bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Birth outcomes in pregnant women with epilepsy: A Nationwide multicenter study from Türkiye
Authors: Pekoz Mehmet Taylan , Aslan‐Kara Kezban , Tekin Betül , Gurses Candan , Yeni Seher Naz , Bozdemir Hacer , Keskin‐Guler Selda , Ataklı Dilek , Gul Gunay , Eren Fulya , Sarı Hüseyin , Gul Zeynep Baştug , Ceyhan‐Dirican Ayten , Genc Fatma , Bicer‐Gomceli Yasemin , Ozkara Cigdem , Delil Sakir , Atalar Arife Cimen , Bebek Nerses , Baykan Betül , Bora İbrahim , Bican‐Demir Aylin , Mısırlı Cemile Handan , Tutkavul Kemal , Velioglu Sibel K. , Ilhan‐Algin Demet , Erdinc Oguz , Saygi Serap , Tezer‐Fılık Irsel , Apaydın‐Dogan Ebru , Akyol Ali , Kamisli Ozden , Yalcın A. Destina , Cakmak Gonul , Ersoy Alevtina , Ustun‐Ozek Sibel , Halac Gulistan , Kutlu Gulnihal , Tantik‐Pak Aygul , Yücel Sevinc P.
Published: June 2023

Objective

The present study was aimed at investigating the effects of anti‐seizure medications (ASMs), patient demographic characteristics, and the seizure type and frequency on the development of congenital malformations (CMs) in the infants of pregnant women with epilepsy (PWWE).

Methods

PWWE followed up at the neurology outpatient clinic of 21 centers between 2014 and 2019 were included in this prospective study. The follow‐up of PWWE was conducted using structured, general pregnant follow‐up forms prepared by the Pregnancy and Epilepsy Study Committee. The newborns were examined by a neonatologist after delivery and at 1 and 3 months postpartum.

Results

Of the infants of 759 PWWE, 7.2% had CMs, with 5.6% having major CMs. Polytherapy, monotherapy, and no medications were received by 168 (22.1%), 548 (72.2 %), and 43 (5.7 %) patients, respectively. CMs were detected at an incidence of 2.3% in infants of PWWE who did not receive medication, 5.7% in infants of PWWE who received monotherapy, and 13.7% in infants of PWWE who received polytherapy. The risk of malformation was 2.31‐fold (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.48–4.61, p < .001) higher in infants of PWWE who received polytherapy. Levetiracetam was the most frequently used seizure medication as monotherapy, with the highest incidence of CMs occurring with valproic acid (VPA) use (8.5%) and the lowest with lamotrigine use (2.1%). The incidence of CMs was 5% at a carbamazepine dose <700 mg, 10% at a carbamazepine dose ≥700 mg, 5.5% at a VPA dose <750 mg, and 14.8% at a VPA dose ≥750 mg. Thus the risk of malformation increased 2.33 times (p = .041) in infants of PWWE receiving high‐dose ASMs.

Significance

Birth outcomes of PWWE receiving and not receiving ASMs were evaluated. The risk of CMs occurrence was higher, particularly in infants of PWWE using VPA and receiving polytherapy. The incidence of CMs was found to be lower in infants of PWWE receiving lamotrigine.
Financial contributions to stepchildren: The role of gender and postdivorce family structure
Authors: Arat Ece , Poortman Anne‐Rigt
Published: June 2023

Objective

This study describes patterns in stepparents' financial contributions and investigates their correlates in diverse stepfamily types.

Background

Most research has studied contributions at the household level, rarely focusing on stepparents' direct contributions. Including various stepfamily structures (e.g., stepfamilies with joint physical custody), we examine the role of gender and postdivorce family structure for stepparents' contributions.

Method

Ordinal logistic regression analyses were conducted using the New Families in the Netherlands (NFN) survey, large‐scale data collected among divorced and separated parents with minor children (2015/2016). Reports of respondents with a new partner about this stepparent's financial contributions to a specific focal child were analyzed (N = 1,439).

Results

Stepparents' contributions were infrequent, but a sizable minority contributed very often. Stepparents contributed more often when married, when the focal child was coresident, and when the other biological parent of the focal child was repartnered with new biological children, but less often when stepparents had children from a prior relationship.

Conclusion

Contributions depend on the strength of ties within stepfamilies—as with coresidence and marriage—and to what extent existing biological ties compete with stepparent–child relationships.

Implications

To better understand the dynamics of contributions, we should also consider the composition of biological ties surrounding stepparent–child relationships.
Second opinion (external specialist referral) practice of breast pathology: the Nottingham experience
Authors: Rakha Emad A , Adebayo Luqman Adedotun , Abbas Areeg , Hodi Zsolt , Lee Andrew H S , Ellis Ian O
Published: June 2023

Aims

Breast pathology is a challenging field, and discrepancies in diagnoses exist and can affect patient management. This study aims to review a breast referral practice and assess the pattern and frequency of breast lesions sent for an external expert review and evaluate potential impacts on patients’ care.

Methods and results

Seven hundred and forty cases that were referred to Nottingham City Hospital for a second opinion between 2019 and 2022 which have slides and reports were retrieved and reviewed. Reasons for referral, initial diagnosis, proffered specialist opinion and any discrepancy or potential impacts of management were assessed. The most frequent entities were papillary lesions (19%), fibroepithelial lesions (17%), invasive carcinomas that were sent for confirmation of the invasive diagnosis or subtyping of the invasive tumour (17%), intraductal epithelial proliferation with atypia (9%) and spindle cell lesions (8%). Other entities included biphasic tumours such as adenomyoepithelioma, as well as vascular and nipple lesions. Few cases were sent for prognostic classification or comments on the management, and in occasional cases no initial diagnosis was offered. After reviewing the cases by the expert pathologists, the initial diagnosis was confirmed or one of the suggested diagnoses was preferred in 79% of cases, including 129 cases (17%) in which the opinion resulted minor changes in the management. Significant changes in the classification of lesions were made in 132 cases (18%) which resulted in significant change in the patient management recommendation. In 14 cases (2%) a final classification was not possible, and further specialist opinion was obtained. Comments on the differential diagnosis and advice on further patient management were provided in most cases.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the value of external referral of challenging, rare and difficult to classify breast lesions. It also highlights the most common breast lesions that are likely to be challenging, and specialist opinion can refine their classification to improve patient care.
Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis B among Indigenous Australians in Queensland and the Torres Strait Islands
Authors: Littlejohn Margaret , Jaskowski Lesley‐Anne , Edwards Ros , Jackson Kathy , Yuen Lilly , Crawford Darrel , Locarnini Stephen A. , Cooksley Graham
Published: June 2023

Background

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health problem for all Indigenous Australians. Post‐2000, Hepatitis B surface antigen prevalence has decreased, although remaining four times higher among Indigenous compared with non‐Indigenous people.

Aims

This study aimed to characterise the HBV from Indigenous populations in Queensland and the Torres Strait Islands.

Methods

Serum samples were collected, with consent, from people within Queensland Indigenous communities prior to 1990 as part of the Queensland Health vaccination programme. Ethics approval was subsequently obtained to further characterise the HBV from 93 of these stored samples. HBV DNA was extracted and genotype was obtained from 82 samples. HBV full genome sequencing was carried out for a subset of 14 samples.

Results

Seventy‐eight samples were identified as genotype C (2 × C12, 3 × C13 and 73 × C14), one sample as genotype A (A2) and three samples as genotype D (1 × D2, 1 × D3 and 1 × D4). The HBV/C sequences identified were most closely related to sequences isolated from Papua New Guinea and Indonesia (Papua Province).

Conclusions

The HBV isolated from the Torres Strait Islanders was notably different to the HBV/C4 strain isolated from Indigenous people of mainland northern Australia, with no evidence of recombination. This reflects the differences in culture and origin between Torres Strait Islanders and mainland Indigenous people.
Peripheral blood stem cell mobilisation following bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone induction for multiple myeloma: a real‐world single‐centre experience
Authors: Sim Shirlene , Quach Hang , Pham Tina , Smooker Veronica , Filshie Robin
Published: June 2023

Background

Bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (VRd) is now the standard‐of‐care induction therapy for newly diagnosed transplant‐eligible multiple myeloma patients, replacing bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (VCD) therapy. Lenalidomide can negatively impact stem cell yield because of its myelosuppressive effects, although studies have shown that the latter can be overcome with the use of cyclophosphamide for peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) mobilisation.

Aims and Methods

To investigate whether lenalidomide impacts on PBSC mobilisation and to evaluate the optimal mobilisation strategy post VRd induction, we performed a retrospective review of 56 myeloma patients at a single centre who had PBSC mobilisation between January 2019 and March 2021 and compared three cohorts: (i) VCD induction; mobilisation with granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) alone (n = 23); (ii) four cycles VRd induction; mobilisation with G‐CSF and cyclophosphamide (G‐CSF + Cyclo) (n = 20); and (iii) three cycles VRd induction; mobilisation with G‐CSF alone (n = 13).

Results

There was no difference in the mean total CD34 count between VCD and VRd patients who had G‐CSF mobilisation (6.27 × 106/kg vs 5.50 × 106/kg, P > 0.99). VRd patients mobilised with G‐CSF + Cyclo achieved higher mean total CD34 counts compared with G‐CSF alone (8.89 × 106/kg vs 5.50 × 106/kg, P = 0.04). The majority of VRd patients who had G‐CSF + Cyclo (19 of 20; 95%) collected sufficient cells for two or more autologous stem cell transplants (ASCTs), regardless of whether this was required, compared with eight of 13 (62%) VRd patients who had G‐CSF alone.

Conclusion

We conclude that successful PBSC mobilisation for at least one ASCT is possible after three cycles of VRd induction using G‐CSF alone. The upfront use of a cyclophosphamide‐based mobilisation strategy has a role in patients who have had VRd induction, where the aim is to collect enough stem cells for two or more ASCTs.
Beyond the hype: A critical appraisal of the limitations and misconceptions of systematic reviews in the Oral pathology and medicine field
Authors: Guimarães Nathália Sernizon , Brennan Peter A. , Gomez Ricardo Santiago , Martins‐Chaves Roberta Rayra
Published: June 2023

Background

Systematic reviews (SRs) have become a popular approach for evidence‐based practice, being considered a lens through which evidence is viewed and applied. However, several published studies have been identified as scoping reviews rather than SRs. This methodological error can negatively impact clinical decision‐making or new research conceptualization.

Aim

This letter focuses on the increasing number of SRs in oral pathology and medicine, highlighting the most frequent methodological mistakes.

Results

We providing general guidance to help researchers conceptualize better their SRs and for the critical evaluation of SRs by scientific journal reviewers.

Conclusion

Clinicians, pathologists, and reviewers, must ensure the quality of the published information.
Protein abundance in the midgut of wild tsetse flies (Glossina palpalis palpalis) naturally infected by Trypanosoma congolense s.l.
Authors: Tsagmo Jean Marc , Njiokou Flobert , Dziedziech Alexis , Rofidal Valerie , Hem Sonia , Geiger Anne
Published: June 2023

Tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) are major vectors of African trypanosomes, causing either Human or Animal African Trypanosomiasis (HAT or AAT). Several approaches have been developed to control the disease, among which is the anti‐vector Sterile Insect Technique. Another approach to anti‐vector strategies could consist of controlling the fly's vector competence through hitherto unidentified regulatory factors (genes, proteins, biological pathways, etc.). The present work aims to evaluate the protein abundance in the midgut of wild tsetse flies (Glossina palpalis palpalis) naturally infected by Trypanosoma congolense s.l. Infected and non‐infected flies were sampled in two HAT/AAT foci in Southern Cameroon. After dissection, the proteomes from the guts of parasite‐infected flies were compared to that of uninfected flies to identify quantitative and/or qualitative changes associated with infection. Among the proteins with increased abundance were fructose‐1,6‐biphosphatase, membrane trafficking proteins, death proteins (or apoptosis proteins) and SERPINs (inhibitor of serine proteases, enzymes considered as trypanosome virulence factors) that displayed the highest increased abundance. The present study, together with previous proteomic and transcriptomic studies on the secretome of trypanosomes from tsetse fly gut extracts, provides data to be explored in further investigations on, for example, mammal host immunisation or on fly vector competence modification via para‐transgenic approaches.
The integrated relaxation pressure may not be an appropriate gold standard for deglutitive relaxation due to reliance on a single intragastric reference sensor
Authors: Fass Ofer Z. , Regalia Kirsten A. , Sweatt Andrew J. , Nandwani Monica C. , Zikos Thomas A. , Fernandez‐Becker Nielsen Q. , Nguyen Linda A. , Sonu Irene S. , Triadafilopoulos George , Clarke John O.
Published: June 2023

Background

Integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) calculation depends on the selection of a single gastric reference sensor. Variable gastric pressure readings due to sensor selection can lead to diagnostic uncertainty. This study aimed to examine the effect of gastric reference sensor selection on IRP measurement and diagnosis.

Methods

We identified high‐resolution manometry (HRM) conducted between January and November 2017 with at least six intragastric reference sensors. IRP measurements and Chicago Classification 3.0 (CCv3) diagnoses were obtained for each of six gastric reference sensors. Studies were categorized as “stable” (no change in diagnosis) or “variable” (change in diagnosis with gastric reference selection). Variable diagnoses were further divided into “variable normal/dysmotility” (≥1 normal IRP measurement and ≥1 CCv3 diagnosis), or “variable dysmotility” (≥1 CCv3 diagnosis, only elevated IRP measurements). Bland–Altman plots were used to compare IRP measurements within HRM studies.

Key Results

The analysis included 100 HRM studies, among which 18% had variable normal/dysmotility, and 10% had variable dysmotility. The average IRP difference between reference sensors was 6.7 mmHg for variable normal/dysmotility and 5.9 mmHg for variable dysmotility. The average difference between the proximal‐most and distal‐most sensors was −1.52 mmHg (lower limit of agreement −10.03 mmHg, upper limit of agreement 7.00 mmHg).

Conclusions & Inferences

IRP values can vary greatly depending on the reference sensor used, leading to inconsistent diagnoses in 28% of HRM studies. Choosing the correct gastric reference sensor is crucial for accurate test results and avoiding misdiagnosis. Standardization of reference sensor selection or supportive testing for uncertain results should be considered.
Hypersensitivity reaction during enzyme replacement therapy in lysosomal storage disorders. A systematic review of desensitization strategies
Authors: Spataro Federico , Carlucci Palma , Loverre Teresa , Macchia Luigi , Di Bona Danilo
Published: June 2023

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are rare genetic metabolic disorders that cause the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in lysosomes due to enzyme deficiency or reduced function. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) represents the gold standard treatment, but hypersensitivity reaction can occur resulting in treatment discontinuation. Thus, desensitization procedures for different culprit recombinant enzymes can be performed to restore ERT. We searched desensitization procedures performed in LSDs and focused on skin test results, protocols and premedication performed, and breakthrough reactions occurred during infusions. Fifty‐two patients have been subjected to desensitization procedures successfully. Skin tests, with the culprit recombinant enzyme, deemed positive in 29 cases, doubtful in two cases, and not performed in four patients. Moreover, 29 of the 52 desensitization protocols used at the first infusion were breakthrough reaction free. Different desensitization strategies have proved safe and effective in restoring ERT in patients with previous hypersensitivity reactions. Most of these events seem to be Type I hypersensitivity reactions (IgE‐mediated). Standardized in vivo and in vitro testing is necessary to better estimate the risk of the procedure and find the safest individualized desensitization protocol.
A key to totipotency: Wuschel‐like homeobox 2a unlocks embryogenic culture response in maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: McFarland Frank L. , Collier Ray , Walter Nathalie , Martinell Brian , Kaeppler Shawn M. , Kaeppler Heidi F.
Published: June 2023

The ability of plant somatic cells to dedifferentiate, form somatic embryos and regenerate whole plants in vitro has been harnessed for both clonal propagation and as a key component of plant genetic engineering systems. Embryogenic culture response is significantly limited, however, by plant genotype in most species. This impedes advancements in both plant transformation‐based functional genomics research and crop improvement efforts. We utilized natural variation among maize inbred lines to genetically map somatic embryo generation potential in tissue culture and identify candidate genes underlying totipotency. Using a series of maize lines derived from crosses involving the culturable parent A188 and the non‐responsive parent B73, we identified a region on chromosome 3 associated with embryogenic culture response and focused on three candidate genes within the region based on genetic position and expression pattern. Two candidate genes showed no effect when ectopically expressed in B73, but the gene Wox2a was found to induce somatic embryogenesis and embryogenic callus proliferation. Transgenic B73 cells with strong constitutive expression of the B73 and A188 coding sequences of Wox2a were found to produce somatic embryos at similar frequencies, demonstrating that sufficient expression of either allele could rescue the embryogenic culture phenotype. Transgenic B73 plants were regenerated from the somatic embryos without chemical selection and no pleiotropic effects were observed in the Wox2a overexpression lines in the regenerated T0 plants or in the two independent events which produced T1 progeny. In addition to linking natural variation in tissue culture response to Wox2a, our data support the utility of Wox2a in enabling transformation of recalcitrant genotypes.
Efficacy of ultrasonographic caudal vena cava to aorta ratios for quantifying canine parvoviral enteritis rehydration
Authors: Balıkçı Canberk , Gülersoy Erdem , Şahan Adem , Günal Ismail
Published: June 2023

Quantifying changes in intravascular fluid volume is important for treatment planning and follow‐up assessment in dogs with dehydration. Recently, it has been reported that current standard methods used to estimate intravascular fluid volume in dogs are inadequate, invasive, or have complications such as thrombosis. The ultrasonographic ratio of dimensions for the caudal vena cava relative to the aorta (CVC/Ao) has been previously described as a promising, noninvasive method for quantifying changes in blood volume in dogs. This prospective observational study aimed to describe ultrasonographic CVC/Ao values before and after fluid replacement in a sample of dogs with varying degrees of dehydration due to naturally‐occurring canine parvoviral enteritis (CPE), test correlations between this measure and clinical dehydration scores and determine the clinical efficacy of this measure for fluid therapy follow‐up. The clinical dehydration score of 30 dogs naturally infected with canine parvovirus was determined at the first admission using standard clinical scoring methods, and then CVC/Ao was measured ultrasonographically. Following initial fluid therapy, the clinical dehydration scores and ultrasonographic CVC/Ao values were remeasured. On the basis of receiver operating characteristic analyses, ultrasonographic CVC/Ao was found to be a more sensitive and specific indicator than physical examination‐based methods for estimating intravascular fluid alterations in dogs with dehydration due to parvovirus and rehydration following fluid therapy. Findings supported the use of this measure for treatment planning and follow‐up in future dogs presenting with dehydration.
OPTIMAL TENSILE-SHEAR STRENGTH OF GALVANIZED/MILD STEEL (SPCC-SD) DISSIMILAR RESISTANCE SPOT WELDING USING TAGUCHI DOE
Authors: - Sukarman , - Khoirudin , Mulyadi Dodi , Rahdiana Nana , Abdulah Amri , - Rohman , Anwar Choirul
Published: June 2023

This paper demonstrates the optimization of resistance spot welding on different connections of galvanized steel sheets and low carbon steels. The zinc coating on galvanized steel sheets will have an effect to reduce the welding ability in the resistance welding process. The practical Taguchi experimental technics were used by implemented adequately to optimize input factors, namely squeezing time, welding current, welding time and holding time. Statistical software implemented an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multilinear regression to investigate and evaluate the significant input factors and compare them with the experimental output factors of resistance spot welding. The 'signal to noise ratio' (S/N ratio) results shows that the welding time and the welding current are the most significant factors on the output. The delta values ​​of welding time and welding current are 3.15 and 2.25, respectively. The ANOVA results showed that welding current and welding time are the most contributing factors by 23.5% and 51.4%, respectively. Taguchi recommends an optimal squeezing time of 20 cycles, a welding current of 27 kA, a welding time of 36 cycles, and a hold/cooling time of 15 cycles. The highest output reaches a tensile shear strength of 5762.04 N on the third iteration. The present research has successfully identified significant variable inputs for resistance spot welding, namely welding current and welding time. In the future, the relevant research may use our corresponding results to improve the RSW practical procedure for other significant impacts.
PERFORMANCE OF BUBBLE COLUMN BIOREACTOR TO PRODUCE LIQUID ORGANIC FERTILIZER (LOF) FROM COW URINE AND SLURRY ORGANIC WASTE
Authors: Setiyo Yohanes , Harsojuwono Bambang Admadi , Wayan Gunam Ida Bagus , Putu Gunadnya Ida Bagus , Apriadi Aviantara I Gusti Ngurah , Lani Triani I Gusti Ayu
Published: June 2023

This research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of various diffusers in a bioreactor for producing liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) using cow urine and slurry organic waste as materials. LOF was produced by treating the organic waste with Urine-Single Orifice Diffuser (USOD), Urine-Coarse Bubble Diffuser (UCBD), Urine-Fine Bubble Diffuser (UFBD), Slurry-Single Orifice Diffuser (SSOD), Slurry-Coarse Bubble Diffuser (SCBD), and Slurry-Fine Bubble Diffuser (SFBD) in a bioreactor equipped with a water pump and an external aerator unit. The pump circulated and agitated the biomass at a discharge of 10 L/min. Meanwhile, the external aerator unit pumped air into the bioreactor, which the biomass absorbed at a discharge of 45 L/min. The discharge of biomass and water also caused agitation of the fermented biomass. Several variables were observed during the fermentation process, including temperature, acidity (pH), total dissolved solids (TDS), C/N ratio, electrical conductivity (EC), biological oxygen demand (BOD), microbial population, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and other chemical properties. LOF produced had a pH, temperature, total organic matter content, EC, TDS, BOD, microbial population, and CEC values of 6.3–6.8, 28.0–37.0°C, 20.77–22.46%, 54630–62369.24 µmS, 7543–11700 ppm, 1.2–2.6 mg/L, 3.2–7.5 log CFU, 12.3–14.1, and 29.98 me/100 g, respectively. The macro and micro nutrient contents of bio-urine were 12.72–12.96%, and 3.09–3.25%. Meanwhile, those of the bio-slurry were 12.35–12.99% and 2.39–2.72%. These characteristics of LOF were in accordance with the Indonesian National Standard (SNI).
UTILIZATION OF MODIFIED PLASTIC WASTE ON THE POROUS CONCRETE BLOCK CONTAINING FINE AGGREGATE
Authors: W. M. Supit Steve , - Priyono
Published: June 2023

Modification of plastic waste to be use as a replacement of coarse aggregate on the manufacturing of porous concrete block is presented in this paper. Different proportions of sand content were used with percentage of 1%, 5% and 10% by total weight of the sample to investigate its effects on the performance of porous concrete blocks based on some conducted tests i.e., compression and flexural load resistance, porosity, and infiltration rate tests. The results show that the porous concrete block with 5% of sand addition showed better strength properties compared to other mixtures. With 5% modified PET coarse aggregate, the compressive strength decreased for about 26%. Similar trends can be also observed when using PP and HDPE plastic aggregate. However, the inclusion of PET aggregate in porous concrete blocks with 5% of sand inclusion does not significantly show better strength indicating the weak bonding between plastic and cement mortar was performed in porous concrete block matrix as evident through the Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis. The formation of pores and higher permeability can be also expected after adding PET plastic waste as seen in porosity and infiltration rate results. Furthermore, the utilization of coarse aggregate made from plastic waste in porous concrete blocks containing fine aggregate is a potential solution on plastic waste management for permeable pavement including foot traffic and light load application.
EHP VALUE OF MINI LNG SHIP WITH FORM FACTOR FROM PROHASKA AND IRLS METHOD USING SHIP RESISTANCE TESTING DATA
Authors: Widodo Widodo , Santoso Agoes , Erwandi Erwandi , Baidowi Achmad
Published: June 2023

The ship model test was believed to be one of the effective methods for figuring out the boundaries and reliability of the ship's horsepower. The ship's form factor determines a full-scale ship's effective horsepower. Determination of the form factor value can be done experimentally through the Prohaska method. The new method proposed in this study is employed the regression Iteratively Reweighted Least Squares (IRLS) method by utilizing the principle dimension of the ship, such as LWL, B, CB, CP, CM, WSA, T, ∆. etc. The Indonesian Hydrodynamics Laboratory has a database of ships with various principle dimensions which have undergone the towing model test. Through the database, the form factor can be predicted with the IRLS method. The method is then verified and validated with the Prohaska method. The result shows a good agreement with the Prohaska method. The obtained results from the IRLS method also show that the EHP & Resistance calculations are identical with old fashion Prohaska methods. The residual bias factor established by the IRLS method was verified in comparison to the value of the form factor generated by the Prohaska method. Comparison between the two methods results in a small error.
AN OPTIMIZED SUPPORT VECTOR MACHINE WITH GENETIC ALGORITHM FOR IMBALANCED DATA CLASSIFICATION
Authors: Shamsudin Haziqah , Yusof Umi Kalsom , Haijie Yan , Isa Iza Sazanita
Published: June 2023

In supervised machine learning, class imbalance is commonly occurring when the number of examples that represent one class is much lower than other classes. Since an imbalance data may generate suboptimal classification models, it could lead to the minority examples are misclassified frequently and hardly achieving the best performance. This study proposes an improved support vector machine (SVM) method for imbalanced data namely as SVM-GA by optimizing SVM algorithm with Genetic Algorithm (GA) over a synthetic minority oversampling technique. Besides considering the best sampling method in optimized SVM, the experimental result shows that the proposed method improves by 97% compared to the baseline model and selected optimized models. The proposed model had significant performance by outperformed the baseline model and other models based SVM with Grid search and Randomized search in most of the cases, especially for the datasets which have extremely rare cases.
ANALYSIS OF GLOBAL AND LOCAL MAXIMUM POWER POINTS IN PV ARRAYS UNDER PARTIAL SHADING CONDITION
Authors: Mulyo Raharjo Bambang
Published: June 2023

Partial shading (PS) has a significant impact on the decrease in efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) array and performance of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) that must be addressed. We conduct an analysis and evaluation of local maximum power point (LMPP) in terms of quantity, and global maximum power point (GMPP) in terms of magnitude and diversity. Simulation is carried out using single diode ideal model and nine generic PS patterns that are specifically designed to bring up the substantial characteristics of the LMPP and GMPP and applied to series-parallel (SP) and total cross-tied (TCT) configurations. The SP configuration has LMPP with two, three, and four peaks, appearing three times each. The TCT configuration has two peaks that appear six times, three peaks that appear once, and four peaks that appear twice. The SP configuration experiences power losses ranging from 56% to 72%, while the TCT configuration has power losses ranging from 52% to 64%. The SP configuration generates a maximum voltage of 76.64 volts and a minimum of 39.20 volts, while the TCT configuration generates a maximum voltage of 77.62 volts and a minimum of 58.21 volts. With a smaller number of LMPP, a larger magnitude of GMPP parameters, and lower diversity, TCT exhibits better characteristics and performance compared to SP.
3D Cartographic Generalization of LiDAR Point Clouds Based on the Principle of Self-Similarity of a Deterministic Fractal Structure
Authors: Freiman Fabiano Peixoto , Dos Santos Daniel Rodrigues , Nunho dos Reis Allan Rodrigo
Published: June 2023

The rendering of virtual three-dimensional (3D) structures represented by Point Cloud (PC) allows the representation of internal and/or external environments to buildings. However, the compilation of 3D geometric models is influenced by the intrinsic characteristics of PCs, which can be mitigated by the application of an PC simplification operator. According to the mathematical norms of fractal geometry, it was assumed that a PC is characterized by self-similarity. Two experimental datasets acquired with an SLT in static mode indoors were used. Four tasks were accomplished: sampling and structuring of a PC to solve the problem of random distribution, from an octree structure; estimation of the curvature of the points and the roughness of a neighbourhood for the extraction of edge points by the analysis of self-similarity and application of the Statistical Outliers Remove (SOR) algorithm, for the elimination of outliers points; uniform voxelization, to simplify the intermediate points; application of the Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm to register the sets generated in the same local coordinate system. The use of voxelization was satisfactory, but once the voxel size is manually defined, the PC can be oversimplified and lose essential characteristics. This can be minimized by the primary analysis of the edge points, generating a set that is uniform, less noisy, and self- similar to the original set. To achieve a minimum density of points to model an environment three-dimensionally, one must analyse the geometric self- similarity characteristics of the PC to produce a simplified set self-similar to the original, considering the premises of fractal geometry. It is recommended to create an automatic simplification process to minimize the subjectivity coming from the analyst.
Water quality and heavy metal levels in the Sinú River, a drinking water source in the Colombian Caribbean
Authors: Marsiglia Lans Mario Alberto , Lans-Ceballos Edineldo , Lans-Cuesta Emma Sofía , Forero Doria Oscar , Guzman Jofré Luis
Published: June 2023

The objective of this work was to evaluate water quality in the Sinú River in northern Colombia, duringits dry and rainy seasons. The water quality index (WQI), the heavy metal pollution index (HPI),the heavy metal evaluation index (HEI), the heavy metal toxicity load (HMTL), and the degree ofcontamination (Cd) were calculated based on analyses of water samples taken along the entire lengthof the river at sixteen sampling sites. Comprehensive and in some cases punctual samplings wereperformed depending on the morphology of the current. Five samplings were carried out in the dry andrainy periods from March 2008 to April 2009. All samples were taken in triplicate at each samplingsite. For the determination of metals, a Thermo electron atomic absorption spectrometer, modelS4AA System was used. Of the metals monitored, only zinc, iron, and manganese were identified atquantifiable levels, with average values of 8.5 x 10⁻⁵ kg m-3, 0.004 424 kg m-3 and 8.5x10⁻⁵ kg m-3,respectively in the rainy season. The obtained index values altogether (WQI =63.5, HPI=145, HEI=24, HMTL=0.1329, and Cd= 20.8) revealed the presence of contamination by heavy metals in the Sinú River, although the observed toxicity level does not imply a hazard to human health.
G-Puzzle: Infilling 3D Models With Reinforced G-Lattices
Authors: Armanfar Arash , Ustundag Ersan , Gunpinar Erkan
Published: June 2023

G-Lattices (proposed by Armanfar and Gunpinar) are a group of novel periodic and strut-based lattice structures for additive manufacturing. It has been demonstrated that these structures have superior mechanical properties under compression compared to conventional lattice structures. This paper introduces an extension of G-Lattices (i.e., reinforced G-Lattices) that also have better mechanical performance under inclined (compression) loading conditions. For different inclined loads, separate reinforced G-Lattices are first optimized, and a G-Lattice library is formed. For a part under loading, displacement vectors in each unit cell (cubic domains within the inner region of the part) are then extracted. Based on these vectors, (pre-optimized) reinforced G-Lattices are selected from the G-Lattice library and utilized (as infills) in the unit cells. This process is called G-Puzzling. As a proof of concept, parts under three different inclined loading conditions are infilled using reinforced G-Lattices and investigated based on stiffness-over-volume ratios. According to these experiments, the resulting parts, on average, exhibit more than 30% better mechanical performance compared to FBCCZ (a conventional lattice structure).
An asymptomatic idiopathic giant right atrial aneurysm. A case report
Authors: Xu Xuanshou , Tang Yaqun , Wen Cixiang , Zhang Heng
Published: June 2023

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Surface modification of s235 steel, molybdenum, and tungsten using electron beam scanning and electric discharge machining
Authors: Konarski Piotr , Ażgin Joachim , Zawada Aleksander , Feng Sung-Hui , Chien Ching-Hsiang , Sheu Dong-Yea
Published: June 2023

The process of surface modification of structural steel s235, molybdenum, and tungsten samples was carried out using two techniques—high-energy electron beam line scanning in a vacuum in a device used for electron beam welding and electric discharge machining (EDM), in which samples are submerged in the dielectric fluid. Elemental surface distributions were then examined using two spectrometric techniques: secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and glow discharge mass spectrometry (GDMS). Samples were also examined using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX). SIMS, GDMS, and EDX data show the segregation of manganese out of the electron beam scan line at the surface of s235 steel. In the case of EDM machined s235 steel, no surface segregation of manganese is seen, while the line treated with this machining is enriched in hydrogen, carbon, and copper, as contaminants of the dielectric fluid (kerosene) and the copper electrode are used. The SIMS data for tungsten show that the electron beam cleans up the impurities, while the EDM technique adds them. The data for molybdenum show that the electron beam cleans the surface of hydrogen and iron while enriching it with sodium and potassium. EDM-treated molybdenum appears to be contaminated with carbon and potassium but detects lower levels of hydrogen, sodium, and copper than the untreated surface.
Evaluating Name, Image, Likeness Partnerships for Women in the NCAA
Authors: Mooney Paige , Davies Melissa
Published: June 2023

This case tasks students with navigating the endorsement process for brands seeking to partner with student-athletes as a result of their ability to now legally accept payment for their name, image, and likeness. Students will help a marketing consulting firm as they make recommendations about which athlete to select; identify how a brand (Brave Hydration) can work with the athlete to activate this partnership; and how much each partnership might cost compared with other current student-athlete Name, Image, and Likeness partnerships. The case pulls from principles of endorsement marketing, brand management, and social media management and can be transformed with extended case questions depending on the needs of the instructor and course.
From Podcasts to the Playing Field: Creating a Culture of Gender Inclusivity Within the Stone Kickball League
Authors: Stensland Peyton J. , Kropp Dominique C. , Tackett Sarah E. , Ishaq Farah J. , Stokowski Sarah
Published: June 2023

Hall’s Circuit of Culture provided a framework in the context of this case study to help understand and alter cultural systems within an organization. Specifically, the Circuit of Culture was applied to the Stone Kickball League, a hypothetical, nonprofit, adult community sport organization, with nearly 400 participants across the local Keystone City, Oklahoma area. Felicity Campbell, the league’s newly appointed commissioner, was tasked with creating necessary change to address league-wide issues of inclusivity, recruitment, and retention, particularly among female-identifying and gender minority participants. By incorporating Hall’s Circuit of Culture framework, Felicity reviewed cultural components of the organization through document collection, personal experiences, and research. Felicity’s Summary of Findings provided ample evidence of gender and cultural issues within the Stone Kickball League. Students will analyze the Summary of Findings and propose strategies to implement a positive environment and create a culture that integrates and promotes greater inclusivity within the Stone Kickball League while also developing recommendations to address the issues identified throughout the case.
Sulopenem Disk Development, Quality Control Range, and MIC to Disk Result Correlation for
Enterobacterales
Isolates
Authors: Puttagunta Sailaja , Aronin Steven I. , DiFranco-Fisher Jeanna , Koeth Laura
Published: June 2023

Sulopenem disk masses of 2, 5, 10, and 20 μg were evaluated by susceptibility testing isolates by broth microdilution and disk diffusion. A 2-μg disk was chosen, and error-rate bounding analysis in accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guideline M23 was conducted using a proposed sulopenem susceptible/intermediate/resistant (S/I/R) interpretive criterion of ≤0.5/1/≥2 μg/mL.
The RuvABC Holliday Junction Processing System Is Not Required for IS
26
-Mediated Targeted Conservative Cointegrate Formation
Authors: Pong Carol H. , Peace Jade E. , Harmer Christopher J. , Hall Ruth M.
Published: June 2023

In Gram-negative bacteria, the contribution of IS
26
to the spread of antibiotic resistance and other genes that provide cells with an advantage under specific conditions far exceeds that of any other known insertion sequence. This is likely due to the unique mechanistic features of IS
26
action, particularly its propensity to cause deletions of adjacent DNA segments and the ability of IS
26
to use two distinct reaction modes for cointegrate formation.
Adoption of technological innovation in healthcare delivery: a psychological perspective for healthcare decision-makers
Authors: Wong Jennifer Hoi Ki , Näswall Katharina , Pawsey Fleur , Chase J Geoffrey , Malinen Sanna K
Published: June 2023

Technological advancements are vital for improving the capacity of the health system to deliver health and well-being benefits to individuals. Despite significant financial investments in technological innovations in healthcare, patients reported benefiting from only 30%–60% of new healthcare technologies. We argue that failed adoption can be attributed to the underprioritisation of the human aspect of innovation development and uptake. In this paper, we elaborate on the psychological experience of being introduced to new technology at work through the perspective of a healthcare employee. We then present a psychology-based practical framework called ‘Tech-ISM’ for healthcare decision-makers to encourage more human-centric technology implementation processes, resources and leadership. The framework identifies the key individuals and relationships within a healthcare delivery context that can influence individual attitudes towards adoption, before offering recommendations for how decision-makers can socialise new technology into the workplace (ie, types of organisational resources and processes to provide), and manage these social dynamics over time (ie, types of work cultures to cultivate through leadership). While Tech-ISM is written for a healthcare decision-maker, any individuals involved with healthcare technology implementation can benefit from a holistic understanding of how social and organisational factors of a workplace inter-relate with the human experience of novelty and change.
Characterization of intratumoral tertiary lymphoid structures in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: cellular properties and prognostic significance
Authors: Zou Xuan , Lin Xuan , Cheng He , Chen Yusheng , Wang Ruijie , Ma Mingjian , Liu Yu , Dai Zhengjie , Tasiheng Yesboli , Yan Yu , Hou Qinqin , Ding Fei , Chen Huan , Yu Xianjun , Wang Xu , Liu Chen
Published: June 2023

Background

Tumor-associated tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are functional immune-responsive niches that are not fully understood in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Methods

Fluorescent multiplex immunohistochemistry was performed on sequential sections of surgically resected tumor tissues from 380 PDAC patients without preoperative treatment (surgery alone (SA)) and 136 patients pretreated with neoadjuvant treatment (NAT). Multispectral images were processed via machine learning and image processing platforms, inForm V.2.4 and HALO V.3.2; TLS regions were segmented, and the cells were identified and quantified. The cellular composition and immunological properties of TLSs and their adjacent tissues in PDAC were scored and compared, and their association with prognosis was further examined.

Results

Intratumoral TLSs were identified in 21.1% (80/380) of patients in the SA group and 15.4% (21/136) of patients in the NAT group. In the SA group, the presence of intratumoral TLSs was significantly associated with improved overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival. The existence of intratumoral TLSs was correlated with elevated levels of infiltrating CD8+T, CD4+T, B cells and activated immune cells in adjacent tissues. A nomogram model was generated with TLS presence as a variable, which successfully predicted PDAC patient OS in an external validation cohort (n=123). In the NAT group, samples exhibited a lower proportion of B cells and a higher proportion of regulatory T cells within intratumoral TLSs. Additionally, these TLSs were smaller in size, with a lower overall maturation level and reduced immune cell activation, and the prognostic value of TLS presence was insignificant in the NAT cohort.

Conclusion

Our study systematically revealed the cellular properties and prognostic values of intratumoral TLSs in PDAC and described the potential impact of NAT on TLS development and function.
Sex hormone dose escalation for treating abnormal sleep in ovariectomized rats: in vitro GABA synthesis in sleep-related brain areas
Authors: Carrasco-Nuñes Nayely , Romano Marta , Cabeza Marisa
Published: June 2023

No data in the literature have evaluated sex hormone dose escalation for treating abnormal sleep of ovariectomized rats—nor studies on the role of sex hormones in GABA synthesis of rats' sleep-related areas. The main aim of this study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of estradiol (ET), progesterone (PT), and the mixture of both (EPT) to restore normal sleep in a model of menopause in rats. The second purpose was to describe the in vitro activity of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) in sleep-related brain areas in the presence or absence of sex hormones. A weekly dose-escalation design of ET, PT, or EPT was implemented in ovariectomized rats (six per group). Dose escalation continued until the dose at which 100% of the rats exhibited a state of “complete somnolence.” Doses that were not toxic or did not show side effects were considered. For in vitro experiments, sleep-related brain areas were separated and incubated with radiolabeled glutamate. Estradiol (17β-E2), progesterone (P), and pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) were added to this assay, and GAD activity was determined. Under the same conditions, a second test was carried out, but the P antagonist RU486 was added to assess the role of P in GAD activity. Ovariectomy increased periodic awakenings compared to those determined for the SHAM group. The EPT for ovariectomized rats was very effective by the fifth week in decreasing arousal and achieving a similar sleep behavior to the SHAM-control group. Rats tolerated the ET, PT, and EPT well to the maximum planned dose (0.66 mg/kg and 4.4 mg/kg, respectively). No lethal events occurred; the MTD was reached. The in vitro studies indicated that the presence of 17β-E2 plus P in the assay triggered the activity of isotype 65 GAD in all the studied brain areas. RU486 in the incubation medium blocked such activity; however, the action of isotype 67 GAD was not blocked by RU486. A dose-escalation model was determined; the MTD coincided with the maximum dose of ET and PT used. However, the EPT combination restored normal sleep in the menopause model compared to the SHAMs without toxic effects. The in vitro model demonstrated that 17β-E2 plus P presence in the assay increased the activity of GAD65 in the studied brain tissues.