bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) with Invasive Arterial Pressure Monitoring during Aortic Coarctation Surgery in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Pjevalica Dragic Jelena , Zecevic Tatjana , Divac Ivan , Pavlovic Andrija , Bisenic Dejan , Stanisic Luka , Kalanj Jasna , Stefanovic Igor , Nikolic Dejan , Petrov Ivana , Milovanovic Vladimir
Published: September 2024

Aortic coarctation surgery in pediatric patients requires the placement of two arterial cannulas to monitor pressure gradients and surgical correction adequacy. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring provides insight into regional blood flow. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between NIRS values and invasive arterial pressures, exploring NIRS monitoring as a potential substitute for arterial cannulation. In a cohort of 21 consecutive pediatric patients undergoing aortic coarctation surgery, recordings of NIRS and invasive arterial pressure values were evaluated at various time intervals. Pearson correlation evaluated the relationship between NIRS values and invasively measured arterial pressures. Moderate to strong correlations were observed between the mean arterial pressure (MAP) of the upper and lower arteries and cerebral (rSO2-C) and somatic (rSO2-S) NIRS values 5 min after cross-clamp placement (r = 0.621, p = 0.003; r = 0.757, p < 0.001). Strong correlations were found 15 min after cross-clamp placement (r = 0.828, p = 0.002; r = 0.783, p = 0.004). Before transfer to the ICU, a strong correlation existed between the upper artery MAP and rSO2-C (r = 0.730, p < 0.001), but there was no correlation between the lower artery MAP and rSO2-S. These findings are promising, but further studies are required to validate it as a reliable substitute for invasive pressure monitoring in this patient population.
Stress among Nursing Students in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kobelski Grzegorz , Naylor Katarzyna , Kobelska Aleksandra , Wysokiński Mariusz
Published: September 2024

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted stress levels across various professions, particularly in the medical field. This increase in stress has also affected medical students, including nursing students, who faced unprecedented and challenging circumstances. Nursing students, in particular, experienced added pressure due to observing the frontline experiences of nurses and the new demands placed upon them. Aim: This study aimed to assess whether the COVID-19 pandemic affected an increase in stress levels among nursing students in Poland during the pandemic. We also attempt to determine whether there is a correlation between the stress level of students and factors such as gender, age, place of residence, marital status, and level of education. Assuming that the stress level will be higher among women of increasing age and bachelor’s students, we also assumed, however, that lower stress levels would occur among people in relationships and living in the countryside. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from 27 April 2022 to 12 May 2022. We chose that period as it was the final one of the COVID-19 pandemic, and there was an increasing amount of discussion concerning its cessation, with the public accustomed to its presence in our everyday lives. Since we wanted to determine the stress level experienced by students, we decided to use the standardized Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). We enriched the study with sociodemographic questions to investigate the potential impact of these characteristics on the degree of stress experienced. Results: The average score obtained by respondents on the PSS-10 was 19.57 ± 6.03. Of the respondents, 49% reported experiencing a high level of stress. No statistically significant differences were found between the mean PSS-10 scores and the gender (Z = 0.169; p = 0.865), age (F = 1.282, p = 0.281), marital status (Z = −0.776, p = 0.437), or place of residence (urban vs. rural) (Z = −0.784, p = 0.433) of the respondents. The mean PSS-10 scores were also analyzed regarding the level of education (bachelor’s vs. master’s). Bachelor’s students had an average PSS-10 score of 18.95 ± 6.42, while master’s students scored 20.05 ± 5.70. Again, no statistically significant differences were found (t = −1.102, p = 0.2720). Conclusions: The study indicated that nursing students experience high stress levels regardless of gender, age, marital status, place of residence, or level of education. High stress levels were reported among both bachelor’s and master’s students.
Dentitions of Long-Term Care Residents: Tooth Types, Roles in Occlusion and Association with Dementia
Authors: Tervonen Jesse , Julkunen Lina , Saarela Riitta K. T. , Hiltunen Kaija , Mäntylä Päivi
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Many older adults living in long-term care (LTC) environments have varying numbers of retained natural teeth. The objective of this study was to assess the disease findings based on tooth type and estimate the role of tooth types in occlusion. Methods: We conducted clinical oral examinations of 276 LTC residents. The disease findings were analyzed for each tooth type and to determine their associations with dementia. Results: In total, 67.8% of the participants had molar teeth. Premolars/canines were often present as residual roots and had caries. Deepened periodontal pockets and higher plaque index (PI) values for molars had odds ratios of 2.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] of 1.59–3.91) and 1.61 (95% CI of 1.29–2.02), respectively. Participants with dementia were more likely to have incisors and premolars/canines in the form of root remnants and higher PI scores for all tooth types (p ≤ 0.01), as well as more deepened periodontal pockets in all teeth (p = 0.029), than those without dementia. The median number of remaining molars per participant was 3 out of a maximum of 12 (95% CI 3.4–4.0); thus, they often lacked occlusal contact. Conclusions: The LTC residents’ molars were more prone to periodontal problems, whereas their premolars/canines often had caries or were present in the form of root remnants, especially in the participants with dementia. People’s teeth should be treated in an easy-to-maintain way before they move into LTC to enable daily oral hygiene measures and maintain oral health.
The Impact of Starting Positions and Breathing Rhythms on Cardiopulmonary Stress and Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption after High-Intensity Metabolic Training: A Randomized Crossover Prospective Study
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Wang Jiarong , Li Yuanning , Li Dandan , Xu Yining , Li Yi
Published: September 2024

Background: The exploration of optimizing cardiopulmonary function and athletic performance through high-intensity metabolic exercises (HIMEs) is paramount in sports science. Despite the acknowledged efficacy of HIMEs in enhancing cardiopulmonary endurance, the high metabolic stress imposed on the cardiopulmonary system, especially for amateurs, necessitates a scaled approach to training. Objective: The aim of this study is to ascertain whether adjustments in the initiation posture and the adoption of an appropriate breathing strategy can effectively mitigate the cardiopulmonary stress induced by HIMEs without compromising training efficacy. Methods: Twenty-two subjects were recruited into this study. The post-exercise heart rate (PHR) and post-exercise oxygen consumption rate (POCR) were collected within 30 min after exercise. A two-way ANOVA, multi-variable Cox regression, and random survival forest machine learning algorithm were used to conduct the statistical analysis. Results: Under free breathing, only the maximum POCR differed significantly between standing and prone positions, with prone positions showing higher stress (mean difference = 3.15, p < 0.001). In contrast, the regulated breathing rhythm enhanced performance outcomes compared to free breathing regardless of the starting position. Specifically, exercises initiated from prone positions under regulated breathing recorded a significantly higher maximum and average PHR than those from standing positions (maximum PHR: mean difference = 13.40, p < 0.001; average PHR: mean difference = 6.45, p < 0.001). The multi-variable Cox regression highlighted the starting position as a critical factor influencing the PHR and breathing rhythm as a significant factor for the POCR, with respective variable importances confirmed by the random survival forest analysis. These results underscore the importance of controlled breathing and starting positions in optimizing HIME outcomes. Conclusions: Regulated breathing in high-intensity exercises enhances performance and physiological functions, emphasizing the importance of breathing rhythm over starting position. Effective training should balance exercise volume and technique to optimize performance and minimize stress, reducing overtraining and injury risks.
Sustainable and Low-Input Techniques in Mediterranean Greenhouse Vegetable Production
Authors: Argento Sergio , Garcia Gresheen , Treccarichi Simone
Published: September 2024

In the modern agricultural landscape, numerous challenges, such as climate change, diminishing arable lands, and the reduction of water resources, represent significant threats. The Mediterranean greenhouse farming model relies on low-input strategies to maximize both yield and quality. Its protected horticulture is essential for the year-round cultivation of high-value crops, ensuring efficient and sustainable production. In the realm of future agricultural strategies, leveraging internet-based approaches emerges as a pivotal factor for real-time and remote control of various agricultural parameters crucial for crop growth and development. This approach has the potential to significantly optimize agronomic inputs, thereby enhancing the efficiency of targeted vegetable production. The aim of the present review is to underscore the challenges related to the intensive greenhouse production systems emphasizing various strategies leading to low-input greenhouse vegetable production. The goal is to promote more sustainable and resource-efficient approaches in the cultivation of greenhouse vegetables. This review highlights several key strategies for optimizing the greenhouse environment, including efficient water management through conservation tillage, drainage water reuse, and selecting the most appropriate irrigation systems and timing. Additionally, light modulation and temperature control—using solar energy for heating and pad-and-fan systems for cooling—are crucial for enhancing both crop performance and resource efficiency. The review also explores low-input agronomical strategies, such as pest and disease control—including solarization and optimized integrated pest management (IPM)—as well as fertilization and advanced growing techniques. These approaches are essential for sustainable greenhouse farming.
Correction: Kim et al. The Auto-Regulation of ATL2 E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Plays an Important Role in the Immune Response against Alternaria brassicicola in Arabidopsis thaliana. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 2388
Authors: Kim Daewon , Jeon Su Jeong , Hong Jeum Kyu , Kim Min Gab , Kim Sang Hee , Kadam Ulhas S. , Kim Woe-Yeon , Chung Woo Sik , Stacey Gary , Hong Jong Chan
Published: September 2024

In the original publication [...]
Septal Myectomy in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Nonclassical Anderson–Fabry Disease
Authors: Gurschenkov Alexandr , Andreeva Sofiya , Zaitsev Vadim , Khazov Pavel , Ischmukhametov Gleb , Kozyreva Alexandra , Sokolnikova Polina , Moiseeva Olga , Kostareva Anna , Gordeev Mikhail
Published: September 2024

Anderson–Fabry disease (AFD) results from decreased enzyme activity of lysosomal enzymes and intralysosomal storage of nonhydrolyzed forms. Cardiovascular complications, mainly in the form of HCM, contribute substantially to AFD patient mortality. Here, we report three new cases of obstructive HCM (HOCM) in nonclassical presentations of AFD and isolated cardiac involvement. In all three cases, the diagnosis of AFD was made postoperatively by routine genetic and morphological testing. Together with previously published cases, this report illustrates the potential safety and beneficial effect of septal surgical myectomy in patients with AFD-HOCM, as well as underlines the need for more thorough screening for clinical signs of AFD-associated cardiomyopathy and GLA variants among patients with HOCM.
High-Power Short-Duration Posterior Wall Isolation in Addition to Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Using the New TactiFlex™ Ablation Catheter
Authors: Conti Sergio , Sabatino Francesco , Randazzo Giulia , Ferrara Giuliano , Cascino Antonio , Sgarito Giuseppe
Published: September 2024

Background: The TactiFlex™ ablation catheter, Sensor Enabled™ (Abbott, Minneapolis, MN, USA), is an open-irrigation radiofrequency (RF) ablation catheter with flexible tip technology. This catheter delivers high-power short-duration (HPSD) RF ablations and has been adopted for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. HPSD is well-established not only in pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) but also when targeting extra-pulmonary vein (PV) targets. This study aims to determine the safety, effectiveness, and acute outcomes of PVI plus posterior wall isolation (PWI) in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (Pe-AF) using HPSD and the TactiFlex™ ablation catheter. Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent the ablation of Pe-AF in our centre between February 2023 and February 2024 were prospectively enrolled in the study. All patients underwent PVI plus PWI using TactiFlex™ and the HPSD strategy. The RF parameters were 50 W on all the PV segments and the roof, and within the posterior wall (PW). Left atrial mapping was performed with the EnSite X mapping system and the high-density multipolar Advisor HD Grid, Sensor Enabled™ mapping catheter. We compared the procedural data using HPSD with TactiFlex™ (n = 52) vs. a historical cohort of patients who underwent PVI plus PWI using HPSD settings and the TactiCath ablation catheter (n = 84). Results: Fifty-two consecutive patients were included in the study. PVI and PWI were achieved in all patients in the TactiFlex™ group. First-pass PVI was achieved in 97.9% of PVs (n = 195/199). PWI was obtained in all cases by delivering extensive RF lesions within the PW. There were no significant differences compared to the TactiCath group: first-pass PVI was achieved in 96.3% of PVs (n = 319/331). Adenosine administration revealed PV reconnection in 5.7% of patients, and two reconnections of the PW were documented. Procedure and RF time were significantly shorter in the TactiFlex™ group compared to the TactiCath group, 73.1 ± 12.6 vs. 98.5 ± 16.3 min, and 11.3 ± 1.5 vs. 23.5 ± 3.6 min, respectively, p < 0.001. The fluoroscopy time was comparable between both groups. No intraprocedural and periprocedural complications related to the ablation catheter were observed. Patients had an implantable loop recorder before discharge. At the 6-month follow-up, 76.8% of patients remained free from atrial arrhythmia, with no significant differences between groups. Conclusions: HPSD PVI plus PWI using the TactiFlex™ ablation catheter is effective and safe. Compared to a control group, the use of TactiFlex™ to perform HPSD PVI plus PWI is associated with a similar effectiveness but with a significantly shorter procedural and RF time.
Cybersecurity Access Control: Framework Analysis in a Healthcare Institution
Authors: Tomlinson Erik William , Abrha Wolday D. , Kim Seong Dae , Ortega Salvador A.
Published: September 2024

Cyber threats are continually evolving and becoming increasingly complex, affecting various industries. Healthcare institutions are the second most targeted industry, preceded by manufacturing. The industry is on the lookout for a reliable cybersecurity system. This research analyzed the feasibility and reality of implementing a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) framework within a large healthcare enterprise with a workforce within the range of 45 k to 50 k personnel. It utilizes a baseline concept centered on the widely used Perimeter-Based Security Model (PBSM) in production environments. The focus is on assessing the feasibility of transitioning from a PBSM to a ZTA framework and specifically aims to assess the effects of such a transition on security, control, cost-effectiveness, supportability, risk, operational aspects, and the extent to which ZTA is applicable across different applications. Company X was used as a case study and provided data for analysis in support engagements and host traffic telemetry values. Findings indicated that a PBSM remains effective in providing defense measures for an organization mainly when a significant financial incentive is involved. On the other hand, ZTA offers a more secure environment with a notable reduction in risk, albeit at an additional cost and with added support variables.
The Effects of Different Blending Methods on the Thermal, Mechanical, and Optical Properties of PMMA/SiO2 Composites
Authors: Lin Chi-Kai , Xie Jia-Wei , Tsai Ping-Jui , Wang Hao-Yu , Lu Zhi-Wei , Lin Tung-Yi , Kuo Chih-Yu
Published: September 2024

In this study, PMMA/SiO2 composites were fabricated with monodispersed SiO2 and PMMA using four distinct methods—physical blending, in situ polymerization, random copolymerization, and block copolymerization—to investigate the composites’ thermal, mechanical, and optical properties. In the physical blending approach, SiO2 nanoparticles were dispersed in a PMMA solution, while during in situ polymerization, silica nanoparticles were incorporated during the synthesis of PMMA/SiO2 composites. 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) was modified on the SiO2 surface to introduce the reactive double bonds. The MPS@SiO2 was either random- or block-copolymerized with PMMA through RAFT polymerization. The PMMA/SiO2 composites prepared via these different methods were characterized using FTIR, TGA, and DSC to determine their chemical structures, thermal degradation temperatures, and glass transition temperatures, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to observe the microstructures and dispersion of the composites. This comprehensive analysis revealed that the PMMA/SiO2 composites prepared via block copolymerization exhibited thermal stability at temperatures between 200 and 300 °C. Additionally, they demonstrated excellent transparency (86%) and scratch resistance (≥6H) while maintaining mechanical strength, suggesting their potential application in thermal insulation materials.
Ballistic Performance of Raffia Fiber Fabric Reinforcing Epoxy Composites as Standalone Targets
Authors: Silva Douglas Santos , Junio Raí Felipe Pereira , Silva Marcelo Henrique Prado da , Monteiro Sergio Neves
Published: September 2024

Reliable ballistic armor systems are crucial to ensure the safety of humans and vehicles. Typically, these systems are constructed from various materials like fiber-reinforced polymer composites, which are utilized for a favorable weight to ballistic protection ratio. In particular, there has been a quest for eco-friendly materials that offer both strong mechanical properties and sustainable advantages. The present work conducted a ballistic analysis of epoxy matrix composites using raffia (Raphia vinifera) fibers from the Amazon region as reinforcement. The experiments investigated the limit and residual velocities of composites with 10, 20, and 30 vol% of raffia. The experimental density of the composites was lower than that of the epoxy. Fractured surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to reveal the failure mechanism. The results showed that composites with 10 vol% raffia fiber fabric had the highest ballistic energy absorption (168.91 J) and limit velocity (201.43 m/s). The ones with 30 vol% displayed a higher level of physical integrity. The SEM micrographs demonstrated the failure mechanisms were associated with delamination and fiber breakage. There was a small variation in residual velocity between the composites reinforced with 10, 20, and 30 vol% of raffia, with 826.66, 829.75, and 820.44 m/s, respectively.
A Multi-Task Model for Pulmonary Nodule Segmentation and Classification
Authors: Tang Tiequn , Zhang Rongfu
Published: September 2024

In the computer-aided diagnosis of lung cancer, the automatic segmentation of pulmonary nodules and the classification of benign and malignant tumors are two fundamental tasks. However, deep learning models often overlook the potential benefits of task correlations in improving their respective performances, as they are typically designed for a single task only. Therefore, we propose a multi-task network (MT-Net) that integrates shared backbone architecture and a prediction distillation structure for the simultaneous segmentation and classification of pulmonary nodules. The model comprises a coarse segmentation subnetwork (Coarse Seg-net), a cooperative classification subnetwork (Class-net), and a cooperative segmentation subnetwork (Fine Seg-net). Coarse Seg-net and Fine Seg-net share identical structure, where Coarse Seg-net provides prior location information for the subsequent Fine Seg-net and Class-net, thereby boosting pulmonary nodule segmentation and classification performance. We quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed the performance of the model by using the public dataset LIDC-IDRI. Our results show that the model achieves a Dice similarity coefficient (DI) index of 83.2% for pulmonary nodule segmentation, as well as an accuracy (ACC) of 91.9% for benign and malignant pulmonary nodule classification, which is competitive with other state-of-the-art methods. The experimental results demonstrate that the performance of pulmonary nodule segmentation and classification can be improved by a unified model that leverages the potential correlation between tasks.
The Influence of the Atlantic Water Boundary Current on the Phytoplankton Composition and Biomass in the Northern Barents Sea and the Adjacent Nansen Basin
Authors: Pautova Larisa , Kravchishina Marina , Silkin Vladimir , Klyuvitkin Alexey , Chultsova Anna , Vazyulya Svetlana , Glukhovets Dmitry , Artemyev Vladimir
Published: September 2024

The modern Arctic is characterized by a decreased ice cover and significant interannual variability. However, the reaction of the High Arctic ecosystem to such changes is still being determined. This study tested the hypothesis that the key drivers of changes in phytoplankton are the position and intensity of Atlantic water (AW) flow. The research was conducted in August 2017 in the northern part of the Barents Sea and in August 2020 in the Nansen Basin. In 2017, the Nansen Basin was ice covered; in 2020, the Nansen Basin had open water up to 83° N. A comparative analysis of phytoplankton composition, dominant species, abundance, and biomass at the boundary of the ice and open water in the marginal ice zone (MIZ) as well as in the open water was carried out. The total biomass of the phytoplankton in the photic layer of MIZ is one and a half orders of magnitude greater than in open water. In 2017, the maximum abundance and biomass of phytoplankton in the MIZ were formed by cold-water diatoms Thalassiosira spp. (T. gravida, T. rotula, T. hyalina, T. nordenskioeldii), associated with first-year ice. They were confined to the northern shelf of the Barents Sea. The large diatom Porosira glacialis grew intensively in the MIZ of the Nansen Basin under the influence of Atlantic waters. A seasonal thermocline, above which the concentrations of silicon and nitrogen were close to zero, and deep maxima of phytoplankton abundance and biomass were recorded in the open water. Atlantic species—haptophyte Phaeocystis pouchettii and large diatom Eucampia groenlandica—formed these maxima. P. pouchettii were observed in the Nansen Basin in the Atlantic water (AW) flow (2020); E. groenlandica demonstrated a high biomass (4848 mg m−3, 179.5 mg C m−3) in the Franz Victoria trench (2017). Such high biomass of this species in the northern Barents Sea shelf has not been observed before. The variability of the phytoplankton composition and biomass in the Franz Victoria trench and in the Nansen Basin is related to the intensity of the AW, which comes from the Frame Strait as the Atlantic Water Boundary Current.
Advances in Offshore Aquaculture and Renewable Energy Production
Authors: Nguyen Huu Phu , Wang Chien Ming
Published: September 2024

With the world population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, the demand for food and energy is expected to increase significantly [...]
Multiscale Approach of Investigating the Density of Simulated Fuel for a Zero Power Reactor
Authors: Sardar Suneela , Degueldre Claude , Green Sarah
Published: September 2024

With growing interest in molten salts as possible nuclear fuel systems, knowledge of thermophysical properties of complex salt mixtures, e.g., NaCl-CeCl3, NaCl-UCl3 and NaCl-UCl4, informs understanding and performance modelling of the zero power salt reactor. Fuel density is a key parameter that is examined in a multiscale approach in this paper. In the zero power reactor ‘core’ (cm level), the relative fuel density is estimated for the fuel pin disposition, as well as a function of their pitch (strong effect). Fuel density of the ‘pellet’ (mm–µm level) is first estimated on a geometrical basis, then through tracking pores and cracks using 2D (SEM) and 3D (laser microscopy, LM) techniques. For the nanoscale level, ‘grains’ analysis is done using X-ray diffraction (XRD), revealing the defects, vacancies and swelled grains. Initially, emphasis is on the near-eutectic composition of salt mixtures of CeCl3 with NaCl as the carrier salt. Cerium trichloride (CeCl3) is an inactive surrogate of UCl3 and PuCl3. The results were measured for the specific salt mixture (70 mol% NaCl and 30 mol% CeCl3) in this work, establishing that microscopy and XRD are important techniques for measurement of the physical properties of salts component pellets. This work is of significance, as densities of fuel components affect the power evolution through reactivity and the average neutronic behaviour in zero power salt reactors.
Intellectual Capital and Performance of Banking and Financial Institutions in Panama: An Application of the VAIC™ Model
Authors: Pitre-Cedeño Oriana Jannett , Herrera-Rodríguez Edila Eudemia
Published: September 2024

In the knowledge era, intellectual capital has been considered a key factor in creating value within organisations. This study examines the relationships and interactions between the components of intellectual capital and the profitability of Panamanian banking and financial institutions listed on the Latin American Stock Exchange (LATINEX) from 2014 to 2020. A theoretical framework based on agency theories, signalling theory, and stakeholder theory was employed to support the results. The Valued-Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAIC)™ model, which evaluates the intellectual capital of organisations based on information from financial statements, was also utilised. In this study, stepwise regression was applied to select the optimal number of predictors to be included in each multiple regression model to examine the relationship between the return on equity (ROE) and the components of the VAIC™ in addition to control variables such as size and indebtedness. The findings confirm this study’s hypothesis, demonstrating that the structural capital efficiency (SCE) and company size (SIZE) variables explain 57% of the variance in the ROE for the analysed institutions. The results suggest that the intellectual capital (IC) of financial sector institutions listed on LATINEX is significantly influenced by the SCE coefficient, which shows a negative relationship, suggesting that investment in structural capital does not enhance profitability. On the other hand, larger institutions exhibited higher profitability during the study period. This study was limited to the analysis of two sectors: banking and finance in companies listed on LATINEX. However, its rigorous theoretical and empirical foundation opens the way for future research in which other sectors can be considered, and cross-country comparisons can be made, strengthening the research in this field for Latin America. At the same time, this study offers market regulators a scientific methodology to oversee the activities of issuing companies.
The Impact of Stroboscopic Visual Conditions on the Performance of Elite Curling Athletes
Authors: Li Tianhe , Zhang Chiyue , Wang Xiaoyao , Zhang Xinai , Wu Zhiqiang , Liang Yapu
Published: September 2024

Background: In elite curling, precise time perception, speed control, and accuracy are critical components of performance. Stroboscopic training enhances visual processing speed, reaction time, motor skill control, and cognitive abilities by challenging the brain to make quick decisions with limited visual information. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of stroboscopic visual conditions on the key performance aspects of elite athletes in curling to determine whether these effects can be leveraged in long-term training to enhance elite curling performance. Methods: This study involved the participation of 32 national-level male curling athletes (n = 32, age: 19.9 ± 2.2 years, height: 178.0 ± 6.2 cm, body mass: 71.9 ± 10.6 kg, and training age: 2.7 ± 0.9 years). A cross-over controlled experiment was conducted, with participants randomly assigned to either a stroboscopic-first group (n = 16) or a control-first group (n = 16). Each participant completed tests under both stroboscopic and normal visual conditions, including assessments of time perception error, speed control error, and curling accuracy. Paired sample t-tests were employed to analyse performance differences across conditions, and two-factor ANOVA was used to analyse sequence effects. Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used to compare differences if the main effect was significant. Cohen’s d was used for two-group comparisons, whereas ηp2 and Cohen’s f were used for comparisons involving three or more groups. Results: under stroboscopic conditions, participants experienced increased errors in time perception (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.143), delivery speed control (p = 0.016, Cohen’s d = 0.448), and reduced accuracy (p = 0.029, Cohen’s d = 0.404). The sequence main effect on speed control error was significant (p = 0.025, ηp2 = 0.081, Cohen’s f = 0.297). Conclusions: Stroboscopic visual conditions negatively impacted cognition (especially time perception) and delivery performance focused on speed control and accuracy in elite curling, highlighting the potential and feasibility of using stroboscopic training to enhance elite curling performance.
Correction: Robinson et al. Relationships and Within-Group Differences in Physical Attributes and Golf Performance in Elite Amateur Female Players. Life 2024, 14, 674
Authors: Robinson Luke , Murray Andrew , Coughlan Daniel , Mountjoy Margo , Wells Jack , Hembrough Rebecca , Glover Danny , Scott Fiona , Turner Anthony , Bishop Chris
Published: September 2024

Addition of an Author [...]
Classification Scheme for the Three-Point Dubins Problem
Authors: De Palma Daniela , Parlangeli Gianfranco
Published: September 2024

This paper proposes an optimal path type classification scheme for the three-point Dubins problem. It allows us to directly extract the shortest path type from a Dubins set, evaluating only the relative initial and final configurations with the via point position using a suitable partition of the Cartesian plane. Two alternative approaches are proposed to address the problem: an analytical approach and a heuristic one. The latter is revealed to be much faster from a computational point of view. The proposed classification logic makes the path planning for the three-point Dubins problem much more effective and suitable for real-time applications. Numerical examples are provided to show the efficiency of the proposed strategy.
A Multi-Objective Framework for Balancing Fairness and Accuracy in Debiasing Machine Learning Models
Authors: Nagpal Rashmi , Khan Ariba , Borkar Mihir , Gupta Amar
Published: September 2024

Machine learning algorithms significantly impact decision-making in high-stakes domains, necessitating a balance between fairness and accuracy. This study introduces an in-processing, multi-objective framework that leverages the Reject Option Classification (ROC) algorithm to simultaneously optimize fairness and accuracy while safeguarding protected attributes such as age and gender. Our approach seeks a multi-objective optimization solution that balances accuracy, group fairness loss, and individual fairness loss. The framework integrates fairness objectives without relying on a weighted summation method, instead focusing on directly optimizing the trade-offs. Empirical evaluations on publicly available datasets, including German Credit, Adult Income, and COMPAS, reveal several significant findings: the ROC-based approach demonstrates superior performance, achieving an accuracy of 94.29%, an individual fairness loss of 0.04, and a group fairness loss of 0.06 on the German Credit dataset. These results underscore the effectiveness of our framework, particularly the ROC component, in enhancing both the fairness and performance of machine learning models.
Rough and T-Rough Sets Arising from Intuitionistic Fuzzy Ideals in BCK-Algebras
Authors: Alsager Kholood M. , El-Deeb Sheza M.
Published: September 2024

This paper presents the novel concept of rough intuitionistic fuzzy ideals within the realm of BCK-algebras and investigates their fundamental properties. Furthermore, we introduce a set-valued homomorphism over a BCK-algebra, laying the foundation for the establishment of T-rough intuitionistic fuzzy ideals. The characterization of these innovative ideals is accomplished by employing the (α,β)-cut of intuitionistic fuzzy sets in the context of BCK-algebras.
TSPconv-Net: Transformer and Sparse Convolution for 3D Instance Segmentation in Point Clouds
Authors: Ning Xiaojuan , Liu Yule , Ma Yishu , Lu Zhiwei , Jin Haiyan , Shi Zhenghao , Wang  Yinghui
Published: September 2024

Current deep learning approaches for indoor 3D instance segmentation often rely on multilayer perceptrons (MLPs) for feature extraction. However, MLPs struggle to effectively capture the complex spatial relationships inherent in 3D scene data. To address this issue, we propose a novel and efficient framework for 3D instance segmentation called TSPconv-Net. In contrast to existing methods that primarily depend on MLPs for feature extraction, our framework integrates a more robust feature extraction model comprising the offset-attention (OA) mechanism and submanifold sparse convolution (SSC). The proposed framework is an end-to-end network architecture. TSPconv-Net consists of a backbone network followed by a bounding box module. Specifically, the backbone network utilizes the OA mechanism to extract global features and employs SSC for local feature extraction. The bounding box module then conducts instance segmentation based on the extracted features. Experimental results demonstrate that our approach outperforms existing work on the S3DIS dataset while maintaining computational efficiency. TSPconv-Net achieves 68.6% mPrec, 52.5% mRec, and 60.1% mAP on the test set, surpassing 3D-BoNet by 3.0% mPrec, 5.4% mRec, and 2.6% mAP. Furthermore, it demonstrates high efficiency, completing computations in just 326 s.
Collaboration of Large and Small Models for Event Type Discovery in Completely Open Domains
Authors: Li Jiaxu , Ge Bin , Xu Hao , Huang Peixin , Liu Lihua
Published: September 2024

Event type discovery in open domains aims to automate the induction of event types from completely unlabeled text data. Conventionally, small models utilize clustering techniques to address this task. Nonetheless, the fully unsupervised nature of these methods results in suboptimal performance by small models in this context. Recently, large language models (LLMs) have demonstrated excellent capabilities in contextual understanding, providing additional relevant information for specific task scenarios, albeit with challenges in precision and cost effectiveness. In this paper, we use LLM to guide the clustering of event texts and distill this process into a fine-tuning task for training smaller pre-trained language models. This approach enables effective event type discovery even in scenarios lacking annotated data. The study unfolds in three stages: in action acquisition, leveraging LLMs to extract type-relevant information from each event text, ensuring that the event representations are particular to task-specific details; in clustering refinement and dual-fine-tune, LLMs refine results from both task-agnostic and task-specific perspectives, with the refinement process designed as fine-tuning tasks under different viewpoints to adjust encoders; and in type generation, post-clustering, LLMs generate meaningful event type labels for each cluster. Experiments show that our method outperforms current state-of-the-art approaches and excels in event type discovery tasks even in completely open-domain with no labeled data.
On Convergence Rate of MRetrace
Authors: Chen Xingguo , Qin Wangrong , Gong Yu , Yang Shangdong , Wang Wenhao
Published: September 2024

Off-policy is a key setting for reinforcement learning algorithms. In recent years, the stability of off-policy learning for value-based reinforcement learning has been guaranteed even when combined with linear function approximation and bootstrapping. Convergence rate analysis is currently a hot topic. However, the convergence rates of learning algorithms vary, and analyzing the reasons behind this remains an open problem. In this paper, we propose an essentially simplified version of a convergence rate to generate general off-policy temporal difference learning algorithms. We emphasize that the primary determinant influencing convergence rate is the minimum eigenvalue of the key matrix. Furthermore, we conduct a comparative analysis of the influencing factor across various off-policy learning algorithms in diverse numerical scenarios. The experimental findings validate the proposed determinant, which serves as a benchmark for the design of more efficient learning algorithms.
Is Complete Excision Always Enough? A Quality of Sexual Life Assessment in Patients with Deep Endometriosis
Authors: Enciu Raluca Gabriela , Enciu Octavian , Georgescu Dragoș Eugen , Tulin Adrian , Miron Adrian
Published: September 2024

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to find the factors associated with the severe impairment of QoSL and the factors associated with a better score in QoSL, as well as the evaluation of pain symptoms and QoSL after the complete and incomplete excision of rectovaginal nodules. Materials and methods: The present prospective study was conducted in a single tertiary center for endometriosis where 116 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for deep endometriosis during a 3-year period. The goal of the intervention was to excise all endometriotic implants while conserving the rectum. Intraoperative findings were recorded after the intervention, and the patients were classified according to the ENZIAN classification and rASRM scores. QoSL was assessed using the EHP-30 Module C (QoSL Score). Results: When comparing the mean scores before and 2 years after the surgery, a highly significant improvement was found for QoSL and dysmenorrhea (p < 0.0001). The complete excision of rectovaginal nodules led to a significantly better QoSL and lower dyspareunia (p < 0.0001) than incomplete resection (p < 0.02). Conclusions: This prospective study proves that the complete laparoscopic excision of all endometriotic implants improved the QoSL and decreased the pain score of dyspareunia. Incomplete rectovaginal nodule excision was correlated with a poorer QoSL and a lower improvement of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain scores than complete excision.
Incidence of Rotational Malalignment after Intertrochanteric Fracture Intramedullary Nailing: A CT-Based Prospective Study
Authors: Vavourakis Michail , Zachariou Dimitrios , Galanis Athanasios , Karampinas Panagiotis , Rozis Meletis , Sakellariou Evangelos , Vlachos Christos , Varsamos Iordanis , Vlamis John , Vasiliadis Elias , Pneumaticos Spiros
Published: September 2024

Background and Objectives: Rotational malformation after intramedullary nailing of intertrochanteric fractures is a relatively common, possibly severe, and difficult-to-detect complication, since intraoperative radiographic imaging allows for the assessment of the quality of reduction in the frontal and sagittal planes, but not in the transverse plane. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the rotational malalignment after intramedullary nailing of intertrochanteric fractures and to investigate a possible connection with specific patients’ or fractures’ characteristics. Materials and Methods: 74 patients treated with intramedullary nailing due to an intertrochanteric fracture underwent a postoperative CT of the pelvis-hips and knees. The value of the anteversion was measured both in the operated-on (angle 1) and in the healthy hip (angle 2) based on the technique described by Jeanmart et al. and the difference in anteversion (D angle = angle 1 minus angle 2) was calculated. A positive D angle indicated the presence of excessive internal overcorrection of the distal fragment during fracture reduction, while a negative D angle indicated the presence of excessive external overcorrection. The absolute value of the D angle represents the postoperative difference in anteversion between the two hips. The patients were divided into three groups according to this value: group A, with D < 5° (physiological difference); group B, with 5° < D < 15° (acceptable rotational alignment); and group C, with D ≥ 15° (rotational deformity). Results: Group A constitutes 56.8%, group B 12.2%, and group C 31.1% of the study population. Overall, 79.7% of the patients presented a positive angle D, while, for group C, the percentage was even higher at 91.3%. According to the AO/OTA classification system, 37.8% of the cases were stable fractures, 47.3% were unstable fractures, and 14.9% were reverse oblique fractures. Based on our analysis, the type of fracture has a serious impact on the rotational alignment, since the statistical significance of the mean angle D for the three types of fracture is reliable (p = 0.029). Stable fractures present the lowest anteversion difference values, while reverse oblique fractures present the highest difference. Conclusions: Our study reveals that the percentage of rotational malalignment after the intramedullary nailing of intertrochanteric fractures remains high (31.1%), despite the proper use of radiographic imaging during the intraoperative fracture reduction. In most cases (91.3%), this malalignment appears to be a matter of internal overcorrection. A clear correlation between hip’s rotational deformity and patients′ functional outcome has yet to be proven, and constitutes our objective in the near future.
Impact of Treatment with Direct Antivirals on Coagulation Parameters in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus-Related Liver Cirrhosis and Sustained Virological Response
Authors: Huiban Laura , Stanciu Carol , Muzica Cristina Maria , Girleanu Irina , Avram Raluca , Damian Ioana , Nastasa Robert , Stratina Ermina , Zenovia Sebastian , Minea Horia , Stafie Remus , Rotaru Adrian , Singeap Ana-Maria , Chiriac Stefan , Balmus Ioana-Miruna , Trifan Anca
Published: September 2024

Background and Objectives: Sustained virologic responses (SVRs) lead to a decrease in portal hypertension, the regression of fibrosis, and the improvement in the hepatic synthesis of procoagulant and anticoagulant factors. We aimed to assess the influence of SVR on coagulation parameters in cirrhotic patients with HCV treated with DAAs. Methods: We performed a prospective study in the Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Iasi, Romania, between January 2022 and February 2024. We included patients diagnosed with compensated and decompensated HCV-related liver cirrhosis, treated with direct antivirals (PrOD ± RBV or SOF/LED ± RBV) for 12/24 weeks. Blood samples for biochemical, immunological, and coagulation tests were collected at the baseline, end of treatment (EOT), and once sustained virological response had been achieved over a period of 12/24 weeks (SVR12/24). Results: We analyzed a group of 52 patients with HCV-related liver cirrhosis, predominantly female (68.0%), and the degree of severity of cirrhosis placed the patients mainly in Child–Pugh classes B (40%) and C (36%). All patients achieved SVRs. The MELD score decreased at EOT (13.48 ± 4.273; p = 0.001) and SVR (9.88 ± 2.774; p = 0.000), compared to the baseline (14.92 ± 4.707). The FibroScan values decreased at SVR (17.596 ± 3.7276; p = 0.000) compared to the baseline (26.068 ± 7.0954). For all common coagulation parameters (platelets, INR, PT, fibrinogen, aPTT), there was a trend towards improvement during treatment, including changes which were statistically significant for the majority of patients. Factor II was low at the baseline (75.40 ± 7.506) but increased at EOT (87.40 ± 9.587) and, later, at SVR (99.12 ± 11.695; p = 0.000). The FVIII values increased at the baseline (175.52 ± 16.414) and decreased at EOT (151.48 ± 13.703) and SVR (143.40 ± 13.937). The FvW values decreased during treatment (146.84 ± 9.428, at baseline; 141.32 ± 9.690, p = 0.000, at EOT; and 126.68 ± 17.960, at SVR). In regard to the anticoagulant factors (PC, PS, ATIII), a significant improvement was brought on by SVR. Advanced stages of liver disease showed the most diminished FII activity, while at the baseline and in Child–Pugh C patients we recorded the highest values of FVIII and FvW. Conclusions: Our study proved that the “reset” of coagulopathy might be due to the improvement in liver function due to viral eradication secondary to AAD therapy.
Vaping: The Key to Quitting Cigarettes or a Gateway to Addiction?
Authors: Hill Jessica Emily , Rao Marepalli Bhaskara , Guan Tianyuan
Published: September 2024

Background and Objectives: In 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discovered that 2.55 million middle and high school students were using electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in the US alone. E-cigarettes allow people to inhale a nicotine solution (e-liquid) into their bodies. While e-cigarettes are often advertised as a way to help people quit traditional tobacco products, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that there is no proof of e-cigarettes being effective at reducing an individual’s tobacco use. The objective of this study is to determine why adolescents start smoking e-cigarettes. Materials and Methods: For the following study, the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) 2021 was used. This is a nationally representative cross-sectional survey that includes middle and high school students. The data were analyzed using SAS v.9.4. The odds ratio for smoking e-cigarettes was evaluated for both sex and race via a logistic regression. Results: It was discovered that the percentage of only e-cigarette smokers (12.10%) was 5.5 times the percentage of only traditional smokers (2.19%). Additionally, the median age at which adolescents started smoking e-cigarettes was fifteen years with an IQR (Inter Quartile Range) of two. We used a logistic regression to show that biological sex and race were significant predictors of e-cigarette usage. Conclusions: In general, we saw that adolescents were mostly starting to smoke e-cigarettes because their friends were doing it, out of curiosity, they were depressed or anxious, and/or to get a “high”, implying that adolescents mostly started smoking in order to fit in and/or to numb themselves. Interestingly, reasons like cost, using them to quit smoking, seeing them in the media, and ease of attainment were ranked the lowest when it came to smoking e-cigarettes. However, their lower costs naturally lead to increased accessibility compared to traditional cigarettes, making them easier to reach the hands of teenagers. Overall, in this paper, we aim to identify if adolescents are choosing e-cigarettes as their first foray into tobacco products and why.