bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of peripheral blood routine parameters in the diagnosis of influenza and Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Authors: Chen Jingrou , Wang Yang , Hong Mengzhi , Wu Jiahao , Zhang Zongjun , Li Runzhao , Ding Tangdan , Xu Hongxu , Zhang Xiaoli , Chen Peisong
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Influenza and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections often present concurrent and overlapping symptoms in clinical manifestations, making it crucial to accurately differentiate between the two in clinical practice. Therefore, this study aims to explore the potential of using peripheral blood routine parameters to effectively distinguish between influenza and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.

Methods

This study selected 209 influenza patients (IV group) and 214 Mycoplasma pneumoniae patients (MP group) from September 2023 to January 2024 at Nansha Division, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. We conducted a routine blood-related index test on all research subjects to develop a diagnostic model. For normally distributed parameters, we used the T-test, and for non-normally distributed parameters, we used the Wilcoxon test.

Results

Based on an area under the curve (AUC) threshold of ≥ 0.7, we selected indices such as Lym# (lymphocyte count), Eos# (eosinophil percentage), Mon% (monocyte percentage), PLT (platelet count), HFC# (high fluorescent cell count), and PLR (platelet to lymphocyte ratio) to construct the model. Based on these indicators, we constructed a diagnostic algorithm named IV@MP using the random forest method.

Conclusions

The diagnostic algorithm demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance and was validated in a new population, with an AUC of 0.845. In addition, we developed a web tool to facilitate the diagnosis of influenza and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections. The results of this study provide an effective tool for clinical practice, enabling physicians to accurately diagnose and differentiate between influenza and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, thereby offering patients more precise treatment plans.
The myelin water imaging transcriptome: myelin water fraction regionally varies with oligodendrocyte-specific gene expression
Authors: Lee Jaimie J. , Scheuren Paulina S. , Liu Hanwen , Loke Ryan W. J. , Laule Cornelia , Loucks Catrina M. , Kramer John L.K.
Published: July 2024

Identifying sensitive and specific measures that can quantify myelin are instrumental in characterizing microstructural changes in neurological conditions. Neuroimaging transcriptomics is emerging as a valuable technique in this regard, offering insights into the molecular basis of promising candidates for myelin quantification, such as myelin water fraction (MWF). We aimed to demonstrate the utility of neuroimaging transcriptomics by validating MWF as a myelin measure. We utilized data from a normative MWF brain atlas, comprised of 50 healthy subjects (mean age = 25 years, range = 17–42 years) scanned at 3 Tesla. Magnetic resonance imaging data included myelin water imaging to extract MWF and T1 anatomical scans for image registration and segmentation. We investigated the inter-regional distributions of gene expression data from the Allen Human Brain Atlas in conjunction with inter-regional MWF distribution patterns. Pearson correlations were used to identify genes with expression profiles mirroring MWF. The Single Cell Type Atlas from the Human Protein Atlas was leveraged to classify genes into gene sets with high cell type specificity, and a control gene set with low cell type specificity. Then, we compared the Pearson correlation coefficients for each gene set to determine if cell type-specific gene expression signatures correlate with MWF. Pearson correlation coefficients between MWF and gene expression for oligodendrocytes and adipocytes were significantly higher than for the control gene set, whereas correlations between MWF and inhibitory/excitatory neurons were significantly lower. Our approach in integrating transcriptomics with neuroimaging measures supports an emerging technique for understanding and validating MRI-derived markers such as MWF.
Exploring the influence of leadership styles on psychological well-being and satisfaction of Pilates classes clients
Authors: Kim Youngmi , Chae Soowon , Sim Insuk , Kim Buom
Published: July 2024

Background

The recent trend of increased indoor activities has significantly influenced daily life, enhancing the popularity of exercises like Pilates. This study explores how Pilates instructors’ leadership styles affect class satisfaction and psychological well-being, addressing the research gap concerning the specific impact of leadership within the context of Pilates classes.

Methods

The study surveyed 388 participants from 39 Pilates studios across South Korea, utilizing a questionnaire to assess leadership styles (transformational, transactional, and servant leadership), class satisfaction, and psychological well-being. Using statistical analyses, leadership styles were assessed for their correlation with class satisfaction and psychological well-being.

Results

Findings revealed that transformational and transactional leadership styles were positively correlated with class satisfaction and psychological well-being. Specifically, transformational leadership significantly enhanced educational satisfaction and personal growth, while transactional leadership most strongly influenced social satisfaction and the sense of purpose in life. Servant leadership was notably effective in improving physical class satisfaction. The study also highlighted the critical role of class satisfaction in promoting psychological well-being among participants.

Conclusion

This research underscores the importance of leadership styles in enhancing the Pilates class experience, suggesting that instructors’ leadership approaches can significantly impact participants’ satisfaction and psychological well-being. The study advocates developing training programs that equip Pilates instructors with the skills to adopt effective leadership styles, fostering a more positive and fulfilling class environment.
A phase 1 clinical trial of DB-020 intratympanic injections administered prior to high-dose cisplatin chemotherapy to reduce ototoxicity.
Authors: Panizza Benedict J. , O'Leary Stephen John , Hart Christopher David , Diwakarla Chandra Sai , Barnett Catherine , Lapuerta Pablo , Lee John , Raines Shane , Quigley Tera , Wolff Heather M , Keilty John , Ladwa Rahul , Porceddu Sandro V , McGrath Margaret , Seetharamu Nagashree , Fua Tsien , Rischin Danny
Published: July 2024

6100

Background: Hearing loss (HL) as a result of cisplatin (CP) chemotherapy is common. DB-020 is a formulation of sodium thiosulfate for intratympanic (IT) injection being developed to reduce CP ototoxicity. This phase 1 study was designed to evaluate safety and tolerability of repeated IT injections of DB-020 and compare CP-induced hearing changes with DB-020 vs placebo. Methods: Patients scheduled for at least three cycles of CP and cumulative exposure of ≥280 mg/m2 were randomized to blinded, bilateral, IT injection with DB-020 (12% or 25%) in one ear and placebo in the other ear, once every 3 or 4 weeks, ≤3 hours before receiving CP. Patients naïve to CP with moderate or severe HL at baseline were excluded. Ototoxicity was defined by American Speech-Language-Hearing criteria: ≥20 dB threshold increase at any one test frequency, or ≥10 dB threshold increase in any two adjacent frequencies, or loss of response at three consecutive frequencies where responses were previously obtained. Severe ototoxicity was defined as ≥20 dB threshold increase in any two adjacent frequencies. Pre-specified analyses evaluated safety, ototoxicity (with McNemar’s test using the last observation carried forward), and average threshold shifts (from air conduction audiometry, analyzed with a mixed model with repeated measures). This is the final analysis of the data set following the interim analysis presented in 2023. Results: Twenty-two patients were randomized with a mean age of 55 years (86% male; 100% white). Pre-DB-020 treatment, mean cumulative CP dose was 255 mg/m2, and 95% had head and neck cancers; 5% had lung cancer. Twenty patients had both baseline and follow-up audiometry, and 18/20 had baseline audiograms within 5 dB of the median threshold for age-matched controls. Free CP systemic levels (overall mean cumulative CP dose was 254.7 mg/m2) were similar to reference values. Acute or temporary ear pain (18/22 patients, 82%), and tinnitus (11/22 patients, 50%) were common. Ear pain was more common in DB-020 treated ears, and tinnitus in placebo treated ears. No persistent tympanic perforations, no serious adverse events in the ear and labyrinth disorders category, and no deaths were reported. Ototoxicity was significantly more common and severe in placebo treated ears. Conclusions: In this initial clinical trial experience, there was no significant safety signal, and DB-020 IT injections showed a meaningful reduction in CP-induced ototoxicity. Clinical trial information: NCT04262336 . [Table: see text]
Pyrotinib in HER2-altered advanced salivary gland carcinomas: Analysis of two cohorts from an exploratory study.
Authors: Dou Shengjin , Zhang Lin , Jiang Wen , Ye Lulu , Li Rongrong , Zhu Guopei
Published: July 2024

6108

Background: The HER2 altered in a subset of salivary gland cancers (SGCs). Pyrotinib is an oral irreversible pan-HER receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting HER1, HER2, and HER4. In this study, we assessed the efficacy and safety of pyrotinib in patients with HER2-amplified/overexpressed/mutated advanced SGCs, including recurrent/metastatic(R/M) and locally advanced (LA) patients with high-risk of recurrence. Methods: R/M and high-risk LA SGCs with HER2-alteration were enrolled. Pyrotinib (400 mg) was given orally once daily. In LA cohort, pyrotinib were given as adjuvant therapy after standard surgery and postoperative radiation. Results: Between August 2019 and August 2023, 18 patients were enrolled (10 in R/M cohort and 8 in LA cohort). In R/M cohort, the median age was 58.5 years, and all patients were grade III. The ORR was 90%, including 2 CRs, 7 PRs and 1PD; median DOR was 5.7 months (range: 3.1-13.7) and median PFS was 7.6 months (range: 2.7-16.8). In LA cohort, the median age was 59.0 years, and all patients but one were grade III. All patients but one had T4 disease; 5 patients had N3 and 2 had N2b disease; 5 patients had ENE and 5 patients had positive margin. With a median follow up 21.3 months, only 3 patients experienced recurrence, and one patient died due to non-tumor reasons. The estimated 2-years PFS and 2-years OS were 75% and 100%. The most common adverse event was diarrhea, which occurred in 11/18 (61.1%) patients and 3/18 (16.7%) were grade III. Conclusions: Pyrotinib showed promising antitumor activity in recurrent/metastatic HER2-altered SGCs, and had a potential to prolong survival outcome as adjuvant treatment in LA patients setting, which needs further randomized studies. Clinical trial information: NCT05087706 .
Phase II trial of regorafenib in metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and radioactive iodine refractory differentiated thyroid carcinoma (RAIR DTC).
Authors: Sehgal Kartik , Shi Ruichao , Pappa Theodora , Min Judy K , Oakley Liam B , ONeill Anne , Dennis Michael J. , Deshpande Hari Anant , Haddad Robert I. , Lorch Jochen H.
Published: July 2024

6109

Background: Multi-kinase inhibitors show activity in both MTC & RAIR DTC. However, therapeutic options are limited after disease becomes refractory to one or two lines of standard of care therapies. We report here results of an investigator-initiated phase II clinical trial evaluating regorafenib in this population (NCT02657551). Methods: Patients with MTC (disease progression within 6-12 months, mo, prior to study registration) and RAIR DTC (progression within 12 mo) were enrolled regardless of prior lines of therapy. Regorafenib (each cycle 3 weeks ON/1 week OFF) was started at 80 mg daily, with planned escalation after 1 & 2 weeks to 120 mg daily & 160 mg daily, respectively, in absence of significant treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). The highest tolerated dose was continued from cycle 2 onwards until progression. The primary endpoints were proportion progression-free at 10 months in MTC & overall response rate (ORR) by RECIST v1.1 in RAIR DTC. Simon two-stage design was utilized; MTC: <2 in 8 progression-free in first stage stops for futility, stage 2: enroll 13, >6/21 provides 81% power for proportion >20%; DTC: <3 in 9 in response in first stage stops for futility; stage 2: enroll 11, >7/20 provides 81% power for ORR >25%. Results: 17 patients (8 MTC, 9 DTC) were enrolled between April 2016 and October 2022. Among MTC, median (range) age was 54.7y (48.1, 62.8), 25% female. Among DTC, median age (range) was 62.8y (44.3, 75.8), 55.6% female. In MTC group, the proportion progression-free at 10 months was 12.5% (95% CI 0.3%, 52.7%) & did not meet the criteria to continue into 2nd stage. ORR in MTC group was 12.5% (95% CI 0.3%, 52.7%). In DTC group, ORR was 11.1% (95% CI 0.3%, 48.2%), & did not meet the criteria to continue into 2nd stage. No patients were receiving treatment at cutoff. Patients with MTC and DTC with objective responses (1 each) had received one (vandetanib) & no prior systemic therapy, respectively. The most common reason for discontinuation was disease progression in MTC (4, 50%) & DTC (5, 55.6%). Grade 3-4 TRAEs were observed in 8/17 (47.1%), most frequent were diarrhea, hypophosphatemia, & hypertension (each grade 3: 2, 11.7%). There were no treatment-related deaths. Median progression-free survival (PFS) in MTC & DTC were 5.3 (95% CI 3.6, 20.1) & 11.0 (95% CI 1.2, 24.0) mo, respectively. Median overall survival (OS) in MTC & DTC were 16.1 (95% CI 5.2, NA) and 20.1 (95% CI 1.6, NA) mo, respectively. Conclusions: Regorafenib clinical trial did not reach its primary endpoints in MTC and DTC. Analyses are planned to investigate impact of prior VEGFR inhibitor exposure, biomarkers and resistance mechanisms. Clinical trial information: NCT02657551 . [Table: see text]
The efficacy and safety of trastuzumab biosimilar HLX02 compared with reference trastuzumab plus pertuzumab in combination with chemotherapy as the first-line treatment for HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer: A real-world study in China.
Authors: Yan Ying , Li Huiping
Published: July 2024

e13016

Background: Dual-targeted anti-HER2 therapy with trastuzumab (H) and pertuzumab (P) significantly improves outcomes in HER2-positive breast cancer and has become the first-line standard treatment for patients with advanced HER2-positive breast cancer in China in 2019 based on the results of the CLEOPATRA and PUFFIN study. HLX02 (Zercepac) was the first trastuzumab biosimilar manufactured in China. Here, we present the first real-world comparison of HLX02 versus reference trastuzumab (RTZ) and pertuzumab with chemotherapy as the first-line treatment for HER2-positive metastatic China.Between January 2019 and August 2023, 121 patients with HER2-positive MBC patients were enrolled at Beijing Cancer Hospital in China. These patients received HLX02 or RTZ in combination with pertuzumab and various chemotherapies as first-line treatment. We retrospectively analyzed survival outcomes, efficacy, and adverse events. Methods: Between January 2019 and August 2023, 121 patients with HER2-positive MBC patients were enrolled at Beijing Cancer Hospital in China. These patients received HLX02 or RTZ in combination with pertuzumab and various chemotherapies as first-line treatment. We retrospectively analyzed survival outcomes, efficacy, and adverse events. Results: Both groups, 68 received RTZ and 53 received HLX02, showed similar characteristics of age, disease status (de novo or recurrent), metastatic sites (visceral or non-visceral), and treatment history. A total of 118 (97.5%) received trastuzumab plus pertuzumab combined with chemotherapy as the first-line palliative therapy, with a median number of 6 cycles in each group. Taxanes were the most commonly used chemotherapy regimen in both groups (91.2 vs. 92.5%), including nab-paclitaxel (44.1 vs. 45.3%), docetaxel (41.2 vs. 17.0%), paclitaxel (5.9 vs. 30.2%). With a median follow-up of 15.0 months (range 1.0 - 58.0), the results showed no significant difference in PFS between the RTZ and HLX02 arms (median PFS: 22.0 vs. 19.0 months, p=0.900). Additionally, the efficacy outcomes, including objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and safety profiles did not show significant differences between the two groups. Among 121 patients, 20 patients (16.5%) experienced CNS progression. For these patients, the median time from the first-line therapy to the CNS progression was 15.0 months (95% CI 12.8 - 17.2). Conclusions: The real-world data suggest similar efficacy and safety of HLX02 and RTZ plus pertuzumab with different chemotherapy regimens as the first-line treatment for patients with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer patients in China. Overall, the PFS was consistent with the CLEOPATRA trial in both groups, and there was no new safety signal.
Clinical efficacy of pyrotinib combined with stereotactic radiosurgery in HER2-positive breast cancer brain metastases.
Authors: Zhen Junjie , Bashir Shoaib , Yang Yanying , Wang Hui , Lai Mingyao , Cai Linbo
Published: July 2024

e13017

Background: Up to 50% of patients with breast cancer (BC) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive present with disease progression in brain metastases (BM). Pyrotinib, an oral irreversible pan-HER receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has shown efficacy in active central nervous system(CNS) metastases. However, clinical efficacy of pyrotinib combining with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in BCBM is unclear. Methods: This retrospective, observational study collected data from 52 HER2+ BC patients with brain metastasis who received pyrotinib-based therapy in Guangdong Sanjiu brain hospital from 2019 to 2023. Among these patients, 36 received pyrotinib-based therapy combining with SRS concurrently, or within 1 months. Age, stage at diagnosis, dates of BM, primary tumor subtypes, prior systemic therapy, CNS-directed local therapy, the objective response and survival status were collected. The assessment of adverse effects was based on CTCAE 4.0. Results: 34 patients were evaluable for efficacy (median age: 51.5). With a median follow-up duration of 19.6 months, 1 patient (0.3%) achieved CR, while 27 patients (79.4%) had PR, resulting in an ORR of 82.3%. The median CNS PFS was 13.2 months (95% CI, 4.9-21.7). Median overall survival (OS) was 22.6 months (95% CI, 17.5-27.6). The most common grade 3 or worse treatment-emergent adverse event was diarrhea (6 [17.6%]). Conclusions: Our results suggest that pyrotinib combining with SRS is associated with promising efficacy and a satisfactory safety profile for Her2+ breast cancer brain metastases.
Multi-dimensional cell-free DNA-based liquid biopsy for sensitive detection of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.
Authors: Fang Han , Mou Yakui , Zhang Wenbin , Bao Hua , Wu Min , Chen Xiaoxi , Wu Xuxiaochen , Yang Ruowei , Zhu Dongqin , Song Xicheng
Published: July 2024

e18054

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer type worldwide. The mortality from HNSCC is closely linked to stage. However, the majority of HNSCC patients were diagnosed at an advanced stage. Therefore, a non-invasive assay for the early detection of HNSCCs is highly desirable for reducing the associated mortality. Methods: We collected a study cohort of 281 participants including 140 pathologically confirmed with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) and 141 with non-cancerous conditions. A plasma sample was collected from each participant along with general health screening examinations before any invasive examinations. We performed low-pass whole-genome sequencing with plasma samples and profiled three types of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) characteristics, fragment size pattern (FSP), copy number variation (CNV), and single nucleotide substitution (SNS). We developed an ensemble model with these differential profiles to identify HNSCC patients from non-cancer individuals. We further collected a validation cohort consisting of 90 HNSCC patients and 95 non-cancer individuals to validate the cfDNA-based assay. Results: The liquid biopsy assay that incorporated three types of cfDNA characteristics was able to identify HNSCC patients from non-cancer individuals at an AUROC of 0.989 in the study cohort and 0.984 in the validation cohort. At a specificity of 95.7% (135/141), it achieved a sensitivity of 95.7% (134/140) in the study cohort. With this threshold (0.580), in the validation cohort, 93.7% (89/95) of non-cancer individuals and 93.3% (84/90) of HNSCC patients were correctly identified. Specifically, the sensitivities in early stage (I&II) HNSCCs were 94.5 % (52/55) and 87.5% (28/32) in the study and validation cohort, respectively. Of note, the inferred probabilities of cancer showed consistent trends to increase with pathological stages in both cohorts (P=0.032 and 0.047, respectively). On the contrary, the differentiation grades and sub-locations did not significantly affect the performance of the assay. Conclusions: We introduced a liquid biopsy assay using multiple dimensions of cfDNA characteristics that could accurately identify HNSCCs from non-cancerous conditions. As a cost-effective non-invasive approach, it may be conveniently incorporated into annual general physical examinations to provide supplementary information about the risk of HNSCCs.
Oferta de crédito e o recente crescimento do Brasil
Authors: Fiocca Demian
Published: July 2024

A média dos últimos 30 anos de crescimento do Brasil foi baixa. Algumas análises atribuem esse desempenho à armadilha da renda média. Bresser-Pereira questiona tal tese e aponta a adoção de políticas neoliberais a partir dosanos 1990 como causa da frustração na retomada das taxas históricas de crescimento, mesmo depois de superada a crise da dívida externa. Apesar desse legado desfavorável, entretanto, o Brasil registrou uma década de crescimento robusto, entre 2004 e 2013. Este artigo aponta a expansão da oferta de crédito como uma das causas da contínua elevação da FBCF/PIB e do crescimento econômico desses 10 anos. Destaca, então, o papel anticíclico da oferta de crédito dos bancos públicos para estabilizar a trajetória de expansão do crédito total. Por fim, identifica condições econômicas do período 2004-2013 que ainda são contemporâneas, diferentemente daquelas que prevaleciam nas fases de crescimento de meio século atrás.
Αναπαράσταση σε τρεις διαστάσεις με τεχνικές βαθιάς μάθησης
Authors: Χατζησταμάτης Σταμάτης
Published: July 2024

Η ενσωμάτωση της τρισδιάστατης (3Δ) κατανόησης και του χωρικού συλλογισμού σε (ευφυείς) αλγόριθμους είναι ζωτικής σημασίας για την επίλυση πολλών εργασιών σε τομείς όπως η πολιτιστική κληρονομιά. Οι άνθρωποι είναι σε θέση να συλλογιστούν σχετικά με τις 3Δ χωρικές σχέσεις ακόμη και από μια μόνο εικόνα. Δεν συμβαίνει ωστόσο το ίδιο με την ενσωμάτωση αυτής της αντίληψης σε προγράμματα υπολογιστών. Η απευθείας λειτουργία σε δεδομένα εισόδου 3Δ, όπως τα 3Δ νέφη σημείων, μειώνει την ανάγκη χρήσης πολλαπλών δεδομένων 2Δ σε μια 3Δ αναπαράσταση. Τα 3Δ νέφη σημείων δεν είναι μόνο μια πιο κατάλληλη αναπαράσταση δεδομένων εισόδου, αλλά γίνονται επίσης όλο και πιο εύκολο να αποκτηθούν. Στις μέρες μας, οι αισθητήρες λέιζερ είναι ενσωματωμένοι ακόμη και σε καταναλωτικές συσκευές όπως τα κινητά τηλέφωνα.Η έρευνα για την κατάτμηση και την ταξινόμηση των 3Δ νεφών σημείων είναι ένας τομέας που εξελίσσεται ταχέως, λόγω της αυξανόμενης πολυπλοκότητας των εφαρμογών και της αυξανόμενης διαθεσιμότητας 3Δ συνόλων δεδομένων μεγάλης κλίμακας. Ειδικότερα, οι προσεγγίσεις μηχανικής μάθησης και βαθιάς μάθησης είναι πολλά υποσχόμενες για τη βελτίωση της αποτελεσματικότητας και της ακρίβειας αυτών των διαδικασιών. Με την εκπαίδευση μοντέλων σε επισημασμένα σύνολα δεδομένων, οι ερευνητές αναπτύσσουν αλγόριθμους ικανούς να αναγνωρίζουν και να κατηγοριοποιούν αυτόματα χαρακτηριστικά μέσα στα νέφη σημείων, βελτιστοποιώντας έτσι τη μετατροπή ακατέργαστων δεδομένων σε λεπτομερή και λειτουργικά 3Δ μοντέλα.Η παρούσα διατριβή πραγματεύεται την ταξινόμηση με τεχνικές βαθιάς μάθησης, νεφών σημείων πραγματικού κόσμου που αναπαριστούν χώρους πολιτιστικής κληρονομιάς μεσαίας-μεγάλης κλίμακας. Παρουσιάζει τις τεχνολογίες 3Δ απόκτησης δεδομένων όσον αφορά την ακρίβεια, την ανάλυση και τη δυνατότητα εφαρμογής σε διάφορους τύπους αντικειμένων και περιβαλλόντων. Εξετάζει τους βασικούς παράγοντες που επηρεάζουν την ποιότητα των 3Δ μοντέλων και πώς μπορούν να βελτιστοποιηθούν κατά τη διαδικασία απόκτησης των 3Δ δεδομένων. Προτείνει τις απαιτήσεις όσον αφορά την ακρίβεια και την ανάλυση των 3Δ νεφών σημείων για την ανάλυσή τους με τεχνικές βαθιάς μάθησης. Εμπλουτίζει τα διαθέσιμα σύνολα δεδομένων με νέα που περιέχουν επισημασμένα νέφη σημείων. Τέλος προτείνει νευρωνικό δίκτυο βαθιάς μάθησης για την σημασιολογική κατάτμηση και ταξινόμηση των 3Δ νεφών σημείων για πολύπλοκες σκηνές και αντικείμενα.
Μαθηματική μοντελοποίηση και μελέτη της ηλεκτρικής και μαγνητικής δραστηριότητας του λειτουργικού εγκεφάλου
Authors: Παπαργύρη Αθηνά
Published: July 2024

Ο ανθρώπινος εγκέφαλος είναι ένα πολύπλοκο όργανο, γεγονός που οφείλεται στον μεγάλο αριθμό νευρικών κυττάρων που περιέχει. Οι νευρώνες του εγκεφάλου, οι ο-ποίοι αποτελούν το μέσο επικοινωνίας του με το ανθρώπινο σώμα, συνθέτουν ένα ηλεκτρικό κύκλωμα εντός του οποίου ρέουν ιοντικά ρεύματα βιοχημικής προέλευσης, τα οποία είναι υπεύθυνα για την παρουσία κύριων και επαγόμενων ηλεκτρικών ρευμάτων σε διεγερμένες περιοχές στο εσωτερικό του εγκεφάλου που παράγουν ένα εξωτερικά ανιχνεύσιμο ηλεκτρομαγνητικό πεδίο. Συγκεκριμένα, το ηλεκτρικό πεδίο μπορεί να μετρηθεί με τη μέθοδο της ηλεκτροεγκεφαλογραφίας, ενώ η μέτρηση του μαγνητικού πεδίου γίνεται με τη μέθοδο της μαγνητοεγκεφαλογραφίας. Ο εγκέφαλος μαζί με το κρανίο που το περιβάλλει θεωρείται σαν μία πρώτη προσέγγιση ως ένας ενιαίος, ομογενής και ισότροπος αγωγός, ενώ η πηγή του νευρωνικού ρεύματος, η οποία παράγει το ηλεκτρομαγνητικό πεδίο, μοντελοποιείται ως ένα σημειακό δίπολο που βρίσκεται σε ένα συγκεκριμένο σημείο εντός του εγκεφαλικού ιστού. Επισημαίνεται δε ότι το μέγεθος του ανθρώπινου εγκεφάλου και οι τιμές των φυσικών παραμέτρων που περιγράφουν τη διάδοση του ηλεκτρομαγνητικού κύματος εντός του εγκεφάλου, επιτρέπουν τη χρήση της σχεδόν στάσιμης θεωρίας των εξισώσεων του Maxwell για την περιγραφή της διάδοσης του ηλεκτρομαγνητικού πεδίου που παράγεται από τη λειτουργία του εγκεφάλου. Υπάρχουν ποικίλα γεωμετρικά μοντέλα που δύναται να περιγράψουν τον εγκέφαλο ως αγωγό. Η σφαιρική γεωμετρία στηρίζεται στη σφαιρική συμμετρία και παρόλο που δεν αποτελεί ρεαλιστικό πρότυπο του ανθρώπινου εγκεφάλου, χρησιμοποιείται ευρέως για την ερμηνεία των εγκεφαλογραφημάτων. Λαμβάνοντας υπόψιν τις παραπάνω παραδοχές και τα ήδη γνωστά αποτελέσματα από τη βιβλιογραφία, στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή χρησιμοποιούμε τεχνικές διανυσματικής ανάλυσης και μεθόδους επίλυσης μερικών διαφορικών εξισώσεων, συνοδευόμενες από κατάλληλες συνοριακές συνθήκες και μελετάμε νέα προβλήματα σχετιζόμενα με την ηλεκτρομαγνητική δραστηριότητα του λειτουργικού εγκεφάλου, όπως την επίδραση εξωτερικών διαταραχών στο παραγόμενο ηλεκτρομαγνητικό πεδίο και τη δημιουργία οιδήματος. Η έρευνα στηρίζεται στην επίλυση πολύπλοκων προβλημάτων συνοριακών τιμών, θεωρώντας τον εγκέφαλο ως ένα πολυστοιβαδικό μέσο, προσεγγίζοντας πιο ρεαλιστικά τη φυσική κατάσταση.Η εύρεση των ηλεκτρομαγνητικών πεδίων με δεδομένη την πηγή ρεύματος και τα φυσικά χαρακτηριστικά αποτελούν το ευθύ πρόβλημα. Τα αποτελέσματα μπορούν μελλοντικά να συνεισφέρουν στην επίλυση του αντίστροφου προβλήματος της ηλεκτροεγκεφαλογραφίας και της μαγνητοεγκεφαλογραφίας, αντίστοιχα, όπου γίνεται ερμηνεία των δεδομένων από την επίλυση του ευθέως προβλήματος, προς την κατεύθυνση του εντοπισμού της θέσης, του προσανατολισμού και της έντασης της πηγής που προκαλεί τα καταγραφέντα πεδία, αλλά και της θέσης και του μεγέθους του οιδήματος που έχει προκληθεί από μία εξωτερική κάκωση ή μίας εκ γενετής ιδιομορφίας του ανθρώπινου κρανίου.
Application of Neural Networks in the Educational Process of University Students
Authors: Shamis V. , Kopylova A. , Panteleeva E.
Published: July 2024

The article is devoted to the analysis and study of statistics on the relevance of the use of neural networks in the educational process of students. Based on the results of the survey, which was attended by 94 students of the Omsk branch of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation of various training areas, the following conclusions were made: the degree of relevance of the use of neural networks in a modern university according to a 5-point system of at least 4 points was estimated by about 57.4% of respondents. The actual goals of using neural networks were: improving the quality of the workspace (60.6%), reducing the duration of the workflow (59.6%) and assistance in writing papers (48.9%). It is worth noting that according to the results of the survey, Shazam became the most popular neural network using artificial intelligence. 71.3% of respondents use this neural network to facilitate the search for the right musical composition. The results of the study allow us to conclude that it is necessary to introduce neural networks into the educational plan of universities to facilitate the educational process of students. As well as a superficial study, to understand the general structure and relevance of the use of neural networks.
Additional Professional Education As an Important Condition for the Development of Professional Competence of State and Municipal Employees
Authors: Vlasyuk I. , Kravcova Yuliya
Published: July 2024

The article examines the role of additional professional education in professional development of state and municipal employees. The main advantages of obtaining additional education are considered. The purpose of the study is to analyze methodological recommendations for the training and retraining of state and municipal employees, taking into account the main directions of scientific and technological progress using the analysis and collection of statistical data on the educational level of state and municipal employees. In conclusion, the results are summarized and conclusions are drawn about the importance of professional development through additional education.
Using Artificial Intelligence for Career Guidance for Schoolchildren
Authors: Neustupov A.
Published: July 2024

This article examines the use of artificial intelligence for early career guidance of schoolchildren. Various areas of career guidance and ways of using artificial intelligence algorithms are analyzed, the problems that schools and parents may face when using artificial intelligence and ways to overcome them are highlighted. The article also provides examples of various resources that can help students at the initial stage of choosing a future profession.
A new name for an old problem. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease - review of literature
Authors: Kruszewski Adrian , Dąbrowska Anna , Przybysz Paulina , Kucharska Maja , Szyszka Monika , Paduszyńska Natalia , Błaszczak Karolina
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) was previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). MASLD is one of the most important and leading causes of liver disease worldwide. This disease is a public health challenge in the 21st century.
Aim of the study: This article aims to present the latest literature data on MASLD. The study is intended to show what consequences are associated with changing the name of the disease and this article is purposive to be a vademecum of knowledge for practicing physicians.
Material and methods: Comprehensive literature searches were performed across the main electronic databases of PubMed and GoogleScholar using the keywords: "metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease”, “MASLD”, “non-alcoholic fatty liver disease” and “NAFLD”
Conclusions: Most patients do not report any symptoms. It is important to identify patients at increased risk of MASLD. A fundamental role in prevention and treatment is lifestyle changes. The pharmacological approach includes among others use of antidiabetic drugs and treatment of other associated states.
Insights into Dyspareunia: From Diagnosis to Multimodal Treatment Approaches
Authors: Kołodziej Klaudia , Mańdziuk Dominika , Niewinna Patrycja , Zaroda Przemysław , Dąda Paweł , Pawlik Paweł , Kołodziej Wojciech , Żuchowski Michał , Wawrzkowicz Jakub , Korga Monika
Published: July 2024

Introduction and Purpose:
Dyspareunia is a sexual disorder associated with pain in women. It refers to pain related to sexual intercourse. Pain can occur during penetration attempts, during penetration, during intercourse, and shortly after penetration. Studies conducted in the United States indicate that the problem of pain during intercourse affects as much as 10-20% of women. [1]  In Poland, this number is estimated to be around 13%.[1]   The aim of this review is to delve into the existing literature on the diagnosis of dyspareunia in women and to raise awareness of its extensive nature, emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach to patient care.
A Brief Description of the State of Knowledge:
The etiology of dyspareunia is multifactorial and may arise from pathological changes in the vulva and vagina, inflammatory changes, contact irritations, as well as vulvar conditions such as lichen sclerosus and flat. [3]  Additionally, hormonal changes, pelvic floor injuries, postpartum gynecological procedures also play a significant role. Psychological factors such as trauma, anxiety, and depression are also important [4].
Conclusions:
Dyspareunia is a condition that significantly affects the quality of life of women in various ways, thus necessitating effective therapeutic approaches. Collaboration among diverse specialists such as gynecologists, sexologists, psychotherapists, psychiatrists, and physiotherapists is crucial. Further research focusing on multimodal strategies is needed to effectively tailor treatments and mitigate the systemic effects of chronic pain.
Investigating the application range of ORC power plants for the exploitation of two-phase geothermal resources
Authors: Merbecks Tristan , Pietra Claudio , Bombarda Martin Paola , Saar O. , Silva Paolo , Alfani Dario
Published: July 2024

The design of a geothermal power plant exploiting a two-phase geothermal resource is a demanding task, due to the fact that different technologies and plant configurations must be considered, as well as the lack of flexible and reliable models for computing the thermophysical properties of geofluids, whose composition and chemistry is highly site-specific. This study presents a novel thermophysical property modelling framework aimed at modelling any arbitrary single- or two-phase geothermal brine. Recognising the potential synergy of two historically separate fields of research, fluid partition and property modelling, existing partitioning simulators, like Reaktoro, are coupled with high-accuracy thermophysical fluid property computation engines, like CoolProp and ThermoFun. The resultant Python-based framework, GeoProp, is validated against a range of primary and secondary data and will be made available to the public. Considering a two-phase geothermal resource, the design of direct steam cycles with flash as well as binary geothermal power plants is investigated from a thermodynamic perspective. A parametric study on geofluid composition, i.e. mineral and non-condensable gases (NCG) content, and inlet conditions, i.e. temperature and steam quality, is used to compare the performance and define the application envelope of these two technologies.
DOUBLE-STAGE ORC SYSTEM BASED ON VARIOUS TEMPERATURE WASTE HEAT SOURCES OF THE NEGATIVE CO2 POWER PLANT
Authors: Stasiak Kamil , Ziółkowski Paweł , Mikielewicz Dariusz
Published: July 2024

Analysed is the modification of the thermodynamic cycle with the negative CO2 power plant concept by its combination with the organic Rankine cycle. The analysed power plant operates on a gas produced from the gasification of sewage sludge. The negative emission term comes from the aggregated CO2 balance resulting from the capture of the CO2, while the sewage sludge is one of the inevitable environmental sources of CO2 to be avoided. In short, the principle of this power plant is to produce electrical power by converting sewage sludge fuel as the substrate to CO2 as a product, which is an intricate process in-between, with many opportunities for waste heat recovery. There are four main sources of waste heat in such a system. One is the drying process of the producer gas, which must be properly cooled from the high temperature after gasification to the temperature at which no moisture is present in the gas. In the wet combustion chamber, the syngas is oxy-combusted under high temperatures with water injection to control the combustion temperature. This mixture is then expanded in the gas turbine. The mixture leaving the turbine is a major source of heat supply for the ORC. The second heat source is a mixture of steam and gas – a major supply of heat source for ORC. Next, the mixture is undergoing separation process in a cyclone separator and then the CO2 (with a small content of moisture) is directed to carbon capture unit. The CO2 is then compressed in a system that requires intercooling. Due to the wide range of temperatures of the listed waste heat sources, the double ORC combination is investigated. The combined ORC cycle is connected by a cascade heat exchanger. The ORC fluid parameters are selected computationally to match the temperature distribution lines. The power plant processes are simulated in the steady-state process simulator using the most accurate equations of state from the literature. Optimum operating conditions of the ORC integrated power plant are obtained through optimization techniques.
Optimization of organic Rankine cycle using ocean thermal energy based on NSGA-II
Authors: Hu Zheng , Chen Jiufa , Guo Bin , Zhang Chengbin
Published: July 2024

The organic Rankine cycle is one of the key methods to utilize ocean thermal energy, which is abundant and continuous renewable energy. In this paper, a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGAII) based approach is utilized to optimize an organic Rankine cycle-based ocean thermal energy conversion system. The objective is to maximize the degree of thermal energy utilization and the maximum system power output in. The decision variables considered for optimization include evaporation temperature, condensation temperature, degree of superheating, and working fluid mass flow. The objective functions are defined as thermal efficiency and net power output. The optimization process for the ocean thermal energy conversion Rankine cycle is performed using NSGA-II. The results indicate an inverse relationship between thermal efficiency and power output, meaning that achieving the highest thermal efficiency does not necessarily result in the highest net power output. The utilization of NSGA-II enables the identification of multiple optimal solutions that lie on the Pareto front, representing the best trade-off between thermal efficiency and power output. By considering the investment cost constraint, the most suitable solution for achieving the maximum net power output can be determined.
Simulation and Operation of a CSP that works with a HRB cycle
Authors: Subires Antonio J. , Rovira Antonio
Published: July 2024

A Hybrid Rankine Brayton power cycle (HRB) is proposed as an alternative to the current technology used in Concentrated Solar Powerplants (CSPs) that work with medium temperatures (<400ºC). Other alternative power cycles that are common in the technical literature are presented in this paper for comparison purposes: a supercritical CO2 recompression Brayton cycle (sCO2-RB), and an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). To do this, a parametric analysis is first carried out to compare the efficiencies of the cycles. After that, the HRB power block with the highest efficiency is sized, and a new parametric analysis of the cycles is carried out taking the HRB design as reference. For this, the related parameters to the total area of the heat exchangers of the power block and the area of the solar field are standardized. After that, the designs that maximize the power produced for each cycle are selected. Finally, an annual simulation and a comparison between the annual energy produced for each case is done
Optimizing the performance of a hybrid Solar-Biomass micro-CHP system with a TFC engine as the prime mover for domestic applications
Authors: Skiadopoulos Anastasios , van Heule Xander , Lecompte Steven , De Paepe Michel , Manolakos Dimitrios
Published: July 2024

solar energy and biomass with a Trilateral Flash Cycle (TFC) engine as the prime mover is simulated and optimized in this work. The system is sized to meet the Space Heating (SH) demand of a typical multi-family building in Athens, Greece. Particular attention is paid to the challenging two-phase expansion phenomenon, the factor mainly affecting the efficiency of the TFC, under off-design and partial load conditions. Under optimized operating conditions, the average annual CHP efficiency, TFC thermal efficiency, and solar energy conversion efficiency were estimated to be 89.2%, 8.4%, and 4.3%, respectively. The TFC can cover 18% of the building’s SH demand and 40% of its electricity demand, with the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) and Levelized Cost of Heat (LCOH) in the range of 0.21~0.28 €/kWhel, and 0.065~0.087 €/kWhth, respectively. Furthermore, PayBack Periods (PBP), between 15 and 25 years, can be anticipated, when current market energy prices are considered.
A NOVEL APPROACH TO DISTRICT HEATING: USING A TWOPHASE EXPANDER IN REVERSIBLE HEAT PUMP-ORGANIC RANKINE CYCLE SYSTEM
Authors: Daniarta Sindu , R. Imre Attila , Kolasiński Piotr
Published: July 2024

A district heating system involves a central generation and distribution of heat to residential buildings through a network of insulated pipes. Heat can be generated, for example, from the combustion of fossil fuels and biomass. Since there are many environmental restrictions and the growth of heat and energy demand, several industrial waste heat and renewable energy sources, such as geothermal or solar thermal energy may be promising to be utilized for district heating purposes. However, in some districts, various low-temperature heat sources might be available; as a result, a heat pump is installed to increase the temperature to accommodate demand peak loads. The heat pump is operated only for a certain period and sometimes not used during summer. To optimize the utilization of the heat source, the district heating system may be transformed into a power generation system that can generate, for example, electricity instead of heat during the summer. This goal may be achieved by applying a reversible system. Therefore, this article discusses the novel reversible heat pump-organic Rankine cycle (RHPORC) system using a two-phase expansion system. Some working fluids were selected based on thermal properties, as well as safety and environmental issues. Some selected two-phase volumetric expanders were introduced in the novel system. In the end, the performances of the system based on the selected working fluid were compared. According to the results of a study, using RHPORC in district heating systems might save annual energy consumption by up to 50%.
Thermodynamic analysis of a novel pumped thermal energy storage system with waste heat integration
Authors: Zhang Meiyan , Shi Lingfeng , Hu Peng , Pei Gang , Shu Gequn
Published: July 2024

Pumped thermal energy storage (PTES) system is a large-scale electricity storage technique, and the thermally integrated PTES system has been brought forward to raise the energy storage efficiency and extend feasible ways to utilize the low-grade waste heat (<100 °C). The solutions to raise the power-topower efficiency of the thermally integrated PTES system have aroused much attention worldwide. This paper presents an innovative thermally integrated PTES system, in which the two-stage heat pump with an economizer is incorporated into the PTES system. Despite utilizing the waste heat at charge time, the low-grade waste heat is also poured into the discharging process innovatively. The simulation model of the thermally integrated PTES system is established in the software MATLAB, and the physical properties of the substances are acquired from the software Refprop 10. The parameters of the PTES system are displayed and the power-to-power efficiency of the PTES system is investigated under various thermal storage temperatures. The results indicate that the power-to-power efficiency increases first and then declines as the low heat storage temperature rises when the high heat storage temperature is deemed. However, the energy storage density of the system dwindles with the increment of low heat storage temperature. The rise of the component efficiency contributes to the improvement of the powerto- power efficiency obviously, which can reach 87.3% as the isentropic efficiencies are 90%. The exergy destruction in the heat exchangers and mechanical components occupy a large proportion of the overall exergy destruction, which infers that the modification of the heat transferring and expansion/ compression processes are viable for performance enhancement.
ON AIR-COOLED CONDENSERS FOR ORC SYSTEMS OPERATING WITH ZEOTROPIC MIXTURES
Authors: Galieti Lorenzo , De Servi Carlo , Alfani Dario , Silva Paolo , Bombarda Paola , Colonna Piero
Published: July 2024

The use of mixtures as working fluids of ORC systems is being intensively investigated because of the better temperature profile matching achievable in the heat exchangers, resulting in lower thermodynamic irreversibilities and increased efficiency. The gains are expected to be higher for lowtemperature air-cooled power plants, where the ratio between the auxiliary power consumption associated to the cooling of the working fluid and the net power output of the ORC plant is higher. For instance, a temperature glide in the condenser may enable a reduction in the fan consumption at the cost of an increased heat transfer area, and possibly a decrease in the minimum temperature of the thermodynamic cycle. This solution is expected to be attractive for geothermal applications: since the drilling of the geothermal well is by far the dominant cost, the additional investment for the condenser can be more easily compensated by the increased revenues related to the greater electrical power output. This study focuses on the modelling and sizing of an air-cooled condenser for geothermal ORC power plants operating with working fluid binary mixtures. A detailed fin and tube air cooled condenser model is developed and integrated with an in-house tool for the simulation of ORC systems. Working fluid thermodynamic properties are computed with the PCP-SAFT equation of state (EoS). The tool is used to investigate the effect of the condenser design assumptions on the geothermal plant maximum power output for an optimal working fluid mixture, whose composition is determined by optimizing the PCPSAFT parameters. The outcome is a pseudo-fluid mixture that represents the ideal working fluid for the given thermal source. The results indicate that the adoption of mixtures allows the air-cooler consumption and generally the minimum cycle temperature to be decreased, leading to an increased plant efficiency. In addition, design guidelines for the condenser are derived, based on the tradeoff between component size and plant efficiency. Finally, the optimization results show that if the onset of the mixture condensation occurs in the recuperator, it might be possible to reduce the fan consumption and size of the condenser simultaneously, albeit at the expense of an increased complexity of the regenerator design.