bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing and testing an environmental economics approach to the valuation and application of urban health externalities
Authors: Eaton Eleanor , Hunt Alistair , Black Daniel
Published: February 2023

Background

Poor quality urban environments have substantial impacts on public and planetary health. These costs to society are not readily quantifiable and remain largely external to mainstream measures of progress. Methods for accounting for these externalities exist, but their effective application is in development. Yet there is an increasing urgency and demand given the profound threats to quality of life both now and in the future.

Methods

We combine data from a series of systematic reviews of the quantitative evidence linking characteristics of the urban environment with health consequences and the economic valuation of these health impacts from a societal perspective within a spreadsheet-based tool. The tool–named HAUS–allows the user to estimate the health impacts of changes in urban environments. The economic valuation of these impacts in turn facilitates the use of such data in broader economic appraisal of urban development projects and policies.

Findings

Using the Impact-Pathway approach, observations of a variety of health impacts associated with 28 characteristics of the urban environment are applied to forecast changes in cases of specific health impacts that result from changes in urban contexts. Unit values for the societal cost of 78 health outcomes are estimated and incorporated in the HAUS model in order to allow the quantification of the potential effect size of a given change in the urban environment. Headline results are presented for a real-world application in which urban development scenarios that have varying quantities of green space are evaluated. The potential uses of the tool are validated via formal semi-structured interviews with 15 senior decision-makers from the public and private sectors.

Interpretation

Responses suggest that there is significant demand for this kind of evidence, that it is valued despite the inherent uncertainties, and has a very wide range of potential applications. Analysis of the results suggest expert interpretation and contextual understanding is critical for the value of evidence to be realized. More development and testing is needed to understand how and where it may be possible to apply effectively in real world practice.
Perceptions and responses to cognitive decline in people with diabetes: A systematic review of qualitative studies
Authors: Wang Meijuan , Guan Xiangyun , Yan Jingzheng , Michael Nyagwaswa , Liu Xueyan , Tan Ran , Lv Xiaoyan , Yan Fei , Cao Yingjuan
Published: February 2023

Objective

We aimed at summarizing the perceptions and responses to cognitive decline, assessing the disease management, identifying deficiencies and proposing new strategies for improvement in people with diabetes (PWDs).

Methods

A comprehensive search was performed in the following nine databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, CINAHL, WanFang, CNKI, and VIP. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tool for qualitative research was utilized to evaluate the quality of included studies. Descriptive texts and quotations relating to patient experience were extracted from the included studies and thematically analyzed.

Results

Eight qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria and 2 overarching themes were identified: (1) self-perception of cognitive decline referred to perceived cognitive symptoms, lack of knowledge and, impaired self-management and coping in multiple methods; (2) reported benefits of cognitive interventions referred to how cognitive interventions improved disease management, attitudes and needs of PWDs.

Conclusion

PWDs described misconceptions about their cognitive decline and suffered from them during disease management. This study provides a patient-specific reference for cognitive screening and intervention in PWDs, supporting disease management with cognitive decline in clinical practice.
Investigating the impact of environmental factors on West Nile virus human case prediction in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Albrecht Laura , Kaufeld Kimberly A.
Published: February 2023

West Nile virus is the most common mosquito borne disease in North America and the leading cause of viral encephalitis. West Nile virus is primarily transmitted between birds and mosquitoes while humans are incidental, dead-end hosts. Climate change may increase the risk of human infections as climatic variables have been shown to affect the mosquito life cycle, biting rate, incubation period of the disease in mosquitoes, and bird migration patterns. We develop a zero-inflated Poisson model to investigate how human West Nile virus case counts vary with respect to mosquito abundance and infection rates, bird abundance, and other environmental covariates. We use a Bayesian paradigm to fit our model to data from 2010–2019 in Ontario, Canada. Our results show mosquito infection rate, temperature, precipitation, and crow abundance are positively correlated with human cases while NDVI and robin abundance are negatively correlated with human cases. We find the inclusion of spatial random effects allows for more accurate predictions, particularly in years where cases are higher. Our model is able to accurately predict the magnitude and timing of yearly West Nile virus outbreaks and could be a valuable tool for public health officials to implement prevention strategies to mitigate these outbreaks.
Mind-stimulating leisure activities: Prospective associations with health, wellbeing, and longevity
Authors: Weziak-Bialowolska Dorota , Bialowolski Piotr , Sacco Pier Luigi
Published: February 2023

Introduction

This study examines prospective associations within a 6-year perspective between three mind-stimulating leisure activities (relaxed and solitary: reading; serious and solitary: doing number and word games; serious and social: playing cards and games) and 21 outcomes in (1) physical health, (2) wellbeing, (3) daily life functioning, (4) cognitive impairment, and (5) longevity domains.

Methods

Data were obtained from 19,821 middle-aged and older adults from 15 countries participating in the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Temporal associations were obtained using generalized estimating equations. All models were controlled for prior sociodemographic, personality, lifestyle factors, health behaviors, and pre-baseline leisure activity values and all outcome variables. The Bonferroni correction was used to correct for multiple testing. E-values were calculated to examine the sensitivity of the associations to unmeasured confounding. Secondary analyses (1) under the complete case scenario, (2) after excluding respondents with health conditions, and (3) using a limited set of covariates were conducted to provide evidence for the robustness of the results.

Results

The relaxed solitary activity of reading almost daily was prospectively associated with a lower risk of depression, experiencing pain, daily functioning limitations, cognitive impairment, lower loneliness scores, and more favorable wellbeing outcomes. Engaging in serious solitary leisure activities almost daily was prospectively associated with a lower risk of depression, feeling full of energy, and a lower risk of death by any cause. Occasionally engaging in these activities was prospectively associated with greater optimism and a lower risk of cognitive impairment. Engaging in serious social activities was prospectively associated with greater happiness, lower scores on the loneliness scale, a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease, and an increased risk of cancer. Additionally, occasionally engaging in serious social activities was associated with greater optimism and lower risk of depression, pain, and mobility limitations. These associations were independent of demographics, socioeconomic status, personality, history of diseases, and prior lifestyle. The sensitivity analyses provided substantial evidence for the robustness of these associations.

Discussion

Mind-engaging leisure activities can be considered a health and wellbeing resource. Practitioners may consider them tools that help middle-aged and older adults maintain their health and quality of life.
Context-specific adaptation of an eHealth-facilitated, integrated care model and tailoring its implementation strategies—A mixed-methods study as a part of the SMILe implementation science project
Authors: Valenta Sabine , Ribaut Janette , Leppla Lynn , Mielke Juliane , Teynor Alexandra , Koehly Katharina , Gerull Sabine , Grossmann Florian , Witzig-Brändli Verena , De Geest Sabina ,   on behalf of the SMILe study team
Published: February 2023

Background

Contextually adapting complex interventions and tailoring their implementation strategies is key to a successful and sustainable implementation. While reporting guidelines for adaptations and tailoring exist, less is known about how to conduct context-specific adaptations of complex health care interventions.

Aims

To describe in methodological terms how the merging of contextual analysis results (step 1) with stakeholder involvement, and considering overarching regulations (step 2) informed our adaptation of an Integrated Care Model (ICM) for SteM cell transplantatIon faciLitated by eHealth (SMILe) and the tailoring of its implementation strategies (step 3).

Methods

Step 1: We used a mixed-methods design at University Hospital Basel, guided by the Basel Approach for coNtextual ANAlysis (BANANA). Step 2: Adaptations of the SMILe-ICM and tailoring of implementation strategies were discussed with an interdisciplinary team (n = 28) by considering setting specific and higher-level regulatory scenarios. Usability tests were conducted with patients (n = 5) and clinicians (n = 4). Step 3: Adaptations were conducted by merging our results from steps 1 and 2 using the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications–Enhanced (FRAME). We tailored implementation strategies according to the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) compilation.

Results

Step 1: Current clinical practice was mostly acute-care-driven. Patients and clinicians valued eHealth-facilitated ICMs to support trustful patient-clinician relationships and the fitting of eHealth components to context-specific needs. Step 2: Based on information from project group meetings, adaptations were necessary on the organizational level (e.g., delivery of self-management information). Regulations informed the tailoring of SMILe-ICM`s visit timepoints and content; data protection management was adapted following Swiss regulations; and steering group meetings supported infrastructure access. The usability tests informed further adaptation of technology components. Step 3: Following FRAME and ERIC, SMILe-ICM and its implementation strategies were contextually adapted and tailored to setting-specific needs.

Discussion

This study provides a context-driven methodological approach on how to conduct intervention adaptation including the tailoring of its implementation strategies. The revealed meso-, and macro-level differences of the contextual analysis suggest a more targeted approach to enable an in-depth adaptation process. A theory-guided adaptation phase is an important first step and should be sufficiently incorporated and budgeted in implementation science projects.
Hope, agency, and adolescents' sexual and reproductive health: A mini review
Authors: Groenewald Candice , Isaacs Nazeema , Qoza Phiwokazi
Published: February 2023

Availability of and access to services that promote sexual and reproductive health (SRH) amongst adolescent girls have become a global priority. Yet, while researchers have explored factors that influence the uptake of SRH services in low-and-middle income countries, the roles that “agency” and “hope” play in adolescent SRH is less understood. To study this, this mini review systematically reviewed the literature across three databases, EBSCO-host web, Pubmed and South Africa (SA) epublications, for the period of January 2012 to January 2022. Findings showed that a paucity of studies identified the link between agency, hope and adolescent SRH respectively. Our review included 12 articles and found no studies that focused on hope and its role in adolescent SRH or seeking SRH services. However, the literature revealed the complexities of adolescent SRH agency and autonomy where female adolescents had limited autonomy to make SRH decisions. Limited access to adolescent friendly SRH services was also found to restrict girls' agency to prevent unintended pregnancies or to take up SRH support. Given the paucity of research, empirical studies are needed to further understand the extent to which hope, agency and other subjective factors implicate adolescent SRH in the African context.
Enhancing demographics and career pathways of the space physics workforce in the US
Authors: Bagenal Fran
Published: February 2023

We present the demographics data for the space physics workforce which are compared with other space sciences fields, physics, plus science and engineering in general. We focus on the early stages of college, and draw some lessons from looking beyond the US by discussing this in the context of physics degrees awarded in different countries. We review some of the studies from the National Academies, extracting some relevant recommendations. Studies of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce, the physical sciences profession, and specifically the space sciences show that the “pinch point” where the demographics narrow down is at the high school to college stages. We considered the actions that could be made nationally by federal agencies, locally by an institution or individually to enhance and diversify the career pathway through the space sciences.
Is long time to reimplantation a risk factor for reinfection in two-stage revision for periprosthetic infection? A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Puetzler Jan , Schulze Martin , Gosheger Georg , Schwarze Jan , Moellenbeck Burkhard , Theil Christoph
Published: February 2023

The two-stage revision arthroplasty is a common treatment option for chronic periprosthetic infection (PJI). The time to reimplantation (TTR) reported in the literature varies substantially from a few days to several hundred days. It is hypothesized that longer TTR could be associated with worse infection control after second stage. A systematic literature search was performed according to Preferred Reporting items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, in Pubmed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science Core Collection in clinical studies published until January 2023. Eleven studies investigating TTR as a potential risk factor for reinfection met the inclusion criteria (ten retrospective and one prospective study, published 2012–2022). Study design and outcome measures differed notably. The cutoff points above which TTR was regarded as “long” ranged from 4 to 18 weeks. No study observed a benefit for long TTR. In all studies, similar or even better infection control was observed for short TTR. The optimal TTR, however, is not yet defined. Larger clinical studies with homogeneous patient populations and adjustment for confounding factors are needed.
Production performance, egg quality, and uterine gene expression for layers as affected by N-Carbamylglutamate supplementation
Authors: Ma Wei , Lu Yi , Wang Chunqiang
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Supplementation of exogenous additives is a strategy to improve laying performance of layers by regulating uterine function. N-Carbamylglutamate (NCG) as an activator for endogenous arginine synthesis has the potential to regulate the laying performance of layers, but its effects have not been fully understood.

Methods

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of NCG on production performance, egg quality, and uterine gene expression in layers. A total of 360 45-week-old layers with a genetic line of Jinghong No. 1 were used in this study. The experimental period was 14 weeks. All birds were divided into 4 treatments with 6 replicates per treatment and 15 birds per replicate. Dietary treatments were based on a basal diet and supplemented with 0, 0.08, 0.12, or 0.16% NCG to form C, N1, N2, and N3 groups.

Results and discussion

We found that layers in group N1 had higher egg production rate than those in group C. Egg weight was significantly reduced, while eggshell thickness was significantly improved, by treatment. However, the albumen height and Haugh unit were the lowest in group N3. Based on the above results, groups C and N1 were selected for further transcriptomics analysis of uterine tissue by RNA-seq. More than 7.4 Gb clean reads and 19,882 tentative genes were obtained using the Gallus gallus genome as a reference. Transcriptomics analysis in uterus tissue revealed that 95 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were upregulated and 127 DEGs were downregulated. Functional annotation and pathway enrichment analysis showed that DEGs in uterine tissue were mainly enriched in glutathione metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, and glycerolipid metabolism, etc. Vitamin A metabolism-related gene, RBP1, nutrient transport-related gene, ALB, protein synthesis-related gene, METTL21C, and calcium transport-related gene, RYR2, CACNB2, RAMP3, and STAC, were significantly regulated by 0.08% NCG supplementation. Therefore, we concluded that NCG supplementation at a dose of 0.08% improved production performance and egg quality of layers by regulating uterus function.
Development of a Contact Force Model Suited for Spherical Contact Event
Authors: Wang Siyuan , Gao Peng
Published: February 2023

The stiffness coefficient suited for a spherical contact body is developed by means of a contact semi-angle based on Steuermann’s theory. The new static contact force model is close to the results of FEM when the index of the polynomial is equal to 2. The strain energy is derived according to the contact stiffness coefficient. Taylor expansion is used in the dissipated energy integration process to obtain a more accurate hysteresis damping factor. The new dynamic contact force model consists of the new stiffness coefficient and new hysteresis damping factor, which is suitable for the spherical-contact event with a high coefficient of restitution.
Exploring Plant Tissue Culture and Steviol Glycosides Production in Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) Bertoni: A Review
Authors: Sharma Shilpa , Gupta Swati , Kumari Deepa , Kothari Shanker Lal , Jain Rohit , Kachhwaha Sumita
Published: February 2023

Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) Bertoni, commonly called “sweet leaf” is a medicinally and industrially important plant known to be rich in zero-calorie natural sweetening compound(s) known as “steviol glycosides”. However, due to its poor seed germination and slow vegetative propagation, it has become rather difficult to meet the increasing global demand for Stevia-based products. Different biotechnological approaches have been developed over the past few decades to overcome these limitations and allow for mass propagation of the plant. Several protocols for in vitro organogenesis, callogenesis, and cell suspension cultures have been developed during the past few years. Apart from this, attempts have also been made to improve the production of steviol glycosides through nutrient manipulation, the use of elicitors, hairy root cultures, genetic transformation, and metabolic pathway engineering. Therefore, this review provides an up-to-date report on the applications of various biotechnological tools for mass propagation and enhanced steviol glycoside production, along with a detailed bibliometrics analysis. This review also highlights research gaps and future considerations that could be fruitful for the scientific community to delve deeper into the various unexplored aspects of the architecture and functionality of this natural sweetening plant.
Edge Device Detection of Tea Leaves with One Bud and Two Leaves Based on ShuffleNetv2-YOLOv5-Lite-E
Authors: Zhang Shihao , Yang Hekai , Yang Chunhua , Yuan Wenxia , Li Xinghui , Wang Xinghua , Zhang Yinsong , Cai Xiaobo , Sheng Yubo , Deng Xiujuan , Huang Wei , Li Lei , He Junjie , Wang Baijuan
Published: February 2023

In order to solve the problem of an accurate recognition of tea picking through tea picking robots, an edge device detection method is proposed in this paper based on ShuffleNetv2-YOLOv5-Lite-E for tea with one bud and two leaves. This replaces the original feature extraction network by removing the Focus layer and using the ShuffleNetv2 algorithm, followed by a channel pruning of YOLOv5 at the neck layer head, thus achieving the purpose of reducing the model size. The results show that the size of the improved generated weight file is 27% of that of the original YOLOv5 model, and the mAP value of ShuffleNetv2-YOLOv5-Lite-E is 97.43% and 94.52% on the pc and edge device respectively, which are 1.32% and 1.75% lower compared to that of the original YOLOv5 model. The detection speeds of ShuffleNetv2-YOLOv5-Lite-E, YOLOv5, YOLOv4, and YOLOv3 were 8.6 fps, 2.7 fps, 3.2 fps, and 3.4 fps respectively after importing the models into an edge device, and the improved YOLOv5 detection speed was 3.2 times faster than that of the original YOLOv5 model. Through the detection method, the size of the original YOLOv5 model is effectively reduced while essentially ensuring recognition accuracy. The detection speed is also significantly improved, which is conducive to the realization of intelligent and accurate picking for future tea gardens, laying a solid foundation for the realization of tea picking robots.
Supernumerary Marker Chromosome Identified in Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)
Authors: Cernohorska Halina , Kubickova Svatava , Musilova Petra , Vozdova Miluse , Vodicka Roman , Rubes Jiri
Published: February 2023

We identified a small, supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC) in two phenotypically normal Asian elephants (Elephas maximus): a female (2n = 57,XX,+mar) and her male offspring (2n = 57,XY,+mar). sSMCs are defined as structurally abnormal chromosomes that cannot be identified by conventional banding analysis since they are usually small and often lack distinct banding patterns. Although current molecular techniques can reveal their origin, the mechanism of their formation is not yet fully understood. We determined the origin of the marker using a suite of conventional and molecular cytogenetic approaches that included (a) G- and C-banding, (b) AgNOR staining, (c) preparation of a DNA clone using laser microdissection of the marker chromosome, (d) FISH with commercially available human painting and telomeric probes, and (e) FISH with centromeric DNA derived from the centromeric regions of a marker-free Asian elephant. Moreover, we present new information on the location and number of NORs in Asian and savanna elephants. We show that the metacentric marker was composed of heterochromatin with NORs at the terminal ends, originating most likely from the heterochromatic region of chromosome 27. In this context, we discuss the possible mechanism of marker formation. We also discuss the similarities between sSMCs and B chromosomes and whether the marker chromosome presented here could evolve into a B chromosome in the future.
Intestinal Microbiota of Anser fabalis Wintering in Two Lakes in the Middle and Lower Yangtze River Floodplain
Authors: Zhao Kai , Zhou Duoqi , Ge Mengrui , Zhang Yixun , Li Wenhui , Han Yu , He Guangyu , Shi Shuiqin
Published: February 2023

The intestinal microbiota of migratory birds participate in the life activities of the host and are affected by external environmental factors. The difference in habitat environment provides diversity in external environmental selection pressure for the same overwintering waterfowl, which may be reflected in their intestinal microbiota. Caizi lake and Shengjin Lake in the Middle and Lower Yangtze River Floodplain are the main habitats for migratory waterfowl in winter, especially the Anser fabalis (A. fabalis). It is important to explore the changes in intestinal microbiota composition and function of A. fabalis in the early overwintering period to clarify the effect of habitat size and protection status on intestinal microbiota. In this study, the composition and structural characteristics of the intestinal microbiota of A. fabalis in Shengjin Lake (SL) and Caizi Lake (CL) were preliminarily explored in order to obtain data for the migratory birds. In both SL and CL groups, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing analysis showed that Firmicutes was the dominant bacterial phylum, but the relative abundance showed significant differences. Lactobacillus was the most abundant genus in both SL and CL groups. At the species level, the abundance of L. aviaries was the highest, with a relative abundance in both SL and CL groups of more than 34%. When comparing the average relative abundance of the 15 most abundant genera, it was found that Subdoligranulum, Exiguobacterium, and Terrisporobacter had higher abundances in the intestinal microbiota of CL A. fabalis, while Streptococcus and Rothia had higher abundances in the intestinal microbiota of SL A. fabalis. There was only a positive correlation between Bacteroidota and Proteobacteria in the intestinal microbiota flora of SL A. fabalis, and the species were closely related. At the same time, there were positive and negative correlations between Firmicutes and Actinomycetes. However, CL is mainly associated with a positive correlation between Firmicutes and Actinomycetes, and there are also a small number of connections between Firmicutes. PICRUSt1 prediction analysis revealed that the Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) functions of SL and CL involve energy production and transformation, amino acid transport and metabolism, carbohydrate transport and metabolism, and transcription. Understanding the changes in intestinal microbiota in Aves during the overwintering period is of great importance to explore the adaptation mechanism of migratory Aves to the overwintering environment. This work provides basic data for an A. fabalis intestinal microbiota study.
Clinical and Histological Findings of Male Uterus (Uterus Masculinus) in Three Dogs (2014–2018)
Authors: Tura Giorgia , Ballotta Giulia , Cunto Marco , Orioles Massimo , Sarli Giuseppe , Zambelli Daniele
Published: February 2023

Data from three cases of uterus masculinus were retrieved from 2014 to 2018. Two out of three cases presented clinical signs compatible with systemic infection, as observed in bitches with pyometra. Ultrasound examination revealed a tubular fluid-filled structure with a thin irregular wall located cranially to the prostate and in continuity with the cranial part of the gland. In two cases, two other tubular fluid-filled structures were visualized in the caudal part of the abdominal cavity, ventrally to the prostate gland and urinary bladder. After surgical removal of these, histological examination revealed the presence of a uterine structure morphologically similar to the female counterpart. Various types of epithelial cell lining were found, including simple columnar, simple stratified and squamous epithelium associated with glands in the underlying stroma. Immunohistochemistry to anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) produced a positive result on glands, while multifocal expression was found in the lining epithelium. AMH seems involved in the pathogenesis of uterus masculinus, but its role is not fully understood. Thorough clinical and ultrasonographical examinations, followed by a histological confirmation, are necessary to properly diagnose uterus masculinus in dogs.
Handling Extensive Mitral Annular Calcification via a Minimally Invasive Right Mini-Thoracotomy Approach
Authors: Barbero Cristina , Spitaleri Antonio , Pocar Marco , Parrella Barbara , Santonocito Ambra , Bozzo Elena , Depaoli Alessandro , Faletti Riccardo , Rinaldi Mauro
Published: February 2023

Mitral annular calcification is a chronic and degenerative process of the fibrous base of the mitral valve. Surgical management of mitral valve dysfunction with severe annular calcification remains technically demanding and, to date, the preferred approach is still a standard full sternotomy. We aimed to analyze and report our experience with mitral valve surgery addressing annular calcification via the minimally invasive approach through a right mini-thoracotomy. Data of patients with mitral valve disease and underlying annular calcification undergoing minimally invasive surgery from 2018 to 2022 were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. The severity of mitral annular calcification was categorized with an angio-computerized tomography scan analysis as mild, moderate or severe according to calcium thickness, calcium distribution, and trigone and leaflet involvement using the Mitral Annular Calcification Computerized Tomography-score. During the study period, 27 patients with mitral valve disease and associated mitral annular calcification were enrolled. The most common etiology was advanced Barlow’s disease, which was encountered in 18 cases (67%). Mitral valve replacement was performed in 21 patients (78%). No intraoperative death, atrioventricular disruption, or circumflex coronary artery injury occurred. Conversion to sternotomy was necessary in a single case. Residual moderate periprosthetic leak requiring early reoperation and permanent heart block mandating permanent pacemaker implantation were reported in one and in three patients, respectively. No cases of stroke were reported. Two patients died, accounting for a 7.4% perioperative mortality. At a median follow-up of 9 months, one patient had residual moderate mitral regurgitation, whereas two patients required short-term reoperation and prosthetic valve (re)replacement. Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery via right mini-thoracotomy should be considered an and effective approach to be indicated also in patients with mild-to-severe mitral annular calcification. Routine angio-computerized tomography scan during work-up is a mandatory step to stratify the anatomical extension and severity of the mitral annular calcification.
Atmospheric Electricity Measurements in the Pacific Northwest, Russia
Authors: Smirnov Sergey
Published: February 2023

A complex for measuring the electrical parameters of the surface layer of the atmosphere, which has been successfully operating in Kamchatka since 1997, is described. The basic principles of organization of such measurements and methods for their implementation under specific conditions are given. The main reactions of the electric field to meteorological phenomena, as well as to seismic and space events, are shown. A feature of the observatory is that it is located at mid-latitudes with a temperate maritime climate with a very small number of thunderstorms and in a region with high seismic activity. The paper presents the main results of studies of geophysical processes obtained at an observatory with such features. The measurement results of this complex are broadcast on the Internet and are available through a shared use center.
Scene Recognition for Construction Projects Based on the Combination Detection of Detailed Ground Objects
Authors: Pu Jian , Wang Zhigang , Liu Renyu , Xu Wensheng , Shen Shengyu , Zhang Tong , Liu Jigen
Published: February 2023

The automatic identification of construction projects, which can be considered as complex scenes, is a technical challenge for the supervision of soil and water conservation in urban areas. Construction projects in high-resolution remote sensing images have no unified semantic definition, thereby exhibiting significant differences in image features. This paper proposes an identification method for construction projects based on the detection of detailed ground objects, which construction projects comprise, including movable slab houses, buildings under construction, dust screens, and bare soil (rock). To create the training data set, we select highly informative detailed ground objects from high-resolution remote sensing images. Then, the Faster RCNN (region-based convolutional neural network) algorithm is used to detect construction projects and the highly informative detailed ground objects separately. The merging of detection boxes and the correction of detailed ground object combinations are used to jointly improve the confidence of construction project detection results. The empirical experiments show that the accuracy evaluation indicators of this method on a data set of Wuhan construction projects outperform other comparative methods, and its AP value and F1 score reached 0.773 and 0.417, respectively. The proposed method can achieve satisfactory identification results for construction projects with complex scenes, and can be applied to the comprehensive supervision of soil and water conservation in construction projects.
Parametric Optimization and Numerical Analysis of GaAs Inspired Highly Efficient I-Shaped Metamaterial Solar Absorber Design for Visible and Infrared Regions
Authors: Alsharari Meshari , Armghan Ammar , Aliqab Khaled
Published: February 2023

Renewable energy demand is increasing as fossil fuels are limited and pollute the environment. The solar absorber is an efficient renewable energy source that converts solar radiation into heat energy. We have proposed a gallium arsenide-backed solar absorber design made with a metamaterial resonator and SiO2 substrate. The metamaterial resonator is investigated with thin wire metamaterial and I-shaped metamaterial designs. The I-shape metamaterial design outperforms the thin wire metamaterial design and gives 96% average absorption with a peak absorption of 99.95%. Structure optimization is applied in this research paper using parametric optimization. Nonlinear parametric optimization is used because of the nonlinear system results. The optimization method is used to optimize the design and improve the efficiency of the solar absorber. The gallium arsenide and silicon dioxide thicknesses are modified to see how they affect the absorption response of the solar absorber design. The optimized parameter values for SiO2 and GaAs thicknesses are 2500 nm and 1000 nm, respectively. The effect of the change in angles is also investigated in this research. The absorption is high for such a wide angle of incidence. The angle of 30° only shows a lower absorption of about 30–50%. The effect of the change in angles is also investigated in this research. The design results are verified by presenting the E-field results for different wavelengths. The optimized solar absorber design applies to renewable energy applications.
Deep Analysis of Student Body Activities to Detect Engagement State in E-Learning Sessions
Authors: Khenkar Shoroog Ghazee , Jarraya Salma Kammoun , Allinjawi Arwa , Alkhuraiji Samar , Abuzinadah Nihal , Kateb Faris A.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we propose new 3D CNN prediction models for detecting student engagement levels in an e-learning environment. The first generated model classifies students’ engagement to high positive engagement or low positive engagement. The second generated model classifies engagement to low negative engagement or disengagement. To predict the engagement level, the proposed prediction models learn the deep spatiotemporal features of the body activities of the students. In addition, we collected a new video dataset for this study. The new dataset was collected in realistic, uncontrolled settings from real students attending real online classes. Our findings are threefold: (1) Spatiotemporal features are more suitable for analyzing body activities from video data; (2) our proposed prediction models outperform state-of-the-art methods and have proven their effectiveness; and (3) our newly collected video dataset, which reflects realistic scenarios, contributed to delivering comparable results to current methods. The findings of this work will strengthen the knowledge base for the development of intelligent and interactive e-learning systems that can give feedback based on user engagement.
Structural Identification from Operational Modal Analysis: The Case of Steel Structures
Authors: Stochino Flavio , Attoli Alessandro , Serra Michele , Napoli Alberto , Meloni Daniel , Mistretta Fausto
Published: February 2023

In the case of old existing structures where the cultural value is very high, structural health analyses and investigations would be better performed without damages or service interruptions. Thus, modal analysis aimed at identifying eigenfrequencies and eigenmodes represents a very effective strategy to identify structural characteristics. In this paper, an innovative strategy to identify structural parameters exploiting the modal information obtained from operational modal analysis is proposed. The importance of the structural modeling in the problem formulation is highlighted. In the case of a simply supported beam, it was possible to assess the beam steel elastic modulus, while in the case of a cantilever beam, some constraint characteristics have been evaluated as well. In the steel frame case, the focus was on the constraint conditions of the structure determining the flexural stiffness of the springs representing the column base constraints. The method performances are promising for applications in larger structures such as bridges and buildings.
Temporal Evolution and Prognostic Role of Indeterminate Response Sub-Groups in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer after Initial Therapy with Radioiodine
Authors: Albano Domenico , Bellini Pietro , Dondi Francesco , Calabrò Anna , Casella Claudio , Taboni Stefano , Lombardi Davide , Treglia Giorgio , Bertagna Francesco
Published: February 2023

The clinical outcome of patients affected by Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma (DTC) and an indeterminate response (IR) after initial therapy is not yet clear. IR includes three different sub-groups of patients: (1) IRTg+ group: Detectable thyroglobulin (Tg), regardless of antithyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) presence or imaging studies; (2) IRTgAb+ group: Positive TgAb, regardless of Tg levels and nonspecific imaging findings; (3) IRImaging+ group: Nonspecific findings on neck ultrasonography or faint uptake in the thyroid bed on the whole-body scan, negative TgAb, and undetectable Tg. The main aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the dynamic evolution and prognostic role of these patients. From January 2010 to December 2017, 2176 patients who received radioiodine for DTC after total thyroidectomy were included. Two-hundred-eighty-eight patients had IR one year after therapy (187 TgAb+, 76 Tg+, 25 imaging+). After two years, 110 patients (38%) were reclassified as an excellent response and 5 (2%) as an incomplete response; after five years, 221 (77%) achieved an excellent response and 11 (4%) showed an incomplete response. One-year stimulated Tg and nodal disease at diagnosis may predict the final status of the disease. Progression-free survival was significantly shorter in IRTg+ than in IRTgAb+ and IRimaging+ groups. Considering Tg+ patients, a threshold of 3.3 ng/mL is best to predict prognosis.
Impact of Multiple COVID-19 Waves on Gynaecological Cancer Services in the UK
Authors: Oxley Samuel , Kalra Ashwin , Sideris Michail , Itzkowitz Nicole , Evans Olivia , Atakpa Emma Christine , Brentnall Adam R. , Dworschak Nina , Gaba Faiza , Gabe Rhian , Sundar Sudha , Wood Nick , Nicum Shibani , Taylor Alexandra , Dobbs Stephen , McCluggage W. Glenn , Nordin Andy , Legood Rosa , Kehoe Sean , Ghaem-Maghami Sadaf , Manchanda Ranjit
Published: February 2023

Background: This study aimed to assess the impact of multiple COVID-19 waves on UK gynaecological-oncology services. Methods: An online survey was distributed to all UK-British-Gynaecological-Cancer-Society members during three COVID-19 waves from 2020 to2022. Results: In total, 51 hospitals (including 32 cancer centres) responded to Survey 1, 42 hospitals (29 centres) to Survey 2, and 39 hospitals (30 centres) to Survey 3. During the first wave, urgent referrals reportedly fell by a median of 50% (IQR = 25–70%). In total, 49% hospitals reported reduced staffing, and the greatest was noted for trainee doctors, by a median of 40%. Theatre capacity was reduced by a median of 40%. A median of 30% of planned operations was postponed. Multidisciplinary meetings were completely virtual in 39% and mixed in 65% of the total. A median of 75% of outpatient consultations were remote. By the second wave, fewer hospitals reported staffing reductions, and there was a return to pre-pandemic urgent referrals and multidisciplinary workloads. Theatre capacity was reduced by a median of 10%, with 5% of operations postponed. The third wave demonstrated worsening staff reductions similar to Wave 1, primarily from sickness. Pre-pandemic levels of urgent referrals/workload continued, with little reduction in surgical capacity. Conclusion: COVID-19 led to a significant disruption of gynaecological-cancer care across the UK, including reduced staffing, urgent referrals, theatre capacity, and working practice changes. Whilst disruption eased and referrals/workloads returned to normal, significant staff shortages remained in 2022, highlighting persistent capacity constraints.
Ex Vivo Model of Neuroblastoma Plasticity
Authors: Schäfer Paula , Muhs Stefanie , Turnbull Lucas , Garwal Palwasha , Maar Hanna , Yorgan Timur A. , Tolosa Eva , Lange Tobias , Windhorst Sabine
Published: February 2023

Tumor plasticity is essential for adaptation to changing environmental conditions, in particular during the process of metastasis. In this study, we compared morphological and biochemical differences between LAN-1 neuroblastoma (NB) cells recovered from a subcutaneous xenograft primary tumor (PT) and the corresponding three generations of bone metastasis (BM I–III). Moreover, growth behavior, as well as the response to chemotherapy and immune cells were assessed. For this purpose, F-actin was stained, mRNA and protein expression assessed, and lactate secretion analyzed. Further, we measured adhesion to collagen I, the growth rate of spheroids in the presence and absence of vincristine, and the production of IL-6 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) co-incubated with PT or BM I–III. Analysis of PT and the three BM generations revealed that their growth rate decreased from PT to BM III, and accordingly, PT cells reacted most sensitively to vincristine. In addition, morphology, adaption to hypoxic conditions, as well as transcriptomes showed strong differences between the cell lines. Moreover, BM I and BM II cells exhibited a significantly different ability to stimulate human immune cells compared to PT and BM III cells. Interestingly, the differences in immune cell stimulation corresponded to the expression level of the cancer-testis antigen MAGE-A3. In conclusion, our ex vivo model allows to analyze the adaption of tumor populations to different microenvironments and clearly demonstrates the strong alteration of tumor cell populations during this process.
Improving the Post-Operative Prediction of BCR-Free Survival Time with mRNA Variables and Machine Learning
Authors: O’Donnell Autumn , Wolsztynski Eric , Cronin Michael , Moghaddam Shirin
Published: February 2023

Predicting the risk of, and time to biochemical recurrence (BCR) in prostate cancer patients post-operatively is critical in patient treatment decision pathways following surgical intervention. This study aimed to investigate the predictive potential of mRNA information to improve upon reference nomograms and clinical-only models, using a dataset of 187 patients that includes over 20,000 features. Several machine learning methodologies were implemented for the analysis of censored patient follow-up information with such high-dimensional genomic data. Our findings demonstrated the potential of inclusion of mRNA information for BCR-free survival prediction. A random survival forest pipeline was found to achieve high predictive performance with respect to discrimination, calibration, and net benefit. Two mRNA variables, namely ESM1 and DHAH8, were identified as consistently strong predictors with this dataset.
Micro-Ultrasound: Current Role in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Future Possibilities
Authors: Basso Dias Adriano , Ghai Sangeet
Published: February 2023

Prostate Cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer in men. Population screening using prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE) is recommended by the NCCN, EAU and other prominent clinical guidelines. While MRI is the recommended initial test in men at risk for PCa, micro-Ultrasound (MicroUS) is a novel high resolution ultrasound technology that has shown promise in PCa detection. This article provides a narrative review of the studies to date which have been conducted to evaluate the functionality and efficacy of MicroUS within the patient care pathway for prostate cancer. A total of 13 relevant publications comparing detection of csPCa between MicroUS and mpMRI were selected. An amount of 4 publications referring to use of MicroUS for other indications were found. Each publication was evaluated for risk of bias and applicability using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy (QUADAS-2) tool. The studies reviewed conclude that MicroUS detection rates for clinically significant prostate cancer diagnosis are comparable to the detection rates of mpMRI guided biopsy procedures. While the existing literature indicates that MicroUS should replace conventional TRUS for prostate imaging and biopsy, it is not yet clear whether MicroUS should be used on its own or in conjunction with mpMRI for augmenting prostate cancer detection. The ongoing OPTIMUM trial will provide evidence on how best to utilize this new technology. Early data also suggest this flexible new imaging modality has a place in local staging and active surveillance of prostate cancer as well as in bladder cancer staging.
A Crossroads Junction That Leads to Heart Failure (Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy): Hope for Future Therapeutics
Authors: Venkata Subbaiah Kadiam C.
Published: February 2023

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited multifaceted cardiac disease that causes sudden cardiac death, especially in young adults and athletes [...]
Ionothermal Crystallization of SAPO-11 Using Novel Pyridinium Ionic Liquid and Its Catalytic Activity in Esterification of Levulinic Acid into Ethyl Levulinate
Authors: Mohammad Al Issa Jehad Moh’dFathi , Saminathan Vinithaa , El-Bahy Zeinhom M. , Michelin Laure , Ling Tau Chuan , Ng Eng-Poh
Published: February 2023

A study using a novel pyridinium ionic liquid, namely 1-propylpyridinium bromide ([PPy]Br), to crystallize SAPO-11 under ionothermal conditions is reported. By carefully following the crystallization process, SAPO-11 can readily be crystallized in the presence of [PPy]Br, which serves as a synthesis solvent and structure-directing agent, at 150 °C after 133 h of heating. The study also focuses on manipulating other synthesis parameters (e.g., crystallization temperature, phosphorous content, silicon amount and [PPy]Br concentration) and investigating their respective effects on the formation of SAPO-11. The crystallized SAPO-11 has an acidic nature and a high surface area. Under conductive instant heating conditions, the SAPO-11 catalyst is very active in the conversion of levulinic acid into ethyl levulinate; 93.4% conversion and 100% selectivity of ethyl levulinate are recorded at 180 °C after 30 min of reaction. This result is comparable to or even better than those of conventional homogeneous catalysts.