bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of M4CXR, an LLM-Based Chest X-Ray Report Generation Model, and ChatGPT in Radiological Interpretation
Authors: Lee Ro Woon , Lee Kyu Hong , Yun Jae Sung , Kim Myung Sub , Choi Hyun Seok
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: This study investigated the diagnostic capabilities of two AI-based tools, M4CXR (research-only version) and ChatGPT-4o, in chest X-ray interpretation. M4CXR is a specialized cloud-based system using advanced large language models (LLMs) for generating comprehensive radiology reports, while ChatGPT, built on the GPT-4 architecture, offers potential in settings with limited radiological expertise. Methods: This study evaluated 826 anonymized chest X-ray images from Inha University Hospital. Two experienced radiologists independently assessed the performance of M4CXR and ChatGPT across multiple diagnostic parameters. The evaluation focused on diagnostic accuracy, false findings, location accuracy, count accuracy, and the presence of hallucinations. Interobserver agreement was quantified using Cohen’s kappa coefficient. Results: M4CXR consistently demonstrated superior performance compared to ChatGPT across all evaluation metrics. For diagnostic accuracy, M4CXR achieved approximately 60–62% acceptability ratings compared to ChatGPT’s 42–45%. Both systems showed high interobserver agreement rates, with M4CXR generally displaying stronger consistency. Notably, M4CXR showed better performance in anatomical localization (76–77.5% accuracy) compared to ChatGPT (36–36.5%) and demonstrated fewer instances of hallucination. Conclusions: The findings highlight the complementary potential of these AI technologies in medical diagnostics. While M4CXR shows stronger performance in specialized radiological analysis, the integration of both systems could potentially optimize diagnostic workflows. This study emphasizes the role of AI in augmenting human expertise rather than replacing it, suggesting that a combined approach leveraging both AI capabilities and clinical judgment could enhance patient care outcomes.
Scratch-Based Isolation of Primary Cells (SCIP): A Novel Method to Obtain a Large Number of Human Dental Pulp Cells Through One-Step Cultivation
Authors: Kiyokawa Yuki , Terajima Masahiko , Sato Masahiro , Inada Emi , Hori Yuria , Bando Ryo , Iwase Yoko , Kubota Naoko , Murakami Tomoya , Tsugane Hiroko , Watanabe Satoshi , Sonomura Takahiro , Terunuma Miho , Maeda Takeyasu , Noguchi Hirofumi , Saitoh Issei
Published: November 2024

Background: Dental pulp (DP) is a connective tissue composed of various cell types, including fibroblasts, neurons, adipocytes, endothelial cells, and odontoblasts. It contains a rich supply of pluripotent stem cells, making it an important resource for cell-based regenerative medicine. However, current stem cell collection methods rely heavily on the enzymatic digestion of dissected DP tissue to isolate and propagate primary cells, which often results in low recovery rates and reduced cell survival, particularly from deciduous teeth. Methods: We developed a novel and efficient method to obtain a sufficient number of cells through a one-step cultivation process of isolated DP. After the brief digestion of DP with proteolytic enzymes, it was scratched onto a culture dish and cultured in a suitable medium. By day 2, the cells began to spread radially from DP, and by day 10, they reached a semi-confluent state. Cells harvested through trypsinization consistently yielded over 1 million cells, and after re-cultivation, the cells could be propagated for more than ten passages. Results: The proliferative and differentiation capacities of the cells after the 10th passage were comparable to those from the first passage. The cells expressed alkaline phosphatase as an undifferentiation marker. Similarly, they also maintained the constitutive expression of stem cell-specific markers and differentiation-related markers, even after the 10th passage. Conclusions: This method, termed “scratch-based isolation of primary cells from human dental pulps (SCIP)”, enables the efficient isolation of a large number of DP cells with minimal equipment and operator variability, while preserving cell integrity. Its simplicity, high success rate, and adaptability for patients with genetic diseases make it a valuable tool for regenerative medicine research and clinical applications.
The Effect of Bio-Electromagnetic Energy Regulation Therapy on Erectile Dysfunction in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Triple-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Alzharani Abdulaziz Ali Y. , Alshami Ali M. , Abualait Turki , Azman Hatem Al , Alshamrani Foziah Jabbar , Alzahrani Yahya Hilal , Althobaiti Youssef A.
Published: November 2024

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of bio-electromagnetic energy regulation (BEMER) therapy on erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted in two different centers. Fifty-two male participants with MS were randomly allocated into two groups. Patients received either three weeks of BEMER with pelvic floor exercises or sham BEMER with pelvic floor exercises. The primary measure was the International Index of Erectile Function—Erectile Function (IIEF-EF). Secondary measures included the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), Erection Hardness Scale (EHS), Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (AXES), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), and Multiple Sclerosis, Intimacy, and Sexuality Questionnaire (MSISQ-19). Results: Compared to the sham BEMER group, the BEMER group showed better improvements in the IIEF-EF (mean difference [MD]: −6.9, p < 0.001), SHIM (MD: −6.1, p < 0.001), EHS (MD: −0.4, p = 0.022), AXES (MD: 2.9, p = 0.030), MSISQ-19 (MD: 15.0, p < 0.001), and MFIS (MD: 31.0, p < 0.001). Conclusions: BEMER therapy improved erectile function and sexual satisfaction and reduced fatigue in patients with MS after three weeks of intervention. Long-term follow-up studies are warranted to ascertain the sustained benefits of BEMER therapy for MS-related ED.
Maternal Morbidity Associated with Early Preterm Birth in Low-Risk Singleton Pregnancies
Authors: Gulersen Moti , Lenchner Erez , Goyal Alisha , Grunebaum Amos , Chervenak Frank A. , Bornstein Eran
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: While neonatal morbidities associated with early preterm birth are known, the risks of maternal morbidities in these births remain unclear. Thus, we set out to assess the risk of maternal morbidities associated with early preterm births. Methods: Retrospective cohort study utilizing the United States (US) Natality Live Birth database from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2016–2021). Low-risk singleton pregnancies were included. High-risk conditions such as out-of-hospital births, fetal anomalies, pregestational and gestational diabetes, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were excluded. The rates of several maternal morbidities were compared among three gestational age at birth groups: 23 0/7–27 6/7 (i.e., extreme preterm), 28 0/7–33 6/7 (i.e., early preterm), and 37 0/7–41 6/7 (i.e., term, reference group) weeks. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust outcomes for potential confounders. Data were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: 18,797,394 live births were analyzed. Extreme and early preterm birth were associated with increased odds of maternal transfusion (aOR 3.32, 95% CI 3.13–3.53 and aOR 2.96, 95% CI 2.86–3.07), uterine rupture (aOR 3.75, 95% CI 3.14–4.48 and aOR 4.13, 95% CI 3.76–4.54), unplanned hysterectomy (aOR 5.60, 95% CI 4.85–6.48 and aOR 5.92, 95% CI 5.47–6.40), and maternal admission to the intensive care unit (ICU, aOR 10.58, 95% CI 9.97–11.54 and aOR 10.13, 95% CI 9.77–10.50) compared to term birth. The odds of third- or fourth-degree perineal lacerations were decreased in both preterm birth groups compared to term birth. Conclusions: In addition to the known prematurity-related neonatal morbidities, extreme and early preterm births also impose a risk for maternal morbidities. Higher odds of maternal transfusion, uterine rupture, unplanned hysterectomy, and maternal admission to the ICU were detected in our cohort. These data should be taken into consideration when caring for patients with preterm births.
Management of Clinically Negative Neck in Early-Stage (T1-2N0) Oral Squamous-Cell Carcinoma (OSCC): Ten Years of a Single Institution’s Experience
Authors: Di Giorgio Danilo , Della Monaca Marco , Nocini Riccardo , Battisti Andrea , Ferri Federica Orsina , Priore Paolo , Terenzi Valentina , Valentini Valentino
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Oral cavity squamous-cell carcinoma is among the most frequent head and neck neoplasms. Early-stage T1/T2N0 accounts for 40/45% of new diagnoses. Of these, about 30% of cases hide occult metastases in the neck. The management of clinically N0 neck is of paramount importance and is still being debated. Methods: The medical records of patients with a clinical diagnosis of early-stage T1-T2N0 carcinoma of the oral cavity between 2011 and 2021 were retrospectively analysed. The inclusion criteria were complete medical and radiological records, pT1-2 pathology staging, and a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Biographical, management, and survival data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics [28.0.1.1]; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results: A total of 121 patients met the inclusion criteria. The tongue was the most affected site, with 52 cases. All patients underwent resection of the primary tumour; for neck management, 47 (38.8%) underwent elective neck dissection, 36 underwent follow-up, and 11 underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy. A total of 59 cases were staged as T1 and 62 as T2; in 97 (80.2%) cases, the neck was confirmed as N0; in 10 (8.3%), N1; in 1 case, N2a; in 8, N2b; in 2, N2c; and in 3, N3b. The mean DOI was 4.8 mm. In a Cox regression, a statistically significant association was shown between overall survival and pN staging (p < 0.05). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a statistically significant difference between different regimens of management of the neck in terms of overall survival, disease-free survival, and disease-specific survival in favour of elective neck dissection and sentinel lymph node biopsy compared to watchful policy (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Elective neck dissection and sentinel lymph node biopsy proved to be safe and oncologically effective in the treatment of clinically N0 early-stage oral carcinoma.
Screening for Fabry Disease-Related Mutations Among 829 Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Kljajic Marina , Atic Armin , Pecin Ivan , Jelakovic Bojan , Basic-Jukic Nikolina
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Fabry disease (FD) is a genetic lysosomal storage disease caused by a pathogenic variant in GLA gene coding for a functional alpha-galactosidase A enzyme whose disfunction leads to globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) accumulation in cells, which results in multiple organ disorders. The aim of this study was to identify mutations associated with Fabry disease among 829 kidney transplant recipients and to investigate the correlation between the factors such as age, dialysis vintage, eGFR, proteinuria and corticosteroid dose and the deviations in alpha-galactosidase A and lyso-Gb3 levels. Methods: Dry blood spot samples were collected for genetic analysis. The GLA genetic variants were analysed by an amplicon-based next-generation sequencing approach in all female patients and in male patients with reduced alpha-galactosidase A levels. Alpha-galactosidase A and Lyso-Gb3 were not determined in female patients. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship between the above-mentioned factors with the activity of alpha-galactosidase A and Lyso-Gb3. Results: Genetic testing was performed in 476 patients, all female patients (334), 69 male patients with decreased level of alpha-galactosidase A activity, one male patient with alpha-galactosidase A levels above the quantification limit and 72 male patients with no interpretable results of alpha-galactosidase A activity due to preanalytical error. In 3 (0.4%) male patients, hemizygous mutations associated with Fabry disease were found, and those were c.427G>A p.(Ala143Thr), c.1181T>C p.(Leu394Pro), and c.352C>T p.(Arg118Cys). The dose of corticosteroid therapy seemed to be positively correlated to alpha-galactosidase A activity and negatively to Lyso-Gb3 levels in blood. Conclusions: Genetic testing of individuals with chronic kidney disease and reporting of genetic variants associated with the Fabry phenotype are important to improve the overall knowledge of the disease. Further research is needed to define factors influencing levels of alpha-galactosidase A and Lyso-Gb3.
Association Between Sarcopenic Obesity and Activities of Daily Living in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Ishimoto Ryu , Mutsuzaki Hirotaka , Shimizu Yukiyo , Takeuchi Ryoko , Matsumoto Shuji , Hada Yasushi
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Sarcopenic obesity adversely affects physical function and activities of daily living (ADL) in older individuals and patients undergoing rehabilitation. This condition is also common in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI); however, its relationship with ADL in this group remains unclear. Hence, this study examined the association between sarcopenic obesity and ADL in individuals with SCI. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study identified sarcopenia using the low skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia reference values. Obesity was defined as a body fat percentage (%BF) exceeding 25% in men and 35% in women. Sarcopenic obesity was identified when both the sarcopenia and obesity criteria were met. The primary outcome, ADL, was measured using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the associations among the SMI, %BF, and FIM scores, after adjusting for age, sex, lesion level, injury severity, comorbidities, and injury duration. Results: Of 82 participants (median age: 63.5 years; 18.3% women), 62.2% had sarcopenic obesity. Participants with sarcopenic obesity (54 vs. 69 points, p = 0.006) had significantly lower FIM motor scores than those without this condition. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that SMI (β = 0.416, p < 0.001) and %BF (β = −0.325, p = 0.009) were independently associated with the FIM motor scores. Conclusions: Decreased SMI and increased %BF in patients with SCI were independently associated with decreased ADL independence. Routine body composition assessments are necessary for early detection and intervention in this population.
Analysis of Oxide Capacitance Changes Based on the Formation–Annihilation of Conductive Filaments in a SiO2/Si-NCs/SiO2 Stack Layer-Based MIS-like Capacitor
Authors: Germán-Martínez J. Miguel , González-Flores K. E. , Palacios-Márquez B. , Mendoza-Ramírez C. , Moreno M. , Hernández-Martínez L. , Morales-Sánchez A.
Published: November 2024

This work reports on the correlation between resistive switching (RS) with capacitance switching (CS) states observed in SiO2/Si-nanocrystals (Si-NCs)/SiO2 stack layers using a metal-insulating semiconductor (MIS)-like device. The formation of Si-NCs, which act as conductive nodes, of about 6.7 nm in size was confirmed using a transmission electron microscope. These devices exhibit bipolar RS properties with an intermediate resistive state (IRS), which is a self-compliance behavior related to the presence of the Si-NCs layer. The current value changes from 40 nA to 550 µA, indicating RS from a high resistance state (HRS) to a low resistance state (LRS) with the IRS at 100 µA. The accumulation (CA) and inversion capacitance (CI) also change when these RS events occur. The CA switches from 2.52 nF to 3 nF with an intermediate CS of 2.7 nF for the HRS, LRS, and IRS, respectively. The CI also switches from 0.23 nF to 0.6 nF for the HRS and LRS, respectively. These devices show an ON/OFF current ratio of 104 with retention times of 104 s. Furthermore, both CA and CI states remained stable for more than 103 s. These findings highlight the potential of these devices for applications in information storage through memristor and memcapacitor technologies.
Simulation and Discussion on Strength Mechanism of Trimodal Grain-Structured CNT/Al Composites Using Strain Gradient Theory
Authors: Wang Sijie , Zhuang Qianduo , Liu Weijie , Liu Xijin , Badreddine Houssem , Saba Farhad , Li Zhiqiang , Yue Zhenming
Published: November 2024

The trimodal grain-structured (TGS) carbon nanotube-reinforced aluminum matrix composites (CNT/Al) exhibit better strength–ductility synergy compared to bimodal grain-structured (BGS) composites. The addition of fine grain (FG) to the TGS composites effectively facilitates strain hardening and reduces strain/stress concentrations. In order to address the strain incompatibility in TGS composites, a significant accumulation of geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs) occurs at the hetero-zone boundaries. This accumulation serves as the key factor in generating additional strengthening and work hardening. By utilizing a multi-mechanism strain gradient model, a quantitative analysis of the contributions made by Hall–Petch, Taylor, and back stress strengthening was conducted. Furthermore, effects of each domain volume fraction on the GND density at the boundaries between heterogeneous domains were carefully and extensively investigated and compared. It is found that the strengthening effect of back stress significantly surpasses that of the Hall–Petch and Taylor strengthening accounting. Compared to BGS composites, the TGS composites are more effective in facilitating strain hardening and reducing strain/stress concentrations, which may lead to a better balance between strength and ductility.
Dynamic-Cross-Linked, Regulated, and Controllable Mineralization Degree and Morphology of Collagen Biomineralization
Authors: Geng Ziyao , Xu Fan , Liu Ying , Qiao Aike , Du Tianming
Published: November 2024

The cross-linking process of collagen is one of the more important ways to improve the mineralization ability of collagen. However, the regulatory effect of dynamic cross-linking on biomineralization in vitro remains unclear. Dynamic-cross-linked mineralized collagen under different cross-linking processes, according to the process of cross-linking and mineralization of natural bone, was prepared in this study. Mineralization was performed for 12 h at 4, 8, and 12 h of collagen cross-linking. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed the characteristics of dynamic-cross-linked mineralization in terms of morphological transformation and distribution. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed the crystallinity characteristics of the hydroxyapatite (HA) crystal formation. Pre-cross-linked dynamic-cross-linked mineralization refers to the process of cross-linking for a period of time and then side cross-linked mineralization. The mineral content, enzyme stability, and mechanical properties of mineralized collagen were improved through a dynamic cross-linking process of pre-cross-linking. The swelling performance was reduced through the dynamic cross-linking process of pre-cross-linking. This study suggests that the dynamic cross-linking process through pre-cross-linking could make it easier for minerals to permeate and deposit between collagen fibers, improve mineralization efficiency, and, thus, enhance the mechanical strength of biomineralization. This study can provide new ideas and a theoretical basis for designing mineralized collagen scaffolds with better bone repair ability.
Stromatolites and Their “Kin” as Living Microbialites in Contemporary Settings Linked to a Long Fossil Record
Authors: Landing Ed , Johnson Markes E.
Published: November 2024

Organo-sedimentary deposits that result from fine-grained sediment trapping, binding, and likely precipitation (of carbonate) by microbes in flat-mat, branching, and dome-shaped constructions are termed microbialites. They were first identified as stromatolites by paleontologists well before the discovery of cyanobacteria that build the same kinds of structures in contemporary settings around the world. Earth’s earliest life forms were prokaryotes (bacteria and bacteria-like forms) that reproduced under anaerobic conditions and later produced increasingly aerobic conditions. Stromatolites persisted through later Archean and Proterozoic times through the subsequent Phanerozoic to the present. At the start of the Cambrian Period 538 million years ago, stromatolites continued alongside rapidly diversifying plant and animal phyla during the Cambrian explosion of eukaryotic life, which have complex cells with internal structures and tissue-grade organization in multicellular taxa. The type locality exhibiting clear examples of stromatolite structures is conserved at Lester Park near Saratoga Springs in northeastern New York State. Paleontologist James Hall (1811–1898) was the first in 1884 to assign a Latin binomen (Cryptozoon proliferum) to stromatolite fossils from Lester Park. Thereafter, reports on formally named stromatolites proliferated, as did examples from virtually all subsequent geological time intervals including the Pleistocene Epoch. However, recognition that living cyanobacteria formed stromatolites identified as Cryptozoon took place much later in 1961 with the announcement by geologist Brian W. Logan (1933–2008) who described modern constructions in Hamlin Pool, Shark Bay, Western Australia. Initially, Shark Bay was regarded as a one-of-a-kind sanctuary for stromatolites living under restricted conditions with elevated levels of salinity that prohibited competition or grazing by eukaryotes. Most notably, among other settings with living stromatolites discovered and described since then are the Bahamas, East African rift lakes, Mexico’s Baja California, and saline lakes in Argentina. This report reviews the history of discoveries of modern-day stromatolites, more commonly called microbialites by biologists. All are predicated on the ground-breaking efforts of geologists and paleontologists who first described fossil stromatolites but were unaware of their living counterparts. The Lester Park locality is highlighted together with a master list of other North American localities that feature purported Cryptozoons.
Critical Success Factors for Green Port Transformation Using Digital Technology
Authors: Su Zhenqing , Liu Yanfeng , Gao Yunfan , Park Keun-Sik , Su Miao
Published: November 2024

Ports are the main arteries of global trade, handling goods circulation and serving as hubs for information, capital, and technology. Integrating digital technology has become the key for green port development to achieve resource efficiency and ecological balance. The current literature overlooks how digital technology can facilitate greener port operations. This study integrates sustainable supply chain management and system dynamics theories based on an in-depth analysis of existing research results and expert interviews. The analysis focuses on three key dimensions: integrating digital technologies with infrastructure, optimizing digital management and operations, and improving environmental and safety management in a digitally driven setting. Using the fuzzy Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (Fuzzy Dematel) methodology, we collaborated with domain experts in port logistics to identify and confirm 12 pivotal factors that support the green digital transformation of ports. The research shows that the most critical success factors for using digital technology to drive ports’ green transformation are green supply chain information platforms, intelligent vessel scheduling, traffic optimization, and digital carbon emission monitoring. This study significantly contributes to the literature on green port transformation, offering indispensable practical insights for port operators, government entities, and shipping firms in identifying and deploying these key success factors. The findings will help maritime supply chain stakeholders develop actionable digital strategies, improving port efficiency and ecological resilience.
Analytical Modeling of the Lazy-Wave Hydrogen Production Riser (HPR) with Incorporation of Seabed Interaction in the Touchdown Zone
Authors: Hajitaheriha Mohammad Mahdi , Shiri Hodjat
Published: November 2024

Hydrogen production risers (HPRs) connected to floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) must be properly configured to minimize both the top-end tension at the hang-off point and the oscillation amplitude in the touchdown zone (TDZ) under environmental loads. One of the best riser configurations to meet these requirements is the lazy-wave configuration, where the riser is lifted midway by buoyancy tanks to create a negative curvature, mitigating the motion dependency of the catenary part and the TDZ. Analytical solutions can be effectively used in riser optimization and configuration studies, where a large number of analyses need to be conducted iteratively. In this paper, an analytical model for HPRs has been developed by combining different approaches for the hanging and touchdown zones to improve the accuracy and continuity of shear force, bending moment, and axial tension distribution along the riser, which are the key parameters governing fatigue damage accumulation in the TDZ. Modified catenary equations were used for the hanging part, and a boundary layer model was implemented in the touchdown zone to model the seabed interaction, preventing stress discontinuity between the two sections. The model was used to assess a case study and compared with numerical simulations to ensure accuracy and viability. The proposed model can be used in daily engineering practice for preliminary investigations and optimization studies of HPRs.
High-Precision Permeability Evaluation of Complex Carbonate Reservoirs in Marine Environments: Integration of Gaussian Distribution and Thomeer Model Using NMR Logging Data
Authors: Lv Hengyang , Guo Jianhong , Gu Baoxiang , Liu Yuhan , Wang Li , Wang Long , Zhu Zuomin , Zhang Zhansong
Published: November 2024

Accurate evaluation of permeability parameters is critical for the exploration and development of oil and gas fields. Among the available techniques, permeability assessment based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging data is one of the most widely used and precise methods. However, the rapid biochemical variations in marine environments give rise to complex pore structures and strong reservoir heterogeneity, which diminish the effectiveness of traditional SDR and Timur–Coates models. To address these challenges in complex carbonate reservoirs, this study proposes a high-precision permeability evaluation method that integrates the Gaussian distribution model with the Thomeer model for more accurate permeability calculations using NMR logging data. Multimodal Gaussian distributions more accurately capture the size and distribution of multiscale pores. In this study, we innovatively employ the Gaussian distribution function to construct NMR-derived pseudo-pore size distribution curves. Subsequently, Thomeer model parameters are derived from Gaussian distribution parameters, enabling precise permeability calculation. The application of this method to the marine dolomite intervals of the Asmari Formation, Section A, within Oilfield A in southeastern Iraq, demonstrates its superior performance under both bimodal and unimodal pore size distributions. Compared to traditional models, this approach significantly reduces errors, providing crucial support for the accurate evaluation of complex reservoirs and the development of hydrocarbon resources.
Operation Analysis of the Floating Derrick for Offshore Wind Turbine Installation Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Yu Jia , Li Honglong , Wang Shan , Shi Xinghua
Published: November 2024

To investigate the influencing factors on the operation of an offshore wind turbine installation ship, a neural network, as a machine-learning method, is built to predict and analyze the motion response of a floating derrick in the process of a lifting operation under an external environmental load. The numerical method for the double floating body, from the software SESAM/SIMA, is validated against the experiments. The numerical method is used to establish the floating derrick-lifting impeller model to obtain the motions of the ship and impeller and the coupling effect. Based on the numerical results, the BP neural network model is built to predict the ship’s operation. The results show that the BP neural network model for the floating derrick and impeller motion prediction is very feasible. Combined with the Rules for Lifting Appliances of Ships and Offshore Installations and the Noble Denton Guidelines for Marine Lifting Operations, the operation of the floating crane system can be determined based on the environmental parameters.
Clinical Features, Microbiological Characteristics, and Drug Sensitivity Analysis of Rare Human Spinal Pythiosis Strain
Authors: Li Mingliang , Zhu Donglin , Diao Qiuyue , Liu Xiaoyun , Bi Xiaogang , Dong Jianwen , Sun Jian , Xi Yun , Zhang Kouxing
Published: November 2024

Pythiosis, a rare and formidable infectious disease caused by Pythium insidiosum, is characterized by profound uncertainties in achieving definitive diagnoses, suboptimal outcomes, and an exceptionally high mortality rate. Here, we present a rare case of human spinal pythiosis in southern China. With advanced metagenomic sequencing technology, Pythium insidiosum was pinpointed as the causative pathogen. We discovered that the inoculation of either tissue fragments or homogenate yielded more successful results and enabled a moderate extension of the culture duration to 5–10 days through an exhaustive comparison of diverse inoculation and culture conditions for general clinical specimens. A pronounced genetic affinity of the isolated strain towards the Pythium insidiosum strain MCC 13 was detected after a comprehensive whole-genome sequencing analysis. Antifungal agents exhibited negligible sensitivity towards Pythium insidiosum in an antimicrobial susceptibility test. Conversely, antibacterial agents such as oxazolidinones, tetracyclines, macrolides, and amphenicols demonstrated varying degrees of sensitivity, albeit with most of their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) substantially surpassing the safe concentration ranges for effective clinical treatment. Notably, tigecycline stood out as a promising candidate, exhibiting favorable therapeutic effects at moderate concentrations, making it a potential drug of choice for the control of pythiosis. A combined susceptibility test suggested that combinations of tetracyclines with macrolides, oxazolidinones, and amphenicols exhibited synergistic antibacterial effects, with the combination of doxycycline and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) in particular playing a pivotal role. To our surprise, the MICs of iron chelators, specifically deferiprone and deferoxamine, against the strain were exceedingly low, which led to the speculation that exogenous iron chelators may have competitively inhibited the iron-chelating enzymes of the strain. The research derived from this single, rare case has certain limitations, but considering that there are currently no reports of invasive infections of deep organs in humans caused by Pythium insidiosum, the above findings can offer novel insights into the treatment of invasive pythiosis. Combination therapy based on tetracyclines, especially tigecycline, the use of TMP-SMX, and the adjunctive use of iron chelators, represent promising approaches to tackle the clinical challenges in the treatment of invasive pythiosis. However, further studies, including similar cases of spinal pythiosis and in vivo trials, are still needed to validate them. In addition, while paying attention to the therapeutic potentials of the above plans, we should also closely monitor the risks and side effects that may arise from excessive MICs or the expanded use of related drugs during the treatment process.
Cerebral Aneurysms and Arteriovenous Malformation: Preliminary Experience with the Use of Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging Applied to Endoscopy
Authors: Aiudi Denis , Iacoangeli Alessio , Mattioli Andrea , Raggi Alessio , Dobran Mauro , Polonara Gabriele , Gigli Riccardo , Iacoangeli Maurizio , Gladi Maurizio
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Indocyanine green video angiography, integrated into the operative microscope, is frequently used in cerebrovascular surgery. This technology is often preferred, for cost or availability, to Doppler or intraoperative DSA (digital subtraction angiography). With the same assumption it was possible, in our preliminary experience, to partially vicariate the aforementioned devices using the SPY mode of the Stryker endoscope; it allowed the visualization of fluorescence in high definition. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a series of five patients suffering from cerebral aneurysm or AVM (arteriovenous malformation) who underwent, during the last year, surgical treatment with the aid of the microscope supported by the Stryker endoscope in the SPY mode for the visualization of the fluorescence emitted by indocyanine green. Results: All aneurysms were completely excluded from the cerebrovascular circulation in the absence of residues in the collar and occlusion of adjacent vessels; the complete removal of the nidus in all the AVMs was achieved with no residues. Conclusions: The intraoperative use of indocyanine green was a safe, rapid, and effective technique within a preliminary case study of “regular—not giant” aneurysms and superficially located AVM. The endoscopic technique in the SPY mode has allowed to partially vicariate the use of Doppler, intraoperative angiography, and integrated microscope video angiography. For these purposes, we propose, in selected cases, the support of the endoscope in the SPY mode during the microsurgical procedure in order to visualize the green fluorescence of indocyanine.
From Traditional-Ritual Activities to Financial Report: Integrating Local Wisdom in Bantengan Financial Bookkeeping
Authors: Sopanah Ana , Hermawati Adya , Bahri Syamsul , Rusdianti Imanita Septian
Published: November 2024

This study examined the integration of cultural accounting in the conservation of a traditional performing art called Bantengan in Malang Raya, Indonesia, that is rich in local wisdom and spiritual values. The study focused on exploring the values of local wisdom contained in Bantengan and analyzing accounting records in its financing, especially post-COVID-19 pandemic. Using a qualitative approach with an ethnomethodological paradigm, data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation from the Sukopuro Bantengan Association. This study revealed the importance of accountability in the management and conservation of traditional arts to ensure transparency, sustainability, and relevance of cultural values in an ever-evolving social context. Accounting, often associated with technical aspects, in this context also reflects humanistic and cultural values. The findings of this study are expected to provide a new perspective in the field of cultural accounting, especially related to the conservation and development of traditional arts in Indonesia, as well as provide a useful framework for the management of cultural assets in other regions that have similar contexts.
Flourishing MSMEs: The Role of Innovation, Creative Compliance, and Tax Incentives
Authors: Saptono Prianto Budi , Khozen Ismail , Mahmud Gustofan , Hodžić Sabina , Pratiwi Intan , Purwanto Dwi , Imantoro Lambang Wiji
Published: November 2024

This study explores the interplay between tax incentives, creative compliance, and innovation in enhancing business resilience and sustainability among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia, addressing gaps in the existing literature regarding their interrelationships during crises. A cross-sectional survey of 360 MSMEs was conducted, utilizing the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach to analyze complex relationships among variables. The findings reveal that creative compliance, including tax planning and avoidance, does not directly impact resilience or sustainability. While tax incentives did not significantly enhance resilience during crises, they contributed to long-term sustainability. Innovation emerged as a critical factor linking creative compliance to business success and fully mediating the effects of tax incentives on resilience. This study emphasizes the necessity for MSMEs to prioritize innovation in their strategies, particularly in conjunction with effective tax practices, and highlights the need for government support through simplified regulatory frameworks to foster an innovative business environment. Limitations include the challenges of incorporating control variables in SEM and the need for further research into the long-term effects of these factors on sustainable performance.
‘Optimal’ vs. ‘Suboptimal’ Haemodialysis Start with Central Venous Catheter—A Better Way to Assess a Vascular Access Service?
Authors: Corr Michael , Masengu Agnes , McGrogan Damian , Hanko Jennifer
Published: November 2024

Background: Whether patients commence haemodialysis with a central venous catheter (CVC), or an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is used to audit the quality of a vascular access service. However, this crude metric of measurement can miss the increasing nuance and complexity of vascular access planning. We aimed to understand whether commencing haemodialysis with a CVC represented an ‘optimal’ or ‘suboptimal’ outcome and how this could influence the assessment of a vascular access service. Methods: From a prospective clinical database, patients known to nephrology >90 days prior to initiating haemodialysis as first-ever renal replacement therapy (2011–2020) from a single centre were included. Results: A total of 158/254 patients started haemodialysis with a CVC, and 96 with arteriovenous fistula. For 91 patients, the CVC was deemed ‘optimal’ care due to factors such as unpredictable deterioration in renal function (n = 41) and inadequate veins for AVF creation (n = 24). For 67 patients, the CVC was ‘suboptimal’ due to factors such as no/late referral to access assessment (n = 25) and delays in the AVF creation pathway (n = 13). There was no difference in mean survival between the AVF and ‘suboptimal’ groups (2.53 vs. 2.21 years, p = 0.31). There was a survival difference between AVF versus CVC (2.53 vs. 1.97 years, p = 0.002) and ‘suboptimal’ versus ‘optimal’ CVC cohorts (2.21 vs. 1.40 years, p = 0.16). Conclusions: Understanding whether a CVC is ‘optimal’ or ‘suboptimal’ allows a more nuanced analysis of service provision. High mortality in the ‘optimal’ group suggests a frailer cohort where CVC is potentially the best care. Studying ‘suboptimal’ CVC starts helps identify practice and system issues preventing ‘optimal’ care.
Correction: Liu et al. Automatic Extraction for Land Parcels Based on Multi-Scale Segmentation. Land 2024, 13, 158
Authors: Land Editorial Office Land Editorial Office
Published: November 2024

The Land Editorial Office would like to make the following correction regarding the academic editor listed in this published paper [...]
Soil-Water Retention Curves and Pore-Size Distribution in a Clay Loam Under Different Tillage Systems
Authors: Jabro Jay , Stevens William , Iversen William , Sainju Upendra , Allen Brett , Dangi Sadikshya , Chen Chengci
Published: November 2024

Tillage practices significantly impact soil structure, pore-size distribution (PSD), and soil-water retention curves (SWRC). The SWRC, which represents the relationship between soil water content and soil water potential, is important for various studies involving plants, soil, environment, irrigation, drainage, modeling, and hydrology. In this study, the HYPROP method was used to measure SWRCs and estimate soil physical and hydraulic properties under conventional tillage (CT), strip tillage (ST), and no-tillage (NT) systems in clay loam soil. Undisturbed soil cores were collected from 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm depths within sugarbeet rows, with sampling replicated five times following a randomized block design. Soil-water retention curves were modeled using the van Genuchten (vG) model for each depth under each tillage system. The results showed that none of the soil parameters from the vG equation, plant-available soil water content, or pore-size distribution were significantly influenced by tillage type. This lack of significant difference may be attributed to considerable soil disturbance from sugarbeet root harvesting, freeze and thaw cycles between tillage and sampling, or soil displacement caused by beet root growth. However, small differences in soil parameters among the three tillage systems were noted at both soil depths, due to minor variations in soil porosity and pore-size distribution. Regardless of the tillage system, understanding SWRC is essential for insights into soil and water processes such as water flow, soil water storage, and water availability for plants.
Dynamic Quantification and Characterization of Spatial Heterogeneity in Mid-Sized Urban Landscape of India
Authors: Diksha  , Mishra Varun Narayan , Kumar Deepak , Kumari Maya , Bashir Bashar , Pramanik Malay , Zhran Mohamed
Published: November 2024

Quantifying landscape features and linking them to ecological processes is a key goal of landscape ecology. Urbanization, socio-economic growth, political influences, and morphology have extended built-up and urban regions from the core to the boundaries. Population expansion and human activity in districts have increased outlying areas and living space borders, segmenting the urban area and affecting the local ecosystem. Current space-based remote sensing (RS) techniques could be used to visualize conditions and future prognoses for district growth to plan the infrastructure. The Land Use Land Cover (LULC) patterns in the Sonipat district, located within the National Capital Region (NCR), were examined using RS data from 2011 (Landsat 7) and 2021 (Sentinel-2) and analyzed on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform. LULC datasets for both years were generated, followed by calculations of landscape metrics to evaluate changes across the study area. These metrics, computed using R software version 4.4.2, include analyses at three levels: five metrics at the patch level, five at the landscape level, and nine at the class level. This paper provides detailed insights into these landscape metrics, illustrating the extent and nature of landscape changes within the study area over the decade. Aggregation and fragmentation are observed in the study area, as the results indicate that urban, fallow, and barren areas have merged into larger, contiguous patches over time. This shows a consolidation of smaller patches into more extensive, connected land cover areas. Fragmentation is described as occurring between 2011 and 2021, especially in the cropland LULC class, where the landscape was divided into smaller, isolated patches. This means that larger, continuous land cover types were broken down into numerous smaller patches, increasing the overall patchiness and separation across the area, which might have an ecological impact. Landscape metrics and spatial-temporal monitoring of the landscape would aid the district council and planners in better planning and livelihood sustainability.
New Method for Hydraulic Characterization of Variably Saturated Zone in Peatland-Dominated Permafrost Mires
Authors: Lakshmiprasad Radhakrishna Bangalore , Peth Stephan , Woche Susanne K. , Graf Thomas
Published: November 2024

Modeling peatland hydraulic processes in cold regions requires defining near-surface hydraulic parameters. The current study aims to determine the soil freezing and water characteristic curve parameters for organic soils from peatland-dominated permafrost mires. The three research objectives are as follows: (i) Setting up an in situ soil freezing characteristic curve experiment by installing sensors for measuring volumetric water content and temperature in Storflaket mire, Abisko region, Sweden; (ii) Conducting laboratory evaporation experiments and inverse numerical modeling to determine soil water characteristic curve parameters and comparing three soil water characteristic curve models to the laboratory data; (iii) Deriving a relationship between soil freezing and water characteristic curves and optimizing this equation with sensor data from (i). A long-lasting in situ volumetric water content station has been successfully set up in sub-Arctic Sweden. The soil water characteristic curve experiments showed that bimodality also exists for the investigated peat soils. The optimization results of the bimodal relationship showed excellent agreement with the soil freezing cycle measurements. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to establish and test bimodality for frozen peat soils. The estimated hydraulic parameters could be used to better simulate permafrost dynamics in peat soils.
Emission Inventory of Soil Fugitive Dust Sources with High Spatiotemporal Resolution: A Case Study of Daxing District, Beijing, China
Authors: Liu Qianxi , Liu Yalan , Liu Shufu , Zhao Jinghai , Zhao Bin , Zhou Feng , Zhu Dan , Wang Dacheng , Yu Linjun , Yi Ling , Chen Gang
Published: November 2024

Soil fugitive dust (SFD) is a significant contributor to environmental particulate matter (PM), which not only pollutes and affects air quality but also poses risks to human health. The emission inventory can provide a basis for the effective prevention and control of SFD pollution. However, current emission inventories with low resolution and frequency make it difficult to assess dust emissions accurately. Obtaining monthly high-resolution bare soil information is one of the solutions for compiling SFD emission inventories. Taking Daxing District, Beijing, as a case study, this study first extracted bare soil for each month of 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively, using high-spatial-resolution remote sensing satellite data, and then constructed a 10 m-size emission grid and monthly SFD emission inventories based on the wind erosion equation by inputting vegetation cover factor, meteorological data, and soil erosion index. The total emissions of TSP, PM10, and PM2.5 in Daxing District from 2020 to 2022 were 3996.54 tons, 359.26 tons, and 25.25 tons, respectively. Temporally, the SFD emissions showed a decreasing trend over the years and were mainly concentrated in the winter and spring seasons. Spatially, the SFD emissions were predominantly concentrated in the southern and northern areas. And the emissions of PM10 exhibit a significantly stronger correlation with wind speed and the extent of bare soil area.