bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the impacts of COVID‐19 on births in Italy, 2020−2022
Authors: Dalla‐Zuanna Gianpiero , Di‐Fonzo Tommaso , Girolimetto Daniele , Loghi Marzia
Published: July 2024

During the different phases of the COVID‐19 pandemic, conception trends in developed countries varied in profoundly different ways. Scholars have proposed a variety of explanations for these differences, often related to the particular socioeconomic context and social groups of a given nation, highlighting the need for country‐specific, in‐depth analyses. Italy was one of the countries where the number of conceptions resulting in a birth significantly decreased during the first wave of COVID‐19 (March‐May 2020) and again during April‐August 2021. Italy also stands out for its great internal diversity, especially in the first wave of the pandemic. As individual data are not available, fully analysing all the possible causes of the variations in conceptions that occurred in Italy during the pandemic is not possible. However, using national monthly series on deaths, births, and induced abortions by age of mother, contraceptives' sales, and monthly data on births and deaths in the 107 provinces, we explore some Italian peculiarities. We speculate about the plausibility of some interpretations of the monthly fluctuations in conceptions and contraceptive sales, in particular on the effect of the forced separation between noncohabiting partners during the different types of lockdown and on the uncertainty that may have affected couples in the areas hardest hit by Covid‐19 and during the first part of 2021.
Hybridly Packaged White Light Emitting Diode Composed of Fluorescent SiC and Nitride‐Based Near‐Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diode
Authors: Mizuno Taisei , Akiyoshi Syota , Iwaya Motoaki , Takeuchi Tetsuya , Kamiyama Satoshi , Ou Yiyu , Ou Haiyan
Published: July 2024

A combination of fluorescent SiC (f‐SiC) and porous f‐SiC is a promising phosphor material for pure white light emission. Herein, the anodic oxidation condition is optimized to produce porous f‐SiC. Furthermore, a hybridly packaged white light emitting diode (LED) package composed of f‐SiC/porous f‐SiC stacks with a nitride‐based NUV‐LED as an excitation source is fabricated. A distinct pure white light emission and the peak luminous efficacy of 11.6 lm W−1 at a forward current of 10 mA in the NUV‐LED are observed. At the peak luminous efficacy, the estimated internal quantum efficiency of the f‐SiC/porous f‐SiC stacks is ≈80% as the package involved several types of optical and energy losses.
Native Oxide Layer Role during Cryogenic‐Temperature Ion Implantations in Germanium
Authors: Caudevilla Daniel , Pérez‐Zenteno Francisco José , Duarte‐Cano Sebastián , Algaidy Sari , Benítez‐Fernández Rafael , Godoy‐Pérez Guilleromo , Olea Javier , San Andrés Enrique , García‐Hernansanz Rodrigo , del Prado Álvaro , Mártil Ignacio , Pastor David , García‐Hemme Eric
Published: July 2024

Herein, the structural properties and chemical composition of Ge samples implanted with tellurium at cryogenic temperatures are analyzed, focusing on the role of the native oxide. For germanium, cryogenic‐temperature implantation is a requirement to achieve hyperdoped impurity concentrations while simultaneously preventing surface porosity. In this work, the critical role of the thin native germanium oxide is demonstrated when performing ion implantations at temperatures close to the liquid nitrogen temperature. The structural and chemical composition of tellurium‐implanted samples as a function of the implanted dose from 5 × 1014 to 5 × 1015 cm−2 is analyzed. After a laser melting process, the incorporated oxygen is diffused to the surface forming again a GeOx layer which retains a large fraction of the total implanted dose. These detrimental effects can be eliminated by a selective etching of the native oxide layer prior to the ion implantation process. These effects have been also observed when implanting on Si substrates. This work identifies key aspects for conducting implantations at cryogenic temperatures, that are otherwise negligible for ion implanting at room temperature.
Evaluating synthetic aperture radar surface winds for convective squalls in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: La Tran Vu , Messager Christophe
Published: July 2024

The detection and quantification of strong sea surface winds, reaching up to 25 m·s−1, whether associated with deep convection aloft or not, have been extensively discussed in previous studies. This method involves the combined observation of the same event from both low‐orbit altitude and geostationary (GEO) satellites. Strong surface winds observed by the Sentinel‐1 C‐band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) are robustly associated with deep convective clouds detected by GEO infrared sensors. The current paper aims to generalize the previous assessment of several convective wind events by collecting a larger dataset and comparing these data to in‐situ wind observations. To achieve this, we evaluated wind speeds retrieved from Sentinel‐1 SAR images against corresponding in‐situ wind measurements from all active buoys/stations in the Gulf of Mexico. Significant agreement between satellite‐based winds and in‐situ data was achieved, particularly for wind speeds exceeding 3 m·s−1, with even better agreement for wind speeds over 10 m·s−1. From this dataset, three specific convective cases were extracted to illustrate various stages of convective squall events: before, during, and after the occurrence of a squall peak. In each case, comparison with in‐situ measurements showed that SAR‐estimated wind speeds closely matched observed speeds, including the peak convective winds, which were estimated at 18.90 m·s−1 and measured at 20.69 m·s−1. Furthermore, combining these findings with GOES‐16 sequential images illustrates the temporal and spatial similarity between deep convection areas, estimated strong sea surface wind patterns, and measured wind speeds.
Life in Lab: Chemically Fueled Systems Chemistry for Emergent Properties
Authors: Koppayithodi Sudeep , Ranasingh Prerna , Singh Nishant
Published: July 2024

Understanding the emergence of complex properties in dissipative non‐equilibrium systems is crucial for unraveling the mysteries of life processes. The review focuses on the documented research on chemically fueled autonomous systems, self‐sorting towards compartmentalization, self‐replication via autocatalysis, and rhythmic chemical oscillators. In addition to that, the review also discusses newly introduced reactions and dynamic combinatorial libraries in dissipative systems.
First‐year college students as digital researchers
Authors: Medved Patricia Dalton
Published: July 2024

This chapter describes a research study of first‐year college students and their perceptions of personal and school‐based research and suggests instructional strategies to bridge their everyday digital research practices with academic knowledge construction.
Queering critical digital literacy scholarship: A new framework
Authors: Sebastian Joseph Kevin Tuvera
Published: July 2024

This chapter critiques and builds upon critical digital literacy studies by synthesizing queer theory to inspire more inclusive approaches to understandings of digital literacy.
Conformation‐associated health in pet rabbits in the UK: A VetCompass cohort study
Authors: O'Neill Dan G. , Williams Abbie , Brodbelt Dave C. , Church David B. , Hedley Joanna
Published: July 2024

Background

Domestic rabbit breeds vary substantially from the wild rabbit body type. However, little is known about how the conformation of pet rabbits influences their health.

Methods

Data were extracted from VetCompass anonymised clinical records of rabbits under UK primary veterinary care during 2019.

Results

The study included 162,107 rabbits. Based on 88,693 rabbits with relevant breed information recorded, skull shape was classified as brachycephalic (79.69%), mesaticephalic (16.80%) and dolichocephalic (3.51%). Based on 83,821 rabbits with relevant breed information recorded, ear carriage was classified as lop‐eared (57.05%) and erect‐eared (42.95%). From a random sample of 3933 rabbits, the most prevalent disorders recorded overall were overgrown nail(s) (28.19%), overgrown molar(s) (14.90%) and obesity (8.82%). Compared to those with a mesaticephalic skull shape, brachycephalic rabbits had lower odds of obesity, anorexia and gastrointestinal stasis and higher odds of perineal faecal impaction, tear duct abnormality and haircoat disorder. Compared to erect‐eared rabbits, lop‐eared rabbits had higher odds of perineal faecal impaction and tear duct abnormality.

Limitation

A large proportion of records with incomplete breed information hindered full analysis for breed‐related and conformation‐related attributes.

Conclusion

Limited evidence for major links between skull shape or ear carriage conformations and overall disorder risk suggests that factors such as husbandry or even just living life as a domesticated species may be bigger drivers of common health issues in pet rabbits in the UK.
The Evolution of Responsible Sourcing
Authors: Farooki Masuma
Published: July 2024

This chapter explores the evolution of responsible sourcing in mineral supply chains, given the precedence of negative environmental, social, and economic rights that have been part of our global extractive history. It tracks the evolution of concepts of sustainability from a siloed approach to the trade-offs involved in weak and strong sustainability approaches. The chapter introduces the RE-SOURCING Project’s definition of Responsible Sourcing, based on four years of research and consultations. Taking a rights-based approach, it addresses the responsibilities of duty-bearers to the rights-holders. The definition reflects the societal need to change behaviours within mineral supply chains, requiring a halt to negative impacts but also stressing the need to create positive outcomes from operations. The challenges within environmental, social, economic, and governance landscapes are outlined, and the efforts to address these challenges are summarised. The chapter sets out the analytical framework, explored in greater depth in other chapters, addressing how the need to secure a sustainable future translated into a need for changing codes of behaviour in governance, supply chains, financial valuation, and engineering and production methods. A host of guidelines, standards, and legislation have pushed for changes in how the private and public sectors operate, contributing to securing a sustainable future.
Changing Behaviours: Responsible Sourcing by Companies
Authors: Farooki Masuma , Degreif Stefanie
Published: July 2024

Based on case-studies, this chapter summarises good practices and approaches undertaken by firms in undertaking responsible sourcing operations. Major themes discussed included taking ownership of corporate sustainability policies, where internal drivers and decision-making were key ingredients in changing corporate practices. Firms benefitted from external, robust and sustainability standards, incorporating them into their own management practices and encouraging/facilitating their suppliers to follow suit. Other firms explored and executed sustainability-based business models, from developing Life Cycle Assessment approaches to designing products for longevity to decreasing mineral resource use over the long term. Lead firms, with multiple supplier tiers, have strengthened oversight and governance of their supply chains by using independent third-parties to determine and improve responsible sourcing practices within their supply chains and by coming together to develop assessment mechanisms to monitor and report responsible sourcing performance amongst their shared suppliers. One key approach has been encouraging assessments as a diagnostic tool to improve performance and not as a pass/fail audit approach. The chapter outlines the performance of leading firms, while noting that while different companies are moving at different paces in addressing sustainability impacts, the general trend shows increased observance of responsible sourcing behaviours.
Legislating for Harmonisation of Practices
Authors: Endl Andreas
Published: July 2024

Pressure from investor and civil society actors as well as ineffective private sector efforts paved the way for European and national legislations on mandatory due diligence and responsible sourcing. This chapter takes stock of the current policy discourse requiring companies to adhere to due diligence processes and foster responsible sourcing practices in global mineral supply chains. In our analysis on the political economy of current and future policies, we provide an in-depth perspective on the potential of legal requirements in regard to: (1) facilitating responsible sourcing practices across the supply chain; (2) Addressing human rights and environmental aspects; (3) Integrating current discourses into a harmonised legal framework, and (4) creating a level playing field for market actors. We conclude that a dynamically grown policy landscape falls short of an integrated and coordinated policy approach. Against this background, we highlight important lessons learnt and provide recommendations for legal requirements from a governance and policy effectiveness perspective.
The Local, National and Global Visions
Authors: Manoochehri Shahrzad , Di Francesco Emanuele , Schluep Mathias
Published: July 2024

This chapter takes stock of the learnings from the three Global Advocacy Fora organized in Latin America, Africa and China by the RE-SOURCING project and aims to explore the concept of Responsible Sourcing from a regional and local perspective. It tracks the regional challenges and priorities for achieving responsible sourcing and highlights some good practice examples implemented by governments, businesses and civil society associations. The chapter acknowledges that the common goal for these resource-rich regions is to achieve economic development associated with environmental and social responsibility. Despite this common goal, these regions exhibit distinct challenges and priorities and follow specific pathways towards Responsible Sourcing based on their economic context, political framework and social structures. Given China’s dominance in the critical minerals supply chain and its increasing investments domestically and abroad, the country’s main challenge is to improve its environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance and to align its due diligence and responsible sourcing standards with the international initiatives and legislation. In contrast, Latin America and Africa prioritize enhancing mineral beneficiation and adding value beyond the mining stage in compliance with ESG standards and aim to utilize these benefits for their sustainable growth and socio-economic development.
Probing flavor constrained SMEFT operators through tc production at the muon collider
Authors: Bhattacharya Subhaditya , Jahedi Sahabub , Nandi Soumitra , Sarkar Abhik
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We investigate flavor violating four-Fermi Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT) operators of dimension-six that can be probed via tc$$ \left(\overline{t}c+t\overline{c}\right) $$

t
¯

c
+
t

c
¯

production at the multi-TeV muon collider. We study different FCNC and FCCC processes related to B, Bs, K and D decays and mixings, sensitive to these operators and constrain the corresponding couplings. The tensor operator turns out to be most tightly bound. We perform event simulation of the final state signal from tc production together with the SM background to show that operators after flavor constraint can reach the discovery limit at 10 TeV muon collider. We further adopt the optimal observable technique (OOT) to determine the optimal statistical sensitivity of the Wilson coefficients and compare them with the flavor constraints. We use the limits to predict the observational sensitivities of the rare processes like KL → π0ℓℓ, D0 → μμ, t → cℓℓ.
Targeting BRD4 mitigates hepatocellular lipotoxicity by suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome activation and GSDMD-mediated hepatocyte pyroptosis
Authors: Chen Fangyuan , Li Shuyu , Liu Min , Qian Cheng , Shang Zhiyin , Song Xu , Jiang Wei , Tu Chuantao
Published: July 2024

Nod-like receptor family pyrin-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a pathologic role in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), but the molecular mechanism regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome activation in hepatocellular lipotoxicity remains largely unknown. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) has emerged as a key epigenetic reader of acetylated lysine residues in enhancer regions that control the transcription of key genes. The aim of this study is to investigate if and how BRD4 regulated the NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in MASH. Using the AML12 and primary mouse hepatocytes stimulated by palmitic acid (PA) as an in vitro model of hepatocellular lipotoxicity, we found that targeting BRD4 by genetic knockdown or a selective BRD4 inhibitor MS417 protected against hepatosteatosis; and this protective effect was attributed to inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and reducing the expression of Caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6. Moreover, BRD4 inhibition limited the voltage-dependent anion channel-1 (VDAC1) expression and oligomerization in PA-treated AML12 hepatocytes, thereby suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Additionally, the expression of BRD4 enhanced in MASH livers of humans. Mechanistically, BRD4 was upregulated during hepatocellular lipotoxicity that in turn modulated the active epigenetic mark H3K27ac at the promoter regions of the Vdac and Gsdmd genes, thereby enhancing the expression of VDAC and GSDMD. Altogether, our data provide novel insights into epigenetic mechanisms underlying BRD4 activating the NLRP3 inflammasome and promoting GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in hepatocellular lipotoxicity. Thus, BRD4 might serve as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of MASH.

Graphic abstract
The Automorphisms of Differential Extensions of Characteristic p
Authors: Pumplün S.
Published: July 2024

Nonassociative differential extensions are generalizations of associative differential extensions, either of a purely inseparable field extension K of exponent one of a field F, F of characteristic p, or of a central division algebra over a purely inseparable field extension of F. Associative differential extensions are well known central simple algebras first defined by Amitsur and Jacobson. We explicitly compute the automorphisms of nonassociative differential extensions. These are canonically obtained by restricting automorphisms of the differential polynomial ring used in the construction of the algebra. In particular, we obtain descriptions for the automorphisms of associative differential extensions of D and K, which are known to be inner.
AI for detection, classification and prediction of loss of alignment of distal radius fractures; a systematic review
Authors: Oude Nijhuis Koen D. , Dankelman Lente H. M. , Wiersma Jort P. , Barvelink Britt , IJpma Frank F.A. , Verhofstad Michael H. J. , Doornberg Job N. , Colaris Joost W. , Wijffels Mathieu M.E. ,   Machine Learning Consortium
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Early and accurate assessment of distal radius fractures (DRFs) is crucial for optimal prognosis. Identifying fractures likely to lose threshold alignment (instability) in a cast is vital for treatment decisions, yet prediction tools’ accuracy and reliability remain challenging. Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), can evaluate radiographic images with high performance. This systematic review aims to summarize studies utilizing CNNs to detect, classify, or predict loss of threshold alignment of DRFs.

Methods

A literature search was performed according to the PRISMA. Studies were eligible when the use of AI for the detection, classification, or prediction of loss of threshold alignment was analyzed. Quality assessment was done with a modified version of the methodologic index for non-randomized studies (MINORS).

Results

Of the 576 identified studies, 15 were included. On fracture detection, studies reported sensitivity and specificity ranging from 80 to 99% and 73–100%, respectively; the AUC ranged from 0.87 to 0.99; the accuracy varied from 82 to 99%. The accuracy of fracture classification ranged from 60 to 81% and the AUC from 0.59 to 0.84. No studies focused on predicting loss of thresholds alignement of DRFs.

Conclusion

AI models for DRF detection show promising performance, indicating the potential of algorithms to assist clinicians in the assessment of radiographs. In addition, AI models showed similar performance compared to clinicians. No algorithms for predicting the loss of threshold alignment were identified in our literature search despite the clinical relevance of such algorithms.
Genotyping-by-sequencing targets genic regions and improves resolution of genome-wide association studies in autotetraploid potato
Authors: Sharma Sanjeev Kumar , McLean Karen , Hedley Peter E. , Dale Finlay , Daniels Steve , Bryan Glenn J.
Published: July 2024

Key message

De novo genotyping in potato using methylation-sensitive GBS discovers SNPs largely confined to genic or gene-associated regions and displays enhanced effectiveness in estimating LD decay rates, population structure and detecting GWAS associations over ‘fixed’ SNP genotyping platform. Study also reports the genetic architectures including robust sequence-tagged marker–trait associations for sixteen important potato traits potentially carrying higher transferability across a wider range of germplasm.

This study deploys recent advancements in polyploid analytical approaches to perform complex trait analyses in cultivated tetraploid potato. The study employs a ‘fixed’ SNP Infinium array platform and a ‘flexible and open’ genome complexity reduction-based sequencing method (GBS, genotyping-by-sequencing) to perform genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for several key potato traits including the assessment of population structure and linkage disequilibrium (LD) in the studied population. GBS SNPs discovered here were largely confined (~ 90%) to genic or gene-associated regions of the genome demonstrating the utility of using a methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme (PstI) for library construction. As compared to Infinium array SNPs, GBS SNPs displayed enhanced effectiveness in estimating LD decay rates and discriminating population subgroups. GWAS using a combined set of 30,363 SNPs identified 189 unique QTL marker–trait associations (QTL-MTAs) covering all studied traits. The majority of the QTL-MTAs were from GBS SNPs potentially illustrating the effectiveness of marker-dense de novo genotyping platforms in overcoming ascertainment bias and providing a more accurate correction for different levels of relatedness in GWAS models. GWAS also detected QTL ‘hotspots’ for several traits at previously known as well as newly identified genomic locations. Due to the current study exploiting genome-wide genotyping and de novo SNP discovery simultaneously on a large tetraploid panel representing a greater diversity of the cultivated potato gene pool, the reported sequence-tagged MTAs are likely to have higher transferability across a wider range of potato germplasm and increased utility for expediting genomics-assisted breeding for the several complex traits studied.
Season of birth and schizotypy in a sample of undergraduate students
Authors: Szöke Andrei , Richard Jean-Romain , Ladea Maria , Ferchiou Aziz , Ouaknine Elie , Briciu Victor Alexandru , Pirlog Mihail Cristian , Bran Mihai , Pignon Baptiste , Schürhoff Franck
Published: July 2024

Purpose

In line with the psychotic continuum theory, the study of psychometric schizotypy in non-clinical samples has been proposed as a convenient yet powerful method for studying the etiology of psychosis. Based on this paradigm, several studies explored the association between season of birth (SoB) and schizotypy but led to inconsistent results. Building on the analysis of the previous studies, in the present study, we aimed to advance our understanding by improving the methodology (using a homogeneous group, eliminating unreliable respondents, taking into account potential confounders) and the reporting.

Methods

Subjects were recruited among undergraduate students from 3 Romanian Universities. To limit the potential influence of invalid response, we applied methods for detecting unreliable and/or biased questionnaires and excluded subjects with unreliable/ biased answers from the analyses. Schizotypal dimensions were measured using the Romanian translation of the 22-items Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief (SPQ-B). The association between schizotypy scores and season of birth was explored using linear regression.

Results

In a sample of 484 undergraduate students from Romania, we found that being born in late winter/early spring (February and March) was associated to higher total schizotypy score and disorganization. Furthermore, we found that restricting the sample to subjects born in an urban environment increased the strength of the association.

Conclusion

This study is consistent with an association between SoB and the risk of psychotic disorders.
Unveiling AI in the courtroom: exploring ChatGPT’s impact on judicial decision-making through a pilot Colombian case study
Authors: Perona Riccardo , de la Rosa Yezid Carrillo
Published: July 2024

This article examines the impact of ChatGPT on judicial reasoning, focusing on a recent Colombian case where the judge utilized ChatGPT in the decision-making process. The case, decided in January 2023, provides a unique “pilot case study” on the subject, as the judge, in the decision, openly referenced the questions he posed to ChatGPT and the responses of the system. The article explores the case’s implications, the  initial reactions to it, and its meaning and implications within the evolving Colombian legal landscape regarding the integration of technologies into judicial proceedings.
Does size matter? Exploring the effect of cobot size on user experience in human–robot collaboration
Authors: Gervasi Riccardo , Capponi Matteo , Mastrogiacomo Luca , Franceschini Fiorenzo
Published: July 2024

In the vision of Industry 5.0, collaborative robots (or cobots) play a central supporting role in various industries, especially manufacturing. Close interaction with cobots requires special attention to user experience to fully exploit the benefits of this paradigm. Consequently, understanding the impact of a cobot’s physical size on user experience becomes critical to optimizing human–robot collaboration (HRC). This research aims to investigate the relationship between cobot size (UR3e – small cobot vs. UR10e – large cobot) and user experience in HRC contexts, in conjunction with other factors (i.e., cobot movement speed and product assembly complexity). Through a series of controlled experiments involving 32 participants, user experience data were obtained by collecting physiological measures (i.e., electro-dermal activity, heart activity, eye-tracking metrics) and subjective responses with questionnaires (i.e., perceived workload, interaction quality, and affective state). Results showed that the large cobot was generally perceived to be safer, more natural, efficient, fluid, and trustworthy. With the large cobot, there was a decrease in dominance; however, it was offset by the learning effect. Perceived workload was mainly influenced by product complexity. No clear difference in terms of mental strain emerged from the physiological data comparing the cobot sizes. In addition, the interaction term between cobot size and cobot movement speed never emerged as significant. The results of this research can offer practical insights to improve the effectiveness and acceptance of cobots during the implementation phase.
An integrated method and tool for telescopic beams design in extendable undercarriages
Authors: Catenacci Luca , Bilancia Pietro , Cavedoni Andrea , Pellicciari Marcello
Published: July 2024

Earth-moving machine builders require innovative design methods and tool to optimize structural performance while reducing production and design costs, particularly in crucial phases like undercarriage frame design and structural verification. After an in-depth description of the design flow normally followed in industry, the paper presents a computationally efficient method and tool to aid designers in dimensioning extendable tracked undercarriages, aiming to drastically reduce design time and efforts to optimize resources. The proposed tool is based on an analytical model established from in-depth analyses of the undercarriage Computer Aided Design (CAD) assembly and the expertise of the industrial partner. To address the 3D structural problem, a planar system is employed with proper corrective coefficients. These coefficients are meticulously evaluated through direct comparison with Finite Element Method (FEM) models by seamlessly integrating SolidWorks and ANSYS Workbench. The tool accepts as inputs geometric and material data, as well as specific user-defined load scenarios, providing outputs in the form of the deflected configuration of the undercarriage and stress levels. Direct comparison with the results obtained from FEM for three industrial undercarriage models demonstrates the validity of the approach, with errors consistently within the 10% range in almost all cases. This enables designers with no advanced skills in FEM to efficiently validate diverse design variants with minimal effort. Once validated, the tool is integrated with an optimizer in Matlab to conduct computationally efficient design optimization studies. The optimization problem, focused on minimizing the beam’s vertical size while maintaining structural integrity and limiting deflections, has been successfully resolved within a limited computational time, showcasing the benefits of the proposed approach for undercarriage design.
Pectus excavatum: the effect of tricuspid valve compression on cardiac function
Authors: Carroll Molly K. , Powell Adam W. , Hardie William D. , Foster Karla E. , Zhang Bin , Garcia Victor F. , Vieira Alves Vinicius P. , Brown Rebeccah L. , Fleck Robert J.
Published: July 2024

Background

Pectus excavatum (PE) is a common congenital chest wall deformity with various associated health concerns, including psychosocial impacts, academic challenges, and potential cardiopulmonary effects.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the cardiac consequences of right atrioventricular groove compression in PE using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 661 patients with PE referred for evaluation. Patients were categorized into three groups based on the degree of right atrioventricular groove compression (no compression (NC), partial compression (PC), and complete compression(CC)). Chest wall indices were measured: pectus index (PI), depression index (DI), correction index (CI), and sternal torsion.

Results

The study revealed significant differences in chest wall indices between the groups: PE, NC=4.15 ± 0.94, PC=4.93 ± 1.24, and CC=7.2 ± 4.01 (P<0.0001). Left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) showed no significant differences: LVEF, NC=58.72% ± 3.94, PC=58.49% ± 4.02, and CC=57.95% ± 3.92 (P=0.0984). Right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) demonstrated significant differences: RVEF, NC=55.2% ± 5.3, PC=53.8% ± 4.4, and CC=53.1% ± 4.8 (P≥0.0001). Notably, the tricuspid valve (TV) measurement on the four-chamber view decreased in patients with greater compression: NC=29.52 ± 4.6; PC=28.26 ± 4.8; and CC=24.74 ± 5.73 (P<0.0001).

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the cardiac consequences of right atrioventricular groove compression in PE and lends further evidence of mild cardiac changes due to PE.

Graphical abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging of fetal vascular malformations
Authors: Klein Willemijn M. , Papaioannou Georgia
Published: July 2024

Vascular anomalies develop during fetal life and can be detected on prenatal ultrasonography and fetal magnetic resonance imaging. Diagnosis of lymphatic, venous, and arteriovenous malformations, as well as congenital hemangiomas and other congenital vascular tumors, may be challenging. The benign vascular anomalies may be difficult to differentiate from malignancies with a similar appearance. In this manuscript, we present a succinct overview of the congenital vascular anomalies that may present in fetal or neonatal life.
Metabolomics in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Gogulska Zuzanna , Smolenska Zaneta , Turyn Jacek , Zdrojewski Zbigniew , Chmielewski Michał
Published: July 2024

Systemic sclerosis is a rare autoimmune condition leading to incurable complications. Therefore fast and precise diagnosis is crucial to prevent patient death and to maintain quality of life. Unfortunately, currently known biomarkers do not meet this need. To address this problem researchers use diverse approaches to elucidate the underlying aberrations. One of the methods applied is metabolomics. This modern technique enables a comprehensive assessment of multiple compound concentrations simultaneously. As it has been gaining popularity, we found it necessary to summarize metabolomic studies presented so far in a narrative review. We found 11 appropriate articles. All of the researchers found significant differences between patients and control groups, whereas the reported findings were highly inconsistent. Additionally, we have found the investigated groups in most studies were scarcely described, and the inclusion/exclusion approach was diverse. Therefore, further study with meticulous patient assessment is necessary.
Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the breast: a review of literature
Authors: Vegni Federica , De Stefano Ilenia Sara , Policardo Federica , Tralongo Pietro , Feraco Angela , Carlino Angela , Ferraro Giulia , Zhang Qianqian , Scaglione Giulia , D’Alessandris Nicoletta , Navarra Elena , Zannoni Gianfranco , Santoro Angela , Mule Antonino , Rossi Esther Diana
Published: July 2024

Primary neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) of the breast are characterized by neuroendocrine architectural and cytological features, which must be supported by immunohistochemical positivity for neuroendocrine markers (such as Chromogranin and Synaptophysin). According to the literature, making a diagnosis of primary neuroendocrine breast cancer always needs to rule out a possible primary neuroendocrine neoplasm from another site. Currently, the latest 2022 version of the WHO of endocrine and neuroendocrine neoplasms has classified breast NENs as well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) and aggressive neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs), differentiating them from invasive breast cancers of no special type (IBCs-NST). with neuroendocrine features. The current review article describes six cases from our series and a comprehensive review of the literature in the field of NENs of the breast.
Methadone versus other opioids for refractory malignant bone pain: a pilot randomised controlled study
Authors: Sulistio Merlina , Gorelik Alexandra , Tee Hoong Jiun , Wojnar Robert , Kissane David , Michael Natasha
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Refractory cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) affects a patient’s functional capacity and quality of life, but there is limited evidence to guide opioid choice. We assessed the feasibility, tolerability and possible efficacy of methadone rotation (MR) compared to other opioid rotations (OOR) in this cohort.

Methods

Adults with CIBP and worst pain intensity ≥ 4/10 and/or opioid toxicity graded ≥ 2 on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events were randomised 1:1 to methadone or another opioid rotation. Standardised assessment tools were used at pre-defined study time points up to 14 days.

Results

Of 51 eligible participants, 38 (74.5%) consented, and 29 (76.3%, MR: 14, OOR: 15) completed the fourteen days follow-up post-opioid rotation. Both groups displayed significant reduction in average (MR: d =  − 1.2, p = 0.003, OOR: d =  − 0.8, p = 0.015) and worst pain (MR: d =  − 0.9, p = 0.042, OOR: d =  − 0.6, p = 0.048) and total pain interference score (MR: d =  − 1.1, p = 0.042, OOR: d =  − 0.7, p = 0.007). Oral morphine equivalent daily dose was reduced significantly in MR compared to the OOR group (d =  − 0.8, p = 0.05). The incidence of opioid-related adverse events following MR was unchanged but lower in the OOR group (d = 0.9, 95% CI 0.1,1.7, p = 0.022). There were no within-group or between-group differences in satisfaction with analgesia at the end of the study.

Conclusion

This pilot study demonstrated that MR and OOR in patients with refractory CIBP are feasible, safe and acceptable to patients. Appropriately powered multi-centre randomised controlled studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of MR and OOR in this cohort.

Trial registration

ACTRN12621000141842 registered 11 February 2021.
Sensitivity analysis of fibrous thick-walled tubes with mechano-sensitive remodeling fibers in homeostasis
Authors: Asghari Hadi , Topol Heiko , Lacalle Jesús , Merodio José
Published: July 2024

In this article, we apply the sensitivity analysis method to capture the influence of various parameters on the inflation pressure, axial force, and the deformation for an inflated and axially stretched cylinder. The material consists of an isotropic ground substance material reinforced with fibers that undergo a continuous and mechano-sensitive remodeling process. The input parameters of the mechanical system are assumed to be distributed according to the uniform probability distribution function. In the sensitivity analysis, we apply the Sobol method to determine how the variations of input parameters affect the inflation as well as the axial force in the cylinder. Special attention is given to the fiber remodeling process associated with a homeostatic balance between the constant fiber creation process and the strain-stabilized fiber dissolution. The results may help to understand the importance of the effect of material parameter changes, for example, due to remodeling processes in the context of diseases or recovering processes, on the overall tissue behavior.
Usability of visualizing position and orientation deviations for manual precise manipulation of objects in augmented reality
Authors: Zhang Xiaotian , He Weiping , Billinghurst Mark , Qin Yunfei , Yang Lingxiao , Liu Daisong , Wang Zenglei
Published: July 2024

Manual precise manipulation of objects is an essential skill in everyday life, and Augmented Reality (AR) is increasingly being used to support such operations. In this study, we investigate whether detailed visualizations of position and orientation deviations are helpful for AR-assisted manual precise manipulation of objects. We developed three AR instructions with different visualizations of deviations: the logical deviation baseline instruction, the precise numerical deviations-based instruction, and the intuitive color-mapped deviations-based instruction. All three instructions visualized the required directions for manipulation and the logical values of whether the object met the accuracy requirements. Additionally, the latter two instructions provided detailed visualizations of deviations through numerical text and color-mapping respectively. A user study was conducted with 18 participants to compare the three AR instructions. The results showed that there were no significant differences found in speed, accuracy, perceived ease-of-use, and perceived workload between the three AR instructions. We found that the visualizations of the required directions for manipulation and the logical values of whether the object met the accuracy requirements were sufficient to guide manual precise manipulation. The detailed visualizations of the real-time deviations could not improve the speed and accuracy of manual precise manipulation, and although they could improve the perceived ease-of-use and user experience, the effects were not significant. Based on the results, several recommendations were provided for designing AR instructions to support precise manual manipulation.
Remaki﻿n﻿g the Late Holocene Environment of Western Uganda: Archaeological Perspectives on Kansyore and Later Settlers
Authors: Schmidt Peter R. , Walz Jonathan R. , Besigye Jackline N. , Krigbaum John , Oteyo Gilbert , Lejju Julius B. , Asiimwe Raymond , Ehret Christopher , Crowther Alison , Mwebi Ogeto , Dunne Julie , Schmidt Jane , Okeny Charles , Niwahereza Amon , Yeko Doreen , Bermudez Katie , Echoru Isaac
Published: July 2024

Archaeological and environmental research by an international and interdisciplinary team opens new perspectives into the settlement histories of Kansyore, Early Iron Age, and Bigo period peoples in the once forested regions of the Ndali Crater Lakes Region (NCLR) of western Uganda. The research examines the role of Kansyore agropastoralists and their Early Iron Age and Bantu-speaking contemporaries in remaking a once forested environment into a forest-savannah mosaic from circa 500 BC to the end of the first millennium AD. Archaeological settlement and subsistence evidence is examined within a framework of social interaction of Sudanic speakers with Bantu speakers, drawing on historical linguistics and environmental studies to arrive at a new synthesis of late Holocene history in western Uganda. This perspective also unveils the significance and chronology of Boudiné ware, a long enigmatic ceramic tradition that we identify as contemporary to Transitional Urewe and deeply influenced through social interactions with those making Kansyore ceramics and inhabiting the same landscape. Using archaeological evidence from fifteen sites and multiple burials spanning from 400 to 1650 calAD, new views of ceramic histories, lifeways, and symbolic values are revealed, including Bigo period settlements that arose in what was an environmental refugium beginning in the early fourteenth century AD. This research also shows that the Kansyore of the forested region east of the Rwenzori Mountains had greater affinities to late Holocene archaeological evidence from western Equatoria, in the southern South Sudan, and Kansyore Island, Uganda, than it does to the Kansyore in eastern Kenya.
Two-Stage Classification of Future Knee Osteoarthritis Severity After 8 Years Using MRI: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Nurmirinta Teemu A. T. , Turunen Mikael J. , Korhonen Rami K. , Tohka Jussi , Liukkonen Mimmi K. , Mononen Mika E.
Published: July 2024

Currently, there are no methods or tools available in clinical practice for classifying future knee osteoarthritis (KOA). In this study, we aimed to fill this gap by classifying future KOA into three severity grades: KL01 (healthy), KL2 (moderate), and KL34 (severe) based on the Kellgren-Lawrance scale. Due to the complex nature of multiclass classification, we used a two-stage method, which separates the classification task into two binary classifications (KL01 vs. KL234 in the first stage and KL2 vs. KL34 in the second stage). Our machine learning (ML) model used two Balanced Random Forest algorithms and was trained with gender, age, height, weight, and quantitative knee morphology obtained from magnetic resonance imaging. Our training dataset comprised longitudinal 8-year follow-up data of 1213 knees from the Osteoarthritis Initiative. Through extensive experimentation with various feature combinations, we identified KL baseline and weight as the most essential features, while gender surprisingly proved to be one of the least influential feature. Our best classification model generated a weighted F1 score of 79.0% and a balanced accuracy of 65.9%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 83.0% for healthy (KL01) versus moderate (KL2) or severe (KL34) KOA patients and 86.6% for moderate (KL2) versus severe (KL34) KOA patients. We found a statistically significant difference in performance between our two-stage classification model and the traditional single-stage classification model. These findings demonstrate the encouraging results of our two-stage classification model for multiclass KOA severity classification, suggesting its potential application in clinical settings in future.
Towards the automation of systematic reviews using natural language processing, machine learning, and deep learning: a comprehensive review
Authors: Ofori-Boateng Regina , Aceves-Martins Magaly , Wiratunga Nirmalie , Moreno-Garcia Carlos Francisco
Published: July 2024

Systematic reviews (SRs) constitute a critical foundation for evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation across various disciplines, particularly in healthcare and beyond. However, the inherently rigorous and structured nature of the SR process renders it laborious for human reviewers. Moreover, the exponential growth in daily published literature exacerbates the challenge, as SRs risk missing out on incorporating recent studies that could potentially influence research outcomes. This pressing need to streamline and enhance the efficiency of SRs has prompted significant interest in leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to automate various stages of the SR process. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current AI methods employed for SR automation, a subject area that has not been exhaustively covered in previous literature. Through an extensive analysis of 52 related works and an original online survey, the primary AI techniques and their applications in automating key SR stages, such as search, screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment, are identified. The survey results offer practical insights into the current practices, experiences, opinions, and expectations of SR practitioners and researchers regarding future SR automation. Synthesis of the literature review and survey findings highlights gaps and challenges in the current landscape of SR automation using AI techniques. Based on these insights, potential future directions are discussed. This review aims to equip researchers and practitioners with a foundational understanding of the basic concepts, primary methodologies, and recent advancements in AI-driven SR automation while guiding computer scientists in exploring novel techniques to invigorate further and advance this field.
Dynamics around the Earth–Moon triangular points in the Hill restricted 4-body problem
Authors: Peterson Luke T. , Brown Gavin , Jorba Àngel , Scheeres Daniel
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates the motion of a small particle moving near the triangular points of the Earth–Moon system. The dynamics are modeled in the Hill restricted 4-body problem (HR4BP), which includes the effect of the Earth and Moon as in the circular restricted 3-body problem (CR3BP), as well as the direct and indirect effect of the Sun as a periodic time-dependent perturbation of the CR3BP. Due to the periodic perturbation, the triangular points of the CR3BP are no longer equilibrium solutions; rather, the triangular points are replaced by periodic orbits with the same period as the perturbation. Additionally, there is a 2:1 resonant periodic orbit that persists from the CR3BP into the HR4BP. In this work, we investigate the dynamics around these invariant objects by performing a center manifold reduction and computing families of 2-dimensional invariant tori and their linear normal behavior. We identify bifurcations and relationships between families. Mechanisms for transport between the Earth, $$L_4$$

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, and the Moon are discussed. Comparisons are made between the results presented here and in the bicircular problem (BCP).