bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of High-Frequency Operation on the Efficiency of a PMSM Drive with SiC-MOSFET Inverter
Authors: Poolphaka Paisak , Jamshidpour Ehsan , Lubin Thierry , Baghli Lotfi , Takorabet Noureddine
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates the effects of high-frequency switching and a high fundamental frequency on the parameters and efficiency of a high-speed permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) drive. We discuss the design and modeling of the PMSM, taking into account these high-frequency effects. The impact of high frequencies is analyzed across three different inverters (IGBT, Fast IGBT, and SiC-MOSFET) and the motor, and we employ theoretical analysis, computer simulations, and experimental tests for validation. Our goal is to enhance our understanding of how these high-frequency factors affect the performance of the motor drive.
Development and Analysis of Six-Phase Synchronous Reluctance Motor for Increased Fault Tolerance Capabilities
Authors: Jedryczka Cezary , Mysinski Michal , Szelag Wojciech
Published: May 2024

This paper contains research on the development of a fault-tolerant six-phase synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM) based on the stator adopted from a general-purpose three-phase induction motor. In the design and calculation process, an extended Clarke transformation was developed for a six-phase asymmetrical system. To verify the proposed design approach, a field–circuit model of electromagnetic phenomena in the studied motor was developed and used to study the motor performance. The increased torque value and reduction in torque ripples were confirmed by comparison to the classical three-phase SynRM design. To illustrate fault tolerance capabilities, the operation of the studied three- and six-phase synchronous reluctance motors under inverter-fault conditions was examined. The conducted analysis shows, among other things, that from the electromagnetic performance point of view, only the proposed six-phase machine is able to properly operate under inverter-fault conditions. The results of the winding design calculations, the performed simulations of six-phase motor operation, and the preliminary tests of the prototype motor are presented and discussed.
Experimental and Simulation Studies on Stable Polarity Reversal in Aged HVDC Mass-Impregnated Cables
Authors: Kim Sun-Jin , Lee Seol , Choi Woo-Sung , Lee Bang-Wook
Published: May 2024

Mass-impregnated (MI) cables have been used for many years as cables in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems. In line commutated converter (LCC) HVDC systems, polarity reversal for power flow control can induce significant electrical stress on MI cables. Furthermore, the mass oil and kraft paper comprising the impregnated insulation have significantly different coefficients of thermal expansion. Load fluctuations in the cable lead to expansion and contraction of the mass, creating pressure within the insulation and causing redistribution of the impregnant. During this process, shrinkage cavities can form within the butt gaps. Since the dielectric strength of the cavities is lower than that of the surrounding impregnation, cavitation phenomena in impregnated paper insulation are considered a factor in degrading insulation performance. Consequently, this study analyzes the electrical conductivity of thermally aged materials and investigates the transient electric field characteristics within the cable. Additionally, it closely analyzes the formation and dissolution of cavities in MI cables during polarity reversal based on a numerical model of pressure behavior in porous media. The conductivity of the impregnated paper indicates that it has excellent resistance to thermal degradation. Simulation results for various load conditions highlight that the interval of load-off time and the magnitude of internal pressure significantly influence the cavitation phenomenon. Lastly, the study proposes stable system operation methods to prevent cavitation in MI cables.
Integrating Wastewater-Based Epidemiology and Mobility Data to Predict SARS-CoV-2 Cases
Authors: Schenk Hannes , Arabzadeh Rezgar , Dabiri Soroush , Insam Heribert , Kreuzinger Norbert , Büchel-Marxer Monika , Markt Rudolf , Nägele Fabiana , Rauch Wolfgang
Published: May 2024

Wastewater-based epidemiology has garnered considerable research interest, concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictive public health interventions and mobility limitations are measures to avert a rising case prevalence. The current study integrates WBE monitoring strategies, Google mobility data, and restriction information to assess the epidemiological development of COVID-19. Various SARIMAX models were employed to predict SARS-CoV-2 cases in Liechtenstein and two Austrian regions. This study analyzes four primary strategies for examining the progression of the pandemic waves, described as follows: 1—a univariate model based on active cases; 2—a multivariate model incorporating active cases and WBE data; 3—a multivariate model considering active cases and mobility data; and 4—a sensitivity analysis of WBE and mobility data incorporating restriction policies. Our key discovery reveals that, while WBE for SARS-CoV-2 holds immense potential for monitoring COVID-19 on a societal level, incorporating the analysis of mobility data and restriction policies enhances the precision of the trained models in predicting the state of public health during the pandemic.
The Effects of Pigeage, Délestage, Remontage and Oxygenation Treatments Applied during Maceration on Phenolic Content, Aroma Composition and Sensory Properties of Red Teran (Vitis vinifera L.) Wine
Authors: Tomašević Marina , Perić Katarina , Damijanić Kristijan , Staver Mario , Ćurko Natka , Kovačević Ganić Karin
Published: May 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of mechanical (pigeage, délestage and remontage) and oxygenation treatments on the phenolic and aromatic compounds and sensory characteristics of Teran wines. The experiment included a 20-day maceration period, during which the above-mentioned treatments were applied, as well as the post-fermentation processes of pressing and first rack. The analysis of phenolic, chromatic and aroma compounds and the sensory characterization of the wines were used to describe the effects of the treatments investigated. After the observed maceration period, remontage resulted in wines with the highest total phenols (2682.0 ± 14.8 mg GAE/L). In contrast, délestage resulted in the lowest total phenols (2499.1 ± 17.6 mg GAE/L) and total anthocyanins (530.1 ± 2.8 mg/L) and had the strongest effects on chromatic characteristics. The post-fermentation processes (pressing, racking) showed similar trends and resulted in higher phenolic concentrations in the remontage wine, while the délestage was again characterized by lower total phenol and anthocyanin concentrations. In addition, the délestage wine contained a higher concentration of almost all analyzed esters and two higher alcohols (2-methylpropan-1-ol and 1-hexanol), while the remontage wine had the highest concentration of 2-phenylethanol and 3-methylbutyl acetate. Finally, maceration proved to be a key factor in defining the wines’ sensory characteristics, with the remontage-treated wine showing the best overall quality.
Gauging Centrifugal Instabilities in Compressible Free-Shear Layers via Nonlinear Boundary Region Equations
Authors: Es-Sahli Omar , Sescu Adrian , Hattori Yuji
Published: May 2024

Curved free shear layers emerge in many engineering problems involving complex flow geometries, such as the flow over a backward-facing step, flows with wall injection in a boundary layer, the flow inside side-dump combustors, or wakes generated by vertical axis wind turbines, among others. Previous studies involving centrifugal instabilities have mainly focused on wall-flows where Taylor instabilities between two rotating concentric cylinders or Görtler vortices in boundary layers are generated. Curved free shear layer flows, however, have not received sufficient attention, especially in the nonlinear regime. The present work investigates the development of centrifugal instabilities in a curved free shear layer flow in the nonlinear compressible regime. The compressible Navier–Stokes equations are reduced to the nonlinear boundary region equations (BREs) in a high Reynolds number asymptotic framework, wherein the streamwise wavelength of the disturbances is assumed to be much larger than the spanwise and wall-normal counterparts. We study the effect of the freestream Mach number M∞, the shear layer thickness δ, the amplitude of the incoming disturbance A, and the relative velocity difference across the shear layer ΔV on the development of these centrifugal instabilities. Our parametric study shows that, among other things, the kinetic energy of the curved shear layer flow increases with increasing ΔV and A decreases with increasing delta. It was also found that increasing the disturbance amplitude of the incoming disturbance leads to significant growth in the mushroom-like structure’s amplitude and renders the secondary instability structures more prominent, indicating increased mixing for all Mach numbers under consideration.
Reducing Aerodynamic Drag on Roof-Mounted Lightbars for Emergency Vehicles
Authors: Connolly Michael Gerard , O’Rourke Malachy J. , Ivankovic Alojz
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates the impact of contemporary lightbars on vehicle fuel efficiency with a focus on quantifying their effects on fuel consumption and exploring strategies to improve drag performance through modifications. Simulations showed an 8–11% increase in drag for square-back vehicles, with greater penalties outlined for vehicles with rear-slanting roofs. Given the moderate drag increase, the impact on the driving range, especially for electric vehicles, remains minimal, supporting the continued use of external lightbars. Positioning experiments suggest marginal drag reductions when lowering the lightbar to its lowest position due to additional drag effects that can be caused by the mounting mechanism in its condensed form. Angling the lightbar showed negligible drag increases up to an angle of 2.5 degrees, but beyond that, a 4% increase in drag was observed for every additional 2.5 degrees. Additionally, fitting drag-reducing ramps ahead of the lightbar yielded no significant drag savings. Noise analysis identified that the lightbar’s wake and rear surfaces were responsible for the largest production of noise. The optimal lightbar design was found to incorporate overflow rather than underflow and rear tapering in sync with roof curvature. Appendable clip-on devices for the lightbar, particularly rear clip-ons, demonstrated appreciable drag reductions of up to 2.5%. A final optimised lightbar design produced a minimal 2.8% drag increase when fitted onto an unmarked vehicle, representing a threefold improvement compared with the current generation of lightbars. This study advances the field of lightbar aerodynamics by precisely quantifying drag effects by using highly detailed geometry and examines the significance of optimal positioning, angle adjustment, and appendable clip-on devices in greater depth than any existing published work.
Enhancing Gluten Network Formation and Bread-Making Performance of Wheat Flour Using Wheat Bran Aqueous Extract
Authors: Li Cheng , Chen Gengjun , Tilley Michael , Chen Richard , Perez-Fajardo Mayra , Wu Xiaorong , Li Yonghui
Published: May 2024

Wheat bran possesses diverse nutritional and functional properties. In this study, wheat bran aqueous extract (WBE) was produced and thoroughly characterized as a functional ingredient and improver for bakery application. The WBE contained 50.3% total carbohydrate, 24.5% protein, 13.0% ash, 6.7% soluble fiber, 2.9% insoluble fiber, and 0.5% β-glucan. Notably, adding 7.5% WBE significantly increased the bread-specific volume to 4.84 cm3/g, compared with the control of 4.18 cm3/g. Adding WBE also resulted in a remarkable improvement in dough properties. The WBE-enriched dough showed increased peak, setback, breakdown, and final viscosities, along with higher storage and loss modulus. Scanning electron microscopy analysis further revealed that the WBE promoted the aggregation of protein and starch within the dough. The extractable gliadin to glutenin ratio increased with 5 and 7.5% WBE additions, compared with the control and 2.5% WBE addition. WBE did not significantly alter the starch gelatinization temperature or dough extension properties. These findings demonstrate that the inclusion of WBE in wheat flour is a promising approach for producing high-quality bread that is enriched with dietary fiber and protein.
Pasta Drying Defects as a Novel Ingredient for Hard Dough Biscuits: Effect of Drying Temperature and Granulation on Its Functionality
Authors: Milani Jafar Mohammadzadeh , Moammaei Saeed , Kharazi Sepideh Haghighat , Berenjestanaki Maryam Mohammadi
Published: May 2024

Various drying temperatures impact the texture of pasta and cause different drying defects. These by-products could reflect techno-functional characteristics which are suitable for cereal products. This research addresses the influence of low (LT) and high (HT) drying pasta defects with two granulations on the theoretical and functional characteristics of hard dough biscuits. By shifting from a LT to HT drying temperature, a higher onset and peak temperature was found due to the higher mobility of starch molecules with increasing crystalline stability. The lowest transition enthalpy of biscuit formulation was also observed for higher incorporation of fine HT pasta regrinds. The algebraic model of dough with consistography determined the poor-extensible gluten and a high resistance with a greater value of P/L and P indices for LT regrinds. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a heavy and dense texture with immersed starch granules for additional fine regrinds while coarse samples caused swell granules with greater diameter. Moreover, fine HT regrinds reflected the lowest L* value for biscuit due to heat gradient tension with the hard milling process which leads to protein denaturation with decreasing nitrogenous.
Isolation of Extracellular Vesicles from Agri-Food Wastes: A Novel Perspective in the Valorization of Agri-Food Wastes and By-Products
Authors: Latella Raffaella , Calzoni Eleonora , Urbanelli Lorena , Cerrotti Giada , Porcellati Serena , Emiliani Carla , Buratta Sandra , Tancini Brunella
Published: May 2024

Agri-food wastes generated by industrial food processing are valorized through the extraction of biomolecules to obtain value-added products useful for various industrial applications. In the present review, we describe the valuable by-products and bioactive molecules that can be obtained from agricultural wastes and propose extracellular vesicles (EVs) as innovative nutraceutical and therapeutic compounds that could be derived from agriculture residues. To support this idea, we described the general features and roles of EVs and focused on plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) that are considered natural carriers of bioactive molecules and are involved in intercellular communication between diverse kingdoms of life. Consistently, PDEVs exert beneficial effects (anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and immune-modulatory) on mammalian cells. Although this research field is currently in its infancy, in the near future, the isolation of EVs and their use as nutraceutical tools could represent a new and innovative way to valorize waste from the agri-food industry in an ecofriendly way.
Whole Black Rice Flour Improves the Physicochemical, Glycemic, and Sensory Properties of Cracker Snacks
Authors: Uivarasan Alexandra Maria , Mihaly Cozmuta Leonard , Lukinac Jasmina , Jukić Marko , Šelo Gordana , Peter Anca , Nicula Camelia , Mihaly Cozmuta Anca
Published: May 2024

The present study describes the enhancement of the nutritional values of gluten-free rice crackers by adding whole black rice grain flour. The crackers were prepared by combining whole brown rice flour (WRF) and whole black rice flour (BRF) in ratios of 0% (WRC), 25% (25-BRC), 50% (50-BRC), 75% (75-BRC), and 100% (BRC). The resulting samples underwent in-vivo effects on postprandial blood glucose levels as well as physicochemical and sensory analysis. In comparison to WRC, the samples containing 100% added black rice flour presented higher nutritional qualities in terms of protein, by 16.61%, 8.64% for lipids, 5.61% for ash, 36.94% for crude fiber, 58.04% for total polyphenols, 95.49% for proanthocyanidins, and 88.07% for flavonoids. The addition of BRF had a suppressing effect on lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*), while redness (a*) increased. The results of the glycemic measurements confirmed that consumption of crackers made from brown or black whole-grain rice grain flour does not generate glycemic peaks above the limit of 30 mg/dL in baseline blood glucose levels. The results of developing rice crackers from black and brown flour blends showed promising physicochemical and nutritional properties and could provide a good alternative to wheat flour as a gluten-free product.
Effect of pH and Shear on Heat-Induced Changes in Milk Protein Concentrate Suspensions
Authors: Mediwaththe Anushka , Huppertz Thom , Chandrapala Jayani , Vasiljevic Todor
Published: May 2024

The effect of shear on heat-induced changes in milk protein concentrate suspensions was examined at different pH levels, revealing novel insights into micellar dissociation and protein aggregation dynamics. Milk protein concentrate suspensions, adjusted to pH of 6.1, 6.4, 6.8, or 7.5, underwent combined heat (90 °C for 5 min or 121 °C for 2.6 min) and shear (0, 100, or 1000 s−1) treatment. The fragmentation of protein aggregates induced by shear was evident in the control MPC suspensions at pH 6.8, irrespective of the temperature. At pH 7.5, shear increased the heat-induced micellar dissociation. This effect was particularly pronounced at 121 °C and 1000 s−1, resulting in reduced particle size and an elevated concentration of κ-casein (κ-CN) in the non-sedimentable phase. At pH 6.1 or 6.4, shear effects were dependent on sample pH, thereby modifying electrostatic interactions and the extent of whey protein association with the micelles. At pH 6.1, shear promoted heat-induced aggregation, evidenced by an increase in particle size and a significant decline in both whey proteins and caseins in the non-sedimentable phase. At pH 6.4, shear-induced fragmentation of aggregates was observed, prominently due to comparatively higher electrostatic repulsions and fewer protein interactions. The influence of shear on heat-induced changes was considerably impacted by initial pH.
Risk Assessment of AFM1 in Raw Milk and Dairy Products Produced in Armenia, a Caucasus Region Country: A Pilot Study
Authors: Pipoyan Davit , Hovhannisyan Astghik , Beglaryan Meline , Mantovani Alberto
Published: May 2024

This paper presents the first assessment of dietary exposure to aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and associated health risks through milk and dairy product consumption in Armenia. Data on AFM1 in raw milk were obtained from an annual residue monitoring program. Additionally, commonly consumed dairy products (pasteurized milk, cheese, sour cream, curd cheese) were sampled, considering the sources of raw milk used by dairy companies. Per capita consumption of raw milk was sourced from national food balance databases, while individual consumption data for dairy products was collected via a 24 h recall survey with 1400 adult respondents. Detectable levels of AFM1 were observed in 7.14% of raw milk samples (up to 0.334 μg/kg) and, albeit at lower amounts (up to 0.009 µg/kg), in 30% and 40% of sour cream and curd cheese, respectively. The AFM1 levels were lower than the national maximum permitted level (0.5 μg/kg); however, levels in raw milk exceeded the EU ML (0.05 μg/kg). The estimated margin of exposure values for dairy products indicated no significant risk, whereas a reasonable worst-case estimate, using the measurable levels of AFM1 in raw milk consumption indicated a potential public health concern. This study provides a scientific basis for evaluating aflatoxin issues in the Caucasus area.
A Novel Technique for Solving the Nonlinear Fractional-Order Smoking Model
Authors: Mohammed Djaouti Abdelhamid , Khan Zareen A. , Imran Liaqat Muhammad , Al-Quran Ashraf
Published: May 2024

In the study of biological systems, nonlinear models are commonly employed, although exact solutions are often unattainable. Therefore, it is imperative to develop techniques that offer approximate solutions. This study utilizes the Elzaki residual power series method (ERPSM) to analyze the fractional nonlinear smoking model concerning the Caputo derivative. The outcomes of the proposed technique exhibit good agreement with the Laplace decomposition method, demonstrating that our technique is an excellent alternative to various series solution methods. Our approach utilizes the simple limit principle at zero, making it the easiest way to extract series solutions, while variational iteration, Adomian decomposition, and homotopy perturbation methods require integration. Moreover, our technique is also superior to the residual method by eliminating the need for derivatives, as fractional integration and differentiation are particularly challenging in fractional contexts. Significantly, our technique is simpler than other series solution techniques by not relying on Adomian’s and He’s polynomials, thereby offering a more efficient way of solving nonlinear problems.
Pore Fractal Characteristics between Marine and Marine–Continental Transitional Black Shales: A Case Study of Niutitang Formation and Longtan Formation
Authors: Ning Shitan , Xia Peng , Hao Fang , Tian Jinqiang , Fu Yong , Wang Ke
Published: May 2024

Marine shales from the Niutitang Formation and marine–continental transitional shales from the Longtan Formation are two sets of extremely important hydrocarbon source rocks in South China. In order to quantitatively compare the pore complexity characteristics between marine and marine–continental transitional shales, the shale and kerogen of the Niutitang Formation and the Longtan Formation are taken as our research subjects. Based on organic petrology, geochemistry, and low-temperature gas adsorption analyses, the fractal dimension of their pores is calculated by the Frenkel–Halsey–Hill (FHH) and Sierpinski models, and the influences of total organic carbon (TOC), vitrinite reflectance (Ro), and mineral composition on the pore fractals of the shale and kerogen are discussed. Our results show the following: (1) Marine shale predominantly has wedge-shaped and slit pores, while marine–continental transitional shale has inkpot-shaped and slit pores. (2) Cylindrical pores are common in organic matter of both shale types, with marine shale having a greater gas storage space (CRV) from organic matter pores, while marine–continental transitional shale relies more on inorganic pores, especially interlayer clay mineral pores, for gas storage due to their large specific surface area and high adsorption capacity (CRA). (3) The fractal characteristics of marine and marine–continental transitional shale pores are influenced differently. In marine shale, TOC positively correlates with fractal dimensions, while in marine–continental shale, Ro and clay minerals have a stronger influence. Ro is the primary factor affecting organic matter pore complexity. (4) Our two pore fractal models show that the complexity of the shale in the Longtan Formation surpasses that of the shale in the Niutitang Formation, and type I kerogen has more complex organic matter pores than type III, aiding in evaluating pore connectivity and flow effectiveness in shale reservoirs.
Galaxy Groups as the Ultimate Probe of AGN Feedback
Authors: Eckert Dominique , Gastaldello Fabio , O’Sullivan Ewan , Finoguenov Alexis , Brienza Marisa ,   the X-GAP Collaboration
Published: May 2024

The co-evolution between supermassive black holes and their environment is most directly traced by the hot atmospheres of dark matter halos. The cooling of the hot atmosphere supplies the central regions with fresh gas, igniting active galactic nuclei (AGN) with long duty cycles. The outflows from the central engine tightly couple with the surrounding gaseous medium and provide the dominant heating source, preventing runaway cooling. Every major modern hydrodynamical simulation suite now includes a prescription for AGN feedback to reproduce the realistic populations of galaxies. However, the mechanisms governing the feeding/feedback cycle between the central black holes and their surrounding galaxies and halos are still poorly understood. Galaxy groups are uniquely suited to constrain the mechanisms governing the cooling–heating balance, as the energy supplied by the central AGN can exceed the gravitational binding energy of halo gas particles. Here, we provide a brief overview of our knowledge of the impact of AGN on the hot atmospheres of galaxy groups, with a specific focus on the thermodynamic profiles of the groups. We then present our on-going efforts to improve on the implementation of AGN feedback in galaxy evolution models by providing precise measurements of the properties of galaxy groups. We introduce the XMM-Newton Group AGN Project (X-GAP), a large program on XMM-Newton targeting a sample of 49 galaxy groups out to R500c.
Assessing the Impacts of Landuse-Landcover (LULC) Dynamics on Groundwater Depletion in Kabul, Afghanistan’s Capital (2000–2022): A Geospatial Technology-Driven Investigation
Authors: Ahmadi Hemayatullah , Popalzai Anayatullah , Bekbotayeva Alma , Omarova Gulnara , Assubayeva Saltanat , Arshamov Yalkunzhan , Pekkan Emrah
Published: May 2024

Land use/land cover (LULC) changes significantly impact spatiotemporal groundwater levels, posing a challenge for sustainable water resource management. This study investigates the long-term (2000–2022) influence of LULC dynamics, particularly urbanization, on groundwater depletion in Kabul, Afghanistan, using geospatial techniques. A time series of Landsat imagery (Landsat 5, 7 ETM+, and 8 OLI/TIRS) was employed to generate LULC maps for five key years (2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2022) using a supervised classification algorithm based on Support Vector Machines (SVMs). Our analysis revealed a significant expansion of urban areas (70%) across Kabul City between 2000 and 2022, particularly concentrated in Districts 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, and 22. Urbanization likely contributes to groundwater depletion through increased population growth, reduced infiltration of precipitation, and potential overexploitation of groundwater resources. The CA-Markov model further predicts continued expansion in built-up areas over the next two decades (2030s and 2040s), potentially leading to water scarcity, land subsidence, and environmental degradation in Kabul City. The periodic assessment of urbanization dynamics and prediction of future trends are considered the novelty of this study. The accuracy of the generated LULC maps was assessed for each year (2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2022), achieving overall accuracy values of 95%, 93.8%, 85%, 95.6%, and 93%, respectively. These findings provide a valuable foundation for the development of sustainable management strategies for Kabul’s surface water and groundwater resources, while also guiding future research efforts.
The Precision and Safety of Ultrasound-Guided versus Palpation-Guided Needle Placement on the Plantar Fascia and Flexor Digitorum Brevis Interface: An Anatomical Study
Authors: Malo-Urriés Miguel , Borrella-Andrés Sergio , López-de-Celis Carlos , Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Pérez-Bellmunt Albert , Arias-Buría José L. , Albarova-Corral Isabel , Rodríguez-Sanz Jacobo
Published: May 2024

Background: Evidence suggests the plantar fascia and its interphase with the flexor digitorum brevis muscle can play a relevant role in plantar heel pain. Needling interventions could offer an appropriate treatment strategy to addressing this interface. Objective: We compared the accuracy and safety of ultrasound-guided versus palpation-guided procedures for the proper targeting of the interface between the plantar fascia and the flexor digitorum brevis with a solid needle. Methods: A crossover cadaveric study was conducted. Five experienced therapists performed a series of 20 needle insertions each (n = 100 in total, 10 landmark-guided and 10 ultrasound-guided) on 10 anatomical samples. The therapists were instructed to accurately place the needle on the interface between the plantar fascia and the flexor digitorum brevis muscle. The distance of the tip of the needle to the identified target (accuracy), the surrounding sensitive structures targeted (safety), the time needed for the procedure, the number of needle passes, and the needle length outside the skin were assessed. Results: The ultrasound-guided technique was associated with a significantly higher accuracy (p < 0.001) but without differences in safety (p = 0.249) as compared to the palpation-guided procedure. Conclusion: Our results suggest that ultrasound-guided insertion exhibits greater accuracy but not greater safety than palpation-guided insertion when targeting the interface between the plantar fascia and the flexor digitorum brevis.
Land Subsidence Susceptibility Mapping in Ca Mau Province, Vietnam, Using Boosting Models
Authors: Tran Anh Van , Brovelli Maria Antonia , Ha Khien Trung , Khuc Dong Thanh , Tran Duong Nhat , Tran Hanh Hong , Le Nghi Thanh
Published: May 2024

The Ca Mau Peninsula, situated in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, features low-lying terrain. In addition to the challenges posed by climate change, land subsidence in the area is exacerbated by the overexploitation of groundwater and intensive agricultural practices. In this study, we assessed the land subsidence susceptibility in the Ca Mau Peninsula utilizing three boosting machine learning models: AdaBoost, Gradient Boosting, and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB). Eight key factors were identified as the most influential in land subsidence within Ca Mau: land cover (LULC), groundwater depth, digital terrain model (DTM), normalized vegetation index (NDVI), geology, soil composition, distance to roads, and distance to rivers and streams. The dataset includes 2011 points referenced from the Persistent Scattering SAR Interferometry (PSI) method, of which 1011 points are subsidence points and the remaining are non-subsidence points. The sample points were split, with 70% allocated to the training set and 30% to the testing set. Following computation and execution, the three models underwent evaluation for accuracy using statistical metrics such as the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, area under the curve (AUC), specificity, sensitivity, and overall accuracy (ACC). The research findings revealed that the XGB model exhibited the highest accuracy, achieving an AUC and ACC above 0.88 for both the training and test sets. Consequently, XGB was chosen to construct a land subsidence susceptibility map for the Ca Mau Peninsula. In addition, 31 subsidence points measured by leveling surveys between 2005 and 2020, provided by the Department of Survey, Mapping and Geographic Information Vietnam, were used for validating the land subsidence susceptibility from the XGB method. The findings indicate a 70.9% accuracy rate in predicting subsidence susceptibility compared to the leveling measurement points.
Utilizing Machine Learning for Context-Aware Digital Biomarker of Stress in Older Adults
Authors: Onim Md Saif Hassan , Thapliyal Himanshu , Rhodus Elizabeth K.
Published: May 2024

Identifying stress in older adults is a crucial field of research in health and well-being. This allows us to take timely preventive measures that can help save lives. That is why a nonobtrusive way of accurate and precise stress detection is necessary. Researchers have proposed many statistical measurements to associate stress with sensor readings from digital biomarkers. With the recent progress of Artificial Intelligence in the healthcare domain, the application of machine learning is showing promising results in stress detection. Still, the viability of machine learning for digital biomarkers of stress is under-explored. In this work, we first investigate the performance of a supervised machine learning algorithm (Random Forest) with manual feature engineering for stress detection with contextual information. The concentration of salivary cortisol was used as the golden standard here. Our framework categorizes stress into No Stress, Low Stress, and High Stress by analyzing digital biomarkers gathered from wearable sensors. We also provide a thorough knowledge of stress in older adults by combining physiological data obtained from wearable sensors with contextual clues from a stress protocol. Our context-aware machine learning model, using sensor fusion, achieved a macroaverage F-1 score of 0.937 and an accuracy of 92.48% in identifying three stress levels. We further extend our work to get rid of the burden of manual feature engineering. We explore Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)-based feature encoder and cortisol biomarkers to detect stress using contextual information. We provide an in-depth look at the CNN-based feature encoder, which effectively separates useful features from physiological inputs. Both of our proposed frameworks, i.e., Random Forest with engineered features and a Fully Connected Network with CNN-based features validate that the integration of digital biomarkers of stress can provide more insight into the stress response even without any self-reporting or caregiver labels. Our method with sensor fusion shows an accuracy and F-1 score of 83.7797% and 0.7552, respectively, without context and 96.7525% accuracy and 0.9745 F-1 score with context, which also constitutes a 4% increase in accuracy and a 0.04 increase in F-1 score from RF.
Exploring the Dynamic Invasion Pattern of the Black-Headed Fall Webworm in China: Susceptibility to Topography, Vegetation, and Human Activities
Authors: Shao Fan , Pan Jie , Ye Xinquan , Liu Gaosheng
Published: May 2024

The fall webworm (FWW), H. cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiidae), is an extremely high-risk globally invasive pest. Understanding the invasion dynamics of invasive pests and identifying the critical factors that promote their spread is essential for devising practical and efficient strategies for their control and management. The invasion dynamics of the FWW and its influencing factors were analyzed using standard deviation ellipse and spatial autocorrelation methods. The analysis was based on statistical data on the occurrence of the FWW in China. The dissemination pattern of the FWW between 1979 and 2022 followed a sequence of “invasion-occurrence-transmission-outbreak”, spreading progressively from coastal to inland regions. Furthermore, areas with high nighttime light values, abundant ports, and non-forested areas with low vegetation cover at altitudes below 500 m were more likely to be inhabited by the black-headed FWW. The dynamic invasion pattern and the driving factors associated with the fall webworm (FWW) provide critical insights for future FWW management strategies. These strategies serve not only to regulate the dissemination of insects and diminish migratory tendencies but also to guarantee the implementation of efficient early detection systems and prompt response measures.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Manganism: A Narrative Review and Laboratory Recommendations
Authors: Majewski Michal , Piwko Karolina , Ordak Michal , Muszynska Elzbieta , Nasierowski Tadeusz , Bujalska-Zadrozny Magdalena
Published: May 2024

In recent years, a series of articles has been published concerning magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in a group of patients exposed to manganism, specifically factory workers, welders, and individuals with liver diseases, as well as those abusing home-produced ephedrone. Some potential symptoms of manganese toxicity include motor disturbances, neurocognitive problems, sleep disorders, and psychosocial changes. Despite various publications on MRI research in individuals with an elevated risk of manganism, there is a noticeable absence of a comprehensive review in this field. The detection of the accumulation of manganese in the brain through MRI can confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment. Due to the high cost of determining manganese ion levels in biological material, an additional aim of the manuscript was to identify simple medical laboratory parameters that, when performed concurrently with MRI, could assist in the diagnosis of manganism. Among these types of parameters are the levels of bilirubin, magnesium, liver enzymes, creatinine, hemoglobin, and hematocrit.
Pneumonia Characteristics in an Intensive Care Unit Setting during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Single-Center Prospective Study
Authors: Sleziak Jakub , Pilarczyk Katarzyna , Matysiak Michal , Duszynska Wieslawa
Published: May 2024

Background: During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a suspicion of varying rates of respiratory tract infections (RTIs), particularly pneumonia (PN). Methods: This research evaluated epidemiological indicators of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) in the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic period, including pathogens, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), selected risk factors, and PN mortality. Results: At 1740 patients, throughout the 22,774 patient-days (Pt-D) and 18,039 ventilation days (Vt-D), there were 681 PN cases (39.14%): CAP 336 (19.31%) and HAP 345 (19.83%). CAP caused by SARS-CoV-2 was diagnosed in 257/336 (76.49%) patients. The clinical manifestations of PNs were CAP with 336/681 (49.34%), VAP with 232/681 (34.07%), and non-ventilator HAP (NV-HAP) with 113/681 cases (16.59%). The incidence rate of CAP/1000 Pt-D has been over 3 times higher in the pandemic period of 2020–2021 (20.25) than in the post-pandemic period of 2022 (5.86), p = 0.000. Similarly, higher incidence rates of VAP/1000 Pt-D were found in the pandemic period (p = 0.050). For NV-HAP, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.585). VAP occurred more frequently in the group of patients with PN in the course of COVID-19 compared to patients without COVID-19 (52/234 [22.2%] vs. 180/1506 [11.95%]); (p = 0.000). The most common CAP pathogen (during the pandemic) was SARS CoV-2 234/291 (80.4%), followed by MSSA/MRSA 8/291 (2.75%), whereas the most common VAP/NV-HAP pathogen was Acinetobacter baumannii XDR/MDR. The highest PN mortality was found in the patients with CAP caused by SARS-CoV-2 159/257 (61.87%). Conclusions: Pneumonias were diagnosed in nearly 40% of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients. Surveillance of pneumonias during the specific observation period was beneficial in the epidemiological and microbiological analysis of the ICU patients.
AI in Hand Surgery: Assessing Large Language Models in the Classification and Management of Hand Injuries
Authors: Pressman Sophia M. , Borna Sahar , Gomez-Cabello Cesar A. , Haider Syed Ali , Forte Antonio Jorge
Published: May 2024

Background: OpenAI’s ChatGPT (San Francisco, CA, USA) and Google’s Gemini (Mountain View, CA, USA) are two large language models that show promise in improving and expediting medical decision making in hand surgery. Evaluating the applications of these models within the field of hand surgery is warranted. This study aims to evaluate ChatGPT-4 and Gemini in classifying hand injuries and recommending treatment. Methods: Gemini and ChatGPT were given 68 fictionalized clinical vignettes of hand injuries twice. The models were asked to use a specific classification system and recommend surgical or nonsurgical treatment. Classifications were scored based on correctness. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a paired two-tailed t-test, and sensitivity testing. Results: Gemini, correctly classifying 70.6% hand injuries, demonstrated superior classification ability over ChatGPT (mean score 1.46 vs. 0.87, p-value < 0.001). For management, ChatGPT demonstrated higher sensitivity in recommending surgical intervention compared to Gemini (98.0% vs. 88.8%), but lower specificity (68.4% vs. 94.7%). When compared to ChatGPT, Gemini demonstrated greater response replicability. Conclusions: Large language models like ChatGPT and Gemini show promise in assisting medical decision making, particularly in hand surgery, with Gemini generally outperforming ChatGPT. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the strengths and limitations of different models when integrating them into clinical practice.
Personalized Guidance of Edge-to-Edge Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Repair by Multimodality Imaging
Authors: Patrascu Alexandru , Binder Donat , Alashkar Ibrahim , Schnabel Peter , Stähle Wilfried , Risha Osama , Weinmann Kai , Ott Ilka
Published: May 2024

Background: Transcatheter edge-to-edge tricuspid valve repair (T-TEER) for tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is always guided by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). As each patient has unique anatomy and acoustic window, adding transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiac CT could improve procedural planning and guidance. Objectives: We aimed to assess T-TEER success and outcomes of a personalized guidance approach, based on multimodality imaging (MMI) of patient-tailored four right-sided chamber views (four-right-ch), as depicted by CT, TTE, TEE and fluoroscopy. Methods: Patients were assigned to MMI or classical TEE guidance, depending on TTE acoustic window. In MMI patients, planning included cardiac CT, which determined the fluoroscopic angulations of the specific four-right-ch, while guidance relied heavily on TTE, with minimal intermittent TEE for leaflet grasping and result confirmation. Both TTE and TEE were matched to respective CT and fluoroscopy four-right-ch. TR severity and quality of life (QoL) parameters were assessed from baseline to 12 months. Results: A total of 40 T-TEER patients were included, with 17 procedures guided by MMI and 23 solely by TEE. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, e.g., age (83.1 ± 4.1 vs. 81 ± 5.3, p = 0.182) or STS-Score (11.1 ± 7.4% vs. 10.6 ± 5.9%, p = 0.813). The primary efficacy endpoint of ≥one-grade TR reduction at 30 days was 94% (16/17) in MMI vs. 91% (21/23) in TEE patients, with two or more TR grade reduction in 65% vs. 52% (p = 0.793). Device success was overall 100%, with no device-related complications, but three TEE-associated cases of gastrointestinal bleeding in the TEE-only group. By 12 months, all 15 MMI and 19 TEE survivors improved NYHA functional class and QoL, e.g., Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Score Δ29.6 ± 6.7 vs. 21.9 ± 5.8 (p = 0.441) pts., 6-min walk distance Δ101.5 ± 36.4 vs. 85.7 ± 32.1 (p = 0.541) meters. Conclusions: In a subset of patients with good TTE acoustic window, MMI guidance of T-TEER is effective and seems to avoid gastroesophageal injuries caused by TEE probe manipulation. TR reduction, irrespective of guidance method, impacts long-term QoL.
Management of Neonatal Hepatic Hemangiomas: A Single-Center Experience Focused on Challenging Cases
Authors: Lee Sumin , Jeon Hojong , Han Jungho , Song In-Kyu , Baek Seung Hwan , Shim Sungbo , Eun Hoseon , Park Min Soo , Jang Hyeonguk , Shin Jeong Eun , Ihn Kyong
Published: May 2024

Background: Management of hepatic hemangioma (HH) in infancy ranges from close monitoring to surgical resection. We analyzed the clinical characteristics and outcomes of HH according to its treatment options, with particular focus on challenging cases. Methods: Data of patients diagnosed with HHs in their first year of life and followed up for at least 1 year were retrospectively reviewed and divided into treatment and observation groups. Serial imaging results, serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, medications, and clinical outcomes were compared. The detailed clinical progress in the treatment group was reviewed separately. Results: A total of 87 patients (75 in the observation group and 12 in the treatment group) were included. The median HH size at the initial diagnosis and the maximum size were significantly larger in the treatment group than the observation group (2.2 [0.5–10.3] cm vs. 1.0 [0.4–4.0] cm and 2.1 [0.7–13.2] vs. 1.1 [0.4–4.0], respectively; all p < 0.05]. The median initial and last serum AFP levels were significantly higher in the treatment group than in the observation group (76,818.7 vs. 627.2 and 98.4 vs. 8.7, respectively; all p < 0.05). Serum AFP levels in both groups rapidly declined during the first 3 months of life and were almost undetectable after 6 months. Among the challenging cases, a large (14 × 10 × 6.5 cm sized) focal HH was successfully treated using stepwise medical-to-surgical treatment. Conclusions: Patients with large HH and mild symptoms can be treated using stepwise pharmacotherapy. More aggressive surgical treatment of tumors unresponsive to initial pharmacotherapy may help shorten the treatment period and improve outcomes.
Intercostal Catheters Reduce Long-Term Pain and Postoperative Opioid Consumption after VATS
Authors: Neuschmid Marie-Christin , Ponholzer Florian , Ng Caecilia , Maier Herbert , Dejaco Hannes , Lucciarini Paolo , Schneeberger Stefan , Augustin Florian
Published: May 2024

Background/Objectives: Pain after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) leads to impaired postoperative recovery, possible side effects of opioid usage, and higher rates of chronic post-surgery pain (CPSP). Nevertheless, guidelines on perioperative pain management for VATS patients are lacking. The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of intercostal catheters in combination with a single shot intraoperative intercostal nerve block (SSINB) in comparison to SSINB alone with respect to opioid consumption and CPSP. Methods: Patients receiving an anatomic VATS resection between 2019 and 2022 for primary lung cancer were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 75 consecutive patients receiving an ICC and SSINB and 75 consecutive patients receiving only SSINB were included in our database. After enforcing the exclusion criteria (insufficient documentation, external follow-ups, or patients receiving opioids on a fixed schedule; n = 9) 141 patients remained for further analysis. Results: The ICC and No ICC cohort were comparable in age, gender distribution, tumor location and hospital stay. Patients in the ICC cohort showed significantly less opioid usage regarding the extent (4.48 ± 6.69 SD vs. 7.23 ± 7.55 SD mg, p = 0.023), duration (0.76 ± 0.97 SD vs. 1.26 ± 1.33 SD days, p = 0.012) and frequency (0.90 ± 1.34 SD vs. 1.45 ± 1.51 SD times, p = 0.023) in comparison to the No ICC group. During the first nine months of oncological follow-up assessments, no statistical difference was found in the rate of patients experiencing postoperative pain, although a trend towards less pain in the ICC cohort was found. One year after surgery, the ICC cohort expressed significantly less often pain (1.5 vs. 10.8%, p = 0.035). Conclusions: Placement of an ICC provides VATS patients with improved postoperative pain relief resulting in a reduced frequency of required opioid administration, less days with opioids, and a reduced total amount of opioids consumed. Furthermore, ICC patients have significantly lower rates of CPSP one year after surgery.