bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Representation of Air Pollution in Augmented Reality: Tools for Population–Wide Behavioral Change
Authors: Pochwatko Grzegorz , Jędrzejewski Zbigniew , Kopeć Wiesław , Skorupska Kinga , Masłyk Rafał , Jaskulska Anna , Świdrak Justyna
Published: July 2023

Air quality affects health and, unfortunately, has been deteriorating rapidly recently. The problem is significant in smaller towns where the important source of pollution is the heating of households and water from individual sources. Therefore, the inhabitants have an influence on a significant reduction of pollution in their area, but at the same time, they are very often not aware of it. Raising awareness about household-related air pollution plays a vital role as systemic solutions proposed by state and local authorities require the support of local communities. The situation has recently become even more serious as we are facing a crisis caused by the Russian war in Ukraine, which has led to an increase in energy and fuel prices and has postponed restrictions on the use of solid fuels or even incentives to use inferior fuels. Pathologies, such as burning garbage in old-style furnaces, have still not been eliminated. One of the ways of raising citizens’ awareness was to be public, easily accessible information about air quality. Many portals, services, and applications currently provide local air quality data, but few people use them. One reason may be that the figures and graphs can be confusing or unattractive to audiences who are not used to reading scientific reports. Visualizing air quality with augmented reality overcomes these obstacles. A mobile application that can use local elements as triggers and a symbolic representation of air quality based on data read in real-time from sensors is simple, attractive for non-experts, and has an additional educational value. We present the experience of creating such an application and prototype tests with the participation of potential users. Unfortunately, the collected results confirm the low awareness of excessive pollution in a given area and its negative impact on health. However, the interest of potential users and positive opinions about the tested prototype fill with optimism.
Modular Platform for Teaching Robotics
Authors: Nagajek Damian , Rąpała Michał , Wołoszyn Kamil , Turchan Krzysztof , Piotrowski Krzysztof
Published: July 2023

The Fourth Industrial Revolution causes changes in the economy and shifts the job market demand towards workforce with high technical skills. To keep an undisturbed economic growth we have to encourage more young people to develop competences in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics). This has met with a response from some education systems which have prepared special programmes focusing on developing technical skills among students. One of the desired field is robotics, which involves constructing and programming. We have already conducted some workshops for high school students in this subjects and we would like to find the correct teaching tools to attract primary school students. Our idea is to create a modular platform, which elements could be used as black boxes, to teach robotics to young children. We have noticed that Arduino based kits are a bit too complicated and we decided to test a LEGO Technic set equipped with an external microcontroller. We have verified the interest level of children and the difficulty and time needed for a teacher to master the whole teaching platform. According to our study, LEGO attracts students much more than Arduino and is easier in operation and less time consuming during classes for teachers.
Transdisciplinary Approach to Virtual Narratives - Towards Reliable Measurement Methods
Authors: Pochwatko Grzegorz , Cnotkowski Daniel , Kobyliński Paweł , Borkiewicz Paulina , Pabiś-Orzeszyna Michał , Wierzbowski Mariusz , Osęka Laura
Published: July 2023

We have recently observed intense growth in the film industry’s interest in VR creations. Cinematic VR artists encounter challenges that result from discrepancies between established techniques of storytelling, stylistic conventions, and organizational culture indicative of traditional modes of film practice and the requirements of the new medium and new audience. We propose a transdisciplinary approach to cinematic VR research. Thanks to the cooperation of art & science - a collaboration between psychologists, information technology specialists, film scholars, and filmmakers will contribute to the emergence of a new VR narrative paradigm. We use a number of quantitative and qualitative methods to study the perception of cinematic VR works, an illusion of spatial presence and copresence, attention, emotions, and arousal of its users, narrative understanding, and character engagement. We measure participants’ reactions in many independent ways: in addition to subjective assessments and declarative methods, we use more objective data: eye tracking, multi-point position skeleton tracking, and psychophysiological responses. We show the effectiveness of the adopted approach by studying three artistic cinematic VR works: narrative and non-narrative, live-action, and animated. We compare the user experience and present the possibilities of interpretation and feedback benefits for art.
Proximity Estimation for Electronic Skin Placed on Collaborative Robot Conductive Case
Authors: Klimaszewski Jan , Białorucki Przemysław
Published: July 2023

One of the key issues in human-machine collaboration is human safety. Safe human-robot interaction can be implemented using an electronic skin (e-skin) that detects the human’s proximity to the collaborative robot (cobot) casing even before the collision with the machine. The detection delay of such a situation should be as small as possible to be able to stop the machine safely. This paper presents an analysis of the results of estimating the proximity of a human to a robot with an electronic skin placed on its surface. The proximity estimation system works by measuring the capacitance of an open capacitor, and the placement of the capacitor on the conductive robot case significantly affects system performance. This paper outlines which parameters have the most important influence on this performance.
Finite Element Method Based Toolchain for Simulation of Proximity Estimation Using Electronic Skin
Authors: Ostaszewska-Liżewska Anna , Klimaszewski Jan
Published: July 2023

The emergence of new areas of human-robot cooperation creates the need to ensure human safety in this regard. Therefore, there is a need to develop new sensors to detect the presence of a human in the vicinity of a robot. One such sensor is an electronic skin (e-skin). Manufacturing and testing new e-skin prototypes is labor-intensive. This paper presents a software toolchain developed to simulate the operation of an e-skin used to detect human proximity. The toolchain is based on the finite element method and has been developed exclusively with free and open-source software. The presented toolchain makes it possible to test e-skin modifications without the need for a physical prototype and significantly reduces implementation costs. The developed solution is multi-platform and allows parallel and multi-threaded calculations conducted on multiple machines simultaneously. This paper presents modeling results obtained for a simplified e-skin sensor, which are consistent with experimental results on the actual model.
VR Game for Powerlifting Training
Authors: Popielski Krzysztof , Matys-Popielska Katarzyna , Sibilska-Mroziewicz Anna
Published: July 2023

Virtual reality applications are becoming more and more popular. In addition to apparent uses like providing entertainment, VR applications are finding use in fields such as education, engineering, and architecture. The market for VR games used in medicine and sports is also thriving. The applications allow monitoring of an athlete’s progress, training advanced movements specific to a given sport, and are difficult to reproduce during traditional training. A significant advantage of this type of solution is the increased safety of the user and, thus, a lower risk of injury. The article presents a VR application designed for the training of a powerlifting triathlon. This sport consists of three exercises. They are performed by both strength athletes and those training in other sports to prepare for the season properly. Due to the fact that they are simple multi-joint exercises, they fall into the collection of exercises often performed by amateur trainers. Despite their significant popularity and the undoubted advantages of performing them, it is often observed that they are performed incorrectly, which significantly increases the risk of injury. The purpose of the application is to enable safe training and learning of correct movement patterns of powerlifting exercises, regardless of the user’s level of proficiency.
A Case for VR Briefings: Comparing Communication in Daily Audio and VR Mission Control in a Simulated Lunar Mission
Authors: Skorupska Kinga , Grzeszczuk Maciej , Jaskulska Anna , Kornacka Monika , Pochwatko Grzegorz , Kopeć Wiesław
Published: July 2023

Alpha-XR Mission conducted by XR Lab PJAIT focused on research related to individual and crew well-being and participatory team collaboration in ICE (isolated, confined and extreme) conditions. In this two-week mission within an analog space habitat, collaboration, objective execution and leisure was facilitated and studied by virtual reality (VR) tools. The mission commander and first officer, both experienced with virtual reality, took part in daily briefings with mission control. In the first week the briefings were voice-only conducted via a channel on Discord. During the following week last briefings were conducted in VR, using Horizon Workrooms. This qualitative pilot study employing participatory observation revealed that VR facilitates communication, especially on complex problems and experiences, providing the sense of emotional connection and shared understanding, that may be lacking in audio calls. The study points to the need to further explore VR-facilitated communication in high-stake environments as it may improve relationships, well-being, and communication outcomes.
Kreative Unmittelbarkeit? Zur rhetorischen Textur von Goethes Frankfurter Hymnen
Authors: Drux Rudolf
Published: July 2023

Im 12. Buch von Dichtung und Wahrheit (1812) hat J. W. v. Goethe sein hymnisches Gedicht ‚Wandrers Sturmlied’ (1772) als „Halbunsinn“ bezeichnet; den habe der „Wandrer in der Not“ von sich gegeben. Mit diesem harschen Urteil nimmt im Rückblick der klassische Dichter nicht nur Abstand von seinen enthusiastischen Jugendwerken, sondern weist diese auch als kreative ‚Hervorbringungen‘ unmittelbaren Erlebens aus. Und eben solche waren von den Literaturtheoretikern seit den 1730er Jahren mehrfach gefordert worden, z. B. von J. J. Breitinger, der 1740 die „hertzrührende Schreibart“ proklamierte, die „geraden Wegs auf die Bewegung des Herzens los“ gehe. Eine gefühlsintensive und unvermittelte Sprechweise hat Goethe durch die starke Anlehnung an Pindars Oden zu erreichen versucht, dabei allerdings den Eindruck spontaner Kreativität vor allem durch den gezielten Einsatz rhetorischer Mittel hervorgerufen. Darüber hinaus hat er in seinen Sturm-und-Drang-Oden unterschiedliche Verhaltensweisen dargestellt, die zusammengenommen einen neuen Künstlertypus charakterisieren, nämlich das „Originalgenie“. Während in ästhetischen Abhandlungen und literaturkritischen Essays der Aufklärung die Abkehr von der technisch-regelhaften Rhetorik beschworen wird, bringt die Verwendung der Rhetorik in Goethes lyrischer Praxis der 1770er Jahre gerade den neuen ‚genialischen‘ Ton hervor, dessen signifikante Merkmale seine Frankfurter Hymnen repräsentieren, was die exemplarische Analyse von ‚Prometheus‘ und ‚An Schwager Kronos‘ zu zeigen vermag.
Diet composition of wild columbiform birds: next-generation sequencing of plant and metazoan DNA in faecal samples
Authors: Schumm Yvonne R. , Masello Juan F. , Vreugdenhil-Rowlands Jennifer , Fischer Dominik , Hillerich Klaus , Quillfeldt Petra
Published: July 2023

Accurate knowledge of a species’ diets is fundamental to understand their ecological requirements. Next-generation sequencing technology has become a powerful and non-invasive tool for diet reconstruction through DNA metabarcoding. Here, we applied those methods on faecal samples of Common Woodpigeons Columba palumbus, European Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur, and Stock Doves C. oenas to investigate their dietary composition. By applying primer pairs targeting both the ITS2 region of plant nuclear DNA and the mitochondrial COI region of metazoan DNA, we provide a complete picture of the food ingested and estimate the dietary overlap between the columbiform species during the breeding season. Animal DNA was present very rarely, and a diverse range of plants from the class Spermatopsida dominated the diet, with Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, and Poaceae as the most frequently represented families. Generally, we detected a variability between species but also amongst individual samples. Plant species already known from previous studies, mainly visual analyses, could be confirmed for our individuals sampled in Germany and the Netherlands. Our molecular approach revealed new plant taxa, e.g. plants of the families Malvaceae for Woodpigeons, Lythraceae for Turtle Doves, and Pinaceae for Stock Doves, not found in previous studies using visual analyses. Although most of the plant species observed were of wild origin, the majority of cultivated plants found were present in higher frequencies of occurrence, suggesting that cultivated food items likely constitute an important part of the diet of the studied species. For Turtle Doves, a comparison with previous studies suggested regional differences, and that food items (historically) considered as important part of their diet, such as Fumitory Fumaria sp. and Chickweed Stellaria media, were missing in our samples. This indicates that regional variations as well as historic and current data on diet should be considered to plan tailored seed mixtures, which are currently proposed as an important management measure for conservation of the rapidly declining Turtle Dove.
The three co’s to jointly model commodity markets: co-production, co-consumption and co-trading
Authors: Schischke Amelie , Papenfuß Patric , Rathgeber Andreas
Published: July 2023

In this study, we develop a framework, based on a global vector autoregression (GVAR) model, to unite two perspectives on commodity markets, the commodity-specific, single-market-centered approach, investigating the micro- and macroeconomic drivers of commodity prices, and the market perspective, which observes joint movements of commodity prices on exchanges. Thereby, the GVAR model disentangles single market from inter-market effects, while simultaneously accounting for the impact of macroeconomic factors. We apply the framework to the six industrial metals markets, reflecting their interdependencies via their co-production, co-consumption, or co-trading relation. In particular, the numerous significant spillover effects in the cross-commodity dimension underline the importance of jointly modeling commodity markets. While the strong co-movement between industrial metal prices is represented exceptionally well by our framework, the microeconomic supply and demand attributes of the commodities have significant impact, within and across markets, even on price variables, highlighting their relevance in modern commodity market models. Moreover, we detect global shocks, e.g., an increase in global demand, affect each commodity market to a similar extent.
Application of infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for morphine imaging in brain tissue
Authors: Desyaterik Yury , Mwangi Joseph N. , McRae MaryPeace , Jones Austin M. , Kashuba Angela D. M. , Rosen Elias P.
Published: July 2023

Here, we present a method developed for the analysis of spatial distributions of morphine in mouse brain tissue using infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI) coupled to a Q Exactive Plus mass spectrometer. The method is also capable of evaluating spatial distributions of the antiretroviral drug abacavir. To maximize sensitivity to morphine, we analyze various Orbitrap mass spectrometry acquisition modes utilizing signal abundance and frequency of detection as evaluation criteria. We demonstrate detection of morphine in mouse brain and establish that the selected ion monitoring mode provides 2.5 times higher sensitivity than the full-scan mode. We find that distributions of morphine and abacavir are highly correlated with the Pearson correlation coefficient R = 0.87. Calibration showed that instrument response is linear up to 40 pg/mm2 (3.8 μg/g of tissue).

Graphical abstract
Generation of experimental data for model training to optimize fouling prediction
Authors: Jarmatz Niklas , Augustin Wolfgang , Scholl Stephan
Published: July 2023

To successfully deal with a complex fouling problem usually entails a good understanding based on a broad spectrum of additional data. Meanwhile, a huge amount of process data is recorded and may be utilized to create a better understanding and prediction of the fouling status of an apparatus or the entire production plant. We propose a systematic approach to generate training data in a pipe fitting as a pre-step before the potential use of the entire data set of the production plant, irrespective of the relevance for the fouling prediction. Therefore, a temperature-based detection of the heat transfer resistance of plastic discs (representing 'artificial’ fouling) and a particulate material deposition (representing ‘real’ fouling) was applied in a pipe fitting obtaining reproducible results. The parameter variation experiments exhibit linear fouling curves and are therefore very suitable for model training. The temperature measurements confirm a correlation between the obtained temperature drop and the layer thickness of the plastic discs as well as the deposited particle fouling mass.
Role of a radiopaque agent and surveillance radiographs for peripherally inserted central catheters in newborn infants
Authors: Stekhova Yulia , Kodur Vinayak , Lowe Gemma , Baird Jane , Lowe Krista , Elhindi James , Maheshwari Rajesh , Shah Dharmesh , D’Cruz Daphne , Luig Melissa , Jani Pranav R.
Published: July 2023

Background

Controversy exists regarding the use of a radiopaque agent to identify peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) tip positions in newborn infants and of serial radiography to monitor PICC tip migration.

Objective

To investigate the roles of (1) the injection of a radiopaque agent to identify PICC tip position and (2) the performance of weekly radiography to monitor PICC migration.

Materials and methods

This retrospective single-centre cohort study included newborn infants who received a PICC between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2020. A radiopaque agent was injected to identify PICC tip position and radiographs were performed weekly to detect PICC migration.

Results

We identified 676 PICC episodes in 601 infants. A radiopaque agent was used for 590 of these episodes. There was no difference in the proportion of central PICC tip positions based on radiopaque agent use status (490/590, 83% for the radiopaque agent used group versus 73/85, 85.8% for the radiopaque agent not used group, P=0.51). Irrespective of the site of PICC insertion, outward migration was observed for most centrally placed PICCs over their entire in situ duration. Inward migration was identified in 23 out of 643 PICC episodes (3.6%) only on radiographs obtained on or before day 7. Based on serial radiographs, the odds for PICC tips remaining in a central position were lower the longer the PICC remained in situ (adjusted odds ratio-OR 0.93; 95% confidence interval 0.92–0.95). There was no difference in PICC migration between side and limb of insertion.

Conclusion

PICC tips can be identified without injection of a radiopaque agent. Serial radiographs identified PICC migration over the in situ duration. This study has implications for reducing exposure to a radiopaque agent and ongoing migration surveillance practices.

Graphical abstract
Yeast cell vacuum infusion into fungal pellets as a novel cell encapsulation methodology
Authors: Lúquez-Caravaca Lara , Ogawa Minami , Rai Rewa , Nitin Nitin , Moreno Juan , García-Martínez Teresa , Mauricio Juan Carlos , Jiménez-Uceda Juan Carlos , Moreno-García Jaime
Published: July 2023

Immobilized yeast cells are used industrially in winemaking processes such as sparkling wine and Sherry wine production. Here, a novel approach has been explored for the infusion and immobilization of yeast cells into filamentous fungal pellets, which serve as a porous natural material. This was accomplished through vacuum application to force the yeast cells towards the core of the fungal pellets followed by culture in YPD medium to promote their growth from the interior. This method represents an improved variation of a previous approach for the assembly of “yeast biocapsules,” which entailed the co-culture of both fungal and yeast cells in the same medium. A comparison was made between both techniques in terms of biocapsule productivity, cell retention capacity, and cell biological activity through an alcoholic fermentation of a grape must. The results indicated a substantial increase in biocapsule productivity (37.40-fold), higher cell retention within the biocapsules (threefold), and reduction in cell leakage during fermentation (twofold). Although the majority of the chemical and sensory variables measured in the produced wine did not exhibit notable differences from those produced utilizing suspended yeast cells (conventional method), some differences (such as herbaceous and toasted smells, acidity, bitterness, and persistence) were perceived and wines positively evaluated by the sensory panel. As the immobilized cells remain functional and the encapsulation technique can be expanded to other microorganisms, it creates potential for additional industrial uses like biofuel, health applications, microbe encapsulation and delivery, bioremediation, and pharmacy.

Key points

• New approach improves biocapsule productivity and cell retention.

• Immobilized yeast remains functional in fermentation.

• Wine made with immobilized yeast had positive sensory differences.
Magnetic fluid hyperthermia controlled by frequency counter and colorimetric program systems based on magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Elbeltagi Shehab , Saeedi Ahmad M. , Ali Maha A. , El-Dek Samaa I.
Published: July 2023

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) are anticipated to perform better in terms of thermal conductivity when exposed to alternating magnetic fields (AMF). Herein, key parameters for efficient heating are examined in an AMF that is organized and managed by a zero voltage switching (ZVS) and frequency counter system, which has shown great potential for hyperthermia (HT). The present study investigates the set-up of a matched coil coupled with direct current (DC) power and a frequency counter. The set-up technique for inducing HT in magnetic fluid NPs used in in vitro experiments and magnetic fluid calorimetric applications is advanced. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles Fe3O4 (SPIONs) was prepared by the sonochemical method and coated with polyethylene glycol (Fe3O4@PEG). Our sample Fe3O4@PEG crystallized nano-size with an average particle size of 14 nm, and high magnetic saturation (MS) about 49 emu/g. The MNPs exposed to AMF at 300 kHz exhibited the highest thermal values (42–45 °C). The specific absorption rate values of 188, 217, and 234 W/g for the NP concentrations of 5, 10, and 20 mg/ml, respectively reveal the improvement of our set-up to enhance the SPIONs as a thermal agent.
Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer is a demanding procedure: detailed real-life data of complications and additional surgical procedures in 295 cases
Authors: Latarius Stefanie , Leike Steffen , Erb Holger , Putz Juliane , Borkowetz Angelika , Thomas Christian , Baunacke Martin
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for germ cell tumours is a challenging procedure that may present relevant complications. The purpose was to analyse postoperative complications and identify risk factors for major complications.

Methods

This is a retrospective unicentric analysis of a large cohort of 295 RPLNDs from 1992 to 2020. Early complications (30 days) and late complications (31–180 days) were classified according to the Clavien‒Dindo classification. The influence of surgical, patient-specific, and tumour-specific parameters on grade III–V complications was analysed in univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

A total of 232 were postchemotherapy RPLNDs, and 63 were primary RPLNDs. Early postoperative complications were found to be grades I–II in 58.6% (173/295), grades III–IV in 9.8% (29/295), and grade V in 0.3% (1/295). In 20% (58/295), additional surgical procedures were needed. Grade III–V complications were associated with ≥ 4 cycles of preoperative chemotherapy (OR 3.7 (1.5–8.9); p = 0.004), RPLND specimen (nonseminoma or immature teratoma) (OR 3.1 (1.4–6.6); p = 0.005), transfusions (OR 2.4 (1.1–5.4); p = 0.03), salvage RPLND (OR 4.1 (1.8–9.3); p < 0.001), and preoperatively elevated AFP (OR 5 (2.2–11.7); p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the only independent predictor for grade III–V complications was preoperative AFP elevation (OR 3.3 (1.2–9.2); p = 0.02). Limitations include the retrospective study design.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that RPLND is a demanding surgical procedure. Patients with a complex tumour history have a higher risk of complications. We recommend treatment of these complex cases in high-volume centres.
The WCGA in $$L^p(\log L)^{\alpha }$$ Spaces
Authors: Garrigós Gustavo
Published: July 2023

We present some new results concerning Lebesgue-type inequalities for the Weak Chebyshev Greedy Algorithm (WCGA) in uniformly smooth Banach spaces

$${{\mathbb {X}}}$$

X

. First, we generalize Temlyakov’s theorem (Temlyakov in Forum Math Sigma 2(12):26, 2014) to cover situations in which the modulus of smoothness and the

$${\texttt {A3}}$$

A
3

parameter are not necessarily power functions. Secondly, we apply this new theorem to the Zygmund spaces

$${{\mathbb {X}}}=L^p(\log L)^{\alpha }$$

X
=

L
p

(
log
L
)

α

, with

$$1<p<\infty $$

1
<
p
<
∞

and

$${\alpha }\in {{\mathbb {R}}}$$

α
∈
R

, and show that, when the Haar system is used, then exact recovery of N-sparse signals occurs when the number of iterations is

$$\phi (N)=O(N^{\max \{1,2/p'\}} \,(\log N)^{|{\alpha }| p'})$$

ϕ

(
N
)

=
O
(

N

max
{
1
,
2
/

p
′

}

(
log
N
)

|
α
|

p
′

)

. Moreover, this quantity is sharp when

$$p\le 2$$

p
≤
2

. Finally, an expression for

$$\phi (N)$$

ϕ
(
N
)

in the case of the trigonometric system is also given.
Analytical ultracentrifugation in colloid and polymer science: new possibilities and perspectives after 100 years
Authors: Cölfen Helmut
Published: July 2023

Analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) is a classical polymer and colloid analysis technique invented by Theodor Svedberg 100 years ago. Modern hard- and software and powerful computers make it now possible to develop the methodology beyond what was possible with this technique before. This perspective aims to describe new possibilities, which extend the possibilities of AUC beyond the classical repertoire of the determination of distributions of sedimentation coefficient, particle size, and molar mass as well as stoichiometries and interaction constants of interacting systems. High-resolution simultaneous characterization of particle size and optical property distributions, investigation of nucleation by reaction in the AUC cell, characterization of particle interactions at a very high concentration, and characterization of complex fluids or osmotic pressures over large concentration ranges even crossing phase boundaries are among the discussed topics. They show that even after 100 years of successful application, AUC still has much yet unexplored potential in colloid and polymer science.

Graphical Abstract

This perspective paper spans from the days of invention of analytical ultracentrifugation to now including nonmainstream methodology and instrumentation, which has a huge potential for the future. This includes multiwavelength detectors, high-resolution particle size distributions, chemical reactions in the ultracentrifuge, high-concentration work, osmotic pressure distributions, and characterization of complex fluids.
Presymptomatic geographical distribution of ALS patients suggests the involvement of environmental factors in the disease pathogenesis
Authors: Vasta Rosario , Callegaro S. , Sgambetterra S. , Cabras S. , Di Pede F. , De Mattei F. , Matteoni E. , Grassano M. , Bombaci A. , De Marco G. , Fuda G. , Marchese G. , Palumbo F. , Canosa A. , Mazzini L. , De Marchi F. , Moglia C. , Manera U. , Chiò A. , Calvo A.
Published: July 2023

Background

Given that the pathogenetic process of ALS begins many years prior to its clinical onset, examining patients’ residential histories may offer insights on the disease risk factors. Here, we analyzed the spatial distribution of a large ALS cohort in the 50 years preceding the disease onset.

Methods

Data from the PARALS register were used. A spatial cluster analysis was performed at the time of disease onset and at 1-year intervals up to 50 years prior to that.

Results

A total of 1124 patients were included. The analysis revealed a higher-incidence cluster in a large area (435,000 inhabitants) west of Turin. From 9 to 2 years before their onset, 105 cases were expected and 150 were observed, resulting in a relative risk of 1.49 (P = 0.04). We also found a surprising high number of patients pairs (51) and trios (3) who lived in the same dwelling while not being related. Noticeably, these occurrences were not observed in large dwellings as we would have expected. The probability of this occurring in smaller buildings only by chance was very low (P = 0.01 and P = 0.04 for pairs and trios, respectively).

Conclusions

We identified a higher-incidence ALS cluster in the years preceding the disease onset. The cluster area being densely populated, many exposures could have contributed to the high incidence ALS cluster, while we could not find a shared exposure among the dwellings where multiple patients had lived. However, these findings support that exogenous factors are likely involved in the ALS pathogenesis.
Effect of assessing velocity time integral at different locations across ventricular outflow tracts when calculating cardiac output in neonates
Authors: Huang Jane , Singh Yogen , Adie Mohammad , Noori Shahab , Ebrahimi Mahmood , Durand Manuel , Cayabyab Rowena , Ramanathan Rangasamy
Published: July 2023

This study aims to evaluate the effect of assessing velocity time integral at different locations across ventricular outflow tracts for calculating cardiac output (CO) in neonates. Velocity time integral (VTI) and CO were measured at 3 different locations across right and left ventricular outflow tracts using transthoracic echocardiography in healthy term neonates without any major congenital heart disease. ANOVA with Bonferroni correction was used to determine the differences between the VTI and CO sampled at these three locations. Forty-one neonates met inclusion criteria with mean gestational age of 38.6 ± 1 weeks and mean birth weight of 3155 ± 463 g. The median hours after birth when echocardiography was obtained was 23 h (range 11–68 h after birth). Left CO were 121 ± 30 mL/kg/min, 155 ± 38 mL/kg/min, and 176 ± 36 mL/kg/min measured below the valve, hinges of the valve, and tip of the valve, respectively. Right CO were 197 ± 73 mL/kg/min, 270 ± 83 mL/kg/min, and 329 ± 104 mL/kg/min measured below the valve, hinges of the valve, and tip of the valve, respectively. A statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) was found in the VTI and CO measured at the 3 different locations across both left and right ventricular outflow tracts.

     Conclusions: There is a significant difference in measurements of VTI and CO depending on the location of Doppler gate sampling across the ventricular outflow tracts. Consistency and precision in Doppler gate location are essential for measuring VTI and calculating CO while assessing changes in hemodynamic status in critically ill infants.

What is Known:• Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography is increasingly applied to measure cardiac output in critically ill neonates and serial assessments are performed to assess the trend in changes in cardiac output.• Noninvasive measurement using velocity time integral to calculate cardiac output is commonly performed. However, location of Doppler sample gate to measure ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral is not consistent.

What is New:• Statistically significant changes in measured velocity time integral and cardiac output are noted based on the location of Doppler gate sampling.• To monitor the cardiac output for trending, it is important to be consistent with regards to the location of the Doppler sample gate to assess changes in cardiac output in critically ill newborns.
Evolution of RNA viruses in trypanosomatids: new insights from the analysis of Sauroleishmania
Authors: Klocek Donnamae , Grybchuk Danyil , Tichá Lucie , Votýpka Jan , Volf Petr , Kostygov Alexei Yu. , Yurchenko Vyacheslav
Published: July 2023

RNA viruses play an important role in Leishmania biology and virulence. Their presence was documented in three (out of four) Leishmania subgenera. Sauroleishmania of reptiles remained the only underinvestigated group. In this work, we analyzed the viral occurrence in Sauroleishmania spp. and detected RNA viruses in three out of seven isolates under study. These viruses were of two families—Narnaviridae and Totiviridae. Phylogenetic inferences demonstrated that totiviruses from L. adleri and L. tarentolae group together within a larger cluster of LRV2s, while a narnavirus of L. gymnodactyli appeared as a phylogenetic relative of narnaviruses of Blechomonas spp. Taken together, our work not only expanded the range of trypanosomatids that can host RNA viruses but also shed new light on the evolution and potential routes of viral transmission in these flagellates.
Robot-assisted endoscopic third ventriculostomy under intraoperative CT imaging guidance
Authors: Elia Angela , Paun Luca , Pallud Johan , Zanello Marc
Published: July 2023

Background

The robot-assisted neurosurgical procedures have recently benefited of the evolution of intraoperative imaging, including mobile CT unit available in the operating room. This facilitated use paved the way to perform more neurosurgical procedures under robotic assistance. Endoscopic third ventriculocisternostomy requires both a safe transcortical trajectory and a smooth manipulation.

Method

We describe our technique of robot-assisted endoscopic third ventriculocisternostomy combining robotic assistance and intraoperative CT imaging.

Conclusion

Robot-assisted endoscopic third ventriculocisternostomy using modern intraoperative neuroimaging can be easily implemented and prevented erroneous trajectory and abrupt endoscopic movements, reducing surgically induced brain damages.
Closure Operations of Convex Sets in $$X\times X^{*}$$ and Monotone Operators
Authors: Eberhard Andrew , Wenczel Robert
Published: July 2023

We develop a number of new results on “closure operations” based on $$s\times \text{w}^{*}$$

s
×

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Enhancing attack resilience of cyber-physical systems through state dependency graph models
Authors: Adamos Konstantinos , Stergiopoulos George , Karamousadakis Michalis , Gritzalis Dimitris
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a method that utilizes graph theory and state modelling algorithms to perform automatic complexity analysis of the architecture of cyber-physical systems (CPS). It describes cyber physical systems risk assessment (CPSRA), a tool to provide automatic decision support for enhancing the overall resilience of CPS architectures often used in critical infrastructures. CPRSA is built to enhance industrial risk assessment and improve the resilience of CPS architecture against malicious attacks on the cyber domain that can affect industrial processes, which is critical in a distributed cyber environment. Such attacks often compromise execution states on physical components and lead to hazards or even disasters through plant malfunction. CPSRA is tested against a real-world testbed model of a large SCADA system that is infused with real-world CVE vulnerabilities in some of its components. The tool creates an isomorphic graph of the CPS process model and uses graph algorithms and network analytics on the model to test cyber-attacks and evaluate attack resilience aspects. The tool’s output is then used to pinpoint high-complexity components in terms of influence on the overall CPS architecture and suggest mitigation points for security measure implementation while considering every potential subattack path and subliminal path on the model’s attack graph. The paper complements standardized assessment reports and contributes to automatic architecture assessment for critical infrastructure environments and can be used as the basis to model dependencies and threat propagation in larger digital twins, a need outlined in major NIST publications concerning the security of industrial systems that was previously done manually, without automatic insight into state and vulnerability influences.
3D passive microfluidic valves in silicon and glass using grayscale lithography and reactive ion etching transfer
Authors: Phi Hai Binh , Bohm Sebastian , Runge Erich , Dittrich Lars , Strehle Steffen
Published: July 2023

A fabrication strategy for high-efficiency passive three-dimensional microfluidic valves with no mechanical parts fabricated in silicon and glass substrates is presented. 3D diffuser-nozzle valve structures were produced and characterized in their added value in comparison to conventional diffuser-nozzle valve designs with rectangular cross sections. A grayscale lithography approach for 3D photoresist structuring combined with a proportional transfer by reactive ion etching allowed to transfer 3D resist valve designs with high precision into the targeted substrate material. The efficiency with respect to the rectification characteristics or so-called diodicity of the studied valve designs is defined as the ratio of the pressure drops in backward and forward flow directions. The studied valve designs were characterized experimentally as well as numerically based on finite element simulations with overall matching results that demonstrate a significantly improved flow rectification of the 3D valves compared to the corresponding conventional structure. Our novel 3D valve structures show, for instance, even without systematic optimization a measured diodicity of up to 1.5 at low flow rates of only about 10 μl/s.
Predictors of Sexual Victimization Among Autistic and Non-Autistic College Students
Authors: Libster Natalie , Kasari Connie , Sturm Alexandra
Published: July 2023

Purpose. This study examined predictors of sexual victimization among autistic and non-autistic college students. Specifically, we aimed to determine whether autistic students are more likely than non-autistic students to experience unwanted sexual contact and sexual assault, controlling for co-occurring diagnoses. We also aimed to determine whether students with other disabilities, specifically ADHD, learning disability (LD), and psychological disorders, are more likely than students without these disabilities to experience unwanted sexual contact and sexual assault. Methods. Autistic students (n=270) and non-autistic students (n=270) who had participated in a nationwide survey were matched on demographic characteristics and co-occurring diagnoses. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to address the research questions and evaluate predictors of unwanted sexual contact and sexual assault. Results. Autistic students were as likely as non-autistic students to have experienced unwanted sexual contact and sexual assault, controlling for co-occurring diagnoses. Regardless of autism diagnostic status, students with ADHD were more likely than students without ADHD to have experienced unwanted sexual contact and sexual assault. Conclusions. Although autism diagnostic status was not a significant predictor of unwanted sexual contact or sexual assault, other factors associated with increased risk of sexual victimization, such as co-occurring ADHD, are likely to be found in autistic populations. This study highlights the importance of educational, social, and institutional supports to decrease sexual victimization among college students with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Performance of noninvasive prenatal testing for twin pregnancies in South China
Authors: Wang Dongmei , Peng Haishan , Wang Yixia , Hou Yaping , Guo Fangfang , Zhu Juan , Hu Tingting , Yang Jiexia
Published: July 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for the detection of chromosomal aneuploidies and copy number variations (CNVs) in twin pregnancies.

Method

A cohort of 2010 women with twin pregnancies was recruited. 1331 patients opted for NIPT, and 679 patients opted for expanded NIPT (NIPT-plus). All high-risk patients were advised to undergo invasive prenatal diagnosis. All participants were followed up until 6 months after birth.

Results

Twenty-two cases were predicted to have a high risk of chromosome abnormalities by NIPT, of which 14 pregnant women underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis. The 14 cases included 3 cases of trisomy 21, 1 case of trisomy 18, 1 case of trisomy 7, 2 cases of sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs), and 7 cases of CNVs, of which the confirmed cases numbered 2, 1, 0, 1, and 0, respectively. Twenty cases were predicted to have a high risk of chromosome abnormalities by NIPT-plus, of which 16 pregnant women underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis. The 16 cases included 1 case of trisomy 21, 1 case of trisomy 7, 7 cases of SCAs, and 7 cases of CNVs, of which were confirmed in 1, 0, 3, and 2, respectively. No false-negative result was reported during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

The NIPT/NIPT-plus has excellent performance in the detection of chromosome aneuploidies in twin pregnancies. But for CNVs, the effectiveness of NIPT is poor, and the NIPT-plus have a certain detection efficiency. It is worth noting that pre- and post-genetic counseling is especially important, and the chorionicity, mode of conception, clinical indications, and fetal fraction should be considered as influencing factors.
Microseismic network sensitivity in case of no seismic activity
Authors: Káldy Eva , Fischer Tomáš
Published: July 2023

Underground human activities, such as mining, shale gas, and oil exploitation, waste-water disposal, or geothermal plants, can cause earthquakes; therefore, they are monitored by local seismic networks. An ideal seismic network has a triangulated grid, with spacing equal twice the minimal depth and no associated industry noise. In real cases, the network sensitivity is biased by stations placed near noisy roads, factories, or in a private garden, none located at optimal nodes. The sensitivity is also a function of the detection algorithm type and setting. The goal of this case study is to suggest a work-flow for network sensitivity calculation in case of no seismic activity. In other words: how small are the earthquakes that such seismic networks would detect if they were present? Such network sensitivity is a function of stations noise level, station-source geometry, and setting of the detection algorithm. A brief theory and work-flow description is followed by two real-case demonstrations from Czech Republic, Europe: first, a proof-test on a well-studied seismically active area of West Bohemia/Vogtland and second, an application to an uprising geothermal project in Litoměřice, where no seismic activity was detected in years of monitoring.
Vice-based accounts of moral evil
Authors: Wilson Alan T.
Published: July 2023

In this paper, I highlight three objections to vice-based accounts of moral evil: (1) the worry that vice-based accounts of evil are explanatorily inadequate; (2) the worry that even extreme vice is not sufficient for evil; and (3) the worry that not all vices are inversions of virtue (and so vice-based accounts will struggle to explain the “mirror thesis”). I argue that it is possible to respond to these objections by developing a vice-based account of evil that draws on insights from virtue (and vice) epistemology. In this way, I seek to defend the strategy of understanding evil in terms of vice, and to provide guidance on how best to develop such an account. I also briefly consider what vice-based accounts of moral evil might imply about evil in other normative domains where it is common to talk of virtue and vice, including the possibilities of epistemic evil and aesthetic evil.
From Bariatric Surgery to Conception: The Ideal Timing to Optimize Fetal Weight
Authors: Carreira Ana , Araújo Bárbara , Lavrador Mariana , Vieira Inês , Rodrigues Dírcea , Paiva Sandra , Melo Miguel , Paiva Isabel
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Bariatric surgery (BS) increases the risk of small for gestational age (SGA) neonates. Guidelines recommend postponing pregnancy for 12–24 months, but optimal surgery-to-conception interval (BSCI) remains uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the impact of BSCI on birth weight and SGA.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective cohort study of 42 pregnancies following BS, including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, adjustable gastric banding and biliopancreatic diversion. Neonates were classified as SGA if birth weight < 10th percentile. Optimal BSCI was obtained from the analysis of ROC curves, and pregnancies were compared by that cut-off.

Results

There was a linear association between BSCI and birth weight and an inverse association with SGA, with each additional month of BSCI translating into additional 4.5 g (95%CI: 2.0–7.0) on birth weight and -6% risk of SGA (95%CI: 0.90–0.99). We established a cut-off of 24.5 months of BSCI for lower risk of SGA. Pregnancies conceived in the first 24 months had a more than tenfold increased risk of SGA (OR 12.6, 95%CI: 2.4–66.0), even when adjusted for maternal age, gestational diabetes and inadequate gestational weight gain.

Conclusion

BSCI was associated with birth weight and SGA. Our results are in line with the recommendations of BSCI of at least 24 months to reduce the risk of SGA.

Graphical Abstract