bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute in-competition medical care at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Tanaka Hideharu , Tanaka Shota , Yokota Hiroyuki , Otomo Yasuhiro , Masuno Tomohiko , Nakano Kousuke , Sugita Manabu , Tokunaga Takahiko , Sugimoto Katsuhiko , Inoue Junichi , Kato Nagisa , Kinoshi Tomoya , Sakanashi Syuji , Inoue Hironori , Numata Hiroto , Nakagawa Koshi , Miyamoto Tetsuya , Akama Takao
Published: April 2023

Objective

To analyse injuries and illnesses during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Summer Games.

Methods

This retrospective descriptive study included 11 420 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees and 312 883 non-athletes. Incidences of injuries and illnesses during the competition period from 21 July to 8 August 2021 were analysed.

Results

A total of 567 athletes (416 injuries, 51 non-heat-related illnesses and 100 heat-related illnesses) and 541 non-athletes (255 injuries, 161 non-heat-related illnesses and 125 heat-related illnesses) were treated at the competition venue clinic. Patient presentation and hospital transportation rates per 1000 athletes were 50 and 5.8, respectively. Marathons and race walking had the highest incidence of injury and illness overall (17.9%; n=66). The highest incidence of injury (per participant) was noted in boxing (13.8%; n=40), sport climbing (12.5%; n=5) and skateboarding (11.3%; n=9), excluding golf, with the highest incidence of minor injuries. Fewer infectious illnesses than previous Summer Olympics were reported among the participants. Of the 100 heat-related illnesses in athletes, 50 occurred in the marathon and race walking events. Only six individuals were transported to a hospital due to heat-related illness, and none required hospital admission.

Conclusion

Injuries and heat-related illnesses were lower than expected at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Summer Games. No catastrophic events occurred. Appropriate preparation including illness prevention protocols, and treatment and transport decisions at each venue by participating medical personnel may have contributed to these positive results.
Secondary impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic at a tertiary children’s hospital in Canada: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Diskin Catherine , Orkin Julia , Dharmaraj Blossom , Agarwal Tanvi , Parmar Arpita , McNaughton Kelly , Cohen Eyal , Sunderji Alia , Faraoni David , Fecteau Annie , Fischer Jason , Maynes Jason , Mahant Sanjay , Friedman Jeremy
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Decisions to pause all non-essential paediatric hospital activities during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic may have led to significant delays, deferrals and disruptions in medical care. This study explores clinical cases where the care of children was perceived by hospital clinicians to have been negatively impacted because of the changes in healthcare delivery attributing to the restrictions placed resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design and setting

This study used a mixed-methods approach using the following: (1) a quantitative analysis of overall descriptive hospital activity between May and August 2020, and utilisation of data during the study period was performed, and (2) a qualitative multiple-case study design with descriptive thematic analysis of clinician-reported consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on care provided at a tertiary children’s hospital.

Results

Hospital-level utilisation and activity patterns revealed a substantial change to hospital activity including an initial reduction in emergency department attendance by 38% and an increase in ambulatory virtual care from 4% before COVID-19 to 67% between May and August 2020. Two hundred and twelve clinicians reported a total of 116 unique cases. Themes including (1) timeliness of care, (2) disruption of patient-centred care, (3) new pressures in the provision of safe and efficient care and (4) inequity in the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, each impacting patients, their families and healthcare providers.

Conclusion

Being aware of the breadth of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across all of the identified themes is important to enable the delivery of timely, safe, high-quality, family-centred paediatric care moving forward.
Stand Down–Think Before You Drink: protocol for an effectiveness-implementation trial of a mobile application for unhealthy alcohol use with and without peer support
Authors: Blonigen Daniel M. , Hawkins Eric J. , Kuhn Eric , Timko Christine , Dulin Patrick L. , Boothroyd Derek , Possemato Kyle
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Mobile apps can increase access to alcohol-related care but only if patients actively engage with them. Peers have shown promise for facilitating patients’ engagement with mobile apps. However, the effectiveness of peer-based mobile health interventions for unhealthy alcohol use has yet to be evaluated in a randomised controlled trial. The goal of this hybrid I effectiveness-implementation study is to test a mobile app (‘Stand Down–Think Before You Drink’), with and without peer support, to improve drinking outcomes among primary care patients.

Methods and analysis

In two US Veterans Health Administration (VA) medical centres, 274 primary care patients who screen positive for unhealthy alcohol use and are not currently in alcohol treatment will be randomised to receive usual care (UC), UC plus access to Stand Down (App), or UC plus Peer-Supported Stand Down (PSSD—four peer-led phone sessions over the initial 8 weeks to enhance app engagement). Assessments will occur at baseline and 8-, 20- and 32-weeks postbaseline. The primary outcome is total standard drinks; secondary outcomes include drinks per drinking day, heavy drinking days and negative consequences from drinking. Hypotheses for study outcomes, as well as treatment mediators and moderators, will be tested using mixed effects models. Semi-structured interviews with patients and primary care staff will be analysed using thematic analysis to identify potential barriers and facilitators to implementation of PSSD in primary care.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol is a minimal risk study and has received approval from the VA Central Institutional Review Board. The results have the potential to transform the delivery of alcohol-related services for primary care patients who engage in unhealthy levels of drinking but rarely seek treatment. Study findings will be disseminated through collaborations with healthcare system policymakers as well as publications to scholarly journals and presentations at scientific conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT05473598.
HER2-low in gastro-oesophageal adenocarcinoma: a real-world pathological perspective
Authors: Angerilli Valentina , Parente Paola , Campora Michela , Ugolini Clara , Battista Serena , Cassoni Paola , Gambella Alessandro , Cavallin Francesco , De Lisi Giuseppe , Vanoli Alessandro , Grillo Federica , Mastracci Luca , Fassan Matteo
Published: April 2023

Aims

In the DESTINY-Gastric01 trial, a novel HER2-targeted antibody-drug conjugate trastuzumab deruxtecan proved to be effective in HER2-low gastro-oesophageal adenocarcinomas. The aim of our study is to investigate the clinicopathological and molecular features of HER2-low gastric/gastro-oesophageal junction cancers in the real-world setting of a large multi-Institutional series.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 1210 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples of gastro-oesophageal adenocarcinomas which were analysed by immunohistochemistry for HER2 protein expression in 8 Italian surgical pathology units from January 2018 to June 2022. We assessed the prevalence of HER2-low (ie, HER2 1+ and HER2 2+ without amplification) and its correlation with clinical and histopathological features, other biomarkers’ status, including mismatch repair/microsatellite instability status, Epstein-Barr encoding region (EBER) and PD-L1 Combined Positive Score.

Results

HER2 status could be assessed in 1189/1210 cases, including 710 HER2 0 cases, 217 HER2 1+, 120 not amplified HER2 2+, 41 amplified HER2 2+ and 101 HER2 3+. The estimated prevalence of HER2-low was 28.3% (95% CI 25.8% to 31.0%) overall, and was higher in biopsy specimens (34.9%, 95% CI 31.2% to 38.8%) compared with surgical resection specimens (21.0%, 95% CI 17.7% to 24.6%) (p<0.0001). Moreover, HER2-low prevalence ranged from 19.1% to 40.6% among centres (p=0.0005).

Conclusions

This work shows how the expansion of the HER2 spectrum might raise problems in reproducibility, especially in biopsy specimens, decreasing interlaboratory and interobserver concordance. If controlled trials confirm the promising activity of novel anti-HER2 agents in HER2-low gastro-oesophageal cancers, a shift in the interpretation of HER2 status may need to be pursued.
Genotype and sleep independently predict mental health in Rett syndrome: an observational study
Authors: Kay Cayla , Leonard Helen , Smith Jeremy , Wong Kingsley , Downs Jenny
Published: April 2023

Background

Rett syndrome is a genetically caused neurodevelopmental disorder associated with severe impairments and complex comorbidities. This study examined predictors of anxiety and depression in Rett syndrome, including genotype.

Methods

The International Rett Syndrome Database, InterRett, was the data source for this observational study. Associations between genotype, functional abilities, comorbidities, anxiety and depression were estimated with univariate and multivariate regression models. An additional regression model for anxiety included use of an anxiety medication as a predictor variable.

Results

The sample included 210 individuals aged 6–51 years of whom 54 (25.7%) were on psychotropic medication for anxiety or depression. Individuals with the p.Arg294* variant had the highest anxiety scores, as did those with insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness, irrespective of anxiety medication use. Individuals with the p.Arg306Cys variant had the lowest depression scores, as did those with insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness.

Conclusion

Findings indicated that genotype and sleep have implications for mental health in Rett syndrome, suggesting that anticipatory guidance and proactive management of poor sleep could improve mental health. More research is needed to understand the effects of psychometric medications, which cannot be inferred from this cross-sectional study.
Biallelic variants inDNA2cause poikiloderma with congenital cataracts and severe growth failure reminiscent of Rothmund-Thomson syndrome
Authors: Di Lazzaro Filho Ricardo , Yamamoto Guilherme Lopes , Silva Tiago J , Rocha Leticia A , Linnenkamp Bianca D W , Castro Matheus Augusto Araújo , Bartholdi Deborah , Schaller André , Leeb Tosso , Kelmann Samantha , Utagawa Claudia Y , Steiner Carlos E , Steinmetz Leandra , Honjo Rachel Sayuri , Kim Chong Ae , Wang Lisa , Abourjaili-Bilodeau Raphaël , Campeau Philippe M , Warman Matthew , Passos-Bueno Maria Rita , Hoch Nicolas C , Bertola Debora Romeo
Published: April 2023

Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS) is a rare, heterogeneous autosomal recessive genodermatosis, with poikiloderma as its hallmark. It is classified into two types: type I, with biallelic variants inANAPC1and juvenile cataracts, and type II, with biallelic variants inRECQL4, increased cancer risk and no cataracts. We report on six Brazilian probands and two siblings of Swiss/Portuguese ancestry presenting with severe short stature, widespread poikiloderma and congenital ocular anomalies. Genomic and functional analysis revealed compound heterozygosis for a deep intronic splicing variant in trans with loss of function variants inDNA2, with reduction of the protein levels and impaired DNA double-strand break repair. The intronic variant is shared by all patients, as well as the Portuguese father of the European siblings, indicating a probable founder effect. Biallelic variants inDNA2were previously associated with microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism. Although the individuals reported here present a similar growth pattern, the presence of poikiloderma and ocular anomalies is unique. Thus, we have broadened the phenotypical spectrum ofDNA2mutations, incorporating clinical characteristics of RTS. Although a clear genotype–phenotype correlation cannot be definitively established at this moment, we speculate that the residual activity of the splicing variant allele could be responsible for the distinct manifestations ofDNA2-related syndromes.
Interaction between intravenous thrombolysis and clinical outcome between slow and fast progressors undergoing mechanical thrombectomy: a post-hoc analysis of the SWIFT-DIRECT trial
Authors: Marnat Gaultier , Kaesmacher Johannes , Buetikofer Lukas , Sibon Igor , Saleme Suzana , Pop Raoul , Henon Hilde , Michel Patrik , Mazighi Mikaël , Kulcsar Zsolt , Janot Kevin , Machi Paolo , Pikula Aleksandra , Gentric Jean-Christophe , Hernández-Pérez María , Krause Lars Udo , Turc Guillaume , Liebeskind David S , Gralla Jan , Fischer Urs
Published: April 2023

Background

In proximal occlusions, the effect of reperfusion therapies may differ between slow or fast progressors. We investigated the effect of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) (with alteplase) plus mechanical thrombectomy (MT) versus thrombectomy alone among slow versus fast stroke progressors.

Methods

The SWIFT-DIRECT trial data were analyzed: 408 patients randomized to IVT+MT or MT alone. Infarct growth speed was defined by the number of points of decay in the initial Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) divided by the onset-to-imaging time. The primary endpoint was 3-month functional independence (modified Rankin scale 0–2). In the primary analysis, the study population was dichotomized into slow and fast progressors using median infarct growth velocity. Secondary analysis was also conducted using quartiles of ASPECTS decay.

Results

We included 376 patients: 191 IVT+MT, 185 MT alone; median age 73 years (IQR 65–81); median initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) 17 (IQR 13–20). The median infarct growth velocity was 1.2 points/hour. Overall, we did not observe a significant interaction between the infarct growth speed and the allocation to either randomization group on the odds of favourable outcome (P=0.68). In the IVT+MT group, odds of any intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) were significantly lower in slow progressors (22.8% vs 36.4%; OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.98) and higher among fast progressors (49.4% vs 26.8%; OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.42 to 4.82) (P value for interaction <0.001). Similar results were observed in secondary analyses.

Conclusion

In this SWIFT-DIRECT subanalysis, we did not find evidence for a significant interaction of the velocity of infarct growth on the odds of favourable outcome according to treatment by MT alone or combined IVT+MT. However, prior IVT was associated with significantly reduced occurrence of any ICH among slow progressors whereas this was increased in fast progressors.
Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block for early pain management of elderly patients with hip fracture: a single-center double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: LIN XUFENG , Liu Christopher Weiyang , Goh Qing Yuan , Sim Eileen Yilin , Chan Steffi Kang Ting , Lim Zhen Wei , Chan Diana Xin Hui
Published: April 2023

Background

The pericapsular nerve group block (PENG) is a novel technique that blocks the articular branches of the hip joint. This study aimed to compare its effectiveness to a sham block in elderly patients with hip fractures.

Method

A randomized double-blind controlled trial was conducted in elderly patients with intertrochanteric and neck of femur fractures. Patients were randomized to receive either PENG block or a sham block. Postblock, systemic analgesia was titrated using a standardized protocol of acetaminophen, oral morphine or patient-controlled analgesia. The primary outcome was the dynamic pain score (Numerical Rating Scale 0–10) at 30 min postblock. Secondary outcomes included pain scores at multiple other time points and 24-hour opioid consumption.

Results

60 patients were randomized and 57 completed the trial (PENG n=28, control n=29). Patients in PENG group had significantly lower dynamic pain scores at 30 min compared with control group (median (IQR) 3 (0.5–5) vs 5 (3–10), p<0.01). For the secondary outcomes, dynamic pain scores were lower in PENG group at 1 hour (median (IQR) 2 (1–3.25) vs 5 (3–8), p<0.01) and 3 hours postblock (median (IQR) 2 (0–5) vs 5 (2–8), p<0.05). Patients in PENG group had lower 24-hour opioid consumption (median (IQR) oral morphine equivalent dose 10 (0–15) vs 15 (10–30) mg, p<0.05).

Conclusion

PENG block provided effective analgesia for acute traumatic pain following hip fracture. Further studies are required to validate the superiority of PENG blocks over other regional techniques.

Trial registration number

NCT04996979.
Needs-based novel digital curriculum for the neuromodulation training deficit: Pain Rounds
Authors: Durbhakula Shravani , Toy Serkan , Acosta Carlos A , Barman Ross A , Kelner Andrew F , Issa Mohammad A , Broachwala Mustafa Y , Marascalchi Bryan J , Navalgund Yeshvant A , Pak Daniel J , Petersen Erika A , Mehta Neel D , Moeschler Susan M , Kohan Lynn R
Published: April 2023

This study reports the needs-based development, effectiveness and feasibility of a novel, comprehensive spinal cord stimulation (SCS) digital curriculum designed for pain medicine trainees. The curriculum aims to address the documented systematic variability in SCS education and empower physicians with SCS expertise, which has been linked to utilization patterns and patient outcomes. Following a needs assessment, the authors developed a three-part SCS e-learning video curriculum with baseline and postcourse knowledge tests. Best practices were used for educational video production and test-question development. The study period was from 1 February 2020 to 31 December 2020. A total of 202 US-based pain fellows across two cohorts (early-fellowship and late-fellowship) completed the baseline knowledge assessment, while 122, 96 and 88 participants completed all available post-tests for Part I (Fundamentals), Part II (Cadaver Lab) and Part III (Decision Making, The Literature and Critical Applications), respectively. Both cohorts significantly increased knowledge scores from baseline to immediate post-test in all curriculum parts (p<0.001). The early-fellowship cohort experienced a higher rate of knowledge gain for Parts I and II (p=0.045 and p=0.027, respectively). On average, participants viewed 6.4 out of 9.6 hours (67%) of video content. Self-reported prior SCS experience had low to moderate positive correlations with Part I and Part III pretest scores (r=0.25, p=0.006; r=0.37, p<0.001, respectively). Initial evidence suggests that Pain Rounds provides an innovative and effective solution to the SCS curriculum deficit. A future controlled study should examine this digital curriculum’s long-term impact on SCS practice and treatment outcomes.
Characteristics of solid–liquid phase transformation of saturated coral sand subjected to various patterns of cyclic loading
Authors: Qin You , Du Xinyu , Yang Zhengtao , Ma Weijia , Wu Qi , Chen Guoxing
Published: April 2023

This study conducts a series of undrained cyclic shear tests on saturated coral sand with different initial relative densities ( Dr) subjected to a 90° jump rotation of the principal stress with various initial orientations. Considering liquefiable coral sand as a fluid, an important finding is that the variation in the apparent viscosity with the number of cycles is significantly affected by Dr, the effective mean principal stress ( [Formula: see text] ), cyclic stress ratio, cyclic loading path, and cyclic loading frequency. The average flow coefficient (κ) is introduced to describe the fluidity of saturated coral sand under cyclic loading by considering the variation in the shape of the stress–strain rate curve. A positive exponential correlation is observed between κ and the excess pore water pressure (EPWP) ratio ( ru) under the given cyclic loading modes. Another significant finding is that the solid–liquid phase change time is the turning point of the apparent viscosity and the average flow coefficient gradients with ru. The inversion point’s EPWP ratio is approximately 0.9, defined as the EPWP ratio during the solid–liquid phase transformation ( ruth). The ruth value is not affected by cyclic loading mode, [Formula: see text] , and Dr.
Quercetin Ameliorates Diabetic Kidney Injury by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Activating Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Feng Qi , Yang Yang , Qiao Yingjin , Zheng Yifeng , Yu Xiaoyue , Liu Fengxun , Wang Hui , Zheng Bin , Pan Shaokang , Ren Kaidi , Liu Dongwei , Liu Zhangsuo
Published: April 2023

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is thought to be the major cause of end-stage renal disease. Due to its complicated pathogenesis and the low efficacy of DN treatment, a deep understanding of new etiological factors may be useful. Ferroptosis, a nonapoptotic form of cell death, is characterized by the accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxides to lethal levels. Ferroptosis-triggered renal tubular injury is reported to participate in the development of DN, and blocking ferroptosis might be an effective strategy to prevent the development of DN. Quercetin (QCT), a natural flavonoid that is present in a variety of fruits and vegetables, has been reported to ameliorate DN. However, its underlying nephroprotective mechanism is unclear. Herein, we explored the antiferroptosic effect of QCT and verified its nephroprotective effect using DN mice and high glucose (HG)-incubated renal tubular epithelial cell models. We found HG-induced abnormal activation of ferroptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells, and QCT treatment inhibited ferroptosis by downregulating the expression of transferrin receptor 1 (TFR-1) and upregulating the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH-1), and the cystine/glutamate reverse antiporter solute carrier family 7 member (SLC7A11) in DN mice and HG-incubated HK-2 cells. Subsequently, both in vitro and in vivo results confirmed that QCT activated the NFE2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) signaling pathway by increasing the levels of Nrf2 and HO-1. Therefore, this study supports that QCT inhibits the ferroptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, providing a novel insight into the protective mechanism of QCT in DN treatment.
Intelligent Control Knowledge-Based System for Cleaning Device of Rice–Wheat Combine Harvester
Authors: Jiang Qing , Liu Yang , Zhou Xiancun , Yang Yadong , Zhang Jing , Jiang Bin , Mao Demei , Yang Yang , Fu Yuan
Published: April 2023

In this paper, the operation process of cleaning of intelligent rice–wheat combine harvester is divided into two key steps: initial setting of cleaning device operation parameters and dynamic control of cleaning device operation parameters. Combined with the operation experience of cleaning control of agricultural machinery operators, the dynamic control knowledge-based system of cleaning device operation parameters was built based on production rule reasoning. The cleaning device of the rice–wheat combine harvester is intelligently controlled based on the dynamic monitoring and control system of the cleaning device operation quality and operation parameters, so as to achieve the purpose of controlling the cleaning operation quality of the rice–wheat combine harvester in the normal range. Through the field experiment results and analysis, it is proved that the intelligent control system of the cleaning device operation parameters based on the dynamic control knowledge-based system of cleaning device operation parameters can effectively keep the cleaning impurity content and loss rate of intelligent rice–wheat combine harvester in the normal range, so as to verify the effectiveness of the intelligent control knowledge-based system of the cleaning device operation parameters.
Parallel Optimization of BLAS on a New-Generation Sunway Supercomputer
Authors: Ren Yinqiao , Xu Yi
Published: April 2023

The new-generation Sunway supercomputer has ultra-high computing capacity. But due to the unique heterogeneous architecture of the supercomputer, the open-source versions of basic linear algebra subprograms (BLAS) are insufficient for performance or compatibility. In addition, due to the update of the architecture, BLAS based on the previous Sunway could not fully exploit the performance of the successor. To address the challenges, we propose an optimized BLAS on the new-generation Sunway supercomputer in this paper. Specially, for achieving efficient computation, a parallel optimization method based on the new-generation Sunway for the Level-1 BLAS computing between vectors and the Level-2 BLAS computing between vectors and matrices is first proposed. Then, an adaptive scheduling algorithm for various data sizes is proposed, which is used to balance the tasks of core groups. Finally, to achieve highly efficient general matrix multiplication (GEMM) kernels, a parallel optimization method based on the new-generation Sunway for the Level-3 BLAS computing between matrices is proposed, which includes source-level optimization as well as assembly-level optimization. Experimental results show that the memory bandwidth utilization of the optimized Level-1/2 BLAS exceeds 95%, and the computational efficiency of the optimized GEMM kernel exceeds 94%.
Electronically Tunable Differential Difference Current Conveyor Using Commercially Available OTAS
Authors: Knobnob Boonying
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a new electronically tunable differential difference current conveyor (EDDCC) using the commercially available operational transconductance amplifiers (OTAs). Unlike the conventional DDCC, the proposed EDDCC offers current gain that can be electronically controlled. The EDDCC can be used to realize a new electronically tunable fully differential difference second-generation current conveyor (EFDCCII). Therefore, the current gain of the proposed EFDCCII can be electronically controlled. To show the advantages of the proposed EDDCC and EFDCCII, the EDDCC has been used to realize a quadrature oscillator and the EFDCCII has been used to realize a current-mode universal filter. The proposed circuits have been investigated by simulation and experimental tests using the commercially available LM13700 OTAs.
CodeLabeller: A Web-Based Code Annotation Tool for Java Design Patterns and Summaries
Authors: Nazar Najam , Chen Norman , Chong Chun Yong
Published: April 2023

While constructing supervised learning models, we require labeled examples to build a corpus and train a machine learning model. However, most studies have built the labeled dataset manually, which, on many occasions, is a daunting task. To mitigate this problem, we have built an online tool called CodeLabeller. CodeLabeller is a web-based tool that aims to provide an efficient approach to handling the process of labeling source code files for supervised learning methods at scale by improving the data collection process throughout. CodeLabeller is tested by constructing a corpus of over a thousand source files obtained from a large collection of open source Java projects and labeling each Java source file with their respective design patterns and summaries. Twenty-five experts in the field of software engineering participated in a usability evaluation of the tool using the standard User Experience Questionnaire online survey. The survey results demonstrate that the tool achieves the Good standard on hedonic and pragmatic quality standards, is easy to use and meets the needs of annotating the corpus for supervised classifiers. Apart from assisting researchers in crowdsourcing a labeled dataset, the tool has practical applicability in software engineering education and assists in building expert ratings for software artefacts.
TC4MT: A Specification-Driven Testing Framework for Model Transformations
Authors: Nguyen Thi-Hanh , Dang Duc-Hanh
Published: April 2023

Model transformation is a core mechanism for Model-Driven Engineering (MDE). Writing complex programs such as model transformations (MT) is error-prone, and efficient testing techniques are required for their quality assurance. There are several challenges when it comes to testing MT, including the automatic generation of suitable input test models and the construction of test oracles based on verification properties. Many approaches to generating input models ensure coverage of a certain level of the source meta-model and some input/output model constraints. Furthermore, most transformation testing techniques are tailored to specific implementation languages or quality properties, which makes it difficult to reuse testing techniques for different languages due to their language-specific nature. The diversity of languages and verification properties raises the need for a black-box testing framework of MT that is independent of transformation implementation languages as well as supports systematic verification of the quality properties. In this paper, we clarify the basic elements of such a framework, and how to apply this framework for systematically testing MT. The main tasks of the model transformation testing process, including test design, test execution and evaluation, are defined and realized within this integrated framework.
Internal heating mechanisms in neutron stars
Authors: Köpp F. , Horvath J. E. , Hadjimichef D. , Vasconcellos C. A. Z. , Hess P. O.
Published: April 2023

The cooling mechanisms of a neutron star (hereafter referred to as NS) have the potential to reveal important features of superdense matter. The values of the surface temperatures are known for a good sample of NSs aged [Formula: see text] years and, with some exceptions, can be explained through standard cooling mechanisms (neutrinos and photons emissions without internal heating), as confirmed in our study. However, for older objects the surface temperatures are in some cases higher than expected, and it is necessary to consider some kind of internal heating to explain these results. With this objective, we revisit in this paper the kinetic mechanisms of heating in NSs considering fermionic dark matter (DM) heating, rotochemical heating and magnetic field decay. Our results indicate that NSs older than [Formula: see text] years, such as some “Black Widows” (BW — a subset of binary systems in which only the upper bounds of surface temperatures are known) and old pulsars, in contrast to younger NSs, exhibit much higher surface temperatures than the values predicted by these three heating mechanisms. Furthermore, by restricting the DM heating parameters to the current values that were fitted and/or measured for the local DM density, masses and NS radii, the models studied here also do not reproduce the upper limits of the temperatures from the surface of BWs or the actual temperatures of other ancient pulsars. We conclude that if the upper limits for BWs are close to real temperatures, dark heating will not represent a convincing explanation of these results, indicating that rotochemical mechanisms may be favored.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE-DRIVEN APPROACH TO IDENTIFY AND RECOMMEND THE WINNER IN A TIED EVENT IN SPORTS SURVEILLANCE
Authors: ANWAR KHALID , ZAFAR AASIM , IQBAL ARSHAD , SOHAIL SHAHAB SAQUIB , HUSSAIN AMIR , KARACA YELIZ , HIJJI MOHAMMAD , SAUDAGAR ABDUL KHADER JILANI , MUHAMMAD KHAN
Published: April 2023

The proliferation of fractal artificial intelligence (AI)-based decision-making has propelled advances in intelligent computing techniques. Fractal AI-driven decision-making approaches are used to solve a variety of real-world complex problems, especially in uncertain sports surveillance situations. To this end, we present a framework for deciding the winner in a tied sporting event. As a case study, a tied cricket match was investigated, and the issue was addressed with a systematic state-of-the-art approach by considering the team strength in terms of the player score, team score at different intervals, and total team scores (TTSs). The TTSs of teams were compared to recommend the winner. We believe that the proposed idea will help to identify the winner in a tied match, supporting intelligent surveillance systems. In addition, this approach can potentially address many existing issues and future challenges regarding critical decision-making processes in sports. Furthermore, we posit that this work will open new avenues for researchers in fractal AI.
The Eyes Have It: The importance of eye contact in education and strategies to improve teaching in the virtual environment
Authors: Hodges Sarah
Published: April 2023

We missed in-person learning due to the pandemic. Three years later some form of virtual learning is here to stay, so how can we replicate that in-person feel?
A Multi-channel Next POI Recommendation Framework with Multi-granularity Check-in Signals
Authors: Sun Zhu , Lei Yu , Zhang Lu , Li Chen , Ong Yew-Soon , Zhang Jie
Published: April 2023

Current study on next point-of-interest (POI) recommendation mainly explores user sequential transitions with the fine-grained individual-user POI check-in trajectories only, which suffers from the severe check-in data sparsity issue. In fact, coarse-grained signals (i.e., region- and global-level check-ins) in such sparse check-ins would also benefit to augment user preference learning. Specifically, our data analysis unveils that user movement exhibits noticeable patterns w.r.t. the regions of visited POIs. Meanwhile, the global all-user check-ins can help reflect sequential regularities shared by the crowd. We are, therefore, inspired to propose the MCMG: a Multi-Channel next POI recommendation framework with Multi-Granularity signals categorized from two orthogonal perspectives, i.e., fine-coarse grained check-ins at either POI/region level or local/global level. The MCMG is equipped with three modules, namely, global user behavior encoder, local multi-channel (i.e., region, category, and POI channels) encoder, and region-aware weighting strategy. Such design enables MCMG to be capable of capturing both fine- and coarse-grained sequential regularities as well as exploring the dynamic impact of multi-channel by differentiating the check-in patterns w.r.t. visited regions. Extensive experiments on four real-world datasets show that our MCMG significantly outperforms state-of-the-art next POI recommendation approaches.
Ni(OH)2-MoS2 Nanocomposite Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode for the Detection of Dopamine and α-Lipoic Acid
Authors: Tomy Ann Mary , Sathyan Bhasha , Cyriac Jobin
Published: April 2023

Here, we report an electrochemical sensor realized using a nanocomposite consisting of nickel hydroxide nanosheets and exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets. The system was able to detect dopamine and α-lipoic acid in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution at a pH of 7.4. The nanocomposites were characterized using microscopic and spectroscopic methods. The electrochemical characterizations were carried out using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). It was observed that Ni(OH)2/MoS2 composite in the weight ratio of 2:1 has better results in terms of electrochemically active surface area, impedance, analytical parameters and stability. The dynamic range for dopamine detection was 0.75 − 95 μM with a LOD value of 56 nM and for α-lipoic acid, the range was 1 − 75 μM and the LOD was 51 nM.
Machine Learning for Design of Phosphorene Nanozyme Sensor and Its Intelligent Analysis of Clenbuterol in Animal-Derived Agro-Products
Authors: Xiong Yao , Wu Ruimei , Xu Lulu , Zhong Ying , Ge Yu , Wen Yangping , Yao Hang , Zhou Weiqi , Ai Shirong
Published: April 2023

Extraordinary electronic performance and unique structural characteristic of black phosphorene (BP) often is used as electrode modified materials in electrochemical sensors. In this paper, a machine learning (ML) strategy for phosphorene nanozyme sensor and its the intelligent of clenbuterol (CLB) in pork and pig serum samples is prepared. The silver nanoparticles decorate BP to prevent oxidative degradation of BP surface and further hybridize with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composites containing nafion (Nf) treated with isopropanol (IP) to improve environmental stability and electrocatalytic capacity of BP. Back-propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) model combined with genetic algorithm (GA) is employed to optimize sensor parameters such as BP concentrations, MWCNTs concentrations and ratio of VNf:VIP, and compared with orthogonal experimental design (OED). Least square support vector machine, radial basis function and extreme learning machine are implemented to establish quantitative analysis model for CLB. The results showed that the CLB response current of BP sensor by BP-ANN-GA was improved 9.02% over OED method. Compared with the traditional linear regression, three models displayed better predictive performance, and LS-SVM was the best with the R

2
, RMSE and MAE and RPD of 0.9977, 0.0303, 0.0225, and 18.74, respectively. The average recoveries of CLB in pork and pig serum was 98.66% ∼ 101.67%, and its relative standard deviations was 0.19% ∼ 0.84%, indicating that electrochemical sensor using machine learning for intelligent analysis of CLB in animal-derived agro-products products was both feasible and practical.
Electro-Deposited CuSCN Thin Films with Different Electrolyte Ratio for CuSCN/ZnO Self-Powered Photodetector Applications
Authors: Huang Yu-Tang , Wang Li-Wen , Wu Tai-Yu , Liu Yi-Hung , Chu Po-Lun , Chu Sheng-Yuan
Published: April 2023

This study basically evaluates the actual problem and solves that, CuSCN mobility is too low which eventually makes the ultimate response time as very slow. We fabricated p-n self-powered photodetector with zinc oxide (ZnO) and copper(I) thiocyanate (CuSCN) heterostructure with a different ion ratio of the electrolyte. We then found adjusting the ion ratio of the electrolyte which can increase the mobility of CuSCN and later improve the whole device efficiency. The best considerable performance tends to appear when the electrolyte ion ratio SCN: Cu (named as ESCN/Cu) is 2. The intense responsivity is up to 27.29 mA W−1 and the real response time is 6 s/12 s without any bias. We later found the energy barrier between ITO and CuSCN generally influences the responsivity. When ESCN/Cu = 2, the valance band is near ITO, which eventually decreases the energy barrier. Compared with other published results, our device has the highest responsivity, which is anyhow caused by the bigger light absorbing area in ZnO nano-flower structure and the decay time faster than other devices is attributed to the Cu doping into ZnO which makes the mobility of ZnO increase and also reduce the vacancy which is filled by Cu and high mobility of CuSCN.
Synthesis of CoNbS, PANI@CoNbS, and PANI@AC Composite and Study of the Impact of PANI on the Electrochemical Characteristics of Energy Storage Device
Authors: Afzal Amir Muhammad , Iqbal Muhammad Waqas , Imran Muhammad , Umair Humaira , Wabaidur Saikh Mohammad , Al-Ammar Essam A. , Mumtaz Sohail , Choi Eun Ha
Published: April 2023

In the present era, unique and novel energy storage devices are required that combine the essential characteristics of supercapacitors and rechargeable batteries to fulfil energy demands. In this research, the cobalt niobium sulfide@polyaniline (CoNbS@PANI) composite is synthesized using the hydrothermal method and measured the structural and electrochemical characteristics. The cobalt niobium sulfide (CoNbS) shows a low specific capacity of 701.35 C g−1 at 1.5 A g−1, improving up to 1207.5 C g−1 with PANI because of the large conductivity and redox-active sites. The performance of the activated carbon (AC) is enhanced with the doping of PANI and used as an electrode in a hybrid device. We also designed a supercapattery device (CoNbS@PANI//PANI@AC), which showed an excellent specific capacity of 185 C g−1 at 3 A g−1. Besides, a remarkable energy density of 35 Wh K−1g−1 and a power density of 2400 W Kg−1 are conceived. Supercapattery device retains a capacity retention of 80% after 1000 galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCD) cycles. The results provide insight to cultivate the stability and working of energy storage devices.
Changes in some Physical and Chemical Properties of Black Mulberry (Morus nigra L.) Concentrate during Storage
Authors: Yavaş Oğuzhan , Sengul Memnune , Zor Melek
Published: April 2023

The current study investigated changes in color parameters, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA) and total phenolic content (TPC), phenolic profile, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of black mulberry concentrate produced from dried black mulberry fruit at the beginning (day 0), on days 20, 40, and 60 during 60-day storage at two temperatures (

20
±

2

°

C

and

4
±

2

°

C

). It was revealed that black mulberry concentrate was a rich source in terms of TPC (550.06 μg GAE/mg) and antioxidant activity (IC50) (ABTS, 8.03 μg/ml; DPPH, 10.38 μg/ml) at the beginning of storage. At the same time storage time had a significant (

p
<
0.01

) effect on HMF,

a

∗

,

b

∗

,

C

∗

,

H

°

, TPC, DPPH, and ABTS, storage temperature had a significant (

p
<
0.01

) effect on HMF, TMA, and DPPH. It was found that the HMF content increased during storage, and this increase was higher at room temperature. During storage, a decrease was recorded in

a

∗

,

b

∗

,

C

∗

, and

H

°

values. TPC increased during storage, and this increase was higher at refrigerator temperature. TMA was determined to increase significantly at refrigerator temperature. While DPPH antioxidant activity decreased during storage, antioxidant activity determined by ABTS increased. Chlorogenic acid and kaempferol-3-glucoside were identified in black mulberry concentrate, and it was revealed that the amounts of these compounds decreased during storage at both storage temperatures. It was determined that the dried black mulberry concentrate did not exhibit antimicrobial activity against the microorganisms tested in the study.
[Retracted] Key Technologies of Face Sensor Recognition Entry System for New Energy Vehicles Based on Particle Swarm Neural Network
Authors: Li Fusong , Su Xin , Zhao Haibin , Hu Ruixue , Shen Bingzhen
Published: April 2023

In order to solve the problem of high dimensionality and low recognition rate caused by complex calculation in face recognition, the author proposes a face recognition algorithm based on weighted DWT and DCT based on particle swarm neural network applied to new energy vehicles. The algorithm first decomposes the face image with wavelet transform, removes the influence of the diagonal component, the weighted low‐frequency and high‐frequency discrete cosine transform coefficients are extracted as feature vectors, and finally, the particle swarm optimization BP neural network is used for classification and identification. Experimental results show that when the wavelet weights take a0 = 0.9, a1 = 0.05, and a2 = 0.05, the recognition rate reaches the highest. Regardless of whether the low‐frequency component continues to increase or decrease, and the high‐frequency component continues to decrease or increase, the recognition rate will decrease. When the eigenvector dimension is around 60, the recognition rate difference between the weighted wavelet algorithm and the general low‐frequency wavelet algorithm reaches the maximum. The recognition rate of the proposed algorithm is much higher than the other two traditional algorithms. Conclusion. The effectiveness and feasibility of the algorithm are verified on the ORL face database.
Geographical Differences in Male Infertility between the United States and Canada: Insights from the Andrology Research Consortium
Authors: Asanad Kian , Jarvi Keith , Lajkosz Katherine , Smith James F. , Lau Susan , Lo Kirk , Grober Ethan , Samplaski Mary K.
Published: April 2023

We sought to compare the demographics and fertility characteristics of men presenting to reproductive urologists (RU) for evaluation in the United States (US) and Canada using data from the Andrology Research Consortium. A standardized patient questionnaire was used to prospectively evaluate men across fifteen North American male infertility practices between 2015 and 2018. Patient demographics, fertility histories, including female partner infertility testing and treatment, and referral data were assessed. Univariate analysis was used to determine geographical differences between the various patient characteristics and the geographical region. We sampled 6,462 men with a mean age of

36.6
±
7.5

years. The average duration of infertility was significantly higher in US men (

4.5
±
7.2

years) compared to Canadian men (

3.6
±
4

years) (

p
=
0.007

). Significantly more men in the US were obese (63% vs. 26%,

p
<
0.001

) compared to Canada. Intrauterine insemination use among female partners was more common in Canada (13% vs. 7%,

p
<
0.001

) while in vitro fertilization was less common (6% vs. 9%,

p
=
0.01

) when compared to the US. Finasteride (3% vs. 0%) and testosterone usage (4% vs. 1) were more common among US men versus Canadians, respectively. In conclusion, geographical differences exist between North American males undergoing fertility evaluation. American men are older and more obese and have a longer average duration of infertility. Potentially reversible factors contributing to male infertility are more prevalent in the US.
Primary Chest Wall Hydatid Disease: A Case Report with Multimodality Imaging Findings
Authors: Althobaity Waleed , Aldeheshi Ayman , Bin Saeedan Mnahi
Published: April 2023

Primary chest wall hydatid cyst is a very rare disease in endemic areas. This case report describes a 22-year-old male patient with a 3-year history of chronic left chest pain. He had a history of close animal contact in childhood. Chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed a left upper posterior paravertebral cystic mass with peripheral and intrinsic calcifications. Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18 FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) scan showed no significant FDG uptake. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a left paravertebral cystic mass with daughter cysts and a peripheral low T2 wall, compatible with hydatid disease. Medical treatment was started, and a follow-up MRI showed rupture of hydatid cysts. The patient underwent surgical resection, and a hydatid disease diagnosis was confirmed by histopathologic examination. During the postoperative hospital course, the patient developed pneumothorax which was successfully treated with a surgical procedure. The patient was discharged with medical treatment (albendazole). In conclusion, this case highlights the importance of considering hydatid disease in the differential diagnosis of chest wall cystic masses, especially in endemic regions, and the value of multimodality imaging in diagnosis and treatment planning.