bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuro-fuzzy scheme plus optimal PI control for controlling DC–DC converters
Authors: Süleyman Muhammed , Mumcu Tarık Veli
Published: February 2025

The importance of solar systems as a renewable source has recently captured significant efforts from governments around the world to reduce their dependency on fossil fuels. Improving the efficiency of these systems, in general, is an important topic. Specifically, enhancing the control method used for controlling the DC–DC converter occupies a significant place in the efforts dedicated to increasing the efficiency of the solar system. The nonlinearity of such systems might deteriorate the performance of traditional controllers, such as PIDs. Therefore, this paper suggests a new scheme which consists of a PI controller and a neuro-fuzzy controller in a cascade manner. Particle swarm optimization is used for optimally designing the parameters of the PI controller for improving the system's dynamic and steady-state responses. Also, the proposed PI controller has only two tuning parameters which significantly reduce the design time. The system inputs of the proposed fuzzy controller are the power and the current changes, and its output is the duty cycle which directly affects the desired output voltage. On the other hand, the input of the PI controller is the error signal between the desired voltage and the output voltage of the DC–DC converter which forms the controlled variable. The main contribution of the paper is to enhance the efficiency of the system via connecting the optimal PI and neuro-fuzzy controller, which can store human experiences. Different scenarios are used to test the proposed controller and obtain optimal maximum power point tracking under different weather conditions. Results show that the proposed controller significantly improves the efficiency percentage of the DC–DC converter relative to the neuro-fuzzy controller alone by at least 15%. Also, the integral square error index indicates the proposed method has small tracking errors either for the setpoint tracking or disturbance rejection.
‘Négritude’ as a critique of civilisation in prose fiction and cultural theory of German and French avant-gardes
Authors: Urban Urs
Published: February 2025

This article is dedicated to the question of how ‘blackness’ was brought up in literary and theoretical texts of the avant-gardes, not only in France but also in Germany, for although Germany lost its colonies after the First World War, it was still characterised by its colonial past as well as by the newer African American entertainment culture. This complex situation was the subject of cultural criticism from various sides and prose fiction also became part of this discourse on blackness, with German and French authors corresponding closely with each other in this respect. When a specifically ‘black’ theory and practice of culture emerged in France a good 10 years later with the ‘Négritude’-movement and ‘Présence africaine’, it tied in with the already existing ‘white’ discourse on blackness – albeit in very different ways: while Césaire derives identity politics from a history of violence from the outset, Senghor mobilises primarily anthropological arguments to the end.
Investigation of concentration dependent property variations of High Density Polyethylene/Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene blends
Authors: M Divine Sharon , R Joseph Bensingh
Published: February 2025

Binary polymer blends of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene (SEBS) are developed by varying the SEBS concentration from 1 to 10 wt%. The relation between the concentration of SEBS in HDPE and the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the resulting blends has been investigated. The physical properties almost remain unaffected by the addition of SEBS to HDPE. In mechanical characterization, a reduction in modulus is observed with each incremental addition of SEBS. Blends with 10% SEBS concentration reveal a nine fold increase in tensile elongation along with a 15.4% and 26.4% increase in room and low temperature impact resistance. In thermal characterization, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) of the polymer blends reveals a slight decline in thermal stability with increasing SEBS concentration. Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) declines sharply beyond 5 wt% SEBS concentration, thermograms obtained from Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) portray an increase in crystallinity till 5 wt% and then declines with further addition of SEBS. A temperature and composition dependent molecular mobility between the polymer phases is evident from Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). A transition from immiscible two phase droplet-matrix separation phase to a partially miscible morphology is evident from analysis under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).
Case Report of a Primary Sinonasal Renal Cell-Like Adenocarcinoma With EWSR1 Gene Rearrangement in a 13-Year-Old Male
Authors: Tang Ming , Yao Hong , Yang Chao , Liu Peng-Jie , Yang Xuan-Tao
Published: February 2025

Background:

Sinonasal renal cell-like adenocarcinoma (SNRCLA) is a rare, low-grade malignant neoplasm originating in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. This report provides a detailed account of the clinical and pathological characteristics of a single case of SNRCLA, highlights its differential diagnosis, and includes a review of relevant literature.

Case description:

A 13-year-old male presented with a mass in the right nasal cavity. Histopathological analysis demonstrated tumor morphology analogous to clear cell renal cell carcinoma, characterized by abundant clear cytoplasm, acinar formations, and a prominent capillary-rich stroma. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed positive staining for cytokeratin pan, cytokeratin 7, vimentin, carbonic anhydrase IX, and SRY-box 10, with partial positivity for S-100. Markers such as paired box 8, atriopeptidase, renal cell carcinoma marker, melanosome, thyroglobulin, and thyroid transcription factor-1were negative. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis identified the presence of an EWSR1 gene rearrangement. The patient underwent surgical resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. Follow-up evaluations conducted as of November 2024 revealed no evidence of tumor recurrence, and the patient remained in good general health.

Conclusion:

SNRCLA is a rare neoplasm characterized by its low incidence rate and the necessity for exclusion-based diagnosis, requiring differentiation from other clear cell tumors. Immunohistochemistry plays a key role in establishing the diagnosis and distinguishing SNRCLA from histologically-similar entities. This case represents the first documentation of EWSR1 gene rearrangement in SNRCLA, thereby contributing novel insights into its molecular profile.
Tracing the Historical Origins of Contemporary Political Cultures: A Comparative Analysis of Russia and Ukraine
Authors: Tamilina Larysa
Published: February 2025

By using Russia and Ukraine as illustrative examples, this research examines the impact of past encounters with invasions and territorial fragmentation on the development of democratic political cultures. Drawing on individual-level psychological theories, it argues that prolonged occupations cultivate prodemocratic values, including resistance and autonomy. In contrast, regions acting as occupiers exhibit authoritarian governance, fostering submission to authorities and a skewed perception of power. Additionally, historical territorial fragmentation is assumed to promote opinion diversity, encouraging social dialogues and motivating citizens to seek increased political involvement. These theoretical propositions are tested through latent class analysis using World Values Survey data. Findings indicate that Ukrainians, shaped by a history of prolonged occupation and territorial fragmentation, tend to align with a class displaying stronger democratic values. In contrast, respondents from Russia, lacking these specific historical influences, are grouped within a class marked by less democratic orientations. These results are further applied to analyze the political economy of both countries, focusing on the distribution of bargaining power among the state, market, and population.
Building Bridges in the Digital Age: How Online Platforms Foster Trust During a Crisis
Authors: Wang Milo Shaoqing , Zhang Runjia , Voronov Maxim
Published: February 2025

Trust has long been studied as a key factor in explaining why an actor is willing to risk vulnerability to others amid uncertainty and potential risks. While various forms and antecedents of trust have been explored, its development between strangers during periods of heightened uncertainty remains underexamined. To address this gap, we conducted a qualitative study of a mutual aid platform launched during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. Our process model identifies three core digital affordances—verifiability, targetability, and protectability—that foster institution-based trust among platform users. Additionally, our findings suggest that institution-based trust acts as a critical precursor to emotional trust. This indicates that digital platforms not only activate impersonal, system-based trust as previously theorized, but also enhance interpersonal and emotional trust. Moreover, we show that positive platform interactions during times of crisis can lead users to extend their trust to a broader range of societal members and social activities beyond platform interactions. Lastly, our study highlights that while uncertainty is essential for trust to emerge, trust building on platforms also depends on the platform provider’s established reputation, which aids trust transfer and facilitates the initial exploration of the platform.
The Oxford Visual Perception Screen: Development and normative data of a standardised assessment for visual perception difficulties
Authors: Vancleef Kathleen , Castellani Ruby , Shorthose Rebecca , Guo Catherine , Cai Merak Fulin , Guazzo Federica , Demeyere Nele
Published: February 2025

Objective

We aimed to develop and standardise a practical systematic screening tool for visual perception impairments after a stroke to replace current subjective methods.

Design

A mixed methods study including a cross-sectional study and a case series.

Setting

In the community and on stroke rehabilitation units.

Participants

Older volunteers without a neurological history contributed to normative data. Patients with ocular conditions or a stroke took part in our case series.

Instrument

The Oxford Visual Perception Screen.

Main measures

For each task of the Oxford Visual Perception Screen, we determined 5th centile cut-off scores. We further explored effects of age, visual acuity and gender on visual perception through generalised linear models.

Results

Oxford Visual Perception Screen is a 15-min paper-and-pen assessment comprising 10 tasks including picture naming, star counting and reading. Normative data of 107 participants demonstrated persistent high performance with most cut-offs near ceiling. Apart from the Figure Copy ( Z = 6.57, p < 0.001) and Global Shape Perception task ( Z = 3.32, p < 0.001) we found no evidence for an effect of visual acuity on OxVPS. An effect of age was only observed in the Face Recognition ( Z = 3.61, p < 0.001) and Reading task ( Z = −3.50, p < 0.001). No effects of gender were observed. A series of eight cases illustrates the interpretation of OxVPS.

Conclusion

We present the Oxford Visual Perception Screen, a standardised visual perception screening tool alongside normative data and illustrative cases. The Oxford Visual Perception Screen can potentially change screening for visual perception impairments in clinical practice and is available at https://oxvps.webspace.durham.ac.uk/ .
Mechanical and thermal characterization of polymeric films formed in deuterated ionic liquids
Authors: Al-Haik Mohammad Y
Published: February 2025

This paper investigates the impact of deuterated ionic liquids (ILs) on the characterization of mechanical and thermal properties of polymeric films. The polymeric films were synthesized using two types of ionic liquids: 1-N-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM]Cl) and 1-methyl-D3-3-butyl-D9-imidazolium chloride ([BMIM-d12]Cl). Six samples were prepared, comprising three concentrations (1 wt%, 3.5 wt%, and 4.5 wt%) of the two ionic liquids. The mechanical properties, stiffness, and hardness, were evaluated using a universal tensile testing machine and a nanoindenter. The thermal properties were assessed using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The results demonstrated a significant enhancement in the mechanical performance of films formed with deuterated ionic liquids, with stiffness and hardness increasing up to 90 times compared to films synthesized with non-deuterated ionic liquids. Films containing [BMIM-d12]Cl demonstrated a toughness value 7000 times higher than the films without deuterated IL. The results indicate that deuterated ILs produce more thermally stable, stiffer, and tougher films compared to similar compositions of non-deuterated ILs. This improvement highlights the influence of deuterium substitution in ionic liquid structures, likely due to altered intermolecular interactions and increased film cross-linking density.
Reinforced biocomposites: Improvement of mechanical properties of 3D printed short carbon fiber reinforced PLA composites Via optimization
Authors: Kartal Yunus
Published: February 2025

Thermoplastic polymers are widely used materials in the biomedical field due to their biocompatibility, ease of production and chemical stability; however, their mechanical properties are generally low. In this study, a short carbon fiber reinforced composite was produced to improve the mechanical properties of thermoplastic materials. Pre-processing and post-processing were applied to further improve the mechanical properties of the composite. Optimization of process parameters such as infill density and infill pattern and post-processing parameter such as annealing were performed. As a result of the experiments, the highest impact strength for PLA material is 18.98 kJ/m2 and the lowest impact strength is 6.33 kJ/m2. In addition, the highest tensile strength was 44.68 MPa and the lowest tensile strength was 5.38 MPa. The reliability rates of tensile and impact strength analyses are 98.18% and 96.67%, respectively. SEM and XRD analysis indicated that the parameters affecting the product properties are not only critical for mechanical properties but also affect the internal structure. Mechanical properties and crystal percentage value increased by annealing the reinforced biocomposite at 90°C for 30 min. It has been determined that the build orientation (or printing direction) has a critical importance on the mechanical properties and the mechanical properties of the specimens obtained as a result of on-edge production are higher.
Rehabilitation effect of aquatic exercise on motor function in children with cerebral palsy: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Li Fangqin , Huang Wenjiao , Li Huanhuan , Liu Zuoyan , Feng Liwei
Published: February 2025

Background

Cerebral palsy (CP) refers to a lasting motor impairment resulting from atypical brain development or injury. Aquatic exercise (AE) is frequently utilized as an approach for rehabilitating children with CP because of its appealing water properties.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine how AE influences motor skills in children affected by CP.

Methods

Systematic searches of databases provided randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from their inception up until May 22, 2024. The study compared the impacts of AE training with those of routine rehabilitation training (RRT). A random-effects model was employed to assess the aggregated data.

Results

In total, 491 articles were retrieved, and 15 studies ( n = 595 patients) were included in this study. Compared with RRT, AE improved the gross motor function of children with CP ( SMD = 7.63, 95% CI 5.79–9.47, P < 0.01), especially in the lying and turning over positions ( SMD = 15.66, 95% CI 13.85–17.46, P < 0.01). AE also reduced muscle tension ( SMD = −0.75, 95% CI −1.03–−0.47, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

AE is expected to improve motor function in children with CP. Moreover, this study emphasizes the need for future high-quality related studies to supplement the results and improve the conclusions.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Plus a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Published Studies Evaluating a Conventional Prophylactic Regimen of Oral Dexamethasone vs Short-Course Intravenous Dexamethasone in Preventing Paclitaxel-Associated Hypersensitivity Reactions in Patients With Gynecologic Malignancies
Authors: Donkor Kofi N , Jang Hyeree , Selim Julie Hana , Ioffe Yevgeniya J. , Hong Linda J.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) are often encountered in patients receiving paclitaxel infusions. The conventional method, comprising dexamethasone 20 mg (Dex20) taken 12 and 6 hours before paclitaxel plus histamine (H)1 and H2-antagonists administered 30 minutes before paclitaxel, is an effective but cumbersome method in reducing HSRs in gynecologic oncology patients.

Objective:

Determine the effectiveness of a simplified premedication method (short-course) comprising Dex20 and H1 and H2 antagonists administered 30 minutes before paclitaxel vs the conventional method in preventing HSRs.

Methods:

The effectiveness of the short-course vs the conventional method was investigated via a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) and a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from inception to December 4, 2024. Primary outcomes were any-grade and grade ≥3 HSRs. Differences in effectiveness were presented as risk difference (RD) using the Mantel–Haenszel estimation and expressed with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and Newcastle-Ottawa Score determined the quality of RCTs and observational studies.

Results:

Three RCTs and 2 observational studies totaling 905 patients were analyzed. The short-course method showed a significantly higher incidence of any-grade HSRs than the conventional method (RD = 7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.3% to 12.8%, P = 0.04). Although in favor of the conventional method, there was no significant difference in grade ≥3 HSRs (RD = 2%, 95% CI = −0.4% to 4.8%, P = 0.09). Subgroup analyses of RCTs showed no significant differences in any-grade HSRs (RD = 6%, 95% CI = 0.3% to 12.8%, P = 0.39) or grade ≥3 HSRs (RD = 1%, 95% CI = −1.1% to 2.4%, P = 0.48).

Conclusion and relevance:

The conventional method is favored over the short-course in preventing paclitaxel-associated HSRs. The short-course method is a plausible alternative for patients unable to comply with the conventional method’s requirements. Included studies were either observational studies prone to bias and inconclusive inferences or RCTs, which may not be statistically powerful enough to produce reliable results. Larger sample size prospective studies are needed to authenticate findings.
Severe Acute Respiratory Failure Associated With Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole Among Adolescent and Young Adults: An Active Comparator-Restricted Disproportionality Analysis From the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) Database
Authors: Ahmadi Fatemeh , Chalabianloo Niaz , McArthur Eric , Omrani Mohammad Ali , Abdullah Sheikh S. , Garcia-Bournissen Facundo , Muanda Flory T
Published: February 2025

Background:

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised concerns about a potential link between trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) and an increased risk of acute respiratory failure/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARF/ARDS) in healthy adolescents and young adults.

Objective:

To assess the association between TMP-SMX and the risk of ARF/ARDS using data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

Methods:

We analyzed adverse drug events (ADEs) reported in FAERS from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2023. We focused on reports where TMP-SMX, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, or azithromycin were the primary suspect drugs for ADEs in individuals aged 10 to 24 years. The outcomes of interest—ARF/ARDS—were identified using MedDRA-preferred terms. We used an active comparator-restricted disproportionality analysis (ACR-DA) to estimate the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and 95% confidence interval (CI), adjusting for age, sex, acne, and urinary tract infections. Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Networks (BCPNN) were used to calculate the Information Components (IC025). Due to the amount of missing information, a case-by-case analysis could not be performed.

Results:

3171 ICSRs (810 for TMP-SMX, 1617 for azithromycin, and 744 for amoxicillin-clavulanic acid) were included in the study. ACR-DA showed an unadjusted 8-fold increase in the reports of ARF/ARDS with TMP-SMX compared with azithromycin (unadjusted ROR, 7.98; 95% CI, 4.09 to 15.60) and an adjusted 3-fold increase after adjustment for age, sex, acne, and urinary tract infection (adjusted ROR, 2.80; 95% CI, 1.28 to 6.11). BCPNN analysis confirmed significant disproportionality (IC025, 0.75). No cases of ARF/ARDS were reported for amoxicillin-clavulanic acid.

Conclusion and Relevance:

TMP-SMX may increase the risk of ARF/ARDS, requiring further validation in larger pharmacoepidemiological studies. Our findings lay the groundwork for future research to further investigate the safety profile of TMP-SMX in adolescent populations. If confirmed, prescribers should exercise greater caution when prescribing TMP-SMX to adolescents and young adults.
Targeting the TRPM4 Channel for Neurologic Diseases: Opportunity and Challenge
Authors: Rajamanickam Gayathri , Hu Zhenyu , Liao Ping
Published: February 2025

As a monovalent cation channel, the transient receptor potential melastatin 4 (TRPM4) channel is a unique member of the transient receptor potential family. Abnormal TRPM4 activity has been identified in various neurologic disorders, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, pathologic pain, and epilepsy. Following brain hypoxia/ischemia and inflammation, TRPM4 up-regulation and enhanced activity contribute to the cell death of neurons, vascular endothelial cells, and astrocytes. Enhanced ionic influx via TRPM4 leads to cell volume increase and oncosis. Depolarization of membrane potential following TRPM4 activation and interaction between TRPM4 and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors exacerbate excitotoxicity during hypoxia. Importantly, TRPM4 expression and activity remain low in healthy neurons, making it an ideal drug target. Current approaches to inhibit or modulate the TRPM4 channel have various limitations that hamper the interpretation of TRPM4 physiology in the nervous system and potentially hinder their translation into therapy. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiologic roles of TRPM4 and the different inhibitors that modulate TRPM4 activity for potential treatment of neurologic diseases.
Incorporating intelligence in multiple-attribute decision-making using algorithmic framework and double-valued neutrosophic sets: Varied applications to teaching quality evaluation
Authors: Zhao Lijuan , Du Shuo
Published: February 2025

In recent years, in the context of the rapid development of “Internet plus”, the traditional classroom of college English courses has been unable to meet the learning needs of contemporary college students. Education informatization has become an inevitable transformation of the teaching structure of colleges and universities. Online and offline hybrid teaching methods have emerged at the historic moment and continue to deepen into the classroom of higher vocational colleges. By further improving the teaching mode, traditional offline classrooms and emerging online learning are deeply integrated. After several teaching practices, it has been found that this teaching model can effectively enrich teaching methods and optimize the learning experience of students. However, there are also some problems, such as poor effective integration and integration of online and offline teaching content, and the need to improve teaching quality. The blended English teaching quality evaluation in vocational colleges in the new era is a multiple-attribute decision-making (MADM) problem. Recently, the Logarithmic TODIM (LogTODIM) technique and GRA technique has been utilized to cope with MADM issues. The double-valued neutrosophic sets (DVNSs) are utilized as a technique for characterizing uncertain information during the blended English teaching quality evaluation in vocational colleges in the new era. In this paper, the double-valued neutrosophic number Logarithmic TODIM-GRA (DVNN-LogTODIM-GRA) technique is conducted to solve the MADM under DVNSs. In the end, a numerical case study for the blended English teaching quality evaluation in vocational colleges in the new era is employed to validate the proposed technique. The main contribution of this paper is managed:(1) The entropy technique is managed to obtain weight values under DVNSs; (2) an integrated DVNN-LogTODIM-GRA technique is conducted to manage the MADM; (3) A numerical example for the blended English teaching quality evaluation in vocational colleges in the new era has been accomplished to verify the DVNN-LogTODIM-GRA technique.
How do transgender young people experience talking about trauma with services?
Authors: Crockford Georgia , Hawthorne Oliver , Leeuwerik Tamara
Published: February 2025

Background

Transgender young people are more likely than their cisgender peers to experience trauma. Through talking about trauma, services may be able to support transgender young people to manage the impact of these events. However, research has highlighted that many trans people are concerned that disclosing trauma would be used to discredit their sense of their gender identity.

Aim

To explore how transgender young people experience having conversations about trauma with services and how they understand these conversations.

Method

Six semi-structured interviews were carried out with young transgender people. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used.

Results

The study found that all participants were aware of discourses linking experiences of trauma with transgender identities. All participants recognised these conversations as significant. Some experienced conversations to be supportive and transformative. Others found them deeply distressing, reminiscent of trauma experiences. Relationships with professionals seemed to influence these experiences, as did transphobia and relationships with other services.

Discussion

A trauma-informed approach should be used and professionals are encouraged to consider the potential for harm that can arise from these conversations, as well as the therapeutic element. Clinical implications and future research directions are discussed, in particular considering the recently published Cass Review (2024).
Challenges to preserve vascular access functioning after surgical correction for arteriovenous access ischemic steal in hemodialysis patients: A single-center study
Authors: Weselius Eeva-Maija , Söderström Maria , Venermo Maarit
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims:

Arteriovenous access ischemic steal (AVAIS) is a rare complication that causes morbidity and threatens hemodialysis access usability in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). This study aimed to determine the incidence of AVAIS over a 15-year period and assess the access usability after surgical correction.

Methods:

Access operations between January 2007 and August 2022 at Helsinki University Hospital were reviewed. Demographics, clinical, duplex, and contrast examinations with brachial artery volume flows, finger pressures, and delays to surgery were evaluated. Symptom relief, complications, access closures/re-interventions, primary, secondary, and functional patencies were assessed. Endpoints were permanent cessation of access use due to complication(s), transplantation, closure, definitive occlusion, or death.

Results:

Among 2914 access-related operations, the overall incidence of AVAIS was 2.2%. At the first vascular consultation 52% had ulcer(s) or gangrene(s) resulting in 28 direct closures, and 30 corrections as follows: 20 proximalization of arterial inflow (PAI), 6 flow reduction procedures, 2 distal revascularization with interval ligation (DRIL), 1 distal radial artery ligation (DRAL), and 1 venous bypass. The median time from consultation to surgery was 18 days (range: 0–348 days) for direct closures and 43 days (0–170 days) for corrective surgery. The functional patencies after correction were 60% at 1 year and 55% at 2 years; the primary patencies were 45% and 28% and secondary patencies 61% and 57%, respectively. The functional patencies after PAI were 41% and 31%, respectively.

Conclusion:

In AVAIS, access preservation is challenging in ESKD patients with multiple diseases. Attention should be paid to the original choice of vascular access by considering each patient’s risks. Delay to vascular consultation and intervention should be minimized. PAI should be reserved for selected patients when no other option is preferable.
A meta-transfer learning prediction method with few-shot data for the remaining useful life of rolling bearing
Authors: She Daoming , Duan Yudan , Yang Zhichao , Pecht Michael
Published: February 2025

Rolling bearings are essential components of rotating machinery. It is crucial to predict and manage the health of rolling bearings. This article proposes a meta transfer learning-based remaining useful life (RUL) prediction approach with few-shot data for rolling bearing. First, multiple subtasks under variable operating conditions are constructed. A subtask and cross-subtask-based gradient optimization model is employed to extract degradation knowledge adaptively. The batch feature norm differences method is presented to reduce the impact of negative transfer and poor transfer performance. Interdomain transferable features are obtained by minimizing the difference in the number of feature paradigms between the source and target domains. Therefore, the Meta-SGD transfer learning approach realizes the RUL prediction under few-shot data and variable operating conditions. Two cases validate the effectiveness of the presented method.
Impact of post-industrial and post-consumer waste on the characteristics of denim fabric made from recycled yarns
Authors: Haider Syed Zeeshan , Nawab Yasir , Qadir Bilal , Hussain Muzzamal
Published: February 2025

Post-consumer waste has garnered attention for its potential to promote sustainability, minimize environmental impact, conserve resources, and generate economic opportunities. This study investigated the use of post-industrial waste (PIW) and post-consumer cotton waste (PCW) in denim by turning it into yarn and combining with virgin cotton to study the mechanical and in-service properties. Open-end rotor spinning was used to produce yarns for fabric manufacturing. There were four warp yarns of 98 Tex having yarn compositions i.e., 100% Virgin Cotton, 100% PIW Cotton, PIW: Virgin cotton (70:30), PIW: PCW (70:30) cotton and two weft yarns of 58 Tex having yarn composition 100% Virgin cotton and 100% PIW cotton and a total of four warp-weft yarn combinations were employed to produce the fabric. Resultantly, the fabrics made were having overall composition 100 % virgin cotton, 100% PIW, 50% virgin and 50% PIW, and 80% PIW and 20% PCW. The fiber results show that the strength, uniformity and fiber length reduce from virgin, PIW and PCW, respectively. Open-end rotor spun made with different percentages of PIW and PCW has comparable hairiness and fiber release to virgin cotton. This suggests post-industrial and post-consumer waste yarn could be used to make denim without compromising the quality of fabric. The mechanical testing results of the fabric show a modest decline compared to virgin cotton fabrics. Still, these properties were acceptable for denim manufacturing.
From RAGs to riches: Utilizing large language models to write documents for clinical trials
Authors: Markey Nigel , El-Mansouri Ilyass , Rensonnet Gaetan , van Langen Casper , Meier Christoph
Published: February 2025

Background/Aims

Clinical trials require numerous documents to be written: Protocols, consent forms, clinical study reports, and many others. Large language models offer the potential to rapidly generate first-draft versions of these documents; however, there are concerns about the quality of their output. Here, we report an evaluation of how good large language models are at generating sections of one such document, clinical trial protocols.

Methods

Using an off-the-shelf large language model, we generated protocol sections for a broad range of diseases and clinical trial phases. Each of these document sections we assessed across four dimensions: Clinical thinking and logic; Transparency and references; Medical and clinical terminology; and Content relevance and suitability. To improve performance, we used the retrieval-augmented generation method to enhance the large language model with accurate up-to-date information, including regulatory guidance documents and data from ClinicalTrials.gov. Using this retrieval-augmented generation large language model, we regenerated the same protocol sections and assessed them across the same four dimensions.

Results

We find that the off-the-shelf large language model delivers reasonable results, especially when assessing content relevance and the correct use of medical and clinical terminology, with scores of over 80%. However, the off-the-shelf large language model shows limited performance in clinical thinking and logic and transparency and references, with assessment scores of ≈40% or less. The use of retrieval-augmented generation substantially improves the writing quality of the large language model, with clinical thinking and logic and transparency and references scores increasing to ≈80%. The retrieval-augmented generation method thus greatly improves the practical usability of large language models for clinical trial-related writing.

Discussion

Our results suggest that hybrid large language model architectures, such as the retrieval-augmented generation method we utilized, offer strong potential for clinical trial-related writing, including a wide variety of documents. This is potentially transformative, since it addresses several major bottlenecks of drug development.
Impact of a 3-year transformational change project in family violence clinical response: Qualitative evaluation of the depth and breadth of knowledge in hospital clinicians by training level
Authors: Troy Kirsty , Rushan Catherine , Withiel Toni D , Felmingham Kim L , Fisher Caroline A
Published: February 2025

Clinician family violence knowledge has traditionally been evaluated using quantitative measures via self-rating of skills. Qualitative methods have been used less frequently, in ways that require clinicians to provide specific information to demonstrate their skill base.

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the impact of different levels of training in family violence (no training, some training, clinical champions), on the clinician knowledge of key family violence response skills, using qualitative, survey obtained text-box responses.

Design:

A cross-sectional, online, survey of hospital clinicians in a major trauma hospital was conducted.

Methods:

The Assisting Patient/Clients Experiencing Family Violence: Royal Melbourne Hospital Clinician Survey tool was utilised and open for clinicians to complete, anonymously over a 6-week period. Free-text survey responses were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach.

Results:

Five hundred twenty-six clinical staff participated, 30% with no training, 52% with some training and 18% who were trained as clinical champions. A clear pattern was observed across training levels. Those with no training opted to demonstrate their family violence knowledge base less frequently. When they did, answers lacked specific information and details, showed limited knowledge of covert family violence indicators and provided a higher proportion of responses that did not align with best practice guidelines. Staff with some training showed a more sophisticated understanding in these areas. However, the quality of their responses did not match those of the clinical champions, who also provided an ongoing community of practice to further their skills.

Conclusions:

Providing some training in family violence yields a higher degree of family violence knowledge in clinicians, relative to no training. However, the extra resourcing required to train and maintain a clinical champions model in family violence provides demonstratable benefits, via a more sophisticated and nuanced understanding of indicators, enquiry and disclosure response skills, that align with best practice guidelines.
Online Travel Agency Participation: An Empirical Investigation of Its Financial Contribution to U.S. Hotel Profitability
Authors: O’Connor Peter , Assaker Guy , Haddad Rania El
Published: February 2025

Online travel agencies (OTAs) have become an important driver of business, although their utility remains controversial. While hotels appreciate the resulting bookings, many resent the resulting commissions. While extensively debated in the literature, considerable uncertainty remaining as to whether OTA participation is beneficial or detrimental to hotel profitability. To address this gap, we adopt a transaction cost economics approach, analyzing property-level data from the income statements of 644 U.S. hotels from Smith Travel Research. Findings suggest that OTA participation is positively and significantly related to occupancy, REVPAR and EBITDA at a macro level, with each dollar increase in commission resulting in a 1.123%, $20.20 and $7.08 increase, respectively (2019$s). However, analysis by class reveals that while working with intermediaries drives top-line revenues for all hotels, it is associated with lower profitability for economy properties, implying that OTA participation is not universally good.
Exploring thermal balloon endometrial ablation with Foley’s catheter: Management for heavy menstrual bleeding
Authors: Khadawardi Khalid , Nasief Hisham , Hassan Amber , Katib Yasir A , Aldardeir Nashwa , B Alwazzan Ahmad
Published: February 2025

Background:

Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common gynecological issue that often requires prompt treatment. Our study aimed to assess thermal balloon endometrial ablation with Foley’s catheter as a viable, cost-effective, and minimally invasive procedure alternative to hysterectomy.

Methods:

An experimental study was carried out on 114 married women experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding who did not wish to have further children and had either failed standard treatments or were not suitable for medical treatment. These women had a uterine size of 12 cm or less and an endometrial thickness of less than 18 mm. A 3-min balloon inflation–deflation procedure was performed. After 3 months, the effectiveness of the treatment was assessed by examining overall heavy menstrual bleeding outcomes, posttreatment transvaginal ultrasound results, number of bleeding days and pain per cycle, and scores from the Menorrhagia Outcome Questionnaire.

Results:

The mean patient’s age was 44.46 ± 4.184 years and a disease duration of 2.84 ± 1.53 years. Most patients were multiparous (86.0%) or grand multiparous (14.0%). Significant improvements were observed in endometrial thickness, Menorrhagia Outcome Questionnaire scores, pain levels, and the number of bleeding days postprocedure ( p-value < 0.05). The majority of patients experienced a reduction in the pattern of irregular menstrual cycles. The procedure showed a success rate of 88.6%, with 11.4% of patients not responding. Some further interventions such as hysterectomy or repeated thermal balloon ablation were required due to complications like infection or balloon deflation.

Conclusion:

The thermal balloon endometrial ablation using Foley’s catheter is an effective treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding.
Introducing the MusicLab Copenhagen Dataset
Authors: Høffding Simon , Bergstrøm Rebecca Josefine Five , Bishop Laura , Lucas Pedro , Burnim Kayla , Cancino-Chacón Carlos , Clim Alena , Good Mathew , Hansen Niels Chr. , Karlsen Eirik Slinning , Kvale Live Håndlykken , Laeng Bruno , Lartillot Olivier , Lippert Eigil , Martin Remy , Nielsen Nanette , Omprakash Rahul , Paulsrud Thea Sørli , Rosas Fernando , Swarbrick Dana , Sørbø Solveig , Upham Finn , Vrasdonk Atilla , Vuoskoski Jonna , Wallot Sebastian , Yi Wenbo , Danielsen Anne , Jensenius Alexander Refsum
Published: February 2025

MusicLab Copenhagen was a unique research concert featuring the world-renowned Danish String Quartet in a naturalistic setting. The audience was split between one group physically located in the hall, another group listening to a radio broadcast, and a third group watching a live stream. Qualitative and quantitative data were captured from both musicians and audiences, resulting in a comprehensive dataset that can be used to address many research questions. This document introduces the dataset, explains its structure, and reflects on the related data collection, storing, publishing, and archiving processes.
Pembrolizumab-induced myasthenia gravis with isolated diaphragmatic involvement in a lung cancer patient: a case report
Authors: Mouratidou Nefeli , Papadopoulos Dimitrios , Vrouvaki Iro , Skouras Vasileios , Katsenos Stamatis
Published: February 2025

Immune-related neuromuscular disorders are rare and potentially life-threatening adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) used in the treatment of cancer. They tend to have a chronic course that usually leads to the permanent discontinuation of immunotherapy. We present a case of pembrolizumab-induced myasthenia gravis that only involved the diaphragm. The patient is a 71-year-old female with a history of stage IV lung adenocarcinoma under maintenance therapy with pemetrexed and pembrolizumab after a complete response to first-line chemo-immunotherapy. She complained of orthopnea since the previous month and was admitted due to hypoxemic respiratory failure. Radiology showed decreased lung volumes and atelectatic areas in both lower lung fields. A subsequent bronchoscopy ruled out infection and cancer recurrence. Pulmonary function tests revealed a mixed disorder with a severe reduction in maximal inspiratory pressure and a large drop in vital capacity in the supine versus the sited position. Ultrasonography of the diaphragm confirmed bilateral diaphragmatic dysfunction, and the patient was initiated on non-invasive ventilation (NIV) during sleep, which led to symptom relief. A neurological physical examination did not reveal any other muscle involvement. Laboratory tests for myasthenic syndromes showed an elevated titer of the anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody, which confirmed the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. The patient was subsequently treated with corticosteroids, pyridostigmine, and intravenous immunoglobulin and was gradually able to wean off supplemental oxygen. On follow-up, her chest X-ray and spirometry had improved, but she continued sleeping on NIV. Pembrolizumab was stopped, and she is still free of cancer after 9 months. Clinicians treating cancer patients with immunotherapy should be aware of this rare complication and perform timely investigations in any case of orthopnea in the course of ICI therapy to offer specialized management.
Navigating mental health complexity in residential care: Validation of the assessment checklist for adolescents – Short form
Authors: Maneiro Lorena , Tarren-Sweeney Michael , van Geel Mitch , Vedder Paul
Published: February 2025

Background: Adolescents in residential care who have been exposed to early interpersonal adversities may exhibit a range of mental health difficulties that are not well captured by traditional assessment measures. The Assessment Checklist for Adolescents – Short Form (ACA-SF) was developed for assessing maltreatment-related symptoms observed in young people in out-of-home care. Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyse the psychometric properties of the ACA-SF in a sample of adolescents in residential care. Study sample: The sample was composed of 160 adolescents (49.4% boys, 48.8% girls, and 1.9% non-binary gender), aged 11–18, from 24 residential facilities in Spain. Results: The results of the factor analyses largely overlapped with the original six-factor version, with items measuring Non-Reciprocal Behaviour, Social Instability, Emotional Dysregulation/Distorted Social Cognition, Dissociation/Trauma Symptoms, Food Maintenance, and Sexual Behaviour. Our analyses, however, also revealed a seventh factor: Pseudomature Behaviours. The ACA-SF showed good internal consistency, convergent validity, and concurrent validity, as demonstrated by its associations with adverse interpersonal experiences, internalizing and externalizing problems, and psychosocial correlates. Two path analysis models analysing the relationship between interpersonal experiences and mental health supported the distinctiveness of maltreatment-related symptoms. Conclusions: These findings constitute the first attempt to replicate the factor structure of the ACA-SF in adolescents in residential care. Furthermore, they support the use of this instrument as a reliable and valid standardized measure for the assessment of maltreatment-related symptoms in youth.
Arthroscopic Intra-articular Biceps Tenodesis With All-Suture Anchor
Authors: Wang Kevin C. , Theismann Jeffrey J. , Cole Elliot , Zhang Alan L.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Biceps tenodesis can be used to treat both superior labral anterior and posterior (SLAP) tears and degenerative biceps pathologies in the setting of rotator cuff pathology or as stand-alone techniques. Research has shown that arthroscopic biceps tenodesis has comparable outcomes to open tenodesis with the benefit of being less invasive.

Indications:

Surgical indications for intra-articular tenodesis of the long head of the biceps (LHB) include SLAP tear, failed SLAP repair, partial-thickness LHB tear, biceps instability, tenosynovitis, and clinical examination consistent with LHB pain.

Technique Description:

We present our technique for arthroscopic intra-articular biceps tenodesis with a top-of-the-groove all-suture anchor using percutaneous suture passage with a spinal needle and polydioxanone suture. Sutures are shuttled through the LHB in situ before releasing the tendon from the labrum.

Results:

The authors have seen excellent clinical results using this method without any cases of tenodesis failure. Prior studies have shown subpectoral, suprapectoral, and top-of-the-groove biceps tenodesis to have similar good clinical outcomes at multiple time points.

Discussion/Conclusion:

This technique is advantageous as it is time efficient and cost-effective, and tension on the biceps can be easily maintained as suture is passed through the tendon in situ before the tendon is released from the superior labrum.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.