bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graph Based Framework on Bimanual Manipulation Planning from Cooking Recipe
Authors: Takata Kota , Kiyokawa Takuya , Yamanobe Ntsuki , Ramirez-Alpizar Ixchel G. , Wan Weiwei , Harada Kensuke
Published: October 2022

It is difficult to effectively operate a dual-arm robot using only the information written in a cooking recipe. To cope with this problem, this paper proposes a graph based approach on bimanual cooking motion planning from a cooking recipe. In our approach, we first decompose the cooking recipe into graph elements. Then, we try to connect the graph elements taking into account the attributes of the input/output nodes. If two graph elements cannot be connected each other, we search for a graph element that can be inserted between them from the database of graph elements. Since the constructed graph includes the whole sequence of the robot’s motions to perform the cooking task, we can generate a task sequence of a dual-arm manipulator simultaneously performing two different tasks by using two arms. Through experimental study, we show that it is possible to generate robot motions from a cooking recipe and perform the cooking motions while simultaneously moving the left and right arms.
Spatiotemporal Vectorial Solitons in Nonlinear Ultrafast Dual-Core Fiber Lasers
Authors: Liang Yaoyao
Published: October 2022

The processes of soliton generation and interference focus on the complex nonlinear soliton dynamics resembling matter particles. In order to further understand the dynamic process of solitons from a multidimensional perspective, here we report the vectorial solitons nature under two-sets pulse splitting in a single cavity induced by dual-core fiber assisted ultrafast fiber lasers. Owing to the weakly coupled cores in symmetrical dual core fiber (SDCF), two pulse groups interaction are formed in a cavity. By using the dispersive Fourier transformation technique (DFT), it was found that the four-component polarized rotation vector solitons (PRVS) generate. Moreover, gradually increasing the power can obtain the locked soliton bound state in two core space, and the corresponding evolution is similar to that of non-degenerate bright solitons in Bose Einstein condensates (BEC). In addition, by properly controlling the soliton phase offset in SDCF, the soliton rain state of multi pulse evolution can be obtained. The related experimental results would be fruitful to the communities interested in soliton dynamics and frequency comb lasers.
Resolving Darwin’s Dilemma over Natural Selection, Individual Benefit and Aging-on the Natural Selection of Organismal Aging
Authors: Walker Richard
Published: October 2022

There is scientific consensus that organismal aging did not evolve by natural selection (NS) because it lacks individual benefit. Nonetheless it exists, leading to much speculation about its origins, and when the diminishing force of selection begins. Both concepts are based upon two misconceptions; that aging occurs in and of itself and is caused by the declining strength of NS during the reproductive lifespan. Although lacking individual benefit, aging evolved by NS as a tradeoff of survival for reproduction. Based upon regulatory dynamics that participate in this tradeoff, aging begins once reproductive success has been achieved through offspring nurturing. Thereafter, the strength of NS wanes to exponentially accelerate aging, leading to death. Assumptions of the theory are that: (1) a life-long, “holistic” regulatory mechanism whose genic expression is modified epigenetically, originates in ontogenesis; (2) the regulatory mechanism of the last developmental stage becomes redundantly expressed during “morphostasis”, a non-aging, life interval of peak vitality to ensure completion of reproduction through nurturing, and (3) thereafter, loss of regulatory redundancy causes aging which reduces the strength of natural selection and allows accumulation of randomly occurring somatic damage.
Integration of Ion Transport Membrane with Conventional Powerplant to Obtain Pure Oxygen and More Efficient Power Production
Authors: Das Arnob , Peu Susmita Datta
Published: October 2022

Ion Transport Membrane (ITM) is a well-developed technology for producing O2 by separating air in its membrane. To decrease energy loss in air separation unit and to increase the overall efficiency of a power generation unit ITM is added with the gasification unit in this model. Ceramic materials are generally used to make ion transport membrane that produces oxygen by conducting oxygen ions at specified temperature. Potential advantages can be gained by integrating ITM technology with power generation units as 99% pure oxygen is produced from ITM. A salient comparison between ITM air separator combined with IGCC and cryogenic air separator combined with IGCC is done in this paper where the total power generation cycle remains same for both cases excluding the air separation units (ITM and cryogenic). Using ITM air separator is more beneficial compared to cryogenic air separation as ITM technology helps to improve IGCC overall efficiency and also reduces plant auxiliaries than that of power generation systems integrated with cryogenic.
Assessing Wind Farm Site Suitability in Bangladesh: A GIS-AHP Approach
Authors: Islam Md. Rabiul , Islam Md. Rakibul , Imran H. M.
Published: October 2022

Wind energy is one of the most attractive renewable energy sources because of its low operating, maintenance, and production costs as well as its low environmental impact. The goal of this study is to discover the best locations in Bangladesh where wind farms can be built and operated efficiently. This study applied the GIS and AHP methodologies to examine the eight important parameters upon which the suitability of locations is highly dependent. This analysis finds that Bangladesh has large regions appropriate for wind farm installation, with 3718.76 km2 and 16631.14 km2 classified as "very high" and "high" suitability, respectively. It was also observed that wind speed, land slope, and elevation each had a height-weighted criterion of 32 %, 27 %, and 12 %, respectively, when picking suitable locations. However, the viability of this study in identifying suitable sites has been evaluated based on ROC and AUC techniques and found satisfactory as per AUC value. The knowledge gained from this study will help the sustainable and renewable energy development authority (SREDA), Bangladesh to expedite the renewable energy investment process and will ensure the great certainty. The findings of this research can be considered as baseline information in the wind energy sector.
Single Shot Lensless Interferenceless Phase Imaging of Biochemical Samples Using Synchrotron Near Infrared Beam
Authors: Han Molong , Smith Daniel , Ng Soon Hock , Katkus Tomas , John Francis Rajeswary Aravind Simon , P A Praveen , Bambery Keith R , Tobin Mark J , Vongsvivut Jitraporn , Juodkazis Saulius , Anand Vijayakumar
Published: October 2022

Phase imaging of biochemical samples has been demonstrated for the first time at the Infrared Microspectroscopy (IRM) beamline of the Australian Synchrotron using the usually discarded Near-IR (NIR) region of the synchrotron-IR beam. The synchrotron-IR beam at the Australian Synchrotron IRM beamline has a unique fork shaped intensity distribution as a result of the gold coated extraction mirror shape, which includes a central slit for rejection of the intense X-ray beam. The resulting beam configuration makes any imaging task challenging. For intensity imaging, the fork shaped beam is usually tightly focused to a point on the sample plane followed by a pixel-by-pixel scanning approach to record the image. In this study, a pinhole was aligned with one of the lobes of the fork shaped beam and the Airy diffraction pattern was used to illuminate biochemical samples. The diffracted light from the samples was captured using a NIR sensitive lensless camera. A rapid phase-retrieval algorithm was applied to the recorded intensity distributions to reconstruct the phase information corresponding to different planes. The preliminary results are promising to develop multimodal imaging capabilities at the IRM beamline of the Australian Synchrotron.
First of its Kind: A Test Artifact for Direct Laser Writing
Authors: Fritzsche Sven , Pauw Brian Richard , Weimann Christiane , Sturm Heinz
Published: October 2022

With Direct Laser Writing (DLW) maturing in all aspects as a manufacturing technology a toolset for quality assurance must be developed. In this work we want to introduce a first of its kind test artifact. Test artifacts are standardized 3D models with specific geometric feature to evaluate the performance of writing parameters. Test artifacts are already common in other 3D additive manufacturing technologies e.g. Selective Laser Melting. The test artifact introduced in this work was developed in particular to accommodate 1) the high geometrical resolution of DLW structures and 2) the limited possibilities to examine the resulting structure. Geometric accuracy, surface adhesion as well as confocal raman spectroscopy results were considered when evaluating the design of the test artifact. We will explain the individual features and design considerations of our DLW test artifact. The difference between two slicers, Cura and 3DPoli, and the implications on measured feature sizes and the general shape is quantified. The measured geometries are used to derive a general design guide for a specific combination of photoresist, laser power and scanning speed and to analyse the geometric accuracy of a structure produced using these guidelines.
Value Chain Analysis of Medicinal Plants in Geoparks: Livelihoods of Ethnic Minorities based on Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in Vietnam
Authors: Ngo Huy Kien , NGUYEN An Thinh , Nguyen Duc Bao , Le Ngoc Anh , Nguyen Thi Hao , Luc Hens
Published: October 2022

Non-timber forest products (NTFP) have contributed in various ways to the living, livelihoods, and trading of households and communities who live in rural and urban areas all over the world. This paper analyses the value chain of Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) in the Cao Bang Geopark, Vietnam. 106 actors were surveyed using a semi-structured questionnaire: experts (agricultural extension officers, farmers' associations), harvesters, traders, primary processors, processors, distributors, and consumers. The results show that a map of Jiaogulan value chain, value added of households in main market channels, and impact of value added and distribution of Jiaogulan products on household income.
Functionality Analysis of Derailment Containment Provisions through Full-Scale Testing. I: Collision Load & Change in Center of Gravity
Authors: Bae Hyun-Ung , Kim Kyoung-Ju , Park Sang-Yun , Han Jeong-Jin , Park Jong-Chan , Lim Nam-Hyoung
Published: October 2022

In order to reduce the large damage caused by train derailment, protective facilities of various shapes and conditions can be installed on railroad tracks. These protective facilities are referred to as derailment containment provisions (DCPs) and three different types are used worldwide. However, there are no clear standards for DCPs design such as installation location, size, and design load, and performance verification of DCPs installed in the actual railway field is not sufficiently performed. In this paper, the functionality of DCPs is analyzed through the full-scale derailment test. In order to propose a method for estimating the collision load acting on the DCP type I after derailment, the experimental results and simulation results are compared. The function of DCP type I according to the change of the vehicle's center of gravity is identified through comparative analysis of the post derailment behavior.
Micro-Scale Flow Excitation under Imposition of Uniform Magnetic Field and Electrical Current
Authors: Xu Guangye , Iwai Kazuhiko
Published: October 2022

Mass transfer is often the rate determining step for solid-liquid chemical reactions. Decrease of the concentration boundary layer thickness is essential to intensify the chemical reaction. Because the concentration boundary layer exists in the velocity boundary layer, force imposition in the concentration boundary layer by superimposing an electrical current and a magnetic field was proposed. Through, flow can be directly excited in the concentration boundary layer. The previous result indicates that by superimposing a DC current and a gradient magnetic field, the development of the concentration boundary layer was suppressed, because of a macro-scale flow excitation in the whole vessel. And by superimposing the gradient magnetic field with a modulate current, the development of the concentration boundary layer was further suppressed. This is because of the macro-scale flow enhancement and the excitation of a micro-scale flow near the solid-liquid interface. However, the mechanism for the micro-scale flow excitation has not been clarified. To clarify this, a uniform magnetic field was superimposed with the DC current or the modulate current. By this means, only the micro-scale flow was excited near the anode surface. The results found that the non-unform electromagnetic force distribution is the main reason for the micro-scale flow excitation.
Separation of Molar Weight-Distributed Polyethylene Glycols by Reversed-Phase Chromatography – Analysis and Modelling Based on Isocratic Analytical-Scale Investigations
Authors: Supper Malvina , Heller Kathleen , Söllner Jakob , Sainio Tuomo , Kaspereit Malte
Published: October 2022

Separation of polyethylene glycols (PEGs) into single homologs by reversed-phase chromatography is investigated experimentally and theoretically. The used core-shell column is shown to achieve baseline separation of PEG homologs up to molar weights of at least 5000 g/mol. A detailed study is performed elucidating the role of the operating conditions temperature, eluent composition, and degree of polymerization of the polymer. Applying Martin's rule yields a simple model for retention times that holds for a wide range of conditions. In combination with relations for column efficiency, the role of the operating conditions is discussed and separations are predicted for analytical-scale chromatography. Finally, the approach is included in an efficient process model based on discrete convolution, which is demonstrated to predict with high accuracy also advanced operating modes with arbitrary injection profiles.
Association between Knowledge about Anemia, Food Consumption Behaviors, and Hematocrit Level among School-Age Children in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand
Authors: Kaewpawong Pastraporn , Kusol Kiatkamjorn , Bunkarn Onuma , Sutthisompohn Sirigran
Published: October 2022

Anemia is a significant public health problem among children, especially school-age children because their body quickly produces red blood cells to provide sufficient blood volume with plasma expansion to maintain blood concentration. This research aimed to study the anemia situation, knowledge about anemia, food consumption behaviors, and the association between knowledge, food consumption behaviors, and hematocrit level among school-age children in primary school, in Thasala district, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. This is a descriptive study among 408 students, Grades 4 to 6, aged 9-12 years. Research instruments included the demographic data of the children and their knowledge about anemia, food consumption behaviors, and hematocrit assessment. Data were analyzed using descriptive, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, and logistic regression statistics. The results revealed that 23.2% of the samples had anemia, whereas 22.22% had mild anemia and 0.98% had moderate anemia. The children knew about anemia, where the mean score was at a moderate level (Mean= 6.63; SD= 2.51) out of 10. The mean score on food consumption behaviors was in the moderate level (Mean= 17.49; SD= 3.68) out of 24. There were significantly positive correlations between the knowledge about anemia and the hematocrit level at a moderate level (r= 0.45, p< 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed moderate food consumption behaviors with the hematocrit level (r= 0.40, p< 0.001). When confirm with Logistic regression found that knowledge about anemia (OR = 9.15, 95% CI: 4.57-18.34), and food consumption behaviors (OR = 19.09, 95% CI: 9.71-37.53) were significantly associated with the hematocrit level. Conclusions: This study showed that knowledge and appropriate food consumption behaviors are associated with hematocrit levels. Enhancing knowledge about anemia and food consumption behaviors may be reduced the prevalence of anemia in school-age children. The health care providers in primary care should be encouraged children to have health education and eat sufficient food.
Angle of View Switching Method at High-Speed Using Motion Blur Compensation for Infrastructure Inspection
Authors: Ezaki Yuriko , Moko Yushi , Hayakawa Tomohiko , Ishikawa Masatoshi ,   Information Technology Center, The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan,   Tokyo University of Science 1-3 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8601, Japan
Published: October 2022

Efficient imaging is achieved under conditions of high relative velocity between the camera and the subject by using the following imaging system; two galvanometer mirrors are placed vertically in front of the camera, one for motion blur compensation and the other for switching the angle of view. The proposed system can overcome the shortcomings of conventional imaging systems with motion blur compensation, such as a small angle of view, and efficiently acquire high-resolution images. If the angle is changed for each capture while the mirrors are stationary for the exposure time, the natural frequency of the mirrors produces noise, leading to a poor resolution. However, this issue can be managed by generating and using an input that does not contain a natural frequency component. A target moving in one dimension can be captured and it is confirmed that the angle of view was extended from the obtained image. It is expected that the camera will be used for inspections under conditions where the relative speed between the camera and target is high, such as in highway tunnel inspections.
Tunnel Lining Surface Monitoring System Deployable at Maximum Vehicle Speed of 100 km/h Using View Angle Compensation Based on Self-Localization Using White Line Recognition
Authors: Hayakawa Tomohiko , Moko Yushi , Morishita Kenta , Hiruma Yuka , Ishikawa Masatoshi ,   Information Technology Center, The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan,   Central Nippon Expressway Company Limited 2-18-19 Nishiki, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi 460-0003, Japan,   Tokyo University of Science 1-3 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8601, Japan
Published: October 2022

Vehicle-mounted inspection systems have been developed to perform daily inspections of tunnel lining. However, it is difficult to continuously scan images at the desired target angle with the camera’s limited visual field because the vehicle does not always maintain the same position in the car lane while it runs. In this study, we propose a calibration-free optical self-localization method based on white line recognition, which can stabilize the scanning angle and thus enable the scanning of the entire tunnel lining surface. Self-localization based on the present method has a processing time of 27.3 ms, making it valid for real-time view angle compensation inside tunnels, where global positioning systems cannot operate. It is robust against changes in brightness at tunnel entrances and exits and capable of dealing with car lanes with dotted lines and regular white lines. We confirmed that it is possible to perform self-localization with 97.4% accuracy using the scanned data of white lines captured while the vehicle is running. When this self-localization was combined with an inspection system capable of motion blur correction, we were able to sequentially scan the tunnel lining surface at a stable camera angle at high speed, and it was shown that the acquired images could be stitched together to produce an expansion image that can be used for inspection.
Tracking of Overlapped Vehicles with Spatio-Temporal Shared Filter for High-Speed Stereo Vision
Authors: Senoo Taku , Konno Atsushi , Wang Yunzhuo , Hirano Masahiro , Kishi Norimasa , Ishikawa Masatoshi ,   Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Hokkaido University Kita 14, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0814, Japan,   Information Technology Center, The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan,   Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
Published: October 2022

In this study, we propose a method for measuring the distance and velocity of overlapping vehicles using high-speed stereo vision. The method is based on the correlation filter called MOSSE and is improved by balancing the computation cost and accuracy using the features of high-frame-rate images. To achieve stable tracking, the tracking window was adjusted for each vehicle according to the vehicle distance and the overlapping state. Experiments on the images acquired by the cameras mounted on an actual vehicle were performed to validate the proposed method.
Seamless Multiple-Target Tracking Method Across Overlapped Multiple Camera Views Using High-Speed Image Capture
Authors: Kim Hyuno , Yamakawa Yuji , Ishikawa Masatoshi ,   Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo  4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan,   Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies, The University of Tokyo  4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan,   Information Technology Center, The University of Tokyo  7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
Published: October 2022

Multiple-target tracking across multiple camera views is required for various practical tracking and surveillance applications. This study proposes a seamless tracking method based on label transfer using high-speed image capture. The proposed method does not require camera calibration to estimate the extrinsic parameters, and can be applied with simple line calibration. Therefore, it is effective for large-scale camera networks. In addition, owing to the features of the high-speed image capture and self-window, our method ensures seamless tracking of objects across multiple camera views. The feasibility of the method is proven through an experiment using a high-speed camera network system.
EmnDash: A Robust High-Speed Spatial Tracking System Using a Vector-Graphics Laser Display with M-Sequence Dashed Markers
Authors: Sueishi Tomohiro , Nishizono Ryota , Ishikawa Masatoshi ,   The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan,   Tokyo University of Science 1-3 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8601, Japan
Published: October 2022

Camera-based wide-area self-posture estimation is an effective method to understand and learn about human motion, especially in sports. However, although rapid spatial tracking typically requires markers, prepositioned markers require extensive preparation in advance, and area projection markers exhibit problems in bright environments. In this study, we propose a system for spatial tracking and graphics display using vector-based laser projection embedded with M-sequence dashed line markers. The proposed approach is fast, wide-area, and can operate in bright environments. The system enables embedding and calibration of M-sequence codes in non-circular vector shapes, as well as rapid image processing recognition. We verified that the accuracy and speed of the proposed approach sufficed through static and dynamic tracking evaluations. We also demonstrate a practical application.
High-Speed Depth-Normal Measurement and Fusion Based on Multiband Sensing and Block Parallelization
Authors: Miyashita Leo , Kimura Yohta , Tabata Satoshi , Ishikawa Masatoshi ,   The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan,   Tokyo University of Science 1-3 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8601, Japan
Published: October 2022

A wide range of research areas have high expectations for the technology to measure 3D shapes, and to reconstruct the shape of a target object in detail from multiple data. In this study, we consider a high-speed shape measurement technology that realizes accurate measurements in dynamic scenes in which the target object is in motion or deforms, or where the measurement system itself is moving. We propose a measurement method that sacrifices neither measurement density nor accuracy while realizing high speed. Many conventional 3D shape measurement systems employ only depth information to reconstruct a shape, which makes it difficult to capture the irregularities of an object’s surface in detail. Meanwhile, methods that measure the surface normal to capture 3D shapes can reconstruct high-frequency components, although low-frequency components tend to include integration errors. Thus, depth information and surface normal information have a complementary relationship in 3D shape measurements. This study proposes a novel optical system that simultaneously measures the depth and normal information at high speed by waveband separation, and a method that reconstructs the high-density, high-accuracy 3D shape at high speed from the two obtained data types by block division. This paper describes the proposed optical system and reconstruction method, and it evaluates the computation time and the accuracy of reconstruction using an actual measurement system. The results confirm that the high-speed measurement was conducted at 400 fps with pixel-wise measurement density, and a measurement accuracy with an average error of 1.61 mm.
Waypoint-Based Human-Tracking Navigation for Museum Guide Robot
Authors: Ichihara Kaito , Hasegawa Tadahiro , Yuta Shin’ichi , Ichikawa Hirohisa , Naruse Yoshihide ,   Shibaura Institute of Technology 3-7-5 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8548, Japan,   SANGO Co., Ltd. 3-1 Konosucho, Toyota-shi, Aichi 471-0836, Japan
Published: October 2022

A visitor-following method that guides visitors as they move around was successfully developed without changing the structure of the waypoint navigation system. We previously developed a guidance robot, “EM-Ro,” to provide guidance services at the ECO35 Muffler Museum, and used the waypoint navigation system to implement a visitor-escort method along a predetermined route. With this visitor-following method, EM-Ro was able to follow a target visitor along visitor-derived waypoints, which were estimated using 2D LiDAR. Thus, the proposed navigation system for the guidance robot provides both visitor-escort and visitor-following guidance services. Using the same waypoint navigation system, it was possible to seamlessly switch between visitor-escort and visitor-following guidance. Switching between prepared or visitor-derived waypoints can make a visitor choose the preferred guidance method. Visitors can switch the guidance method anytime by providing EM-Ro requests from the remote controller. In addition, a guest redetecting method was developed when EM-Ro lost guests. The experimental results at the Muffler Museum showed that both visitor-escort and visitor-following driving by the EM-Ro were successfully demonstrated while guiding guests in the facility.
Linkage Between Databases in Joint Arthroplasty and Orthopaedics
Authors: Heckmann Nathanael D. , Glusenkamp Nathan T.
Published: October 2022

Abstract:Each large observational database contains specific data elements. The number of data elements are chosen carefully to cover the essential needs of the database as well as to avoid excessive burden of collection. Frequently, an important study question cannot be answered because one database does not contain some essential data elements. This deficiency may be present because the proposed study is cross-disciplinary, because the study requires more granular information on a specific topic than is practical to collect in a broad-based registry, or because the relevant questions, and hence essential data elements, have changed over time. An obvious way to overcome some such challenges, when one database contains some of the information and another contains the further needed data, is to link different databases. While the prospect of linking databases is appealing, the practicalities of doing so often are daunting. Challenges may be practical (information-technology barriers to crosstalk between the registries), legal, and financial.

In the first section of this paper, Dr. Nathanael Heckmann discusses linking large orthopaedic databases, focusing on linking databases with detailed, short-term data to those with longer-term longitudinal data. In the second part of this paper, Nathan Glusenkamp discusses efforts to link the American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR) to other data sources, an ambition not yet fully realized but one that will bear fruit in the near future.
Large Surgical Databases with Direct Data Abstraction: VASQIP and ACS-NSQIP
Authors: Habermann Elizabeth B. , Harris Alex H.S. , Giori Nicholas J.
Published: October 2022

Direct data abstraction from a patient’s chart by experienced medical professional data abstractors has been the historical gold standard for quality and accuracy in clinical medical research. The limiting challenge to population-wide studies for quality and public health purposes is the high personnel costs associated with very large-scale efforts of this type. Two historically related programs that are at least partially able to successfully circumvent this problem and provide high-quality data relating to surgical procedures and the early postoperative period are reviewed in this article. Both utilize similar data abstraction efforts by specially trained and qualified medical abstractors of a sample subset of the total procedures performed at participating hospitals.

The Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program (VASQIP), detailed by Nicholas J. Giori, MD, PhD, in the first section of this article, makes use of trained abstractors and has undergone recent additions and updates, including the development of an associated total hip registry for the VA system. The data elements and data integrity provided by both of these programs establish important benchmarks for other “big data” efforts, which often attempt to use alternative less-expensive methods of data collection in order to achieve more widespread or even nationwide data collection.

In the second section, Elizabeth B. Habermann, PhD, MPH, provides a detailed review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP), the data elements collected, and examples of the range of quality improvement and outcomes studies in orthopaedic surgery that it has made possible, along with information on data that have not been collected and the resulting limitations. The ACS NSQIP was actually modeled after the very similar earlier effort started by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Risk Mitigation Strategy Based On Information Technology in Aircraft Maintenance Process (Case Study : PT MMF)
Authors: Yusmahendra Rizky Angga , Wahyuni Hana Catur
Published: October 2022

PT. Merpati Maintenance Facility is a company engaged in aircraft maintenance services. This company serves several types of aircraft maintenance such as Boeing and Airbus. In the process of aircraft maintenance at PT. Merpati Maintenance Facility Sidoarjo, to carry out maintenance in every job it must be in accordance with the Task Card the work made by PPC is based on the WO (Work Order), in the process of working on the task card, and it is often lost and creates data discrepancies, so PPC does not know the work that matches the task card been done or not. With the occurrence of these problems, it is necessary to measure the value of information technology using Technometrics methods to determine the value of TCC (Technology Contribution Coefficient) on each component of information system-based technology, as well as formulate risk mitigation strategies using the SWOT method. From the results of the study, the value of the company's TCC is 0.980. The results of the SWOT analysis position diagram for technoware, humanware, orgaware components in quadrant I and for infoware components in quadrant II. The results of the assessment of the contribution of this technology are associated with the strategic choice of aircraft maintenance services companies in the application of technology, which must always adjust to the speed of the latest technology. This adjustment effort is greatly assisted by the open availability of information. The purpose of the research is to determine the value of information system technology in the company. To provide a proposed mitigation strategy to correct weaknesses or deficiencies in the company.
The Sizes of Life
Authors: Tekwa E.W. , Catalano Katrina , Bazzicalupo Anna , O'Connor Mary , Pinsky Malin
Published: October 2022

Recent research has revealed the diversity and biomass of life on Earth, but how that biomass is distributed across body sizes remains unclear. We compile the present-day global body size-biomass spectra for the terrestrial, marine, and subterranean realms. To achieve this compilation, we pair biomass estimates with previously uncatalogued body size ranges across all free-living biological groups. These data show that diverse organism types converge on similar overall minimum and maximum sizes. We then propagate biomass and size uncertainties and provide statistical descriptions of body size-biomass spectra across and within major habitat realms. Power laws show exponentially decreasing abundance (exponent -0.9, R2=0.97) and nearly equal biomass (exponent 0.09, R2=0.56) across log size bins. Gaussian mixture models show small and large organisms outweigh other sizes by about one order magnitude (R2=0.86 in the size-biomass spectrum), but one-to-two orders of magnitude uncertainty persists across all organisms. The results show that the global body size-biomass relationships may be bimodal, but additional data will be needed to clarify whether global-scale universal constraints or local forces shape these patterns.
Protocol for a feasibility randomized trial of a social support intervention plus usual care versus usual care, targeting patients treated for cardiac disease who experience loneliness.
Authors: Blakø Mitti , Christensen Anne Vinggaard , Højskov Ida Elisabeth , Palm Pernille , Bernild Camilla , Berg Selina Kikkenborg
Published: October 2022

Introduction: In patients treated for cardiac disease, loneliness is known to contribute negatively to health behavior, health outcome and increase risk of cardiac and all-cause mortality. Even so, in health care research, social support interventional studies targeting patients who experience loneliness is lacking.
Aim: To determine the feasibility of an individually structured social support intervention targeting patients treated for cardiac disease who experience loneliness.
Design: A feasibility study based on randomized clinical trial design with 1:1 randomization to a 6-month social support program, plus usual care (intervention) versus usual care, (i.e., regular guidelines-based follow-up). Intervention: Patients classified as high risk lonely according to the High Risk Loneliness tool will be provided with an informal caregiver in the six months rehabilitation phase following cardiac disease treatment. The informal caregiver will be designated by the patient from the existing social network or a peer, depending on patients’ preferences. The core content of the intervention is through nurse consultations at baseline, one, three and six months, to enhance and reinforce the informal caregiver’s competences to be a social support resource. The theoretical framework of the nurse consolations will be based on Middle-range theory of self-care.
Outcome: Feasibility will be evaluated in terms of acceptability and adherence according to predefined feasibility criteria. The preliminary effect of the intervention on patient-reported outcomes, health behaviors and health outcomes will be evaluated in the intervention and the control group at baseline, one, three, six and twelfth months.
Discussion: The present study will contribute with knowledge on how to implement a feasible social support intervention targeting patients treated for cardiac disease who experience loneliness and furthermore, investigate the preliminary effect on health behavior and health outcome in the early rehabilitation period.
Trial registration: The trial is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05503810) 18.08.2022.
Co-designing and Pilot Testing an Infographic to Support Patients/Families through the REMAP-CAP Consent Process: A Mixed Methods Study Protocol
Authors: O'Grady Heather K , Bhimani Zahra , Dalziel Sandra , Dolanjski Barbara , Sandhu Gyan , Santos Marlene , Smith Kathy , Murthy Srinivas , Marshall John C. , Kho Michelle E.
Published: October 2022

Background: Informed consent is critical to the ethical conduct of clinical research and requires understanding of a trial including its purpose, process, potential risks and benefits, and alternatives to participation. This can be challenging for complex trials, such as platform trials, and in high stress environments, such as the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). REMAP-CAP (Randomized, Embedded, Multifactorial, Adaptive Platform Trial for Community-Acquired Pneumonia) is a platform trial which studies treatments for ICU patients with community-acquired pneumonia, including COVID-19. Patient/Family Partners (PFP) identified challenges during the REMAP-CAP consent process.
Methods: This is a patient-centred co-design study to refine and test an infographic to supplement current REMAP-CAP consent documents. Infographic prototypes were developed by patients, families, and researchers with lived experience in the ICU or with ICU research. We will apply a two-phase exploratory sequential, mixed methods research design. In phase 1 we will conduct focus groups with ICU patients, substitute decision makers (SDMs) and research coordinators (RCs). We will use inductive content analysis to inform infographic refinement, to be pilot tested in phase 2. Phase 2 is a prospective study within a trial (SWAT) at < 5 REMAP-CAP sites. We will collect self-reported data from patients/SDMs and RCs. The primary outcome is feasibility (eligible consent encounters, receipt of infographic, consent to follow-up, completion of follow-up surveys). Data will be integrated to understand if/how quantitative results build upon the qualitatively informed infographic.
Discussion: Phase one results will be used to co-design an infographic, directly informed by the perspectives of patients, families and RCs involved in ICU research consent discussions. Results from phase two will determine the feasibility of infographic implementation in REMAP-CAP consent encounters. These feasibility data will inform a larger SWAT to evaluate our consent infographic. If successful, use of a co-designed infographic to support REMAP-CAP consent documents may improve the experience of consent for RCs, patients and their families.
Trial Registration: The Northern Ireland Hub for Trials Methodology Research
SWAT Repository (SWAT #176)
High accuracy epidermal growth factor receptor mutation prediction via histopathological deep learning
Authors: Zhao Dan , Zhao Yanli , He Sen , Liu Zichen , Li Kun , Zhang Lili , Wang Shuhao , Che Nanying , Jin Mulan
Published: October 2022

Background: The detection of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in patients with non-small cell lung cancer is critical for tyrosine kinase inhibitors therapy. EGFR detection requires tissue samples, which are difficult to obtain for some patients, losing the opportunity for further treatment. To realize EGFR mutation prediction without molecular detection, we aim to build a high accuracy deep learning model with only hematoxylin-eosin-stained slides.
Methods: A total of 326 hematoxylin-eosin-stained non-small cell lung cancer slides were collected from Beijing Chest Hospital, China. After digitalized into whole slide images, 226 slides (88 with EGFR mutation) among them were fed to a convolutional neural network for model training. The remaining 100 images (50 with EGFR mutation) were used as the test set.
Results: The sensitivity and specificity of the model were 76% and 74%, respectively, with an area under the curve of 0.82. When applying the double threshold approach, the deep learning model could screen out 40% of the patients with a sensitivity and specificity of 96% and 94%, respectively. By further involving adenocarcinoma subtype information, 37.3% of the adenocarcinoma patients could be screened out with 100% sensitivity and specificity.
Conclusions: In this research, we show rapid and inexpensive pre-screening potentials of the deep learning-based EGFR mutation prediction model. It could not only act as a high-accuracy complement to current molecular detection techniques, but also provide opportunities for non-small cell lung cancer patients with limited sample to receive further treatment.
A 14-year-old girl with early-onset inclusion body myositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, and autoimmune thyroiditis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Chen JingWen , Wang Xin-Yu , Li Shu-Yao , Zhang Ming-Ying , Guan Tong , Xu Qiang
Published: October 2022

Background: Sporadic inclusion body myositis is predominantly affecting the elderly population. It is insidious and easily misdiagnosed as other forms of neuromuscular and inflammatory myopathy. Patients may be treated with steroids and immunosuppressants for many years, leading to severe side effects. A correct diagnosis will also help avoid using high doses of steroids and immunosuppressants.
Case Presentation: We report a case of a 14-year-old girl diagnosed with sporadic inclusion body myositis, Sjögren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, and autoimmune thyroiditis. She was treated with steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and rituximab, which failed to relieve the progressive muscle weakness. Considering previous published cases, this case may be classified as a rare early onset form.
Conclusions: Our patient had a family history of autoimmune thyroiditis combined with various connective tissue diseases. The persistence of thyroid autoantibodies may have predicted the onset and diagnosis of sIBM. In this case report, overlapping immune diagnoses and unusually young age may be factors in misdiagnosis of sporadic inclusion body myositis. Early and more positive treatment should be a discussion of future research. We suggest that failed treatment may be related to the patient's muscle enzyme levels.
Sintilimab Plus Apatinib and Chemotherapy as Second‑/Third-Line Treatment for Advanced Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma: A Prospective, Single- Arm, Phase II Trial
Authors: Zhang Le , Wang Weixue , Ge Shaohua , Li Hongli , Bai Ming , Duan Jingjing , Yang Yuchong , Ning Tao , Liu Rui , Wang Xia , Ji Zhi , Wang Feixue , Zhang Haiyang , Ba Yi , Deng Ting
Published: October 2022

Background:The prognosis of patients with previously treated advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer remains poor. Given the robust development of immunotherapy and targeted therapy during the last decades, we aimed to investigate if the combination of traditional second-line chemotherapy with sintilimab and apatinib could bring survival benefits for these patients.
Methods: In this single-center, single-arm, phase Ⅱ trial, patients with previously treated advanced gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma received specific dose level of intravenous paclitaxel or irinotecan (investigator’s choice), 200 mg intravenous sintilimab on day 1, and 250 mg oral apatinib once daily continuously in each cycle until disease progression, intolerable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. The primary endpoints were objective response rate and progression-free survival. The secondary endpoints were mainly overall survival and safety.
Results: From May 2019 to May 2021, 30 patients were enrolled. At the data cutoff date (March 19, 2022), the median follow-up duration was 12.3 months and 53.6% (95% CI, 33.9%–72.5%) patients achieved objective response. The median progression-free survival and overall survival were 8.5 months (95% CI, 5.4–11.5) and 12.5 months (95% CI, 3.7–21.3), respectively. Grade 3-4 adverse events included hematological toxicities, elevated alanine aminotransferase, elevated aspartate aminotransferase, elevated alkaline phosphatase, elevated gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, hyperbilirubinemia and proteinuria. The most frequent grade 3-4 adverse event was neutropenia (13.3%).No serious treatment-related adverse events or treatment-related deaths occurred.
Conclusions:Sintilimab plus apatinib and chemotherapy demonstrates promising anti-tumor activity with manageable safety profile in patients with previously treated advanced gastric or GEJ cancer.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05025033, 27/08/2021.
Influence of Lower Extremity Impairment and Trunk Control on Postural Control and Functional Mobility in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Ozal Cemil , Aksoy Songul , Gunel Mintaze Kerem
Published: October 2022

Purpose
To determine influence of lower extremity impairment and trunk control on postural control and functional mobility in children with spastic Cerebral Palsy (CP).
Methods
25 children with between the ages of 6–17 were evaluated. Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) E Section, Modified Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Computerized Dynamic Posturography, Sensory Organization Test (SOT) were applied; lower limb’s range of movement (ROM) of joints were evaluated passively to all participants. Spasticity levels of lower limbs were evaluated.
Results
In children with CP, there were significant relationship between spasticity, ROM and trunk control and motor function capacity and composite balance score (p < 0,05). Impairments of the lower extremity in children with CP were related with balance responses (p < 0,05). (p < 0,05). TUG, and composite balance score tests were correlated with all sub-dimensions of TIS (p < 0,05). the results of univariate and multivariate regression analyses and TIS total were found to be independent risk factor of TUG and GMFM-E according to the univariate analyses (ß=-0.77, B:0.353 standard error: 0.061, p < 0.01; ß=0.809, B:3.806 standard error: 0.578 p < 0.045 respectively). According to the multivariate regression analyses, TIS dynamic, SOM and VEST were found predictors of mTUG, and ROM, TIS dynamic and coordination, VIS were found predictors of GMFM-E (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Lower limb impairment and trunk control plays important role on postural control and functional mobility, therefore it is important including these parameters into the physiotherapy and rehabilitation aiming to improve functional mobility.
First insight into accumulation of characteristics and tissues distribution of PCBs, PBDEs, and other BFRs in the living Indonesian coelacanth (Latimeria menadoensis)
Authors: Falahudin Dede , Hukom Frensly Demianus , Arifin Zainal , Dirhamsyah Dirhamsyah , Peristiwady Teguh , Sudaryanto Agus , Iwata Masamitsu , Hoang Anh Quoc , Watanabe Isao , Takahashi Shin
Published: October 2022

Persistent organic pollutants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and other brominated flame retardants, were determined in the liver, muscle, and ovary tissue of Indonesian coelacanth (Latimeria menadoensis) incidentally caught around Gangga Island, North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia on November 5, 2014. Concentrations of total PCBs (209 congeners, 300–2600 ng g− 1 lipid weight) in all tissues showed higher than those of PBDEs (9 congeners, 3.9–6.1 ng g− 1 lw) and BTBPE (1.1–3.6 ng g− 1 lw). Tissue-specific PCBs and PBDEs profiles are likely because of differences in the lipid composition. Toxic equivalent (TEQ) values of dioxin-like PCBs in the coelacanth tissues were lower than benchmark values for early life fish. However, compared with the data reported in deep-sea fishes in the Pacific and Indian Ocean, relatively high concentrations of PCBs detected in this study raise concerns about Indonesian coelacanth's conservation and habitat condition.