bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementación de 2 sistemas de jardines verticales para disminuir la temperatura ambiental y superficial en las viviendas con sistemas constructivos de albañilería confinada y armada en la urbanización Pedregal Bajo del distrito de San Juan de Lurigancho
Authors:   , Cano De La Cruz Becker Jesus , Alvarado Vasquez Einstein Adalid
Published: November 2024

El acelerado proceso de urbanización generó cambios ambientales y climáticos aumentando la temperatura global cada año, esto provoca un sobrecalentamiento en el interior de las viviendas, afectando las condiciones de confort interior y la salud de los ocupantes. Teniendo como causas principales los derivados de la industria de construcción como las emisiones excesivas de GEI, especialmente el CO2; el efecto del cañón urbano; y las propiedades térmicas de los materiales de construcción. Como consecuencia, más de 8,575 miles de limeños están expuestos a las altas temperaturas, agravando su sistema fisiológico, desencadenando en problemas de salud física, psicológica y social; incrementando la tasa de morbilidad y mortalidad en personas vulnerables. El problema se delimita en la urbanización Pedregal Bajo en San Juan de Lurigancho porque es el distrito con mayor población en Lima y donde las viviendas se construyen con materiales que retienen el calor, siendo incapaces de minorizar el impacto de las altas temperaturas. La presente investigación propone, como solución a este problema, la implementación de 2 sistemas de jardines verticales: Sistema Hidropónico y Sistema de Enrejado Modular, en prototipos de módulos de vivienda de la albañilería confinada y armada para disminuir la temperatura ambiental y superficial. Por ello, se realizaron mediciones de la temperatura y la humedad relativa ambiental y superficial exterior e interior en los prototipos de módulo de vivienda de albañilería confinada y armada de control y con los jardines verticales, donde se evidenció mejoras en las propiedades térmicas al disminuir la temperatura y aumentar la humedad relativa. Finalmente, se determinó que el prototipo de módulo de vivienda de albañilería confinada con muro verde con sistema hidropónico obtuvo la mayor reducción en la temperatura superficial y ambiental del exterior al interior con las especies Nephrolepis Exaltata y Chlorophytum Comosum de 6.6°C y 4.0°C. Mientras que, se determinó que el prototipo de módulo de vivienda de albañilería armada con fachada verde con sistema de enrejado modular con la especie Vinca Major obtuvo la mayor reducción en la temperatura superficial exterior e interior de 3.9°C y 2.0°C frente al prototipo de control. Asimismo, se determinó que el prototipo de módulo de vivienda de albañilería confinada con muro verde con sistema hidropónico obtuvo la mayor reducción en la temperatura ambiental al exterior y al interior con las especies Nephrolepis Exaltata y Chlorophytum Comosum de 3.9°C y 3.1°C, respectivamente, frente al prototipo de control.
“Uma nova repartição cultural” para uma história dos cursos de ensino da pedagogia e de ensino da matemática em malanje, angola
Authors: Manuel Damião de Almeida , De Castro Rosane Michelli , Silva Elijane dos Santos
Published: November 2024

Objetivo: Este artigo examina o desenvolvimento histórico dos primeiros cursos de licenciatura em Ciências da Educação em Malanje, Angola, de 2011 a 2016, com o objetivo de delinear as escolhas teóricas e metodológicas para a pesquisa histórica em contextos educacionais dentro de um contexto geopolítico específico.
Métodos: A pesquisa utiliza uma abordagem qualitativa através da análise documental e metodologia histórica, incorporando uma ampla gama de fontes, desde artigos de jornal até decretos oficiais. O estudo baseia seu arcabouço teórico no conceito de “Nova Repartição Cultural” de Michel de Certeau, enfatizando o papel da perspectiva do pesquisador na documentação histórica.
Resultados: A análise destacou a criação e evolução dos programas de ensino da pedagogia e matemática na Escola Superior Politécnica de Malanje. Identificou documentos-chave e representações midiáticas que influenciaram a percepção pública e o desenvolvimento de políticas em reformas educacionais.
Conclusões: O estudo sublinha a importância da integração da repartição cultural na historiografia da educação, fornecendo uma compreensão matizada de como as reformas educacionais e os desenvolvimentos de programas são documentados e percebidos. Também aponta o papel significativo das narrativas governamentais e midiáticas na formação de políticas e práticas educacionais.
Amélioration génétique de l'Okoumé : 1re partie
Authors: Grison François
Published: November 2024

L'okoumé est la principale espèce forestière du Gabon et des plantations artificielles ont été réalisées. Un programme d'amélioration génétique a été conçu par le Centre Technique Forestier Tropical du Gabon. Dans cette première partie, l'auteur aborde les points suivants :La variabilité génétique de l'espèce. Elle a été étudiée par des tests de provenance (23) et de lignée (23) réalisés dans trois stations. En particulier, l'étude de la croissance jusqu'à 13 mois après la plantation a montré des variations significatives.L'héritabilité de certains caractères. L'étude sur la fourche qui existe (bifurcation) dans certains cas a montré que cette caractéristique ne semble pas être héréditaire ; mais les tests devront se poursuivre pendant plus de dix ans encore.
Association Technique Internationale des Bois Tropicaux (A.T.I.B.T.). Session de printemps Paris 9-10 mai 1978
Authors: Rédacteur de la revue Bois et Forêts des Tropiques
Published: November 2024

La Session de Printemps de l'Association Technique Internationale des Bois tropicaux s'est tenue à Paris, au Centre Technique du Bois, les 9 et 10 mai 1978, sous la Présidence de M. Sylvestre Soler Segarra, Président Général.Une cinquantaine de Membres des diverses branches professionnelles qui se retrouvent à l'Association et qui s'intéressent aux bois tropicaux sous tous leurs aspects : producteurs, importateurs, exportateurs, négociants, industriels, ingénieurs et chercheurs de centres techniques et d'organismes de recherche sur les bois, appartenant à seize pays sur les vingt-cinq qui sont représentés au sein de l 'A.T.I.B.T., ont participé aux différentes séances de travail. On a noté en particulier la présence d’une importante délégation indonésienne et de représentants du Ghana.Diverses commissions, la Chambre d'Expertise et de Conciliation, ainsi que le Conseil d'Administration, se sont réunis ; une Assemblée Générale s'est également tenue.
Dissection of the lymph nodes along the recurrent laryngeal nerve in robotic esophagectomy
Authors: Na Bubse , Kang Chang Hyun
Published: November 2024

Lymph node (LN) metastasis serves as a pivotal prognostic determinant in esophageal cancer, particularly in cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC). The involvement of LN metastasis frequently extends to the LNs along the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). Radical dissection of these nodes is imperative for precise staging and the prevention of loco-regional recurrence. Historically, the emphasis on RLN node dissection has been evident in numerous literature, establishing it as a mandatory procedure in different countries. Nevertheless, the risk of RLN palsy following such dissection is a substantial concern, given its association with significant postoperative complications and long-term implications for quality of life. Recent literature has highlighted RLN node dissection in robotic surgery, demonstrating favorable outcomes in comparison to alternative surgical modalities. This review paper aims to comprehensively assess prior publications on this subject, elucidating the outcomes and implications of RLN node dissection in robotic esophagectomy (RE).
Liver fibrosis as a barometer of systemic health by gauging the risk of extrahepatic disease
Authors: Lonardo Amedeo , Ballestri Stefano , Baffy Gyorgy , Weiskirchen Ralf
Published: November 2024

This review article proposes the theory that liver fibrosis, the abnormal accumulation of excessive extracellular matrix, is not just an indicator of liver disease but also a negative reflection of overall systemic health. Liver fibrosis poses a heavy financial burden on healthcare systems worldwide and can develop due to chronic liver disease from various causes, often due to sustained inflammation. Liver fibrosis may not generate symptoms and become apparent only when it reaches the stage of cirrhosis and is associated with clinically significant portal hypertension and leads to decompensation events or promotes the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. While chronic viral hepatitis and excessive alcohol consumption were once the primary causes of chronic liver disease featuring fibrosis, this role is now increasingly taken over by metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). In MASLD, endothelial dysfunction is an essential component in pathogenesis, promoting the development of liver fibrosis, but it is also present in endothelial cells of other organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Accordingly, liver fibrosis is a significant predictor of liver-related outcomes, as well as all-cause mortality, cardiovascular risk, and extrahepatic cancer. Physicians should be aware that individuals seeking medical attention for reasons unrelated to liver health may also have advanced fibrosis. Early identification of these at-risk individuals can lead to a more comprehensive assessment and the use of various treatment options, both approved and investigational, to slow or reverse the progression of liver fibrosis.
Comparison of the Efficiency of a Neural Network for Image Recognition on Microcontrollers
Authors: Sharuiev Rostyslav Dmytovych , Popovych Pavlo Vasyliovych
Published: November 2024

The paper is devoted to comparing two popular models of 32-bit microcontrollers for working with neural networks for object recognition. The target devices were the ESP32 and STM32 microcontrollers, on which an artificial neural network was deployed, written using the Python programming language and the TensorFlow library. Micropython was chosen as the operating system for the microcontrollers. The paper compares the performance of the ESP32 and STM32 microcontrollers for object detection using a neural network and their classification. The image recognition time and the percentage of correctly classified objects were compared depending on the number of neuron layers and the number of training epochs within these networks. The article shows that the number of layers and training epochs directly affects the accuracy of object classification in the image. The obtained results show that increasing the number of layers of the neural network increases the overall accuracy of object recognition using the studied neural network, increasing the number of training epochs logarithmically increases the accuracy of recognition and classification within the neural network, but at the same time, increasing the number of neuron layers leads to an increase in the total recognition time. The difference in the obtained results for the accuracy of image recognition of microcontrollers differs within 5%.
Распространение вариантов вируса SARS-COV-2, вызывающих интерес (VOI) и находящихся под наблюдением (VUM), на основе количества их геномов, депонированных в базу данных GISAID за неделю с 9 по 15 ноября 2024 г.
Authors: Дмитриева Людмила , Чумачкова Елена , Краснов Ярослав , Осина Наталья , Зимирова Анастасия , Иванова Александра , Карнаухов Игорь , Караваева Татьяна , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: November 2024

В обзоре представлена информация по циркулирующим в настоящее время вариантам вируса SARS-COV-2 Omicron вызывающих интерес (VOI) и находящихся под наблюдением (VUM), геномные последовательности которых размещены в международной базе данных GISAID за неделю с 9 по 15 ноября 2024 г.
Integrative Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis Reveals the Regulatory Networks and Key Genes of Wild and Cultivated Gentiana macrophylla Pall
Authors: Liu Juanjuan , Zhang Jialing , Chen Yiyang , Li Ke , Wang Liangcai , Ma Xiaohui , Jin Ling
Published: November 2024

Gentiana macrophylla Pall. is a medicinally important perennial herb used in traditional Chinese and ethnic medicines. Iridoids are the main chemical constituents of G. macrophylla. The scarcity of the wild resource has led to increased attention to cultivated G. macrophylla. However, little is known about the metabolic differences and the regulatory mechanisms between cultivated and wild G. macrophylla. This study utilized untargeted metabolomics and transcriptomics to reveal differences in accumulated metabolites and expressed genes between wild and cultivated. The metabolomics profiling revealed 25587 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) while the transcriptomic profiling identified 6830 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Analysis revealed that DEGs were predominantly enriched for processes associated with monoterpenoid biosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis. In addition, we verified six differential genes involved in monoterpenoid biosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis by RT-qPCR. The results showed that the relative expression levels in cultivation were higher than those in the wild. According to KEGG pathway analysis, 10HGO(8-hydroxygeraniol dehydrogenase) may be a key enzyme encoding secoiridoid biosynthesis. The comprehensive results of transcriptome and metabolomics analysis revealed a strong correlation between metabolite content and gene expression, which is helpful to further study the function of G. macrophylla Pall. and the regulation of biosynthesis of active components. It provides a theoretical basis for further development and protection of wild species of G. macrophylla in the future.
Channel Estimation and Interference Management in Multi-User MIMO Systems Using Integrated Deep Learning and Quantum Computing
Authors: Yao Shutong
Published: November 2024

This study presents a novel approach combining deep learning with quantum computing for channel estimation and interference management in multi-user MIMO systems. Addressing the limitations of traditional channel estimation methods in complex wireless communication environments, we introduce quantum computing techniques, including quantum Fourier transforms and quantum state reconstruction algorithms, to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of channel estimation. Building on the results from quantum computing, we further optimize the outcomes using deep learning networks, focusing specifically on interference cancellation and data compression. In the experimental setup, we simulated the channel matrix of a multi-user MIMO system on a quantum computing platform and trained a convolutional neural network (CNN) for deep learning optimization. The findings demonstrate that the integration of quantum computing and deep learning substantially enhances system performance, particularly in managing interference and processing data in complex channel environments. This study not only provides new technical methods for channel estimation and interference management in multi-user communication systems but also paves the way for further research into the combined application of quantum computing and deep learning.
Theoretical model and experimental verification of seepage-transition-spontaneous imbibition in water migration of water-injected coal
Authors: Sun Qiushuang , Chen Jian , guo liwen , Yang Xinda , Yan Xuehan
Published: November 2024

Coal seam water injection is widely applied to prevent mine disasters. In the traditional water migration model of water-injected coal, from ignoring capillary force in the seepage stage to generating the capillary dynamic during the spontaneous imbibition state, no transition state exists from 0 to generating capillary force. In this paper, on the basis of theoretical analysis, an equivalent capillary term is introduced to modify the Forchheimer model, and then a seepage-transition-spontaneous imbibition model that is suitable for water migration of water-injected coal is proposed. The formulas for the upper critical point velocity v1, lower critical point velocity v2, and water migration range of the transition state are derived. An analysis experiment of the spontaneous imbibition state in the coal rock water injection process and a monitoring experiment of the water injection process based on nuclear magnetic resonance method are conducted to verify the accuracy of the model. Experimental results show that the water migration process of water-injected coal cannot be accurately reflected without considering the transition section. In this paper, the water migration model of water-injected coal is improved, which provides theoretical support for an in-depth understanding of the water injection mechanism of coal mine disaster prevention engineering.
Four-Step Approach to Screening Mental Health in Adolescents with Substance Use: A Study Using NSDUH Data
Authors: Pant Dipendra , Skokauskas Norbert , Leventhal Bennett , Nytrø Øystein
Published: November 2024

This study implements multiple independent models and aggregates them to screen the mental health status of adolescents with substance use problems, aiming to address an observable gap in developing reproducible and replicable Artificial Intelligence (AI) application. We analysed 21,037 adolescents in the year 2021 and 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data, focusing on multiple target correlates. Data columns with more than 80% missing values, variance below 1%, and correlation above 99% were omitted. Chi-square analysis identified significant associations, while mutual information analysis measured the strength of association. 29 input features related to major depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and mental health treatment history were associated with each of the 16 mental health status target labels, including concentration, depressive symptoms, sleep, energy levels, restlessness, loss of interest and appetite. Analysis of Machine Learning (ML) classifiers, neural networks, and ensemble techniques identified the best-performing models. These model’s predictions and their consensus screen and diagnose adolescents’ status. The resulting AI-based application is deployed at https://huggingface.co/spaces/pantdipendra/AdolescentsMentalHealthPrediction. Finally, the four-step approach, consisting of data extraction, statistical, machine learning analytics, and AI application step, supports reproducible AI application development and makes it accessible to community practices and patient care.
Diagnostic utility of serum PSP94/PSA ratio (PP Index) in minimizing prostate biopsies in lower urinary tract symptoms patients with serum PSA levels between 4-20 ng/ml
Authors: Jagtap Dhanashree D. , Kulkarni Bhalchandra J. , Pawar Prakash , Patil Bhushan , Mallya Adesh D. , Sarma Abhijit , Pathak Bhakti , Fernandes Gwendolyn , Andankar Mukund , Sawant Ajit , Patwardhan Sujata , Mahale Smita D.
Published: November 2024

Background
Serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) test is used globally for prostate cancer screening, however its low specificity causes diagnostic dilemma and a number of patients have to undergo unnecessary biopsies. Our earlier study reported that PSP94, another prostatic protein, when used in conjunction with PSA leads to an improvement in its diagnostic potential. We aim to assess the utility of PSP94/PSA ratio (PP Index) in minimizing referrals for prostate biopsies in patients having lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and with PSA levels between 4–20 ng/ml.
Methods
Patients having LUTS were recruited for this prospective study (n = 833). Estimation of PSP94 was carried out using an in house developed ELISA and PSA tests were carried out at a centralized lab. Samples showing PSA levels in the range of 4–20 ng/ml were considered further for the study (n = 226). Out of these, the biopsy results of 139 participants were available. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of PP Index. To establish the diagnostic potential of PP Index as compared to PSA and PSP94, we performed decision curve analyses (DCA).
Results
On the basis of PSA alone, 100% of the participants in the PSA range of 4–20 ng/ml were recommended for biopsy whereas if PP Index with a cut off value of ≤ 5.26 had been used, ~ 50% of prostate biopsies could have been avoided. At a cut off of ≤ 5.26, the PP Index had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 53.49%. The DCA revealed that at a threshold probability of 5%, the PP index can help to avoid 49.64% of the biopsies.
Conclusions
PSP94 as an adjunct marker along with PSA (PP Index) has the ability to differentiate between prostate cancer and BPH at PSA levels between 4–20 ng/ml and thus can help clinicians in better decision making.
Knowledge and attitude on family planning among Egyptian medical students: A Multicentric Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Azzam Hajer , Kamel Basma , Esawy Ahmed , Awadh Mariam , Rabea Toka , Riad Nouran , Suliman Abdullah , Deibes Tasneem , Ayman Eman , Elbaz Aly , Ashraf Farah , Alemam Doaa
Published: November 2024

Background:
Family planning is a crucial practice that helps couples achieve their desired number of children and spacing between pregnancies. Effective family planning can prevent abortions, maternal morbidity, and maternal deaths. However, studies have shown that medical students need more knowledge regarding family planning. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude of Egyptian medical students towards family planning and the factors affecting them. Family planning not only supports individual health but also contributes to broader public health goals, including improved maternal and child health outcomes. Furthermore, enhancing medical students' understanding of family planning can positively influence their future clinical practice and patient counseling, ultimately leading to better healthcare delivery in their communities.
Methods:
This was a multi-centric cross-sectional descriptive study with an analytical component. We collected data using a multistage stratified cluster sampling method. The study tool was a questionnaire from a previously published study that showed an accepted reliability in a pilot study, a = 0.825 for knowledge and 0.906 for attitude. It included questions about family planning, contraceptive methods, and their providers in the students' localities. We analyzed data using IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 25. Results were considered statistically significant if the p-value was ≤ 0.05.
Results
This cross-sectional study surveyed 926 medical students, predominantly aged 17 to 27 years (mean 21.42 ± 1.90 years), with a balanced gender distribution (52.15% males). Most participants were enrolled in clinical years (63.4%) at governmental universities (74.9%). The majority of students showed poor knowledge of family planning (85.9%), despite significant variations in attitudes with a bigger percentage of inappropriate attitudes (52.7%). We also found that gender significantly influenced knowledge levels (p = 0.04), with higher female scores.
Conclusion
We report a prevalent deficiency in knowledge among Egyptian medical students, with females having better knowledge than males. Attitudes toward family planning are mostly inappropriate, which states the need for effective educational and awareness programs.
Trial Registration
Not applicable.
Study Protocol - The Australian National Child Hearing Health Outcomes Registry (ANCHOR): Connecting and collecting national data to drive child deafness research
Authors: Sung Valerie , Smith Libby , Elliott Kayla , Beswick Rachael , Ching Teresa Y.C. , Feller Hollie , Harkus Samantha , Kluk Karolina , Kong Kelvin , Liddle Karen , McHugh Lauren , McMahon Catherine M , O'Keeffe Isabel , O'Shea Amie , Pang Jermy , Parkinson Bonny , Porter Ann , Poulakis Zeffie , Shepard Emily , Shepherd Daisy , Van-Buynder Patricia , Waters Philip , Leigh Greg , Wake Melissa
Published: November 2024

Background
Despite early identification of deafness through universal newborn hearing screening, deaf and hard of hearing children can still face inequitable challenges in their development and life opportunities. Large scale registries, collecting standardised information including all individuals in a population with the relevant condition, can reveal variations in practices, processes, and outcomes, and identify targets for improvement. For childhood deafness, where practices, processes and outcomes all span multiple service sectors, data linkage is the only possible way to bring data together. Data linkage also minimises the burden and costs of data entry by service providers, increasing future sustainability of large-scale data for research.
Methods and Design:
The Australian National Child Hearing Health Outcomes Registry (ANCHOR) program has been established to connect and collect child hearing health information to drive research and service delivery improvements. Its vision is to give all deaf and hard of hearing children the best opportunities to reach their full potentials. The ANCHOR program aims to map Australia’s child hearing-specific services and datasets nationally and by state; create a single cross-state data system spanning two states for future national extension; develop a Core Outcome Set to measure what matters to children, young people, families, and services; and evaluate the costs and benefits of developing and maintaining ANCHOR. The ANCHOR program brings together expertise in child hearing health, education, lived experience, and research, with its guiding principle centred around community engagement.
Discussion
If successful, ANCHOR will provide a national platform to facilitate population-based research for deaf and hard of hearing children, a pathway to national reporting of developmental and educational outcomes, and a national child evidence base for future hearing policies, service delivery models, and supports. Ultimately, ANCHOR will drive research to improve models of service delivery and equity of access for deaf and hard of hearing children and their families, in particular those from deaf and Aboriginal and Torres Islander communities. This paper provides an overview of the established and evolving methodologies of the ANCHOR program to achieve its aims.
Data Augmentation in Cancer Image Classification Problem with Quantum GAN
Authors: Andra Muhammad Bagus , Yuliani Asri R. , Kadar Jimmy A. , Ramdan Ade , Pardede Hilman F.
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we propose a novel approach leveraging Quantum Generative Adversarial Networks (QGANs) for data augmentation in cancer image classification tasks. Cancer diagnosis from medical images plays a crucial role in early detection and treatment planning. However, imbalance nature of medical image data pose significant challenges for training accurate classification models. Our proposed methodology utilizes QGANs to generate synthetic medical images that closely mimic the characteristics of real cancer images classes, effectively addressing the data imbalance issue. Our QGAN architecture, which combines quantum circuits for the generator with a classical neural networks for the discriminator, was trained to synthesize medical images for augmentation. The performance of the convolutional neural networks (CNN) classifier was evaluated using accuracy and the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC-ROC) as metrics. Results show that augmented datasets significantly improve the classif ication performance. For instance, the AUC-ROC for the Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) class increased by 0.031, and the Dermatofibroma (DF) class saw a reduction in validation loss by 0.06. Moreover, segmentation-based QGAN training demonstrated considerable advantages in computational efficiency. The training time was reduced to just one hour, and inference times were less than a second per image.
Cervical pedicle screw fixation with the Tianji orthopedic surgical robot.
Authors: Shen Hao , Zhou Jinlong , Yu Lipeng
Published: November 2024

Objective
To compare the accuracy and safety of implanting cervical pedicle screws (CPS) between orthopedic surgical robot-assisted technique and traditional fluoroscopy-assisted free-hand technique.
Methods
Retrospective analysis of 95 patients treated with posterior cervical spinal surgery using either Tianji orthopedic surgical robot-assisted or traditional fluoroscopy-assisted free-hand pedicle screw implantation technology from March 2021 to March 2024, including 44 cases in the orthopedic surgical robot group and 51 cases in the traditional fluoroscopy group.
Results
Compared with the traditional fluoroscopy group, the orthopedic surgical robot group had better accuracy in screw implantation that is, a higher acceptable rate of screws (p = 0.0083). In addition, compared with the traditional fluoroscopy group, postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the orthopedic surgical robot group (p = 0.0447), but operation duration was longer (p = 0.0038). There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss between groups (p = 0.0872). There were 2 cases of cerebrospinal fluid leakage and 1 case of decreased left handgrip strength in the traditional fluoroscopy group, while only 1 case of cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in the orthopedic surgical robot group.
Conclusions
In this retrospective study, the accuracy of spine surgery with CSP implantation assisted by orthopedic surgical robot is often superior to that of spine surgery using traditional fluoroscopy-guided CPS implantation technique, while maintaining comparable safety.
Design of a surgical robot servo control system based on RBF neural network adaptive PID
Authors: Meng Panpan , Jin Xiaoyi , Niu Yibo , Kong Weibiao , Xi Ying
Published: November 2024

This paper presents the design of a servo control system for flexible endoscope surgical robots. For the system with a certain degree of uncertainty, an Radial Basis Function (RBF) neural network adaptive Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control algorithm is proposed. This algorithm fully utilizes the adaptivity, self-learning ability, and excellent nonlinear approximation ability of RBF neural network to achieve real-time online adjustment of PID. We developed a mathematical model and transfer function of the servo and conducted a detailed simulation study with the help of MATLAB platform. The simulation results show that the RBF neural network adaptive PID control algorithm not only significantly outperforms the traditional PID controller in terms of performance, demonstrating stronger adaptability and anti-interference ability, but also greatly improves the control effect for nonlinear time-varying systems. We establish the block diagram of the servo control system on the LABVIEW platform and further confirmed the superiority of the algorithm in practical applications through experimental verification. This is specifically manifested in the effective reduction of system overshooting and the significant improvement of response speed and control accuracy.
Topological-insulating grain boundary networks for high-performance Fe2VAl thermoelectrics
Authors: Garmroudi Fabian , Serhiienko Illia , Parzer Michael , Ghosh Sanyukta , Ziolkowski Pawel , Oppitz Gregor , Nguyen Hieu Duy , Bourgès Cédric , Hattori Yuya , Riss Alexander , Steyrer Sebastian , Rogl Gerda , Rogl Peter , Schafler Erhard , Kawamoto Naoyuki , Müller Eckhard , Bauer Ernst , de Boor Johannes , Mori Takao
Published: November 2024

Decoupling charge and heat transport is essential for optimizing thermoelectric materials. Strategies to inhibit lattice-driven heat transport, however, also compromise carrier mobility, limiting the performance of most thermoelectrics, including Fe2VAl Heusler compounds. Here, we demonstrate an innovative approach, which bypasses this tradeoff: via liquid-phase sintering, we incorporate the archetypal topological insulator Bi1-xSbx between Fe2V0.95Ta0.1Al0.95 grains. Structural investigations alongside extensive thermoelectric and magneto-transport measurements reveal distinct modifications in the microstructure, a reduced lattice thermal conductivity and a simultaneously enhanced carrier mobility arising from topologically protected charge transport along the grain boundaries. This yields a huge performance boost - far beyond the effective-medium limit - and results in one of the highest figure of merits among both half- and full-Heusler compounds, z ≈ 1.6 x 10^-3 K^-1 (zT ≈ 0.5) at 295 K. Our findings highlight the potential of topological-insulating secondary phases to decouple charge and heat transport and call for more advanced theoretical studies of multiphase composites.
Effect of cholecalciferol supplementation on CVD, inflammation and bone metabolism markers in CKD: results of feasibility phase of randomized double blind controlled placebo trial
Authors: Kamboj Kajal , Manoharan Karthikeyan , Sharma Shubham , Khera Himanshi , Shafiq Nusrat , Kohli Harbir Singh , Yadav Ashok Kumar , Kumar Vivek , Jha Vivekanand
Published: November 2024

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and bone mineral metabolism. Despite short term favourable effects, long term impact of cholecalciferol supplementation is unknown. We tested the effects of cholecalciferol supplementation on CVD outcome [major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)], progression of CKD and markers of bone-mineral metabolism and inflammation in patients with pre-dialysis CKD.
Methods: The study was a single centre, prospective, randomized (1:1), placebo controlled, double blind clinical trial. Inclusion criteria were ages between 18-75 years, estimated glomerular filtration rate 10-45 ml/min/1.73m2, serum 25(OH)D levels 20-50 ng/ml and clinically stable course for last 3 months. After 2 weeks run-in phase, participants received either cholecalciferol 60000 IU once/2 weeks or matching placebo and followed up at every 3 months till 36 months after enrolment. All clinical, demographic characters and biomarkers were analysed at baseline and annual follow up.
Results: 692 participants were screened, out of which 126 were enrolled. However, 37 participants dropped out before randomization on account of COVID-19 related lockdowns or other reasons. The pilot phase was stopped in April 2023. Follow up course of 89 participants were available till that time: 46 participants were in the cholecalciferol group whereas 43 were in the placebo group. Both the groups were similar with respect to MACE events, need of renal replacement therapy and all-cause mortality. Over one year, serum 25 (OH)D increased in the cholecalciferol group [Mean diff between groups: 31.89, 95% CI: 20.46 to 43.32, P<0.001]. Serum calcium increased whereas C-reactive protein and bone specific alkaline phosphatase levels decreased in the cholecalciferol group.
Conclusions: Cholecalciferol treatment did not affect CVD outcome or progression of CKD in vitamin D insufficient patients with stage G3-G4 CKD, however it favourably affected markers of inflammation and bone metabolism in these patients.
Trial Registration: The trial was prospectively registered at the Clinical Trials Registry of India (www.ctri.nic.in, trial registration number CTRI/2019/05/019211 dated 20 May 2019).
Leveraging Machine Learning Algorithms for Early Detection and Prognosis of Pediatric Autoimmune Diseases A Comprehensive Data-Driven Approach
Authors: Long Gao , Li Linqiao
Published: November 2024

The early detection and prognosis of pediatric autoimmune diseases are crucial for improving clinical outcomes and patient quality of life. Traditional diagnostic methods often fall short due to the complexity and variability of autoimmune responses in children. This study explores the application of machine learning algorithms in the early detection and prognosis of pediatric autoimmune diseases, leveraging a comprehensive data-driven approach. By integrating various machine learning techniques, including Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forests, and Neural Networks, we aim to develop models that can accurately identify early signs of autoimmune diseases and predict their progression. Data for this study were collected from multiple healthcare databases, encompassing a wide range of clinical parameters, patient histories, and biomarker profiles. Preprocessing steps involved data cleaning, normalization, and handling missing values to ensure the robustness of the models. The performance of the machine learning models was evaluated using metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score, with cross-validation techniques employed to validate the results. Our findings demonstrate that machine learning algorithms significantly outperform traditional diagnostic methods in both sensitivity and specificity. The Random Forest algorithm, in particular, showed the highest accuracy in detecting early signs of pediatric autoimmune diseases. Additionally, the models developed provide valuable prognostic insights, aiding healthcare providers in making informed decisions about patient management and treatment plans. The study highlights the potential of machine learning to revolutionize the diagnosis and management of pediatric autoimmune diseases, offering a promising tool for clinicians to enhance early detection and improve patient outcomes. Future research should focus on refining these models and integrating them into clinical practice to fully realize their benefits.
Influence of Fractal Fabric on the Shear Characteristics of Large-Scale Accumulation Bodies
Authors: Huang Yidan , Chen Wentai
Published: November 2024

Large-scale accumulation bodies composed of loose materials are among the theoretical and practical topics of greatest interest to engineers and scientists. Although accumulation bodies have been widely studied across multiple academic disciplines, the impact of particle materials on mechanical properties remains insufficiently explored. The motivation for this study is to investigate the relationship between the fabric characteristics of large-scale accumulation bodies and their shear mechanical properties, field investigations were conducted to obtain particle size distribution characteristics, which led to determining the fractal dimension D as a descriptor of the fabric. For samples with different fractal dimensions, we conducted large direct shear tests and MatDEM numerical simulations. The topological characteristics of the particle contact network during shear were then analysed using a complex network method. The results revealed that the accumulation bodies’ shear strength obtained from both the physical and numerical experiments first increased but then decreased with increasing fractal dimension, following a normal distribution with a mean value of 2.5 and an amplification factor that is proportional to the vertical load. The analysis of complex network parameters also has consistent patterns. On the basis of these experimental results, this study investigates the shear mechanical properties of accumulation bodies from both macroscopic and microscopic perspectives, providing deeper insights into the link between macroscopic responses and the mesoscale structure of force chains, explaining the mechanism by which fractal dimensions affect their shear characteristics and providing new evaluation methods for the utilization and stability assessment of large-scale accumulation materials.
A novel, low-cost clay ceramic membrane for the separation of oil-water emulsions
Authors: Almasri Dema , Manawi Yehia , Makki Suhde , Tasneem Nafia , Simson Simjo , Abdel-Hadi Iman , Agcaoili John , Lawler Jenny , Kochkodan Viktor
Published: November 2024

The development of a facile and efficient method for the fabrication of ceramic membranes fills a vital gap in the ceramic membrane manufacture research field. Ceramic membranes are relatively high in cost due to the cost of raw materials (metal oxides) as well as the energy required during the sintering stage of the fabrication process. In this study, a ceramic membrane made of low-cost halloysite nanotubular (HNT) clay is fabricated through a die press process and sintered at temperatures notably lower than those required of raw materials in commercial membranes. The features of the membrane were evaluated in terms of chemical properties, surface characteristics, hydrophilicity, durability, oil rejection performance, and antifouling properties. The pore size, porosity, and water permeability corresponding to the optimum membrane composition: halloysite: Al2O3: starch as 60:25:15 wt.% were found to be 230 nm, 62.4%, and 1040 LMH/bar, respectively. The membrane demonstrated to be superhydrophilic in air and superoleophobic underwater. The performance tests were conducted with oil emulsions. Oil-water rejection tests were conducted at different concentrations of oil-in-water emulsions (724 and 1014 mg/L) and oil rejection was observed to reach more than 99%. The flux recovery ratio (FRR) of the membrane in the first filtration cycle when treating the lower oil concentration emulsion was 54% greater than the FRR corresponding to the higher oil concentration emulsion. However, in the next filtration cycle, the FRR of the ceramic membrane was 30% greater for the higher oil concentration emulsion which could be attributed to the formation of an oil film, preventing further oil particle penetration in the membrane matrix. The testing with real produced water from gas extraction indicated that the novel HNTs-based ceramic membrane performed well in feed solutions with high total dissolved solids content and can be used for produced water pretreatment before reverse osmosis membranes if the produced water to be desalted. The results from this work show that the developed ceramic membrane is a promising, low-cost alternative to the ones existing in the current market for oily wastewater treatment.
Intrahost dynamics, together with genetic and phenotypic traits predict the success of viral mutations
Authors: Tan Cedric , Escalera-Zamudio Marina , Yavlinksy Alexei , Dorp Lucy van , Balloux Francois
Published: November 2024

Predicting the fitness of mutations in the evolution of pathogens is a long-standing and important, yet largely unsolved problem. In this study, we used SARS-CoV-2 as a model system to explore whether the intrahost diversity of viral infections could provide clues on the relative fitness of single amino acid variants (SAVs). To do so, we analysed ~15 million complete genomes and nearly ~8000 sequencing libraries generated from SARS-CoV-2 infections, which were collected at various timepoints during the COVID-19 pandemic. Across timepoints, we found that many successful SAVs were detected in the intrahost diversity of samples collected prior, with a median of 6-40 months between the initial collection dates of samples and the highest frequency seen for these SAVs. Additionally, we found that the co-occurrence of intrahost SAVs significantly captures genetic linkage patterns observed at the interhost level (Pearson’s r=0.28-0.45, all p<0.0001). Further, we show that machine learning models can learn highly generalisable intrahost, physiochemical and phenotypic patterns to forecast the future fitness of intrahost SAVs (r2=0.48-0.63). Most of these models performed significantly better when considering genetic linkage (r2=0.53-0.68). Overall, our results document the evolutionary forces shaping the fitness of mutations, which may offer potential to forecast the emergence of future variants and ultimately inform the design of vaccine targets.
Spatial and Single-Cell Analyses Reveal the Pro-Invasiveness Role of NUAK1 in Breast Cancer through EMT Regulation
Authors: Wang Jiani , Yang Jiumei , Li Cuicui , Qiu Dongbo , Zhang Baoyu , Zhang Peng
Published: November 2024

Objective
Breast carcinoma is a leading malignancy in women, and the role of Novel (nua) kinase family 1 (NUAK1) in its progression is not well-defined. This study aimed to investigate the biological significance of NUAK1 in breast cancer and its potential as a prognostic marker.
Methods
We assessed the expression levels of NUAK1 in breast cancer tissues and cell lines using RT-qPCR and cultured cell assays. Statistical analysis was conducted to correlate NUAK1 expression levels with clinicopathological features. Survival analysis was performed to determine the prognostic value of NUAK1 in breast cancer. Additionally, Transwell invasion assays and the evaluation of EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition)-related proteins were conducted to ascertain the impact of NUAK1 on cellular invasion and EMT. Furthermore, spatial transcriptomic analysis utilizing the CROST dataset and single-cell RNA sequencing data were employed to dissect the expression patterns of NUAK1 and its association with the TME
Results
NUAK1 was found to be upregulated in breast cancer tissues and cell lines compared to non-cancerous controls. High expression of NUAK1 was significantly associated with poorer patient survival and was an independent prognostic factor. Transwell assays demonstrated that NUAK1 overexpression significantly enhanced cellular invasion. Overexpression of NUAK1 also induced EMT, as evidenced by decreased expression of epithelial markers and increased expression of the mesenchymal marker Vimentin. Single-cell analysis across various datasets highlighted NUAK1's expression in endothelial cells and its correlation with the TNM stage. Spatial transcriptomic analysis revealed that NUAK1 expression, particularly in B-Nai cells, was associated with a distinct immune cell landscape and communication patterns within the TME, influencing TGFβ and WNT signaling pathways.
Conclusions
Our findings indicate that NUAK1 is upregulated in breast cancer and serves as an independent prognostic marker. NUAK1 promotes breast cancer cell invasion through the induction of EMT and is implicated in the modulation of the TME. The single-cell analysis and spatial transcriptomic data provide novel insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying NUAK1's role in breast carcinogenesis, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.
Efficacy and safety of targeted immune drugs conversion microwave ablation in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Dai Hongyuan , Lu Ying , Yu Hongli , Zhang Tianlan , Lei Jin , Zhang Linzhi , Hao Qiuyao , Dong Zheng , Lu Yinying
Published: November 2024

Objective
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of target-immune drug-converted microwave ablation (MWA) companred to MWA alone for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Methods
Retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 257 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who received either targeted immune drug conversion with microwave ablation (Drug + MWA) or microwave ablation alone (MWA) from January 2022 to March 2023, employing the propensity score matching (PSM) method to mitigate the impact of potential confounding factors. The incidence of perioperative complications was compared between the two groups, and univariate as well as multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate these complications. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier curves were utilized to evaluate the tumor control effect between the two groups.
Results
Drug + MWA group and MWA group included 60 patients respectively. The rates of perioperative complications were similar between the two groups (all p > 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age and tumor size were positively correlated with the occurrence of perioperative complications associated with MWA (p < 0.05). The most common complications included fever, secondary infection, and electrolyte imbalance, with independent risk factors identified as tumor size, serum albumin, and gender, respectively. Compared to the MWA group, the Drug + MWA group exhibited significantly reduced 1-year intrahepatic tumor progression (1.7% vs. 13.3%, p = 0.015) and local tumor progression rates (1.7% vs. 11.7%, p = 0.028) compared to the MWA group.
Conclusions
Compared with MMW therapy alone, target-immune drug conversion into MWA does not increase the risk of perioperative complications, and has better control over intrahepatic and local tumor progression.