bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel extraperitoneal cesarean section of supravesical approach: Operative techniques
Authors: Kotsuji Fumikazu , Hosono Sayoko , Nishikawa Shigeki , Shibata Takashi , Kato Hiroki , Nakago Satoshi , Oishi Tetsuya
Published: November 2023

Aim

We have established a novel extraperitoneal cesarean section technique by supravesical approach. An advantage of this technique over the conventional paravesical approach is that the lower uterine segment is broadly exposed and that all operative procedures can be performed under direct vision. We present the details of this novel technique.

Methods

The bladder and the peritoneum are exposed by removing the transversalis and extraperitoneal fasciae. Subsequently, a triangular area between the median umbilical ligament, the peritoneum, and the bladder is exposed. The median umbilical ligament is dissected at this site. Bladder dissection from the peritoneum is also initiated from this area and proceeds toward the lower uterine segment.

Results

Operative times for pelvic fascia dissection and bladder removal from the peritoneal surface are currently around 15–25 min. During the process of development of this technique, there have been no bladder injuries in 501 patients that caused urine leakage.

Discussion

The supravesical approach has been considered difficult due to the strong adhesion between the perivesical fascia and the peritoneum at the bladder fundus. In this paper, we show how to safely remove the bladder fundus from the peritoneum. The bladder can then be easily lowered down toward the lower uterine segment. Although this technique allows the lower uterine segment to be broadly exposed and all operative procedures can be performed under direct vision, a disadvantage is the comparatively long time currently required to perform it.

Conclusions

This technique could be a valuable option for extraperitoneal cesarean section, but disadvantages must also be considered.
Artificial intelligence systems in dental shade‐matching: A systematic review
Authors: Shetty Sthithika , Gali Sivaranjani , Augustine Dominic , SV Sowmya
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Uses for artificial intelligence (AI) are being explored in contemporary dentistry, but artificial intelligence in dental shade‐matching has not been systematically reviewed and evaluated. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the accuracy of artificial intelligence in predicting dental shades in restorative dentistry.

Methods

A systematic electronic search was performed with the databases MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. A manual search was also conducted. All titles and abstracts were subject to the inclusion criteria of observational, interventional studies, and studies published in the English language. Narrative reviews, systematic reviews, case reports, case series, letters to the editor, commentaries, studies that were not AI‐based, studies that were not related to dentistry, and studies that were related to other disciplines in dentistry, other than restorative dentistry (prosthodontics and endodontics) were excluded. Two investigators independently evaluated the quality assessment of the studies by applying the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Quasi‐Experimental Studies (non‐randomized experimental studies). A third investigator was consulted to resolve the lack of consensus.

Results

Fifty‐three articles were initially found from all the searches combined from articles published from 2008 till March 2023. A total of 15 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. AI algorithms for shade‐matching include fuzzy logic, a genetic algorithm with back‐propagation neural network, back‐propagation neural networks, convolutional neural networks, artificial neural networks, support vector machine algorithms, K‐nearest neighbor with decision tree and random forest, deep learning for detection of dental prostheses based on object‐detection applications, You Only Look Once‐YOLO. Moment invariant was used for feature extraction.  XG (Xtreme Gradient) Boost was used in one study as a gradient‐boosting machine learning algorithm. The highest accuracy in the prediction of dental shades was the decision tree regression model for leucite‐based dental ceramics of 99.7% followed by the fuzzy decision of 99.62%, and support vector machine using cross‐validation of 97%.

Conclusions

Lighting conditions, shade‐matching devices and color space models, and the type of AI algorithm influence the accuracy of the prediction of dental shades. Knowledge‐based systems and neural networks have shown better accuracy in predicting dental shades.
Socioeconomic impacts of Russian invasion of Ukraine: A multiregional assessment for Europe
Authors: Almazán‐Gómez Miguel Ángel , Llano Carlos , Pérez Julián , Rauhut Daniel
Published: November 2023

History shows that wars can be enormously disruptive of economic activity, especially international trade, national income, and global economic welfare. This article analyzes the impact on the European regions the Russian invasion of Ukraine using the largest and most updated multiregional input‐output model for Europe. Two shocks, trade and inflation, and four alternative scenarios are simulated. The scenarios are considered regarding the number of countries applying a trade embargo, the exemption of oil and gas, and the potential trade diversions with third countries such as China. We obtained a significant fall in GDP (−1.7%), 3.7 m lost jobs and 3% raise over the prewar inflation rate. For trade shock, large indirect effects are obtained, indicating the high relevance of the sectors and countries exposed to the war and the sanctions. The republics of the former Soviet Union, as well as the satellite countries of the former communism, face the harshest adverse impacts. This work shows the importance of breaking Russia's colonial economic ties to the countries in Eastern Europe.
Community engagement through social media: A promising low‐cost strategy for rural recruitment?
Authors: Vos Sarah C. , Adatorwovor Reuben , Roberts Michelle K. , Sherman Deanna Lee , Bonds Delaney , Dunfee Madeline N. , Spring Bonnie , Schoenberg Nancy E.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

For the same reasons that rural telehealth has shown promise for enhancing the provision of care in underserved environments, social media recruitment may facilitate more inclusive research engagement in rural areas. However, little research has examined social media recruitment in the rural context, and few studies have evaluated the feasibility of using a free social media page to build a network of rural community members who may be interested in a research study. Here, we describe the rationale, process, and protocols of developing and implementing a social media approach to recruit rural residents to participate in an mHealth intervention.

Methods

Informed by extensive formative research, we created a study Facebook page emphasizing community engagement in an mHealth behavioral intervention. We distributed the page to local networks and regularly posted recruitment and community messages. We collected data on the reach of the Facebook page, interaction with our messages, and initiations of our study intake survey.

Findings

Over 21 weeks, our Facebook page gained 429 followers, and Facebook users interacted with our social media messages 3,080 times. Compared to messages that described desirable study features, messages that described community involvement resulted in higher levels of online interaction. Social media and other recruitment approaches resulted in 225 people initiating our in‐take survey, 9 enrolling in our pilot study, and 26 placing their names on a waiting list.

Conclusions

A standalone social media page highlighting community involvement shows promise for recruiting in rural areas.
Implementation of equine‐assisted intervention for older adults with Alzheimer's disease residing in a nursing home: Brakes and levers
Authors: Badin Léa , Bailly Nathalie , Pennequin Valérie
Published: November 2023

Objective

Although research on equine‐assisted intervention (EAI) for older adults is beginning to be published, no scientific study has examined the various elements that can limit or facilitate the implementation of EAI with older adults suffering from Alzheimer's disease (AD) residing in nursing homes. The aim of this study was to identify the possible brakes and levers of implementing EAI with AD patients. A focus on professional affiliation was conducted.

Method

The survey was posted online on 2 February 2021 via the Sphinx software. As this study was aimed at gerontology professionals working in nursing homes, they were contacted through various specialized social networks. A total of 663 people answered the survey.

Results

The results indicate that for 45% of the participants, the main brake to implementing EAI is related to the institutional burden. As for the levers, 29% of the people indicated that it would mainly be beneficial due to the cognitive stimulation that EAI would provide. People who were not familiar with EAI reported more brakes to its implementation. Finally, it was observed that the caregivers were those who put forward the most levers for the implementation of EAI with AD patients living in nursing homes.

Conclusion

Thus, this study allows us to understand some of the reasons why nursing homes are reluctant to set up EAI. Communication on this subject is currently a lever to be developed.

Implications for practice

By highlighting the brakes and levers on the implementation of EAIs, we are able to identify suitable guidelines for developing this type of intervention in nursing homes, which could be used as a complement to nursing care to help Alzheimer’s patients overcome physical or psychological health problems.
Regional anesthesia and sickle cell crisis in pediatric patients: An educational‐focused review
Authors: Elhamrawy Amr , Veneziano Giorgio , Tobias Joseph D.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited hemoglobinopathy, affecting approximately 100 000 patients in United States and millions worldwide. Although the mainstay of pain management for VOC remains systemic opioids, given the potential for adverse effects including respiratory depression and hypoxemia, there remains interest in the use of regional anesthetic techniques (neuraxial or peripheral nerve blockade).

Methods

A systematic search of pubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted using the terms sickle cell disease, sickle cell crisis, pain crisis, vaso‐occlusive crisis, regional anesthesia, peripheral nerve blockade, and neuraxial anesthesia.

Results

We identified 7 publications, all of which were retrospective case series or single case reports, outlining the use of neuraxial anesthesia in a total of 26 patients with SCD. Additionally, we identified 4 publications, including one retrospective case series and 3 single case reports, entailing the use of peripheral blockade in patients with VOC and SCD.

Discussion

The available literature, albeit all retrospective or anecdotal, suggests the potential utility of regional anesthesia to treat pain in patients with SCD. Additional benefits have included avoidance of the potential deleterious physiologic effects of systemic opioids and in one case series, an improvement in respiratory function as judged by pulse oximetry. The anecdotal and retrospective nature of the available reports with an absence of prospective trials limits the evidence based medicine available from which to develop to guidlines for the optimal local anesthetic agent to use, its concentration, the rate of infusion, and the choice of adjunctive agents.
GW9 determines grain size and floral organ identity in rice
Authors: Wen Yi , Hu Peng , Fang Yunxia , Tan Yiqing , Wang Yueying , Wu Hao , Wang Junge , Wu Kaixiong , Chai Bingze , Zhu Li , Zhang Guangheng , Gao Zhenyu , Ren Deyong , Zeng Dali , Shen Lan , Dong Guojun , Zhang Qiang , Li Qing , Xiong Guosheng , Xue Dawei , Qian Qian , Hu Jiang
Published: November 2023

Grain weight is an important determinant of grain yield. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms for grain size remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we identify a rice mutant grain weight 9 (gw9), which exhibits larger and heavier grains due to excessive cell proliferation and expansion in spikelet hull. GW9 encodes a nucleus‐localized protein containing both C2H2 zinc finger (C2H2‐ZnF) and VRN2‐EMF2‐FIS2‐SUZ12 (VEFS) domains, serving as a negative regulator of grain size and weight. Interestingly, the non‐frameshift mutations in C2H2‐ZnF domain result in increased plant height and larger grain size, whereas frameshift mutations in both C2H2‐ZnF and VEFS domains lead to dwarf and malformed spikelet. These observations indicated the dual functions of GW9 in regulating grain size and floral organ identity through the C2H2‐ZnF and VEFS domains, respectively. Further investigation revealed the interaction between GW9 and the E3 ubiquitin ligase protein GW2, with GW9 being the target of ubiquitination by GW2. Genetic analyses suggest that GW9 and GW2 function in a coordinated pathway controlling grain size and weight. Our findings provide a novel insight into the functional role of GW9 in the regulation of grain size and weight, offering potential molecular strategies for improving rice yield.
RING‐type E3 ligase BnaJUL1 ubiquitinates and degrades BnaTBCC1 to regulate drought tolerance in Brassica napus L
Authors: Hu Jin , Luo Mudan , Zhou Xianming , Wang Zhaoyang , Yan Li , Hong Dengfeng , Yang Guangsheng , Zhang Xiaohui
Published: November 2023

Drought stress poses a persistent threat to field crops and significantly limits global agricultural productivity. Plants employ ubiquitin‐dependent degradation as a crucial post‐translational regulatory mechanism to swiftly adapt to changing environmental conditions. JUL1 is a RING‐type E3 ligase related to drought stress in Arabidopsis. In this study, we explored the function of BnaJUL1 (a homologous gene of JUL1 in Brassica napus) and discovered a novel gene BnaTBCC1 participating in drought tolerance. First, we utilised BnaJUL1‐cri materials through the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‐CRISPR‐associated protein 9 system. Second, we confirmed that BnaJUL1 regulated drought tolerance through the drought tolerance assay and transcriptome analysis. Then, we identified a series of proteins interacting with BnaJUL1 through yeast library screening, including BnaTBCC1 (a tubulin binding cofactor C domain‐containing protein); whose homologous gene TBCC1 knockdown mutants (tbcc1‐1) exhibited ABA‐sensitive germination in Arabidopsis, we then confirmed the involvement of BnaTBCC1 in drought tolerance in both Arabidopsis and Brassica. Finally, we established that BnaJUL1 could ubiquitinate and degrade BnaTBCC1 to regulate drought tolerance. Consequently, our study unveils BnaJUL1 as a novel regulator that ubiquitinates and degrades BnaTBCC1 to modulate drought tolerance and provided desirable germplasm for further breeding of drought tolerance in rapeseed.
Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy combined with intralesional injection of either latanoprost or platelet‐rich plasma for stable nonsegmental vitiligo
Authors: Fawzy Manal , Al‐Mokadem Sahar , Alshereef Mabrokah , Elkholy Basma
Published: November 2023

Background

Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) phototherapy is the cornerstone of vitiligo treatment. Its combination with other treatments usually yields a better response. Latanoprost, a prostaglandin F2α analog, and autologous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) have been reported to be effective for vitiligo.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of NB‐UVB combined with intralesional latanoprost or PRP for stable nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV).

Methods

Sixty patients with stable NSV were recruited and randomly allocated to two equal groups. NB‐UVB phototherapy was administered twice a week for all patients. Additionally, group A received intralesional latanoprost injections once weekly, while group B received intralesional autologous PRP injections every 2 weeks.

Results

At 24 weeks, excellent repigmentation response was observed in 26.7% and 13.3% of patients in the latanoprost/NB‐UVB and PRP/NB‐UVB groups, respectively, with no significant difference in degrees of repigmentation between the two groups. However, the Vitiligo Extent Score for a Target Area (VESTA) score was significantly higher in the latanoprost/NB‐UVB group (p = .032). Moreover, lesions located on nonacral skin responded significantly better than those on acral skin. Only erythema was significantly higher in the PRP/NB‐UVB group, while the recurrence of depigmentation was significantly higher in the latanoprost/NB‐UVB group.

Conclusions

Both latanoprost and PRP have the potential to be effective add‐on therapies to NB‐UVB phototherapy for stable NSV, with latanoprost resulting in a greater repigmentation response and PRP producing a more stable response.
Transcription factors dealing with Iron‐deficiency stress in plants: focus on the bHLH transcription factor family
Authors: Zhang Zhongxing , Cheng Jiao , Wang Wanxia , Gao Yanlong , Xian Xulin , Li Cailong , Wang Yanxiu
Published: November 2023

Iron (Fe), as an important micronutrient element necessary for plant growth and development, not only participates in multiple physiological and biochemical reactions in cells but also exerts a crucial role in respiration and photosynthetic electron transport. Since Fe is mainly present in the soil in the form of iron hydroxide, Fe deficiency exists universally in plants and has become an important factor triggering crop yield reduction and quality decline. It has been shown that transcription factors (TFs), as an important part of plant signaling pathways, not only coordinate the internal signals of different interaction partners during plant development, but also participate in plant responses to biological and abiotic stresses, such as Fe deficiency stress. Here, the role of bHLH transcription factors in the regulation of Fe homeostasis (mainly Fe uptake) is discussed with emphasis on the functions of MYB, WRKY and other TFs in the maintenance of Fe homeostasis. This review provides a theoretical basis for further studies on the regulation of TFs in Fe deficiency stress response.
Extended platelet‐rich fibrin
Authors: Miron Richard J. , Pikos Michael A. , Estrin Nathan E. , Kobayashi‐Fujioka Masako , Espinoza Alan Rene , Basma Hussein , Zhang Yufeng
Published: November 2023

Platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) has been characterized as a regenerative biomaterial that is fully resorbed within a typical 2–3 week period. Very recently, however, a novel heating process was shown to extend the working properties of PRP/PRF from a standard 2–3 week period toward a duration of 4–6 months. Numerous clinicians have now utilized this extended‐PRF (e‐PRF) membrane as a substitute for collagen barrier membranes in various clinical applications, such as guided tissue/bone regeneration. This review article summarizes the scientific work to date on this novel technology, including its current and future applications in periodontology, implant dentistry, orthopedics and facial aesthetics. A systematic review was conducted investigating key terms including “Bio‐Heat,” “albumin gel,” “albumin‐PRF,” “Alb‐PRF,” “extended‐PRF,” “e‐PRF,” “activated plasma albumin gel,” and “APAG” by searching databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE and PubMed. Findings from preclinical studies demonstrate that following a simple 10‐min heating process, the transformation of the liquid plasma albumin layer into a gel‐like injectable albumin gel extends the resorption properties to at least 4 months according to ISO standard 10 993 (subcutaneous animal model). Several clinical studies have now demonstrated the use of e‐PRF membranes as a replacement for collagen membranes in GTR/GBR procedures, closing lateral windows in sinus grafting procedures, for extraction site management, and as a stable biological membrane during recession coverage procedures. Furthermore, Alb‐PRF may also be injected as a regenerative biological filler that lasts extended periods with advantages in joint injections, osteoarthritis and in the field of facial aesthetics. This article highlights the marked improvement in the stability and degradation properties of the novel Alb‐PRF/e‐PRF technology with its widespread future potential use as a potential replacement for collagen membranes with indications including extraction site management, GBR procedures, lateral sinus window closure, recession coverage among others, and further highlights its use as a biological regenerative filler for joint injections and facial aesthetics. It is hoped that this review will pioneer future opportunities and research development in the field, leading to further progression toward more natural and less costly biomaterials for use in medicine and dentistry.
Impedance cardiogram based exploration of cardiac mechanisms in post‐traumatic stress disorder during trauma recall
Authors: Sheikh Shafa‐at Ali , Shah Amit J. , Bremner J. Douglas , Vaccarino Viola , Inan Omer T. , Clifford Gari D. , Rad Ali Bahrami
Published: November 2023

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an independent risk factor for developing heart failure; however, the underlying cardiac mechanisms are still elusive. This study aims to evaluate the real‐time effects of experimentally induced PTSD symptom activation on various cardiac contractility and autonomic measures. We recorded synchronized electrocardiogram and impedance cardiogram from 137 male veterans (17 PTSD, 120 non‐PTSD; 48 twin pairs, 41 unpaired singles) during a laboratory‐based traumatic reminder stressor. To identify the parameters describing the cardiac mechanisms by which trauma reminders can create stress on the heart, we utilized a feature selection mechanism along with a random forest classifier distinguishing PTSD and non‐PTSD. We extracted 99 parameters, including 76 biosignal‐based and 23 sociodemographic, medical history, and psychiatric diagnosis features. A subject/twin‐wise stratified nested cross‐validation procedure was used for parameter tuning and model assessment to identify the important parameters. The identified parameters included biomarkers such as pre‐ejection period, acceleration index, velocity index, Heather index, and several physiology‐agnostic features. These identified parameters during trauma recall suggested a combination of increased sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity and deteriorated cardiac contractility that may increase the heart failure risk for PTSD. This indicates that the PTSD symptom activation associates with real‐time reductions in several cardiac contractility measures despite SNS activation. This finding may be useful in future cardiac prevention efforts.
The role of the Praenotamenta of Jodocus Badius Ascensius in shaping early modern dramatic criticism
Authors: Torello‐Hill Giulia
Published: November 2023

This article examines the profound and enduring legacy of the treatise on classical drama known as Praenotamenta ascensiana in shaping early modern dramatic poetics. Written by Flemish scholar Jodocus Badius Ascensius (1462–1535) as a preface to his 1502 edition of the Classical plays of Terence, this work has been unjustly overlooked by the critics that have invariably credited Aristotle’s Poetics for foregrounding the debate on early modern dramatic criticism, following Alessandro de Pazzi’s first Latin translation (1536) and Francesco Robortello’s monumental commentary (1548). The purpose of Praenotamenta was to provide educators, students and playwrights with a concise and accessible compendium of ancient dramatic poetics. This treatise circulated widely across Europe and helped disseminate ideas that became central to early modern discourse on poetics, such as verisimilitude and decorum, as well as discussion on the didactic and civic role of poetry. Blended with Aristotelian doctrine, these concepts became the tenets of late sixteenth‐century poetics treatises in England, France, Italy and Spain.
HAART medication and oral health status in children and adolescent HIV infected: A case control study
Authors: Kumar Krishna , Subramaniam Priya , Prakash Aarathi J.
Published: November 2023

Background

The advent of Highly Active Anti‐Retroviral Therapy (HAART) does influence the overall oral health care of children. The children undergoing HAART have shown an increase in caries activity owing to sugars in medicines to make them more palatable.

Aim

The aim of the study was to assess and compare the Oral Health of Children Living with HIV/AIDS (CLHAs) and Adolescents Living with HIV/AIDS (ALHAs) undergoing HAART and those who are HAART‐naïve.

Methods

This study was carried out at different Non‐Governmental Organizations (NGO's) across Kerala, India. The study group consisted of 150 HIV‐infected children aged 6–18 years. They were divided into two groups. Group 1 comprised of children prior to onset of HAART and Group 2 included children who had been on HAART for more than 3 years (HAART naïve). The assessment of dental caries status and dental plaque status was done. The observations were tabulated and statistically analyzed.

Results

On Statistical Analysis, significant difference was noted between the groups with the Group 1(2.26 ± 0.58;p value = .000*) showing higher scores of dental plaque and a significant difference was also observed with respect to dental caries scores with DMFT and dmft scores higher in Group 2(dmft 2.08 ± 2.85; p value = .001* and DMFT 4.10 ± 1.71;p value = .003*).

Conclusion

It was concluded that oral hygiene conditions were poor in children with HIV, with dental plaque scores more in HAART‐naïve which may be due to their lesser visits and reinforcements regarding oral hygiene from a dentist and dental caries score more in HAART group, this may be attributed to the hidden sugars present in HAART medications to make it more palatable. Early recognition and management of oral conditions are important to improve the quality of life for these children.
Sedimentological and ichnological variations in fluvio‐tidal translating point bars, McMurray Formation, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Fietz Susanne W. , MacEachern James A. , Gingras Murray K. , Ranger Michael , Dashtgard Shahin E.
Published: November 2023

Sedimentological and ichnological descriptions of fluvio‐tidal translating point bars are rare, and complex physico‐chemical processes make highly detailed but concise facies descriptions challenging. Herein, mesofacies are defined to describe and interpret three ancient translating point bars from the Lower Cretaceous McMurray Formation, Alberta, Canada. Twenty‐three mesofacies are defined, based on their recurring sedimentological and ichnological characteristics. These mesofacies form the building blocks of beds and bedsets that make up three depositional facies. Facies 1 reflects sand dune migration at the channel base, which grades into inclined heterolithic stratification of Facies 2 and 3. Facies 2 occurs in the centre and seaward portions of the translating point bars and records tide‐dominated deposition of sand and muddy sand during periods of reduced river discharge. Ichnological suites and bioturbation intensities in these beds reflect persistent but variable brackish‐water conditions, fluctuating deposition rates and the deposition of mud. Mud beds are derived from flows with high suspended‐sediment concentrations. Tidally derived mud beds are typically bioturbated with trace fossil suites indicative of slow deposition rates and brackish‐water conditions. Mud deposited during elevated river discharge is burrowed after the dewatering of the bed. Facies 3 occurs at the landward apex of the translating point bar and is marked by sand‐rich and mud‐rich dune deposits with abundant soft‐sediment deformation, indicative of elevated flow velocities and deposition rates. Bioturbation is rare and sporadically distributed owing to unstable substrates. The distribution of the facies reflect the hydrodynamic variations that occurred vertically and laterally across the bar in response to temporal variations in fluvial and tidal flow interaction, as recorded by their mesofacies. The detailed facies analysis strongly suggests that deposition of the three McMurray Formation translating point bars occurred in proximity to the turbidity maximum zone of a fluvio‐tidal channel system.
Straw residue incorporation: Influence on soil microbial biomass and carbon–nitrogen dynamics in an oilseed rape–rice rotation
Authors: Wang Kunkun , Ren Tao , Yan Jinyao , Zhu Dandan , Fang Yating , Cong Rihuan , Lu Zhifeng , Li Xiaokun , Lu Jianwei
Published: November 2023

Soil C and N input drives microbial biomass in paddy–upland rotations. We explored how crop straw return impacts microbial C and N (MBC and MBN) dynamics and their role in rice–oilseed rape rotations at three sites in Hubei Province, China. These sites, under a subtropical monsoon climate, were categorized (using the modified Nemoro equation) as high, moderate and low soil fertility respectively. We found that with straw return, total nitrogen (TN) and soil organic carbon (SOC) increased to the greatest degree in the high fertility soils. Notably, soil MBC and MBN levels varied with soil fertility and were seasonably dependent, being lower in the rice season compared to the oilseed rape season. Structural equation modelling (SEM) revealed diminishing effects of MBC and MBN on soil N accumulation during the oilseed rape season compared to the rice season. In summary, our results highlight the role that microbial biomass can play in C and N accumulation as a soil fertility indicator in paddy–upland rotations.
Opting for open‐source? A review of free statistical software programs
Authors: Shepherd Melissa A. , Richardson Elizabeth J.
Published: November 2023

Statistical software is commonly used in undergraduate social sciences statistics courses. Due to the increase in online/hybrid courses and the cost of SPSS, instructors may wish to switch to another statistical software. We cover seven programs: Excel, Google Sheets, jamovi, JASP, PSPP, R, and SOFA. We compare programs using the following criteria: ease of download, quality of online instructions, availability of instructor resources, sophistication of analyses available, ease of use, operating system requirements, whether it uses point‐and‐click or code, and whether a VPAT is available. Adopting new course materials is a valuable part of instruction but time‐consuming. Therefore, this review provides information about commonly available or free open‐source programs so instructors can choose based on the needs of their students and/or institutions.
An assessment of bacterial contamination of indirect ophthalmoscopes and condensing lenses used in clinical practice: A multi‐center study
Authors: Smith James L. , Tzouganakis Ioannis , Allen Ramona , Adams Vicki J. , Rhodes Mike
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To investigate bacterial contamination of indirect ophthalmoscopes and condensing lenses used in three UK veterinary referral centers, and the impact of an implemented cleaning protocol.

Methods

Bacteriology samples from 10 indirect ophthalmoscopes and 10 condensing lenses were taken at each center (n = 30 T0), before initiating one of three cleaning frequencies (every 2 weeks/once weekly/daily) for 28 days. The most contaminated indirect ophthalmoscope and condensing lens from each center were re‐sampled 30 min prior to (T1; n = 9) and 30 min after (T2; n = 9) the final clean. Sensitivity testing was completed using MIC.

Results

Seventy‐three isolates representing 15 different bacterial populations (genus/species) were cultured from 36 of 48 (75%) swabs tested. The most frequently cultured isolates were Staphylococcus spp. 30%, Micrococcus 22%, and Bacillus 14%. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pantoea, and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius demonstrated resistance to >50% of antibiotics against which they were tested.

Eighty‐three percent of T0 samples (54 isolates across 11 species, median 2 isolates/swab), all T1 samples (15 isolates across 8 species, median 2 isolates/swab), and 22% of T2 samples (4 isolates across 4 species, median 0 isolates/swab) were contaminated. Head contact points were most contaminated irrespective of time point. A T1 sample was 57 times more likely (95% CI: 2.4–1376) to have a positive culture than a T2 sample (p = .01).

Conclusions

Baseline contamination was high, representing a potential source of nosocomial infection in ophthalmic patients and handlers of diagnostic equipment. No center implemented a cleaning protocol prior to this study. Routine cleaning reduces bacterial contamination.
Satisficing Strategy in Engineering Design
Authors: Guo Lin , Chen Suhao
Published: November 2023

In engineering-design problems, usually, there are multiple goals (or objectives), continuous and discrete variables, nonlinear equations, nonconvex equations, goals with various units, and coupled decisions that are required. Ideally, the target of the multiple goals needs to be reached simultaneously within the feasible space bounded by constraints and bounds. However, the optimal solution to a problem that incorporates one or more of the complexities above may not be available or obtained by designers within the available resource. To deal with all those complexities, a modeling strategy named “satisficing” was proposed in the 1980’s and applied to various design problems in the past three decades. The satisficing strategy allows designers to find “good enough” solutions that “make things work,” yet the solutions may not be optimal. Moreover, with the satisficing strategy, designers may explore the solution space and gain knowledge on the performance through the design space. To carry out the satisficing strategy, a model formulation framework, the compromise Decision Support Problem (cDSP), was once proposed for modeling engineering-design problems, and a solution algorithm, the Adaptive Linear Programming algorithm (ALP), was created for linearizing and solving a nonlinear cDSP and output satisficing solutions, and a solver, the Decision Support in the Design of Engineering Systems (DSIDES), was developed to realize cDSP formulation and solving. In the past 30 years, satisficing strategy has been improved and applied to a wide variety of engineering-design problems. Derived methods, concepts, and platforms using the satisficing strategy are developed. This paper is a review of the representative publications regarding utilizing the satisficing strategy in managing engineering design. Among the publications, different topics are reviewed and summarized, including methods, theories, and frameworks to facilitate the robust design, multiscale and microstructure design, multistage design and concurrent design, coupled decision-making in designs, exploration of the solution space and design space, multigoal and multidisciplinary design, and knowledge-based design and platformation. We generalize the specialties, advantages, and scope of applications of the methods in the satisficing strategy. We expect this paper provides useful information on when and how designers may or should attach to satisficing as a strategy for their problems.
Multi-Objective Optimal Design of Gravity Compensators Using Pareto Front With Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Nguyen Vu Linh
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a multi-objective optimal design method for gravity compensators. The proposed optimization aims to minimize the ratio of the compensated torque to the uncompensated torque and the joint reaction forces of the gravity compensators. Pareto front of multiple fitness functions using a genetic algorithm is adopted to solve the optimization problem. This work takes a spring four-bar mechanism as a case study. The optimization problem of the gravity compensator is established with consideration of the spring constraints, which facilitate the practical design. This work also provides a numerical example to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. It is shown that the technique can reduce the joint reaction forces by an average of 35.6% as compared to the original single-objective optimal design method. The gravity compensation performance of the mechanism is effective with a torque reduction ratio of 0.05. Moreover, a prototype of an 0.2-kg gravity compensator was built, and an experimental test was conducted. It was found that the measured motor torque of the mechanism was reduced by up to 93% within a range of 3π/4.
Quantification Model Uncertainty of Label-Free Machine Learning for Multidisciplinary Systems Analysis
Authors: Li Huiru , Panchal Jitesh H. , Du Xiaoping
Published: November 2023

Many engineering systems involve multiple interacting disciplines or subsystems. For a design or analysis task, unknown linking variables, which are those variables that are outputs of some disciplines and inputs of other disciplines, are obtained by solving the system of implicit interdisciplinary compatibility equations for a given set of system inputs. This study creates surrogate models for linking variables using label-free training with neural networks. The compatibility equations are embedded in the cost function of the model training. They are calculated and are not solved for given input training variables, thereby avoiding label acquisition. To quantify the prediction errors of the surrogate models, we build their error models with Gaussian Process regression, which uses the existing training points and the derivatives of the compatibility equations at the training points. The error models are then used to compensate for the errors of neural network surrogate models of the linking variables, producing more accurate predictions of linking variables with quantified model uncertainty for predicting system responses. The linking variables with quantified model uncertainty are then used to predict the system responses and associated prediction errors. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method by the application to a propane combustion problem.
Control Co-Design With Varying Available Information Applied to Vehicle Suspensions
Authors: Bayat Saeid , Allison James T.
Published: November 2023

Recent optimization strategies for Control Co-Design (CCD) often utilize open-loop optimal control (OLOC) to explore the physical performance limits of actively controlled engineering systems. For most real systems, however, closed-loop control (CLC) is required for implementation. OLOC methods incorporate the use of present, past, and future information in making control decisions at each point in time. For systems with any uncertainty, CLC is needed for stability and robustness. The physical (plant) design generated by an OLOC CCD method will normally not interact optimally with CLC, producing results that are not system optimal. The ideal outcome of CCD optimization is the combined physical and control system design that produces maximum system utility, while accounting for the realities of implementable control systems, such as causality and other limits on information available to inform real-time control decisions. In this article an intuitive strategy is presented for investigating empirically the impact of information availability on CCD optimization results. Model Predictive Control (MPC) provides a flexible means to vary what information is used in making real-time control decisions. This is used as a proxy for the vast space of potential controllers, from simple to sophisticated. This method for studying information-based characteristics of CCD problems is demonstrated using a canonical CCD problem based on an active automotive suspension problem. Different plant architectures with various plant design variables are considered. Results show that varying the amount of information in the control design yields different plant designs and different objective values, and has the potential to yield insights into promising CLC architectures (beyond MPC), fruitful directions to head for plant design, and a deeper understanding of the interface between physical and control system design. It is also observed in the studies here that by using more advanced system architectures, the MPC prediction horizon can be reduced and still produce superior system performance compared to cases with simpler architectures and a longer prediction horizon, or, even when using an open-loop controller. Comparison studies are performed that provide in-depth knowledge of the effect of control sampling time and plant design on states and control. Furthermore, a hybrid Kalman filter is designed that couples with the MPC controller to provide state estimation in the presence of measurement noise and process noise. This article introduces the concept of information-based studies in CCD, but utilizes an applied approach based on MPC to generate insights. A more theoretical approach could be taken in the future that yields more generalizable understanding of how information limitations influence CCD optimization outcomes.
DeltaFlex: An Additively Manufactured Monolithic Delta Robot With Compliant Joints
Authors: Parmiggiani Alberto , Ottonello Emilio , Masoud Kargar Seyyed , Baggetta Mario , Hao Guangbo , Berselli Giovanni
Published: November 2023

This study presents the design and validation of a compliant Delta robot created through additive manufacturing (AM) with a monolithic structure. The use of AM expedites the development cycle of robots, enabling faster prototype development and deployment, as well as facilitating experimentation with new robot kinematics. The use of compliant joints poses a challenge in achieving substantial workspaces for robots. However, parallel architectures are well-suited for implementing flexible joints because they require lower ranges of motion for individual joints than serial architectures. Thus the Delta configuration was chosen for this study. A Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) strategy was adopted to minimize the need for support structures and maximize mechanical strength. The overall performance of the Delta was evaluated quantitatively in terms of stiffness and precision. The stiffness test aimed to measure the device’s capability to withstand applied loads, while the repeatability test assessed the robot’s precision and accuracy Moreover, FEM verification was adopted. Structural simulations are a powerful tool for verifying the experimental results of a robotic system. The approach presented in this work offers an interesting avenue for robot design with significant potential for future advancements and practical applications and sheds light on the trade-offs that designers should consider when adopting this methodology.
Embedded Vision System for Real-Time Shelves Rows Detection for Planogram Compliance Check
Authors: Pietrini Rocco , Galdelli Alessandro , Mancini Adriano , Zingaretti Primo
Published: November 2023

In retail environment monitor store shelves is a key factor for retailers and brands to provide the best customer shopping experience and maximize sales. Computer vision and deep learning are well suitable this task and are already used for detection and recognition of products displayed in shelves. Recently, retailers started using autonomous robotic applications for monitoring store shelves. Commercial robotic solutions for full store inventory are rising on the market, equipped with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology or vision-based systems. Such robots usually browse the store fulfilling a task regarding inventory or planogram compliance check. Detect and recognize product on a shelf, however, is not enough to have a proper picture of a shelf. Physical structure of the shelf must be taken into account in order to assign every detected product to its shelf row. Know exactly in which shelf row a product is displayed enables the calculation of some specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as the Share of Shelf. In this paper after analyzing the techniques currently used in the state-of-the-art, we realized that there is no reliable and lightweight solution to detect shelf rows, so we provide an end-to-end solution for that and we prove the feasibility of the approach on a newly collected dataset.
CAD Challenges App: An Informatics Framework for Parametric Modeling Practice and Research Data Collection in Computer-Aided Design
Authors: Deng Yuanzhe , Mueller Matthew , Shields Matthew
Published: November 2023

Computer-aided design (CAD) is a key tool in modern engineering design and manufacturing, making design education and design research with CAD important fields of study. Effectively teaching modelling strategies in traditional classrooms is challenging and the design research community faces barriers in participant recruitment for research studies. In this paper, we propose a framework that connects the teaching and research community with design informatics in CAD. We productized the framework, named the “CAD Challenges” web application, and integrated it to Onshape, a commercially available cloud-CAD software. With free and easy access to this app, users gain access to a library of modelling challenges from within an Onshape document. The app automatically evaluates submissions and provides feedback, enabling asynchronous learning and the development of CAD expertise through practice. After challenge attempts, data on both the design process and the completed model are collected, enabling insight into the different strategies that can be used to create the same geometry. While providing a free and accessible training tool for learners, the big data generated through challenge attempts can provide valuable insight into how students learn CAD and the modeling strategies used by experts. Benefits and opportunities enabled by the framework are discussed in detail with preliminary research analysis.
Paper or Tablet? The Impact of Digital Tools on Sketching During Engineering Design Concept Generation
Authors: Das Madhurima , Huang May , Yang Maria
Published: November 2023

Sketching is an important tool for engineers during concept generation. Sketch quantity during this early stage of design has been linked with eventual design outcomes and sketch quality has been linked with design perceptions. As such, both are important metrics to track. Prior work has also found gender differences in some of these sketch attributes. Given the increase in use of digital tablets for sketching, it is important to assess how tablet use affects early stage engineering design sketches. This is especially important as tablets can automatically smooth lines and help perfect sketch features, but these features may also take longer to use and may result in fewer sketches produced.

This study investigates differences in sketch quality, quantity, and understandability (the effectiveness of the sketch as a communication tool) between sketching on a tablet and sketching with pen on paper during an engineering design concept generation exercise.

Results indicate that there is no difference in sketch quantity or understandability between the two tools. However, sketch quality, smoothness, and proportion/accuracy are all higher for the pen and paper condition than for the tablet condition. Finally, no gender differences in performance for either sketch quantity or quality were found.