bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From reliability to pragmatism: Hospital management in the context of radical uncertainty
Authors: Dumez Hervé , Minvielle Etienne
Published: July 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic presented a scenario of radical uncertainty that hospitals had to manage. Two strands of research can illuminate this management. The first puts forward the high‐reliability organization (HRO) principles that the hospital sector has applied for two decades. The second is based on pragmatism and underscores experimental, trial‐and‐error strategies appropriate for radical uncertainty. This strategy, utilized primarily in the political governance of crises, can be applied in hospital management as well. The results of our qualitative research into French hospitals (109 online interviews over 2020–2021) highlight the importance of pragmatic rationality in crisis management based on organizing collective inquiries. This concept of pragmatic rationality questions the notion of reliability, sticking to pre‐existing performance standards not applicable in such contexts. It invites to propose the concept of high pragmatic organization based on five principles that partially integrate those of an HRO.
Imbalanced survival prediction for gastric cancer patients based on improved XGBoost with cost sensitive and focal loss
Authors: Xu Liangchen , Guo Chonghui
Published: July 2024

Accurate prediction of gastric cancer survival state is one of great significant tasks for clinical decision‐making. Many advanced machine learning classification techniques have been applied to predict the survival status of cancer patients in three or 5 years, however, many of them have a low sensitivity because of class imbalance. This is a non‐negligible problem due to the poor prognosis of gastric cancer patients. Furthermore, models in the medical domain require strong interpretability to increase their applicability. Due to the better performance and interpretability of the XGBoost model, we design a loss function taking into account cost sensitive and focal loss from the algorithm level for XGBoost to deal with the imbalance problem. We apply the improved model into the prediction of the survival status of gastric cancer patients and analyse the important related features. We use two types of indicators to evaluate the model, and we also design the confusion matrix of two models' predictive results to compare two models. The results show that the improved model has better performance. Furthermore, we calculate the importance of features related to survival with three different time periods and analyse their evolution, which are consistent with existing clinical research or further expand their research conclusions. These all support for clinically relevant decision‐making and has the potential to expand into survival prediction of other cancer patients.
Moving from the species to the population level in biological invasions
Authors: Sousa Ronaldo , Nogueira Joana G. , Padilha Janeide
Published: July 2024

Invasion scientists need to focus on the population level, not the species level, if aiming to unravel the complexities of invasion dynamics at meaningful spatial and temporal scales and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how invasive non‐native species interact with and impact ecosystems.
The role of lipidic balance on erectile dysfunction in prostate cancer patients undergoing robotic surgery
Authors: Di Bello Francesco , Fraia Agostino , Pezone Gabriele , Collà Ruvolo Claudia , Di Mauro Ernesto , Cirillo Luigi , Fusco Giovanni Maria , Morra Simone , Aprea Salvatore , La Rocca Roberto , Califano Gianluigi , Creta Massimiliano , Longo Nicola , Napolitano Luigi
Published: July 2024

Objective

New indices of dyslipidemia, such as the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) or Castelli Risk Index I and II (CR‐I/II), have been tested to predict erectile dysfunction (ED). The aim of this study was to assess the role of these lipidic scores in predicting severe ED and erectile function (EF) worsening in patients who underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Methods

Data from 1249 prostate cancer patients who underwent RARP at our single tertiary academic referral center from September 2021 to April 2023 were reviewed. RARP patients with a complete lipid panel were included in the final analysis. Two independent multivariable logistic regression models (LRMs) were fitted to identify predictors of ED severity and worsening in RARP patients.

Results

Among the 357 RARP patients, the median age was 70 (interquartile range [IQR]: 65–74), and the median BMI was 28.4 (IQR: 26–30.4). According to the preoperative IIEF5, 115 (32.2%), 86 (24.5%), 26 (7.3%), and 40 (11.2%) were mild, mild‐moderate, moderate, and severe ED patients, respectively. After multivariable LRMs predicting severe ED, only the nerve‐sparing (NS) approach (odds ratio [OR]: 0.09) as well as the preoperative IIEF5 score (OR: 0.32) were independent predictors (p < 0.001). After LRMs predicting EF worsening, only preoperative IIEF5 was an independent predictor (OR: 1.42, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The power of novel lipidic scores in predicting severe ED and EF worsening in RARP patients was low, and they should not be routinely applied as a screening method in this patient subgroup. Only preoperative IIEF5 and nerve‐sparing approaches are relevant in EF prediction after RARP.
Early coronary angiography in NSTEMI: a regional Victorian perspective
Authors: Ganes Anand , Henderson James , Samuel Rohit , Segan Louise , Hiew Chin , Hutchison Adam
Published: July 2024

Background

Current guidelines highlight a paucity of evidence guiding optimal timing for non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in high‐risk and non‐high‐risk cases.

Aim

We assessed long‐term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in NSTEMI patients undergoing early (<24 h) versus delayed (>24 h) coronary angiography at 6 years. Secondary end‐points included all‐cause mortality and cumulative MACE outcomes.

Methods

Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were assessed among 355 patients presenting to a tertiary regional hospital between 2017 and 2018. Cox proportional hazard models were generated for MACE and all‐cause mortality outcomes, adjusting for the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score, patient demographics, biomarkers and comorbidities.

Results

Two hundred and seventy patients were included; 147 (54.4%) and 123 (45.6%) underwent early and delayed coronary angiography respectively. Median time to coronary angiography was 13.3 and 45.4 h respectively. At 6 years, 103 patients (38.1%) experienced MACE; 41 in the early group and 62 in the delayed group (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.23; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.50–3.31). After multivariable adjustment, the delayed group had higher rates of MACE (HR = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.19–2.70), all‐cause mortality (HR = 2.76; 95% CI = 1.36–5.63) and cumulative MACE (incidence rate ratio = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.12–2.11). Subgroup analysis of MACE outcomes in rural and weekend NSTEMI presentations was not significant between early and delayed coronary angiography (HR = 1.49; 95% CI = 0.83–2.62).

Conclusion

Higher MACE rates in the delayed intervention group suggest further investigation is needed. Randomised control trials would be well suited to assess the role of early invasive intervention across all NSTEMI risk groups.
Sociopolitical ideologies as predictors of collective action across liberal and conservative domains: Injustice‐based anger, efficacy, and empathy as mediators
Authors: Choma Becky L. , Sumantry David , Nasser Leen
Published: July 2024

Social change can be spurred by collective action. Yet not all forms of collective action are in the name of social progress. People seeking to advance or oppose social progress can be ideologically driven to organize and push their agendas. In exploring psychological reasons for collective action, social scientists have focused mostly on social identity. Researchers have begun to study sociopolitical ideologies as another key motivator of collective action. Drawing on both collective action and sociopolitical ideology literatures, we investigate sociopolitical ideologies (right‐wing authoritarianism, social dominance orientation) as predictors of collective action across politically liberal (MeToo movement, Climate Change) and conservative (Anti‐Abortion, Illegal Immigration) domains. Results from two American samples (n = 681; n = 359) show that right‐wing ideologies relate to more collective action in politically conservative domains and less collective action in politically liberal domains. Between‐person differences in empathy, injustice‐based anger, and efficacy explain these associations.
Pulmonary vein reconnection and repeat ablation characteristics following cryoballoon‐compared to radiofrequency‐based pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Obergassel J. , Nies M. , Taraba S. , Rottner L. , Lemoine M. D. , My I. , Moser F. , Rieß J. L. , Schenker N. , Dinshaw L. , Schleberger R. , Reißmann B. , Meyer C. , Willems S. , Rillig A. , Kirchhof P. , Metzner A.
Published: July 2024

Background

Despite advances in efficacy and safety of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after PVI remains common. PV‐reconnection is the main finding during repeat PVI procedures performed to treat recurrent AF.

Objective

To analyze pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection patterns during repeat ablation procedures in a large cohort of consecutive patients undergoing radio frequency or cryoballoon‐based PVI.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of PV‐reconnection patterns and analysis of re‐ablation strategies in consecutive index RF‐ and CB‐based PVI and their respective re‐ablation procedures during concomitant usage of both energy sources at a single high‐volume center in Germany.

Results

A total of 610 first (06/2015–10/2022) and 133 s (01/2016–11/2022) repeat ablation procedures after 363 (60%) RF‐ and 247 (40%) CB‐based index PVIs between 01/2015 and 12/2021 were analyzed. PV‐reconnection was found in 509/610 (83%) patients at first and 74/133 (56%) patients at second repeat procedure. 465 of 968 (48%) initially via CB isolated PVs were reconnected at first re‐ablation but 796 of 1422 initially RF‐isolated PV (56%) were reconnected (OR: 0.73 [95% CI: 0.62–0.86]; p < .001). This was driven by fewer reconnections of the left PVs (LSPV: OR: 0.60 [95% CI: 0.42–0.86]; p = .005 and LSPV: 0.67 [0.47–0.95]; p = .026). PV‐reconnection was more likely after longer, RF‐based index PVI and in older females. Repeat procedures were shorter after CB‐compared to after RF‐PVI.

Conclusions

Reconnection remains the most common reason for repeat AF ablation procedures after PVI. Our data suggest to preferentially use of the cryoballoon during index PVI, especially in older women.
LPS exacerbates TRPV4‐mediated itch through the intracellular TLR4‐PI3K signalling
Authors: Hao Yanping , Wu Liyan , Wang Yuhui , Shan Dongmei , Liu Yifei , Feng Jing , Chang Yi , Wang Ting
Published: July 2024

Pruritus is often accompanied with bacterial infections, but the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Although previous studies revealed that lipopolysaccharides (LPS) could directly activate TRPV4 channel and TRPV4 is involved in the generation of both acute itch and chronic itch, whether and how LPS affects TRPV4‐mediated itch sensation remains unclear. Here, we showed that LPS‐mediated TRPV4 sensitization exacerbated GSK101‐induced scratching behaviour in mice. Moreover, this effect was compromised in TLR4‐knockout mice, suggesting LPS acted through a TLR4‐dependent mechanism. Mechanistically, LPS enhanced GSK101‐evoked calcium influx in mouse ear skin cells and HEK293T cells transfected with TRPV4. Further, LPS sensitized TRPV4 channel through the intracellular TLR4‐PI3K‐AKT signalling. In summary, our study found a modulatory role of LPS in TRPV4 function and highlighted the TLR4‐TRPV4 interaction in itch signal amplification.
Diversity, equity and inclusiveness in healthcare
Authors: Worman Scott
Published: July 2024

Addressing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in health care is a multidimensional challenge. From a US perspective, the third‐party payment system has disempowered and depersonalized health‐care delivery. The net result is wasteful and inefficient use of human and financial resources, burnout among providers, as well as care inequities. Financial integration at the point of patient care is essential to aligning the needs of patients with advances in medical technology. Complexity theory offers valuable insights into the roles of government, intermediaries and patients. The government must focus on equity as a rule compiler and referee of the system. Patient and providers who are actively engaged in shared decision‐making will naturally address the diverse needs of multitudinous communities. Intermediaries address inclusion by connecting resources with the point of care. In a dynamic, emerging health‐care system that serves diverse communities, patient and community‐based financing, vouchers and defined contributions are necessary first steps in addressing cultural diversity, inclusion and equity.
Emotion regulation in emotionally focused therapists working with high‐conflict couples
Authors: Yıldızhan Cemile , Kafescioğlu Nilüfer , Zeytinoğlu‐Saydam Senem , Erdem Gizem , Söylemez Yudum , Yumbul Çiğdem
Published: July 2024

Guided by the Person‐of‐the Therapist Training (POTT) Model, the current qualitative study explores emotional experiences and emotion regulation strategies of emotionally focused trained therapists who work with high‐conflict couples in Turkey. Twenty‐one therapists who completed at least the externship in emotionally focused couple therapy (EFCT) and had prior or current clinical experience working with high‐conflict couple(s) were recruited through various social media platforms and professional organizations’ listservs. Semistructured individual interviews were conducted, audio‐recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed five main themes: (1) Different Compelling Emotional Experiences of the Therapists, (2) Sun After Storm, (3) Triggers of Therapists’ Emotions, (4) Perceived Adaptive Emotion Regulation Strategies, and (5) Positive Impact of the Therapist's Regulation Strategies on the Therapy Process. Overall, the findings supported the three phases of the POTT model: namely, knowledge of self, access to self, and use of self. Our study demonstrates the need for integrating self‐of‐the‐therapist work into the clinical practice, training, and supervision of therapists working with distressed couples.
Diagnostic yield of percutaneous, ultrasound‐guided, fine needle aspirates of the gastrointestinal wall: a retrospective analysis of 152 samples
Authors: Henry P. M. N. , Boag A. M. , Dandrieux J. R. S. , Rossi R. , Woods G. A.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The aim was to assess the technical success of percutaneous ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspirates of gastrointestinal wall lesions and evaluate predictors of success. Secondary aims included comparing the cytological diagnosis with histopathology, evaluating the utility of concurrent locoregional lymph node cytology and assessing the procedure's complication rate.

Material and Methods

Gastrointestinal wall cytology from 75 dogs and 70 cats obtained between 2018 and 2023 were reviewed and categorised as successful (resulting in a diagnostic cytology report) and accurate (resulting in the correct diagnosis when compared to histopathology). Unsuccessful fine needle aspirates, not submitted for cytology, were not recorded. Variables recorded included animal signalment, lesion and lymph node's appearance on ultrasound, size, location, number of smears submitted and experience of the ultrasonographer.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐two reports were analysed. Eighty‐eight (58%) were successful: three normal epithelium, 21 inflammatory processes and 64 neoplasms. Variables associated with increased technical success included description of a mass, higher number of slides submitted and thickness of gastrointestinal lesion on ultrasound. Comparison with histopathology, performed for 17 lesions, showed discrepancies in eight, complete agreement in seven and partial in two. Eighty‐four loco‐regional lymph nodes were sampled, of which, 67 were successful (80%) and 52 brought additional clinical information (supporting GI wall cytology or diagnosing neoplasia not identified on GI wall cytology). No complication strictly attributable to gastrointestinal wall sampling was reported but when possibly related, death of the patient occurred in 2.5% of cases.

Clinical Significance

Ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspirate of gastrointestinal wall had moderate accuracy and was unsuccessful in 42% of cases, but technical success increased when sampling mass lesions, thicker intestinal layers and submitting more slides.
Corpus Studies and ‘Close Listening’
Authors: MARTIN NATHAN JOHN
Published: July 2024

This article provides a detailed response to Markus Neuwirth and Martin Rohrmeier's article ‘Wie wissenschaftlich muss Musiktheorie sein?’, published in the Zeitschrift der Gesellschaft für Musiktheorie in 2016. I undertake to nuance their call for the wholesale adoption of machine‐assisted corpus‐based methods in music theory through a detailed appreciation of work‐specific analysis as is has been practiced in American music theory. The argument unfolds through three case studies: of David Lewin's 1982 analysis of Schubert's ‘Auf dem Flusse’; of Vasili Byros's more recent approach to the Eroica Symphony; and then of Lewin again, on Schubert's ‘Morgengruß’. By means of these examples, I probe where corpus‐based methods can enhance traditional approaches and what new avenues of research they make possible, but I also emphasise those aspects of work‐specific analysis that elude their grasp.
The problematic but seductive call of prerogative power
Authors: Verbois Caleb
Published: July 2024

This article investigates and critiques the view that Lockean prerogative power is or should be incorporated, legally or extralegally, into the American constitutional system. Some scholars argue that extraconstitutional prerogative represents a safer alternative to a broad legal reading of presidential power, as it creates fewer precedents. Others suggest that the Framers “constitutionalized prerogative.” Both of these views have difficulties because ultimately, prerogative can create more dangerous precedents than legal uses of presidential power.
Upper‐flow‐regime deposits related to glacio‐volcanic interactions in Patagonia: Insights from the Pleistocene record in Southern Andes
Authors: Bucher Joaquín , del Papa Cecilia , Hernando Irene R. , Almada Gabriela
Published: July 2024

Supercritical flows and their associated upper‐flow‐regime bedforms have been increasingly recognized in several contrasting depositional environments around the world, including volcano‐sedimentary settings. In recent years, there have been significant advances in flow modelling, architecture and depositional dynamics in upper‐flow‐regime bedforms related to glacio‐volcanic interaction, however most of these works come from specific volcanic landscapes. Examples of other regions with different tectonic and volcanic settings are needed in order to gain a more global perspective regarding the generation and preservation of upper‐flow‐regime glacio‐volcanic bedforms. This study presents a detailed analysis of Pleistocene volcaniclastic deposits accumulated in alluvial to lacustrine deltaic environments in the Southern Andes within the Southern Volcanic Zone. Six facies were defined and related to distinctive bedforms by examining sedimentary features, including textural characteristics, sedimentary structures, architecture and composition. Among these facies, five are distinguished by deposition from supercritical flows and upper‐flow‐regime bedforms, such as cyclic steps, chutes and pools, and antidunes. The stratigraphic succession reveals a predominance of repeated supercritical flows, which appear to be influenced by the availability of detritus for removal along with sudden water discharges. Compositional analyses indicate that explosive volcanism was the primary source of detritus, occurring synchronously with sedimentation. Additionally, the widespread occurrence of Pleistocene glacial conditions in this region suggests that volcanic‐induced melting ice or snow may have been an important source of water supply. Regarding the Southern Andes, the presence of local depressions, such as volcano‐tectonic calderas plays an essential role in the generation and preservation of the upper‐flow‐regime bedforms related to glacio‐volcanism. Furthermore, the importance of carrying out detailed and multidisciplinary studies seems to be critical for the recognition of these deposits in the record of the Andes.
Kurdish Women’s Experience in Iraq: History, Politics and Literature
Authors: Hassan Alhamid Lolav M.
Published: July 2024

The aim of this article is to study the conspicuous impact of the changing historical and political situation in Iraq on the Kurdish intellectual and literary production with particular attention to Kurdish women’s position and perspective on these changes. Focusing on the hectic periods of the Kurdish history and national movement in Iraq, the article answers such intriguing questions as how do the social and political discourses in Iraq shape Kurdish women’s roles and contributions and how has the interplay between Kurdish nationalism and women’s participation developed within the different literary, intellectual and political circles. Chronicling the various socio‐political dimensions of Kurdish national movement and investigating the ways in which Kurdish women’s participation has been relegated both by the Iraqi regimes and within the Kurdish national movements, the article presents a content analysis of different intentions, oversights, and insights of Kurdish and non‐Kurdish political, literary and intellectual actors regarding Kurdish women’s changing roles and desires in Iraq and of the images by which Kurdish women have been presented, thereby positioning itself within a socio‐political studies.
Using wearable sensors to explore schoolyard interactions of mainstreamed deaf and hard‐of‐hearing preadolescents
Authors: Eichengreen Adva , Tsou Yung‐Ting , van Klaveren Lisa‐Maria , Zaidman‐Zait Anat , Koutamanis Alexander
Published: July 2024

Social participation in school, including schoolyard interactions, is considered important for all aspects of child development. Students with disabilities, such as those who are deaf and hard‐of‐hearing, are at risk of experiencing inaccessibility and social exclusion in mainstream classes, yet this has been hardly researched in the schoolyard context. We exploratively compared preadolescents (M = 10.48, SD = .93) with (N = 8) and without (N = 207) hearing loss in their continuous schoolyard interactions during 21 recess assessments, using proximity sensors and field observations, alongside measurements of peer acceptance, friendships and sense of connectedness, based on peer nominations and self‐reports. Deaf and hard‐of‐hearing preadolescents spent less time interacting in the schoolyard, a trend which was stable throughout recess. Deaf and hard‐of‐hearing students interacted with the same number of partners as their classmates, but posthoc analyses suggest that towards the end of long recess periods they had a sharper drop in the number of their interaction partners. Field observations suggest that deaf and hard‐of‐hearing preadolescents who were socially active became more isolated the longer the break lasted, and that physical proximity did not necessarily indicate positive interactions. Findings underscore the importance of using multimethod designs that assess various dimensions of social participation and account for the temporal dynamics of recess interactions. Proximity sensors, combined with qualitative observations, enabled to detect social difficulties not detected by more traditional measures, hence valuable for social inclusion research and interventions.
Multiparametric myocardial mapping using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in healthy dogs: Reproducibility, repeatability, and differences across slices, segments, and sequences
Authors: Yun Dain , Lee Hye‐Won , Jin Wooseok , Lee Kija , Lee Sang‐Kwon
Published: July 2024

Myocardial mapping in humans has been widely studied and applied to understand heart disease, facilitate early diagnosis, and determine therapeutic targets; however, the reproducibility, repeatability, and protocol‐dependent differences in myocardial mapping in dogs remain unknown, which limits its application in dogs. This study investigated the reproducibility and test–retest repeatability of myocardial mapping in dogs and evaluated the differences according to slice, segment, and sequence. Precontrast T1 (native T1), T2 (T2), and T2* relaxation time (T2*), and extracellular volume (ECV) were measured at the base, midventricle, and apex of the left ventricle in six healthy beagles. To compare the sequences, the saturation recovery‐based (SMART1) and inversion recovery‐based (MOLLI) sequences were used for native T1 and ECV mapping. The intraclass correlation coefficient was measured to evaluate reproducibility and repeatability using the coefficient of variation and Bland‐Altman analysis. All parameters showed good to excellent intra‐ and interobserver reproducibility and test–retest repeatability. The apex slice showed the lowest repeatability among the slices, whereas ECV had the lowest repeatability among the parameters. Native T1, ECV, and T2* did not differ according to slice, but T2 significantly increased from the base to the apex. Native T1 was significantly higher in SMART1 than in MOLLI, whereas ECV did not differ between the two sequences. Our results suggest that myocardial mapping is applicable in dogs with high reproducibility and repeatability, although slice and sequence differences should be considered. This study can serve as a guide for myocardial mapping studies in dogs with heart disease.
Critical Examination of Methods to Determine Tibiofemoral Kinematics and Tibial Contact Kinematics Based on Analysis of Fluoroscopic Images
Authors: Hull Maury L.
Published: July 2024

Goals of knee replacement surgery are to restore function and maximize implant longevity. To determine how well these goals are satisfied, tibial femoral kinematics and tibial contact kinematics are of interest. Tibiofemoral kinematics, which characterize function, is movement between the tibia and femur whereas tibial contact kinematics, which is relevant to implant wear, is movement of the location of contact by the femoral implant on the tibial articular surface. The purposes of this review article are to describe and critique relevant methods to guide correct implementation. For tibiofemoral kinematics, methods are categorized as those which determine (1) relative planar motions and (2) relative three-dimensional (3D) motions. Planar motions are determined by first finding anterior–posterior (A–P) positions of each femoral condyle relative to the tibia and tracking these positions during flexion. Of the lowest point (LP) and flexion facet center (FFC) methods, which are common, the lowest point method is preferred and the reasoning is explained. 3D motions are determined using the joint coordinate system (JCS) of Grood and Suntay. Previous applications of this JCS have resulted in motions which are largely in error due to “kinematic crosstalk.” Requirements for minimizing kinematic crosstalk are outlined followed by an example, which demonstrates the method for identifying a JCS that minimizes kinematic crosstalk. Although kinematic crosstalk can be minimized, the need for a JCS to determine 3D motions is questionable based on anatomical constraints, which limit varus–valgus rotation and compression–distraction translation. Methods for analyzing tibial contact kinematics are summarized and validation of methods discussed.
A Digital Twin-Based Method for Assembly Deviations Analysis
Authors: Zhi Junnan , Cao Yanlong , Li Tukun , Liu Fan , Luo Jia , Li Yanling , Jiang Xiangqian
Published: July 2024

This paper proposes and develops a digital twin-based method for assembly deviation analysis, which considers the impact of product shape deviations and uses assembly data in the product design phase to enhance the performance of assembly deviation analysis. First, the overall product assembly deviation analysis process based on twin information is studied. Second, a mating algorithm, which evaluates multi-source assembly information, is proposed and developed. Third, the interaction between adjacent mating feature deviation propagation and an updated iterative mechanism is examined. Finally, a digital twin assembly deviation analysis model based on the new proposed Jacobian-twin approach is established, and validation is conducted through a case study.
Numerical Investigation on the Influence of Continuous Rotating Backpropagation Pressure Wave on Turbine Performance
Authors: Qiu Hua , Wang Xiao , Cao Zhi-peng , Xiong Cha , Chen Xi-tao , Zhao Ming-hao
Published: July 2024

Researches have shown that the use of a continuous detonation afterburner can improve the propulsion performance of aero engine. However, backpropagation pressure waves (BPW) generated by the pressure gain of detonation will affect the internal flow and performance of turbine. This article simulates BPW through a custom function, and investigates the effects of BPW amplitude, rotation frequency, and propagation mode on turbine performance through three-dimensional simulation. The results show that as the pressure amplitude of the BPW increases, the pressure oscillation at each section of the turbine increases and a local subcritical flow state will appear, leading to the decrease of turbine flowrate and turbine power, as well as an intensification of instantaneous turbine power fluctuations. As the rotation frequency of the BPW increases, the pressure oscillation at each section of the turbine gradually decreases. The flowrate and power of the turbine do not change much, but turbine efficiency gradually decreases. Compared to the aligned mode, the turbine performs better under the influence of BPW in misaligned mode. Compared to the single-wave mode, the fluctuation of transient turbine power is lower under the influence of BPW in the multiwave mode excluding collision mode. Finally, the constraints of equal flowrate region and equal turbine power line on the peak-to-peak value of the BPW were analyzed when the joint operation of the turbine and compressor was not affected. The rotation frequency and mode of BPW will affect the flowrate region and power line.
Energy-Efficient Downsizing of Ribbed Confinements for Heat Exchange Applications
Authors: Agrawala Prabhav , Lilhare Yatharth , Arora Amit
Published: July 2024

Downsizing double-pipe heat exchangers is possible by deploying ribs on the two sides of the heat exchangers. The shape of these ribs, along with two key geometric variables—pitch and height, are crucial in the selection of energy-efficient rib configurations. This is because the enhancement in heat transfer performance comes at the cost of increased pressure drop. Thus, the goal of this numerical investigation is to identify favorable rib shapes and explore the effect of truncation on triangular ribs, which was found to be absent in existing literature. Truncation can address challenges with existing triangular ribs and is expected to greatly affect the performance of conventional triangular ribs. To explore this conclusively, an unbiased and exhaustive analysis is carried out by comparing the performance of confinements with modified and regular triangular ribs, keeping plain confinements as the baseline. Furthermore, the effects of two principal design variables—rib height and rib pitch—are explored for each shape, over a wide range considering essentially all possible combinations. Separate results are presented for the inner and outer confinements of the double-pipe heat exchangers (pipes and annuli) to allow for the extrapolation of results for a wide range of applications employing internal flows in pipes and annuli. A phenomenological model is developed to classify the thermal and hydraulic performance of each confinement and identify optimal geometrical configuration and identify best-performing design(s). Once optimal rib pitch-–height combinations are identified, performance at this optimal combination is evaluated at different Reynolds numbers, spanning from 10,000 to 30,000.
Vortex Lattice Method Investigation of Tip-Leakage Flow
Authors: Montsarrat Christophe , Boudet Jérôme
Published: July 2024

The use of a vortex lattice method (VLM) is investigated on a tip-leakage flow single-blade configuration (NACA 0012) for a wide range of tip gaps. The aim is to estimate the circulation of the tip-leakage vortex (TLV) detaching from the blade. The evaluation of that circulation without adding viscous effects to the potential method is comparable with the experimental measurements for the largest gaps but requires a diffusive model for the smaller gaps. A new diffusive model is constructed and integrated to the VLM, yielding a very good match with the experiment on the circulation for the whole tip gap range. This result indicates that for thin blades, the development of the TLV can be described in two stages: (i) a potential formation and (ii) a viscous diffusion leading to a decay once the vortex is detached from the blade.
Acoustic monitoring of artificial reefs reveals Atlantic cod and weakfish spawning and presence of individual bottlenose dolphins
Authors: Leone Melissa T. , Warren Joseph D.
Published: July 2024

The artificial reefs in New York's waters provide structure in areas that are typically flat and sandy, creating habitat for a multitude of species as an area to spawn, forage, and reside. Passive acoustic data collected on the Fire Island and Shinnecock artificial reefs between 2018 and 2022 detected spawning-associated calls of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), as well as the presence of individual bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) through their signature whistles. Weakfish and Atlantic cod were more vocally active on the Fire Island reef, where Atlantic cod grunts peaked during a new moon phase in December, and weakfish spawning experienced variable peaks between mid-July and mid-August on both reefs. Fifty-seven individual bottlenose dolphins were identified, with whistle repeats ranging from seconds to years apart. Passive acoustic monitoring allows for simultaneous collection of information on multiple species at different trophic levels as well as behavioral information that helps managers understand how these animals utilize these habitats, which can lead to improved conservation measures.
The Impact Guide: Adapting ISO 12354-2 for calculating impact sound transmission to the North American context
Authors: Mueller-Trapet Markus , Mahn Jeffrey
Published: July 2024

To support a potential introduction of an impact sound requirement into one of the next editions of the National Building Code of Canada, the National Research Council of Canada has initiated several research projects. For one of these projects, an industry-sponsored consortium has been formed with the goal of providing supporting documents and online tools to help building designers incorporate impact sound requirements into their work. The main guide document, following the model of research report RR-331 for airborne sound, provides guidance and explanations on how to calculate and combine direct and flanking sound transmission, in this case for impact sound. The guide uses the method given in ISO 12354-2, adapted to the relevant ASTM standards used in North America. This contribution provides an overview of the work to create the impact sound guide document, how the implementation of ISO 12354-2 is achieved using ASTM standards and presents several example calculations highlighting the need to consider flanking sound transmission for impact sound.
Monitoring gene expression in the brain with synthetic serum markers
Authors: Szablowski Jerzy O. , Seo Joon Pyung , Lee Sangsin , Nouraein Shirin , Huang Zhimin , Kwon James , Trippett James S. , Wang Ryan
Published: July 2024

Blood tests are among the most common clinical tools due to their low cost, simplicity, and ability to observe many markers at once. However, currently, blood tests can only monitor a fraction of physiological processes that happen to have a serum marker. Here, we will present our work on the development of synthetic serum markers that can track gene expression in intact brain cells with a simple blood test. The synthetic marker approach has several advantages. First, detection of existing markers may be challenging due to their low levels in blood. With a synthetic marker, one can design a reporter that is easy to detect allowing for superior sensitivity. Second, there are large numbers of genes in each cell, but available brain imaging techniques can at most represent only a few signals (e.g., a few colors of fluorescent proteins, or types of MRI contrast). Synthetic serum markers use biochemical detection and can be designed to be massively multiplexed similarly to how thousands of proteins can be detected in blood simultaneously with mass spectrometry. Third, synthetic serum markers can surveil large brain regions, unlike invasive locally implanted devices. Finally, these markers have the potential for inexpensive and simple readout. We show applications of this concept with markers that can cross through an intact blood–brain barrier to report on gene expression and markers whose release from the brain relies on sonobiopsy to provide spatial selectivity.
Perceptual weighting of acoustic cues to contrastive prosody for sentences in quiet and in noise
Authors: Wheeler Harley J. , Winn Matthew B.
Published: July 2024

Prosody is used to mark important information in speech, yet despite this important role in everyday communication it is not a customary part of speech recognition testing in routine audiometry. Listeners might fail to perceive meaningful emphasis on a specific word signaled by prosodic cues despite repeating the words correctly. This study introduces a new paradigm for assessing perception of prosodic cues that are used to signify new/corrective information in a sentence. Stimuli consisted of spoken sentences where one word (in various sentence positions) was emphasized through acoustic modifications across the entire utterance, in a manner that corrected wrong information. Participants used a visual analog scale to mark the timing and degree of emphasis aligned with the target words. Perceptual data in this study are linked with acoustic measures of voice pitch contour, intensity, and duration to characterize how contrastive stress cues are recovered by listeners with and without cochlear implants, who are especially at risk for poorer pitch perception. Follow-up conditions used stimuli where acoustic cues (F0, duration, intensity) were manipulated independently to explore perceptual cue weighting, and the perseverance of these cues through background noise.
The effects of preceding sound on psychoacoustic tuning curves measured in simultaneous and forward masking
Authors: Strickland Elizabeth A. , Park Heesun
Published: July 2024

The medial olivocochlear reflex (MOCR) decreases the gain of the cochlear active process in response to sound. We have used psychoacoustic techniques to show behavioral effects of gain reduction, which could be consistent with the MOCR. We have used paradigms understood to measure frequency selectivity and the input/output function at the level of the cochlea using stimuli (masker and signal) that should be too short to evoke the MOCR. A precursor sound is then presented before these stimuli to evoke the MOCR. Our most recent studies have used forward masking, to avoid the complicating effects of suppression. The current study was designed to examine the effects of suppression, by comparing the effects of a precursor on frequency selectivity measured using forward masking and simultaneous masking. Psychoacoustic tuning curves were measured using simultaneous and forward masking, with and without a precursor. This allowed us to measure the change in tuning with and without the presence of suppression. Broadband precursors and tonal precursors at masker frequencies were measured because previous studies have shown broadening with broadband precursors and sharpening when tonal maskers are the precursors. Results will be discussed in the context of current understanding of the MOCR.
Multimodal sensorimotor investigation of audio-visual integration in cochlear implant users
Authors: Valentin Olivier , Foster Nicholas , Intartaglia Bastien , Prud'homme Marie-Anne , Schönwiesner Marc , Nozaradan Sylvie , Lehmann Alexandre
Published: July 2024

Rhythm is an omnipresent element of many daily activities. Numerous studies in cognitive sciences have highlighted that humans exhibit greater precision in synchronizing their movements with auditory rhythmic stimuli compared to visual ones. Deaf individuals were shown to excel in synchronizing with visual cues, surpassing those with normal hearing (NH). Furthermore, it was demonstrated that cochlear implant (CI) users were able to move in time to the beat of music, although not as well as NH controls. This study aims to investigate whether CI users retain a visual synchronization advantage from their pre-implant deafness, while maintaining auditory synchronization skills comparable to those of NH individuals, or if the neural reorganization post-implantation negates the visual synchronization advantage acquired pre-implantation. Specifically, we assessed both unimodal and multimodal auditory and visual abilities in CI users compared to NH controls using a standard sensorimotor synchronization paradigm. Results revealed that CI users exhibit comparable auditory rhythmic synchronization abilities to NH individuals, which is consistent with existing research, while not displaying a superior ability in synchronizing with visual rhythms, likely due to neural reorganization following implantation. This shift in audio-visual integration among CI users suggests that the post-implant reorganization of their auditory cortex might hinder the effective integration of temporal auditory input from the implant with visual information.
A novel method for measuring perception of suprasegmental cues in speech
Authors: Shen Jing , Zhang Yimin D.
Published: July 2024

While the perception of segmental cues in speech has been extensively studied, evidence on the perception of suprasegmental cues is largely missing. A critical barrier in this area is the challenge in measuring listeners’ ability to perceive a combination of multiple acoustic cues. The classic paradigm of discrimination is limited by its heavy reliance on auditory short-term memory and a long testing time. This study aims at examining the utility of a novel measure that is potentially more efficient and offers a more fine-grained account of perception of suprasegmental cues. Built on the evidence that listeners can shadow and rapidly imitate speech cues faithfully, we use the degree of alignment between listeners’ rapid imitation of suprasegmental cues and that of the speech stimuli as an index of perception quality. This alignment is mathematically quantified by the dynamic time warping (DTW) method, which is modified to simultaneously account for both the intensity and the fundamental frequency sequences to render more reliable alignment results. Data to date provided rich information regarding individual differences in perception, and results obtained from rapid imitation showed improved utility over those from the discrimination. The theoretical and clinical implication of this work is also discussed.
Evaluation of data-driven neural operators in ocean acoustic propagation modeling
Authors: Niu Haiqiang
Published: July 2024

Various types of neural networks have been employed to tackle a wide range of complex partial differential equations (PDEs) and ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Notably, neural operators such as DeepONet and FNO show promise in handling these problems, offering potential real-time prediction capabilities. In contrast to physics-informed neural network (PINN) methods, neural operators primarily derive insight from extensive, well-prepared datasets. In the context of ocean acoustic propagation modeling, where the challenge involves solving the wave or Helmholtz equation given specific boundary conditions, this study focuses on assessing the performance of data-driven neural operators in predicting sound pressure. Unlike conventional approaches that map between finite-dimensional Euclidean spaces, neural operators excel in learning mappings between infinite-dimensional function spaces—a particularly advantageous feature in sound propagation modeling tasks. This research specifically delves into evaluating the generalization capabilities of neural operators when applied to sound propagation modeling in a range-independent shallow water environment. By exploring the neural operators' effectiveness in this domain, the study aims to contribute valuable insights into their potential applications for real-world ocean acoustics simulations.
An overview of physics-based data science techniques in ocean acoustics
Authors: Badiey Mohsen , Castro-Correa Jhon A. , Escobar-Amado Christian D.
Published: July 2024

Scientific applications in ocean acoustics include inversion, signal detection, seabed classification, source localization, and environmental assessment. Traditionally, addressing these problems commonly rely on modeling, deterministic setups, or optimization methods. However, these solutions encounter challenges when faced with non-ideal data or experimental conditions, leading to ill-posed problems or assumptions that deviate from reality. Through a new approach in recent years the integration of data science and machine learning techniques has emerged as a promising solution across various research fields. Only recently have these methodologies been introduced to the field of ocean acoustics, offering efficient and alternative for addressing problems through data-driven approaches. This study presents a collection of techniques developed by the University of Delaware, focusing on acoustic and environmental assessment. The methodologies employed include statistical approaches like maximum entropy and data-driven methods, ranging from simpler strategies such as dictionary learning and image segmentation, to more sophisticated structures like convolutional neural networks and graph neural networks, the latter can exploit spatial information in the data. The results obtained from these diverse methods offer valuable insight, paving the way for innovative alternatives to physics-based problem-solving in ocean acoustics.
A mode separation method based on sparse Bayesian learning for explosive sources in a shallow water waveguide
Authors: Zhang Xuedong , He Qi , Gong Zaixiao
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a mode separation method based on sparse Bayesian learning (SBL) for explosive sources in a shallow water waveguide. In previous work [Niu et al., JASA, 2021, 4366], the SBL dictionary was constructed by assuming a large number of horizontal wavenumbers and utilized an approximate mode-frequency dispersion relation for low frequencies. Then, modes were separated in the frequency domain by estimating the coefficients of the dictionary atoms. However, challenges inherent to explosive sources, such as bandwidth expansion and the bubble-pulse effect, result in a mismatch in the dictionary matrix built using the approximate mode-frequency dispersion relation for low frequencies, leading to unsuccessful mode separation. To address these issues, this paper builds the SBL dictionary matrix by utilizing the acoustic model (e.g., Kraken) to derive horizontal wavenumbers under various environmental hypotheses and combines it with the secondary bubble-pulse model. By estimating the coefficients of the dictionary atoms, both environmental parameter estimation and mode separation can be achieved simultaneously. Simulation and experimental data results demonstrate the validation of the proposed method.