bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive dynamic programming for trajectory tracking control of a tractor‐trailer wheeled mobile robot
Authors: Ghasemzadeh Aliakbar , Amjadifard Roya , Keymasi‐Khalaji Ali
Published: January 2025

Tractor‐trailer wheeled mobile robots (TTWMRs) possess complex nonlinear dynamics that make their precise trajectory tracking control challenging. This paper explores an adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) approach that utilizes critic neural networks to improve tracking control for continuous‐time TTWMRs. To achieve this, the decoupled kinematic and dynamic loops of the TTWMR are considered, and ADP controllers are proposed aimed at integrated trajectory and velocity tracking. Tis study defines two tracking error systems related to the kinematic and dynamic control loops, which reduces the computational load compared to previous research. The two critic neural networks approximate the optimal cost functions and enable the adaptive tuning of the control policies. Theoretical analysis demonstrates both closed‐loop stability and convergence. Simulation results indicate that the proposed method offers superior tracking performance compared to earlier techniques, exhibiting lower errors and reduced control efforts. This underscores the advantages of using ADP to optimize the control of TTWMRs, even in the presence of partially unknown dynamics.
Enhanced post‐fault recovery in MTDC networks using active damping approach
Authors: Sharma Monika , Torres José L. Rueda
Published: January 2025

The increasing deployment of offshore wind farms necessitates robust and stable high‐voltage direct current networks. Achieving optimal stability, especially in damping oscillations on the DC side, remains a significant challenge. This study focuses on mitigating post‐fault converter de‐blocking oscillations, a critical issue exacerbated by complex interactions between AC and DC systems, converter dynamics, and system faults. These behavior are governed by nonlinear system dynamics, making traditional control methods less effective in ensuring stability. A comprehensive analysis of DC side oscillations and their interaction with converter dynamics is developed to understand the key factors influencing system stability. The research investigates a DC voltage regulation damping approach, identified as the most effective solution in the literature. Comprehensive parametric sensitivity analysis evaluates system behavior under diverse operational conditions. Addressing current damping method limitations during converter de‐blocking, this work proposes an innovative control approach integrating fuzzy logic control and proportional–integral controllers. This approach enhances DC voltage regulation and incorporates a modified circulating current suppression control in the inner loop. The coordinated fuzzy logic control and proportional–integral controller dynamically adjusts to nonlinear system dynamics in real‐time, providing a robust framework for improved post‐fault recovery. It aims to achieve faster recovery times and reduced overshoot compared to conventional methods. The proposed controller's efficacy is validated through comparative analysis with existing approaches. Electromagnetic transient) simulations using the real‐time digital simulator platform demonstrate the controller's performance under realistic operating conditions.
System for assistance in ultrasound‐guided percutaneous hepatic interventions using augmented reality: First steps
Authors: Salazar Carrasco Lucía , Sánchez‐Varo Ignacio , Caballero Jorna Daniel , Iribar‐Zabala Amaia , Bertelsen‐Simonetti Álvaro , Sánchez‐Margallo Juan A. , Sánchez‐Margallo Francisco M.
Published: January 2025

This study aims to develop a system based on mixed reality imaging for assistance in percutaneous ultrasound‐guided liver interventions. A liver phantom, an ultrasound scanner with an abdominal probe, an electromagnetic tracking system for localization of the ultrasound probe, and the percutaneous needle were used to develop the system. A gelatin liver phantom was fabricated, including a set of lesions (with agarose, glycerol, and sephadex) and artificial blood vessels 3D printed with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastic fibres. Intraoperative ultrasound images from a BK5000 ultrasound scanner were acquired using a video capture system and transmitted to 3D Slicer. The NDI Aurora electromagnetic tracking system, coupled to the ultrasound probe and intracorporeal needle, was used for real‐time trajectory tracking, providing us with spatial localization information. These images are then sent to the augmented reality HoloLens device as the primary visualization system. This work lays the groundwork for the development of a more comprehensive system to assist ultrasound‐guided percutaneous liver interventions in order to improve the accuracy and safety of these procedures. The use of mixed reality imaging technology allows a better integration of image‐guided surgery systems, such as the one presented in this work, in real clinical environments, and closer to the patient.
A novel composite control approach to enhance stability in wind/PV/PEM fuel cell/hydrogen/BESS—based DC microgrids
Authors: Islam Md Saiful , Roy Tushar Kanti , Bushra Israt Jahan , Ghosh Subarto Kumar , Oo Amanullah Maung Than
Published: January 2025

This paper addresses the critical challenge of combating global warming by developing an advanced control strategy for DC microgrids powered by renewable energy sources. It proposes a novel composite controller based on an enhanced fast‐reaching law, integrating a recursive backstepping controller with an integral terminal sliding mode controller to ensure stable DC‐bus voltage and seamless power management. The proposed composite controller effectively coordinates multiple components, including proton exchange membrane fuel cells fuelled by green hydrogen, solar photovoltaic systems, wind turbines with permanent magnet synchronous generators, and battery energy storage systems. To maximize energy generation from photovoltaic and permanent magnet synchronous generator, a deep neural network‐based maximum power point tracking algorithm is employed. Moreover, a fuzzy logic control‐based energy management system regulates power flow, factoring in key parameters such as the battery energy storage system's state of charge, fuel cell capacity, and available renewable energy sources power. The robustness of the composite controller is rigorously validated using the control Lyapunov theory to ensure stability under varying operating conditions. Both MATLAB/Simulink simulations and processor‐in‐the‐loop testing demonstrate the composite controller's superior performance, showing a dramatic 85% to 100% improvement in settling time and overshoot compared to existing controllers.
The evolution of the flux-size relationship in protoplanetary discs by viscous evolution and radial pebble drift
Authors: Appelgren J. , Johansen A. , Lambrechts M. , Jørgensen J. , van der Marel N. , Ohashi N. , Tobin J.
Published: January 2025

In this paper we study the evolution of radiative fluxes, flux radii and observable dust masses in protoplanetary discs, in order to understand how these depend on the angular momentum budget and on the assumed heat sources. We use a model that includes the formation and viscous evolution of protoplanetary gas discs, together with the growth and radial drift of the dust component. We find that we are best able to match the observed fluxes and radii of class 0/I discs when we assume (i) an initial total angular momentum budget corresponding to a centrifugal radius of 40 au around solar-like stars, and (ii) inefficient viscous heating. Fluxes and radii of class II discs appear consistent with disc models with angular momentum budgets equivalent to centrifugal radii of both 40 or 10 au for solar-like stars, and with models where viscous heating occurs at either full efficiency or at reduced efficiency. During the first ∼0.5 Myr of their evolution discs are generally optically thick at λ = 1.3 mm. However, after this discs are optically thin at mm-wavelengths, supporting standard means of dust mass estimates. Using a disc population synthesis model, we then show that the evolution of the cumulative evolution of the observable dust masses agrees well with that observed in young star forming clusters of different ages.
Resolving the nano-hertz gravitational wave sky: The detectability of eccentric binaries with PTA experiments
Authors: Truant Riccardo J. , Izquierdo-Villalba David , Sesana Alberto , Shaifullah Golam Mohiuddin , Bonetti Matteo
Published: January 2025

Pulsar timing array (PTA) collaborations have reported evidence of a nano-hertz (nano-Hz) stochastic gravitational wave background (sGWB) that is compatible with an adiabatically inspiraling population of massive black hole binaries (MBHBs). Despite the large uncertainties, the relatively flat spectral slope of the recovered signal suggests a possible prominent role of MBHB dynamical coupling with the environment and/or the presence of an eccentric MBHB population. This work is aimed at studying the capabilities of future PTA experiments to detect single MBHBs under the realistic assumption that the sGWB is originated from an eccentric binary population coupled with its environment. To this end, we generalised the standard signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) and Fisher information matrix calculations used in PTA for circular MBHBs to the case of eccentric systems. We considered an ideal 10-year MeerKAT and 30-year SKA PTAs and applied our method across a wide number of simulated eccentric MBHB populations. We find that the number of resolvable MBHBs for the SKA (MeerKAT) PTA is ∼30 (4) at S/N > 5 (> 3), featuring an increasing trend for larger eccentricity values of the MBHB population. This is the result of eccentric MBHBs at ≲10−9 Hz emitting part of their power at high harmonics, thus reaching the PTA sensitivity band. Our results also indicate that resolved MBHBs do not follow the eccentricity distribution of the underlying MBHB population; instead, low eccentricity values appear to be preferred (< 0.6). Finally, the recovery of binary intrinsic properties and sky localisation do not depend on the system eccentricity, while orbital parameters such as the eccentricity and initial orbital phase show clear trends. Despite their simplified nature, our results demonstrate that SKA will enable the detection of tens of MBHBs, ushering the community into the era of precision gravitational wave astronomy at nano-Hz frequencies.
Hydrogenation of acetaldehyde on interstellar ice analogs results in limited destruction
Authors: Molpeceres G. , Nguyen T. , Oba Y. , Watanabe N.
Published: January 2025

Context. Acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) is one of the most abundant interstellar complex organic molecules and its hydrogenation has important implications in several fundamental processes of interstellar chemistry, such as deuterium fractionation, reactive desorption, or the relation between organic functional groups of detected molecules.

Aims. We seek to determine what the main hydrogenation paths of CH3CHO are. As a partially unsaturated molecule, CH3CHO can have links with more hydrogenated species, such as ethanol (C2H5OH), or with more unsaturated ones, such as ketene (H2CCO).

Methods. We used highly accurate quantum chemical calculations to determine the reaction rate constants for the CH3CHO + H/D reaction. We later studied, using more approximated methods, the fate of the majoritarian product of the reaction, the acetyl radical CH3CO after subsequent reaction with hydrogen or deuterium atoms. Our theoretical results were tested with our experiments on the hydrogenation and deuteration of CH3CHO ice.

Results. We find that acetaldehyde resists hydrogenation, with only a 10% of conversion to products different than CH3CHO. This is due to a predominance of H abstraction at the HCO moiety, with reaction rate constants up to four orders of magnitude higher than the next possible reaction channel, which is hydrogenation at the aldehydic carbon. The formed CH3CO radical experiences barrierless or nearly barrierless reactions in all possible reaction positions, reforming CH3CHO and creating a closed loop that protects the molecule against hydrogenation. We constrained the branching ratios for the second reaction from the experiments. Our experiments agree with the calculations and from the combination of both we can explain the presence of H2CCO, CO, CH4, C2H5OH, H2CO, or CH3OH as minor products at the end of the reaction. We provide recommendations for future modeling efforts.

Conclusions. Our results show limited destruction of acetaldehyde, reinforcing the vision of this molecule as an abundant and resilient COM. From the experiments, we are not able to observe the reactive desorption of this molecule. Our results align with other modeling works, showing that the link between CH3CHO and C2H5OH is not direct. Finally, our results can explain the excess of CH3CDO found in prestellar cores.
The PLATO field selection process
Authors: Nascimbeni V. , Piotto G. , Cabrera J. , Montalto M. , Marinoni S. , Marrese P. M. , Aerts C. , Altavilla G. , Benatti S. , Börner A. , Deleuil M. , Desidera S. , Gizon L. , Goupil M. J. , Granata V. , Heras A. M. , Magrin D. , Malavolta L. , Mas-Hesse J. M. , Osborn H. P. , Pagano I. , Paproth C. , Pollacco D. , Prisinzano L. , Ragazzoni R. , Ramsay G. , Rauer H. , Tkachenko A. , Udry S.
Published: January 2025

PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars (PLATO) is an ESA M-class mission to be launched by the end of 2026 to discover and characterize transiting planets around bright and nearby stars, and in particular habitable rocky planets hosted by solar-like stars. Over the mission lifetime, an average of 8% of the science data rate will be allocated to Guest Observer programs selected by ESA through public calls. Hence, it is essential for the community to know in advance where the observing fields will be located. In a previous paper, we identified two preliminary long-pointing fields (LOPN1 and LOPS1) for PLATO, respectively in the northern and southern hemispheres. Here we present LOPS2, a slightly adjusted version of the southern field that has recently been selected by the PLATO Science Working Team as the first field to be observed by PLATO for at least two continuous years, following the scientific requirements. In this paper, we describe the astrophysical content of LOPS2 in detail, including known planetary systems, bright stars, variables, binary stars, star clusters, and synergies with other current and future facilities.
Constraining the shape of dark matter haloes using only starlight
Authors: Sánchez Almeida Jorge , Trujillo Ignacio , Montes Mireia , Plastino Angel R.
Published: January 2025

We present a new technique to constrain the gravitational potential of a galaxy from the observed stellar mass surface density alone under a number of assumptions. It uses the classical Eddington inversion method to compute the phase-space distribution function (DF) needed for stars to reside in a given gravitational potential. In essence, each potential defines a set of density profiles, and it is the expansion of the observed profile in this database that provides the DF. If the required DF becomes negative, then the potential is inconsistent with the observed stars and can be discarded. It is particularly well suited for analyzing low-mass low surface brightness galaxies, where photometric but not spectroscopic data can be obtained. The recently discovered low surface brightness galaxy Nube was used to showcase its application. For Nube’s observed stellar core to be reproduced with a non-negative DF, cuspy NFW (Navarro, Frenk, and White) potentials are highly disfavored compared with potentials that have cores (Schuster-Plummer or ρ230). The method assumes the stellar system to have spherical symmetry and isotropic velocity distribution; however, we discuss simple extensions that relax the need for isotropy and may help to drop the spherical symmetry assumption.
Tidal tails of nearby open clusters
Authors: Risbud Dhanraj , Jadhav Vikrant V. , Kroupa Pavel
Published: January 2025

Context. Tidal tails of open clusters are the result of stellar evaporation from the cluster through the Galactic potential and internal dynamics. With the recent availability of high-precision data, tidal tails are being detected for most of the nearby open clusters.

Aims. We identify the tidal tail members for all open clusters within a distance of 400 pc that are older than 100 Myr and have >100 members. To do this, we use model-independent methods.

Methods. We used the convergent-point (CP) method to identify the co-moving stars near the open clusters using Gaia DR3 data. A new method called the self-compact convergent-point method was proposed and applied to some of the clusters. It performed better overall in tracing the tails. We also analysed the colour-magnitude diagrams and orbital energy to diagnose possible contamination.

Results. Nineteen out of 21 clusters have tidal tails. Five of them were discovered for the first time through this work. The typical span of the tidal tails is 20–200 pc, and 30–700 member stars lie in the region inside the tidal radius and the tidal tails. Four out of 19 tidal tails are tilted away from direction of the Galactic centre. This contradicts the known theory of the tidal-tail formation. The luminosity functions of the tails and clusters are consistent with each other and with the canonical stellar interstellar mass function, but systematically higher radial velocities for the trailing tail than for the leading tail were observed for the first time.

Conclusions. The CP method is useful for detecting tidal tails on a scale of ≈100 pc for clusters closer than 400 pc. A further analysis of theoretical N-body models is required to understand the incompleteness and biases in the current sample of tidal tails.
Direct seeding rice: A solution to improve establishment of rice under unpredictable climate condition
Authors: Susanti Zuziana , Sakai Chikaya , Tafakresnanto Chendy , Sasmita Priatna , Abdurachman Haris
Published: January 2025

Swampy is identified as a potential areas to boost national rice production, however, Fe exposure and lack of labour are some of main obstacles to get high yield of rice. Specific land preparation, puddling and levelling without exposing active Fe is required to maintain high yield. A field experiment aims to examine the effectiveness of perfect land levelling to increase yield under direct seeding method. The trial was arranged in large areas, each treatment was set in 0.5 ha, with 5 replications in 2021 dry-season in Central Kalimantan. The treatments were combination of land preparation and establishment system with direct seeding rice (DSR) or transplanting (TRP). The results showed that land levelling used the farming bulldozer improved the number of productive tillers lead to higher grain yield compare to that of hand tractor. Highest grain yield was produced in FB-TRP (land preparation done by Farming Bulldozer in combination with transplanting) at average 3326 kg/ha, followed by HT-TRP (Hand Tractor-Transplanting) at 3064 kg/ha. Whereas FB-DSR yielded at 2146 and FB-TRP at 1778 kg/ha. Good land levelling had greater effect on the seed germination and increase the number of tiller by 17.6% under direct seeding with farming bulldozer compare to hand tractor.
Functional role of termites as soil engineers: Their influence on soil organic carbon and nitrogen in pine and mahogany stands Alas Bromo
Authors: Febriani Sri Rezeki , Ariyanto Dwi Priyo , Cahyono Ongko , Dewi Widyatmani Sih , Sumani Sumani , Komariah Komariah , Tarmadi Didi , Setiawan Khoirul Himmi , Wikantyoso Bramantyo , Zaki Muhamad Khoiru
Published: January 2025

Termites are considered by the general public as pests, but their presence can be a bioindicator of environmental quality. This is because termites have a functional role as Soil Ecosystem Engginers. Alas Bromo University Forest has various stands that can influence the presence of soil macrofauna, one of which is termites. The aim of the research was to examine the functional role of termites in improving soil fertility, which was conducted in six different Alas Bromo stand areas (Pinus 1973, Pinus 2016, Pinus 1994, Pinus 2001, Mahogany 1973, and Mahogany 1949). The method used in this study is the installation of stakes as bait to determine the presence of termites in a plot measuring 20m x 20m and the distance between stakes is 4 meters. There are 5 damage classes (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4) that reflect the presence of termites. The higher the damage class, the higher the activity and presence of termites. The observation parameters taken include, Average Damage Class of stakes in each observation, Soil C-organic, and soil N-Total. The results showed that the highest termite activity was found in Pinus 1973 and Mahogany 1973 stands, while the lowest termite activity was found in Pinus 1994 and Pinus 2016 stands. This can be caused by more suitable environmental conditions and denser crowns. The results also showed that there were differences in C-organic and N-total values in each damage class. The highest C-organic and N-total values were produced in damage class 4 (1.58% and 1.53%). In contrast, C-organic values were lower in the other classes: damage class 1 (1.12%), damage class 0 (1.15%), damage class 2 (1.20%), and damage class 3 (1.25%). Similarly, N-total values were lowest in damage class 1 (0.95%), damage class 2 (1.01%), damage class 0 (1.03%), and damage class 3 (1.13%). This research shows that the presence and activity of termites have a positive correlation with soil fertility, this can be seen from the increase in soil C-organic and N-total at higher damage classes.
The potentials of biomass carbon and CO2 absorption in various land uses of dryland in Aceh Besar Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Sufardi Sufardi , Helmi Helmi , Syafruddin Syafruddin , Arabia Teti , Khairullah Khairullah , Abdullah Umar H.
Published: January 2025

This study aims to determine the contents of biomass, C content of biomass, loss of biomass and carbon, and absorption of CO2 by vegetation in various types of sub-optimal dryland use in Aceh Besar. The study was conducted on 12 land utility types (LUTs For each LUT, 5-6 sites were selected, and each location was repeated three times so that a total of 300 sample points were observed. The plant biomass measurement and calculation were differentiated according to the vegetation type. The biomass retrieval was based on The Indonesian National Standard Agency (BSN) procedure No. SNI 7724:2011. The primary forest was a land utilization type with the highest biomass contents, total C biomass, and CO2 absorption compared to other land utility types. The lowest was on bare land. The contents for biomass in the primary forest was 501.54±73.27 Mg ha-1, while in bare land, it was only 1.03±0.12 Mg ha-1 with C biomass content of 241.71 ±34.46 Mg ha-1 and 0.53 ±0.06 Mg ha-1, respectively. Total C biomass on sub-optimal dryland with an area of 239,387.91 ha was 26,728,46 Gg and could absorb CO2 of 202,735.14 Gg. Conversion of primary forest to open land can result in loss of C biomass from 37.1% to 99.8%.
Management strategies for natural tourism and non-timber forest products support the protection of The Gunung Leuser National Park Buffer Area in mitigating climate change
Authors: Rahmawaty  , Aththorick T. Alief , Harahap R. Hamdani , Rauf Abdul , Ismail Mohd Hasmadi , Fujiwara Takahiro , Tedong Peter Aning
Published: January 2025

Gunung Leuser National Park (GLNP) is a critical conservation area with high biodiversity, providing essential ecosystem services, including climate regulation. This research aims to analyze Internal Strategic Factors (IFAS) and External Strategic Factors (EFAS) and determine appropriate strategies in the management of nature tourism and non-timber forest products to support the protection of the GLNP buffer area in climate change mitigation. This research uses SWOT analysis and Focus Group Discussions (FGD). The research results show an IFAS of 0.82 and an EFAS 1.55. The final IFAS and EFAS scores based on the SWOT diagram are in Quadrant I, indicating that strengths and opportunities are high, and weaknesses and threats are low in terms of managing natural tourism and non-timber forest products to support the protection of the GLNP in mitigating change climate. The research highlights the importance of involving local stakeholders, implementing community-based conservation initiatives, and leveraging traditional knowledge to foster sustainable practices. The findings suggest that a balanced approach, combining conservation efforts with economic incentives, is vital for enhancing the resilience of GLNP’s buffer zones against climate change impacts. This study contributes to the broader discourse on climate change mitigation by offering actionable strategies for sustainable development.
Association between air pollution and osteoporosis: A systematic review
Authors: Prabowo Nurhasan Agung , Soetrisno  , Nurwati Ida , Ardyanto Tonang Dwi , Poncorini Eti , Nurudhin Arief , Dirgahayu Paramasari
Published: January 2025

Background: Osteoporosis is a major worldwide health problem associated with lower bone mineral density (BMD) and higher fracture risk, which contributes to increased morbidity and healthcare costs. Meanwhile, some modifiable environmental factors affect bone health, including air pollution and smoking. Objective: The current systematic review aims to summarize the available data regarding the impact of air pollution and smoking on osteoporosis. Methods: A systematic search of the observational studies published from 2000 to 2024 was performed in PubMed. ROBINS-I identified twenty-one studies based on the inclusion criteria and assessed the quality. Results: For exposure to particulate matter (PM2. 5, PM10), nitrogen oxides (NO₂) and smoking were associated with lower BMD and increased fracture risk. These mechanisms include oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and heavy metal toxicity in women disproportionately, older adults and urban populations. Conclusion: Further public health efforts, such as regulating air quality imbalance and developing social willingness to quit smoking, shall be called upon to alleviate osteoporosis burdens and promote bone health worldwide.
Historical geomagnetic observations from the Netherlands during the Carrington event (1859)
Authors: van Dam Kasper , Beggan Ciaran , Doornbos Eelco , van den Oord Bert
Published: January 2025

The Carrington event of September 1859 is the best known example of an extreme geomagnetic storm, often cited when discussing space weather risks for modern infrastructure. Historic observations including auroral sightings, magnetometer records and anecdotes of impacts on telegraph systems have been widely shared before, but none of these have included observations from the Netherlands. Geomagnetic observations taken in Utrecht and Den Helder during the Carrington event were digitised from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute’s (KNMI) yearbook of 1859, and compared to much more detailed magnetograms from London. This combined analysis, beyond its application in communication with Dutch stakeholders, contributes to a better understanding of the interpretation, limitations, and uses of such archived measurements, of which more examples might be available in archives internationally.
The observations consist of spot measurements taken three times per day. The Den Helder data only partially record the Carrington storm. Conversion factors from Den Helder have been used to estimate missing conversion factors of the Utrecht data. The correlation between the Dutch declination measurements and those made in London is strong with correlation coefficients larger than 0.7 for the Utrecht data and larger than 0.9 for the Den Helder data. However, there is very little correlation between the Dutch and British inclination measurements. The London horizontal intensity measurements compared to Den Helder data give correlation values larger than 0.8 but the observations from Utrecht match less well. There is a significant deviation between the British data and the Utrecht declination and horizontal intensity measurements during the quiet period between 30 August and 2 September. It is unclear what causes this deviation.
Given the proximity of the locations and similarity in latitude, and based on the coherent registration of the measurements, it is reasonable to assume that the magnetic traces captured in London provide a good approximation of the magnetic field variations in the Netherlands during the storm, indicating that these may be used for impact assessment studies for Dutch vital infrastructure.
The Impact of Changing Physicians on Compliance with Management of Myopia Progression
Authors: Schibli Fabian , Palmowski-Wolfe Anja
Published: January 2025

Background The global incidence of high myopia is increasing, with projections indicating a rise from 3 to 10% of the global population by 2050. Effective treatment options exist to reduce myopia progression, but their success is contingent on patient adherence. This study assesses the impact of changes in treating physicians on adherence to therapy to control myopia progression.

Patients and Methods This retrospective observational study analyzed data from the Myopia Clinic at the University Eye Hospital of Basel from 2020 to 2023. Adherence rates were compared between consultations with and without a change in the treating physician, as well as between resident and senior physicians. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired t-tests and chi-squared tests.

Results A total of 73 patients, with a mean age of 10.76 years, who had at least three axial length measurements were included. Overall, 84.79% of consultations adhered to the recommended treatment. A significantly higher nonadherence rate of 21.43% was observed in consultations following a change in physician, compared to 6.42% with physician stability (p = 0.0037). Nonadherence was also higher with resident physicians (18.31%) compared to senior physicians (8.70%; p = 0.0310). No significant difference in adherence was found between optical and medical treatment options (p = 0.6293). Age and gender did not significantly influence adherence.

Discussion The study reveals a significant negative impact of physician changes on patient adherence in therapy to control myopia progression control. The findings emphasize the importance of consistent physician care, particularly in avoiding frequent rotations among resident physicians, in order to enhance treatment adherence. While the studyʼs limitations include a small sample size and single-center data, the results suggest that strategies to minimize changes in treating physicians could improve adherence outcomes.
Bi- und multimodale Endoskopie der Harnblase in Diagnostik und Therapie
Authors: Nientiedt Malin , Waldbillig Frank
Published: January 2025

Die Weißlichtzystoskopie ist ein präzises Instrument zur Detektion und Therapie von papillären Blasentumoren. Verschiedene zusätzliche makroskopische Detektionstechniken sind etabliert. Bei einigen dieser, allen voran der PDD oder NBI konnte ein zusätzlicher Nutzen auf die Blasentumorrezidivraten nachgewiesen werden, sodass die Anwendung im Rahmen der Diagnostik und Therapie nach Verfügbarkeit erfolgen sollte. Weitere mikroskopische Klassifizierungstechniken oder multimodale Verfahren sind in der Entwicklung. Die breitflächige Anwendung der Techniken ist bislang ausstehend. Neuere Modalitäten wie beispielsweise multiparametrische Bildgebung oder KI-gestützte Endoskopie versprechen in Zukunft einen bedeutenden Innovationssprung und könnten dafür sorgen, dass die urologische Echtzeit-Endoskopie entscheidend weiterentwickelt wird.
Correlation Analysis Between the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index Hip Fracture in Male: Based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Database
Authors: Lan Fangfang , Jiang Kuihong
Published: January 2025

Hip fractures (HFs) are common in elderly patients and are associated with high mortality rates and functional impairment. Malnutrition has been shown to negatively impact postoperative survival rates in HF patients. However, the relationship between the Geriatric Nutrition Risk Index (GNRI) and the risk of HF remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the association between GNRI and HF risk, with a particular focus on the elderly male population.

We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the periods 2007–2010, 2013–2014, and 2017–2018. Through multivariate regression analysis, we assessed the association between GNRI and HF and performed stratified and subgroup analyses to further explore this relationship. Additionally, we utilized restricted cubic splines (RCSs) to investigate the potential nonlinear relationship between GNRI and HF risk.

The study found that gender significantly influenced the relationship between GNRI and HF (p for interaction = 0.002). In males, GNRI was significantly negatively associated with the risk of HF (OR < 1, p < 0.05). RCS analysis showed that the relationship between GNRI and HF risk in elderly males might be linearly negative. The critical threshold for GNRI was identified as 104.14, beyond which the risk of HF significantly decreased.

This study demonstrates a linear negative correlation between GNRI and the risk of HF in elderly males, with a GNRI of 104.14 identified as the critical threshold for predicting the risk of hip fractures.
Optimizing Diabetes-in-Pregnancy Outcomes Requires a Care Continuum
Authors: Huang Audrey M. , Miodovnik Menachem , Reece E. Albert
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to assess the strengths, limitations, opportunities, and threats presented by diabetes-in-pregnancy. We review the improvements in maternal and fetal mortality since the advent of insulin therapy, evaluate current health challenges, and identify opportunities for preventing increased mortality due to diabetes-in-pregnancy. Prior to 1922, women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) of childbearing age were discouraged from becoming pregnant as the maternal and fetal/neonatal mortality rates were extremely high. Starvation-level dietary restriction was the only “treatment,” with limited success in managing the disease. The discovery of insulin coupled with careful clinical management presented the possibility of successful pregnancies for women with T1dm. Over the course of the next half-century, maternal survival increased from 54 to 97%. However, the gains made in reducing adverse outcomes of diabetes in pregnancy are eroding due to modern challenges. The global obesity epidemic has led to an increase in type 2 and gestational diabetes mellitus (DM). T1DM also is on the rise. Together, the rise in the prevalence of pregestational diabetes has increased the risks for adverse outcomes. Here we review the ongoing challenges as well as opportunities for research to improve outcomes. We suggest that overweight, obesity, and diabetes management must be coupled with preconception counseling and education and must include, in addition to, Ob/Gyns, primary care, nutrition, weight management, and other experts to ensure that those at risk of pregnancy complications due to diabetes have the best possible outcomes.

Key Points
Perinatal Mental Health Disorders and Resilience in Patients with Fetal Anomalies
Authors: Timmer-Murillo Sydney C. , Mowrer Alyssa , Rundell Maddie R. , Jazinski-Chambers Kelly , Piña Isela , deRoon-Cassini Terri A. , Wagner Amy J.
Published: January 2025

Objective Pregnant women face heightened vulnerability to mental health disorders (MHDs). There remains a lack of data during the antenatal period, particularly for high-risk subpopulations such as those with fetal anomalies. Understanding the psychological impact of women receiving a fetal anomaly diagnosis is crucial, as it can lead to MHDs. Additionally, maternal stress due to such diagnoses can have adverse effects on short- and long-term health outcomes for both the mother and the child. This study aimed to address the gap in knowledge regarding prenatal MHDs in women with fetal anomalies by characterizing maternal peripartum psychological health and identifying factors related to MHDs.

Study Design Women diagnosed with fetal anomalies (N = 110) were recruited from a tertiary fetal care center and completed surveys assessing resilience, anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSs). Demographic characteristics were also collected and analyzed. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to explore associations between demographic variables and mental health outcomes.

Results Participants endorsed elevated depressive symptoms (45%), anxiety (43%), and PTSs (39%). Private insurance and relationship status were positively associated, and resilience was negatively associated, with depression and anxiety levels. Maternal perception of diagnostic severity correlated with increased depressive symptoms and PTSs, whereas physician ratings of diagnostic severity did not.

Conclusion The findings underscore the prevalence of MHD among pregnant women with fetal anomalies and emphasize the importance of assessing maternal perception of severity in predicting mental health outcomes. Identifying risk factors like insurance status and relationship status suggests avenues for targeted screening and intervention. Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for implementing effective strategies to address peripartum psychopathology related to fetal anomalies and improve overall maternal and fetal health.

Key Points
Applying the Modified Five-Item Frailty Index to Predict Complications following Lower Extremity Free Flap Reconstruction in Trauma Patients
Authors: Gonzalez Miguel , Zietowski Maeson , Patel Ronak , Chattha Anmol , Cripps Courtney N. , Beederman Maureen
Published: January 2025

Background Free flap reconstruction in the setting of lower extremity trauma continues to be a challenging clinical problem fraught with a high risk of complications including flap compromise. Although studies have described certain risk factors that predispose these patients to poor outcomes, there remains a paucity of literature detailing frailty as a risk factor. As such, the aim of our study was to examine the application of the 5-item modified frailty index (mFI-5) in trauma patients undergoing lower extremity free flap reconstruction.

Methods The 2012 to 2020 American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for lower extremity free flap reconstructive procedures. After excluding nontrauma etiologies, patients were stratified into three cohorts by their respective mFI-5 score (0, 1, and ≥2). Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to assess the effect of mFI-5 scores on postoperative complications.

Results A total of 219 patients were included (64.8% male) with an average age of 47.6 ± 16 years. A total of 22.4% (n = 49) of patients had at least one complication. An increased mFI-5 score was associated with an increase in any complication (p < 0.001), hematological complication (p = 0.023), and reoperation (p = 0.004) rates. A high mFI-5 score was found to be an isolated risk factor for having at least one complication (mFI-5 ≥ 2: odds ratio [OR]: 3.829; p < 0.007; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.445–10.145) and reoperation (mFI-5 ≥ 2: OR: 5.385; p < 0.002; 95% CI: 1.826–15.877).

Conclusion Our results indicate that the mFI-5 can be a helpful assessment tool for lower extremity trauma patients undergoing free flap reconstruction to predict the risk of surgical complications and reoperation rates. Patients with an mFI-5 score > 2 should be counseled preoperatively of their increased risk of complications.
Radiomic signatures derived from baseline 18F FDG PET/CT imaging can predict tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte values in patients with primary breast cancer
Authors: Vural Topuz Özge , Bağbudar Sidar , Aksu Ayşegül , Söylemez Akkurt Tuçe , Akkaş Burcu Esen
Published: January 2025

To determine the value of radiomics data extraction from baseline 18F FDG PET/CT in the prediction of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) among patients with primary breast cancer (BC).

We retrospectively evaluated 74 patients who underwent baseline 18F FDG PET/CT scans for BC evaluation between October 2020 and April 2022. Radiomics data extraction resulted in a total of 131 radiomic features from primary tumors. TILs status was defined based on histological analyses of surgical specimens and patients were categorized as having low TILs or moderate & high TILs. The relationships between TILs groups and tumor features, patient characteristics and molecular subtypes were examined. Features with a correlation coefficient of less than 0.6 were analyzed by logistic regression to create a predictive model. The diagnostic performance of the model was calculated via receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis.

Menopausal status, histological grade, nuclear grade, and four radiomics features demonstrated significant differences between the two TILs groups. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that nuclear grade and three radiomics features (Morphological COMShift, GLCM Correlation, and GLSZM Small Zone Emphasis) were independently associated with TIL grouping. The diagnostic performance analysis of the model showed an AUC of 0.864 (95% CI: 0.776–0.953; p < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy values of the model were 69.6%, 82.4%, 64%, 85.7% and 78.4%, respectively

The pathological TIL scores of BC patients can be predicted by using radiomics feature extraction from baseline 18F FDG PET/CT scans.
Living Near Wildfires and the Risk of Fetal Congenital Heart Defects: Evaluating Critical Windows of Vulnerability
Authors: Park Bo Y. , Vedhanayagam Kriti , Ortiz-Luis Jared , Basu Rupa , Gheorghe Ciprian P. , Govindappagari Shravya , Abinader Ray , Yao Ruofan
Published: January 2025

Background Wildfires produce air pollutants that have been associated with complications during pregnancy. This study examined the association between wildfire exposure before and during pregnancy and the odds of congenital heart defect (CHD) in the offspring.

Methods This retrospective cohort study used the California Linked Birth File and the Forestry and Fire Protection data between 2007 and 2010. Patients living within 15 miles of wildfire during pregnancy were considered exposed. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between wildfire exposure by these various exposure metrics and atrial septal defect (ASD) or ventricular septal defect (VSD) types of CHD compared to pregnancies without wildfire exposure.

Results Compared to births without wildfire exposure, those with first-, second-, and third-trimester exposure were associated with a higher risk of ASD with a first-trimester adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.11 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–1.18), second-trimester aOR of 1.12 (95% CI: 1.07–1.18), and third-trimester aOR of 1.08 (95% CI: 1.02–1.14). Wildfire exposure during the critical window of fetal heart development (weeks 3–8) was associated with aOR of 1.12 (95% CI: 1.02–1.23).

Conclusion Wildfire exposure during pregnancy appears to increase the risk of developing ASD.

Key points
Clinician-reported Gloucester Comfort Scale scores underestimate patient discomfort and pain during colonoscopy: insights from comparison with a patient-reported experience measure
Authors: van Bokhorst Querijn N. E. , Geerlings Charmayne V. , van der Vlugt Manon , Nass Karlijn J. , Borkent Jos W. , Neilson Laura J. , Fockens Paul , Rees Colin J. , Dekker Evelien
Published: January 2025

Patient experience is a fundamental element of colonoscopy. The Gloucester Comfort Scale (GCS) is used by clinicians to report patient comfort. However, insights regarding the extent to which clinician-reported GCS scores represent the patient’s experience are lacking. We assessed the level of agreement between clinician-reported GCS scores and patient-reported discomfort and pain.

Consecutive patients undergoing colonoscopy at two Dutch endoscopy clinics were included. Patient comfort during colonoscopy was reported using the GCS (1–5 scale). Patients’ colonoscopy experiences were assessed using the Newcastle ENDOPREM, a validated endoscopy patient-reported experience measure (PREM). Patients reported both discomfort and pain levels experienced during colonoscopy on a 1–5 scale. Levels of agreement were assessed using Cohen’s kappa statistic.

For 243 included patients, the GCS score was higher than the PREM discomfort score in 52 patients (21%) and lower in 72 (30%). GCS score was higher than the PREM pain score in 39 patients (16%) and lower in 71 (29%). Moderate-to-severe discomfort and pain (scores ≥3) were reported by 53 patients (22%) for discomfort and 60 patients (25%) for pain. For these patients, the GCS underestimated discomfort and pain levels in almost all cases (discomfort 49/53 [92%], pain 54/60 [90%]). Agreement between GCS scores and PREM discomfort and pain scores were minimal (Cohen’s κ 0.34) and weak (Cohen’s κ 0.47), respectively.

Clinician-reported GCS scores frequently underestimated the level of discomfort and pain reported by patients. For accurate monitoring of patients’ colonoscopy experiences, the use of PREMs should be considered.
Performance characterization of x-ray crystal spectroscopy highly oriented pyrolytic graphite reflectors based on x-ray diffractometry experiments
Authors: Lu Dian , Cheng Zhifeng , Zhao Tianlei , Yuan Lingxiong , Gao Lan , Klabacha Jonathan , Pablant Novimir , Tieulent Raphael , Lin Zichao , Jin Yifei , Fan Yu , Fu Jia , Zhang Hongming , Lyu Bo , Wang Fudi
Published: January 2025

The use of Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite (HOPG) reflectors is often proposed in the design of X-ray Crystal Spectroscopy (XCS) diagnostic systems for the next-generation tokamak devices, including the ITER project. This study introduces an experimental study based on the X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD) method to evaluate the performance of HOPG reflectors. The experimental method provides both the angular responses and the reflectivities of the HOPG reflectors. A demonstrative XRD experiment is conducted, and the details of the experiment are introduced. This method enables precise studies on HOPG reflectors, facilitating the design of XCS diagnostic systems for future tokamaks.
Electrical conductivity of multilayered Cu/Nb composites fabricated by accumulative roll bonding
Authors: Justice J. , Bauyrzhan A. , Wang Y. , Khafizov M. , Cheng J. Y. , Mara N. A. , Mishra S. , Ronning F. , Anderoglu O.
Published: January 2025

The electrical conductivity of nanolayered copper/niobium composites fabricated using accumulative roll bonding was investigated as a function of layer thickness. Cu/Nb was used as a model system to evaluate the processing-structure–property relationship stemming from the accumulative roll bonding process. The physical properties were compared against samples of individual average layer heights ranging from 193 to 25 nm. The electrical resistivity was measured over a temperature range of ∼3–300 K. Analysis on the role of interfaces on temperature dependence is conducted including the residual resistivity ratio and temperature coefficient of resistivity. It was found that electrical resistivity increases with decreasing layer height.