bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strengthening primary health care in low- and middle-income countries: furthering structural changes in the post-pandemic era
Authors: Alegre J. C. , Sharma Suneeta , Cleghorn Farley , Avila Carlos
Published: February 2024

Strengthening primary health care (PHC) is the most cost-effective approach in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to achieve sustainable universal health coverage (UHC), protect against health shocks, and promote health and wellbeing for all people. It has been 45 years since PHC was put on the global agenda followed by multiple efforts to advocate for more funding and improved performance of PHC. Yet, investment in PHC is still insufficient and overall performance of PHC systems is weak in LMICs, resulting in increased vulnerability and poor health outcomes especially among marginalized populations. As countries recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the fragility of PHC platforms, it is imperative to go beyond advocacy for PHC investments and make systemic changes to strengthen PHC as the foundation of resilient and equitable health systems. We propose five gamechangers to facilitate structural changes for strengthening PHC through a focused health systems approach: (i) integration of client-centered health services at PHC level; (ii) digitization of PHC services; (iii) efficiency gains invested in essential health services; (iv) strengthening management practices for PHC at district and facility levels; and (v) advancing community engagement for PHC. To be successful, the implementation of the gamechangers must be contextualized and focus on achieving sustainable health outcomes, and therefore use implementation approaches that link essential health services to health outcomes. Through this way countries will maximize the possibility of achieving UHC and attaining the ambitious health targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Optimizing health services for young children in poverty: enhanced collaboration between Early Head Start and pediatric health care
Authors: Horm Diane M. , Brophy-Herb Holly E. , Peterson Carla A.
Published: February 2024

Given the importance of health to educational outcomes, and education to concurrent and future health, cross-systems approaches, such as the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) framework, seek to enhance services typically in K-12 settings. A major gap exists in cross-systems links with early care and education serving children birth to age 5. Both pediatric health systems and early family and child support programs, such as Early Head Start (EHS) and Head Start (HS), seek to promote and optimize the health and wellbeing of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families. Despite shared goals, both EHS/HS and pediatric health providers often experience challenges in reaching and serving the children most in need, and in addressing existing disparities and inequities in services. This paper focuses on infant/toddler services because high-quality services in the earliest years yield large and lasting developmental impacts. Stronger partnerships among pedicatric health systems and EHS programs serving infants and toddlers could better facilitate the health and wellbeing of young children and enhance family strengths and resilience through increased, more intentional collaboration. Specific strategies recommended include strengthening training and professional development across service platforms to increase shared knowledge and terminology, increasing access to screening and services, strengthening infrastructure and shared information, enhancing integration of services, acknowledging and disrupting racism, and accessing available funding and resources. Recommendations, including research-based examples, are offered to prompt innovations best fitting community needs and resources.
Reduction of acute respiratory infections in day-care by non-pharmaceutical interventions: a narrative review
Authors: Andrup Lars , Krogfelt Karen A. , Stephansen Lene , Hansen Kristian Schultz , Graversen Brian Krogh , Wolkoff Peder , Madsen Anne Mette
Published: February 2024

Objective

Children who start in day-care have 2–4 times as many respiratory infections compared to children who are cared for at home, and day-care staff are among the employees with the highest absenteeism. The extensive new knowledge that has been generated in the COVID-19 era should be used in the prevention measures we prioritize. The purpose of this narrative review is to answer the questions: Which respiratory viruses are the most significant in day-care centers and similar indoor environments? What do we know about the transmission route of these viruses? What evidence is there for the effectiveness of different non-pharmaceutical prevention measures?

Design

Literature searches with different terms related to respiratory infections in humans, mitigation strategies, viral transmission mechanisms, and with special focus on day-care, kindergarten or child nurseries, were conducted in PubMed database and Web of Science. Searches with each of the main viruses in combination with transmission, infectivity, and infectious spread were conducted separately supplemented through the references of articles that were retrieved.

Results

Five viruses were found to be responsible for ≈95% of respiratory infections: rhinovirus, (RV), influenza virus (IV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), coronavirus (CoV), and adenovirus (AdV). Novel research, emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggests that most respiratory viruses are primarily transmitted in an airborne manner carried by aerosols (microdroplets).

Conclusion

Since airborne transmission is dominant for the most common respiratory viruses, the most important preventive measures consist of better indoor air quality that reduces viral concentrations and viability by appropriate ventilation strategies. Furthermore, control of the relative humidity and temperature, which ensures optimal respiratory functionality and, together with low resident density (or mask use) and increased time outdoors, can reduce the occurrence of respiratory infections.
Association of vitamin D with HIV infected individuals, TB infected individuals, and HIV-TB co-infected individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xie Kaidi , Zhang Yang , Zhang Mei , Wu Hao , Zheng Luyao , Ji Jiahao , Li Zhen , Wang Wen , Zhang Tong
Published: February 2024

Background

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a worldwide disease. VDD is also associated with an increased risk of HIV-related comorbidities and mortality, and patients have a tendency to develop active tuberculosis compared to those with latent tuberculosis infection. Vitamin D supplementation may modulate HIV replication, improve TB inflammation and reduce progression of HIV-TB co-infection.

Methods

We meta-analyzed individual participant data from cohort studies, cross-sectional study, and RCTs of vitamin D in HIV group, TB group, and HIV-TB group. The primary outcomes were differences in vitamin D level and VDD prevalence between three groups, the secondary outcomes were CD4 count, HIV viral load, time to sputum smear conversion, time to culture conversion, relapse, morality, and TB score.

Results

For vitamin D levels, the overall mean difference (MD) between HIV group and TB group was −0.21 (95% CI, −20.80–20.38; p = 0.9, I2 = 84%), HIV group and HIV-TB group was 0.87 (95% CI, −11.45–13.20; p = 0.89, I2 = 87%), and TB group and HIV-TB group was 1.17 (95% CI, −5.21–7.55; p = 0.72, I2 = 85%). For vitamin D deficiency prevalence, the overall odds ratio (OR) for HIV group versus TB group was 1.23 (95% CI, 0.46–3.31; p = 0.68; I2 = 70%), HIV group versus HIV-TB group was 1.53 (95% CI, 1.03–2.29; p = 0.04; I2 = 0%), and TB group versus HIV-TB group was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.61–1.20; p = 0.36; I2 = 22%). In HIV-TB group, the overall OR for vitamin D group versus placebo group was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.34–1.67; p = 0.52; I2 = 60%).

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that there were no variations in vitamin D levels between three groups. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was higher in the HIV-TB group than in the HIV group. Additionally, the administration of vitamin D supplements did not have obvious impact on CD4 count and viral load. Likewise, vitamin D had no effect on time to sputum smear conversion, time to culture conversion, relapse, 12-month morality, and TB score.
Norm focusing and losses—Evidence of ultimatum game experiments
Authors: Kierspel Sabrina , Neumann Thomas , Windrich Ivo , Berger Roger , Vogt Bodo
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Human decision-making pertaining to gains compared to those pertaining losses is shown to be quite different. However, mixed evidence is provided regarding the effect on the decision-makers' prosocial behaviors; that is, losses are shown to either increase or decrease prosocial behaviors. In this context, the effect of social norms on observed behavior can play a crucial role.

Methods

To examine this aspect in more detail, we conducted incentivized ultimatum game experiments and analyzed data from three treatments, the control treatments (without specific norm focus), and two different norm-focus treatments (“average behavior” treatment and “self-interested behavior” treatment). In total, 550 participants took part in our experiment. Basically, we found no significant difference between the division of gains and losses in the “control” and “self-interested behavior” treatments.

Results and discussion

However, we found such a difference in the “average behavior” treatment. In addition, we found that inducing a norm focus leads to less variance in proposers' behavior and a greater concentration of their demands around the induced norm in the “average behavior” treatment. In contrast, we found a higher variance in proposers' behavior in the “self-interested behavior” treatment. In terms of responders' behaviors, we observed a tendency toward a higher frequency of responders' rejections in the loss domain compared to the gains domain.
Assessing the validity of two-dimensional video analysis for measuring lower limb joint angles during fencing lunge
Authors: Chida Kenta , Inami Takayuki , Yamaguchi Shota , Nishioka Takuya , Yoshida Yasumasa , Kohtake Naohiko
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The fencing lunge (lunge), characterized by minimal body rotation, offers a movement well-suited for 2D video analysis. However, to the best of our knowledge, the validity of 2D video analysis for fencing has not been verified. This study aimed to validate 2D video analysis by comparing lower limb joints (hip, knee, and ankle joints) angles during lunge using both 2D video analysis and 3D motion analysis methods.

Methods

Twenty-two male fencers performed lunge trials that were simultaneously recorded using eight motion capture cameras (Qualisys Miqus M1) and two digital video cameras (Sony AX-450 and AX450a).

Results

The 2D video analysis results exhibited an extremely large correlation in knee joint angles of the front and rear legs in the sagittal with those from 3D motion analysis (r = 0.93–0.99). However, while a robust correlation was found between the ankle joint angles of the front and rear legs (r = 0.82–0.84), a large bias was also observed (−5.23° to −21.31°). Conversely, for the hip joints of the rear leg, a moderate correlation (r = 0.31) and a large bias (−10.89°) were identified.

Conclusions

The results of this study will contribute to the development of coaching using 2D video analysis in competition settings because such analysis can be a useful alternative to 3D motion analysis when measuring the knee joint angle of the front leg and rear leg in the sagittal plane. However, for the ankle joint angle, further research on the optimal shooting position and height of the digital video camera is needed, whereas for the hip joint angle, 3D motion analysis is recommended at this time.
Newborn Hospitalizations Before and During COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland: A Comparative Study Based on a National Hospital Registry
Authors: Kanecki Krzysztof , Lewtak Katarzyna , Tyszko Piotr , Kosińska Irena , Tarka Patryk , Goryński Paweł , Nitsch-Osuch Aneta
Published: February 2024

Objectives: There are limited data on the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in Poland on newborn health. The aim of the study is to show recent information on hospitalizations of newborns in Poland in the pre-pandemic and COVID-19 pandemic era.

Methods: A retrospective, population-based study was conducted using data from hospital discharge records of patients hospitalized in 2017–2021.

Results: The data on which the study was based consisted of a substantial number of 104,450 hospitalization records. Annual hospitalization rate was estimated to be 50.3–51.9 per 1,000 in 2017–2019, 56 per 1,000 in 2020 and it rose to 77.7 per 1,000 in 2021. In comparison to the pre-pandemic period, in the COVID-19 era, we observed significantly more hospitalization cases of newborns affected by maternal renal and urinary tract diseases (p < 0.001), syndrome of infant of mother with gestational diabetes (p < 0.001), maternal complications of pregnancy (p < 0.001). In the COVID-19 era, the prevalence of COVID-19 among newborns was 4.5 cases per 1,000 newborn hospitalizations.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak could significantly contribute to qualitative and quantitative changes in hospitalizations among newborns.
Disease perception in patients with atopic dermatitis and chronic spontaneous urticaria: a cross-sectional survey in Japan
Authors: Kaneko Sakae , Nakahara Takeshi , Sumikawa Yasuyuki , Fukunaga Atsushi , Masuda Koji , Kakamu Takeyasu
Published: February 2024

The opinions of patients with allergic skin diseases often determine their attitudes to treatment. However, little is known about the viewpoints of patients and their concerns regarding their conditions. This novel study is the first to compare relationships between the opinions of patients and their concerns regarding the severity of atopic dermatitis or chronic spontaneous urticaria and the presence or absence of biologics. We also compared and clarified the characteristics of these diseases using a questionnaire that was completed by 359 patients treated at university and city hospitals, as well as dermatology clinics. Covariance analysis was performed to compare both diseases with different backgrounds. Patients with adult atopic dermatitis were more likely than those with chronic idiopathic urticaria to believe that treatment must be continued and that the disease will not spontaneously improve. Patients with severe or poorly controlled atopic dermatitis or chronic spontaneous urticaria often had psychosomatic symptoms and also believed that the disease required continued treatment. Social factors related to wait times and medication were not associated with disease severity. Patients receiving treatment had significantly less anxiety associated with biologics than those who did not receive treatment. Patients with atopic dermatitis had higher physical and mental burden than those with chronic spontaneous urticaria. Therefore, effective treatments must be prescribed. Consideration of these disease-specific characteristics regarding the opinions and concerns of patients can improve patient satisfaction and compliance with treatment, which results in favorable outcomes.
Interval Type-2 Fuzzy-Model-Based Sampled-Data Control of an AUV Depth System with Input Saturation
Authors: An Ji Ho , Kim Han Sol
Published: February 2024

This paper proposes a sampled-data fuzzy controller design technique for an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) depth system represented by an interval type-2 (IT-2) fuzzy model, considering input saturation. In the Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy model of an AUV depth system, surge velocity is chosen as a premise variable. To address the associated uncertainty with this variable, we employ the IT-2 fuzzy modeling technique. Also, the controller proposed in this paper utilizes time-varying gains, ensuring superior exponential stability compared with traditional fixed gain approaches. Furthermore, a membership function-dependent (MFD) H∞ criterion is employed to enhance robustness for each subsystem individually. Taking into account the mentioned aspects, the controller design condition is derived in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through simulation examples.
Analytical and Experimental Study of Key Performance of Helicopter Rotor Torsion–Tension Straps
Authors: Wang Yamin , Zhou Ruchuan , Huang Wenjun
Published: February 2024

As a crucial component of rotor systems, tension and torsion (TT) straps, recognized for their compact structure, have been adopted in advanced helicopters such as the SB > 1, EC145, and Mi-26. This paper presents an analytical investigation and experimental study on the key performance of TT straps. A method for rapidly evaluating the performance of the torsional deformation segment was developed. The size parameters and material properties of the torsional deformation segment that greatly influence the torsional stiffness and the stress distributions of TT straps were comprehensively identified and clearly investigated. Moreover, an experimental study of four cases of TT straps was carried out to verify the influence of the torsional deformation segment length, material, and connector segment structure on TT strap performance. The experimental results confirm that the rapid evaluation method provides high accuracy in assessing the stiffness and stress performance of TT straps, with deviations in stiffness less than 10%. The correlation between the calculated stress and shear forces and the experimental failure modes of the connector segments validates the effectiveness of the method in capturing key parameters. This research provides a theoretical and practical basis for designing critical key parameters of TT straps, facilitating a dramatic reduction in performance assessment time from days to hours and enabling the immediate identification of enhancement strategies. This accelerates the design process, thereby contributing to enhanced design efficiency and reduced costs.
Design Optimisation Approach of an Outer Rotor Multiphase PM Actuator for Multirotor Aerial Vehicle Applications
Authors: Chahba Saad , Krebs Guillaume , Morel Cristina , Sehab Rabia , Akrad Ahmad
Published: February 2024

The electric urban air mobility sector has gained significant attraction in public debates, particularly with the proliferation of announcements demonstrating new aerial vehicles and the infrastructure that goes with them. In this context, the development of new methodologies for the design and sizing of actuation systems, ensuring high performances of these aerial vehicles, remains an important task in this process. This will allow for better integration within this transport sector. In this paper, a robust design optimisation approach of multiphase fault-tolerant (FT) outer rotor (OR) permanent magnets (PM) for multirotor aerial vehicle applications is proposed. In order to show the effectiveness and the robustness of the proposed design methodology, the number of stator winding phases, with a fractional slot concentrated winding (FSCW) configuration, as well as the PM configuration are considered as variables. Thus, four cases for the number of phases are considered, namely 3, 5, 6 and 7 phases, where for each number of phases case, the PM takes 3 configurations, namely surface PM, interior V-shape PM and interior spoke PM. First, a pre-sizing step is carried out, consisting of selecting the optimal combinations slot/pole, designing the multiphase FSCW layout, and estimating the electric motor (EM) geometry using analytical computations to obtain a preliminary validation of the design specifications. Second, constrained multiobjective optimisation is considered in order to optimise the EM performances, such as motor efficiency and weight, under constraints where the FEMM/Matlab based Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tool is used to perform this optimisation. Finally, results analysis and performance comparisons of different EM configurations are carried out in order to assess the design parameters, such as phases number, PM position, and harmonic currents in the EM design and consequently to select the best configuration for the considered application.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Based Techniques for Monitoring and Prevention of Invasive Apple Snails (Pomacea canaliculata) in Rice Paddy Fields
Authors: Guan Senlin , Takahashi Kimiyasu , Watanabe Shunichiro , Tanaka Katsunori
Published: February 2024

The destructive impact of invasive apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) on young rice seedlings has garnered global attention, particularly in warm regions where rice production occurs. The preventative application of insecticide, particularly in areas with young rice seedlings and water depths exceeding 4 cm, has proven effective in mitigating this damage. In line with this recommendation, our study investigates the efficacy of site-specific drone-based insecticide applications to mitigate snail damage in rice paddies. These site-specific drone applications were strategically executed as directed by a highly accurate prescription map indicating the required insecticide quantity at specific locations. The prescription map was automatically generated through an advanced data processing program that used the aerial images acquired by a Real-Time Kinematic (RTK)-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) as the input. Criteria were established to select the treatment locations; a value of below 4 cm from the top 95% percentile in the histogram of ground elevation data was used as a threshold to identify areas with a high-density of snail damage. The results demonstrated reductions in both the rates of rice damage and chemical usage following site-specific drone applications compared with the control fields. The findings in this study contribute to the advancement of effective site-specific pest control in precision agriculture.
The Effects of Planting Density and Nitrogen Application on the Growth Quality of Alfalfa Forage in Saline Soils
Authors: Liu Jiao , Lu Faguang , Zhu Yiming , Wu Hao , Ahmad Irshad , Dong Guichun , Zhou Guisheng , Wu Yanqing
Published: February 2024

Soil salinization has become one of the major abiotic stresses limiting agricultural production globally. The full utilization of coastal saline-alkali land is of great significance for agricultural development. Among them, fertilizer management and planting density are crucial for promoting crop growth and productivity in saline soils. Field experiments were conducted to study the effects of different nitrogen application rates and planting densities on the growth, yield, and quality of alfalfa. Using alfalfa variety WL919 as the experimental material, three seeding rates of 15.0 kg·ha−1 (D1), 30.0 kg·ha−1 (D2), and 45.0 kg·ha−1 (D3) as well as three nitrogen application rates of 150.0 kg·ha−1 (N1), 225.0 kg·ha−1 (N2), and 300.0 kg·ha−1 (N3) were set. The results showed that under the same density, different nitrogen application rates had a positive impact on the agronomic traits and yield of alfalfa on saline-alkali land. Physiological and biochemical properties (chlorophyll and sucrose) increased with increasing nitrogen application, and (starch) increased initially and then decreased with increasing nitrogen application. Forage quality attributes (crude protein and crude ash) had a significant impact, while crude fat had no significant effect. Under the same nitrogen application, the yield of alfalfa increased with increasing density but then decreased after reaching a peak, while other traits initially increased and then decreased. In conclusion, the nitrogen fertilizer was superior in promoting alfalfa growth, biomass yield, and forage yield, while planting density was more suitable at D2. Although both D2N2 and D2N3 treatments were superior to others, considering economic benefits and environmental factors, it is recommended to use D2N2 as the appropriate treatment.
The Substitution of Sphagnum for Peat as a Culture Substrate Reduces N2O Emissions from Vegetable Production Systems
Authors: Liang Xiaofeng , Wang Hong , Zhang Yudan , Yang Rui , Zhang Dongdong , Zhou Wanlai , Qi Zhiyong , Lin Wei
Published: February 2024

Peat-based substrates have been widely used in greenhouse vegetable production (GVP). However, peat is a non-renewable resource, and there is a problem with N2O emissions when it is used in greenhouse vegetable production due to the application of large quantities of nutrient solutions. Sphagnum (SP) is a precursor substance and a renewable resource for peat formation, and it has good physical and chemical properties. However, there has been no study on the effect of using sphagnum to replace peat in greenhouse vegetable production on N2O emissions. Therefore, this study used a peat substrate as the control treatment (CK), with sphagnum replacing peat at 25% (25SP), 50% (50SP), 75% (75SP), and 100% (100SP) in six treatment groups. Moreover, lettuce was used as the experimental subject in potting experiments, and the physicochemical properties, N2O emissions, N2O isotope δ value, and N2O-related microbial activity and community structures were determined using different treatments. Compared with the CK treatment, the 25SP treatment significantly reduced N2O emissions by 55.35%, while the 75SP treatment significantly increased N2O emissions by 67.76%. The 25SP treatment reduced N2O to N2 to the highest extent and demonstrated the lowest contribution of fungal denitrification (FD) and bacterial nitrification (BN) processes, thereby resulting in lower N2O emissions. In contrast, NH4+ and NO3− were the main substrates for N2O emissions; the 75SP treatment had higher NH4+ and NO3− contents and a lower relative abundance of the nosZ gene, thereby resulting in higher N2O emissions. In addition, N2O production and reduction were dominated by bacterial denitrification for all treatments. Thus, this study analyzed the community composition of denitrifying bacterial genera and their association with physicochemical properties. The results indicated that the dominant denitrifying genus in the peat substrate was Rhodanobacter and that sphagnum replacement reduced the relative abundance of Rhodanobacter. The dominant genus was Massilia at 100% sphagnum replacement. More importantly, Rhodanobacter was correlated with C/N and electrical conductivity (EC), whereas Massilia was affected by NH4+ and the water-filled pore space (WFPS). Therefore, different denitrification-dominant genera were affected by different environmental factors, which indirectly affected N2O emission. In summary, the 25SP treatment was able to improve nitrogen use efficiency and had no significant effect on lettuce yield. Therefore, 25% sphagnum replacement is the most suitable percentage for peat replacement.
Prohexadione-Calcium Mitigates the Overgrowth of Corn Seedlings
Authors: Duong Minh Vuong , Chung Jong-Wook , Ha Van Gioi , Moon Hwi , Yu Ju-Kyung , So Yoon-Sup
Published: February 2024

In the temperate climate of South Korea, specific corn varieties are cultivated using plug trays. The cultivation process is initiated from February to March within greenhouse facilities, maintaining a temperature below 10 degrees Celsius. Following this, in April, seedlings are transplanted to enable an exceptionally early harvest for increased profitability. However, the subsequent elevation in indoor temperatures leads to seedling overgrowth. This study explores the effectiveness of three plant growth regulators—paclobutrazol, prohexadione-calcium, and diniconazole–on super sweet corn seedlings. Significantly, the application of prohexadione-calcium at 2 ppm during the first leaf stage substantially reduces seedling height and impedes the growth of both the first and second internodes. This impact extends to leaf-related traits, manifesting reductions in the area, length, and width of the third leaf. Furthermore, prohexadione-calcium induces a significant decrease in both fresh and dried shoot weight, while simultaneously augmenting root weight. This alteration results in a noteworthy shift in the root–shoot ratio, particularly at 2 ppm. Subsequent experiments have identified the optimal concentration of prohexadione-calcium at 15 ppm, effectively mitigating overgrowth in both hybrid and inbred corn varieties. These findings provide essential insights for practitioners seeking to efficiently manage corn seedling overgrowth. The study contributes to understanding the retardant effect of prohexadione-calcium on various morphological traits, offering practical applications for optimizing plant growth regulator concentrations in corn cultivation strategies.
Diverse Role of blaCTX-M and Porins in Mediating Ertapenem Resistance among Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales
Authors: Black Cody A. , Benavides Raymond , Bandy Sarah M. , Dallas Steven D. , Gawrys Gerard , So Wonhee , Moreira Alvaro G. , Aguilar Samantha , Quidilla Kevin , Smelter Dan F. , Reveles Kelly R. , Frei Christopher R. , Koeller Jim M. , Lee Grace C.
Published: February 2024

Among carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are diverse mechanisms, including those that are resistant to meropenem but susceptible to ertapenem, adding further complexity to the clinical landscape. This study investigates the emergence of ertapenem-resistant, meropenem-susceptible (ErMs) Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae CRE across five hospitals in San Antonio, Texas, USA, from 2012 to 2018. The majority of the CRE isolates were non-carbapenemase producers (NCP; 54%; 41/76); 56% of all NCP isolates had an ErMs phenotype. Among ErMs strains, E. coli comprised the majority (72%). ErMs strains carrying blaCTX-M had, on average, 9-fold higher copies of blaCTX-M than CP-ErMs strains as well as approximately 4-fold more copies than blaCTX-M-positive but ertapenem- and meropenem-susceptible (EsMs) strains (3.7 vs. 0.9, p < 0.001). Notably, carbapenem hydrolysis was observed to be mediated by strains harboring blaCTX-M with and without a carbapenemase(s). ErMs also carried more mobile genetic elements, particularly IS26 composite transposons, than EsMs (37 vs. 0.2, p < 0.0001). MGE- ISVsa5 was uniquely more abundant in ErMs than either EsMs or ErMr strains, with over 30 more average ISVsa5 counts than both phenotype groups (p < 0.0001). Immunoblot analysis demonstrated the absence of OmpC expression in NCP-ErMs E. coli, with 92% of strains lacking full contig coverage of ompC. Overall, our findings characterize both collaborative and independent efforts between blaCTX-M and OmpC in ErMs strains, indicating the need to reappraise the term “non-carbapenemase (NCP)”, particularly for strains highly expressing blaCTX-M. To improve outcomes for CRE-infected patients, future efforts should focus on mechanisms underlying the emerging ErMs subphenotype of CRE strains to develop technologies for its rapid detection and provide targeted therapeutic strategies.
Evaluating Complex Entity Knowledge Propagation for Knowledge Editing in LLMs
Authors: Shafqat Wafa , Na Seung-Hoon
Published: February 2024

In today’s world, where information keeps growing rapidly and changing constantly, language models play a crucial role in making our lives easier across different fields. However, it is tough to keep these models updated with all the new data while making sure they stay accurate and relevant. To tackle this challenge, our study proposes an innovative approach to facilitate the propagation of complex entity knowledge within language models through extensive triplet representation. Using a specially curated dataset (CTR-KE) derived from reliable sources like Wikipedia and Wikidata, the research assesses the efficacy of editing methods in handling intricate relationships between entities across multiple tiers of information. By employing a comprehensive triplet representation strategy, the study aims to enrich contextual understanding while mitigating the risks associated with distorting or forgetting critical information. The study evaluates its proposed methodology using various evaluation metrics and four distinct editing methods across three diverse language models (GPT2-XL, GPT-J, and Llama-2-7b). The results indicate the superiority of mass-editing memory in a transformer (MEMIT) and in-context learning for knowledge editing (IKE) in efficiently executing multiple updates within the triplet representation framework. This research signifies a promising pathway for deeper exploration of data representation for knowledge editing within large language models, and improved understanding of contexts to facilitate continual learning.
A Coordinated Supply Contract for a Two-Echelon Supply Chain Considering Learning Effects
Authors: Tao Ze-Jin , Koo Pyung-Hoi
Published: February 2024

In a supply chain composed of multiple members, supply chain coordination plays a crucial role in achieving overall optimization and efficiency. Various supply contract forms have been studied in the existing literature to facilitate supply chain coordination. However, most existing literature has established coordination models assuming constant production costs. In reality, per-unit production costs often decrease as production quantity increases, which is called the learning effect. This paper underscores the significance of considering this learning effect in decision-making processes for coordinated supply contracts. We propose a supply contract scheme for channel coordination that incorporates the learning effect within a supply chain comprising a single manufacturer and a single retailer. In this framework, the manufacturer acts as a Stackelberg leader, initiating the process by designing and presenting the contract. The supply contract scheme is designed to ensure that the retailer’s order quantity aligns with the global solution. We also demonstrate how the contract parameters are determined when the relative bargaining powers of the supply chain members are given exogenously in the market. Our findings reveal that contracts with a learning curve can generate additional profits for both the manufacturer and the retailer compared to the existing coordinated contracts with static production costs. This study provides valuable insights into the impact of the learning effect on supply chain efficiency and offers practical implications for supply chain practitioners.
Probabilistic En Route Sector Traffic Demand Prediction Based on Quantile Regression Neural Network and Kernel Density Estimation
Authors: Tian Wen , Zhang Yining , Li Yuchen , Guo Yixing
Published: February 2024

With the development of civil aviation in China, airspace congestion has become more and more serious and has gradually spread from airport terminal areas to en route networks. Traditionally, most prediction methods that obtain traffic flow data are based on the number of aircraft passing through an en route sector and require flight data to meet strict assumptions and conditions. While these methods are normally used in the actual operation of air traffic flow management departments in China, the results are not satisfactory due to the nonlinearity of traffic demand along en route sectors and the change in high-frequency noise. In order to refine aircraft control in airspace, it is necessary to predict traffic flow accurately. Thus, this paper proposes the quantile regression neural network and kernel density estimation method to obtain some quantiles of continuous traffic demand data in the future, which combines the strong nonlinear adaptive ability of neural networks with the ability of quantile regression to describe explanatory variables. By using these continuous conditional quantiles, we obtain the probability density function and probability density curve of the continuous traffic demand in the future using the kernel density estimation method. In this way, we can obtain not only a specific point prediction value and its change interval but also the probability of each value in the prediction change interval of traffic demand in the en route sector as well as a more accurate point prediction value for a specific day.
Valorization of Corn Silk as an Agricultural By-Product through the Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction
Authors: Mihali Cosmin , Frumuzachi Oleg , Nicolescu Alexandru , Babotă Mihai , Păltinean Ramona , Tanase Corneliu , Mocan Andrei
Published: February 2024

Corn silk, derived from the stigmas of corn (Zea mays, Poaceae) flowers, possesses valuable bioactive compounds that can be harnessed for therapeutical, nutritional, and industrial purposes. This research aimed to optimize the extraction of bioactive compounds from corn silk, specifically flavonoids and total antioxidant capacity, by comparing it with classical extraction (infusion and maceration). The study identified significant factors influencing total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant activity (assessed through an ABTS assay), including ethanol concentration, ultrasonic amplitude, and their quadratic interactions. This optimized combination of independent variables (37.89% ethanolic concentration, 48.58% ultrasound amplitude, and an extraction time of 38.72 min) yielded a balanced extraction, maximizing both TFC and antioxidant activity. Further analyses revealed significant total phenolic content, total flavonoid content (50.69 ± 0.36 mg GAE, 23.54 ± 0.01 mg QE, and 78.33 ± 0.94 mg TE/g extract, respectively), and potent in vitro antioxidant activity, affirming the efficacy of the optimized extraction. The study also explored the inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase (IC50 = 411.67 ± 25.39 µg/mL), acetylcholinesterase (IC50 = 1166.4 ± 399.38 µg/mL), and pancreatic lipase (IC50 = 1519.67 ± 209.04 µg/mL), showcasing potential antidiabetic and neuroprotective properties. While tyrosinase inhibition activity was not observed, the research emphasizes the nutraceutical potential of corn silk, offering valuable insights for its utilization and further exploration in the pharmaceutical and functional food industries.
Controlling the Focusing Ability of the Parabolic Graphene Reflector in Free Space at Microwave Frequencies
Authors: Oğuzer Taner
Published: February 2024

The studied configuration is a two-dimensional, very thin parabolic reflector made of graphene and illuminated by an H-polarized electromagnetic plane wave. We present basic scattering and focusing properties of such a graphene reflector depending on the graphene parameters at microwave frequencies, using the resistive boundary condition for very thin sheets. The scattering is formulated as an electromagnetic boundary-value problem; it is transformed to a singular integral equation that is further treated with the method of analytical regularization (MAR) based on the known solution of the Riemann–Hilbert Problem (RHP). The numerical results are computed by using a Fredholm second-kind matrix equation that guarantees convergence and provides easily controlled accuracy. Compared to THz range, in microwaves, the scattering pattern of reflector and the field level at geometrical focus can be controlled in a wide range by adjusting the chemical potential of graphene. Even though here no dielectric substrate supporting the graphene is considered, the practical realization can also be possible as a thin layer graphene material in GHz range. As we demonstrate, the variation of the chemical potential from 0 to 1 eV can improve the focusing ability within the factor of three. The high accuracy of the used method and the full wave formulation of the problem support our findings.
A Hierarchical Orthographic Similarity Measure for Interconnected Texts Represented by Graphs
Authors: Deforche Maxime , De Vos Ilse , Bronselaer Antoon , De Tré Guy
Published: February 2024

Similarity measures play a pivotal role in automatic techniques designed to analyse large volumes of textual data. Conventional approaches, treating texts as paradigmatic examples of unstructured data, tend to overlook their structural nuances, leading to a loss of valuable information. In this paper, we propose a novel orthographic similarity measure tailored for the semi-structured analysis of texts. We explore a graph-based representation for texts, where the graph’s structure is shaped by a hierarchical decomposition of textual discourse units. Employing the concept of edit distances, our orthographic similarity measure is computed hierarchically across all components in this textual graph, integrating precomputed similarity values among lower-level nodes. The relevance and applicability of the presented approach are illustrated by a real-world example, featuring texts that exhibit intricate interconnections among their components. The resulting similarity scores, between all different structural levels of the graph, allow for a deeper understanding of the (structural) interconnections among texts and enhances the explainability of similarity measures as well as the tools using them.
Workpiece Placement Optimization for Robot Machining Based on the Evaluation of Feasible Kinematic Directional Capabilities
Authors: Stradovnik Saša , Hace Aleš
Published: February 2024

Workpiece placement plays a crucial role when performing complex surface machining task robotically. If the feasibility of a robotic task needs to be guaranteed, the maximum available capabilities should be higher than the joint capabilities required for task execution. This can be challenging, especially when performing a complex surface machining task with a collaborative robot, which tend to have lower motion capabilities than conventional industrial robots. Therefore, the kinematic and dynamic capabilities within the robot workspace should be evaluated prior to task execution and optimized considering specific task requirements. In order to estimate maximum directional kinematic capabilities considering the requirements of the surface machining task in a physically consistent and accurate way, the Decomposed Twist Feasibility (DTF) method will be used in this paper. Estimation of the total kinematic performance capabilities can be determined accurately and simply using this method, adjusted specifically for robotic surface machining purposes. In this study, we present the numerical results that prove the effectiveness of the DTF method in identifying the optimal placement of predetermined machining tasks within the robot’s workspace that requires lowest possible joint velocities for task execution. These findings highlight the practicality of the DTF method in enhancing the feasibility of complex robotic surface machining operations.
Modeling and Optimization of Wireless Signal Transmission Characteristics of Mine Roadway Based on 3D Ray-Tracing Method
Authors: Li Boyu , Ding Tao , Wu Yanhui , Nie Zhen , Wu Qian , Shi Yannan , Zheng Mianping
Published: February 2024

The mine roadway is a special restricted space where wireless signals cannot freely propagate. The research on the transmission characteristics of wireless signals in mine roadways is of great significance for establishing a safe and reliable underground communication system. In this context, the transmission characteristics of wireless signals with a frequency of 700 MHz in the roadway are studied using the three-dimensional (3D) ray-tracing method. The calculation of the vertical dimension of the roadway is increased, and a roadway model is established to more comprehensively reflect the transmission characteristics of the signal in the roadway. The results show that the field strength in the near-source region is high, the attenuation is fast, and the fluctuation is strong, while the waveform in the far-source region gradually stabilizes and decays. The signal strength is related to the number of reflections; the more reflections, the weaker the signal strength. When the transmitting end is close to the edge of the roadway wall, the signal attenuation is faster and the fluctuation amplitude is stronger. The signal strength in the roadway is affected by the cross-sectional size of the rectangular roadway, and the larger the length and width dimensions, the better the waveguide can be formed in the roadway. The simulation results of wireless signal transmission in the roadway are compared with the measured results from a coal mine in Ganhe, Huozhou, and the results show that the model established by the 3D ray-tracing method can predict the field strength distribution of wireless signal. This study provides a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for improving the reliability and quality of wireless signal transmission in mine tunnels. Future research directions can further optimize algorithms, enhance transmission rates, and improve interference resistance to meet the needs of wireless communication in mine tunnels.
Setup Optimization in Ocular Proton Therapy at the National Centre for Oncological Hadrontherapy: Comparison of Two Approaches to Refine the Position of an Eye-Tracking Device
Authors: Sellaro Giulia , Pella Andrea , Pepa Matteo , Galante Federica , Ciocca Mario , Fiore Maria Rosaria , Chalaszczyk Agnieszka , Paganelli Chiara , Rotondi Marco , Vai Alessandro , Orlandi Ester , Baroni Guido
Published: February 2024

This study describes a method for setup optimization in patient simulation for ocular proton therapy (OPT) at the National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO) in Pavia, Italy, with the aim of minimizing the occupancy time of clinical areas and streamlining the actual procedure. Setup repeatability is ensured by patient-specific immobilization tools and relies on the patient’s ability to maintain a stable gaze direction according to the treatment plan. This is facilitated by aligning a light source (LED) on a patient-specific base along the prescribed gaze direction. At CNAO, a dedicated Eye-Tracking System (ETS) was designed to provide the patient with a visible source of light aligned to the desired gaze direction. The ETS position is defined prior to treatment planning, relying on optical-tracking guidance and comparing the position of passive markers fixed on the ETS chassis with patient-specific models prepared offline in accordance with the desired geometry. OPT at CNAO started in 2016 and may be considered as a consolidated clinical routine. However, all the preparation phases, including patient-specific ETS models and setup, still require long sessions in clinical areas such as the computed tomography (CT) and the treatment rooms, with a non-negligible impact on other activities. This study describes a novel approach for patient-specific definition of the ETS position and orientation, aiming at minimizing the time required for preparatory activities inside clinical areas. To minimize the occurrence of biases and to reproduce as much as possible a real end-to-end approach, we included in the analysis data of patients that received OPT in our facility. The study was performed in parallel, carrying out the alignment with the standard method currently used in the clinical workflow of CNAO and with the proposed method. Results are presented as 3D residuals and gaze deviations, comparing ETS alignment based on the new approach with respect to the clinical standard method. The preliminary results of this study are evidence of the capability of the procedure to align the ETS position, allowing performing of the procedure in a non-clinical dedicated room.