bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing automated vehicle identification by integrating YOLO v8 and OCR techniques for high-precision license plate detection and recognition
Authors: Moussaoui Hanae , Akkad Nabil El , Benslimane Mohamed , El-Shafai Walid , Baihan Abdullah , Hewage Chaminda , Rathore Rajkumar Singh
Published: June 2024

Vehicle identification systems are vital components that enable many aspects of contemporary life, such as safety, trade, transit, and law enforcement. They improve community and individual well-being by increasing vehicle management, security, and transparency. These tasks entail locating and extracting license plates from images or video frames using computer vision and machine learning techniques, followed by recognizing the letters or digits on the plates. This paper proposes a new license plate detection and recognition method based on the deep learning YOLO v8 method, image processing techniques, and the OCR technique for text recognition. For this, the first step was the dataset creation, when gathering 270 images from the internet. Afterward, CVAT (Computer Vision Annotation Tool) was used to annotate the dataset, which is an open-source software platform made to make computer vision tasks easier to annotate and label images and videos. Subsequently, the newly released Yolo version, the Yolo v8, has been employed to detect the number plate area in the input image. Subsequently, after extracting the plate the k-means clustering algorithm, the thresholding techniques, and the opening morphological operation were used to enhance the image and make the characters in the license plate clearer before using OCR. The next step in this process is using the OCR technique to extract the characters. Eventually, a text file containing only the character reflecting the vehicle's country is generated. To ameliorate the efficiency of the proposed approach, several metrics were employed, namely precision, recall, F1-Score, and CLA. In addition, a comparison of the proposed method with existing techniques in the literature has been given. The suggested method obtained convincing results in both detection as well as recognition by obtaining an accuracy of 99% in detection and 98% in character recognition.
Effects of diffuse light on the gross ecosystem primary productivity of a winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropland in northern China
Authors: Bao Xueyan , Sun Xiaomin
Published: June 2024

Diffuse light is produced by clouds and aerosols in the atmosphere. Exploring the effects of diffuse light on ecosystem productivity is important for understanding the terrestrial carbon (CO2) cycle. Here, 2 years of gross ecosystem primary productivity (GEP) from a (winter) wheat cropland in China was assessed using eddy covariance technology to explore the effects of diffuse photosynthetic active radiance (PAR) on wheat GEP. Wheat GEP increased significantly and positively along with diffuse PAR. In addition, wheat GEP was significantly affected by total PAR, air temperature, and vapor press deficit in different diffuse PAR fraction (fDIF) change stages. Because significant autocorrelations existed among the controlling factors, a path analysis was used to quantify the effects of diffuse light on GEP. Diffuse PAR was the primary and secondary importance factors affecting GEP with direct path coefficients of 0.54 and 0.48, respectively, in different fDIF change stages. A multilayer canopy model revealed that the middle and lower canopy levels intercepted more light when diffuse PAR increased. This resulted in the photosynthetic enhancement of middle and lower canopy levels, which contributed approximately 65% and 35%, respectively, to the increase in photosynthesis for the entire canopy (~ 30.5%). Overall, our study provided new evidence regarding the importance of diffuse light for CO2 uptake in agroecosystems, which is important for predicting the responses of ecosystem CO2 budgets to future climate-related light changes.
YOLOv8-CML: a lightweight target detection method for color-changing melon ripening in intelligent agriculture
Authors: Chen Guojun , Hou Yongjie , Cui Tao , Li Huihui , Shangguan Fengyang , Cao Lei
Published: June 2024

Color-changing melon is an ornamental and edible fruit. Aiming at the problems of slow detection speed and high deployment cost for Color-changing melon in intelligent agriculture equipment, this study proposes a lightweight detection model YOLOv8-CML.Firstly, a lightweight Faster-Block is introduced to reduce the number of memory accesses while reducing redundant computation, and a lighter C2f structure is obtained. Then, the lightweight C2f module fusing EMA module is constructed in Backbone to collect multi-scale spatial information more efficiently and reduce the interference of complex background on the recognition effect. Next, the idea of shared parameters is utilized to redesign the detection head to simplify the model further. Finally, the α-IoU loss function is adopted better to measure the overlap between the predicted and real frames using the α hyperparameter, improving the recognition accuracy. The experimental results show that compared to the YOLOv8n model, the parametric and computational ratios of the improved YOLOv8-CML model decreased by 42.9% and 51.8%, respectively. In addition, the model size is only 3.7 MB, and the inference speed is improved by 6.9%, while mAP@0.5, accuracy, and FPS are also improved. Our proposed model provides a vital reference for deploying Color-changing melon picking robots.
Age-related changes in the susceptibility to visual illusions of size
Authors: Mazuz Yarden , Kessler Yoav , Ganel Tzvi
Published: June 2024

As the global population ages, understanding of the effect of aging on visual perception is of growing importance. This study investigates age-related changes in adulthood along size perception through the lens of three visual illusions: the Ponzo, Ebbinghaus, and Height-width illusions. Utilizing the Bayesian conceptualization of the aging brain, which posits increased reliance on prior knowledge with age, we explored potential differences in the susceptibility to visual illusions across different age groups in adults (ages 20–85 years). To this end, we used the BTPI (Ben-Gurion University Test for Perceptual Illusions), an online validated battery of visual illusions developed in our lab. The findings revealed distinct patterns of age-related changes for each of the illusions, challenging the idea of a generalized increase in reliance on prior knowledge with age. Specifically, we observed a systematic reduction in susceptibility to the Ebbinghaus illusion with age, while susceptibility to the Height-width illusion increased with age. As for the Ponzo illusion, there were no significant changes with age. These results underscore the complexity of age-related changes in visual perception and converge with previous findings to support the idea that different visual illusions of size are mediated by distinct perceptual mechanisms.
Deep learning model for the prediction of all-cause mortality among long term care people in China: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Tan Huai-Cheng , Zeng Li-Jun , Yang Shu-Juan , Hou Li-Sha , Wu Jin-Hui , Cai Xin-Hui , Heng Fei , Gu Xu-Yu , Zhong Yue , Dong Bi-Rong , Dou Qing-Yu
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to develop a deep learning model to predict the risk stratification of all-cause death for older people with disability, providing guidance for long-term care plans. Based on the government-led long-term care insurance program in a pilot city of China from 2017 and followed up to 2021, the study included 42,353 disabled adults aged over 65, with 25,071 assigned to the training set and 17,282 to the validation set. The administrative data (including baseline characteristics, underlying medical conditions, and all-cause mortality) were collected to develop a deep learning model by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. After a median follow-up time of 14 months, 17,565 (41.5%) deaths were recorded. Thirty predictors were identified and included in the final models for disability-related deaths. Physical disability (mobility, incontinence, feeding), adverse events (pressure ulcers and falls from bed), and cancer were related to poor prognosis. A total of 10,127, 25,140 and 7086 individuals were classified into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups, with actual risk probabilities of death of 9.5%, 45.8%, and 85.5%, respectively. This deep learning model could facilitate the prevention of risk factors and provide guidance for long-term care model planning based on risk stratification.
Navigating latency hurdles: an in-depth examination of a cloud-powered GNSS real-time positioning application on mobile devices
Authors: Hernández Olcina Jorge , Anquela Julián Ana B. , Martín Furones Ángel E.
Published: June 2024

A growing dependence on real-time positioning apps for navigation, safety, and location-based services necessitates a deep understanding of latency challenges within cloud-based Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) solutions. This study analyses a GNSS real-time positioning app on smartphones that utilizes cloud computing for positioning data delivery. The study investigates and quantifies diverse latency contributors throughout the system architecture, including GNSS signal acquisition, data transmission, cloud processing, and result dissemination. Controlled experiments and real-world scenarios are employed to assess the influence of network conditions, device capabilities, and cloud server load on overall positioning latency. Findings highlight system bottlenecks and their relative contributions to latency. Additionally, practical recommendations are presented for developers and cloud service providers to mitigate these challenges and guarantee an optimal user experience for real-time positioning applications. This study not only elucidates the complex interplay of factors affecting GNSS app latency, but also paves the way for future advancements in cloud-based positioning solutions, ensuring the accuracy and timeliness critical for safety–critical and emerging applications.
5G wavelength-division-multiplexing-based bidirectional optical wireless communication system with signal remodulation employing cascaded reflective semiconductor optical amplifiers
Authors: Lu Hai-Han , Li Chung-Yi , Huang Xu-Hong , Bai Yu-Yao , Hsu Wei-Wen , Chung Yu-Chen , Lu Jia-Ming , Okram Kelper
Published: June 2024

Compared with previous generations, fifth-generation communications can provide faster download and upload speeds and support a greater number of connected devices. Integrating fifth-generation signals with optical wireless communication systems provides promising ways to afford higher transmission rates and faster wireless connectivity. Here we report a fifth-generation wavelength-division-multiplexing-based bidirectional optical wireless communication system with signal remodulation employing cascaded reflective semiconductor optical amplifiers to effectively remove the downstream data for uplink transmission. It shows a fifth-generation wavelength-division-multiplexing-based bidirectional optical wireless communication system using four wavelengths for communication. The uplink performance is substantially enhanced by using two reflective semiconductor optical amplifiers to remove the downstream data. The system achieves an aggregate transmission rate of 36.4 Gbit/s for both downlink and uplink transmissions over a 100-m optical wireless link. This demonstrated fifth-generation wavelength-division-multiplexing-based bidirectional optical wireless communication system employing cascaded reflective semiconductor optical amplifiers holds great potential for enhancing fifth-generation advanced communication capabilities.
Synthesis of a series of Cd(ii) furan-2-thiocarobxylates: unprecedented coordination geometry of a Cd(ii) complex exhibiting catalytic efficiency for the synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidine-2(1H)-one derivatives
Authors: Kumar Krishna , Shrivastav Akash , Sakshi  , Choudhury Angshuman Roy , Bhattacharya Subrato
Published: June 2024

The complexes with coordinative unsaturation act as efficient catalysts for the synthesis of dihydropyrimidinones.
Comprehensive review on fluorescent carbon dots and their applications in nucleic acid detection, nucleolus targeted imaging and gene delivery
Authors: Selva Sharma Arumugam , Lee Nae Yoon
Published: June 2024

A comprehensive review on the properties and versatile applications of fluorescent carbon dots in detecting nucleic acids, imaging nucleoli, and delivering genes.
Additive-manufactured paper–PMMA hybrid microfluidic chip for simultaneous monitoring of creatinine and pH in artificial urine
Authors: Sheeraz Asim Syed , Aiswarya Edoth , Kumara B. N. , Sonia J. , Rodrigues Relisha Viyona , Sheikh Nazmin , Vidyasagar Sachin , Kunder Rachana. A. , Elangovan Selvakumar , Mohanty Priti Sundar , Prasad K. Sudhakara
Published: June 2024

A 3D-printed microfluidic device for monitoring creatinine and pH, possibility for future clinical testing established through artifical urine analysis.
Porous VN nanosheet arrays on MXene carbon fibers for flexible supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Deyang , Wang Di , Feng Binhe , Cheng Jinbing , Yan Hailong , Chang Jin , Wang Zhaorui , Chu Paul K. , Luo Yongsong
Published: June 2024

Porous VN was grown on MXene-coated carbon fibers by vapor deposition. The 3D network can prevent the accumulation of VN/MXene and accelerate ion/electron transport. Porous VN provides more active sites and improves specific capacitance.
Theory for nonlinear conductivity switching in semiconducting organic ferroelectrics
Authors: Johann Till , Xie Weiwei , Roosta Sara , Elstner Marcus , Kemerink Martijn
Published: June 2024

We theoretically study the nonlinear coupling between the direction of ferroelectric polarization and conductivity at finite field and find that the hole mobility is a factor ∼2 larger for antiparallel orientations than for parallel orientations.
Unveiling nutrient flow-mediated stress in plant roots using an on-chip phytofluidic device
Authors: Agarwal Kaushal , Mehta Sumit Kumar , Mondal Pranab Kumar
Published: June 2024

PRFD is a miniaturized, hydroponic, PDMS-based device for on-chip growth and real-time micrography of plant root. Off-chip anatomical study and numerical simulations were conducted for analysing both plant and mechanical stress, respectively.
High-performance anthracene-linked covalent triazine frameworks with dual functions for CO2 capture and supercapacitor applications
Authors: Lin Ming-Chieh , Kuo Shiao-Wei , Mohamed Mohamed Gamal
Published: June 2024

We successfully synthesized ANT-CTF-10-500 and ANT-CTF-20-500 through ionothermal reaction. Our research findings revealed that ANT-CTF-10-500 exhibited an impressive specific capacitance of 81.2 F g−1 and CO2 uptake capacity of 2.14 mmol g−1.
Bioactivity of benzophenazine enaminone derivatives as inhibitors of ERK2 based on molecular docking and dynamics simulation studies
Authors: Olyaei Abolfazl , Shalbafan Monir , Sadeghpour Mahdieh
Published: June 2024

Molecular docking is a commonly employed technique in structure-based drug design that generates the binding pose and affinity between ligands and targets.
A novel pyrazolium ionic liquid used for CO2 cycloaddition
Authors: Li Jun-Fei , Guan Xiao-Hui , Feng Hui-Jun , Zhou Dai-Mei , Liu Qiao-Yun , Zhang Wen-Yao , Guo Cai-Hong , Bai Jun-Hua , Wang Jun-Wen
Published: June 2024

A novel pyrazole-based catalyst system featuring –CH as a hydrogen bonding donor was developed and utilized for the conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonates under mild conditions.
Development of Ni-doped A-site lanthanides-based perovskite-type oxide catalysts for CO2 methanation by auto-combustion method
Authors: Safdar Muddasar , Shezad Nasir , Akhtar Farid , Arellano-García Harvey
Published: June 2024

Improving the performance of perovskite-supported Ni catalysts for CO2 conversion into methane by A-site doping of lanthanides.
Heterogeneous solvent-metal-free aerobic oxidation of alcohol under ambient conditions catalyzed by TEMPO-functionalized porous poly(ionic liquid)s
Authors: She Yaping , Chen Xinyu , Wang Mengya , Liu Anqiu , Wang Xiaochen , Gao Daming , Hu Kunhong , Hu Miao
Published: June 2024

TEMPO-functionalized porous poly(ionic liquid)s prepared via copolymerization exhibits high catalytic efficiency under solvent-metal-free conditions. This study provides a green and sustainable approach for the aerobic oxidation of alcohols.
STEM-PT Traveler, a game-based approach for learning elements of the periodic table: an approach for enhancing secondary school students’ motivation for learning chemistry
Authors: Mohammed Naaim Mohammad Najib , Karpudewan Mageswary
Published: June 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted students' motivation for learning. As students return to schools in the post-pandemic era, their motivation for learning continues to deteriorate due to challenges in adapting to the new educational norms. This study aimed to enhance the motivation of secondary school students towards learning chemistry, particularly during the period when their motivation has tended to be low upon returning to regular schooling after the pandemic. To achieve this objective, the researchers developed and implemented a self-designed game-based learning approach called STEM-PT Traveler during lessons focused on the periodic table. STEM-PT Traveler incorporated elements of enjoyable learning and play, introducing an interdisciplinary perspective to periodic table lessons. The effectiveness of STEM-PT Traveler in improving motivation was compared to an alternative student-centred, non-game-based learning approach using an explanatory mixed-method design. Two intact classes from a public secondary school were randomly assigned to two groups—one group utilized the game-based learning approach (N = 45), while the other group employed the non-game-based approach (N = 46). The multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) findings from pre-test and post-test questionnaires administered before and after treatment revealed significant differences in overall motivation and in the subscales of intrinsic motivation, career motivation, and self-efficacy. Non-significant differences were observed for grade motivation and self-determination. Qualitative interviews conducted with both groups after the treatment provided additional insights into the questionnaire outcomes. Specifically, during the interviews, students highlighted that the game facilitated engagement with the periodic table elements due to their intrinsic value. Additionally, the game provided a career perspective and instilled a belief that excelling in chemistry is instrumental. This study suggests that a game-based approach is an effective alternative to the predominantly used teacher-centred teaching of the periodic table and advocates for the integration of interdisciplinary perspectives into lessons on the Periodic Table.
Recent breakthroughs in graphene quantum dot-enhanced sonodynamic and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Mousavi Seyyed Mojtaba , Kalashgrani Masoomeh Yari , Javanmardi Negar , Riazi Mohsen , Akmal Muhammad Hussnain , Rahmanian Vahid , Gholami Ahmad , Chiang Wei-Hung
Published: June 2024

Water-soluble graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have recently exhibited considerable potential for diverse biomedical applications owing to their exceptional optical and chemical properties.
Competing synclinic and anticlinic interactions in smectic phases of bent-core mesogens
Authors: Svoboda Jiří , Kozmík Václav , Bajzíková Kvetoslava , Kohout Michal , Novotná Vladimíra , Podoliak Natalia , Pociecha Damian , Gorecka Ewa
Published: June 2024

Presented molecules combine two features, the bent-core rigidity with the dimeric character, and reveal variety of specific phases. Longer homologues exhibit tilted smectic phases, short homologues manifest a propensity for helical structures.
Highly luminescent antimony-based organic–inorganic hybrid halides for X-ray imaging and detection
Authors: Chen Huiyu , Cui Haixia , Jiang Tianxiang , Feng Zhe , Yan Yurou , Liu Shujuan , Zhao Qiang
Published: June 2024

The photophysical properties and scintillation performance of Sb3+-based (TEBA)2SbCl5−xBrx OIHHs have been tuned through regulating the ratio of halogen atoms.
UAV‐aided distribution line inspection using double‐layer offloading mechanism
Authors: Duo Chunhong , Li Yongqian , Gong Wenwen , Li Baogang , Qi Guoliang , Zhang Ji
Published: June 2024

With the continuous growth of electricity demand, the safe and stable operation of distribution lines is crucial for power transportation. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) inspection has been widely used for the maintenance and repair of distribution lines. Due to the limitations of computational power and endurance, it is difficult for UAVs to independently complete data processing. Combined with mobile edge computing (MEC), this paper proposes a computing offloading strategy based on multi‐agent reinforcement learning and double‐layer offloading mechanism, which can further utilize the computing power of non‐task devices and edge servers. Firstly, three‐layer system architecture, named MEC‐U‐NTDC (MEC‐UAV‐Non‐task Device Cloud), is built. Secondly, double‐layer offloading mechanism is designed to comprehensively utilize the computing power of edge servers and neighbouring non‐task devices. Finally, a multi‐agent algorithm DLMQMIX is proposed to minimize the total cost for UAV inspection. Simulation experiments show that the proposed algorithm can effectively solve the task offloading problem of UAV‐aided distribution line inspection, and compared with algorithms such as PSO, GA, and QMIX, it performs better in terms of average delay, system cost, and load balancing, achieving a smaller total system cost.
Comprehensive study on tree‐contact single‐phase‐to‐ground faults: Modelling, risk analysis, and detection recommendations
Authors: Liang Dong , Xu Bingyin , Wang Pengwei , Wang Wei
Published: June 2024

Tree‐contact single‐phase‐to‐ground faults (TSFs) present a significant fire hazard in electrical distribution systems, and research on the development, modelling, and monitoring is insufficient. This article investigates the electro‐thermal coupling mechanisms during the current rise of TSFs, constructing a simplified power–frequency model that leverages actual physical parameters like tree size for prolonged simulations of the first TSF stage zero‐sequence current. Validated through full‐scale testing, the model enables digital simulations across various tree sizes, concluding that the detection sensitivity for grounding faults should not exceed 0.5 A to mitigate fire risks effectively. This approach surpasses the limitations of traditional high‐impedance fault models reliant on empirical parameters and the shortcomings of generalised conclusions from experimental inductions, offering a new paradigm for TSF research that enhances the predictive accuracy and applicability of fault analysis in electrical distribution networks.
B‐splines image approximation using resampled chordal parameterization
Authors: Świta Robert , Suszyński Zbigniew
Published: June 2024

Image processing often requires filtering, which can be effectively performed by using B‐spline surface approximation. This article presents a fast method of approximating data in rectangular (image) form using such surfaces. The method considers dynamic changes of data by representing rows and columns in chordal parameterized form. To improve performance, after parametrization, lines are uniformly resampled using linear interpolation. It allows using the same basis functions with uniform parameterization for approximation of all processed lines. After approximation, reconstruction of original parameterization is required, but its computational complexity is also linear.
Towards high‐definition vector map construction based on multi‐sensor integration for intelligent vehicles: Systems and error quantification
Authors: Hu Runzhi , Bai Shiyu , Wen Weisong , Xia Xin , Hsu Li‐Ta
Published: June 2024

A lightweight, high‐definition vector map (HDVM) enables fully autonomous vehicles. However, the generation of HDVM remains a challenging problem, especially in complex urban scenarios. Moreover, numerous factors in the urban environment can degrade the accuracy of HDVM, necessitating a reliable error quantification. To address these challenges, this paper presents an open‐source and generic HDVM generation pipeline that integrates the global navigation satellite system (GNSS), inertial navigation system (INS), light detection and ranging (LiDAR), and camera. The pipeline begins by extracting semantic information from raw images using the Swin Transformer. The absolute 3D information of semantic objects is then retrieved using depth from the 3D LiDAR, and pose estimation from GNSS/INS integrated navigation system. Vector information (VI), such as lane lines, is extracted from the semantic information to construct the HDVM. To assess the potential error of the HDVM, this paper systematically quantifies the impacts of two key error sources, segmentation and LiDAR‐camera extrinsic parameter error. An error propagation scheme is first formed to illustrate how these errors fundamentally influence the accuracy of the HDVM. The effectiveness of the proposed pipeline is demonstrated through our codeavailable at https://github.com/ebhrz/HDMap. The performance is verified using typical datasets, including indoor garages and complex urban scenarios.
Localizing the non-thermal X-ray emission of PSR J2229+6114 from its multi-wavelength pulse profiles
Authors: Pétri Jérôme , Guillot Sebastien , Guillemot Lucas , Mitra Dipanjan , Kerr Matthew , Kuiper Lucien , Cognard Ismaël , Theureau Gilles
Published: June 2024

Context. Pulsars are detected over the whole electromagnetic spectrum, from radio wavelengths up to very high energies, in the GeV-TeV range. While the radio emission site for young pulsars is well constrained to occur at altitudes about several percent of the light-cylinder radius and γ-ray emission is believed to be produced in the striped wind, outside the light cylinder, the non-thermal X-ray production site remains unknown.

Aims. The aim of this Letter is to localize the non-thermal X-ray emission region based on a multi-wavelength pulse profile fitting for PSR J2229+6114, which stands as a particularly good candidate given its high X-ray brightness.

Methods. Based on the geometry deduced from the joint radio and γ-ray pulse profiles, we fixed the magnetic axis inclination angle and the line-of-sight (LoS) inclination angle. However, we left the region of X-ray emission unlocalized, setting it somewhere between the surface and the light cylinder. We localized this region and its extension by fitting the X-ray pulse profile as observed by the NICER, NuSTAR, and RXTE telescopes in the ranges of 2–7 keV, 3–10 keV, and 9.4–22.4 keV, respectively.

Results. We constrained the non-thermal X-ray emission to arise from altitudes between 0.2 rL and 0.55 rL where rL is the light-cylinder radius. The magnetic obliquity is approximately α ≈ 45° −50° and the LoS inclination angle is ζ ≈ 32° −48°.

Conclusions. This Letter is among the first works to offer a tight constraint on the location of non-thermal X-ray emission from pulsars. We plan to apply this procedure to several other promising candidates to confirm this new result.
Discovery of a new N-emitter in the epoch of reionization
Authors: Schaerer D. , Marques-Chaves R. , Xiao M. , Korber D.
Published: June 2024

We report the discovery of a compact star-forming galaxy at z = 9.380 in the GOODS-North field (named GN-z9p4), which shows numerous strong UV-optical emission lines and a single UV line, N IV] λ1486. This makes GN-z9p4 the third-highest redshift N-emitter known to date. We determined the nebular abundances of H, C, N, O and Ne, along with the size and other physical properties of this object, then compared them to those of the other N-emitters known so far and to other star-forming galaxies. Using the direct method, we found a metallicity of 12 + log(O/H) = 7.37 ± 0.15, which stands as one of the lowest among N-emitters. The N/O abundance ratio is highly super-solar, while C/O and Ne/O are normal compared to other galaxies at low metallicity. We show that the compactness of GN-z9p4 (with an effective radius of 118 ± 16 pc at 2 μm) and other N-emitters translates to very high stellar mass and star formation rate (SFR) surface densities, which could serve as a criterium for identifying other N-emitters. Future studies and larger samples are needed to understand these rare, and enigmatic objects that have only recently been discovered.
Assessment of tropospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels on the COVID-19 pandemic in Morocco
Authors: Mourjane Mohammed , El Hammouch Naoual , El Hassani Farah , El Hammichi Fatima , Benabdelhadi Mohammed , Tabyaoui Hassan
Published: June 2024

After being discovered in Wuhan, China towards the end of December, the novel infectious disease with human-to-human transmission (COVID-19) spread around the world and became a pandemic. Globally, there have been over 4 million 600,000 COVID-19 cases reported, and over 300,000 patients have passed away. Many of the pre-existing diseases that are impacted by long-term exposure to air pollution are also those that raise the risk of infection and mortality in individuals with COVID-19. Under the locking conditions, the current study investigates this correlation at the national Moroccan level. TROPOMI data from the Sentinel-5P satellite is utilized to map the distribution of NO2 in the troposphere. According to the findings, three administrative regions with the highest tropospheric NO2 concentrations harbored 60% of the COVID-19 infected cases. When viewed within the global context, these findings suggest that prolonged exposure to this contaminant may play a role in the infection, death, and dissemination of the COVID-19 virus.
Nierenersatztherapie in der Intensivmedizin
Authors: Enghard Philipp , Krüger Anne , Jörres Achim
Published: June 2024

Neben den klassischen Indikationen für die Nierenersatztherapie (NET) gibt es eine Reihe von Spezialindikationen sowie die Möglichkeit, mit Adsorbern oder speziellen Verfahren gezielt die Homöostase in verschiedenen Krankheitsbildern wiederherzustellen. Das macht die NET auf Intensivstation zu einem spannenden und dynamischen Feld mit vielfältigen Einsatzmöglichkeiten. Aktuell fehlt für die meisten Indikationen allerdings noch eine gute Datenbasis für die Anwendung der entsprechenden Verfahren, sodass derzeit kein Einsatz in der klinischen Routine (außerhalb klinischer Studien) empfohlen werden kann.
Extrakorporale Eliminationsverfahren bei Vergiftungen
Authors: Steindl David , Greb Ingo , Hüser Christoph
Published: June 2024

Dialyseverfahren können über die etablierte Indikation bei vergiftungsbedingter Nieren- und seltener auch Leberfunktionseinschränkung hinaus bei bestimmten Vergiftungen auch zur extrakorporalen Elimination der auslösenden Noxe eingesetzt werden. Die Indikationsstellung kann mit der dargestellten abgestuften nephrologischen Einschätzung, unterstützt durch die toxikologische Beratung der Giftnotrufzentralen und die Empfehlungen der EXTRIP-Workgroup, getroffen werden. Dialyseverfahren bieten hier in einigen Fällen evidenzbasierte Therapieoptionen, während die Anwendung von Adsorptionsverfahren, Albumindialyse oder Plasmapharese eine Einzelfallentscheidung bleibt.
Endovascular Embolization in a Rare Case of Left Basal Ganglia Large Arteriovenous Malformation with Hydrocephalus: A Case Report
Authors: Soni Tushar V. , Patel Hiren , Patel Mahendra G.
Published: June 2024

Brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a rare congenital disorder affecting young adults with an incidence of 0.94 per 100,000 population. Intracranial digital subtraction angiography has to be done in all patients and grading of AVM is done as per Spetzler-Martin grading. We report a rare case of left basal ganglia large AVM treated by endovascular embolization. Our experience with endovascular embolization using Onyx is successful in the treatment of large brain AVM. Endovascular embolization with Onyx is safe and feasible in deeply located large AVMs of the brain. Our patient has postoperatively recovered completely without any neurological deficit.
Acesso intrapélvico de Stoppa proporciona bons resultados clínicos funcionais: Estudo prospectivo com seguimento mínimo de um ano e comparação com a literatura
Authors: Tomazini Gabriel Canto , Uliana Christiano Saliba , Abagge Marcelo , Fiorentin Henrique Reveilleau , Azevedo Aramis Orlando
Published: June 2024

Objetivo Descrever os resultados clínicos e radiográficos de uma coorte de pacientes com fraturas de acetábulo tratados com o acesso de Stoppa modificado.

Métodos Foi realizada uma análise prospectiva de pacientes adultos com fraturas de acetábulo tratados pela via de Stoppa modificada de junho de 2020 a junho de 2021 e com seguimento mínimo de 12 meses. Foram analisados dados demográficos, epidemiológicos e perioperatórios, e resultados radiográficos e funcionais pós-operatórios.

Resultados Foram estudados 15 casos, sendo 14 homens (93,3%) e 1 mulher (6,67%). Na avaliação tomográfica pós-operatória, redução anatômica foi observada em 50% dos casos, imperfeita, em 13,6%, e ruim, em 36,4%.

Nos escores funcionais, encontramos uma variação de 56 a 100, com média de 92,5 no Harris Hip Score. No Majeed Pelvic Score, o resultado funcional foi excelente em 36,5% dos casos, bom, em 40,6%, moderado, em 18,7%, e ruim, em 4,2%.

Conclusão O estudo da série de casos demonstrou relevância estatística positiva entre a qualidade da redução e os desfechos funcionais, assim como entre o tempo até a cirurgia e a qualidade da redução. Os resultados funcionais no seguimento de um ano demonstram que o uso dessa via pode ser uma excelente alternativa para as fraturas anteriores do acetábulo.
Estudo anatômico da relação entre a anastomose de Riché-Cannieu e a linha cardinal de Kaplan
Authors: Caetano Edie Benedito , Vieira Luiz Angelo , Bueno Vinicius Santos , Consorte Giovanni Chammas , Spalluto Luiz Felipe Ferreira , Christofoli Kilder
Published: June 2024

Objetivo Identificar a localização da anastomose de Riché-Cannieu (ARC) em relação à linha cardinal de Kaplan (LCK) e à linha Y.

Métodos Ao todo, 20 mãos de 10 cadáveres adultos do sexo masculino com idades entre 27 e 66 anos, recentemente falecidos, foram dissecadas para a investigação da relação do ponto mais distal da ARC com a LCK e a linha Y traçada a partir do eixo da cabeça do terceiro metacarpo seguindo o eixo longitudinal da mão.

Resultados Nos 20 membros, o ponto mais distal da comunicação nervosa era distal à LCK. A linha Y estava no lado radial em relação ao ponto mais distal da ARC em 14 membros, e no lado ulnar em relação à linha Y em 6 membros. O cruzamento entre a LCK e a linha Y foi proximal à ARC em 18 membros; em 1 mão, era distal à intersecção entre essas linhas e, em outra mão, a LCK estava exatamente na ARC.

Conclusão O conhecimento dessas relações anatômicas pode prevenir danos aos ramos nervosos e, assim, também prevenir a paralisia dos músculos intrínsecos em procedimentos cirúrgicos na palma da mão.
Os desfechos da artroplastia anatômica total do ombro não foram afetados negativamente pela pandemia de Covid-19
Authors: Stevens Andrew J. , Patel Akshar V. , Gibbs David , Cvetanovich Gregory , Bishop Julie Y. , Rauck Ryan C.
Published: June 2024

Objetivo Investigar se os pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total anatômica do ombro (ATAO) entre janeiro e março de 2020 tiveram resultados pós-operatórios diferentes dos pacientes operados em 2019. Nossa hipótese é a de que os pacientes de 2020 teriam menos acesso à fisioterapia (FT) e apresentariam desfechos pós-operatórios diferentes.

Métodos Foram analisados os prontuários de pacientes submetidos à ATAO de 1° de janeiro de 2019 a 17 de março de 2019 e de 1° de janeiro de 2020 a 17 de março de 2020. Os dados dos pacientes, incluindo informações demográficas, amplitude de movimento (ADM), força e FT foram coletados e comparados entre os dois grupos. Os pacientes de 2020 foram contatados por telefone durante outubro de 2022, e as métricas relatadas por eles pacientes foram coletadas.

Resultados Este estudo identificou 24 pacientes em 2019 e 27 pacientes em 2020 que foram submetidos à ATAO durante o período especificado e tiveram acompanhamento mínimo de 1 ano. Os pacientes em 2019 apresentaram melhoras na ADM de elevação anterior (EA; 125,4° a 146,7°; p = 0,008), rotação externa (RE; 33,0° a 47,7°; p < 0,001) e rotação interna (RI; S1 a L4; p = 0,019). Os pacientes em 2020 também apresentaram melhoras significativas de EA (120,2° a 141,1°; p = 0,009), RE (32,9° a 42,0°; p = 0,037) e RI (S1 a L3; p = 0,002). Os pacientes de 2020 terminaram a FT mais cedo (2019: 125,8 dias; 2020: 91,1 dias; p = 0,046) e fizeram menos sessões (2019: 21,4 sessões; 2020: 13,1 sessões; p = 0,003). No acompanhamento final, os pacientes de 2020 relataram uma pontuação média de dor na Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) de 1,67 ± 1,1.

Conclusão Apesar da menor realização de FT, os pacientes submetidos à ATAO em 2020 apresentaram melhoras significativas na ADM e na força e foram comparáveis aos pacientes de 2019.
Análise da acurácia da ressecção de deformidades tipo CAME em simulador artroscópico de baixo custo em um cenário de treinamento
Authors: Souza Bruno Gonçalves Schroder e , Vieira Vitor Homero , Miranda Marcos , Carvalho Luiz Guilherme Vidal Assad de , Bastos Flavia de Souza , Boas João Vitor Delgado Vilas
Published: June 2024

Objetivo Avaliar o desempenho de cirurgiões na ressecção de deformidades tipo CAME fazendo uso de um simulador realista de cirurgia artroscópica.

Métodos Um simulador artroscópico foi criado a partir de materiais de baixo custo com auxílio de uma impressora 3D GTMax Core A1 e dos programas Invesalius e Meshmixer 2017, que foram utilizados para criar peças de cabeça de fêmur em material ABS, com a presença de uma deformidade tipo CAME, a fim de mimetizar uma situação de impacto femoroacetabular. Após as operações serem realizadas por 16 cirurgiões, os fêmures foram comparados a um modelo prévio com e outro sem deformidade pelo programa Cloudcompare, sendo avaliados ao final parâmetros como diferença volumétrica entre os fêmures operados, com e sem deformidade, distância mínima e máxima entre eles, porcentagem da deformidade ressecada, tempo estimado para ressecção total da deformidade, além de uma análise qualitativa feita com base nas imagens e gráficos fornecidos pelo programa representando as áreas das peças efetivamente ressecadas.

Resultados A velocidade média de resseção foi de 34,66mm3/minuto (DP = 46 mm3/min, max = 147,33 mm3/min; min = -2,66 mm3/min). A média de ressecção obtida foi de 26,2% (DP = 34,7%, max = 111%; min = -2%). A análise qualitativa demonstrou uma hiporresecção das deformidades e, por vezes, hiperresecção de áreas não deformadas. O simulador foi muito bem avaliado pelos cirurgiões, tendo uma sensação tátil bem semelhante à cirurgia real segundo os mesmos.

Conclusão Simuladores artroscópicos se mostraram muito úteis no treinamento de cirurgiões menos experientes.
Prevalência e fatores de risco associados a dor lombar ocupacional crônica entre profissionais da área da saúde que atuam em nível hospitalar: Estudo exploratório
Authors: Oliveira Otaviano de , Brandão Breno Vasconcelos , Fonseca David Bastos Vieira da , Avelar Núbia Carelli Pereira , Polese Janaine Cunha , Leopoldino Amanda Aparecida Oliveira
Published: June 2024

Objetivo Este estudo pretende descrever o processo metodológico para a elaboração de um questionário para identificar a prevalência e os fatores de risco associados à dor lombar ocupacional crônica nos profissionais da área da saúde que atuam em nível hospitalar.

Método Foi realizado um estudo transversal exploratório do tipo questionário. O estudo foi realizado na cidade de Belo Horizonte e região metropolitana, em duas etapas. Inicialmente foi elaborado pelos autores um questionário baseado no questionário de deficiências Roland Morris e enviado a um comitê de especialistas em lombalgia para validação do mesmo através da técnica Delphi. A segunda etapa consistiu em enviar o questionário final a profissionais de saúde que atuam em ambiente hospitalar há pelo menos 2 anos e que tenham lombalgia crônica há pelo menos 3 meses.

Resultados A validação foi realizada em duas rodadas de adequações do questionário, com painel composto por fisioterapeutas e médicos especialistas na área (ortopedistas com mais de 3 anos de atuação). Ambas as rodadas contaram com 13 participantes. O questionário foi composto inicialmente por 27 itens e, após validação, 19 itens. O estudo incluiu 65 indivíduos, com idade média de 40,91 anos e tempo médio de atuação em nível hospitalar semanal de 40 horas. A amostra total possuía 76,9% médicos, 10,8% fisioterapeutas e 12,3% enfermeiros ou técnicos de enfermagem. A maioria (52,3%) dos indivíduos relatou manter-se em posições desconfortáveis que afetam a região lombar por 5 a 10 horas por dia.

Conclusão Foi desenvolvido e validado, pela técnica Delphi, um questionário sobre a prevalência e fatores de risco associados a dor lombar ocupacional crônica entre profissionais da área da saúde que atuam em nível hospitalar. Este instrumento inédito pode trazer benefícios para a população estudada, visto que os questionários utilizados atualmente para a avaliação de dor lombar crônica não são específicos para a investigação da causa ocupacional de tal condição.
The repro-paradox of sustainable reproduction—debating demographic anxieties in the Danish media (2010–2022)
Authors: Bach Anna Sofie , Breengaard Michala Hvidt
Published: June 2024

In Denmark, as in many other countries, declining fertility rates have stimulated debates about ‘underpopulation’ as a threat to the nation’s future sustainability. At the same time, climate change has initiated debates about ‘overpopulation’ and ‘overconsumption’ as a problem for sustaining the planet. While both debates can be understood in terms of demographic anxieties placing sustainable reproductive futures’ central, they exhibit different ideas of what ‘sustainable’ entails. In this article, we analyze how sustainable reproduction is negotiated within agendas of respectively a national fertility crisis and the climate crisis. We do so by mapping the media debates in Denmark in the period between 2010 and 2022. The aim of the article is to contribute to an understanding of the repro-paradox which simultaneously calls upon young Danes to reproduce more and less.
Reflections and practical tips from co-producing an intervention with neurodiverse children, their families, and professional stakeholders
Authors: Armitt Hannah A. , Attwell Leah , Kingsley Ellen N. , White Piran C. L. , Woolley Kat , Garside Megan , Green Natasha , Coventry Peter A.
Published: June 2024

Transdisciplinary co-produced health research and co-designed interventions have the capacity to improve research quality and the relevance, acceptability, and accessibility of healthcare. This approach also helps researchers to address power imbalances to share decision-making with service-users and the public. However, this growing methodology is currently difficult to appraise and develop as detailed sharing of practice is limited. The ‘CO-production of a Nature-based Intervention For children with ADHD study’ (CONIFAS) aimed to create a novel intervention with and for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using co-production and co-design methodologies. This knowledge exchange paper will be of benefit to researchers with aspirations to undertake co-production, especially in the context of working with under-represented groups. Critical reflection on the use of co-production identified that every attempt was made to adequately resource the co-production, share power, value diversity, and develop trust. The team reflected that the re-conceptualisation of the role of the researcher in co-production can be challenging. Whilst the use of models of co-production provides a framework for study development, designing and running the specifics of the workshops, as well as how to effectively engage co-researchers in an equitable way, came from utilising clinical skills, networking, and creativity. These methods are particularly pertinent to involving neurodiverse children and their families who are under-represented in participatory research and in need of bespoke health interventions.
Social structure and clan group networks of Afar pastorals along the Lower Awash Valley
Authors: Yazew Bisrat Teklesilassie , Kassa Getachew
Published: June 2024

The study examined how Afar society’s clan structure and societal hierarchies were established. The links of customary law (maa’da) practices, traditional communication (dagu), and social networks (affehina) were found to be significant in the social structure for how members perform social interactions. A qualitative method was applied, which involved Key informant interviews, focused group discussions, and observation techniques as data-gathering tools. The data was interpreted using a thematic analysis technique. Accordingly, the study explored that the administrative and social structure of the society consisted of the sultanate, the clan, and youth social groups. Each social unit has its distinct functions. A clan is the highest and most territorially located social organization. In addition, it was identified that network ties would be more commonly used to depict member’s interactions within the clan’s network structure. However, the clan’s territory (dinto) is not changeable as the season changes. The customary law applications are identified as a system of governing and controlling the social structure, social interactions, anti-social behaviours, and clan networks, with no change and differences in contents and practices in all clan groups. Furthermore, the expansion of small cities gradual change to urban centres, economic inequalities, and recurrent drought resulted in the decline of traditional norms and mutual social trusts. As a result, the study concluded that to sustain the traditional knowledge and social structure in facilitating clan vital networks, implementing visible policies will benefit the society, the government, and stakeholders to plan out effective mechanisms to preserve the sociocultural worth of the Afar pastoral societies in particular and other social groups in the country in general.
From 2e− to 4e− pathway in the alkaline oxygen reduction reaction on Au(100): Kinetic circumvention of the volcano curve
Authors: Li Yuke , Liu Bing-Yu , Chen Yanxia , Liu Zhi-Feng
Published: June 2024

We report the free energy barriers for the elementary reactions in the 2e− and 4e− oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) steps on Au(100) in an alkaline solution. Due to the weak adsorption energy of O2 on Au(100), the barrier for the association channel is very low, and the 2e− pathway is clearly favored, while the barrier for the O–O dissociation channel is significantly higher at 0.5 eV. Above 0.7 V reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), the association channel becomes thermodynamically unfavorable, which opens up the O–O dissociation channel, leading to the 4e− pathway. The low adsorption energy of oxygenated species on Au is now an advantage, and residue ORR current can be observed up to the 1.0–1.2 V region (RHE). In contrast, the O–O dissociation barrier on Au(111) is significantly higher, at close to 0.9 eV, due to coupling with surface reorganization, which explains the lower ORR activity on Au(111) than that on Au(100). In combination with the previously suggested outer sphere electron transfer to O2 for its initial adsorption, these results provide a consistent explanation for the features in the experimentally measured polarization curve for the alkaline ORR on Au(100) and demonstrate an ORR mechanism distinct from that on Pt(111). It also highlights the importance to consider the spin state of O2 in ORR and to understand the activation barriers, in addition to the adsorption energies, to account for the features observed in electrochemical measurements.