bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between county ordinances allowing off-road vehicles on public roads and crash rates
Authors: Monson Christopher D. , Vakkalanka J. Priyanka , Denning Gerene M. , Stange Nicholas R. , Jennissen Charles A.
Published: July 2024

Background

Legislative bodies across the country have increasingly allowed off-road vehicles (ORVs) including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility task vehicles (UTVs) on public roads, an environment for which they are not designed. In 2004, Iowa gave individual counties the discretion to pass ordinances allowing ORVs on public roadways. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the passage of ORV ordinances and ORV crash rates, especially on public roads.

Methods

An Iowa ORV roadway ordinance database and an Iowa ORV crash database (2002–2018) for all 99 counties were compiled. Crashes for which county location could not be determined were excluded. Utilizing a zero-inflated Poisson model, correcting for background crash frequency trends and population, investigators compared the relative rates of crashes after ordinance passage to time points before ordinance implementation and to counties without such ordinances. Sub-analyses, including that focused on more recent years (2008–2018), were also performed.

Results

Forty-five county ORV roadway ordinances went into effect between 2011 and 2018 and 2,347 crashes (69%) met inclusion criteria. Adjusted for year, there was a 58% greater ORV crash rate in counties after passing an ORV roadway ordinance (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.58, 95% CI 1.32–1.90). Roadway crashes (n = 834) increased 48% after ordinance passage (IRR 1.48, 95% CI 1.14–1.94). This roadway crash association remained statistically significant when analysis was limited to the years 2008–2018 (IRR 1.39, CI 1.06–1.83, n = 544); to ATV crashes only (IRR 1.70, CI 1.20–2.40, n = 683); and to ATV crashes excluding counties with UTV-only ordinances (IRR 1.74, CI 1.40–2.15, n = 2,011).

Conclusions

ORV roadway and total crashes increased significantly after implementation of county ordinances allowing ORVs on public roadways and when compared to counties without such ordinances. It is likely that these increased crashes have resulted in more injuries and possibly deaths. Results from this study may help inform policymakers as they consider legislation regarding ORV usage on public roads.
Revealing the exploitability of heap overflow through PoC analysis
Authors: Shen Qintao , Meng Guozhu , Chen Kai
Published: July 2024

The exploitable heap layouts are used to determine the exploitability of heap vulnerabilities in general-purpose applications. Prior studies have focused on using fuzzing-based methods to generate more exploitable heap layouts. However, the exploitable heap layout cannot fully demonstrate the exploitability of a vulnerability, as it is uncertain whether the attacker can control the data covered by the overflow. In this paper, we propose the Heap Overflow Exploitability Evaluator (Hoee), a new approach to automatically reveal the exploitability of heap buffer overflow vulnerabilities by evaluating proof-of-concepts (PoCs) generated by fuzzers. Hoee leverages several techniques to collect dynamic information at runtime and recover heap object layouts in a fine-grained manner. The overflow context is carefully analyzed to determine whether the sensitive pointer is corrupted, tainted, or critically used. We evaluate Hoee on 34 real-world CVE vulnerabilities from 16 general-purpose programs. The results demonstrate that Hoee accurately identifies the key factors for developing exploits in vulnerable contexts and correctly recognizes the behavior of overflow.
Cost-Effectiveness of Adjuvant Abemaciclib and Ribociclib in High-Risk Hormone Receptor–Positive Early Breast Cancer: An Indian Perspective
Authors: Sra Manraj Singh , Sasi Archana , Batra Atul , Bakhshi Sameer , Ganguly Shuvadeep
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE

Incorporating adjuvant cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors abemaciclib and ribociclib along with endocrine therapy has been shown to improve invasive disease-free survival (iDFS) for hormone receptor–positive (HR+) human epidermal receptor 2–negative (HER2–) early breast cancer (EBC). This study assesses the cost-effectiveness of this strategy, along with adjuvant aromatase inhibitors from an Indian perspective.

METHODS

A Markov chain model evaluated the cost-effectiveness of abemaciclib and ribociclib with letrozole compared with letrozole alone for HR+/HER2– EBC from a payer perspective in India. Key measures included lifetime quality-adjusted life-years (QALY), life-years (LY), and total costs. This study explores two scenarios for effectiveness: a best-case (BC) scenario, where the benefit of CDK4/6 inhibitors in improving iDFS lasts a lifetime, and a worst-case (WC) scenario, where benefits disappear after 5 years. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were used to account for simulation uncertainty.

RESULTS

In the BC scenario, abemaciclib added 2.17 QALY and 4.96 LY, incurring ₹2,317,957.7 ($27,756.65 in US dollars [USD]) in additional costs. However, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for abemaciclib exceeded India's willingness-to-pay threshold in the BC and WC scenarios. In the BC scenario, ribociclib added 0.98 QALY and 2.58 LY with added costs of ₹1,711,504.32 ($20,494.6 USD). The ICER for ribociclib also surpassed India's threshold in both scenarios. PSA showed that neither drug was cost-effective at the current market prices in either BC/WC scenario. The cost of abemaciclib and ribociclib needs to be reduced by at least 78.61% and 87.19%, respectively, to be cost-effective in the BC scenario.

CONCLUSION

The combination of adjuvant abemaciclib or ribociclib with letrozole is not cost-effective for HR+/HER2– EBC in India in either the BC or WC scenario.
Integration of Germline Genetic Testing Into Routine Clinical Practice for Patients With Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lau-Min Kelsey S. , Symecko Heather , Spielman Kelsey , Mann Derek , Hood Ryan , Rathore Srishti , Wolfe Catherine , Gabriel Peter E. , Rendle Katharine A. , Nathanson Katherine L. , Reiss Kim A. , Domchek Susan M.
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE

Germline genetic testing (GT) is recommended for all patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but the traditional clinical genetics infrastructure is limited in addressing the unique needs of this population. We describe the integration of point of care (POC) GT into routine clinical practice for all patients with PDAC at an academic medical center.

METHODS

We developed a clinical POC workflow that leverages electronic health record (EHR) tools and behavioral nudges to enhance the sustainability and scalability of our previously described research-based POC model. For each of the research and clinical POC cohorts, we calculated the percentage of eligible patients who underwent GT. We used Wilcoxon rank-sum and Pearson's chi-squared tests to compare patients who did and did not undergo GT. We conducted surveys among oncology clinicians to evaluate the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the clinical POC model.

RESULTS

The research POC cohort included 905 patients, of whom 694 (76.7%) underwent GT. The clinical POC cohort included 148 patients, of whom 126 (85.1%) underwent GT. Patients who underwent GT in the research POC cohort were significantly younger (median age, 67.0
v
70.9 years;
P
= .031) and more likely to be White (82.1%
v
68.7%;
P
< .001) and commercially insured (41.8%
v
28.0%;
P
< .001) compared with those who did not; there were no significant differences between GT groups in the clinical POC cohort. Oncology clinicians found the clinical POC model to be acceptable (mean 4.4/5), appropriate (4.6/5), feasible (4.0/5), and have a positive impact on their patients (4.9/5).

CONCLUSION

A clinical POC model leveraging EHR tools and behavioral nudges is acceptable, appropriate, feasible, and associated with a >85% GT rate among patients with PDAC.
Weight Loss Improved Hypothalamic GH Deficiency but not Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism in a Man With Down Syndrome
Authors: Nakagawa Yukie , Taki Katsumi
Published: July 2024

Down syndrome (DS) is associated with several endocrine disorders, including diabetes, obesity, and primary hypogonadism. Here, we present a man with DS who manifested with atypical hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and in whom weight loss resulted in the improvement of hypothalamic GH deficiency. A 27-year-old man with DS and severe obesity was admitted for hypoxia resulting from obesity hypoventilation syndrome. Laboratory tests showed normal levels of LH and FSH despite low testosterone and free testosterone levels. Moreover, thyroid stimulating hormone and prolactin levels were slightly elevated, although a euthyroid function was observed, and GH and IGF-1 levels were low. Endocrinological stimulation tests revealed hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and hypothalamic GH deficiency. Reduction in body weight by 35.3% resulted in the improvement of the IGF-1, thyroid stimulating hormone, and prolactin levels to the reference range, whereas the LH and FSH levels remained low, despite slight elevation. Levels of leptin, which suppresses the hypothalamus–gonadotroph–gonadal axis and upregulates thyrotropin-releasing hormone expression, decreased with weight loss. Furthermore, ghrelin, whose levels increase with weight loss, stimulates GH secretion. Thus, leptin and ghrelin could have contributed to the observed changes in the pituitary hormone profile after weight loss.
Adrenocortical Tumor Associated With Pathogenic Variant in KCNJ5 and DNA Methylation of CYP11B2 in Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Aiga Ko , Kometani Mitsuhiro , Demura Masashi , Yoneda Takashi
Published: July 2024

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a subtype of secondary hypertension categorized as either unilateral PA (eg, aldosterone-producing adenoma [APA]) or bilateral PA. CYP11B2, an aldosterone synthase, is highly expressed in APA. Recent studies have revealed a high prevalence of pathogenic variants in KCNJ5 and the role of DNA methylation on CYP11B2 in APA. We present a case of unilateral PA with pathogenic variants in KCNJ5 and suppressed CYP11B2 expression. A 55-year-old woman with hypertension was referred to our hospital. A high aldosterone-renin ratio was observed; PA was confirmed using the captopril challenge test and the furosemide upright test. Although computed tomography showed no evident tumors in either adrenal gland, adrenal vein sampling revealed left gland dominance. Postoperatively, the aldosterone-renin ratio decreased and captopril challenge test showed negative findings. Pathogenic variants in the KCNJ5 were detected in the adenoma. Although immunohistochemistry for CYP11B2 was negative in adenoma, an aldosterone-producing cell cluster was confirmed in the adjacent left adrenal gland. Furthermore, DNA methylation analysis of the adenoma indicated hypermethylation in the CYP11B2 promoter region. The pathogenic variant in KCNJ5, specific to APA, induces CYP11B2 overexpression, resulting in excess aldosterone. However, these effects can be suppressed by DNA methylation.
The Role of Single Motherhood in America's High Child Poverty
Authors: Brady David , Baker Regina S. , Finnigan Ryan
Published: July 2024

Many claim a high prevalence of single motherhood plays a significant role in America's high child poverty. Using the Luxembourg Income Study, we compare the “prevalences and penalties” for child poverty across 30 rich democracies and within the United States over time (1979–2019). Several descriptive patterns contradict the importance of single motherhood. The U.S. prevalence of single motherhood is cross-nationally moderate and typical and is historically stable. Also, child poverty and the prevalence of single motherhood have trended in opposite directions in recent decades in the United States. More important than the prevalence of single motherhood, the United States stands out for having the highest penalty across 30 rich democracies. Counterfactual simulations demonstrate that reducing single motherhood would not substantially reduce child poverty. Even if there was zero single motherhood, (1) the United States would not change from having the fourth-highest child poverty rate, (2) the 41-year trend in child poverty would be very similar, and (3) the extreme racial inequalities in child poverty would not decline. Rather than the prevalence of single motherhood, the high penalty for single motherhood and extremely high Black and Latino child poverty rates, which exist regardless of single motherhood, are far more important to America's high child poverty.
90-Day Emergency Department Utilization and Readmission Rate After Full-Endoscopic Spine Surgery: A Multicenter, Retrospective Analysis of 821 Patients
Authors: Leyendecker Jannik , Prasse Tobias , Park Christine , Köster Malin , Rumswinkel Lena , Shenker Tara , Bieler Eliana , Eysel Peer , Bredow Jan , Zaki Mark M. , Kathawate Varun , Harake Edward , Joshi Rushikesh S. , Konakondla Sanjay , Kashlan Osama N. , Derman Peter , Telfeian Albert , Hofstetter Christoph P.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Emergency department (ED) utilization and readmission rates after spine surgery are common quality of care measures. Limited data exist on the evaluation of quality indicators after full-endoscopic spine surgery (FESS). The objective of this study was to detect rates, causes, and risk factors for unplanned postoperative clinic utilization after FESS.

METHODS:

This retrospective multicenter analysis assessed ED utilization and clinic readmission rates after FESS performed between 01/2014 and 04/2023 for degenerative spinal pathologies. Outcome measures were ED utilizations, hospital readmissions, and revision surgeries within 90 days postsurgery.

RESULTS:

Our cohort includes 821 patients averaging 59 years of age, who underwent FESS. Most procedures targeted the lumbar or sacral spine (85.75%) while a small fraction involved the cervical spine (10.11%). The most common procedures were lumbar unilateral laminotomies for bilateral decompression (40.56%) and lumbar transforaminal discectomies (25.58%). Within 90 days postsurgery, 8.0% of patients revisited the ED for surgical complications. A total of 2.2% of patients were readmitted to a hospital of which 1.9% required revision surgery. Primary reasons for ED visits and clinic readmissions were postoperative pain exacerbation, transient neurogenic bladder dysfunction, and recurrent disk herniations. Our multivariate regression analysis revealed that female patients had a significantly higher likelihood of using the ED (P = .046; odds ratio: 1.77, 95% CI 1.01-3.1 5.69% vs 10.33%). Factors such as age, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, body mass index, comorbidities, and spanned spinal levels did not significantly predict postoperative ED utilization.

CONCLUSION:

This analysis demonstrates the safety of FESS, as evidenced by acceptable rates of ED utilization, clinic readmission, and revision surgery. Future studies are needed to further elucidate the safety profile of FESS in comparison with traditional spinal procedures.
Comparative analysis of computed tomography severity indices in predicting the severity and clinical outcome in patients with acute pancreatitis
Authors: Parmar Geetanjali , Noronha Griselda Philomena , Poornima Vinaya
Published: July 2024

Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) has unpredictable severity. Its management is based on initial assessment of disease severity. It ranges from mild interstitial to severe necrotic form; the latter is associated with poor prognosis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen is the gold standard in early detection of pancreatic necrosis and in assessing the severity of AP. Two CT grading systems exist to assess the severity of AP: CT severity Index (CSI) and modified CSI (MCSI). This study compares the usefulness of these two systems in predicting the severity and clinical outcome in AP in comparison with Ranson’s criteria and clinical outcome parameters. Methods: This is a prospective hospital-based screening study of 80 patients aged >12 years with clinical diagnosis of AP who underwent contrast-enhanced CT study of the abdomen. Comparative analysis between MCSI and CSI with Ranson’s criteria and clinical outcome parameters was assessed by Chi-Squared test. Results: The accuracy of CSI and MCSI in predicting the requirement of critical care, superadded infection, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and requirement of intervention were 73.0%, 64.5%, 69.8% 60.9% and 77.2%, 76.0%, 74.4% & 56.6% respectively. Area under the curve for MCSI score was significantly higher (AUC: 0.861; 95% CI: 0.736-0.986) than CSI score (AUC:0.815;95% CI:0.749-0.941). MCSI and CSI showed significant correlation with Ranson’s criteria; however, MCSI correlation was better (r:0.53; p<0.01) than CSI (r:0.35;p:0.04). Conclusion: CSI and MCSI are better predictors of severity, clinical outcome and mortality compared with Ranson’s criteria, with MCSI being more accurate and better predictor than CSI. The accuracy of MCSI is better than CSI for prediction of requirement of critical care, development of superadded infection and development of MODS in AP. However, CSI and MCSI have low accuracy in predicting intervention in AP.
Few incidentally found interesting foreign objects in human body: a case series
Authors: HATGAONKAR ANAND , HATGAONKAR KAJAL , DHOTE SANDEEP , DHAWAN VAISHALI
Published: July 2024

Foreign bodies are objects that do not typically belong in the human body but can be ingested, inserted, or entered due to injuries. This article presents various cases and examples of foreign bodies, including objects swallowed, objects inserted into the rectum, vagina, urethra, ear, and nose, or due to injuries caused by falls, puncture wounds, and gunshot wounds. Foreign bodies can be difficult to detect, particularly if they are not inherently radio-opaque, and may be overlooked by patients who cannot provide an adequate history. These foreign bodies may cause harm to the patient. Interpretation is done on radiographs, computed tomography (CT), Ultrasonography (USG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. Most foreign objects pass through the gastrointestinal tract without problem; sharp and elongated objects can cause significant injury, and even if they only partially perforate the bowel wall, they can produce chronic inflammatory processes that produce symptoms months or years later. Hence, searching for foreign bodies should be done throughout the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in children and people with mental illness who are more likely to swallow multiple items more than once. Although rare, various materials can be left behind in the body of a patient after surgery, including large and small wire sutures, surgical drains, and retained sponges, which can cause potential complications and foreign body reactions. This article highlights the importance of being aware of the presence of foreign bodies in clinical practice, and a thorough search should be carried out using different modalities, especially CT. Great suspicion and early diagnosis of foreign bodies can avoid potential complications and morbidity. In general, it provides information on the diagnosis and treatment of various types of foreign bodies.
Bibliometric analysis of scientific production on university social responsibility in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Urrunaga-Pastor Diego , Bendezu-Quispe Guido , Dávila-Altamirano Deici , Asmat Milagritos N. , Grau-Monge Jordi
Published: July 2024

Objective: To evaluate the scientific production on university social responsibility (USR) from institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted on documents published in indexed journals in the Scopus database from its inception until April 2023. Eligible documents included those on USR describing experiences carried out by universities in Latin America and the Caribbean. The number of articles per author, average authors per article, average citations per article, and the number of documents with one or more author were described. Bibliometric indicators regarding authors per article, co-authors per article, and institutional collaboration were presented. Bibliometric networks were constructed based on bibliographic coupling analysis of documents by countries and term co-occurrence in titles and abstracts. Results: Of a total of 4075 documents retrieved from Scopus, 150 were included. Documents published between 1997 and 2023 were identified, with an average annual growth rate of 2.7%. A total of 439 authors were identified, 18 articles had a single author, and an average of 0.3 articles per author and a co-authorship index of 3.13 were found. The percentage of international collaborations was 30.7%. Brazil had the highest proportion of publications (26.4%), followed by Chile (17%) and Colombia (13.2%). Opción and Revista de Ciencias Sociales were the journals with the highest number of articles published (13 each). In the analysis of term co-occurrence, recent years showed an increase in the use of terms related to e-learning, information and communication technologies, virtual education, COVID-19, sustainable development goals, and URSULA (initiative on USR in institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean). Conclusions: A growth in scientific production on USR in Latin America and the Caribbean was identified. The interest in USR documents in recent years has been focused on COVID-19 and the challenges of virtual education and sustainable development.
Transforming European food Systems with multi-actor networks and living labs through the FoodSHIFT Approach
Authors: Schafer Luke John , Anthouli Aida , Schmidt Alessandra , Beblek Anita , Fruehbeisser Annika , Walthall Beatrice , Mingolla Carla , Rogozan Catalina , Petruzzella Damiano , Wascher Dirk , Volpe Francesca , Ruggeri Giordano , Arciniegas Gustavo , Vicente-Vicente Jose Luis , Riviou Katerina , Valta Katerina , Marijke Wenzel Lena , Labellarte Lorenzo , Crivits Maarten , Swiader Malgorzata , Lysak Marin , Sylla Marta , Eyre Poppy , Barbu Raluca , Corsi Stefano , Henriksen Christian Bugge
Published: July 2024

Our current global food system is facing extraordinary challenges in both size and severity, including a rise in unsustainable consumption behaviours, continued environmental degradation, growing food insecurity, and widening social inequalities. A food system transformation is now both critically important and overwhelmingly complex, requiring nothing less than a complete overhaul of the entire value chain. Everyone is needed: SMEs with technological solutions, NGOs with social innovations, researchers with novel methodologies, governments with food policy advancements, professionals with varying expertise, and last but not least, empowered and informed citizens with the ability and resources for better decision-making. Living Labs offer a holistic, place-based approach needed to facilitate multi-actor inputs on various levels, specifically Food System Living Labs (FSLLs) like the ones established as part of the FoodSHIFT 2030 Project. Nine front-runner Food System Living Labs were operationalised alongside a novel framework merging high-level interdisciplinary initiatives with a diverse set of innovative approaches towards food system transition. The FoodSHIFT Approach concept was praised by external evaluators for its ground-breaking framework, and the nearly completed project has been listed as a best practice. However, positive applications alone will not ensure a societal-wide food system transformation, and the following text offers a critical reflection coupled with experience-based solutions to further improve the FoodSHIFT Approach.
The genome sequence of the Cow Parsley Leaf Beetle, Chrysolina oricalcia (O.F. Müller, 1776)
Authors: Sivell Olga , Sivell Duncan , Geiser Michael ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: July 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual Cow Parsley Leaf Beetle Chrysolina oricalcia (the Cow Parsley Leaf Beetle; Arthropoda; Insecta; Coleoptera; Chrysomelidae). The genome sequence is 1,423.4 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 22 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.93 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 35,990 protein coding genes.
The genome sequence of the Bittersweet Moth, Scrobipalpa costella (Humphreys & Westwood, 1845)
Authors: Lees David C. ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: July 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Scrobipalpa costella (the Bittersweet Moth; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Gelechiidae). The genome sequence is 603.2 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 30 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.27 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 21,625 protein coding genes.
Surgical and wound management for hand-localized kaposiform hemangioendothelioma: a case report
Authors: Lee Seung Jun , Won Jong Min , Hong Jong Won
Published: July 2024

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is a rare, aggressive vascular tumor predominantly seen in children. It can infiltrate the deeper soft tissues and is clinically marked by erythematous to violet plaques, sometimes associated with the Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon. A male neonate presented with a substantial mass on the dorsum of his left hand. Surgical excision on the 8th day after birth identified the tumor as KHE, without evidence of Kasabach-Merritt syndrome. Two additional operations were performed over the following year to address contractures and restore finger function. At a 6-month follow-up, the patient showed no significant functional impairment. KHE poses unique clinical challenges due to its aggressive nature. This case highlights the need for prompt surgical intervention, given the tumor’s size and location. Managing KHE requires a rapid diagnosis and intervention, particularly in functionally critical areas, to ensure optimal outcomes.
Modeling Behavioral Dynamics in Digital Content Consumption: An Attention-Based Neural Point Process Approach with Applications in Video Games
Authors: Yin Junming , Feng Yue (Katherine) , Liu Yong
Published: July 2024

This paper develops a novel attention-based neural point process approach to model behavioral dynamics and predict future activities of consumers in digital content consumption.
Reinforcement Learning Approaches for the Orienteering Problem with Stochastic and Dynamic Release Dates
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Archetti Claudia , Ljubić Ivana
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we study a sequential decision-making problem faced by e-commerce carriers related to when to send out a vehicle from the central depot to serve customer requests and in which order to provide the service, under the assumption that the time at which parcels arrive at the depot is stochastic and dynamic. The objective is to maximize the expected number of parcels that can be delivered during service hours. We propose two reinforcement learning (RL) approaches for solving this problem. These approaches rely on a look-ahead strategy in which future release dates are sampled in a Monte Carlo fashion, and a batch approach is used to approximate future routes. Both RL approaches are based on value function approximation: One combines it with a consensus function (VFA-CF) and the other one with a two-stage stochastic integer linear programming model (VFA-2S). VFA-CF and VFA-2S do not need extensive training as they are based on very few hyperparameters and make good use of integer linear programming (ILP) and branch-and-cut–based exact methods to improve the quality of decisions. We also establish sufficient conditions for partial characterization of optimal policy and integrate them into VFA-CF/VFA-2S. In an empirical study, we conduct a competitive analysis using upper bounds with perfect information. We also show that VFA-CF and VFA-2S greatly outperform alternative approaches that (1) do not rely on future information (2) are based on point estimation of future information, (3) use heuristics rather than exact methods, or (4) use exact evaluations of future rewards.

Funding: This work was supported by the CY Initiative of Excellence [ANR-16- IDEX-0008].

Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2022.0366 .
Acute headache with a twist
Authors: Al-Rawi Sarah , Asad Hiba , Toma Ahmed , De Wolff Jacob F
Published: July 2024

This case report follows the events of a 36-year-old woman who presented to a hospital five days post-partum with an acute severe headache and vomiting. Despite a normal initial computed tomography (CT) head scan, a CT venogram was done due to neurological deterioration and revealed hydrocephalus secondary to subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). We discuss the role of CT imaging in the diagnosis of SAH, the risks of current guidelines for lumbar puncture (LP) and describe other important differential diagnoses for headache in the postpartum patient.
Lighting in General: Tom Lloyd’s Electronic Refractions
Authors: Oetting Blake
Published: July 2024

Abstract: This paper describes Tom Lloyd’s light sculptures, specifically those shown in his 1968 exhibition at the Studio Museum in Harlem, Electronic Refractions II , in relation to the Black Arts Movement and minimalist phenomenology. Even while his work’s industrial-style light fixtures and geometric metal structures bear a resemblance to minimal sculpture, they act as foils to the likes of Dan Flavin and his peers’ habitual references to gallery interiors. Moving beyond the white cube, his work harnesses the disorienting effects of lights on the city street. Approaching Lloyd’s relationship to and extension of the phenomenological thrust of artwork in the minimalist field, this essay describes an extra-aesthetic emphasis in Lloyd’s work that rhymes with the artist’s activism as part of the Black Arts Movement and as executive director of the Store Front Museum / Paul Robeson Theater in Jamaica, New York. By proposing a through line between his sculpture, activism, and work with the Black Arts Movement—rather than describe these as contradictory aspects of the artist’s life—it is argued here that the artist offered an innovative translation of Black radical politics into a nonobjective format.
Simulated annealing algorithm for the optimal design of diffractive structures under fluctuation models
Authors: Hu Chi , Jiang Dacheng , Sun Guobin , Zhang Jin
Published: July 2024

In this paper, to improve the optimization capability of the simulated annealing algorithm (SA) in the optimal design of diffractive structures, the random fluctuation problem in the algorithm is investigated, and a new fluctuation calculation model is proposed. The optimal design of phase-type diffraction gratings and beam-shaping devices verified the fast accuracy of the proposed model. The simulation experimental results show that the model’s introduction is particularly significant in substantially reducing computation time (a threefold increase in computation speed) and improving the algorithm’s optimization finding capability. Finally, the setting of the model parameters is discussed analytically to make the proposed model more applicable and robust. The study results provide guidance and assistance for higher speed and effectiveness in the optimal design using simulated annealing algorithms. It can be applied to any complex and large-scale optimization calculation problem.
Optical theorem in the 3-D scattering from a locally perturbed lossless or lossy thin dielectric plate: silver disk-sealed hole analysis
Authors: Lucido Mario , Nosych Oleksandr I.
Published: July 2024

This paper is aimed at devising a new optical theorem formulation for the 3-D plane-wave scattering from an infinite resistive plane and, more generally, a thin dielectric plate with a finite-size inhomogeneity shaped as a hollow or sealed hole. This formulation is further modified to cover the case of the plane guided wave scattering from the same inhomogeneity. For the lossless plane, the diffracted field combines a classical outgoing spherical wave, satisfying the Silver-Muller radiation condition, with an outgoing cylindrical guided wave supported by the plane; the power absorbed in the lossy filling is finite. When a lossy plane is involved, a complication appears: the total absorbed power is infinite. However, a change in the inhomogeneity characteristics perturbs the absorbed power density, thus suggesting the perturbative absorption analysis. After developing the analytical procedure for the resistive plane case and the corresponding generalization to the thin dielectric plate case, we illustrate the significance of the new optical theorem by the numerical analysis of the visible-light scattering from a dielectric plate with a circular nanosize hole sealed with a silver disk. Our analysis uses the in-house code having mathematically guaranteed convergence; it reveals the scattering and absorption resonances on the plasmon modes of the silver nanodisk. The derived optical theorem allows us to see that, in the resonances, the power carried by the guided waves can be comparable to the power scattered into the free space.
Algorithm for accurate and efficient calculation of coating-induced effects
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhang Site , Zheng Yanghao , Wang Shiyao
Published: July 2024

Multilayer coatings are widely used in reflective optical systems, particularly for short-wavelength applications. Such coatings, while playing a key role in enhancing the reflectance, may cause non-negligible aberrations, which are often omitted in the typical optical design and simulation. In this study, we investigate the effects induced by the multilayer coatings and present a practical computational algorithm that correctly considers the lateral shift, the phase change, and the amplitude modulation. Several examples are included to show the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Speckle denoising based on Swin-UNet in digital holographic interferometry
Authors: Chen Jie , Liao Houzhang , Kong Yong , Zhang Dawei , Zhuang Songlin
Published: July 2024

Speckle noise, mechano-physical noise, and environmental noise are inevitably introduced in digital holographic coherent imaging, which seriously affects the quality of phase maps, and the removal of non-Gaussian statistical noise represented by speckle noise has been a challenging problem. In the past few years, deep learning methods based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have made good progress in removing Gaussian noise. However, they tend to fail when these deep networks designed for Gaussian noise removal are used to remove speckle noise. Recently, numerous studies have employed CNNs to address the issue of degraded speckle images, yielding encouraging results. Nevertheless, the degradation of speckle noise that is simulated in isolation is limited and insufficient to encompass the increasingly complex DHI noise environment. This paper presents what we believe to be a novel approach to simulating complex noise environments by multiplexing simulated Gaussian noise and speckle noise. The noise resulting from aliasing does not adhere to the statistical laws of the noise prior to aliasing, which poses a more challenging task for the noise-reduction algorithms utilized in neural networks. Consequently, in conjunction with the capacity of the Swin Transformer to model multi-scale features, this paper proposes a DHI speckle denoising approach based on Swin-UNet. In this paper, Gaussian, speckle, and blending noise datasets with different noise densities are constructed for training and testing by numerical simulation, and generalizability tests are performed on 1,100 randomly selected open-source holographic tomography (HT) noise images at Warsaw University of Technology and 25 speckle images selected from DATABASE. All test results are quantitatively evaluated by three evaluation metrics: mean squared error (MSE), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), and structural similarity index (SSIM). All convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithms are evaluated qualitatively based on the number of parameters, floating point operations, and denoising time. The results of the comparison demonstrate that the denoising algorithm presented in this paper exhibits greater stability, accuracy, and generalizability.
Near-infrared Real-Time Trace NH3 Sensor Based on WM-OA-ICOS and EEMD Assisted Optical Denoising
Authors: Li Guolin , Zhao Yingjie , Liu Yajing , Li Longju , Zhang Siyu , Dong Enting , Zhao Fuli , Jia Lupeng , Sun Ruixiang , Yuan Haoran , Cui Guangzhao , Zheng Chuantao
Published: July 2024

In this paper, a near-infrared NH3 sensor is developed using Wave-length Modulated Off-Axis Integrated Cavity Output Spectroscopy (WM-OA-ICOS) technology. Design a cavity with a length of 15 cm and an effective absorption diameter of 330.5 m. The Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) algorithm is adopted as the spectra preprocessing method to reduce the noise, and Allan deviation analysis is conducted by comparing the original signal. It is found that the limit of detection (LoD) of the sensor could reach ~1.54 ppb with an integration time of 43 s. The concentration calibration experiment shows that the sensor can achieve double range. To enhance accuracy and sensitivity in NH3 concentration inversion, the Cuckoo Search algorithm with the Elman neural network (CS-Elman) was designed. Through experimental validation, the sensor achieves rapid detection of trace NH3. The outstanding performance of the NH3 detection device in monitoring trace gases has been demonstrated by field deployment trials.
Evaluating urban fire vulnerability and accessibility to fire stations and hospitals in Austin, Texas
Authors: Mandalapu Akhil , Seong Kijin , Jiao Junfeng
Published: July 2024

Anthropogenic climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of fires. Despite their widespread consequences, current research has largely overlooked urban fires and their associated vulnerability. This study seeks to identify patterns of fire vulnerability, map out areas with high fire vulnerability and limited access to fire stations and hospitals, and ultimately determine the factors contributing to increased fire incidents. Principal Component Analysis was used to develop a fire vulnerability index comprising variables capturing health status and socio-environmental factors. Enhanced 2-step floating catchment area (E2SFCA) analysis was conducted to determine relative accessibility to resources such as hospitals and fire stations. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and geographically weighted regression (GWR) were utilized to determine factors associated with higher fire incident counts. The results of the fire vulnerability analysis highlight areas of high fire vulnerability in the eastern periphery and the north-central parts of Austin. Moreover, the eastern periphery experiences decreased accessibility to fire stations and hospitals. Finally, the results of the GWR analysis highlight a varied negative relationship between health vulnerability and fire incidents and a positive relationship with socio-environmental vulnerability. The GWR model (R2: 0.332) was able to predict a greater extent of the variance compared to OLS (R2: 0.056). Results of this study underscore that areas with socio-environmental vulnerabilities are likely to face a higher number of fire incidents and have reduced access to hospitals and fire stations. These findings can inform public health officials, city planners, and emergency services departments in developing targeted strategies to mitigate the harm caused by fire incidents.
A developed DQ control method for shunt active power filter to improve power quality in transformers
Authors: Al-Gahtani Saad F. , Elbarbary Z. M. S. , Irshad Shaik Mohammad
Published: July 2024

Power transformers are the most important component in power system. Exposing these transformers to the harmonic distortions causes additional heat losses, insulation stress, decrease in lifetime of insulation, and reduced power factor with decrease in efficiency of the system. The lifespan of distribution transformers is influenced by the fragility of power quality in power networks. Harmonic mitigation filters with robust control technique are required to reduce the harmonic effects on power transformer. Traditionally, synchronous reference frame (DQ) is employed to control the shunt active power filter (APF) for mitigation of harmonics in power transformers. DQ control of Shunt APF lacks merits of fast response, delayed operation due to phased lock loop under abnormal grid conditions leading to insufficient harmonic elimination. A developed DQ method based on detecting the positive and negative sequence components is proposed to precisely control the shunt APF for reliable operation of power transformer. This detection technique improves the response time, mitigate the harmonics effecting the operation of transformer and overall power factor. The proposed control system is evaluated under different abnormal operating scenarios and compared with traditional DQ method. The results and analysis confirm the efficacy of the developed DQ method in improving the power transformer performance.
Evaluating machine learning algorithms to predict lameness in dairy cattle
Authors: Neupane Rajesh , Aryal Ashrant , Haeussermann Angelika , Hartung Eberhard , Pinedo Pablo , Paudyal Sushil
Published: July 2024

Dairy cattle lameness represents one of the common concerns in intensive and commercial dairy farms. Lameness is characterized by gait-related behavioral changes in cows and multiple approaches are being utilized to associate these changes with lameness conditions including data from accelerometers, and other precision technologies. The objective was to evaluate the use of machine learning algorithms for the identification of lameness conditions in dairy cattle. In this study, 310 multiparous Holstein dairy cows from a herd in Northern Colorado were affixed with a leg-based accelerometer (Icerobotics® Inc, Edinburg, Scotland) to obtain the lying time (min/d), daily steps count (n/d), and daily change (n/d). Subsequently, study cows were monitored for 4 months and cows submitted for claw trimming (CT) were differentiated as receiving corrective claw trimming (CCT) or as being diagnosed with a lameness disorder and consequent therapeutic claw trimming (TCT) by a certified hoof trimmer. Cows not submitted to CT were considered healthy controls. A median filter was applied to smoothen the data by reducing inherent variability. Three different machine learning (ML) models were defined to fit each algorithm which included the conventional features (containing daily lying, daily steps, and daily change derived from the accelerometer), slope features (containing features extracted from each variable in Conventional feature), or all features (3 simple features and 3 slope features). Random forest (RF), Naive Bayes (NB), Logistic Regression (LR), and Time series (ROCKET) were used as ML predictive approaches. For the classification of cows requiring CCT and TCT, ROCKET classifier performed better with accuracy (> 90%), ROC-AUC (> 74%), and F1 score (> 0.61) as compared to other algorithms. Slope features derived in this study increased the efficiency of algorithms as the better-performing models included All features explored. However, further classification of diseases into infectious and non-infectious events was not effective because none of the algorithms presented satisfactory model accuracy parameters. For the classification of observed cow locomotion scores into severely lame and moderately lame conditions, the ROCKET classifier demonstrated satisfactory accuracy (> 0.85), ROC-AUC (> 0.68), and F1 scores (> 0.44). We conclude that ML models using accelerometer data are helpful in the identification of lameness in cows but need further research to increase the granularity and accuracy of classification.
A case-control regression analysis of liver enzymes in obesity-induced metabolic disorders in South Asian females
Authors: Mumtaz Tamseela , Tariq Kainat , Kanwal Khadija , Tariq Zainab
Published: July 2024

Excessive body weight may disrupt hepatic enzymes that may be aggravated by obesity-related comorbidities. The current case-control study was designed to evaluate the extent of liver enzyme alteration in obesity-related metabolic disorders. Obese females with BMI ≥ 30 suffering from metabolic disorders were grouped according to existing co-morbidity and their hepatic enzymes were compared with non-obese healthy females. The resultant data was subjected to analysis of variance and mean difference in liver enzymes were calculated at P = 0.05. Analysis of variance indicated that obese diabetic and obese hypertensive females had almost 96% and 67% increase in the concentration of gamma-glutamyl transferase than control, respectively (P<0.0001). The obese females suffering from diabetes and hypertension exhibited nearly 54% enhancement in alanine transaminase level (P<0.0001) and a 17% increase in aspartate aminotransferase concentration (P = 0.0028). Obesity along with infertility decline liver enzyme production and a 31% significant decline in aspartate aminotransferase was observed while other enzyme concentrations were not significantly altered. Regression analysis was performed on the resultant data to understand the association between liver enzyme alteration and the development of metabolic diseases. Regression analysis indicated that obese diabetic and obese diabetic hypertensive women had 20% production of normal liver enzymes and 80% enzymes produced abnormally. Obese hypertensive and obese infertile females had only 5% and 6% normal production of liver enzymes, respectively. This research leads to the conclusion that the ability of the liver to function normally is reduced in obesity-related diabetes and hypertension. This may be due to inflamed and injured liver and poses a serious threat to developing fatty liver disease and ultimately liver cirrhosis.