bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature Field Study of Offshore Heavy Oil Wellbore with Coiled Tubing Gas Lift-Assisted Lifting
Authors: Gao Kechao , Zhao Qibin , Zhang Xinghua , Shang Suogui , Guan Lijun , Li Jizhi , Xu Na , Cao Dagui , Tao Liang , Yuan Hongxing , Gao Yonghai
Published: December 2023

Offshore heavy oil resources are abundant, but they have greater difficulty and higher costs compared to onshore extraction. When crude oil flows through the seawater section, the temperature of the crude oil decreases faster, making it susceptible to solidification in the wellbore and resulting in lower well production. The cooling of crude oil becomes more pronounced in deep-water wellbore. However, the injection of low-temperature gas will have a cooling effect on the formation production fluid, which will have a negative effect. The model analyzes the effects of coiled tubing running depth, gas injection temperature, gas injection volume, coiled tubing diameter, and crude oil production on the temperature distribution of heavy oil in deep-water and shallow water wellbores. We propose recommendations for the selection of each parameter for deep and shallow water environments by analyzing and summarizing the laws.
Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production by Gut Microbiota Predicts Treatment Response in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Rodríguez-García Alba , Arroyo Andrés , García-Vicente Roberto , Morales María Luz , Gómez-Gordo Rubén , Justo Pablo , Cuéllar Clara , Sánchez-Pina José , López Nieves , Alonso Rafael , Puig Noemí , Mateos María-Victoria , Ayala Rosa , Gómez-Garre Dulcenombre , Martínez-López Joaquín , Linares María
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

The gut microbiota plays important roles in health and disease. We questioned whether the gut microbiota and related metabolites are altered in monoclonal gammopathies and evaluated their potential role in multiple myeloma and its response to treatment.

Experimental Design:

We used 16S rRNA sequencing to characterize and compare the gut microbiota of patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (n = 11), smoldering multiple myeloma (n = 9), newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (n = 11), relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (n = 6), or with complete remission (n = 9). Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) were quantified in serum and tested in cell lines. Relevant metabolites were validated in a second cohort of 62 patients.

Results:

Significant differences in alpha- and beta diversity were present across the groups and both were lower in patients with relapse/refractory disease and higher in patients with complete remission after treatment. Differences were found in the abundance of several microbiota taxa across disease progression and in response to treatment. Bacteria involved in SCFA production, including Prevotella, Blautia, Weissella, and Agathobacter, were more represented in the premalignant or complete remission samples, and patients with higher levels of Agathobacter showed better overall survival. Serum levels of butyrate and propionate decreased across disease progression and butyrate was positively associated with a better response. Both metabolites had antiproliferative effects in multiple myeloma cell lines.

Conclusions:

We demonstrate that SCFAs metabolites and the gut microbiota associated with their production might have beneficial effects in disease evolution and response to treatment, underscoring its therapeutic potential and value as a predictor.
CD46-Targeted Theranostics for PET and 225Ac-Radiopharmaceutical Therapy of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Wadhwa Anju , Wang Sinan , Patiño-Escobar Bonell , Bidkar Anil P. , Bobba Kondapa Naidu , Chan Emily , Meher Niranjan , Bidlingmaier Scott , Su Yang , Dhrona Suchi , Geng Huimin , Sarin Vishesh , VanBrocklin Henry F. , Wilson David M. , He Jiang , Zhang Li , Steri Veronica , Wong Sandy W. , Martin Thomas G. , Seo Youngho , Liu Bin , Wiita Arun P. , Flavell Robert R.
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell malignancy with an unmet clinical need for improved imaging methods and therapeutics. Recently, we identified CD46 as an overexpressed therapeutic target in multiple myeloma and developed the antibody YS5, which targets a cancer-specific epitope on this protein. We further developed the CD46-targeting PET probe [89Zr]Zr-DFO-YS5 for imaging and [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-YS5 for radiopharmaceutical therapy of prostate cancer. These prior studies suggested the feasibility of the CD46 antigen as a theranostic target in multiple myeloma. Herein, we validate [89Zr]Zr-DFO-YS5 for immunoPET imaging and [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-YS5 for radiopharmaceutical therapy of multiple myeloma in murine models.

Experimental Design:

In vitro saturation binding was performed using the CD46 expressing MM.1S multiple myeloma cell line. ImmunoPET imaging using [89Zr]Zr-DFO-YS5 was performed in immunodeficient (NSG) mice bearing subcutaneous and systemic multiple myeloma xenografts. For radioligand therapy, [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-YS5 was prepared, and both dose escalation and fractionated dose treatment studies were performed in mice bearing MM1.S-Luc systemic xenografts. Tumor burden was analyzed using BLI, and body weight and overall survival were recorded to assess antitumor effect and toxicity.

Results:

[89Zr]Zr-DFO-YS5 demonstrated high affinity for CD46 expressing MM.1S multiple myeloma cells (Kd = 16.3 nmol/L). In vitro assays in multiple myeloma cell lines demonstrated high binding, and bioinformatics analysis of human multiple myeloma samples revealed high CD46 expression. [89Zr]Zr-DFO-YS5 PET/CT specifically detected multiple myeloma lesions in a variety of models, with low uptake in controls, including CD46 knockout (KO) mice or multiple myeloma mice using a nontargeted antibody. In the MM.1S systemic model, localization of uptake on PET imaging correlated well with the luciferase expression from tumor cells. A treatment study using [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-YS5 in the MM.1S systemic model demonstrated a clear tumor volume and survival benefit in the treated groups.

Conclusions:

Our study showed that the CD46-targeted probe [89Zr]Zr-DFO-YS5 can successfully image CD46-expressing multiple myeloma xenografts in murine models, and [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-YS5 can effectively inhibit the growth of multiple myeloma. These results demonstrate that CD46 is a promising theranostic target for multiple myeloma, with the potential for clinical translation.
Evaluation of the First-Dose Anti-VEGF Anatomical Response in Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy Patients: Correlation with the Third-Dose Response and Risk Factor Analysis
Authors: Wang Yuelin , Zhang Wenfei , Yang Jingyuan , Zhao Xinyu , Meng Lihui , Chen Youxin , Zhang Xiao ,   on behalf of the China PCV Research Alliance Study Group
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The aims of the study were to investigate whether first-dose efficacy can predict third-dose anatomical response and analyze the risk factors for first-dose response of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) patients. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients’ medical records from 27 centers of China PCV Research Alliance. PCV patients treated with intravitreal injections of conbercept (IVC) based on the 3+ pro re nata regimen (three initial monthly injections, followed by injections as needed) with complete 3-month injection data were included. Response correlations, risk factor associations, changes in central macular thickness (CMT) or best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and number of injections in the first year of follow-up were evaluated separately in the pachy-PCV and non-pachy-PCV phenotypes. Results: Overall, 165 eligible patients were included. There was a significant correlation between first-dose and third-dose anatomical response in pachy-PCV or non-pachy-PCV patients (rs = 0.611, p < 0.001; rs = 0.638, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed associations of good first-dose anatomical response in pachy-PCV patients with baseline CMT with a predicted area under the curve (AUC) of 0.847, while a good response in non-pachy-PCV patients was associated with baseline BCVA, baseline CMT, pigment epithelial detachment (PED) height, higher proportion of intraretinal fluid, and lower PED minimum diameter with a predicted AUC of 0.940. CMT in the good first-dose response group was significantly decreased from baseline at all first-year follow-up visits in both groups (p < 0.001), and mean BCVA was improved in the good versus poor first-dose anatomical response group (5.4 vs. 1.6 ETDRS letters in pachy-PCV, 10.6 vs. 7.4 letters in non-pachy-PCV) after the third injection. No significant difference was observed in the number of injections in the first year of follow-up between different response groups. Conclusion: In PCV patients receiving IVC, the first- and third-dose responses are significantly correlated, and different factors influence the first-dose response in different subtypes of PCV.
Extramedullary Plasmacytoma of the Penis as a First Manifestation of Multiple Myeloma: A Case Report
Authors: Orzechowski Maciej , Kowal Paweł , Ratajczyk Krzysztof , Borucki Michal , Blaszczyszyn Katarzyna
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Plasmacytoma is a rare plasma-cell neoplasm, which includes bone and extramedullary types. While most cases occur in the head and neck, our report presents an unusual case of extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) in the penis, emphasizing the diverse locations of this condition. Case Presentation: An 88-year-old man, post-hydrocelectomy, presented with a palpable penile mass causing urinary symptoms. CT scans revealed a tumor with extracapsular spread and potential urethral involvement. Biopsy confirmed lymphoma, later identified as extramedullary plasmacytoma. A follow-up whole-body CT scan was performed, revealing multiple areas of bone rarefaction of the dens of the axis. His diagnosis has been further specified as multiple myeloma. Treatment with lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone led to significant penile tumor reduction and improved voiding symptoms after three cycles. Conclusion: A rare case of primary EMP in the penis is reported, with only two documented cases of EMP in this location. The etiology of EMP remains unclear, possibly linked to chronic infection, irritation, or inflammation. EMP typically occurs in soft tissues, commonly in the head and neck, presenting as submucosal masses with symptoms in individuals aged 50–70. Diagnosis requires demonstrating monoclonal plasma cell infiltration and excluding multiple myeloma. While EMPs are often treated with radiotherapy, a patient with bone rarefaction suggestive of multiple myeloma requires first-line chemotherapy. This case highlights the importance of recognizing myeloma-defining events for appropriate treatment.
Life's Essential 8 and Incident Hypertension Among US Hispanic/Latino Adults: Results From the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos
Authors: Tremblay Julien , Bello Natalie A. , Mesa Robert A. , Schneiderman Neil , Rundek Tatjana , Testai Fernando D. , Pirzada Amber , Daviglus Martha , Perreira Krista M. , Gallo Linda C. , Penedo Frank , Sotres‐Alvarez Daniela , Wassertheil‐Smoller Sylvia , Elfassy Tali
Published: December 2023

Background

Life's Essential 8 (LE8) is a new metric to define cardiovascular health. We aimed to describe LE8 among Hispanics/Latinos and its association with incident hypertension.

Methods and Results

The HCHS/SOL (Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos) is a study of Hispanic/Latino adults aged 18 to 74 years from 4 US communities. At visit 1 (2008–2011), information on behavioral and clinical factors (diet, smoking status, physical activity, sleep duration, body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, fasting glucose, and medication use) were measured and used to estimate an LE8 score (range, 0–100) for 14 772 participants. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥130 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥80 mm Hg, or self‐reported use of antihypertensive medications. Among the 5667 participants free from hypertension at visit 1, we used Poisson regression models to determine the multivariable adjusted association between LE8 and incident hypertension in 2014 to 2017. All analyses accounted for the complex survey design of the study. Mean population age was 41 years, and 21.6% (SE, 0.7) had high cardiovascular health (LE8 ≥80). Mean LE8 score (68.2; SE, 0.3) varied by Hispanic/Latino background (
P
<0.05), ranging from 72.6 (SE, 0.3) among Mexican Americans to 62.2 (SE, 0.4) among Puerto Ricans. Each 10‐unit decrement in LE8 score was associated with a 22% increased risk of hypertension over ≈6 years (incident density ratio, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.16–1.29]).

Conclusions

Only 1 in 5 Hispanic/Latino adults had high cardiovascular health, and LE8 varied substantially across Hispanic/Latino background groups. Improvements in other components of cardiovascular health may result in a lower risk of developing hypertension.
A new species of Maculambrysus Reynoso & Sites, 2021 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Naucoridae) from an aguaje palm swamp in southeastern Peru
Authors: SITES ROBERT W.
Published: December 2023

The neotropical saucer bug genus Maculambrysus Reynoso & Sites is currently represented by five species from Tabasco, México to Pará, Brazil. Presented here is the description of a sixth species, Maculambrysus gallicei n.sp., which was collected from rootmats and leafpacks in an aguaje palm swamp in southeastern Peru. It can be distinguished from most congeners by the concolorous dark-brown hemelytra and the mottled orange-brown pronotum, as well as characteristics of the male accessory genitalic process of tergum VI, and female subgenital plate and laterosternites VI. Other aquatic Heteroptera co-occurring with this new species are given.
Interannual Variability in the Onset Time Distribution of the Open Water in the Kara Sea
Authors: Yang Yi , Nie Hongtao , Zhang Yongli , Luo Xiaofan , Wei Hao , Zhao Wei
Published: December 2023

Open water in ice-covered oceans is an essential condition for shipping and resource exploitation. We investigate the interannual and spatial variations of the open water onset time in the Kara Sea (KS) and the underlying mechanisms through analyzing satellite-based observations and model simulation results. The empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis on the satellite sea ice concentration during 1979–2020 reveals two primary spatial distribution patterns of the open water onset time. The first mode EOF1 shows the coherent advance or delay of the open water onset time within the KS, which is consistent with the multiyear-averaged state. The second mode EOF2 exhibits a seesaw pattern between the southwest and middle regions, which represents the regional difference of the open water onset time within the KS. In 1997 with significant anomaly in EOF2, analysis of the model simulation reveals that the strong easterly wind-induced ice transport is the main reason for the earlier opening in the middle region and delayed opening in the southwestern region. When compared with the multiyear-averaged state, this dynamic process causes a noticeable redistribution of local sea ice in the early melting season (May to June), with much more ice in the southwestern region, thence influences the regional onset time of open water. A similar situation also occurred in the years 1985, 2001, and 2004, as these years presented stronger easterly wind energy accumulated over May to June, which cause earlier opening in the middle region and later opening in the southwestern region.

Significance Statement

Variability of the open water in the Arctic Ocean has a significant impact on climate and ecosystem variability and also human activities. This study focuses on understanding why the onset time of open water was asynchronous over the Kara Sea. Generally, the open water first forms in the western region of the Kara Sea under the influences of warm inflow from the Barents Sea and river runoff. However, when strong easterly winds prevail across the whole region at the beginning of the melting season, sea ice is transported from east to west, resulting in the advanced opening in the middle and delayed opening in the southwest regions. This finding points out that wind can combine with surface and lateral heat fluxes to influence the interannual variability in the distribution of the open water onset time in the Kara Sea.
Ten-year follow up of incidental spontaneous extracranial internal carotid artery dissection in a Japanese asymptomatic older man: A case report
Authors: Tanaka Tokuharu , Yamamura Osamu , Onishi Hidenori , Ikawa Masamichi , Hayashi Hiroyuki , Hamano Tadanori
Published: December 2023

This report presents a unique finding of an incidental right internal carotid artery dissection in an asymptomatic 69-year-old man. The report highlights the possible trigger and long-term outcomes of this condition. The patient had participated in Japanese archery competitions for many years. His medical history included hypertension and a prior ischemic stroke in the left lateral medulla, resulting in Wallenberg syndrome. During a routine visit, head magnetic resonance angiography revealed right internal carotid artery dissection. He was managed conservatively with antiplatelet therapy and close monitoring. Follow-up imaging after 10 years showed no changes, and the patient remained asymptomatic. Therefore, routine screening for incidental findings is important even in asymptomatic patients. Archery competitions may be a possible trigger for internal carotid artery dissection. The presence of re-entry in the lesion at the time of onset can be a predictor of a good long-term prognosis.
Influence mechanism of polycrystalline diamond compact bit temperature rise based on thermo-fluid–solid coupling
Authors: Han Xiaoming , Xue Liubing , Xu Jin
Published: December 2023

In order to improve the drilling performance of polycrystalline diamond compact bit and prolong its service life during drilling in coal rock under the action of wind cycle, the theoretical calculation model of polycrystalline diamond compact bit cutting teeth temperature was derived based on the theory of tribology and heat transfer. The theoretical temperature field of polycrystalline diamond compact bit-cutting teeth was analyzed. Using the joint simulation of EDEM–FLUENT, the temperature variation law of polycrystalline diamond compact bit cutting teeth under the thermo-fluid–solid coupling was analyzed to verify the validity of the theoretical calculation model of polycrystalline diamond compact bit cutting teeth temperature. By building a rotary drilling test platform and conducting drilling experiments on polycrystalline diamond compact bit under different drilling parameters respectively, the correctness of the theoretical model and the simulation data were verified. In addition, a response surface analysis model was established to study the influence of different drilling parameters on the polycrystalline diamond compact bit cutting teeth temperature during drilling in coal rock. The analysis results show that the influence degree of various drilling parameters on the polycrystalline diamond compact bit cutting teeth temperature from large to small is drilling pressure, drilling speed, coal rock properties, and wind speed. Compared with the working condition without wind cycle, the drilling efficiency of polycrystalline diamond compact bit can be increased by 14.38% and the temperature is reduced by 8% when it drills in coal. The drilling efficiency of polycrystalline diamond compact bit can be increased by 17.79% and the temperature is reduced by 10.5% when it drills in coal gangue.
Experimental investigation of expansive bending pipe flow separation control using a surface dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator
Authors: Liu Shimin , Liang Hua , Zong Haohua , Yang Hesen , Chen Jie , Zhang Dongsheng , Su Zhi , Kong Weiliang
Published: December 2023

Adverse pressure gradients can cause severe flow separation within typical S-shaped inlets. This results in a total pressure distortion at the aerodynamic interface plane (AIP). The expansive bending pipe, where flow separation also occurs due to the adverse pressure gradient, is the basis for investigations into S-shaped inlets. In this study, surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) plasma actuators are used to moderate the total pressure distortion in the AIP of an expansive bending pipe under a 10 m/s incoming flow. Also, the influences of actuation voltage amplitude and pulsed frequency on the total pressure distortion of the AIP are investigated under two plasma actuation modes, nanosecond pulsed SDBD and alternating current (AC) SDBD. Under optimal actuation parameters, the nanosecond pulsed SDBD and the AC-SDBD can reduce the distortion index by 14.93% and 32.22%, respectively. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of SDBD plasma actuators in suppressing flow separation within expansive bending pipes.
Les politiques subtiles du faire autrement: Référents spirituels et militantisme progressiste en Suisse
Authors: GRANDJEAN Alexandre
Published: December 2023

This article considers the contemporary entanglement between spiritual registers and a progressive militant scene upon two fieldworks conducted in Switzerland (2015–2021) on contemporary encounters between religion, spirituality and ecology. My observations contrast common accusations upon the so-called depoliticization, narcissism or mere bricolage revolving around the popularization of new and self-centered modes of exercise of power in progressive militancy. If these spiritual registers are becoming more audible and legitimate in militancy, it is surely for what they enable to enunciate as well as for the technic of the ‘selves’ and the transformational imaginary they promote. Often considered as pragmatic resources or commodities, this paper suggests that contemporary spiritual registers are to be studied along their ‘subtle’ politic uses in very concrete situations.
Costs Related to Diverting Ileostomy After Rectal Cancer Surgery: A Population-Based Healthcare Cost Analysis Based on Nationwide Registers
Authors: Dahlstrand Ursula , Gustafsson Pontus , Näsvall Pia , Johansson Jeaneth , Gunnarsson Ulf , Lindforss Ulrik
Published: December 2023

Low anterior resection for rectal cancer often includes a diverting loop-ileostomy to avoid the severe consequences of anastomotic leakage. Reversal of the stoma is often delayed, which can incur health-care costs on different levels. The aim is to, on population basis, determine stoma-related costs, and to investigate habitual and socioeconomic factors associated to the level of cost. Multi-register design with data from the Swedish Rectal Cancer Registry, the National Prescribed Drug Register, Statistics Sweden and cost-administrative data from the National Board of Health and Welfare. Data was gathered for 3564 patients with rectal cancer surgery 2007 to 2013, for 3 years following the surgery. Factors influencing the cost of inpatient care and stoma-related consumables were assessed with linear regression analyses. All monthly costs were higher for females (consumables P < .001 and in-patient care P = .031). Post-secondary education ( P = .003) and younger age ( P = .020) was associated with a higher cost for consumables while suffering a surgical complication was associated with increased cost for inpatient care ( P < .001). Patients who had their stoma longer had lower monthly costs (consumables P < .001 and in-patient care P < .001). Female gender, longer duration of stoma, young age, and higher education are associated with higher costs for the care of a diverting stoma after rectal cancer surgery. This study does not allow for analyses of causality but the results together with deepened analyses of underlying reasons form a proper basis for decisions in health care planning and allocation of resources. These findings may have implications on the debate of equal care for all.
Managing Ownership of Copyright in Research Publications to Increase the Public Benefits from Research
Authors: Bowrey Kathy , Cochrane Tom , Hadley Marie , McKeough Jill , Pappalardo Kylie , Weatherall Kimberlee
Published: December 2023

Producing and disseminating knowledge is core university business and a collaborative, global activity engaging multiple stakeholders including universities, researchers, governments, Indigenous communities, commercial bodies and the public. While ownership of university inventions attracts scholarly and policy attention, effective management of copyright in research outputs is also necessary to maximise the benefits of publicly funded research, but often neglected. This article explains current dynamics in academic publishing and research ownership. It seeks to explain the complex interface of copyright law, university policies, academic customary practices, Enterprise Bargaining Agreements (EBA), research funder mandates and policies, the guidelines and policies that pertain to Indigenous research, and publishing contracts. The article concludes with proposals for copyright management to maximise opportunities for greater public benefit from Australian research.
Overview of the practice of training civil servants in post-Soviet countries in the context of digitalization
Authors: G Bannykh , S Kostina , E Zaitseva
Published: December 2023

Modern conditions of public administration are formed in the BANI world ( Grabmeier, 2020 ), unstable, disturbing, uniquely technological and digital. How many of today's civil servants are capable of functioning in such a world through current training and professional development systems? This issue is particularly relevant for post-Soviet countries, as most of them belong to emerging economies that are still shaping their own unique public administration system. The article is aimed at studying the practice of professional development of civil servants within the framework of additional education in post-Soviet countries in the context of digitalisation. According to the study, it is clear that the Soviet model of supplementary education for civil servants is still valid, with minor differences in the countries studied. This model is characterised by a centralised organisation of training of civil servants within the framework of specially created structures (public service academies). With the transition to digital learning, countries are differentiated by the pace and level of transition to distance and e-learning for public servants.
Emotion Regulation Strategies and Emotional and Behavioral Problems: The Moderating Role of Environmental Sensitivity
Authors: Džida Marija , Keresteš Gordana , Brajša-Žganec Andreja
Published: December 2023

Research has shown links between emotion regulation strategies and child mental health. However, it is not well known how the characteristics of children may moderate these links. The aim of this study was to explore whether environmental sensitivity—the ability to perceive and process information about the environment—moderates links between emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) and children’s emotional and behavioral problems. The study included 1381 children ( Mage = 10.53, 51% girls) who gave information about their emotion regulation and environmental sensitivity, and whose teachers reported on their emotional and behavioral problems. The results showed that suppression predicted a higher amount of problems for girls regardless of their sensitivity level. For boys, environmental sensitivity moderated this link. Among more environmentally sensitive boys, the association between suppression usage and emotional and behavioral problems was stronger than among less sensitive boys. These results show that the effects of suppression may be exacerbated depending on the child’s gender and environmental sensitivity.
Uncertainty-aware visually-attentive navigation using deep neural networks
Authors: Nguyen Huan , Andersen Rasmus , Boukas Evangelos , Alexis Kostas
Published: December 2023

Autonomous navigation and information gathering in challenging environments are demanding since the robot’s sensors may be susceptible to non-negligible noise, its localization and mapping may be subject to significant uncertainty and drift, and performing collision-checking or evaluating utility functions using a map often requires high computational costs. We propose a learning-based method to efficiently tackle this problem without relying on a map of the environment or the robot’s position. Our method utilizes a Collision Prediction Network (CPN) for predicting the collision scores of a set of action sequences, and an Information gain Prediction Network (IPN) for estimating their associated information gain. Both networks assume access to a) the depth image (CPN) or the depth image and the detection mask from any visual method (IPN), b) the robot’s partial state (including its linear velocities, z-axis angular velocity, and roll/pitch angles), and c) a library of action sequences. Specifically, the CPN accounts for the estimation uncertainty of the robot’s partial state and the neural network’s epistemic uncertainty by using the Unscented Transform and an ensemble of neural networks. The outputs of the networks are combined with a goal vector to identify the next-best-action sequence. Simulation studies demonstrate the method’s robustness against noisy robot velocity estimates and depth images, alongside its advantages compared to state-of-the-art methods and baselines in (visually-attentive) navigation tasks. Lastly, multiple real-world experiments are presented, including safe flights at 2.5 m/s in a cluttered corridor, and missions inside a dense forest alongside visually-attentive navigation in industrial and university buildings.
Sample-efficient safety assurances using conformal prediction
Authors: Luo Rachel , Zhao Shengjia , Kuck Jonathan , Ivanovic Boris , Savarese Silvio , Schmerling Edward , Pavone Marco
Published: December 2023

When deploying machine learning models in high-stakes robotics applications, the ability to detect unsafe situations is crucial. Early warning systems can provide alerts when an unsafe situation is imminent (in the absence of corrective action). To reliably improve safety, these warning systems should have a provable false negative rate; that is, of the situations that are unsafe, fewer than ϵ will occur without an alert. In this work, we present a framework that combines a statistical inference technique known as conformal prediction with a simulator of robot/environment dynamics, in order to tune warning systems to provably achieve an ϵ false negative rate using as few as 1/ ϵ data points. We apply our framework to a driver warning system and a robotic grasping application, and empirically demonstrate the guaranteed false negative rate while also observing a low false detection (positive) rate.
‘It Gives Great Relief to My Mind’ – Family Involvement at Children's Committal to the Sister of Mercy run Irish Industrial Schools, 1868–1936
Authors: O’Brien Jane
Published: December 2023

This paper uses convent archive sources from five Irish Sisters of Mercy run industrial schools to examine the role of children's families at committal to the schools and explore how the sociocultural climate of Ireland at the time formed this experience. Such an analysis sheds light on the system's operation ‘from below’ and the variety of reasons, motivations, and emotions surrounding the committal process. It reveals the complicated nature of familial relations and facilitates a greater understanding of the behaviours, responses and protocols that arose from poverty and dependency. In doing so, it also progresses understandings of the power of those in control to influence such decisions as well as families' attempts to use the system as a strategy for survival.
Shape recovery behavior of polylactic acid/thermoplastic polyurethane polymer blends
Authors: Saini Arun , Chang Young-Wook , Ahn Hyeok-Jun , Lyu Min-Young
Published: December 2023

Polylactic acid (PLA) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based blends were prepared by twin-screw extruder and conventional injection molding (CIM) machine at various weight ratios of PLA/TPU, that is, 90/10, 80/20, and 70/30. The prepared blends were investigated for their shape memory properties by performing shape deformation and recovery experiments at various temperatures and bending angles. During the deformation process, TPU acted as a toughening agent that prevented the PLA/TPU blends from distortion. Hence, the temporary shape can be kept as the internal stress was stored in the blends. On heating above the glass transition (Tg) temperature of PLA, the deformed parts recovered their original shapes quickly along with the release of the stress. The prepared blends were found to exhibit significant shape memory properties at the TPU content of 10 wt%. The recovery rate was found to reach up to approximately 95%. Such shape memory polymers found fascinating applications in aerospace engineering, engineering plastics, biomedical implant materials, and textiles.
Narrative Identities of Center-based Filipino Children in Conflict with the Law
Authors: Banzon-Librojo Lorelie Ann
Published: December 2023

This study examined the narrative identities of 10 male, center-based, Filipino children in conflict with the law (CICL) from their stories of their experiences before entering the youth rehabilitation center, during their commitment at the center, and their perception of the future after they leave the center. Participants were minors when they were charged with the commission of an offense, but were 18 to 22 years old at the time of the interviews. Multiple in-depth, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted using an adapted life story interview guide to elicit participants’ self-defining memories and views of the past, present, and future, following protocols approved by the University Research Ethics Committee and research guidelines for juvenile justice populations. Data were analyzed inductively using thematic narrative analysis and revealed three depicted identities across time points, manifesting a sense of sameness and continuity in the CICL’s views of themselves. In particular, the CICL depicted the self as a young person in need, with capabilities, and demonstrating concern for others. The study contributes to the development of a theory and program framework that can support the positive development of CICL, before, during, and after their stay in the youth rehabilitation center by identifying important elements for focus.
Barriers to Implementing the ICU Liberation Bundle in a Single-center Pediatric and Cardiac ICUs
Authors: McCudden Anna , Valdivia Hector R. , Di Gennaro Jane L. , Berika Lina , Zimmerman Jerry , Dervan Leslie A.
Published: December 2023

Objectives: The intensive care unit (ICU) Liberation “ABCDEF” Bundle improves outcomes in critically ill adults. We aimed to identify common barriers to Pediatric ICU Liberation Bundle element implementation, to describe differences in barrier perception by ICU staff role, and to describe changes in reported barriers over time. Study Design: A 91-item survey was developed based on existing literature, iteratively revised, and tested by the PICU Liberation Committee at Seattle Children's Hospital, a tertiary free-standing academic children's hospital. Voluntary surveys were administered electronically to all ICU staff twice over 4-week periods in 2017 and 2020. Survey Respondents: 119 (2017) and 163 (2020) pediatric and cardiac ICU staff, including nurses (n = 142, 50%), respiratory therapists (RTs) (n = 46, 16%), attending and fellow physicians, hospitalists, and advanced practice providers (APPs) (n = 62, 22%), physical, occupational, and speech-language pathology therapists (n = 25, 9%), and pharmacists (n = 7, 2%). Measurements and Main Results: Respondents widely agreed that increased workload (78%-100% across roles), communication (53%-84%), and lack of RT-directed ventilator weaning (68%-88%) are barriers to implementation. Other barriers differed by role. In 2020, nurses reported liability (59%) and personal injury (68%) concerns, patient severity of illness (24%), and family discomfort with ICU liberation practices (41%) more frequently than physicians and APPs (16%, 6%, 8%, and 19%, respectively; P < .01 for all). Between 2017 and 2020, some barriers changed: RTs endorsed discomfort with early mobilization less frequently (50% vs 11%, P = .028) and nurses reported concern for patient harm less frequently (51% vs 24%, P = .004). Conclusions: Implementation efforts aimed at addressing known barriers, including educating staff on the safety of early mobility, considering respiratory therapist-directed ventilator weaning, and standardizing interdisciplinary discussion of Pediatric ICU Liberation Bundle elements, will be needed to overcome barriers and improve ICU Liberation Bundle implementation.
A National RDD Smartphone Web Survey: Comparison With a Large-Scale CAPI Survey
Authors: Kim Sunwoong , Couper Mick P.
Published: December 2023

The most important national surveys of the general population for creating official statistics or public policymaking in many countries, including South Korea, are still conducted using face-to-face interviews with household members. Recently face-to-face surveys have faced threats to data quality from decreasing response rates and rising costs of in-person visits. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown exacerbated the situation for face-to-face surveys. Survey organizations suspended fieldwork or began to explore alternate means of collecting data. One alternative was a shift to telephone surveys; however, telephone interviews have encountered similar difficulties with declining response rates and increasing costs. Could a self-administered web survey be a viable alternative to interviewer-administered modes such as telephone interviews (CATI) or face-to-face interviews (CAPI)? Smartphones may offer opportunities not offered by other modes. We conducted a smartphone web survey using SMS invitations where a sample of cell phone numbers was selected by random digit dialing (RDD) and compared it with a large-scale national face-to-face survey (CAPI) where a sample of households was selected by stratified cluster sampling. The two surveys were conducted during the COVID pandemic in the second half of 2020. The coverage and sample representation of the smartphone web survey were comparable to that of the face-to-face survey. Despite the relatively small number of respondents, the quality of the smartphone web survey was sufficient to provide accurate data and compared favorably with the CAPI survey. The smartphone web survey yielded more reports of socially undesirable attitudes and behavior than the CAPI survey. The findings will guide researchers to explore new opportunities in establishing a web survey methodology that obtains data more conveniently, efficiently, accurately, and with less cost.
Maxillary Cystic Ameloblastic Fibroma in a Dalmatian Mix
Authors: Steffes Kayla , Manasse Jorden
Published: December 2023

A 6-month-old intact male Dalmatian mix puppy was presented for the evaluation of left maxillary swelling due to a suspected cyst and an unerupted left maxillary canine tooth. Removal of the unerupted left maxillary canine tooth (204) and enucleation of the cyst was performed, followed by histological analysis, which identified the maxillary swelling to be a cystic ameloblastic fibroma. Ameloblastic fibromas are rare in companion animals, and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first cystic variant reported in dogs. The clinical, radiographic, cone beam computed tomography, and histological findings of this case are discussed and compared with the findings of previously documented human and domestic animal cases.
Connecting university research across culture, creativity, and business: The case of Aiku centre
Authors: Donelli Chiara Carolina , Panozzo Fabrizio
Published: December 2023

The case study profiles the Aiku Centre at Ca’ Foscari University in Venice, Italy, suggesting its role as a contemporary higher education institution committed to fulfilling its ‘third mission' and addressing broader societal challenges. The Aiku Centre integrates artistic interventions with academic research and organizational practices, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. Projects like ‘Artificare' and the SMATH initiative exemplify the Centre's approach to combining art, sustainability, and business for societal progress, emphasizing the transformative potential of artistic interventions in environmental and social challenges.
Influence of monomer concentration on structures of fully condensed polyphenylsilsesquioxanes
Authors: Wu Xiaolu , Qin Zhaolu , Zhang Wenchao , Yang Rongjie
Published: December 2023

Fully condensed polyphenylsilsesquioxanes have been prepared via the hydrolysis and condensation of the same phenyltrimethoxysilane (PTMS) monomer in different concentrations. The effect of monomer concentration on molecular structure of the final products has been thoroughly investigated. Cage structured polyphenylsilsesquioxane (OPS) and ladder-like structured polyphenylsilsesquioxane (L-PPSQ) can be selectively synthesized from the same starting materials at lower and higher initial monomer concentrations. Meanwhile, online infrared detector, React IR TM15 was used to monitor the real time variation of the concentration and characteristic absorption peaks of any intermediate products that may exist. Then, React IR TM15 coupled with 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) were used to monitor and identify the intermediate species during the reaction. Mechanism studies indicated that the condensation reaction of OPS and L-PPSQ both proceed through a T1 structure dimer, which was formed by the quick hydrolysis of the PTMS monomer. As confirmed by 29Si-NMR, GPC and MALDI-TOF-MS, the synthesis mechanisms of OPS and L-PPSQ during the hydrolysis-condensation reactions were delineated.
Effectiveness of targeted intervention program under the national AIDS control program among Hijra and transgender population: Evidence from Integrated Biological and Behavioral Surveillance, 2014-15
Authors: Thakur Nishakar , Rai Sanjay , Kant Shashi , Pandey Arvind , Sahu Damodar , Misra Puneet , Haldar Partha , Jha Shreya , Kumar Pradeep , Das Chinmoyee
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The hijra and transgender (H/TG) population in India is vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. India had instituted a targeted intervention (TI) program to reduce this vulnerability. We aimed to measure the effectiveness of the TI program for H/TG.

Materials and Methods

The National Integrated Behavioral and Biological Survey (IBBS) was carried out in 2014-15. H/TG data from IBBS was analyzed. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to calculate the unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence interval. Condom use during the last sexual intercourse, and the consistent condom use in the last one month were considered as indicators of program effectiveness. The Propensity Score Matching (PSM) method was used to assess the effectiveness.

Results

We found that the participants who had received condoms from peer educator/outreach worker were 1.74 and 1.40 times more likely to use condoms in the last sexual intercourse (aOR: 1.74, CI: 1.35 – 2.26) and consistent condom use in the last one month (aOR: 1.40, CI: 1.12 – 1.74) respectively compared to the participants who did not receive the condom. The matched-samples estimate (i.e., average treatment effect on treated) for the condom use during the last sexual intercourse increased by 13.0%, i.e., 0.13 (CI; 0.08 - 0.18) and consistent condom use in the last one month increased by 5.0%, i.e., 0.05 (CI; 0.00 – 0.10) among those who had received condoms from the peer educator/outreach worker compared with those who had not received condom, respectively.

Conclusions

The TI program intervention for H/TG was effective in reducing HIV risk behavior as evidenced by increase in use of condom during last sexual intercourse, and consistent condom use in the last one month.
Damage quantification of a metallic beam under thermo-mechanical loads using novel empirical correlations and neural network
Authors: Zai Behzad Ahmed , Mansoor Asif , Siddiqui Umer Abdullah , Javed Jahanzeb , us Saqib Najam
Published: December 2023

This research examines the interactions between fracture depth and crack location on a cantilever beam’s dynamic response under thermomechanical loads. The structure’s stiffness is significantly influenced by temperature, and changes in stiffness can alter the response’s damping, frequency, and amplitude. The basis for measuring damage to an Aluminium 2024 specimen under thermomechanical loads is provided by these variations. Cantilever beams are used in experiments that are carried out at elevated temperatures, such as 50°C, 100°C, 150°C, and 200°C, as well as at room temperature (non-heating). This analysis takes into account a cantilever beam with different initial fracture depths and positions. The outcomes of the experimental, analytical, and numerical work are found to be in good accord. This research mainly fill the gaps of recent techniques for structure health monitoring of metallic structures where the coupled loads exist. Dynamic response formulation is presented experimentally on beam for the first time under thermo-mechanical loads. The dynamic parameters vary with material stiffness, thus; this change is also investigated by introducing the temperature as a key variable using a specially designed temperature controller. A novel technique is presented for damage estimation in metallic structures using the experimental data that is currently accessible which is later compared with the neural network approach. This tool helps in finding out and quantifying damagesusing dynamic response, temperature along withfinding of subsurface cracks. The results establisha clearway of diagnosing the crack growth at any particular instant under thermo-mechanical loads within the operational condition.
Optimization of low-head shaft tubular pumping systems based on entropy production theory
Authors: Wang Yuqi , Jiao Weixuan , Cheng Li , Zhao Heng , Zhu Yulan , Luo Can , Dou Libo
Published: December 2023

In order to improve the operation efficiency of low-head tubular pump, this paper studies the influence of shaft type in the shaft tubular pump on the flow characteristics and energy characteristics of the pump. To optimize the shaft structure of shaft tubular pumping systems and realize the efficient use of energy, numerical simulation and model test was employed to study the optimization of the entire pumping system. In this paper, the CFD method was used to numerically simulate the whole pumping system, and the effect of changing the shaft length, shaft head profile, and shaft tail profile on the internal flow and entropy production characteristics of the inlet passage and impeller position were analyzed. It is found that the tapered tail profile can make the inlet passage overflow area change more smoothly and thus make the flow pattern more favorable. The wall entropy production dissipation at the inlet passage position dominates the total entropy production, and the high-value area of mainstream entropy production at this position is distributed periodically. The mainstream entropy production dissipation at the impeller section accounts for a relatively large proportion. After the entropy production dissipation analysis, it is believed that the tapered can reduce the entropy production dissipation of the pumping systems. The change of the shaft tail profile will make the entropy production dissipation change more noticeable compared with other optimization factors. Therefore, the tapered tail profile with better transition in the actual project is recommended.