bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modernization of the mechanical mixing power numerical calculation method
Authors: Khomyakov A P , Mordanov S V , Naskina D R , Gushshamova V N , Beloded M N , Shkurin P A
Published: February 2024

The modernized numerical method for the mechanical mixing power calculation is proposed. Proposed calculation method allows to decrease the dependence of a stirred vessel mixing power numerical CFD calculation result on an empirical data by using additional term for considering own inertia of a mechanical mixing device. Proposed method bases on the mixing power consumption calculation technique as the function of a mixing device shaft torque. The verification of proposed method was carried out using the experimental measured and simulated values of the circulation-type reactor pump power. The results of proposed method verification show that non-modernized and modernized methods calculation errors are 3.9 % and 4.8 % respectively. Thus, calculation errors are comparable for modernized and non-modernized methods both. Wherein, modernized method unlike non-modernized does not use error correction coefficient that may be determined experimental only. Thus, proposed modernized method of the mechanical mixing power calculation may be used for engineering design calculations and simulations.
Automatic control system of pyrogas parameters in pyrolysis process in acetylene production
Authors: Kadirov Yorkin , Boeva Okila , Rasulov Abdikhoshim , Abrorov Akbar
Published: February 2024

Nowadays existing technological process management systems increasingly require the development of criteria related to ensuring the quantity, quality and technological safety requirements of chemical technological processes. Due to the specific characteristics of these criteria and their subjectivity, the task of repeatedly checking and evaluating remains relevant. In this article, the parameters important in the production of pyrogas, which is the main product in the production of acetylene, and a method of complete control of the safety of the technological process have been developed. In the specified installation, an optimal automatic control system is installed so that we can control the parameters of the pyrolysis process: flow, temperature and pressure. In the article, the parameter control system in the technological process in the TIA Portal V15.1 software is built on the basis of the PID controller. In addition, system functionality, specifications, hardware and device models were also reviewed. It is aimed at reducing the impact of the human factor and increasing safety in production. Also, the basic principles of hardware management at different levels are presented to ensure high reliability of the entire system.
Solution to the problem of detecting a malfunction of the position sensor of small spacecraft
Authors: Shishkin O G
Published: February 2024

The classic scheme for constructing a modern system for controlling the parameters of the angular motion of a spacecraft involves the use of high-precision gyroscopes, periodically adjusted according to the readings of optoelectronic devices. The most widely used in orientation and navigation systems are precision angular velocity sensors and gyroscopes on an electrostatic suspension, which determine the angles of rotation of the aircraft around its center of mass; Angular and linear accelerometers are also used, mounted in a certain way on the body of the aircraft.
Hard anodizing of AK9ch high silicon aluminum alloy
Authors: Sokolov A S , Voroshnin S P , Putrolaynen V V
Published: February 2024

This work is devoted to anodic oxidation at low temperatures in the sulfuric acid electrolyte of the foundry aluminum alloy AK9ch, with a high silicon content. Optimal anodizing conditions were chosen for obtaining coatings with a hardness of more than 300 HV and a thickness of about 40 microns. With an increase in the thickness of the coatings by increasing the current density or anodizing time, their hardness begins to decrease. The resulting hard coatings are planned to be used on large parts obtained by casting aluminum alloy AK9ch.
Crystal varizonicity: fundamental and applied aspects.
Authors: Oksengendler B L , Kh Suleymanov S , Karimov Z I , Turaeva N N , Doroshkevich A S , Mezentseva J
Published: February 2024

A set of ideas about the homogeneous variable zone structure in the near-surface region of ionic crystals is presented. Its origin is shown using generalizations of the Seitz–Madelung scheme. A number of important consequences have been demonstrated: the peculiarity of local surface levels different from Tamm levels; increase in the critical temperature of superconductivity in a sandwich structure; a significant anti-degradation role of these levels in the processes of energy exchange at the interfaces. It is concluded that such homo varizonality is an excellent example of the implementation of the “Bonds and Bands” concept.
Integrating electronic and mechanical components to create an adaptive battery tool
Authors: Pikalov Iakov , Brungardt Maksim , Saramud Mikhail , Tkachev Stepan
Published: February 2024

The article presents the authors’ approach to the development of a special adaptive tool with an autonomous energy source for tightening screws into threaded holes. The tool allows one to tighten and control threaded connections according to the assembly sequence of the device. A distinctive feature is its independence from the qualifications of the assembler, allowing to reduce the number of defects when assembling products.
Heat recovery with low pressure loss for natural ventilation
Authors: Axmatova S R , Ivanisova A R
Published: February 2024

Regenerative heat exchangers are widely used in life support systems, gas turbines, boilers and other high-temperature industrial installations. These heat exchangers are used for cooling and heating gases, humidification and dehumidification of gases, heat recovery from high-potential heat carriers. Today, the increase in energy consumption and the increase in energy prices require a large-scale energy-saving policy in the creation of modern engineering structures – residential, commercial and industrial facilities alike. When designing and creating life support systems to save energy, it is advisable to use secondary energy resources, such as, for example, the heat of the air removed from the room. The energy intensity of conventional ventilation systems is on average 50–80% of the total energy intensity of the engineering systems of the facility where they are operated. The use of rotating regenerative heat exchangers in ventilation and air conditioning systems makes it possible to return up to 85% of heat to the system at a relatively low capital investment. In this regard, when improving such systems, considerable attention should be paid to the calculation, optimization and increase in the efficiency of heat exchangers. Thus, this work is about increasing the efficiency of rotating regenerative heat exchangers in ventilation and air conditioning systems.
Effect due to Cs injection upon current oscillation of the beam extracted from the J-PARC negative hydrogen ion source
Authors: Wada M. , Shibata T. , Shinto K.
Published: February 2024

A high-speed emittance measurement system installed at the J-PARC RF negative hydrogen (H-) ion source test stand can construct emittance diagrams of the beam of a specific frequency component. The driving 2 MHz RF power produces small amplitude oscillating components at 2 MHz and at higher harmonic frequencies in the total H- ion beam detected by a Faraday installed downstream of the emittance measurement system. Magnitudes of oscillating component at 2 MHz and 4 MHz frequencies become appreciable as the slits of the emittance measurement system separate the H- ion beam into the position/angle resolved phase space elements. The reconstructed emittance diagrams of H- ion beams for the operation condition with continuous supply of Cs realizing large H- ion current to total extraction current ratios indicate that 2 MHz and 4 MHz frequency oscillating beam components propagate surrounding the center DC beam. Both 2 MHz and 4 MHz oscillating beam components comprise two to three beam particle groups in the phase space. The DC component of the H- ion beam exhibit a single peak in the angular distribution. Meanwhile, oscillating components often take the minima where the DC H- ion beam takes the maximum in the angular distribution diagram. Thus, the regions that produce large amplitude oscillations of the H- ion beam are considered located at the circumference of the beam extraction aperture. One possible explanation for observing larger amplitude beam oscillation can be the enhanced H- ion surface production at the plasma facing the wall of the beam extraction aperture. The operation without the Cs delivery to the source increased electron current coextracted with H- ions and changed the structure of the beam emittance diagram. In the direction perpendicular to the magnetic fields created by a magnetic filter and electron suppression magnets, the peak of the 4 MHz oscillating beam components appeared at the center of the DC beam. This observation suggests the extraction of H- ions formed in the central region by the volume production process near the internal RF antenna. Mechanisms that can excite and diminish the beam fluctuation amplitudes of the extracted H- ion beam are discussed.
Source performance optimization in Cesiated mode in ROBIN
Authors: Pandya K. , Singh M.J. , Bhuyan M. , Bandyopadhyay M. , Tyagi H. , Mahesh V. , Gahlaut A. , Patel K. , Yadav R.K. , Shah S. , Prajapati B. , Mistri H. , Chakraborty A.
Published: February 2024

ITER reference design, an inductively coupled single driver RF (100 kW, 1 MHz)-source ROBIN is operational at IPR, Gandhinagar. The first phase of the operation yielded H- current density of 22–25 mA/cm2 and with electron to ion ratios > 1. The Cesium (Cs) consumption was very high compared to a similar source BATMAN operated at IPP, Garching. The lessons learned from the operational experience showed the operational limitations in presence of impurities and excessive evaporation of Cs into the source. Since then the source was disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled to enable the restart of operations under improved and controlled conditions. Recent experiments assisted by relevant diagnosis on the cleaned ROBIN source under controlled Cesiated conditions and improvements based on the lessons learned have resulted in achieving H- current densities > 30 mA/cm2 and electron to ion ratios < 1 and with Cs consumption reduced to ∼ 12 mg/hr. The role of plasma grid bias on the H- current densities and electron to ion ratios have been studied in detail. The observations and results related to Cs conditioning, source performance optimization, source parametric dependence on the beam, and related observations and findings related to the effects of the bias voltage on the source performance shall be presented and discussed.
Evaluation of beam coupling impedance by generating a dedicated database in an ultra-low emittance storage ring
Authors: Moniri S. , Taherparvar P.
Published: February 2024

The evaluation and accurate understanding of the cause of
collective effects and the related instabilities using corrective
measures, which may limit the achievable current per bunch, is
significant for a prosperous design of charged particle
accelerators. We describe in detail two dominant collective effects,
i.e. space-charge and wakefield effects for a multi-bend achromat
(MBA) storage ring lattice under design. We have developed a
detailed impedance model, which is used to study the beam dynamics,
including the wakefield effects. The beam coupling impedances due to
the wakefields were calculated to construct a coupling impedance
database, with the wakefields of each vacuum component being
maintained in a standard format. The Self-Describing Data Sets
(SDDS) toolkit was used to calculate the wake potentials for all
coupling impedance contributing vacuum components, to be used for an
ultra-low emittance lattice design. The ELEGANT code was utilized
for the particle tracking in an element-by-element procedure along
the lattice. A bunch with the Gaussian distribution was assumed to
calculate the model for a distributed resistive-wall impedance and
the impedance generated by geometrical discontinuities for the
various accelerator elements. Moreover, we evaluated the
potential-well distortion effect due to longitudinal phase space
motion for a system of electron bunches. The collective effects in
multi-particle systems have been evaluated for the estimation of the
beam instability with more accurate results, defined by their
sources in the designed lattice and describing their effects on beam
instabilities with remarkable consequences like energy loss and
betatron tune shift.
18-years of high-Alpine rock wall monitoring using terrestrial laser scanning at the Tour Ronde east face, Mont-Blanc massif
Authors: Courtial-Manent Léa , Ravanel Ludovic , Mugnier Jean-Louis , Deline Philip , Lhosmot Alexandre , Rabatel Antoine , Duvillard Pierre-Allain , Batoux Philippe
Published: February 2024

Since the end of the 20th century, each decade has been warmer than the previous one in the European Alps. As a consequence, Alpine rock walls are generally facing high rockfall activity, likely due to permafrost degradation. We use a unique terrestrial laser scanning derived rockfall catalog over 18 years (2005–2022) compared with photographs (1859–2022) to quantify the evolution of the east face of Tour Ronde (3440–3792 m a.s.l.) in the Mont-Blanc massif (western European Alps) that is permafrost-affected. Overall, 210 rockfalls were identified, from 1 to 15 500 m3. Forty-five events were >100 m3 while cumulated volume of events <10 m3 represents <1% of the fallen rocks. The rockfall magnitude-frequency distribution of the overall inventory follows a power law, with a mean exponent b of 0.44 ± 0.03, characterizing a high contribution of large rockfalls. The depth of failure ranges from a few centimeters to more than 20 m while 95% of the rockfalls depth is <5 m, highlighting the role of the active layer. The mean rock wall erosion rate is 18.3 ± 0.2 mm yr−1 for the 2005–2022 period and ranks in the top range of reported values in the Alps. It has greatly increased between the periods 2006–2014 and 2016–2022, probably in relation to a series of summer heat waves. The exceptional erosion rate of 2015 is driven by one large rockfall in August. Since 2006, an ice apron that covered 16 100 m2 has now almost vanished, and the surface of the glacier du Géant at the rock wall foot has lowered by several tens of meters. The retreat of these two ice masses contributed to the rock wall instability as more than 35% of the rockfall volume detached from the deglaciated surfaces.
Remodelling selection to optimise disease forecasts and policies
Authors: Gomes M Gabriela M , Blagborough Andrew M , Langwig Kate E , Ringwald Beate
Published: February 2024

Mathematical models are increasingly adopted for setting disease prevention and control targets. As model-informed policies are implemented, however, the inaccuracies of some forecasts become apparent, for example overprediction of infection burdens and intervention impacts. Here, we attribute these discrepancies to methodological limitations in capturing the heterogeneities of real-world systems. The mechanisms underpinning risk factors of infection and their interactions determine individual propensities to acquire disease. These factors are potentially so numerous and complex that to attain a full mechanistic description is likely unfeasible. To contribute constructively to the development of health policies, model developers either leave factors out (reductionism) or adopt a broader but coarse description (holism). In our view, predictive capacity requires holistic descriptions of heterogeneity which are currently underutilised in infectious disease epidemiology, in comparison to other population disciplines, such as non-communicable disease epidemiology, demography, ecology and evolution.
UV laser-processed microstructure for building biohybrid actuators with anisotropic movement
Authors: Mita Hiroaki , Mizuno Yosuke , Tanaka Hiroto , Fujie Toshinori
Published: February 2024

Fabrication of a biohybrid actuator requires muscle cells anisotropically aligned in a line, curve, or combination of lines and curves (similar to the microstructure of living muscle tissue) to replicate lifelike movements, in addition to considering the arrangement of skeletal structure or muscular structure with anisotropic straight patterns. Here, we report a UV laser-processed microstructure for freely directing cellular alignment to engineer a biohybrid actuator composed of poly(styrene-block-butadiene-block-styrene triblock copolymer) (SBS) thin film with tailor-made microgrooves (MGs) and skeletal myotubes aligned along these MGs. Specifically, straight, circular, or curved MGs were transferred to SBS thin films from a UV laser-processed template, allowing for the successful alignment of myotubes along MGs. The biohybrid actuator, composed of anisotropically aligned myotubes on a curved microgrooved SBS thin film, was contracted by electrical stimulation. Contraction of biohybrid actuators with curved aligned myotubes permits twisted-like behavior, unlike straight microgrooved films. Therefore, the UV laser-ablation system is a unique maskless and rapid microfabrication technique that provides intriguing opportunities for omni-directional microgrooved structures to achieve the complex motion of living organisms.
Traumatic Brain Injury Characteristics Are Not Related to Neurocognitive Decline in Older Adults: A Nationwide Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Schaffert Jeff , LoBue Christian , Chiang Hsueh-Sheng , Peters Matthew E , Hart Jr John , Cullum C Munro
Published: February 2024

Objective

Evaluate whether traumatic brain injury (TBI) characteristics, age of injury, or recency of injury predicts the course of neurocognitive decline and/or increases conversion rates to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia.

Methods

Data were obtained from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center for participants 50–85 years old with 3–5 visits from 2015 to 2022, with or without TBI history (TBI+ = 508; TBI− = 2,382). Groups were stratified by self-reported TBI history (i.e., single TBI without loss of consciousness [LOC], single TBI with LOC, multiple TBI without LOC, and multiple TBI with LOC), age of most recent TBI, and recency of TBI. Mixed linear models compared neuropsychological composite trajectories (executive functioning/attention/speed, language, memory, and global), co-varying for age, gender, education, apolipoprotein E4 status, race/ethnicity, and baseline diagnosis (normal aging n = 1,720, MCI n = 749, or dementia n = 417). Logistic binary regression examined MCI/dementia conversion rates.

Results

There was a slightly higher frequency of MCI/dementia in those with multiple TBIs (50% to 60% with and without LOC, compared to 39% with no TBI) at baseline, but longitudinal trajectories were similar. TBI history, age of injury, or recency of injury did not impact neurocognitive trajectories or conversion rates to MCI/dementia (all p’s > .01).

Conclusions

TBI history, regardless of injury characteristics, age of injury, or recency of injury, did not worsen neurocognitive decline or MCI/dementia conversion. Additional longitudinal research in more diverse cohorts with a wider range of TBI severity is needed to evaluate the specific factors and possible mechanisms in which TBI may increase dementia risk.
Ultrafast learning of four-node hybridization cycles in phylogenetic networks using algebraic invariants
Authors: Wu Zhaoxing , Solís-Lemus Claudia
Published: February 2024

Motivation

The abundance of gene flow in the Tree of Life challenges the notion that evolution can be represented with a fully bifurcating process which cannot capture important biological realities like hybridization, introgression, or horizontal gene transfer. Coalescent-based network methods are increasingly popular, yet not scalable for big data, because they need to perform a heuristic search in the space of networks as well as numerical optimization that can be NP-hard. Here, we introduce a novel method to reconstruct phylogenetic networks based on algebraic invariants. While there is a long tradition of using algebraic invariants in phylogenetics, our work is the first to define phylogenetic invariants on concordance factors (frequencies of four-taxon splits in the input gene trees) to identify level-1 phylogenetic networks under the multispecies coalescent model.

Results

Our novel hybrid detection methodology is optimization-free as it only requires the evaluation of polynomial equations, and as such, it bypasses the traversal of network space, yielding a computational speed at least 10 times faster than the fastest-to-date network methods. We illustrate our method’s performance on simulated and real data from the genus Canis.

Availability and implementation

We present an open-source publicly available Julia package PhyloDiamond.jl available at https://github.com/solislemuslab/PhyloDiamond.jl with broad applicability within the evolutionary community.
Global burden of vaccine-associated alopecia, 1979–2023: a comprehensive analysis of the international pharmacovigilance database
Authors: Kyung Seoyeon , Woo Selin , Kim Minji , Lee Hayeon , Kang Jiseung , Rahmati Masoud , Yon Dong Keon
Published: February 2024

While global concern over vaccine-associated alopecia has been gradually increasing, it has also been reported that alopecia, classified as an autoimmune disease, can manifest as an immune-related side-effect caused by vaccinations. However, comprehensive research on vaccine-associated alopecia has been limited. Therefore, we carried out a comprehensive analysis using information from VigiBase (1979–2023) from more than 156 countries, managed by the WHO and the Uppsala Monitoring Centre. Thus, this global pharmacovigilance study of vaccine-associated alopecia, encompassing all age and sex groups, provides international and comprehensive evidence that substantiates the overall real-world impact of vaccines.
2. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN MEDICINE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CHATGPT'S LEARNING CAPABILITY IN RESOLVING MEDICAL SPECIALIZATION QUESTIONS
Authors: Fuentes-Martín Á , Cilleruelo Ramos Á , Segura Méndez B , Victoriano Soriano G I , Mora Puentes D , Represa Pastor T , Pérez Aragón M , Soro García J
Published: February 2024

Introduction

ChatGPT is a Natural Language Processing (NLP) model trained via machine learning algorithms that has proven capable of passing multiple selective medical tests. The aim of this study is to evaluate its “self-learning” capacity over a 90-day interval in solving specialized medical questions.

Methods

A comparative descriptive analysis of the problem-solving ability of ChatGPT - 3.5 (10/02/2023 - 15/02/2023) versus ChatGPT - 4 (11/05/2023 - 13/05/2023) was conducted on the competitive exams for the position of Specialist in Thoracic Surgery, as announced by the Andalusian Health Service in 2022. This competitive exam was chosen because of its multiple-choice structure and its division into a theoretical questionnaire and a practical questionnaire.

Results

Success rate: ChatGPT - 3.5 58.90% (86/146): theoretical questionnaire 63.2% (62/98) and practical questionnaire 50% (24/48) / ChatGPT - 4 65.7% (96/146): theoretical questionnaire 71.43% (70/98) and practical questionnaire 54.16% (26/48). Inferential analysis showed no significant differences (p>0.05) with regard to the rate of correct answers between both versions globally, nor with respect to the theoretical or practical questionnaire.

Conclusion

Despite the constant “self-learning” of this Artificial Intelligence model, its performance in solving specialized medical questions, which require critical reasoning, remains an ongoing developmental challenge.
8. META-HEALTH. USING THE METAVERSE TO FACILITATE THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE PATIENT'S INFORMED CONSENT AND THEIR PERIOPERATIVE PROCESS
Authors: Sánchez-Guillén L , Rebollo-Santamaría C , Montaña-Miranda N , Pérez-Berenguer M , Martínez-Galisteo P , Lillo-García C , López-Rodríguez-Arias F , Arroyo A
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The informed consent (IC) process can sometimes result in a lack of understanding due to the technical nature of the information provided. Coupled with the physical disorientation within the hospital, this can lead to perioperative anxiety and a greater risk of complications.

Methods

META-health is an application for mobile devices that seeks to improve these deficiencies using metaverse and extended reality visualization technologies. By recreating the hospital environment in a virtual setting, it allows repeating the preoperative consultation and visualization of various hospital areas, including the hospitalization floor, operating room, and consultation spaces. Multimedia content is included so that the information can be more easily understood. In addition, gamification has been implemented as an option to integrate entertainment into the understanding process of stomatal management.

Results

The pilot application was modeled and developed, and the first focus group was held to assess the quality, management, orientation, and comprehension of content. The sample of 12 patients indicated proposals for improvement and functional errors: 66.7% required control of the explanatory videos, 75% requested information on ostomies and difficulties in handling the joystick. The application is currently focused on colorectal cancer patients and intends to expand to other conditions and functionalities to become a functional metaverse. Finally, 100% of participants confirmed the usefulness of the idea and the importance of receiving information and support throughout the process.

Conclusion

The use of extended reality and the metaverse improves the understanding of informed consent (IC) by patients and relatives, as well as decreases perioperative anxiety.
14. “TEXTBOOK OUTCOMES” IN SURGICAL APPROACH OF DIFFERENTIATED THYROID CANCER
Authors: Santana Valenciano A , Porrero Guerrero B , Luengo Pierrard P , Mena Mateos A , Nieto Martos M R , Pérez Izquierdo C B , Cabañas Montero L J , Fernández Cebrián J M
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The textbook outcome (TO) is a composite quality measure used to define the achievement of multiple ideal surgical results. There is a lack of studies regarding TO in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). The aim of the study is to define the TO in DTC surgery and determine the factors that avoid its achievement.

Methods

Retrospective study of consecutive patients undergoing surgery for DTC between 01/01/2021 and 31/03/2023. The TO is defined by the absence of complications (hematoma, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, hypocalcemia, seroma, surgical site infection (SSI)), prolonged hospital stay (exceeding the 75th percentile), readmission, and 90-day mortality.

Results

Fifty-nine patients were included (median age 53 years (43-61), 43 women (72,9%)) with a median follow-up of 17 months (14-20). The majority presented with unilateral nodules (32; 54,2%), Bethesda VI (24; 44,4%), with a median size of 21mm (11,75-35,0).

Thirty-one patients (52,5%) underwent total thyroidectomy, 28(47,5%) lobectomy, 15 unilateral CCL (25,4%), 10 bilateral CCL (16,9%) and 10 unilateral LCL (16,9%). The median hospital stay was 1 day (1-1). Fourteen patients (23,7%) had complications: 1 hematoma (1,7%), 5 hoarseness (8,5%), 4 transient recurrent nerve palsy (6,8%) and 2 permanent (3,4%), 7 transient hypocalcemia (11,9%) and 4 permanent (6,8%), 2 SSI (3,4%) and 3 seroma (5,1%). Two patients were readmitted because of SSI (one requiring emergency surgery).

In total, 69,5% (41) patients achieved TO. Risk factors that avoided its consecution were: total thyroidectomy [OR7,81 IC95%(1,95-31,25); p=0,004)] and unilateral LCL [OR4,63 IC95%(1,12-19,20); p=0,035)].

Conclusion

Most of the patients achieved TO. The predictors associated to the absence of TO achievement were total thyroidectomy and unilateral LCL, meaning that the more aggressive the surgery is, the greater the chances are of surgical complications.
20. IMPLEMENTATION OF A SEMI-AUTOMATED SEGMENTATION TOOL FOR COLON SURGICAL PLANNING
Authors: Lobato C , Sánchez-Margallo J A , Sánchez-Margallo F M
Published: February 2024

Introduction

This study outlines the design and implementation of an application focused on optimizing surgical planning for colon surgery through the automated segmentation process of Computed Axial Tomography (CT) images. The tool provides continuous assistance to the user, enhancing the overall process management and efficiency.

Methods

A module has been developed for the 3DSlicer image computing platform. The algorithm was programmed in Python, primarily utilizing the Slicer, MRML, and VTK libraries. Additionally, DICOM images obtained from a publicly available database were used as samples for the study.

Results

The implementation of the semi-automatic segmentation method has proved to be successful, achieving the creation of a three-dimensional (3D) model of the colon with satisfactory results. The user has the facility to upload a CT image from a DICOM study, and through few interactions, a 3D model of the colon is generated, optimizing the surgical planning process.

Conclusion

Although we have successfully developed a semi-automatic segmentation method, the process requires certain specific conditions. For the image to be interpreted correctly, the patient must be treated with iodinated contrast medium prior to the CT study. In addition, an insufflation of the colon should be performed. These prerequisites are essential to ensure the quality and accuracy of the resulting images, which in turn will impact the efficiency of the planning process.
Paving Their Own Road? Local Chinese and World Bank Aid and Foreign Direct Investment in Africa
Authors: Brazys Samuel , Jung Yoo Sun
Published: February 2024

China’s emergence as a major donor and economic partner to sub-Saharan Africa has prompted questions if the aims and impacts of China’s efforts in the region are driven by self-serving commercial motives. While there are strong reasons to think that the foreign aid may make a location more attractive to investment, generally, by improving the infrastructural, institutional, or human capital environment and/or by serving as a signal of a location’s risk, there is also reason to suspect that Chinese aid may be “paving the way” for investment by Chinese firms. To investigate, this paper uses spatial and temporal variations in localized, geo-referenced data to find a strong overall support that local aid boosts local foreign direct investment (FDI). However, we also find some evidence that Chinese aid boosts its own FDI compared to FDI from third-party countries; but this differential effect is also visible with the Chinese FDI’s response to the World Bank aid as well as in the relationship between both aid and FDI from the USA, suggesting that the Chinese FDI may simply be following any aid and that the relationship between its aid and FDI is not exceptional among bilateral donors.
Discrete-Time Quantum Walks Community Detection in Multi-Domain Networks
Authors: Liu Xiaoyang , Ding Nan , Wu Yudie , Fiumara Giacomo , De Meo Pasquale
Published: February 2024

The problem of detecting communities in real-world networks has been extensively studied in the past, but most of the existing approaches work on single-domain networks, i.e. they consider only one type of relationship between nodes. Single-domain networks may contain noisy edges and they may lack some important information. Thus, some authors have proposed to consider the multiple relationships that connect the nodes of a network, thus obtaining multi-domain networks. However, most community detection approaches are limited to multi-layer networks, i.e. networks generated from the superposition of several single-domain networks (called layers) that are regarded as independent of each other. In addition to being computationally expensive, multi-layer approaches might yield inaccurate results because they ignore potential dependencies between layers. This paper proposes a multi-domain discrete-time quantum walks (MDQW) model for multi-domain networks. First, the walking space of network nodes in multi-domain network is constructed. Second, the quantum permutation circuit of the coin state is designed based on the coded particle state. Then, using different coin states, the shift operator performs several quantum walks on the particles. Finally, the corresponding update rule is selected to move the node according to the measurement result of the quantum state. With continuous update iteration, the shift operator automatically optimizes the discovered community structure. We experimentally compared our MDQW method with four state-of-the-art competitors on five real datasets. We used the normalized mutual information (NMI) to compare clustering quality, and we report an increase in NMI of up to 3.51 of our MDQW method in comparison with the second-best performing competitor. The MDQW method is much faster than its competitors, allowing us to conclude that MDQW is a useful tool in the analysis of large real-life multi-domain networks. Finally, we illustrate the usefulness of our approach on two real-world case studies.
Non-invasive assessment of hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy in guanacos (Lama guanicoe) and its application in a wild population
Authors: Marozzi A , Cantarelli V I , Panebianco A , Gomez F M , Ovejero R , Gregorio P F , Peña F , Ponzio M F , Carmanchahi P D
Published: February 2024

Obtaining endocrinological profiles using non-invasive methodologies by the measurement of hormone fecal metabolites is a widely used method to monitor ovarian activity and pregnancy in wild species. These tools allow the obtention of physiological information without causing capture-related stress on the individuals. In this research, we aimed to 1) biologically validate a non-invasive method to assess fecal progestagens and estrogens fluctuations during gestation in guanacos (Lama guanicoe) and 2) apply this technique to assess pregnancy in a wild free-ranging population. Fecal samples were collected through the gestation period (~12 months) of female guanacos in a 6.5-ha paddock. An increase in fecal metabolites of both hormones was detected. Progestagens increased gradually, in contrast to estrogens, which remained at basal values for most of the gestation period and peaked only a few days before calving. To assess pregnancy in wild free-ranging animals, fecal samples were collected from a population of La Payunia provincial reserve (Mendoza, Argentina) during the beginning of gestation and at the end of gestation. Through the first months of possible gestation, pregnant females represented between 40 and 80% of the population; at the end of gestation, only 20–40% of the females had confirmed pregnancies. Our results demonstrated that the polyclonal antisera and sexual hormone metabolite assays used here detect variations in the metabolites excreted through feces in guanacos and provide the possibility of non-invasive hormone monitoring of female reproductive status. Also, the findings in wild conditions suggest that natural abortions could have occurred during the first months of gestation. Although some abortions may be natural, the harsh environmental conditions that challenge the support of such a long gestational process may be another relevant factor to consider. The results obtained here enhance our understanding of the reproductive physiology of one of the most emblematic ungulates in South America.
Barriers and drivers to COVID-19 vaccination among the migrant and non-migrant population in Germany, 2021
Authors: Wulkotte Elisa , Schmid-Küpke Nora , Bozorgmehr Kayvan , Razum Oliver , Wichmann Ole , Neufeind Julia
Published: February 2024

Background

During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, immunization programmes struggled to reach all population groups equally. While migrant groups face multiple barriers to health systems, including vaccination, little is known about their vaccine uptake.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional telephone survey on adults with and without migration history in Germany to investigate barriers and drivers to COVID-19 vaccination (11 April 2021 to 18 December 2021). Interviews were conducted in six languages. We used logistic regression models and a mediation model to analyze the association between migration history and vaccine uptake. Furthermore, we determined the effect of psychological determinants (5C model) on vaccine uptake.

Results

The survey comprised 2039 individuals, including 1015 with migration history. Of these, 448 were interviews conducted in languages other than German. Individuals with migration history had a significantly lower vaccine uptake but, while still unvaccinated, had a higher intention to get vaccinated (P = 0.015) compared with those without migration history. The association between migration history and vaccine uptake was no longer significant when other factors were included in the regression model (odds ratio = 0.9; 95% confidence interval: 0.57–1.47). Socio-economic index, language skills and discrimination experience fully mediated this association. Among the psychological determinants, ‘higher confidence’ and ‘higher collective responsibility’ increased the chance of individuals with migration history to be vaccinated.

Conclusion

Migration history alone cannot explain vaccine uptake; socio-economic index, language skills and discrimination experiences need to be considered. To achieve vaccine equity, future public health policy should aim to reduce relevant barriers through tailored interventions.
Logging Machinery Traffic Has Greatest Influence on Soil Chemical Properties in the Amazonian Rainy Season
Authors: DeArmond Daniel , Lima Adriano José Nogueira , Higuchi Niro
Published: February 2024

In the forests of Amazonia each year, previously unentered stands are logged, which usually results in some degree of soil compaction. Consequently, the soil chemical properties in compacted areas are altered. The aim of this study was to determine how these changes may help or hinder site recovery in the context of seasonal variation and increased levels of compaction. To investigate these changes, an experiment was established in the Central Amazon. This consisted of tractor trails compacted at three incrementally increasing traffic intensities of one, three, and twelve machine cycles in the wet and dry seasons. Results revealed that elevated moisture in the wet season combined with heavy compaction from twelve machine cycles had the greatest impact on soil chemical properties. This was indicated by diminished total nitrogen, organic carbon, available phosphorus, cation exchange capacity, and elevated ammonium and Fe2+. Nevertheless, heavy compaction in the wet season led to lower Al3+ and higher base saturation, which could be beneficial for future site recovery.

Study Implications: Annually, vast swathes of old-growth forest are logged for the first time in Amazonia. These areas require an extensive skid trail network to facilitate movement of logging machinery and subsequent log skidding. Skid trails always entail some level of soil compaction, especially in the heavily used primary skid trails. This compaction influences the soil chemical properties. Some impacts are only apparent in the wet season and may not be present in the dry season. Therefore, to reduce overall impacts to soil chemical properties, skid trail coverage should be planned to reduce the coverage of the logging site.
Revealing the genome of the microsporidian Vairimorpha bombi, a potential driver of bumble bee declines in North America
Authors: Webster Victoria L , Hemmings Samuel , Pérez Marta , Fisher Matthew C , Brown Mark J F , Farrer Rhys A
Published: February 2024

Pollinators are vital for food security and the maintenance of terrestrial ecosystems. Bumblebees are important pollinators across northern temperate, arctic, and alpine ecosystems, yet are in decline across the globe. Vairimorpha bombi is a parasite belonging to the fungal class Microsporidia that has been implicated in the rapid decline of bumblebees in North America, where it may be an emerging infectious disease. To investigate the evolutionary basis of pathogenicity of V. bombi, we sequenced and assembled its genome using Oxford Nanopore and Illumina technologies and performed phylogenetic and genomic evolutionary analyses. The genome assembly for V. bombi is 4.73 Mb, from which we predicted 1,870 protein-coding genes and 179 tRNA genes. The genome assembly has low repetitive content and low GC content. V. bombi's genome assembly is the smallest of the Vairimorpha and closely related Nosema genera, but larger than those found in the Encephalitozoon and Ordospora sister clades. Orthology and phylogenetic analysis revealed 18 core conserved single-copy microsporidian genes including the histone acetyltransferase (HAT) GCN5. Surprisingly, V. bombi was unique to the microsporidia in not encoding the second predicted HAT ESA1. The V. bombi genome assembly annotation included 265 unique genes (i.e. not predicted in other microsporidia genome assemblies), 20% of which encode a secretion signal, which is a significant enrichment. Intriguingly, of the 36 microsporidian genomes we analyzed, 26 also had a significant enrichment of secreted signals encoded by unique genes, ranging from 6 to 71% of those predicted genes. These results suggest that microsporidia are under selection to generate and purge diverse and unique genes encoding secreted proteins, potentially contributing to or facilitating infection of their diverse hosts. Furthermore, V. bombi has 5/7 conserved spore wall proteins (SWPs) with its closest relative V. ceranae (that primarily infects honeybees), while also uniquely encoding four additional SWPs. This gene class is thought to be essential for infection, providing both environmental protection and recognition and uptake into the host cell. Together, our results show that SWPs and unique genes encoding a secretion signal are rapidly evolving in the microsporidia, suggesting that they underpin key pathobiological traits including host specificity and pathogenicity.
Coronary artery lesions are associated with adverse cardiac events in children undergoing supravalvular aortic stenosis repair
Authors: Luo Shuhua , Haller Christoph , Nield Lynne E , Deng Mimi Xiaoming , Varenbut Jaymie , Honjo Osami
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and anatomic characteristics of coronary artery lesions and their associated postoperative risk in patients undergoing supravalvular aortic stenosis repair.

METHODS

The association between structural risk factors, postoperative ST-segment changes, and major adverse cardiac events was explored using logistic regression and the Fisher’s exact test.

RESULTS

In 51 consecutive patients with supravalvular aortic stenosis treated between 2000 and 2017, a total of 48 coronary lesions were identified in 27 patients (53%). Prominent ostial ridge (type I) was the most common coronary lesion, followed by small ostium with (IIIb) or without (IIIa) diffuse long-segment coronary narrowing, and adhesion of the coronary cusp (type II). There were 54 concomitant coronary procedures, including 43 primary corrections and 11 revisions. Thirty-three patients underwent supravalvular aortic stenosis repair with a bifurcated patch, of which 13 (39.4%) had right coronary artery distortion/kinking requiring patch plication (n = 8) and reimplantation (n = 5). Postoperative major adverse cardiac events (MACE) occurred in 9 patients (17.6%), including 3 deaths, 4 needing mechanical circulatory support, and 6 experiencing ventricular arrhythmias. Twenty-two patients (43.1%) had postoperative ST-segment changes, including 13 early changes that resolved within 24 h and 9 persistent changes lasting >24 h. Patients with type III lesions were associated with postoperative persistent ST-segment change (P = 0.04) and these lesions independently predicted postoperative MACE (P = 0.02). Patients with pre-existing coronary lesions were at elevated risk of right coronary artery distortion/kinking (P = 0.045).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of ST-segment changes and MACE is high in patients undergoing supravalvular aortic stenosis repair. The preoperative presence of complex coronary lesions is the most important predictor for postoperative major adverse cardiac events.
Medicare meets the cloud: the development of a secure platform for the storage and analysis of claims data
Authors: Simpson Roy L , Lee Joseph A , Li Yin , Kang Yu Jin , Tsui Circe , Cimiotti Jeannie P
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Cloud-based solutions are a modern-day necessity for data intense computing. This case report describes in detail the development and implementation of Amazon Web Services (AWS) at Emory—a secure, reliable, and scalable platform to store and analyze identifiable research data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Materials and Methods

Interdisciplinary teams from CMS, MBL Technologies, and Emory University collaborated to ensure compliance with CMS policy that consolidates laws, regulations, and other drivers of information security and privacy.

Results

A dedicated team of individuals ensured successful transition from a physical storage server to a cloud-based environment. This included implementing access controls, vulnerability scanning, and audit logs that are reviewed regularly with a remediation plan. User adaptation required specific training to overcome the challenges of cloud computing.

Conclusion

Challenges created opportunities for lessons learned through the creation of an end-product accepted by CMS and shared across disciplines university-wide.
Sarcopenia definitions and their association with fracture risk in older Swedish women
Authors: Gandham Anoohya , Gregori Giulia , Johansson Lisa , Johansson Helena , Harvey Nicholas C , Vandenput Liesbeth , McCloskey Eugene , Kanis John A , Litsne Henrik , Axelsson Kristian , Lorentzon Mattias
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of three sarcopenia definitions and their associations with fracture risk in older Swedish women when adjusted for fracture risk assessment (FRAX)-based risk factors; 2,883 women with a mean age of 77.8 years were included. Sarcopenia was defined based on the Sarcopenia Definitions and Outcomes Consortium (SDOC; low handgrip strength [kg] and gait speed (m/s)), revised European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2; low appendicular lean mass index, appendicular lean mass [ALM]/height; kg/m2], and hand grip strength [kg]), and Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS; low ALM (kg), and hand grip strength [kg]) definitions. Femoral neck T-score was obtained from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. All fractures, confirmed by X-ray or medical record review, were subsequently categorized as major osteoporotic fractures (MOFs) and hip fractures. Deaths were verified through regional registers. The total follow-up time was 6.4 ± 1.3 (mean ± SD) yr. Cox regression (hazard ratios [HR] and 95% CIs) analyses were performed with adjustment for age, FRAX variables, and femoral neck T-score. Sarcopenia prevalence was 4.5% (n = 129) according to SDOC, 12.5% (n = 360) for EWGSOP2, and 10.3% (n = 296) defined by AWGS. Individuals with sarcopenia defined by SDOC had a higher mortality risk than individuals without sarcopenia (HR: 3.41; 95% CI: 2.51, 4.62) after adjusting for age and FRAX variables. Sarcopenia according to EWGSOP2 and AWGS was not associated with an increased fracture risk after adjusting for age and FRAX variables. Individuals with sarcopenia defined by SDOC had a higher risk for any fractures (HR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.99) and MOF (HR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.98) compared with individuals without sarcopenia after adjusting for clinical risk factors used in FRAX. In conclusion, sarcopenia defined by SDOC, incorporating muscle function/strength, was the only sarcopenia definition associated with fracture risk in older women.