bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Diversity of Avian Influenza Viruses Detected in Waterbirds in Northeast Italy Using Two Different Sampling Strategies
Authors: Graziosi Giulia , Lupini Caterina , Gobbo Federica , Zecchin Bianca , Quaglia Giulia , Pedrazzoli Sara , Lizzi Gabriele , Dosa Geremia , Martini Gabriella , Terregino Calogero , Catelli Elena
Published: March 2024

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs), which circulate endemically in wild aquatic birds, pose a significant threat to poultry and raise concerns for their zoonotic potential. From August 2021 to April 2022, a multi-site cross-sectional study involving active AIV epidemiological monitoring was conducted in wetlands of the Emilia-Romagna region, northern Italy, adjacent to densely populated poultry areas. A total of 129 cloacal swab samples (CSs) and 407 avian faecal droppings samples (FDs) were collected, with 7 CSs (5.4%) and 4 FDs (1%) testing positive for the AIV matrix gene through rRT-PCR. A COI-barcoding protocol was applied to recognize the species of origin of AIV-positive FDs. Multiple low-pathogenic AIV subtypes were identified, and five of these were isolated, including an H5N3, an H1N1, and three H9N2 in wild ducks. Following whole-genome sequencing, phylogenetic analyses of the hereby obtained strains showed close genetic relationships with AIVs detected in countries along the Black Sea/Mediterranean migratory flyway. Notably, none of the analyzed gene segments were genetically related to HPAI H5N1 viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b isolated from Italian poultry during the concurrent 2021–2022 epidemic. Overall, the detected AIV genetic diversity emphasizes the necessity for ongoing monitoring in wild hosts using diverse sampling strategies and whole-genome sequencing.
Toxocara cati Infection in Cats (Felis catus): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bonilla-Aldana Jorge Luis , Espinosa-Nuñez Alba Cristina , Bonilla-Aldana D. Katterine , Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso J.
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Toxocariasis is an infection caused in canines, felines, humans, and other vertebrates by species of the genus Toxocara, such as T. canis and T. cati. The embryonated eggs of these parasites are the primary means of acquiring the infection for both definitive hosts, dogs and cats, respectively, and for intermediates, such as humans and other vertebrates. When deposited on park soils, environmental contamination becomes a risk to environmental, human, and animal health. Objective: To determine the global prevalence of Toxocara cati in cats (Felis catus). Methods: A systematic review of the literature was carried out in six databases (Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciELO and Google Scholar) to evaluate the global prevalence of Toxocara cati in cats, defined by coproparasitological, histological, and molecular techniques. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model to calculate pooled prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). A two-tailed 5% alpha level was used for hypothesis testing. Results: Two hundred and eighty-nine studies were included. The global pooled prevalence of Toxocara cati in cats using coproparasitological methods was 17.0% (95.0% CI: 16.2–17.8%). In the subgroup analysis according to country, Nepal had the highest prevalence of T. cati infection (94.4%; 95% CI 89.7–99.2%). The pooled prevalence of T. cati infection by PCR in four studies was 4.9% (95.0% CI: 1.9–7.9%). Conclusions: This systematic review underscores the need for preventive action against toxocariasis due to its widespread prevalence. The interplay between animal and human health should be emphasised, necessitating measures like deworming cats, hygiene practices, and public education to mitigate risks. Safeguarding feline health can also reduce human transmission, benefiting both species.
Attitudes, Beliefs, and Behaviors of Topical Antibiotic Prescribing among Primary Care Providers in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: AlBeladi Baneen A. , Alhubail Sara A. , Alsaqer Riam A. , Al-Nasser Ali N. , Radwan Amira S. , Wali Haytham A.
Published: March 2024

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 20–50% of antibiotics are misused in society. In addition to the development of antimicrobial resistance, topical antibiotics have been associated with adverse effects such as allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and inadequate wound healing. This study investigated the appropriateness of topical antibiotic prescriptions among primary care providers in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Saudi Arabian primary care providers (physicians (general, family, and internal medicine)) employed in governmental and non-governmental healthcare facilities (primary care centers and outpatient clinics). Results: In total, 222 participants were included in the analysis. A total of 73% agreed that inappropriate topical antibiotic use puts patients at risk, and 43% reported antibiotic resistance in daily practice. Many respondents lacked knowledge of the proper indications for topical antibiotics, and 66.2% attributed this to a lack of updated knowledge, while 45% blamed inadequate supervision. Conclusion: Antibiotic prescription patterns deviated from the standards recommended by WHO. This calls for continuous review at all levels of healthcare, providing more physician education and ensuring that antibiotic therapy guidelines are easily accessible and effectively used to avoid the negative consequences of inappropriate antibiotic prescription.
2015 versus 2021: Self-Reported Preparedness to Prescribe Antibiotics Prudently among Final Year Medical Students in Sweden
Authors: Al-Nasir Jasmine , Belančić Andrej , Palčevski Dora , Dyar Oliver J. ,   on behalf of Student-PREPARE Sweden Working Group
Published: March 2024

Cross-sectional surveys have found variations in how prepared medical students feel to prescribe antibiotics responsibly, but insights are lacking on the stability of these outcomes. In a 2015 survey, final-year Swedish medical students reported very high preparedness levels across a comprehensive range of relevant curriculum topics. We repeated this survey in 2021 to assess the stability of previous findings and to capture the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Final-year students in 2015 and 2021 at all seven Swedish medical schools were eligible to participate in an online survey covering curricula topics, teaching methods and COVID-19 impacts (2021). Eligible students received email invitations and reminders from local coordinators. Students from six of seven medical schools participated in both surveys, with response rates of 24.1% (309/1281) in 2021 and 21.3% (239/1124) in 2015. The average global preparedness was 77.0% and 83.2%, respectively (p < 0.001), with lower preparedness levels in 24/27 curriculum topics in 2021. Students at certain universities reported COVID-19 impacts on antibiotic prescribing education (format, duration and perceived quality). Self-reported preparedness levels have fallen slightly but remain high compared with 2015 levels in other European countries. Students consistently reported lower preparedness in specific topics; improvement efforts should consider focusing on these areas, particularly in the context of the ongoing implementation of programmes leading to a full licence upon graduation.
Fruit Crops Physiology and Nutrition
Authors: Chatzissavvidis Christos
Published: March 2024

Fruit crops are among the most intensive agricultural systems in terms of inputs of pesticides and fertilizers, as well as investments in capital and material [...]
Robust Artificial Intelligence-Aided Multimodal Rail-Obstacle Detection Method by Rail Track Topology Reconstruction
Authors: Cao Jinghao , Li Yang , Du Sidan
Published: March 2024

Detecting obstacles in the rail track area is crucial for ensuring the safe operation of trains. However, this task presents numerous challenges, including the diverse nature of intrusions, and the complexity of the driving environment. This paper presents a multimodal fusion rail-obstacle detection approach by key points processing and rail track topology reconstruction. The core idea is to leverage the rich semantic information provided by images to design algorithms for reconstructing the topological structure of railway tracks. Additionally, it combines the effective geometric information provided by LiDAR to accurately locate the railway tracks in space and to filter out intrusions within the track area. Experimental results demonstrate that our method outperforms other approaches with a longer effective working distance and superior accuracy. Furthermore, our post-processing method exhibits robustness even under extreme weather conditions.
An Improved Data Interpolating Empirical Orthogonal Function Method for Data Reconstruction: A Case Study of the Chlorophyll-a Concentration in the Bohai Sea, China
Authors: Hong Tongfang , Qin Rufu , Xu Zhounan
Published: March 2024

Chlorophyll-a (chl-a) serves as a key indicator in water quality and harmful algal blooms (HABs) research. While satellite ocean color data have greatly advanced chl-a research and HABs monitoring, missing data caused by cloud cover and other factors limit the spatiotemporal continuity and the utility of remote sensing data products. The Data Interpolating Empirical Orthogonal Function (DINEOF) method, widely used to reconstruct missing values in remote sensing datasets, is open to improvement in terms of computational accuracy and efficiency. We propose an improved method called Concentration-Stratified DINEOF (CS-DINEOF), which uses a coordinate–value correlative data division strategy to stratify the study area into several subregions based on annual average chl-a concentration. The proposed method clusters data points with similar spatiotemporal patterns, allowing for more targeted and effective reconstruction in each sub-dataset. The feasibility and advantage of the proposed method are tested and evaluated in the experiments of chl-a data reconstruction in the water of the Bohai Sea. Compared with the ordinary DINEOF method, the CS-DINEOF method improves the reconstruction accuracy, with an average Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) reduction of 0.0281 mg/m3, and saves computational time by 228.9%. Furthermore, the gap-free images generated from CS-DINEOF are able to illustrate small variations and details of the chl-a distribution in local areas. We can conclude that the proposed CS-DINEOF method is superior in providing significant insights for water quality and HABs studies in the Bohai Sea region.
Biomechanical Evaluation of Cannulated Screw Optimization for Stabilization of Pauwels Type Femoral Neck Fractures
Authors: Verim Özgür
Published: March 2024

Triangular screw configuration (TSC) fixation is widely used in clinics for femoral neck fractures, and the appropriate positions of TSC fixation have not been fully described in the literature. This study investigated the optimal fixation of femoral neck fractures with TSC fixation under nonstandard Pauwels angles to determine the ideal position. To determine the optimal fracture line angle and cannulated screw positions, the Pauwels angle and Rotation and Translate variables were parametrically defined in the fracture line and cannulated screw positions. Considering the equivalent stresses on the fracture surfaces, the effectiveness values of the Rotation and Translate 1, 2 and 3 variables are weak, whereas the effectiveness value of the Pauwels angle is high. Considering the equivalent stress on the screws and that the variable value of Translates 1, 2 and 3 is 7 mm, it can be seen that the reverse triangulation configuration is better, and the Pauwels angle is approximately 54°. Among the parameters examined in the study, Pauwels angle was found to have the highest level of effectiveness on femoral neck fracture surfaces and screws. The findings in this study provide a solid basis for future research; however, further clinical research is warranted.
Survivability Prediction of Open Source Software with Polynomial Regression
Authors: Park Sohee , Kwon Ryeonggu , Kwon Gihwon
Published: March 2024

In modern software development, OSS (Open Source Software) has become a crucial element. However, if OSS have few contributors and are lacking in maintenance activities, such as bug fixes, are used, it can lead to significant costs and resource allocation due to maintenance discontinuation. Since OSS are developed by a diverse group of contributors, the consistency of their involvement may vary, making continuous support and maintenance unpredictable. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the status of each OSS to avoid increased maintenance costs when selecting OSS for use. To address these issues, we use polynomial regression to predict trends in bug-fixing activities and evaluate the survivability of OSS accordingly. We predict the trend of bug-fixing activities in OSS, using factors such as popularity, number of contributors, and code complexity. A lower trend value indicates more vigorous activity. In this paper, we conduct data collection and extraction, generating model, and model testing and evaluation to predict survivability using these data. After collecting data through various tools, the models of different degrees are generated using K-fold cross-validation. The model with the highest performance is selected based on the RMSE (Root Mean Squared Error) and RSE (Residual Standard Error). Then, the chosen model is employed to predict the survivability of OSS and compare it with actual outcomes. This method is experimented with on OSS used in the KakaoTalk commercial messenger app. As a result, several OSS are predicted to have low survivability, and among them, five are analyzed. It is observed that, in reality, activities such as delayed or discontinued release updates occurred. These findings can support OSS users in selecting OSS for cost-saving purposes and alert OSS administrators to the need for solutions to ensure project survival.
Stability Analysis of the Rapid Heating Multilayer Structure Mold by the Contact Error and Thickness of Layers
Authors: Lee Hyeonmin , Ko Youngbae , Choi Woochun
Published: March 2024

Rapid heating of the mold surface is necessary for the high-gloss, high-productivity injection molding process. A rapid heating mold system that uses a carbon nanotube (CNT) as a heating element was investigated because of its structure. For CNT web film to be utilized in the injection molding process, heating must be applied inside the mold. That can cause poor contact at the contact area between the mold and the CNT heating element, leading to local temperature deviation and resistance changes that reduce the heating stability of the CNT surface element. Additionally, the multilayer structure of the CNT web film can cause heat-transfer performance variations due to the different layer thicknesses. To address these issues, an adjustable flush was constructed at the contact area between the electrode inside the mold and the insulator to analyze the heating behavior of the CNT heating element as a function of dimensional deviation. The thermal durability of the CNT web film was also evaluated by analyzing the Raman spectra and measuring resistance changes caused by local overheating. The film can withstand high temperatures, with a flush limit value of 0.3 mm. An optimization analysis was conducted to determine the ideal thicknesses of the multilayer CNT web film, insulator, and electrical insulator. Optimal layer thicknesses were found to be 10 μm, 5 mm, and 0.5 mm, respectively. The main variables of the rapid heating mold required for application to the injection process were identified and reflected in the mold design to suggest directions for commercialization.
Development of Portable Magnetic Adsorption Amphibious Robot
Authors: Ren Fushen , Zhu Jiaxiang , Liu Jun , Wang Baojin , Wang Kekuan
Published: March 2024

In this study, a portable magnetic adsorption amphibious robot which can operate on and below the waterline is developed for special curved environments, such as the pile legs of offshore platforms and the outer walls of ships. An open robot integrated control system based on a domestic chip is developed, and two operating modes of local control operation and remote wireless operation are realized. A permanent magnet adsorption scheme combining a magnetic adsorption track and a synchronous belt wheel is designed, static and dynamic analysis of the wall-climbing operation of the robot is carried out, and a kinematic model of the underwater robot is established. The experimental results show that the robot can effectively complete amphibious tasks and can realize the accurate control of attitude in water, proving it to be an effective tool for amphibious tasks, such as operating on the pile legs of offshore platforms and the outer walls of ships.
Rectification for Stitched Images with Deformable Meshes and Residual Networks
Authors: Fan Yingbo , Mao Shanjun , Li Mei , Wu Zheng , Kang Jitong , Li Ben
Published: March 2024

Image stitching is an important method for digital image processing, which is often prone to the problem of the irregularity of stitched images after stitching. And the traditional image cropping or complementation methods usually lead to a large number of information loss. Therefore, this paper proposes an image rectification method based on deformable mesh and residual network. The method aims to minimize the information loss at the edges of the spliced image and the information loss inside the image. Specifically, the method can select the most suitable mesh shape for residual network regression according to different images. Its loss function includes global loss and local loss, aiming to minimize the loss of image information within the grid and global target. The method in this paper not only greatly reduces the information loss caused by irregular shapes after image stitching, but also adapts to different images with various rigid structures. Meanwhile, its validation on the DIR-D dataset shows that the method outperforms the state-of-the-art methods in image rectification.
Analysis and Evaluation of Seed-Filling Performance of a Pneumatic Interference Precision Seeder for Small Cabbages
Authors: Liu Xiong , Su Chunjian , Li Zhongyang , Wang Kai , Xie Fuxiang , Tian Yanan , Qi Jiangtao
Published: March 2024

To address the current problems of poor seed-filling performance and seed leakage of the pneumatic seed filler for cabbage, we designed a pneumatic disturbing precision seed filler for cabbage based on the auxiliary disturbing seed-filling method. This seeder can completely perturb the seed population entering the bottom of the seed box casing during the seed-filling process, thereby increasing the initial velocity of the cabbage seeds, and facilitating the smooth progress of the seed-filling process. Firstly, we carried out a theoretical analysis based on the particle dynamics of the seed-filling process of the seeder and obtained the influencing factors affecting the seed-filling performance of the seeder. Secondly, through EDEM discrete element simulation, the average speed of the seed population, the disturbance frequency, and the degree of disturbance were used as the indicators to select the seed discharge disk structure with the best seed-filling performance. In the experimental aspect, a four-factor three-level orthogonal standardized test was conducted to evaluate the seed filling performance of the planter, using the seed suction qualification rate and the seed leakage rate as the evaluation indexes. The optimal structure of the seed discharge tray was selected through polarity analysis and ANOVA. The optimal combination of parameters for the seed-filling process of the planter was obtained; linear serrated disk, 40 rpm disk rotation speed, −2500 Pa negative fan pressure, and 1.2 mm aperture diameter. After comparative validation tests, the seed suction qualification rate of the seed absorber was 95.32%, and the leakage rate was 3.11%, which was in line with the agronomic planting of Chinese cabbage seeds.
The Influence of Lysosomal Stress on Dental Pulp Stem Cell-Derived Schwann Cells
Authors: Libberecht Karen , Dirkx Nathalie , Vangansewinkel Tim , Vandendries Wendy , Lambrichts Ivo , Wolfs Esther
Published: March 2024

Background: Dysregulation of the endo-lysosomal–autophagy pathway has been identified as a critical factor in the pathology of various demyelinating neurodegenerative diseases, including peripheral neuropathies. This pathway plays a crucial role in transporting newly synthesized myelin proteins to the plasma membrane in myelinating Schwann cells, making these cells susceptible to lysosome-related dysfunctions. Nevertheless, the specific impact of lysosomal dysfunction in Schwann cells and its contribution to neurodegeneration remain poorly understood. Methods: We aim to mimic lysosomal dysfunction in Schwann cells using chloroquine, a lysosomal dysfunction inducer, and to monitor lysosomal leakiness, Schwann cell viability, and apoptosis over time. Additionally, due to the ethical and experimental issues associated with cell isolation and the culturing of human Schwann cells, we use human dental pulp stem cell-derived Schwann cells (DPSC-SCs) as a model in our study. Results: Chloroquine incubation boosts lysosomal presence as demonstrated by an increased Lysotracker signal. Further in-depth lysosomal analysis demonstrated an increased lysosomal size and permeability as illustrated by a TEM analysis and GAL3-LAMP1 staining. Moreover, an Alamar blue assay and Caspase-3 staining demonstrates a reduced viability and increased apoptosis, respectively. Conclusions: Our data indicate that prolonged lysosomal dysfunction leads to lysosomal permeability, reduced viability, and eventually apoptosis in human DPSC-SCs.
Systems Neuroscience’s 2022 Top Papers: An Editorial Summary
Authors: Slavin Konstantin V.
Published: March 2024

Despite the seemingly endless—and sometimes overwhelming—flow of scientific information, there are always some articles that stand out from the crowd, either due to the depth of the covered topic, or due to their unique and unexpected findings [...]
Biomechanical Effects of Seizures on Cerebral Dynamics and Brain Stress
Authors: Bekbolatova Molly , Mayer Jonathan , Jose Rejath , Syed Faiz , Kurgansky Gregory , Singh Paramvir , Pao Rachel , Zaw Honey , Devine Timothy , Chan-Akeley Rosalyn , Toma Milan
Published: March 2024

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders globally, affecting about 50 million people, with nearly 80% of those affected residing in low- and middle-income countries. It is characterized by recurrent seizures that result from abnormal electrical brain activity, with seizures varying widely in manifestation. The exploration of the biomechanical effects that seizures have on brain dynamics and stress levels is relevant for the development of more effective treatments and protective strategies. This study uses a blend of experimental data and computational simulations to assess the brain’s physical response during seizures, particularly focusing on the behavior of cerebrospinal fluid and the resulting mechanical stresses on different brain regions. Notable findings show increases in stress, predominantly in the posterior gyri and brainstem, during seizures and an evidence of brain displacement relative to the skull. These observations suggest a dynamic and complex interaction between the brain and skull, with maximum shear stress regions demonstrating the limited yet essential protective role of the CSF. By providing a deeper understanding of the mechanical changes occurring during seizures, this research supports the goal of advancing diagnostic tools, informing more targeted treatment interventions, and guiding the creation of customized therapeutic strategies to enhance neurological care and protect against the adverse effects of seizures.
Sustainability-Based Value Engineering Management as an Integrated Approach to Construction Projects
Authors: Ismaeil Esam M. H.
Published: March 2024

The integration of sustainability standards and value engineering methods in public education projects is a significant concern, as it ensures the well-being and sustainability goals of students, lecturers, and employees. This study aims to enhance sustainability within public education campuses by utilizing value engineering processes that establish a balanced correlation between the available budget costs and the sustainability costs that affect educational objectives, strategies, and the overall sustainability of the environment. In order to evaluate the integration of value engineering and the sustainability rating system “LEED protocols” for schools, the study utilized HAP (Hourly Analysis Program) software to perform numerical analysis, with the objective of improving environmental efficiency and cost-effectiveness in school buildings from the perspective of both male and female students. By applying this approach to all engineering disciplines, systems, and materials involved in the project, the study achieved impressive results, including a reduction in energy usage by 53.67%, a cost reduction of 27.48% from the total project budget, and 13 points earned in credit C1 and credit C2 in the Energy and Atmosphere EA category in LEED 2009. These findings are of great importance for the planning and execution of construction projects, specifically in the context of educational infrastructure, and provide valuable insights into the construction and renovation of school buildings, which can be used to enhance the safety, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of these facilities.
Exploring Perceptions toward Emotional Intelligence in Chilean Construction Using a Qualitative Approach
Authors: Páez Pedro , Araya Felipe , Salazar Luis Arturo , Giménez Zulay , Sánchez Omar , Sierra-Varela Leonardo , Neculman Briguitte
Published: March 2024

This study aims to analyze the perceptions of construction experts in the Chilean construction industry regarding emotional intelligence. This exploratory and qualitative study is based on data collected through semi-structured interviews with construction professionals. The collected data were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis (QCA) technique to leverage how emotional intelligence (EI) is perceived by professionals in Chilean construction projects. A review, coding, and categorization were carried out within each transcribed interview, which allowed the elaboration of coding dictionaries and corresponding frequency tables to identify emerging topics. Our main results indicate that interviewees perceived EI as a tool to help them face the problems in Chilean construction projects. According to the interviewees, the benefits of implementing EI training are mainly the socio-emotional development and the transfer of critical skills to confront the challenges related to workers’ interactions. The main barriers are related to the work culture, lack of awareness of EI among construction workers, economic interests, and gender factors. The literature points to limited studies on understanding emotional intelligence in the construction sector, particularly in South America. This study contributes to responding to the need to explore and provide knowledge on emotional intelligence in the construction sector in the context of a South American country. This study contributes to exploring and understanding how EI is understood among workers in Chilean construction projects. In practicality, construction managers may use our findings to design training programs that leverage EI to improve the management of construction projects.
Comparative Studies on the Strength and Swell Characteristics of Cohesive Soils Using Lime and Modified Enzyme-Induced Calcite Precipitation Technique
Authors: Almajed Abdullah , Moghal Arif Ali Baig , Nuruddin Mohammad , Mohammed Syed Abu Sayeed
Published: March 2024

Enzyme-induced calcite precipitation (EICP) emerges as a highly effective and well-established technique within bio-cementation approaches, offering notable advantages over traditional methods. Conversely, lime, known for its accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and efficacy, serves as a valuable material in enhancing the engineering properties of problematic soils. This study explores the application of EICP and lime treatments separately on two distinct soils (low-plastic and high-plastic soil) exhibiting different mineralogical and plasticity characteristics to assess their impact on strength and swell characteristics. Various combinations of treatments, including jack bean (JICP), soya bean (SICP), and bio-enhancer (BICP), were employed for EICP treatment. Bio-enhancer, rich in natural urea and urease enzyme, was particularly remarkable due to its compatibility with urea supplementation. Similarly, jack bean and soya bean exhibited high efficacy in natural urease enzyme content. The study has revealed that the unconfined compression strength (UCS) of red soil increased significantly by six times at the end of 21 days of the curing period with JICP treatment, while lime treatment was more effective for the black soil. Specifically, the UCS of black cotton soil increased by 11 and 17 times when treated with Enzyme-Induced Calcite Precipitation (EICP) and lime, respectively. Moreover, EICP with J2 solution (jack bean solution with 1M urea and 4 g/L non-fat milk powder) reduced swell pressure by 60% and 67.5% in low-plastic and high-plastic soil, respectively. Lime treatment, on the other hand, led to a swell pressure reduction of 47% and 70% in low-plastic and high-plastic soil, respectively. As a result, EICP proved efficient in mitigating swell pressure for red soil, whereas lime treatment performed exceptionally well for black soil, highlighting the soil-specific effectiveness of each method. Furthermore, a life cycle assessment revealed substantial carbon footprint emission savings with EICP treatment strategy. In brief, this paper contributes to understanding the phenomena and significance of these two treatment techniques on distinct mineralogical soils.
The Development of a Framework for the Automated Translation of Sketch-Based Data into BIM Models
Authors: Jeong WoonSeong , Kong ByungChan , Adhikari Manik Das , Yum Sang-Guk
Published: March 2024

At the foundational phase of architectural design, it is of the utmost importance to precisely capture and articulate the visions and requirements of stakeholders, including building owners. This critical step ensures that professionals, including architects, can effectively translate the initial concepts into actionable designs. This research was directed towards developing a framework to facilitate the decision-making process by efficiently depicting the client’s intentions. This study demonstrates a framework that leverages deep learning to automate the creation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) models from sketched data. The framework’s methodology includes defining the necessary processes, system requirements, and data for system development, followed by the actual system implementation. It involves several key phases: (1) developing a process model to outline the framework’s operational procedures and data flows, (2) implementing the framework to translate sketched data into a BIM model through system and user interface development, and, finally, (3) validating the framework’s ability to precisely convert sketched data into BIM models. Our findings demonstrate the framework’s capacity to automatically interpret sketched lines as architectural components, thereby accurately creating BIM models. In the present study, the methodology and framework proposed enable clients to represent their understanding of spatial configuration through Building Information Modeling (BIM) models. This approach is anticipated to enhance the efficiency of communication with professionals such as architects.
The Mechanical Properties and Mechanisms in Contact-Hardening Behavior of Silica-Alumina Mine Solid Waste
Authors: Cheng Baojun , Gu Xiaowei , Hu Haoyue , Kong Yaning , Huang Pengyu
Published: March 2024

There are some limitations in the application of tuff powder as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM). Exploring its feasibility in new fields will consume a large amount of silica-alumina mine solid wastes. This study has investigated the mechanical properties and mechanism in contact-hardening of tuff powder with a method of compression molding. The compressive strength of specimens was tested, and the X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) methods were used to reveal the mechanism of contact-hardening of tuff powder from a micro-perspective. The results indicated that the compressive strength of specimens was higher when activated by sodium hydroxide compared to calcium hydroxide. Compared to calcium hydroxide, the compressive strength of TFS20 and TFF20 activated by sodium hydroxide was improved by 20% and 23%, respectively. The hydration degree of tuff powder was very low, with a water–cement ratio (w/c) of 0.15, while the hydration degree of coal gangue powder was higher. The results of TGA and SEM indicated that the sodium hydroxide had a better activating effect on slag and fly ash. Therefore, more C-S-H gels were generated in those samples activated by sodium hydroxide. Furthermore, the structure of samples was more compacted, and there was a reduction of porosity by 10% and 11% for TFS20 and TFF20, respectively, especially the proportion of harmful pores.
Copy Number Analysis of 9p24.1 in Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma Arising in Immune Deficiency/Dysregulation
Authors: Ohsawa Kumiko , Momose Shuji , Nishikori Asami , Nishimura Midori Filiz , Gion Yuka , Sawada Keisuke , Higashi Morihiro , Tokuhira Michihide , Tamaru Jun-ichi , Sato Yasuharu
Published: March 2024

A subset of patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving methotrexate develop immune deficiencies and dysregulation-associated lymphoproliferative disorders. Patients with these disorders often exhibit spontaneous regression after MTX withdrawal; however, chemotherapeutic intervention is frequently required in patients with classic Hodgkin lymphoma arising in immune deficiency/dysregulation. In this study, we examined PD-L1 expression levels and 9p24.1 copy number alterations in 27 patients with classic Hodgkin lymphoma arising from immune deficiency/dysregulation. All patients demonstrated PD-L1 protein expression and harbored 9p24.1 copy number alterations on the tumor cells. When comparing clinicopathological data and associations with 9p24.1 copy number features, the copy gain group showed a significantly higher incidence of extranodal lesions and clinical stages than the amplification group. Notably, all cases in the amplification group had latency type II, while 6/8 (75%) in the copy gain group had latency type II, and 2/8 (25%) had latency type I. Thus, a subset of the copy-gain group demonstrated more extensive extranodal lesions and higher clinical stages. This finding speculates the presence of a genetically distinct subgroup within the group of patients who develop immune deficiencies and dysregulation-associated lymphoproliferative disorders, which may explain certain characteristic features.
Tumour Size and Overall Survival in a Cohort of Patients with Unifocal Glioblastoma: A Uni- and Multivariable Prognostic Modelling and Resampling Study
Authors: Fatania Kavi , Frood Russell , Mistry Hitesh , Short Susan C. , O’Connor James , Scarsbrook Andrew F. , Currie Stuart
Published: March 2024

Published models inconsistently associate glioblastoma size with overall survival (OS). This study aimed to investigate the prognostic effect of tumour size in a large cohort of patients diagnosed with GBM and interrogate how sample size and non-linear transformations may impact on the likelihood of finding a prognostic effect. In total, 279 patients with a IDH-wildtype unifocal WHO grade 4 GBM between 2014 and 2020 from a retrospective cohort were included. Uni-/multivariable association between core volume, whole volume (CV and WV), and diameter with OS was assessed with (1) Cox proportional hazard models +/− log transformation and (2) resampling with 1,000,000 repetitions and varying sample size to identify the percentage of models, which showed a significant effect of tumour size. Models adjusted for operation type and a diameter model adjusted for all clinical variables remained significant (p = 0.03). Multivariable resampling increased the significant effects (p < 0.05) of all size variables as sample size increased. Log transformation also had a large effect on the chances of a prognostic effect of WV. For models adjusted for operation type, 19.5% of WV vs. 26.3% log-WV (n = 50) and 69.9% WV and 89.9% log-WV (n = 279) were significant. In this large well-curated cohort, multivariable modelling and resampling suggest tumour volume is prognostic at larger sample sizes and with log transformation for WV.
Distinct Prostate Cancer Survival Outcomes in Firefighters: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Pinheiro Paulo S. , Koru-Sengul Tulay , Zhao Wei , Hernandez Diana R. , Hernandez Monique N. , Kobetz Erin N. , Caban-Martinez Alberto J. , Lee David J.
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Survival outcomes for prostate cancer among specific occupational groups prone to regular medical check-ups vis-à-vis the general population have been understudied. For firefighters, a demographic subject to rigorous medical evaluations, possessing above-average medical expertise, and exposed to specific carcinogens of interest, prostate cancer survival in the US has never been studied. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study, utilizing data from the Florida Cancer Data System spanning 2004 to 2014, coupled with firefighter certification records from the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office. Our study cohort consisted of 1058 prostate cancer cases among firefighters as well as prostate cases for the Florida general population (n = 150,623). We compared cause-specific survival between the two using Cox regression models adjusted for demographics and clinical characteristics, including PSA levels, Gleason scores, and treatment modalities. Results: Firefighters demonstrated a higher five-year cause-specific survival rate (96.1%, 95% CI: 94.7–97.1%) than the general population (94.2%, 95%CI: 94.1–94.3%). Overall, firefighters’ diagnoses were established at younger ages (median age 63 vs. 67 in the general population), exhibited a higher proportion of localized stage cancers (84.7% vs. 81.1%), and had a greater utilization of surgery (46.4% vs. 37.6%), a treatment modality with a high success rate but potential side effects. In multivariable analysis, firefighters displayed a survival advantage for localized stage (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.53; 95%CI: 0.34–0.82). However, for regional or distant stages, firefighters aged 65 and above exhibited a higher risk of death (aHR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.18–2.86) than the general population. Conclusion: Firefighters experience enhanced prostate cancer survival, primarily in cases diagnosed at localized stages, likely due to increased PSA testing. Nonetheless, for regional or distant stage, survival among older firefighters’ lags behind that of the general population. Further investigations are warranted to unravel factors influencing the development of aggressive disease beyond PSA and Gleason scores in this population, as well as to assess the impact of a higher rate of surgical treatment on firefighters’ quality of life.
Computed Tomography to Exclude Cardiac Thrombus in Atrial Fibrillation—An 11-Year Experience from an Academic Emergency Department
Authors: Gupta Sophie , Lutnik Martin , Cacioppo Filippo , Lindmayr Teresa , Schuetz Nikola , Tumnitz Elvis , Friedl Lena , Boegl Magdalena , Schnaubelt Sebastian , Domanovits Hans , Spiel Alexander , Toth Daniel , Varga Raoul , Raudner Marcus , Herkner Harald , Schwameis Michael , Niederdoeckl Jan
Published: March 2024

Background: Computed tomography (CT) could be a suitable method for acute exclusion of left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) prior to cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) at the emergency department. Our aim was to present our experiences with this modality in recent years. Methods: This registry-based observational study was performed at the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria. We studied all consecutive patients with AF and AFL who underwent CT between January 2012 and January 2023 to rule out LAAT before cardioversion to sinus rhythm was attempted. Follow-ups were conducted by telephone and electronic medical records. The main variables of interest were the rate of LAAT and ischemic stroke at follow-up. Results: A total of 234 patients (143 [61%] men; median age 68 years [IQR 57–76], median CHA2DS2-VASc 2 [IQR 1–4]) were analyzed. Follow-up was completed in 216 (92%) patients after a median of 506 (IQR 159–1391) days. LAAT was detected in eight patients (3%). A total of 163 patients (72%) in whom LAAT was excluded by CT were eventually successfully cardioverted to sinus rhythm. No adverse events occurred during their ED stay. All patients received anticoagulation according to the CHA2DS2-VASc risk stratification, and no patient had suffered an ischemic stroke at follow-up, resulting in an incidence risk of ischemic strokes of 0% (95% CI 0.0–1.2%). Conclusion: LAAT was rare in patients admitted to the ED with AF and AFL who underwent cardiac CT prior to attempted cardioversion. At follow-up, no patient had suffered an ischemic stroke. Prospective studies need to show whether this strategy is suitable for the acute treatment of symptomatic AF in the emergency setting.
Prospective Evaluation of a New Liquid-Type Rapid Urease Test Kit for Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Kim Seung Han , Kim Kyeong Ah , Joo Moon Kyung , Lee Hannah , Chung Jun-Won , Yun Sung-Cheol , Kim Seon Tae
Published: March 2024

Background/Aims: Rapid and accurate diagnostic tools are essential for the timely recognition of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in clinical practice. The rapid urease test (RUT) is a comparatively accurate and time-saving method recommended as a first-line diagnostic test. The primary objective of conducting the RUT is to obtain rapid results, thus enabling the initiation of an eradication therapy based on clarithromycin resistance testing. This study aimed to assess the reaction time and accuracy of a new liquid-type RUT. Method: In this prospective study, consecutive dyspeptic or check-up patients referred to our clinic for endoscopy were assessed to evaluate the rapidity and accuracy of a novel liquid-type RUT (Helicotest®, WON Medical, Bucheon, Republic of Korea) compared with another commercial RUT kit (HP kit, Chong Kun Dang, Seoul, Republic of Korea) and a real-time quantitative PCR-based assay (Seeplex® H.pylori-ClaR Detection, Seegene, Republic of Korea). RUTs were analyzed at 10 min, 30 min, 60 min, and 120 min. Results: Among the 177 enrolled patients, 38.6% were infected with H. pylori. The positivity rates of the liquid-type RUT were 26.1, 35.8, 39.2%, and 41.5% at 10, 30, 60, and 120 min, respectively. When compared with the HP kit test, the time needed to confirm positivity was significantly reduced by 28.6 min (95% CI, 16.60–39.73, p < 0.0001). Helicotest® had a greater accuracy (96.02 ± 1.47), sensitivity (98.53 ± 1.46) and NPV (99.03 ± 0.97) compared to the HP kit. Conclusions: Compared to the commonly used RUT, the new liquid-type RUT presented faster and reliable results. Such findings could improve H. pylori treatment outcomes, particularly in outpatient clinical settings.
Blood Transfusion for Major Trauma in Emergency Department
Authors: Saviano Angela , Perotti Cesare , Zanza Christian , Longhitano Yaroslava , Ojetti Veronica , Franceschi Francesco , Bellou Abdelouahab , Piccioni Andrea , Jannelli Eugenio , Ceresa Iride Francesca , Savioli Gabriele
Published: March 2024

Severe bleeding is the leading cause of death in patients with major trauma admitted to the emergency department. It is estimated that about 50% of deaths happen within a few minutes of the traumatic event due to massive hemorrhage; 30% of deaths are related to neurological dysfunction and typically happen within two days of trauma; and approximately 20% of patients died of multiorgan failure and sepsis within days to weeks of the traumatic event. Over the past ten years, there has been an increased understanding of the underlying mechanisms and pathophysiology associated with traumatic bleeding leading to improved management measures. Traumatic events cause significant tissue damage, with the potential for severe blood loss and the release of cytokines and hormones. They are responsible for systemic inflammation, activation of fibrinolysis pathways, and consumption of coagulation factors. As the final results of this (more complex in real life) cascade, patients can develop tissue hypoxia, acidosis, hypothermia, and severe coagulopathy, resulting in a rapid deterioration of general conditions with a high risk of mortality. Prompt and appropriate management of massive bleeding and coagulopathy in patients with trauma remains a significant challenge for emergency physicians in their daily clinical practice. Our review aims to explore literature studies providing evidence on the treatment of hemorrhage with blood support in patients with trauma admitted to the Emergency Department with a high risk of death. Advances in blood transfusion protocols, along with improvements in other resuscitation strategies, have become one of the most important issues to face and a key topic of recent clinical research in this field.
Patch-Based Auxiliary Node Classification for Domain Adaptive Object Detection
Authors: Qiu Yuanyuan , Xu Zhijie , Zhang Jianqin
Published: March 2024

Domain adaptive object detection (DAOD) aims to leverage labeled source domain data to train object detection models that can generalize well to unlabeled target domains. Recently, many researchers have considered implementing fine-grained pixel-level domain adaptation using graph representations. Existing methods construct semantically complete graphs and align them across domains via graph matching. This work introduced an auxiliary node classification task before domain alignment through graph matching, which utilizes the inherent information of graph nodes to classify them, in order to avoid suboptimal graph matching results caused by node class confusion. However, previous methods neglected the contextual information of graph nodes, leading to biased node classification and suboptimal graph matching. To solve this issue, we propose a novel patch-based auxiliary node classification method for DAOD. Unlike existing methods that use only the inherent information of nodes for node classification, our method exploits the local region information of nodes and employs multi-layer convolutional neural networks to learn the local region feature representation of nodes, enriching the node context information. Thus, accurate and robust node classification results are produced and the risk of class confusion is reduced. Moreover, we propose a progressive strategy to fuse the inherent features and the learned local region features of nodes, which ensures that the network can stably and reliably utilize local region features for accurate node classification. In this paper, we conduct abundant experiments on various DAOD scenarios and demonstrate that our proposed model outperforms existing works.