bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Programmable Synchronous 2-Bit Counter in Quantum-Dot Cellular Automata
Authors: Cui Huanqing , Yang Xiaokuo , Wei Bo , Zhang Mingliang , Dou Shuqing , Xia Yongshun
Published: November 2023

Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) is a newly-developed nanoscale electron device that has the potential to replace the conventional transistor in the future. Owing to the unique field-coupling mechanism of QCA, several constraints must be fulfilled during the design of QCA sequential circuits, which makes the construction of sequential circuits a relatively intractable issue in QCA research. In this paper, a programmable synchronous 2-bit counter in QCA is proposed, which is consisted of combinational logic and falling edge-triggered JK flip-flops. The count mode of the programmable counter can be changed on-demand by mode control signals. Moreover, an initial state setting method of the QCA circuit is also proposed during the design of the counter so that the effects of random initial states can be avoided. Simulation with QCADesigner software demonstrates the validity of the proposed counter.
Test Method of Secure and Controllable FPGA Chip Used in Flexible DC Transmission Control and Protection System
Authors: Zhong Qi Di , Li Ming , Lu Ya Jun , Zhou Yang , Li Zhe , Zou Tie Rui , Qi Hui Wen
Published: November 2023

Flexible DC transmission control and protection system is a high-performance distributed computing system, which has the characteristics of high-speed data acquisition and fast processing, and uses a large number of high-performance FPGA (Field Programmable Logic Array) chips. FPGA has the characteristics of high integration and complex manufacturing process, and its security and controllability is faced with many challenges. The reliability of FPGA is an important standard to measure its performance, so reliability test fault screening is very important to ensure its normal operation. Although the automatic test equipment (ATE) can test the fault of FPGA, it is not convenient for field testing due to the price, test environment and other factors. In this paper, a design scheme of built-in self-test (BIST) for fault detection and fault diagnosis is proposed, which can detect faults of look-up table (LUT) and interconnection resources (wires and programmable switches). At the same time, considering the effect of rising temperature on fault probability, a controlled self-heating element (SHE) is constructed by using the internal resources of FPGA to provide the required temperature for BIST testing. Finally, an integrated layout scheme of BIST and SHE is proposed. An experiment of self-heating of FPGA chip is completed by TSINGHUA PGL22G, which verifies the correctness and feasibility of the theory.
A New Control Strategy of Hybrid Reactive Power Compensation System in Distribution Network
Authors: Mei Xueao , Yang Wei , Sun Bin
Published: November 2023

Reactive power compensation is an important measure to improve the power quality of distribution networks, especially with the increasing connection of distribution transformers, heavy industrial electrical equipment, and asynchronous motors, which generate a large amount of reactive power demand. Traditional reactive power compensation devices, such as fixed capacitors (FC) and thyristor switched capacitors (TSC), have some drawbacks, such as low response speed, harmonic generation, and switching shock. A static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) is a flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) device that can provide fast and continuous reactive power compensation, but it also has some limitations, such as high cost, large capacity requirement, and low utilization rate. Therefore, hybrid reactive power compensation systems that combine FC or TSC with STATCOM have attracted much attention in recent years. Many researchers have proposed and studied different topologies and control methods of hybrid systems to overcome the disadvantages of single devices and achieve better performance. However, most of the existing hybrid systems are designed for low or medium-voltage distribution networks, and their performance under high-voltage distribution networks is still unclear. Moreover, the coordination control strategy of the hybrid system and its subsystems is also a key issue that affects the effectiveness and efficiency of reactive power compensation. In view of this, this paper aims to propose a TSC+STATCOM hybrid reactive power compensation system for high-voltage distribution networks, which optimizes the shortcomings of traditional reactive power compensation devices. The system uses the synergistic effect of TSC and STATCOM to achieve large-scale static reactive power and small-scale dynamic reactive power compensation and adopts a switching strategy based on an expert decision system. This paper introduces the working principle of each subsystem of the hybrid reactive power compensation system in detail and builds a simulation model of the hybrid reactive power compensation system under a high voltage distribution network on Matlab/Simulink platform. The simulation results verify the feasibility and excellent performance of the system control method in reactive power compensation and improving power quality.
Optimal Design of Electromagnetic Tomography Flaw Detection System for Train Wheel Based on FPGA
Authors: An Zhen , Liu Ze , Wen Kaiyi
Published: November 2023

Electromagnetic tomography (EMT) is a new type of nondestructive testing technology that can be used for metal flaw detection. The implementation of the signal demodulation and filtering algorithm of the current electromagnetic tomography flaw detection system relies on the microprocessor MCU, and the reliability is low in real time. To improve the reliability and system integration of signal processing and transmission of the electromagnetic tomography flaw detection system, this paper uses the field programmable gate array chip to integrate the excitation signal generation module and the digital demodulation module based on the EMT train wheel flaw detection system. A digital filter is designed, and the filter parameters are adjusted to achieve a signal-to-noise ratio of 15 dB. UDP communication protocol is utilized to realize Ethernet communication between FPGA and upper computer. Using three algorithms on the host computer for image reconstruction, the train wheel defect information is visualized. The experimental results show that the FPGA chip improves the immunity of the train wheel flaw detection system, realizes the high integration of the system, and achieves the purpose of train wheel defect detection.
Active Neutral Point Clamped Three-level Synchronous Space Vector Width Modulation Research
Authors: Guo Fanxi
Published: November 2023

Active neutral point clamped (ANPC) topology is widely studied because it makes loss equalization possible. To reduce the switching frequency of high power traction systems, the multi-mode modulation strategy is used in many modulation methods. To reduce the fluctuation problem when switching between different carrier ratios in multi-mode synchronous space vector pulse width (SSVPWM) modulation algorithm, this paper studies the stator flux under different modes and proposes a multi-mode SSVPWM switching strategy based on the pulse insertion method. In this strategy, the stator flux deviation of two modes before and after the switching point is calculated online and the switch sequence is inserted at the switching time to compensate, and the smooth transition between different modes is realized with experimental verification of validity.
Interval Evidential Reasoning-based Fault Detection of Electromagnetic Relay
Authors: Wu Fan , Xiao Qiaoyuan
Published: November 2023

The electromagnetic relay is a key switch control component, and its fault detection under uncertainties is a challenging problem. In this paper, a fault detection method based on interval evidential reasoning (IER) is proposed and applied to detect the relay’s fault. The method can handle fuzzy uncertainty and interval uncertainty in relay test data, and iteratively aggregate evidence by using the IER algorithm. Firstly, the relay super-path time data is transformed into the form of an interval belief distribution by using the fuzzy threshold, which is optimized by using training data. Secondly, historical and current information is aggregated to update interval belief distribution. Finally, the fault detection result can be obtained from interval belief distribution by a rule. The experimental results show that the presented method can improve the detection effect significantly.
The Structure Design of a Microstrip Tunable Attenuator Based on Few-Layer Graphene
Authors: Jiao Yuxin , Tang Jianeng , Chen Peiyang , Zhang Feng , Ni Hui
Published: November 2023

There are innovative applications for graphene materials in microwave Radio Frequency (RF) due to their unique optoelectronic properties. In this paper, a series of existing tunable microstrip attenuators based on few-layer graphene are compared and studied, and a new microstrip tunable attenuator based on few-layer graphene is proposed on this basis. Firstly, the relationship between the performance of different pair spacing attenuators with 4 pairs of graphene structures is analyzed based on the existing pair spacing studies with 1-3 pairs of structures; after that, the performance characteristics of the existing 1-4 pairs of graphene structures on different substrates are tested and analyzed; finally, a new tunable attenuator structure is proposed based on the above research results. The new attenuator consists of four parts, including a dielectric substrate, a microstrip line, a total of five pairs of graphene flakes on both sides and corresponding metal vias. The resistivity of the graphene flake can be changed by changing the access bias voltage, thus regulating the insertion loss of the attenuator. The experimental results show that the proposed attenuator can operate in the frequency range from 3 GHz to 10 GHz, and the insertion loss can be adjusted from -2 dB to -63 dB, with a high tunable performance of 61 dB.
An Adjustable deadtime Control Circuit for LLC Resonance Control Circuit
Authors: You Fangbin , Lu Zhichao , Huang Shengming
Published: November 2023

This study introduces the principle of deadtime generation and gives a deadtime control circuit. The deadtime can be adjusted by the current generated by the MOS transistor in the subthreshold region to control the charging and discharging speed of the capacitor dynamically, and the whole circuit is simulated in the cadence simulation environment. The simulation results show that the designed circuit can manually adjust the dead time in the range of 70 ns-1, 650 ns depending on external settings, and greatly reduce the complexity of the circuit.
A Sigma-Delta Modulator with Single-Pole Double-Throw Analog Switch
Authors: Tao Tao , Duan Quanzhen , Ge Tongjin
Published: November 2023

In this paper, a high precision and high energy efficiency discrete-time switching capacitive 3-order Sigma-Delta modulator (SDM) is proposed. The SDM is applied to portable electroencephalograms (EEG) because of its little energy and good performance. The energy efficiency levels of the current mainstream modulator systems are analyzed and compared, and the CIFF modulator architecture which is most conducive to realizing high energy efficiency is selected. The single-loop CIFF structure is selected to give consideration to the accuracy and stability of the circuit. The circuit is implemented in a hierarchical structure, and a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) analog switch is adopted to overcome the difficulty of opening conventional CMOS analog switches at low supply voltages and the increase in threshold voltage Vth of NMOS devices due to the base bias effect. The proposed discrete-time Sigma delta ADC modulator is designed with SMIC 0.18um CMOS technology and achieves an SNDR of 101.6dB under a 1.8V power supply voltage and a signal bandwidth of 2kHz. The power consumption is 520uW and the significant bit (ENOB) is 16.58 bits.
An improved whale algorithm for power load forecasting based on adaptive weight adjustment
Authors: Chen Jinlong , Sun Li , Wu Bin
Published: November 2023

With the progress of the times, people have higher and higher expectations for the electric power system in the new era. To meet the new requirements, improving load forecasting capabilities has become an important part of the process. In this article, an improved whale algorithm based on adaptive weight adjustment is presented to predict user load, using a Cubic-map strategy to achieve better population effect, combining the whale algorithm and the BP algorithm so as to improve the rate of convergence and prediction accuracy of the algorithm. Simulation software is used to conduct simulation experiments on multiple algorithms. From the experimental data, it can be concluded that compared with a single algorithm, the algorithm proposed in this paper has a stronger ability to find the optimal value within the effective boundary. Both the rate of convergence is faster, and it has higher accuracy.
Research on Embedded Multichannel Audio Conversion Module
Authors: Chen Ling , Wang Wei , Jiang Cheng
Published: November 2023

With the rapid development and progress of information technology and the wide usage of audio signal processing in underwater acoustic signal processing, acoustic audio signal acquisition, conversion, and transmission technology always play an important role. To enhance the ability of signal acquisition and conversion with high reliability, this paper designs an embedded multi-channel audio conversion module. The module achieves multi-channel, multi-sample rates with synchronous analog-to-digital/digital-to-analog conversion (ADC/DAC) function, and additionally equips with dual network redundancy. The module uses a chip integrated with ARM and programmable logic FPGA as the main control chip. The writing of the underlying driver and application code ensures the reliable operation of the DAC chip and ADC chip and the steady of the network transmission. Through experimental verification, the audio conversion module performs well in multi-channel and multi-sample rates with synchronous ADC/DAC, and the crosstalk between channels is less than -50 dB. The dual network redundancy design and the application of the RS232 serial port ensure the high fidelity, reliability, and reprogramming of the audio conversion function, which shows the design can be used in a wide range of scenarios.
A Legalization Algorithm for Heterogeneous FPGAs
Authors: Dou Zhengrong , Liang Xiaoyu , Xu Ning
Published: November 2023

Heterogeneous cells are cells with special functions in Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) and gradually become an important resource of FPGA chips. The legalization algorithm is a key step in resolving the global placement results of heterogeneous cells to their actual locations. The algorithm in this paper is improved on the abacus algorithm. We use subspaces to evaluate the degree of congestion of cells and sort them, and use optional columns to filter to achieve a reasonable allocation of resources. The experimental results show that our work has less average moving and worst movement in the case of high density and complex distribution.
Macro- and micro-plastics change soil physical properties: a systematic review
Authors: Maqbool Ahsan , Soriano María-Auxiliadora , Gómez José Alfonso
Published: November 2023

Plastic pollution in terrestrial environments is a global issue due to its adverse effects on soil health, with negative impacts on ecosystem services and food production. However, the enormous heterogeneity of both plastic and soil characteristics complicate the assessment of the impact and overall trends in plastic-induced changes in soil properties beyond experimental conditions. In this work, we have carried out a systematic and in-depth review of the existing literature on the impact of plastics on soil physical properties. To this end, we have quantified the effects of macro- (MaP, >5000 μm) and micro-plastics (MiP, <5000 μm) on soil bulk density, soil porosity, water-stable aggregates (WSAs), saturated hydraulic conductivity, and soil moisture at field capacity (FC), based on four characteristics of plastics: polymer types, shapes and sizes of plastic particles, and plastic concentrations in soil. Results showed that MaPs and MiPs significantly modified the values of the analyzed soil physical properties compared to the control without plastic in over 50% of the experimental dataset, albeit with a large variability, from a reduction to an increase in values, depending on the specific experimental conditions and the soil physical property. Depending on the plastic concentration, soil bulk density and porosity decreased moderately (4%–6%) with MiP and MaP. MiP reduced WSA by an average of 20%, ranging from a 40% decrease to a 20% increase depending on the shapes and concentration of MiP. Saturated hydraulic conductivity changed depending on the polymer types, shapes, and concentrations of MaP and MiP, varying from a 70% decrease to a 40% increase. Soil water content at FC varied depending on the soil texture, and concentration and sizes distribution of conventional MiP, decreasing from 10% to 65%. However, biodegradable plastic increased soil water content at FC. The few studies available provide evidence that not enough attention is being paid to soil physical properties influenced by plastic input. It is recommended to consider the wide range of characteristics of MaP and MiP and their effects on soil physical properties in future studies, for an advance understanding of the impact of MiP and MaP on soil health in the medium-long term under different environmental conditions.
Rice residue burning trajectories in Eastern India: current realities, scenarios of change, and implications for air quality
Authors: Urban Cordeiro Emily , Hamilton Douglas S , Rossiter D G , Mahowald Natalie , Hess Peter , Malik Ram , Singh Ajoy , Samaddar Arindam , McDonald A J
Published: November 2023

In 2019, the Government of India launched the National Clean Air Program to address the pervasive problem of poor air quality and the adverse effect on public health. Coordinated efforts to prevent agricultural burning of crop residues in Northwestern IGP (Indo-Gangetic Plain) have been implemented, but the practice is rapidly expanding into the populous Eastern IGP states, including Bihar, with uncertain consequences for regional air quality. This research has three objectives: (1) characterize historical rice residue burning trends since 2002 over space and time in Bihar State, (2) project future burning trajectories to 2050 under ‘business as usual’ and alternative scenarios of change, and (3) simulate air quality outcomes under each scenario to describe implications for public health. Six future burning scenarios were defined as maintenance of the ‘status quo’ fire extent, area expansion of burning at ‘business as usual’ rates, and a Northwest IGP analogue, of which both current rice yields and plausible yield intensification were considered for each case. The Community Earth System Model (CESM v2.1.0) was used to characterize the mid-century air quality impacts under each scenario. These analyses suggest that contemporary Bihar State burning levels contribute a small daily average proportion (8.1%) of the fine particle pollution load (i.e. PM2.5, particles ⩽2.5 μm) during the burning months, but up to as much as 62% on the worst of winter days in Bihar’s capital region. With a projected 142% ‘business as usual’ increase in burned area extent anticipated for 2050, Bihar’s capital region may experience the equivalent of 30 PM2.5 additional exceedance days, according to the WHO standard (24 h; exceedance level: 15 µg m−3), due to rice residue burning alone in the October to December period. If historical burning trends intensify and Bihar resembles the Northwest States of Punjab and Haryana by 2050, 46 d would exceed the WHO standard for PM2.5 in Bihar’s capital region.
Ethical Issues Surrounding Facial Feminization Surgery: Five Major Considerations
Authors: Barnett Sarah L , Miller Meghan N , Appel Jacob M , Choe Joshua , Othman Sammy , Bradley James P
Published: November 2023

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is a form of gender-affirming care for the transgender population that is currently a highly debated topic both inside and outside of the medical community. Currently, a paucity of information is available in plastic surgery literature on ethical issues surrounding FFS. In this paper, we discuss 5 major ethical considerations for plastic surgeons with regard to FFS: (1) how society's changing view of gender has impacted the importance of FFS; (2) whether FFS is medically necessary and should be covered by insurance; (3) to what extent resources should be invested in removing barriers to access FFS; (4) how patient selection criteria should address the irreversibility of the procedure and age of consent; and (5) how femininity and beauty standards contribute to each other and whether they can be disentangled. This paper aims to analyze the arguments made for and against each of these 5 nuanced issues and to expand these debates from the theoretical to the practical by suggesting approaches for reconciliation.
Paradoxical role of phosphorylated STAT3 in normal fertility and the pathogenesis of adenomyosis and endometriosis
Authors: Xu Yichi , Wu Fan , Qin Chuanmei , Lin Yi
Published: November 2023

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), when phosphorylated at tyrosine 705, plays an important role in endometrial stromal cell decidualization and the receptivity of the endometrial epithelium during embryo implantation. However, the function of phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) in normal uterine receptivity is distinct from that in adenomyosis and endometriosis. In normal pregnancy, STAT3 phosphorylation in the endometrial epithelium determines the success of embryo implantation by regulating uterine receptivity. Additionally, p-STAT3 promotes cellular proliferation and differentiation during endometrial decidualization, which is crucial for embryonic development. In contrast, excessive STAT3 phosphorylation occurs in adenomyosis and endometriosis, which may lead to disease progression. Therefore, achieving a delicate balance in STAT3 activation is crucial. This review aimed to focus on the current understanding and knowledge gaps regarding the control of p-STAT3 activity in normal and pathological endometrial processes. This topic is important because precise control of p-STAT3 production could alleviate the symptoms of adenomyosis and endometriosis, improve endometrial receptivity, and potentially mitigate infertility without compromising normal fertility processes.
De-escalation of Biologic Treatment in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Gisbert Javier P , Chaparro María
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Biologic therapy is an effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. However due to cost and safety concerns, dose de-escalation strategies after achieving remission have been suggested.

Aim

To critically review available data on dose de-escalation of biologics [or other advanced therapies] in IBD. We will focus on studies evaluating de-escalation to standard dosing in patients initially optimised, and also on studies assessing de-escalation from standard dosing.

Methods

A systematic bibliographic search was performed.

Results

The mean frequency of de-escalation after previous dose intensification [12 studies, 1,474 patients] was 34%. The corresponding frequency of de-escalation from standard dosing [five studies, 3,842 patients] was 4.2%. The relapse rate of IBD following anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF] de-escalation to standard dosing in patients initially dose-escalated [10 studies, 301 patients] was 30%. The corresponding relapse rate following anti-TNF de-escalation from standard dosing [nine studies, 494 patients] was 38%. The risk of relapse was lower for patients in clinical, biologic, and endoscopic/radiological remission at the time of de-escalation. A role of anti-TNF therapeutic drug monitoring in the decision to dose de-escalate has been demonstrated. In patients relapsing after de-escalation, re-escalation is generally effective. De-escalation is not consistently associated with a better safety profile. The cost-effectiveness of the de-escalation strategy remains uncertain. Finally, there is not enough evidence to recommend dose de-escalation of biologics different from anti-TNFs or small molecules.

Conclusions

Any consideration for de-escalation of biologic therapy in IBD must be tailored, taking into account the risks and consequences of a flare and patients’ preferences.
The skeletal and dental effects of Hanks Herbst versus twin block appliances for class II correction in growing patients: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Pacha Moaiyad M , Fleming Padhraig S , Shagmani Muftah , Johal Ama
Published: November 2023

Background

Despite the popularity of the Twin Block (TB) and the Hanks Herbst (HH) functional appliances, there is limited prospective research comparing these removable and fixed designs, respectively.

Objectives

To evaluate and compare the skeletal and dental effects associated with TB and HH functional appliances as well as to detect factors that might influence the success or failure of treatment in adolescents with Class II malocclusion.

Design and setting

A parallel-group randomized controlled trial was undertaken in a single-centre hospital in the United Kingdom.

Methods

A total of 80 participants (aged 10–14 years) with overjet of 7 mm or more were randomized to receive either the HH or TB appliance. Cephalometric radiographs were collected at the start of the study and immediately after the withdrawal of the functional appliances and measured using Pancherz analysis. Participants were allocated to the TB or HH group, based on an electronic randomization, stratified for gender and allocation concealed. Blinding to the allocated arm was not possible. However, all data were coded and anonymized to ensure that assessors were blinded to the group allocation. The main outcome was the anterior–posterior skeletal and dento-alveolar changes at the end of the functional phase.

Results

Fifteen (37.5%) participants from the TB group and 7 (15.5%) from HH failed to achieve full overjet reduction (<4 mm) after 12 months of treatment. Overjet reduction was 2 mm greater with HH compared to TB (P = .05; 95% CI: 0.2, 3.2). No significant differences regarding skeletal and dental changes were reported, with the exception that participants in HH group experienced greater lower molar protraction (P = .002; 95% CI: −2.8, −0.8) and mandibular incisors advancement (P = .001; 95% CI: −2.9, −1), indicating greater dental than skeletal effects.

Conclusion

The TB appliance was associated with a higher rate of treatment discontinuation. No significant clinical differences were observed in the skeletal and dental effects, although the HH may be associated with more pronounced effects on the mandibular dentition.

Clinical Trial Registration

The protocol was registered online before the start of the trial (ISRCTN11717011).
Jazz Music and Intermedial References in Toni Morrison’s Love
Authors: Bystrov Yakiv , Telegina Nataliya
Published: November 2023

This paper proposes an intermedial reading of Toni Morrison’s Love (2003) and applies the concepts of intermediality theory to discuss the jazz narrative strategies used in the novel. In this article, intermediality is on the one hand associated with the musicalization of fiction; on the other hand, it is viewed from the perspective of expanding the representational modes of a given medium. The article explores the links between jazz music and literature, and argues that the structure of Morrison’s Love has a certain similarity to a jazz music composition. We identify in the structure of the novel a number of solos and the polyphonic overlapping of the voices, and we show that the interaction of voices gives the narrative a dialogic character, which results in multiple interpretations of the complex characters and ambiguous situations. Juxtapositions, temporal shifts, syncopation, rhythmically arranged sequences, meaningful chords, improvisation, repetition and variations are explored and interpreted as jazz narrative strategies. The article identifies a double riff based on counterpoint, and its role in harmonizing the sounds of the voices at the end of the novel. The rich imagery contributing to the performative character of the narrative is analysed. We argue that Morrison’s Love serves as a vivid example of the musicalization of fiction, which results in expanding the representational modes of literature.
Rates of Endoscopic Recurrence In Postoperative Crohn’s Disease Based on Anastomotic Techniques: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nardone Olga Maria , Calabrese Giulio , Barberio Brigida , Giglio Mariano Cesare , Castiglione Fabiana , Luglio Gaetano , Savarino Edoardo , Ghosh Subrata , Iacucci Marietta
Published: November 2023

Background

Patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) after ileocolic resection may develop an endoscopic postoperative recurrence (ePOR) that reaches 40% to 70% of incidence within 6 months. Recently, there has been growing interest in the potential effect of anastomotic configurations on ePOR. Kono-S anastomosis has been proposed for reducing the risk of clinical and ePOR. Most studies have assessed the association of ileocolonic anastomosis and ePOR individually, while there is currently limited data simultaneously comparing several types of anastomosis. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the impact of different ileocolonic anastomosis on ePOR in CD.

Methods

We searched PubMed and Embase from inception to January 2023 for eligible studies reporting the types of anastomoses and, based on these, the rate of endoscopic recurrence at ≥6 months. Studies were grouped by conventional anastomosis, including side-to-side, end-to-end, and end-to-side vs Kono-S, and comparisons were made between these groups. Pooled incidence rates of ePOR were computed using random-effect modelling.

Results

Seventeen studies, with 2087 patients who underwent ileocolic resection for CD were included. Among these patients, 369 (17,7%) Kono-S anastomoses were performed, while 1690 (81,0%) were conventional ileocolic anastomosis. Endoscopic postoperative recurrence at ≥6 months showed a pooled incidence of 37.2% (95% CI, 27.7-47.2) with significant heterogeneity among the studies (P < .0001). In detail, patients receiving a Kono-S anastomosis had a pooled incidence of ePOR of 24.7% (95% CI, 6.8%-49.4%), while patients receiving a conventional anastomosis had an ePOR of 42.6% (95% CI, 32.2%-53.4%).

Conclusions

Kono-S ileocolic anastomosis was more likely to decrease the risk of ePOR at ≥6 months compared with conventional anastomosis. Our findings highlight the need to implement the use of Kono-S anastomosis, particularly for difficult to treat patients. However, results from larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these data.
Estimation of returning Atlantic salmon stock from rod exploitation rate for principal salmon rivers in England & Wales
Authors: Gregory Stephen D , Gillson Jonathan P , Whitlock Katie , Barry Jon , Gough Peter , Hillman Robert J , Mee David , Peirson Graeme , Shields Brian A , Talks Lawrence , Toms Simon , Walker Alan M , Wilson Ben , Davidson Ian C
Published: November 2023

For effective fishery management, estimated stock sizes, along with their uncertainties, should be accurate, precise, and unbiased. Atlantic salmon Salmo salar stock assessment in England and Wales (and elsewhere across the Atlantic) estimate returning salmon stocks by applying a measure of rod exploitation rate (RER), derived from less abundant fishery-independent stock estimates, to abundant fishery-dependent data. Currently, RER estimates are generated for individual principal salmon rivers based on available local data and assumptions. We propose a single, consistent, transparent, and statistically robust method to estimate salmon stocks that transfers strength of information from “data-rich” rivers, i.e. those with fisheries-independent data, to “data-poor” rivers without such data. We proposed, fitted, simplified, and then validated a Beta–Binomial model of RER, including covariates representing angler and fish behaviours, river flow, and random effects to control for nuisance effects. Our “best” model revealed covariate effects in line with our hypotheses and generalized to data not used to train it. We used this model to extrapolate stock estimates from 12 data-rich to 52 data-poor rivers, together with their uncertainties. The resulting river-specific salmon stock estimates were judged to be useful and can be used as key inputs to river-specific, national, and international salmon stock assessments.
Hybrid experimental designs for joint estimation of absolute and relative retention curves for trawl gears
Authors: Millar Russell B
Published: November 2023

Methods for jointly estimating both the size-specific relative retention and absolute retention (retention probability) of two experimental trawl gears are considered. One approach would be to undertake comparative fishing of both gears, from which their comparative catchability can be estimated directly. If comparative catchability can be corrected for differing sampling effort and fishing efficiency of the two gears, then relative retention can be estimated. Furthermore, if a suitable functional form of the absolute retention curve is assumed, then estimates of absolute retention can potentially be obtained. However, these estimated retention curves are seen to have extremely large statistical variability and will not be useful in practice. On the other hand, if the gears are each fished with a non-selective control, then absolute retention can be directly estimated, from which estimates of relative retention can immediately be obtained. However, these estimates of relative retention have greater variability than would be obtained by comparative fishing with the same level of sampling effort. It is shown that a hybrid selectivity design that includes both comparative fishing of the experimental trawls and fishing with a non-selective control provides a more balanced approach. An extensive simulation study is conducted using scenarios based on recently published work on selectivity experiments targeting cod (Gadus Morhua) and hoki/blue grenadier (Macruronus novaezelandiae).
New Democracies and Commitment to Human Rights Treaties
Authors: Dai Xinyuan , Tokhi Alexandros
Published: November 2023

One of the most influential arguments suggests that new democracies are more inclined than others to commit to international human rights treaties. This paper examines whether new democracies are more likely to commit not only to the basic, but also to the more demanding and constraining treaties. We argue that despite the strategic utility of costly commitments, new democracies are often unwilling to pay for the increased costs of more demanding and constraining treaties. We test our argument by tackling some of the trickiest inferential challenges. We employ propensity score weighting to address the nonrandom assignment of new democracies and further specify marginal structural models to account for dynamic confounding. Our analyses reveal intriguing findings. While new democracies commit to the broad human rights conventions more quickly, they are more reluctant than established democracies to commit to the more demanding and constraining protocols.
Rapid AMR prediction in Pseudomonas aeruginosa combining MALDI–TOF MS with DNN model
Authors: Fu Jiaojiao , He Fangting , Xiao Jinming , Liao Zhengyue , He Liying , He Jing , Guo Jinlin , Liu Sijing
Published: November 2023

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant clinical pathogen that poses a substantial threat due to its extensive drug resistance. The rapid and precise identification of this resistance is crucial for effective clinical treatment. Although matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI–TOF MS) has been used for antibiotic susceptibility differentiation of some bacteria in recent years, the genetic diversity of P. aeruginosa complicates population analysis. Rapid identification of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in P. aeruginosa based on a large amount of MALDI–TOF-MS data has not yet been reported. In this study, we employed publicly available datasets for P. aeruginosa, which contain data on bacterial resistance and MALDI–TOF-MS spectra. We introduced a deep neural network model, synergized with a strategic sampling approach (SMOTEENN) to construct a predictive framework for AMR of three widely used antibiotics.

Results

The framework achieved area under the curve values of 90%, 85%, and 77% for Tobramycin, Cefepime, and Meropenem, respectively, surpassing conventional classifiers. Notably, random forest algorithm was used to assess the significance of features and post-hoc analysis was conducted on the top 10 features using Cohen’s d. This analysis revealed moderate effect sizes (d = 0.5–0.8) in Tobramycin and Cefepime models. Finally, putative AMR biomarkers were identified in this study.

Conclusions

This work presented an AMR prediction tool specifically designed for P. aeruginosa, which offers a hopeful pathway for clinical decision-making.
Compound bioengineering protein improves growth performance and intestinal health in broiler chickens under high-temperature conditions
Authors: Yin Shenggang , Su Liuzhen , Shao Quanjun , Fan Zhiyong , Tang Jiayong , Jia Gang , Liu Guangmang , Tian Gang , Chen Xiaoling , Cai Jingyi , Kang Bo , Zhao Hua
Published: November 2023

In recent years, more frequent and prolonged periods of high ambient temperature in summer compromised poultry production worldwide. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of compound bioengineering protein (CBP) on the growth performance and intestinal health of broilers under high ambient temperatures. A total of 400 one-day-old Arbor Acres birds were randomly distributed into five treatment groups: control group (CON) with basal diet, or a basal diet supplemented with CBP 250, 500, 750, and 1,000 mg/kg, respectively. The trial lasted 42 d, all birds were raised at normal ambient temperature for the first 21 d and then subjected to the artificial hyperthermal condition with the temperature at 32 ± 2 °C and relative humidity at 60 ± 5% during 22 to 42 d. Dietary CBP supplementation improved the growth performance and serum antioxidant capacity (total antioxidant capacity and total superoxide dismutase), and decreased serum cortisol, aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase of broilers. Dietary CBP inclusion enhanced intestinal barrier function by promoting intestinal morphology and reducing intestinal permeability (diamine oxidase), increased the intestinal antioxidant capacity by elevating glutathione peroxidase activity in the duodenum, reducing malondialdehyde content in the jejunum. Dietary CBP supplementation also alleviated intestinal inflammation by decreasing interleukin (IL)-6 content in the jejunum and ileum, promoting IL-10 levels in the ileum, down-regulating the mRNA abundance of intestinal inflammatory-related genes interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in the duodenum and up-regulating IL-10 in the jejunum. Additionally, CBP increased the population of total bacteria and Lactobacillus in cecal chyme. Collectively, dietary CBP inclusion exerts beneficial effects on the broilers, which are reflected by enhancing antioxidant capacity, promoting intestinal barrier function, ameliorating intestinal immune response, and regulating intestinal bacteria, thus improving the growth performance of broilers under high-temperature conditions. In general, 750 mg/kg CBP supplementation is more effective.
Simple and rapid detection of three amatoxins and three phallotoxins in human body fluids by UPLC–MS-MS and its application in 15 poisoning cases
Authors: Yang Shuo , Wen Di , Zheng Fenshuang , Pu Shanbai , Chen Zhuonan , Chen Mobing , Di Bin , Liu Wei , Shi Yan
Published: November 2023

Amatoxins and phallotoxins are toxic cyclopeptides found in the genus Amanita and are among the predominant causes of foodborne sickness and poisoning-related fatalities in China. This study introduces and validates a simple, rapid and cost-effective ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous determination and quantification of α-amanitin, β-amanitin, γ-amanitin, phallisacin, phallacidin and phalloidin in human blood and urine. Quick therapeutic decision-making is supported by a 9 min chromatographic separation performed on a Waters Acquity UPLC HSS T3 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.8 µm) using a gradient of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-grade water and methanol:0.005% formic acid. The analyte limit of quantification was 1–3 ng/mL in blood and 0.5–2 ng/mL in urine. Calibrations curves, prepared by spiking drug-free blood and urine, demonstrated acceptable linearity with mean correlation coefficients (r) greater than 0.99 for all phallotoxins and amatoxins. Acceptable intraday and interday precision (relative standard deviation <15%) and accuracy (bias, −4.8% to 13.0% for blood and—9.0% to 14.7% for urine) were achieved. The validated method was successfully applied to analyze 9 blood samples and 2 urine samples testing positive for amatoxins and/or phallotoxins. Amatoxins and/or phallotoxins were identified in each whole blood sample at a range of 1.12–5.63 ng/mL and in two urine samples from 1.01–9.27 ng/mL. The method has the benefits of simple sample preparation (protein precipitation) and wide analyte coverage, making it suitable for emergency quantitative surveillance toxicological analysis in clinics and forensic poisoning practice.
The Obligations of the States in Respect of Climate Change Before the International Court of Justice
Authors: Lamm Vanda
Published: November 2023

This analysis discusses the advisory opinion requested by the UN General Assembly from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in April 2023 on the obligations of states in respect of climate change. Although the ICJ’s decision cannot be expected before the autumn of 2024, important procedural anomalies have arisen, which require due regard to ensure that the ICJ can provide its advisory opinion in possession of sufficient information. In particular, firstly, not all Small Island Developing States have been notified by the ICJ and invited to submit written statements and, secondly, the amicus curiae provided by NGOs will be not accessible to the public. This analysis argues that all Small Island Developing States should have the opportunity to take part in the proceedings and the amicus curiae submitted by NGOs to the ICJ should receive proper publicity.
Statistical inference for complete and incomplete mobility trajectories under the flight-pause model
Authors: Jurek Marcin , Calder Catherine A , Zigler Corwin
Published: November 2023

We formulate a statistical flight-pause model (FPM) for human mobility, represented by a collection of random objects, called motions, appropriate for mobile phone tracking (MPT) data. We develop the statistical machinery for parameter inference and trajectory imputation under various forms of missing data. We show that common assumptions about the missing data mechanism for MPT are not valid for the mechanism governing the random motions underlying the FPM, representing an understudied missing data phenomenon. We demonstrate the consequences of missing data and our proposed adjustments in both simulations and real data, outlining implications for MPT data collection and design.
Sir John Gardner Wilkinson (1797–1875) in Turkish Dress, at Thebes: The Self-Fashioning of an Antiquarian Egyptologist
Authors: Frost Robert
Published: November 2023

In recent years, there has been considerable interest in the eighteenth- and nineteenth-century cultural practice of Britons wearing indigenous dress, as well as debate as to what motivated people to re-fashion their identity in such radical ways. Typically, these practices have been viewed either as acts of cultural appropriation, or occasionally as acts of solidarity with other cultures. This article focuses on one individual, the antiquarian Egyptologist Sir John Gardner Wilkinson (1797–1875), who wore Turkish dress whilst in Egypt, and was depicted wearing the same dress by the portrait artist Henry Wyndham Phillips, in 1843/44. Despite being reproduced in countless histories of Egyptology, archaeology and beyond, there currently exists no sustained critical analysis of Wilkinson’s relationship with this costume. I contend that Wilkinson’s choice of Turkish dress and his engagement with such clothing was both sustained and complicated. It reflected simple practicalities, but also an awareness of socio-political conditions in Egypt which were inadequately understood at an official level, due to high-handed expectations about how Britons should and should not behave, to bolster Britain’s national image abroad. At the same time, the same clothing could be interpreted differently by other audiences, and Phillips’s painting of Wilkinson – the components of which are identified for the first time – emerges as an attempt at self-fashioning on Wilkinson’s part, to cement his recently acquired status as a recognized authority about ancient Egypt. These concerns are applicable to other western scholars and travellers active in the Near East in the early nineteenth century.
Foot Strike Run Retraining for Patients With Patellofemoral Chondral Defects: A Case Series
Authors: Pontillo Marisa , Mazzone Gunterstockman Brittney , Bunn Adam , Bechard Laura , Wolfgramm Sione , Mack Takman , Farrokhi Shawn
Published: November 2023

Military service members (SMs) demonstrate high rates of patellofemoral chondral defects (PFCDs) that are difficult to diagnosis and, if untreated, result in a cascade of events eventually leading to osteoarthritis. Running is an essential occupational task for SMs; however, there is little evidence regarding techniques to maintain running ability in individuals with cartilage defects. The purpose of this case series was to assess the clinical application of foot strike run retraining in patients with PFCDs. This case series included two active duty U.S. Marine Corps SMs who presented to outpatient physical therapy with PFCD, diagnosed via MRI. Both patients attended eight foot strike run retraining sessions. Running mechanics and patient-reported outcomes were recorded pre-training, post-training, and at a 1-month follow-up visit. Both patients successfully converted their strike pattern from a rearfoot to a non-rearfoot strike pattern with training and retained this strategy at 1-month follow-up. Post-intervention, both patients demonstrated increased running tolerance, and improvements in Numeric Pain Rating Scale and Lower Extremity Functional Scale scores. Biomechanical analysis showed that both patients demonstrated a 63% to 70% reduction in average and peak vertical ground reaction force loading rates post-treatment. Modification of foot strike pattern from rear to non-rearfoot strike during running for individuals with PFCD can reduce the magnitude of impact loading, which potentially limits disease progression. These findings suggest that foot strike run retraining may be a feasible strategy to reduce pain and improve function in SMs with PFCD who are required to run for occupational responsibilities.