomics of the wild pumpkin Cucurbita radicans in Central Mexico: The influence of a changing environment on the genetic diversity and differentiation of a rare species
Authors: Gasca-Pineda Jaime , Monterrubio Brenda , Sánchez-de la Vega Guillermo , Aguirre-Planter Erika , Lira-Saade Rafael , Eguiarte Luis E.
Published: July 2024

The genetic diversity found in natural populations is the result of the evolutionary forces in response to historical and contemporary factors. The environmental characteristics and geological history of Mexico promoted the evolution and diversification of plant species, including wild relatives of crops such as the wild pumpkins (Cucurbita). Wild pumpkin species are found in a variety of habitats, evidencing their capability to adapt to different environments. Despite the potential value of wild Cucurbita as a genetic reservoir for crops, there is a lack of studies on their genetic diversity. Cucurbita radicans is an endangered species threatened by habitat destruction leading to low densities in small and isolated populations. Here, we analyze Genotype by Sequencing genomic data of the wild pumpkin C. radicans to evaluate the influence of factors like isolation, demographic history, and the environment shaping the amount and distribution of its genetic variation. We analyzed 91 individuals from 14 localities along its reported distribution. We obtained 5,107 SNPs and found medium-high levels of genetic diversity and genetic structure distributed in four main geographic areas with different environmental conditions. Moreover, we found signals of demographic growth related to historical climatic shifts. Outlier loci analysis showed significant association with the environment, principally with precipitation variables. Also, the outlier loci displayed differential changes in their frequencies in response to future global climate change scenarios. Using the results of genetic structure, outlier loci and multivariate analyses of the environmental conditions, we propose priority localities for conservation that encompass most of the genetic diversity of C. radicans.
Effects of heating on bioceramic sealers: a scoping review of chemo-physical properties and clinical implications
Authors: La Rosa Giusy Rita Maria , Canova Francesco Saverio , Leotta Maria Laura , Pedullà Eugenio
Published: July 2024

This scoping review aims to summarize current research to assess the impact of heating on the chemo-physical properties of bioceramic sealers. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in April 2024 across PubMed and Scopus databases. Inclusion criteria referred to all study types evaluating the effect of heating temperature on bioceramic sealers' properties, with no language or time restrictions applied. Studies were independently screened by two reviewers, and relevant data were extracted and synthesized qualitatively. Out of 91 initially identified studies, 19 met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the qualitative synthesis. The selected studies ranged from 2014 to 2024 and comprised laboratory-based investigations. Various bioceramic sealers, including EndoSequence BC Sealer, BioRoot RCS, and TotalFill BC, were analyzed across different heating techniques. The findings revealed divergent responses of bioceramic sealers to heat, with some demonstrating stability while others exhibited alterations in properties such as flow, setting time, and chemical composition. The impact of heat on bioceramic sealers depends on the sealer’s composition and laboratory setting. While some sealers are affected significantly, others remain stable. Clinicians should carefully consider these factors when bioceramic sealers are used with warm obturation techniques, but caution is needed as real-world conditions may vary. Integrating laboratory results with clinical evidence is essential for improving treatment efficacy and patient care.
Development of a Novel Soft Tissue Measurement Device for Individualized Finite Element Modeling in Custom-Fit CPAP Mask Evaluation
Authors: Martelly Erica , Lee Summer , Martinez Kristina , Rana Sandeep , Shimada Kenji
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Individual facial soft tissue properties are necessary for creating individualized finite element (FE) models to evaluate medical devices such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks. There are no standard tools available to measure facial soft tissue elastic moduli, and techniques in literature require advanced equipment or custom parts to replicate.

Methods

We propose a simple and inexpensive soft tissue measurement (STM) indenter device to estimate facial soft tissue elasticity at five sites: chin, cheek near lip, below cheekbone, cheekbone, and cheek. The STM device consists of a probe with a linear actuator and force sensor, an adjustment system for probe orientation, a head support frame, and a controller. The device was validated on six ballistics gel samples and then tested on 28 subjects. Soft tissue thickness was also collected for each subject using ultrasound.

Results

Thickness and elastic modulus measurements were successfully collected for all subjects. The mean elastic modulus for each site is Ec = 53.04 ± 20.97 kPa for the chin, El = 16.33 ± 8.37 kPa for the cheek near lip, Ebc = 27.09 ± 11.38 kPa for below cheekbone, Ecb = 64.79 ± 17.12 kPa for the cheekbone, and Ech = 16.20 ± 5.09 kPa for the cheek. The thickness and elastic modulus values are in the range of previously reported values. One subject’s measured soft tissue elastic moduli and thickness were used to evaluate custom-fit CPAP mask fit in comparison to a model of that subject with arbitrary elastic moduli and thickness. The model with measured values more closely resembles in vivo leakage results.

Conclusion

Overall, the STM provides a first estimate of facial soft tissue elasticity and is affordable and easy to build with mostly off-the-shelf parts. These values can be used to create personalized FE models to evaluate custom-fit CPAP masks.
Generation and Countermeasures of adversarial examples on vision: a survey
Authors: Liu Jiangfan , Li Yishan , Guo Yanming , Liu Yu , Tang Jun , Nie Ying
Published: July 2024

Recent studies have found that deep learning models are vulnerable to adversarial examples, demonstrating that applying a certain imperceptible perturbation on clean examples can effectively deceive the well-trained and high-accuracy deep learning models. Moreover, the adversarial examples can achieve a considerable level of certainty with the attacked label. In contrast, human could barely discern the difference between clean and adversarial examples, which raised tremendous concern about robust and trustworthy deep learning techniques. In this survey, we reviewed the existence, generation, and countermeasures of adversarial examples in Computer Vision, to provide comprehensive coverage of the field with an intuitive understanding of the mechanisms and summarized the strengths, weaknesses, and major challenges. We hope this effort will ignite further interest in the community to solve current challenges and explore this fundamental area.
Barriers and Facilitators to Accessing PrEP and Other Sexual Health Services Among Immigrant Latino Men Who Have Sex with Men in Los Angeles County
Authors: Brooks Ronald A. , Nieto Omar , Rosenberg-Carlson Elena , Morales Katherine , Üsküp Dilara K. , Santillan Martin , Inzunza Zurisadai
Published: July 2024

In the United States, immigrant Latino men who have sex with men (ILMSM) are, compared to white MSM, disproportionately burdened by HIV and lack access to highly effective HIV prevention strategies, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Qualitative research centered on exploring barriers that ILMSM experience in accessing PrEP and other sexual services is extremely limited, despite a high prevalence of HIV in this population. In this study, a purposive sample of ILMSM (n = 25) was recruited to participate in a semi-structured in-depth interview to identify the distinct barriers and facilitators ILMSM experience in accessing sexual health services given their complex intersectional identities of being an immigrant, Latino, and a sexual minority man. Using a thematic analysis approach, nine themes were generated from the data representing barriers and facilitators. Barriers included: (1) cost and a lack of health insurance, (2) complexity of PrEP assistance programs; (3) challenges related to the immigrant experience; (4) impact of gay stigma; and (5) communication challenges. Facilitators included: (1) improving affordability and accessibility of PrEP services; (2) receiving services from LGBT- or Latine LGBT-centered clinics; (3) receiving services from medical providers who are gay and/or Latino; and (4) providing targeted community outreach, education, and promotion of PrEP to ILMSM. While many of the barriers illuminated in the study were structural (e.g., cost and lack of health insurance), and not easy to overcome, the findings highlight a range of facilitators that can support access to PrEP and other sexual health services for ILMSM. Considering these findings, we suggest strategies that may enhance access to needed sexual health services among ILMSM.
Optimizing regression testing with AHP-TOPSIS metric system for effective technical debt evaluation
Authors: Zarrad Anis , Bahsoon Rami , Manimaran Priya
Published: July 2024

Regression testing is essential to ensure that the actual software product confirms the expected requirements following modification. However, it can be costly and time-consuming. To address this issue, various approaches have been proposed for selecting test cases that provide adequate coverage of the modified software. Nonetheless, problems related to omitting and/or rerunning unnecessary test cases continue to pose challenges, particularly with regard to technical debt (TD) resulting from code coverage shortcomings and/or overtesting. In the case of testing-related shortcomings, incurring TD may result in cost and time savings in the short run, but it can lead to future maintenance and testing expenses. Most prior studies have treated test case selection as a single-objective or two-objective optimization problem. This study introduces a multi-objective decision-making approach to quantify and evaluate TD in regression testing. The proposed approach combines the analytic-hierarchy-process (AHP) method and the technique of order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) to select the most ideal test cases in terms of objective values defined by the test cost, code coverage, and test risk. This approach effectively manages the software regression testing problems. The AHP method was used to eliminate subjective bias when optimizing objective weights, while the TOPSIS method was employed to evaluate and select test-case alternatives based on TD. The effectiveness of this approach was compared to that of a specific multi-objective optimization method and a standard coverage methodology. Unlike other approaches, our proposed approach always accepts solutions based on balanced decisions by considering modifications and using risk analysis and testing costs against potential technical debt. The results demonstrate that our proposed approach reduces both TD and regression testing efforts.
Modelling Mixed-Frequency Time Series with Structural Change
Authors: Glova Adrian Matthew G. , Barrios Erniel B.
Published: July 2024

Predictive ability of time series models is easily compromised in the presence of structural breaks, common among financial and economic variables amidst market shocks and policy regime shifts. We address this problem by estimating a semiparametric mixed-frequency model, that incorporate high frequency data either in the conditional mean or the conditional variance equation. The inclusion of high frequency data through non-parametric smoothing functions complements the low frequency data to capture possible non-linear relationships triggered by the structural change. Simulation studies indicate that in the presence of structural change, the varying frequency in the mean model provides improved in-sample fit and superior out-of-sample predictive ability relative to low frequency time series models. These hold across a broad range of simulation settings, such as varying time series lengths, nature of structural break points, and temporal dependencies. We illustrate the relative advantage of the method in predicting stock returns and foreign exchange rates in the case of the Philippines.
Dissipation during crack growth in a viscoelastic material from a cohesive model for a finite specimen
Authors: Ciavarella M.
Published: July 2024

In the present paper, we extend results recently given by Ciavarella et al. (J Mech Phys Solids 169:105096, 2022) to show some actual calculations of the viscoelastic dissipation in a crack propagation at constant speed in a finite size specimen. It is usually believed that the cohesive models introduced by Knauss and Schapery and the dissipation-based theories introduced by de Gennes and Persson-Brener give very similar results for steady state crack propagation in viscoelastic materials, where usually only the asymptotic singular field is used for the stress. We show however that dissipation and the energy balance never reach a steady state, despite the constant propagation crack rate and stress intensity factor. Our loading protocol permits a rigorous solution, and implies a short phase with constant specimen elongation rate, but then possibly a very long phase of constant or decreasing elongation, which differs from typical experiments. For the external work we are therefore unable to use the de Gennes and Persson-Brener theories which suggested that the increase of effective fracture energy would go up to the ratio of instantaneous to relaxed modulus, at very fast rates. We show viscoelastic dissipation is in general a transient quantity, which can vary by orders of magnitude while the stress intensity factor is kept constant, and is largely affected by dissipation in the bulk rather than at the crack tip. The total work to break a specimen apart is found also to be possibly arbitrarily large for quite a large range of intermediate crack growth rates.
The d’Alembert solution in hyperboloidal foliations
Authors: Valiente Kroon Juan A. , Gomes Da Silva Lidia J.
Published: July 2024

We explicitly construct the analogue of the d’Alembert solution to the 1+1 wave equation in an hyperboloidal setting. This hyperboloidal d’Alembert solution is used, in turn, to gain intuition into the behaviour of solutions to the wave equation in a hyperboloidal foliation and to explain an apparently anomalous permanent displacement of the solution in numerical simulations discussed in the literature.
“It’s Not Like I Go Oh That’s Really Exciting” – A Qualitative Study of Upper Secondary School Students’ Identity Negotiations in Physics
Authors: Gertz Emilie , Madsen Lene Møller , Holmegaard Henriette Tolstrup
Published: July 2024

Transitions between educational levels have been identified as posing potential barriers for students’ sense of belonging in science. In this paper, we focus on the transition from lower secondary to upper secondary school while foregrounding physics as a subject. We approach transitions as an ongoing negotiation-process of identities embedded within the norms, practices, and expectations of physics. Methodologically, we narrow the focus to students who self-identify as female, as these are underrepresented in physics worldwide. We apply the analytical lens of physics identity constructed through competence, performance, interest, and recognition while drawing on the concept of the ideal student to understand what identities are idealized and marginalized, and how these are negotiated by the students. We found that a large group of the students were marginalized in relation to their interests in physics and experienced learning physics to be instrumental and meaningless. Only a small group were able to form a sense of identity mainly due to the resemblances of physics to mathematics. In conclusion we call for attention on who counts as knowledgeable and what counts as knowledge in the physics classroom. Second, we wish to question interests as imperative for being in physics. Lastly, we urge reflection on mathematics’ role in physics and what physics is without mathematics to disrupt the elite status of the subject.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Autism – A Systematic Review
Authors: Doherty Monica , Foley Kitty-Rose , Schloss Janet
Published: July 2024

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is a therapeutic option currently used by autistic people with continued interest and uptake. There remains limited evidence regarding the efficacy of CAM use in autism. The aim of this systematic review is to comprehensively review published clinical trials to explore the efficacy of CAM in autism. A systematic literature review of available research published from June 2013 to March 2023 was conducted. Our literature search identified 1826 eligible citations, and duplications removed (n = 694) with 102 articles eligible for title/abstract screening. After full text review, 39 studies were included. The results of this systematic review identified that for autistic people, vitamin and mineral supplements may only be of benefit if there is a deficiency. The results also found that the main interventions used were dietary interventions and nutraceuticals, including targeted supplements, vitamins and minerals, omega 3 s and prebiotics, probiotics and digestive enzymes. The evidence does not support some of the most frequently utilised dietary interventions, such as a Gluten Free Casein Free (GFCF) diet, and the use of targeted nutraceutical supplements may be of benefit, but more conclusive research is still required to direct safe and effective treatment.
Study of FZO thin films deposited by ultrasonic spray: influence of precursor milling
Authors: Barrón Gabriela B. , Olvera M. de la L.
Published: July 2024

In this work, the results of the study of ZnO:F (FZO) films deposited on glass substrates using the ultrasonic chemical spray technique are reported. For the preparation of the films, starting solutions were used at a concentration of 0.2 M of zinc acetate dihydrate [Zn(CH3COO)2.2H2O]) dissolved in a mixture of deionized water:methanol:acetic acid. The precursor was previously ground in a planetary ball mill at 500 rpm at different times. For the addition of the dopant, a 1.6 M solution of ammonium fluoride in deionized water was prepared NH4F. The atomic ratio of [F]/[F + Zn] remained constant at 30 at%. Structural characterizations by X-ray diffraction, morphological by scanning electron microscopy, optical by UV–Vis spectroscopy, and electrical by Hall effect were performed on all deposited films. From the analysis of results, the hexagonal wurtzite phase was confirmed, and a variation of the morphology was observed depending on the deposit conditions. In general, the films presented high optical transmittance in the visible region and the n-type conductivity was confirmed.
End-to-End No-wait Scheduling for Time-Triggered Streams in Mixed Wired-Wireless Networks
Authors: Sharma Gourav Prateek , Tavernier Wouter , Colle Didier , Pickavet Mario , Haxhibeqiri Jetmir , Hoebeke Jeroen , Moerman Ingrid
Published: July 2024

Proprietary communication technologies for time-critical communication in industrial environments are being gradually replaced by Time-sensitive Networking (TSN)-enabled Ethernet. Furthermore, attempts have been made to bring TSN features into wireless networks so that the flexibility of wireless networks can be utilized, and the end-to-end timings for Time-Triggered (TT) streams can be guaranteed. Given a mixed wired-wireless network, the scheduling problem should be solved for a set of TT stream requests. In this paper, we formulate the no-wait scheduling problem for mixed wired-wireless networks as a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model with the objective of minimizing the flowspan. We also propose a relaxation of the original MILP in the form of a 2-stage MILP formulation. Next, a scalable approach based on the greedy heuristic is proposed to solve the problem for realistic-size networks. Evaluation results show that the greedy heuristic is suitable for realistic problem sizes where the MILP-based approach is found to be practically infeasible. Furthermore, the impact of wireless requests on the performance of the greedy heuristic is reported.
A systematic approach for learning imbalanced data: enhancing zero-inflated models through boosting
Authors: Jeong Yeasung , Lee Kangbok , Park Young Woong , Han Sumin
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we propose systematic approaches for learning imbalanced data based on a two-regime process: regime 0, which generates excess zeros (majority class), and regime 1, which contributes to generating an outcome of one (minority class). The proposed model contains two latent equations: a split probit (logit) equation in the first stage and an ordinary probit (logit) equation in the second stage. Because boosting improves the accuracy of prediction versus using a single classifier, we combined a boosting strategy with the two-regime process. Thus, we developed the zero-inflated probit boost (ZIPBoost) and zero-inflated logit boost (ZILBoost) methods. We show that the weight functions of ZIPBoost have the desired properties for good predictive performance. Like AdaBoost, the weight functions upweight misclassified examples and downweight correctly classified examples. We show that the weight functions of ZILBoost have similar properties to those of LogitBoost. The algorithm will focus more on examples that are hard to classify in the next iteration, resulting in improved prediction accuracy. We provide the relative performance of ZIPBoost and ZILBoost, which rely on the excess kurtosis of the data distribution. Furthermore, we show the convergence and time complexity of our proposed methods. We demonstrate the performance of our proposed methods using a Monte Carlo simulation, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) data application, and imbalanced datasets from the Keel repository. The results of the experiments show that our proposed methods yield better prediction accuracy compared to other learning algorithms.
Lyapunov stability of suspension bridges in turbulent flow
Authors: Barni Niccolò , Bartoli Gianni , Mannini Claudio
Published: July 2024

In the era of sleek, super slender suspension bridges, facing the issue of stability against dynamic wind actions represents an increasingly complex challenge. Despite the significant progress over the last decades, the impact of atmospheric turbulence on bridge stability remains partially not understood, evoking the need for innovative research approaches. This study aims to address a gap in current research by investigating the random flutter stability associated with variations in the angle of attack due to turbulence, which has not formally been addressed yet. The present investigation employs the 2D rational function approximation model to express self-excited forces in a turbulent flow. The application of this type of models to bridge dynamics yields a viscoelastic coupled dynamic system characterized by memory effects and driven by broad-band long-time-scale noise, described here by a linear homogeneous time-variant differential equation, which shows apparent nonlinear features, and which has rarely been matter of research. Utilizing a Monte Carlo methodology, this work innovates in applying the largest Lyapunov exponent (LE) and the moment Lyapunov exponents (MLE) to study bridge random flutter stability. The calculation of LE and MLE under diverse turbulent wind conditions uncovers lower flutter stability than without turbulence effects. In most cases, sample and low-order p-th moment stability thresholds closely align with the bridge dynamic response pattern; therefore, the flutter critical wind speed is unequivocal. However, under certain turbulence scenarios, it is necessary to resort to MLE for a complete description of stability, evoking some additional consideration of which statistical moments should be considered for the engineering assessment of the flutter limit. Finally, this work provides a qualitative insight into the instability mechanisms by approximating the random parametric excitation with a sinusoidal gust and evaluating the time-periodic system stability via Floquet theory.