bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revealing the potential of a new 3D Hall sensor in advanced inspection robotics
Authors: Popovic Renella Dragana , Kaltenbacher Thomas , Spasic Sasa , Cavelti Andrea , Valsecchi Giorgio , Nachtigall Lennart , Hutter Marco
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a novel CMOS magnetic field sensor designed for the simultaneous measurement of all three magnetic field components (Bx, By, and Bz) at a single location. The sensor incorporates three sets of mutually orthogonal horizontal and vertical Hall-effect elements, each equipped with dedicated biasing circuits and amplifiers. With a compact field-sensitive volume of only 100 x 100 x 10 μm³, the 3D sensor achieves exceptional spatial resolution. Leveraging CMOS technology ensures precise angular accuracy and orthogonality of the three measurement axes. Additionally, the sensor utilizes a spinning-current technique to effectively address challenges such as offset, low-frequency noise, and planar Hall effect. With a wide analog bandwidth spanning from DC to 300 kHz and an integrated temperature sensor, the sensor is versatile and applicable to a range of uses, including 3D positioning sensors, proximity sensors, current sensors, and magnetometry. To demonstrate its practical application, this paper explores the utilization of the 3D sensor for enhanced adhesion control in inspection robots. The innovative features of this CMOS magnetic field sensor make it a promising solution for diverse scientific and industrial applications.
Traceability routes for magnetic measurements: filling the gap between the magnetism community and the European NMIs offering
Authors: Coïsson Marco , Diaz De Aguilar Rois Javier , Alvarez Sanmamed Yolanda , Molto González Sergio , Power Oliver , Walsh Robert , Larmour Orrie
Published: December 2024

Magnetic measurements are vital to support European challenges in areas such as electric vehicles; health; power transformation and harvesting; clean, affordable and secure energy; information and sensor technology. However, only very few European NMIs have the capabilities to perform traceable measurements of all of the most important magnetic quantities. Consequently, the adoption of novel technologies and materials is hindered by the lack of local metrological expertise that research and development activities in academia and industry could exploit. A European project (TRaMM, 21SCP02), in the framework of the Small Collaborative Projects (SCP) call 2021, aimed at transferring the expertise of INRIM (Italy) in the field of magnetic calibration and measurements to CEM (Spain) and NSAI (Ireland), and to interested stakeholders.
Wave heave sensor verification in dry conditions with optoelectronic reference
Authors: Khalil Mohamad , Crenna Francesco , Rossi Giovanni Battista
Published: December 2024

Sea state information is required for coastal engineering and safety of navigation. Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) are playing an effective role in the estimation of the sea state in real time application also. In this paper, a novel method for heave inertial sensors verification in a dry environment is presented. The main peculiarity is that the IMU movement is measured through an optoelectronic external instrument, and not guaranteed by the mechanical assembly of the movement generation device. Furthermore, the generated movement presents reality aspects, such as oscillations of the sensors, that are not common in similar devices. The proposed approach has been tested considering a general purpose IMU, which requires a processing procedure to measure the heave. Two possible procedures based on different filtering approaches are proposed and compared. The test procedure enables a quantitative evaluation of the heave measurement by inertial sensors including the evaluation of measurement uncertainty in each test conditions.
Big-Data handling as a metrological challenge beyond digitalisation: some reflections
Authors: Pavese Franco
Published: December 2024

Digitalisation is considered one of the new technical tools in metrology as well; it is a general strategic issue concerning the future treatment of human knowledge in progress. Digitalisation has reached a dominant status also in data science, inducing a collation of an amount of “data”, i.e. of potential information, that is by now by far quantitatively enormously wider than ever before in the science history. It is called Big Data and it is widely recognized. However, it is also considered to be able to replace some of the traditional handling tools in the relevant scientific information, namely the metrological ones. It is called “dataism”.
This short paper is proposing some reflections on Big Data handling as an additional challenge also for metrology, with suggestions on possible improvement. In fact, Its regulatory field is considered to need taking into account and providing guidelines to the new concepts.
A simple experimental method to estimate and benchmark automotive LIDARs performance in fog
Authors: Cassanelli Davide , Cattini Stefano , Medici Lorenzo , Ferrari Luca , Rovati Luigi
Published: December 2024

LiDARs hold promise for various automotive applications, but their performance in adverse weather conditions remains a severe limitation. Indeed, fog can compromise the ability to perform fundamental tasks such as detection, classification, and tracking. The success of these tasks depends on the quality of the data provided by the LiDAR, i.e., the point cloud, PC, and the algorithms used to analyse that PC. Some previous studies exploited large and sophisticated facilities filled with fog to analyse LiDARs in fog. However, such facilities are intrinsically highly complex and costly. To overcome these limitations, we propose a much less expensive method based on a fog chamber, a 1 m side transparent chamber to be placed between the LiDAR and the targets, then filled with fog. The proposed method allows for the analysis and comparison of the performance of both LiDARs and processing algorithms while avoiding the cost and complexity of large facilities and the limitations intrinsic to mathematical modelling and numerical simulation. To provide examples of the information that is obtainable using the proposed method, the results from a popular LiDAR and processing algorithm, namely, the Velodyne VLP 16, and the MATLAB® Computer Vision Toolbox, are also reported.
Developing Linkages Between PROMIS Physical Function CAT and QuickDASH Scores in Hand Surgery
Authors: Daryoush Joshua R. , Rogers Miranda J. , Zhang Chong , Quesada Mario J. , Cizik Amy M. , Presson Angela P. , Kazmers Nikolas H.
Published: December 2024

Background:

There is no standardization within hand and upper-extremity surgery regarding which patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are collected and reported. This limits the ability to compare or combine cohorts that utilize different PROMs. The aim of this study was to develop a linkage model for the QuickDASH (shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) and PROMIS PF CAT (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function computerized adaptive testing) instruments to allow interconversion between these PROMs in a hand surgery population.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted to identify adults (≥18 years old) who had completed the QuickDASH and PROMIS PF CAT instruments at the same clinical encounter. Patients with shoulder pathology were excluded. The linear relationship between scores was evaluated with use of the Pearson correlation coefficient. Linking was performed with use of several common methods, and an optimal linkage model was recommended on the basis of a higher R2, strong intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and lower standard error (SE). The recommended model was further evaluated in subgroups based on age (<60 or ≥60 years), sex, etiology for presentation (traumatic versus atraumatic), and treatment type (operative versus nonoperative).

Results:

A total of 15,019 patients (mean age, 49 years; 54% female; 86% White) were included. The mean QuickDASH score (and standard deviation) was 37 ± 22, and the mean PROMIS PF CAT score was 45 ± 10. There was a strong negative linear relationship between the QuickDASH and PROMIS PF CAT (r = −0.73). The circle-arc linkage model demonstrated good accuracy and reliability (R2 = 0.55; ICC = 0.71), and crosswalk tables were developed from this model. The subgroup analysis demonstrated age-related bias in the linkage model (root expected mean squared difference, 0.12). To address this, a separate crosswalk table was developed, which was dichotomized by age category.

Conclusions:

The QuickDASH and PROMIS PF CAT scores were successfully linked. Utilization of the developed crosswalks—one specific to patients <60 years old and another specific to patients ≥60 years old—will allow for score interconversion in future meta-analyses and multicenter hand surgery studies.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The 5Ss’ Approach for Managing Health of Client, Family and Community
Authors:   UNET Consultants, Quality Management Department, Karwan-e-Hayat, Institute for Mental Health Care, Karachi, Pakistan., Qidwai Minhaj A.
Published: December 2024

Abstract: Healthcare undergraduates’ curriculum is mostly based on clinical assessment and management of the patients. Consideration to the client, family, and community aspect is negligible. Health Management of a client requires a holistic approach encompassing the role of quality of services, communications skills, managing family and community; with ethical practices abiding the rules and regulations etc. World Health Organization (WHO) also defines health in terms of physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Thus, for managing client, undergraduates need to be imparted with it is more than just teaching only the clinical approach. The 5Ss’ model concept is being presented for redesigning the healthcare undergraduate curriculum and to focus on the role of Self, Society, State, Systems and Spirituality as a part of the curriculum.
The Role of Decompressive Craniectomy in Traumatic Brain Injury: An Institutional Experience in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors:   Department of Neurosurgery, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan., Kalhoro Aurangzeb , Hassan Sher ,   Department of Neurosurgery, Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta, Pakistan., Bokhari Irum ,   Department of Neurosurgery, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan., Brohi Ghulam Muhammad ,   Department of Neurosurgery, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan., Ahmed Faizyab ,   Department of Neurosurgery, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan., Ahmed Tanweer ,   Department of Neurosurgery, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan.
Published: December 2024

Abstract:Background: Traumatic brain injury can damage the brain on permanent basis, to protect the brain Decompressive can play a pivot role to protect from secondary brain injury.
Objective: To assess the prognosis and functional outcomes in role of decompressive craniectomy in traumatic brain injury in tertiary care hospital.
Materials and Methods: This study conducted at Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Institute (JPMC) in Karachi from January 2018 to April 2022, comprises of 304 patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy following traumatic brain injury, specifically those with traumatic mass lesions. Our aim was to gain insight into their functional outcomes over a period of six months, utilizing the Glasgow Outcome Score at intervals of one month, three months, and six months, employing the chi-squared test, to identify any parameters that correlated with poor outcomes. This helped us discern potential factors contributing to unfavorable results.
Result: The current study comprised 304 individuals, with a median age of 48 years (IQR: 43-53). The majority of patients (66.1%) were older than 45 years. The median time since injury was 10 hours (IQR: 7-13.75). The median GCS score was (IQR: 5-7). The majority of patients had ASDH + Contusion (44.1%) and ASDH (42.1%) on CT scans. In our study, 38.5% of patients had a good outcome, whereas 61.5% had a poor outcome. The outcome was significantly associated with gender (p=0.033), age group (p <0.001), time since injury (p<0.001), GCS score (p<0.001), midline shift (p<0.001), mass lesion volume (p<0.001), and CT findings (p=0.002).
Conclusion: Decompressive craniectomy stands as a pivotal intervention in the management of severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) patients grappling with traumatic mass lesions.
Correlation of iPTH, Serum Calcium, and Serum Phosphorous with Different Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors:   Department of Nephrology, Tabba Kidney Institute, Karachi, Pakistan., Jawaid Muhammad Talha , Jamil Bilal ,   Department of Nephrology, Tabba Kidney Institute, Karachi, Pakistan., Syed Ameen Zubair ,   Department of Nephrology, Tabba Kidney Institute, Karachi, Pakistan., Kulsoom Kulsoom ,   Department of Nephrology, Tabba Kidney Institute, Karachi, Pakistan., Mehdi Asif ,   Department of Nephrology, Tabba Kidney Institute, Karachi, Pakistan., Alam Erum Alam ,   Department of Nephrology, Tabba Kidney Institute, Karachi, Pakistan.
Published: December 2024

Abstract: Background: CKD-mineral and bone disorders (CKD-MBD) include abnormalities in blood calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), and parathyroid hormone (PTH), as well as bony derangements and vascular calcification, which are increasingly more frequent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 4 and 5.
Objective: To assess the correlation of chronic kidney disease, mineral, and bone disorder (CK-MBD) with stages of CKD.
Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional, study conducted at the Tabba Kidney Institute, Serum levels of calcium, phosphate, and intact PTH (iPTH) were measured as part of the study at baseline. The statistical package of Social Sciences version 22 was used to enter, sort, and analyze data. To assess the risk of vascular calcification in different stages of CKD, odds ratio (OR) test was performed, keeping confidence interval as 95% and OR of 1 as positive risk of outcome after exposure.
Result: A total of 82 patients were enrolled in the study with a mean age of 59.6 ± 13.3 years. The results indicated positive odds of vascular calcification in CKD stage V with 1.418 and Confidence interval of 95% as a lower bound and upper bound of 1.121-10.817, indicating higher chances of vascular calcification in stage V patients. Similarly, CKD stage IV reported 0.042 OR with lower and upper bound of 0.352-4.162 confidence interval respectively.
Conclusion: This study concludes that CKD progression is directly associated with Bone mineral disorders and allied complications, including the risk of vascular calcification in patients which increases from stage III to V.
Frequency and Risk Factors of Diabetic Retinopathy in Children having Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors:   Department of Pediatrics, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, Pakistan., Javed Muhammad Nasir , Ibrahim Mohsina Noor ,   Department of Pediatrics, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, Pakistan., Khoso Zubair ,   Department of Pediatrics, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, Pakistan., v Ikramullah ,   Department of Pediatrics, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, Pakistan., Riaz Maira ,   Department of Pediatrics, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, Pakistan., Rai Versha Rani ,   Department of Pediatrics, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, Pakistan.
Published: December 2024

Abstract: Background: Diabetic retinopathy is the most prevalent complication and the primary cause of blindness in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus. There are two categories of risk factors: modifiable and non-modifiable for development of diabetic retinopathy.
Objective: To determine the frequency and risk factors of diabetic retinopathy in children having type-1 diabetes mellitus.
Materials and Methods: Children aged 7 to 18 years participated in this cross-sectional study, which was carried out in the National Institute of Child Health’s endocrinology department. Clinical, anthropometric, and demographic data of the patients were gathered. To identify diabetic retinopathy, a fundus examination involved examining the optic disc, macula, retinal blood vessels, background, and fundus periphery.
Result: With an average age of 14.07±2.82 years, 157 patients were examined. 88(56.1%) were male and 69(43.9%) were female. Average HbA1C level was 10.10±2.63%. Total 116(73.9%) patients had diabetic retinopathy, of which 103(88.8%) had mild non-proliferative, 10(8.6%) had moderate non-proliferative, 1(0.9%) had severe non-proliferative, and 2(1.7%) had proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy was significantly associated with age group (p=0.025), random blood sugar (p=0.050) and insulin regimen type (p=0.018). Male patients had a lower risk of diabetic retinopathy (OR=-0.497, p=0.069). Individuals with age 14 years or less had a lower probability of developing diabetic retinopathy (OR=0.437, p=0.027). Patients with High HbA1c had more risk to develop diabetic retinopathy (OR=1.314, p=0.003). Patients on basal bolus insulin had a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy (OR=2.378, p=0.020).
Conclusion: The results of our investigation showed that a significant portion of the study group had diabetic retinopathy. The most common kind of retinopathy was mild non-proliferative. Males who were less than 14 years old, had a low HbA1c, had the disease for less than ten years, and used regular insulin and neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) were less likely to develop diabetic retinopathy.
Evaluation of Pattern of Deep Wrist Injuries in Suicidal versus Accidental Cases Presenting in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors:   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. K.M. Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), Karachi, Pakistan., Farrukh Rabeeaa , Khan Faisal Akhlaq Ali ,   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. K.M. Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), Karachi, Pakistan., Naz Erum ,   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. K.M. Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), Karachi, Pakistan., Chhotani Saira Ahmed ,   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. K.M. Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), Karachi, Pakistan., Memon Mehak Ali ,   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. K.M. Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), Karachi, Pakistan., Bhutto Saira ,   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. K.M. Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), Karachi, Pakistan.
Published: December 2024

Abstract: Background: The hand is the most dominant and important part of human body. Hand and wrist injuries are frequently associated with long-term pain, loss of productivity, disability and hence compromised quality of life. The primarily cause of wrist injuries are can be accidental or suicidal.
Objective: to determine accidental and suicidal deep wrist injury (DWI) rate and compare patients’ anatomical features among the two injury types.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital, DUHS during June to December, 2022. Patients visiting emergency rooms with acute hand injuries were enrolled into the study. The assigned data collectors’ participants’ features in a pre-designed structured proforma. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26.
Result: Total 384 patients were enrolled into the study with median age of 32 (IQR=25-45) years. Majority of victims were males (77.3%). Frequency of accidental injury was 82.6%. Out of 317 (82.6%) patients with accidental injury, common mechanism was road traffic accident (51%) followed by occupational injury (21.1%) and domestic violence (14.1%). None of the patients’ features were significantly different among accidental and suicidal injuries except marital status. Frequency of suicidal injury was significantly higher among married individuals than those who were single. Frequency of ulnar nerve (p=, flexor pollicis longus tendon (p= and flexor digitoram profundus (p=) was significantly higher in accidental cases than suicidal cases whereas ulnar artery (p=) and radial artery was significantly higher in suicidal cases.
Conclusion: The current study found that almost one-fifth of DWI were suicidal attempts. Suicidal injuries were mainly damaging to radial and ulnar arteries where accidental injuries affected deep wrist structures such as ulnar nerve, flexor tendons and flexor digitoram profundus.
Asociación entre consumo de psicoactivos y la percepción de aprendizaje virtual durante la pandemia en estudiantes de Ciencias de la Salud de una universidad privada
Authors:   , Salas Sinclair Jorge Alfredo
Published: December 2024

Introducción: Si bien es cierto, el consumo de psicoactivos ha sido estudiado extensamente en nuestro público objetivo. Notamos que en la relación entre estos y la percepción de aprendizaje existe un vacío de información. Objetivos: Determinar si se presenta una asociación entre el uso de psicoactivos y la percepción de aprendizaje en estudiantes de la facultad de ciencias de la salud en una universidad privada en Lima, Perú. Metodología: Este estudio observacional de corte transversal analítico fue enviado vía correo electrónico a los alumnos de las carreras de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad Científica del Sur. Un total de 414 alumnos llenaron el instrumento previamente traducido y validado por un comité de expertos. Resultados: De los 414 participantes, demográficamente hablando, el 78.02% pertenecían al sexo femenino el 50.48% pertenecían a la carrera de Medicina Humana. En cuanto al consumo de los psicoactivos, se vio que el té (73.40%), café (68.80%), y bebidas gasificadas (50.72%) fueron los más consumidos. En la escala de percepción de aprendizaje, la población presentó un promedio de 36.87 (DE: 8.69). Los valores analizados en referencia a la percepción de aprendizaje presentaron significancia en las variables de edad, carreras y salud mental (valores de p <0.05). Independientemente, el consumo de bebidas gasificadas y suplementos obtuvieron valores en el mismo rango (valores de p <0.05). Se obtuvieron resultados marginalmente significativos en el consumo de bebidas energizantes y nicotina (valor de p 0.060). Posteriormente se realizó un análisis de regresión lineal, con modelo crudo y ajustado, donde las variables de suplementos, bebidas energizantes y nicotina perdieron significancia estadística. Conclusiones: Las bebidas gasificadas, como un psicoactivo, tienen un efecto positivo sobre la percepción de aprendizaje.
Conocimiento y actitud en estudiantes de Medicina Humana respecto a anticonceptivos orales de emergencia
Authors:   , Isuhuaylas Caldas Andrea Alejandra , Mendez Soto Camila
Published: December 2024

Introducción: Levonorgestrel (LNG) es el método de anticoncepción oral de emergencia (AOE) disponible en el Perú, y su acción se centra en retrasar y/o inhibir la ovulación. A pesar de que los estudiantes de medicina están expuestos a información sobre la AOE, no se conoce si su nivel de conocimiento y sus actitudes están relacionadas con el uso de este método. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es identificar si existe relación entre el nivel de conocimiento y las actitudes respecto al uso de los AOE en estudiantes de la carrera de Medicina Humana. Metodología: Estudio cuantitativo, observacional, transversal y analítico. El muestreo fue no probabilístico, por conveniencia. Se obtuvo una muestra final de 132 estudiantes de sexto año de medicina, a quienes se les aplicó un cuestionario para evaluar su nivel de conocimiento sobre AOE y sus actitudes hacia el mismo. Resultados: En el grupo de estudiantes encuestados, se encontró que el nivel de conocimiento sobre AOE fue alto en un 54.6%. Además, se identificó una asociación significativa entre el nivel de conocimiento y las actitudes hacia la AOE (p=0,005). Conclusión: Los resultados obtenidos indican una relación significativa entre el nivel de conocimiento sobre los anticonceptivos orales de emergencia (AOE) y la actitud que los estudiantes de medicina tienen hacia su uso.
Mortalidad y complicaciones postoperatorias de cirugía abdominal de emergencia en pacientes con y sin SARS-COV-2 en el Hospital Naval
Authors:   , Alvarez Sanchez Luz Mirella , Huallpa Samaniego Isabel Fernanda
Published: December 2024

Objetivo: Determinar la tasa de mortalidad y complicaciones postoperatorias de cirugía abdominal de emergencia en pacientes con y sin SARS-CoV-2 en el Hospital Naval. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico y retrospectivo en 297 casos de cirugía abdominal de emergencia, de los cuales 207 tuvieron prueba antígeno negativa para SARS-CoV-2 y 90 prueba positiva. Resultados: La edad más frecuente entre 18 y 35 años (29.3%) , género masculino predominante (60.9%). En términos de salud, 49.5% tenían sobrepeso, 11.4% diabetes mellitus, 10.4% hipertensión arterial, 3% enfermedades cardiovasculares, y 5.7% enfermedades respiratorias. Se identificó una diferencia significativa en la tasa de mortalidad entre pacientes con y sin COVID-19 (6.7% vs. 1.4%, p=0.025), y en la tasa de complicaciones, (32.2% vs 4.8%, p=0.000). Las complicaciones respiratorias, locales y trombóticas también mostraron diferencia significativa, 20.0% vs. 2.4%, p=0.000; 15.6% vs. 2.9%, p=0.000; y 6.7% vs. 1.4%, p=0.025 respectivamente. Conclusiones: Aunque las condiciones preexistentes no difirieron significativamente entre pacientes con y sin COVID-19, los primeros experimentaron tasas de mortalidad y complicaciones postoperatorias más altas. Esto resalta la urgencia de implementar protocolos específicos para reducir las tasas de morbimortalidad en estos pacientes.
Optimizing Batch Scheduling of Multiproduct Pipelines Using a Smooth Modeling Approach
Authors: Lin Jianyang , Liu Gang , Chen Lei , He Yuyu , You Ziyan
Published: December 2024

The main method of delivering oil products is by the sequential operation of pipelines. Scheduling oil batches efficiently, considering intricate constraints, is typically a challenging problem that is not readily solvable. The present work developed a systematic approach for the optimization of batch scheduling. The model utilized a continuous-time representation with the objective of minimizing the total costs related to energy and oil mixing loss. The analysis included multiple constraints, including time frame, oil download, flow rate, and fluctuations in pressure caused by friction at various batch interface locations. By applying the penalty function approach, the original model was transformed into an unconstrained model. Smoothing was applied to the noncontinuous variables using the Dirac delta function and the maximum entropy function. A novel nonlinear programming (NLP) model was successfully devised to enhance the efficiency of oil product scheduling. A successive function approximation algorithm was used to solve the model, and the decision variables were modified to decrease the number of model decision variables and enhance the system’s capacity to surpass the local optimum. Subsequently, the model was calculated to address a practical multiproduct pipeline scheduling problem. The model presented in this study identified 74 decision variables, which account for around 1% of the typical mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model. The method presented in this work has the capability to accurately obtain an enhanced solution, making it useful for real applications.
Exploring Variations in Orientation and Velocity of Hydraulic Fracture Propagation in Denver-Julesburg Basin
Authors: Ning Yanrui , Jin Ge , Tura Ali , Gale Melinda
Published: December 2024

This research explores the variations in hydraulic fracture (HF) propagation orientation and velocity within a zipper-fractured area of the Denver-Julesburg (DJ) Basin. By using a comprehensive analytical approach that integrates crosswell low-frequency distributed acoustic sensing (LF-DAS) strain signals, 3D seismic images, borehole image logs, gamma ray (GR) logs, and zipper-fracturing completion sequences, the study examines the dynamic responses of HF propagation under various geological and stimulation conditions. A detailed field case study was conducted across seven horizontal wells, with the entire hydraulic fracturing process monitored through fiber optics installed in two offset horizontal wells. Results from this study reveal significant variations in HF propagation behavior, likely due to pre-existing natural fractures, stress anisotropy, completion sequence, and fault impacts. These findings contribute to a better understanding of fracture mechanics in unconventional reservoirs, thereby informing more effective hydraulic fracturing strategies. This work ultimately provides crucial insights that can guide future optimization of hydraulic fracturing techniques in complex geological settings within and beyond the DJ Basin.
Alterations in static and dynamic functional network connectivity in subcortical vascular cognitive impairment
Authors: Mao Haixia , Shi Yachen , Gao Qianqian , Xu Min , Hu Xiaoyun , Wang Feng , Fang Xiangming
Published: December 2024

The current study integrated static (sFNC) and dynamic (dFNC) functional network connectivity to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying alterations in static and dynamic functional network connectivity in subcortical vascular cognitive impairment (SVCI). We recruited 80 patients with SVCI (39 males, 41 females) and 83 healthy controls (HCs) (32 males, 51 females). Clinical and imaging data, including clinical history, neuropsychological assessments, and MRI scans, were collected. We analyzed sFNC changes using independent component analysis (ICA) with resting-state functional MRI data. Dynamic connectivity was examined using the sliding time window technique and cluster analysis to assess brain functional activity states and temporal properties. Differences in dFNC temporal properties (fractional occupancy, mean dwell time, and number of transitions) between groups were assessed with two-sample t-tests. Spearman correlation analyses were performed to explore relationships between sFNC and dFNC changes and cognitive function. In the sFNC analysis, the SVCI group showed significantly decreased interactions between the sensorimotor network (SMN) and visual network (VN), and between the left frontoparietal network (lFPN) and VN (p < 0.05), and both of which were associated with cognitive function (p < 0.05). In the dFNC analysis, brain functional activity was grouped into four highly structured functional connection states. The results revealed one strongly connected state dominated by reduced connectivity, two moderately connected states primarily characterized by connectivity reductions with minor increases, and one weakly connected state with a modular pattern. These findings illustrate the progression in SVCI from connectivity disruption to compensation, eventually leading to a diminished compensatory response. Fractional occupancy and mean dwell time of states were correlated with cognitive function (all p < 0.05). CSVD patients exhibit impairments in both sFNC and dFNC, linked to cognitive decline. Connectivity dynamics reflect the brain's adaptive capacity in response to cognitive impairment.
Automated mechanical ventilator design and analysis using neural network
Authors: S Hariharan , Karnan Hemalatha , D Uma Maheswari
Published: December 2024

Mechanical ventilation is the process through which breathing support is provided to patients who face inconvenience during respiration. During the pandemic, many people were suffering from lung disorders, which elevated the demand for mechanical ventilators. The handling of mechanical ventilators is to be done under the assistance of trained professionals and demands the selection of ideal parameters. In this work, a computer-aided simulation of ventilator design is performed for clinical complications like pneumonia and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and is validated against normal ventilatory parameters. The parameters such as tidal volume, respiratory rate, and inspiration to expiration ratio (I: E) are considered as control values to check the stability of the mechanical ventilator for stern performance. The check valves 1 and 2 governed by the control parameters provide optimal volume that must be sent inside the tracheal region. The hyperparameters are tuned using a low intricate feed-forward neural network (FFNN). The trained features serve as input to the sensors present in the mimicked lung model. The performance metrics of FFNN during the training and testing phases substantiate the optimal performance of the ventilator. The simulation and validation results indicate that the designed ventilator system is stable and effective for clinical use, providing optimal respiratory support for patients with pneumonia and COPD.
Regular aerobic exercises suppress pulmonary injury via angiogenesis in obese mice
Authors: CHOI Jungwon , JO Wooyeon , JIN Jaeho , LEE Soyoon , JANG Seyeon , ZHENG Yaxiong , KIM Hyung Min , JEONG Gil-Saeng , KIM Kee K. , LEE Sang Ki
Published: December 2024

Background Regular aerobic exercise training is essential for pulmonary function in obesity. This study aimed to investigate the effect of pulmonary injury and capillary angiogenesis by types of aerobic exercise training in high-fat diet-induced obese mice.
Methods To achieve the purpose of the study, 5-week-old male C57BL/6 mice (n=40) were randomly divided into two groups: Chow diet and control (CH+CON, n=10) and high-fat diet (HF, n=30). After 8 weeks, the HF group was further randomly divided into three subgroups: high-fat diet control (HF+CON, n=10), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) with high-fat diet (HF+MICT, n=10), and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with high-fat diet (HF+HIIT, n=10). The exercise program was as follows: MICT consisted of sessions at 19 m/min for 40 min (maximal running capacity; MCR) and HIIT consisted of 8 reps of high-intensity runs at 24 m/min for 2.5 min (90% MCR) with active rest at 14 m/min for 2.5 min (50% MCR) on the treadmill. Each session included a 5-min warm-up and cool-down respectively, and conducted for a total of 60 minutes, 5 days a week, for 12 weeks. Lung tissues were analyzed using H&E staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Western blot. Ex vivo contractility of the diaphragm muscle was also measured.
Results The results of the study showed that MICT and HIIT significantly reduced body weight, adipocyte size, and lung damage score in the lungs compared to HF+CON in obese mice. Additionally, the expression of VEGF, VEGFR2, REF-1, and CD31 in HF+MICT and HF+HIIT were increased compared to HF+CON in lung tissues. Both of MICT and HIIT significantly reduced TNF-α expression and increased the expression of SP-A and Catalase in lung tissues. Finally, Both of MICT and HIIT significantly increased diaphragm contractility in obese mice.
Conclusions Our results suggest that both moderate-intensity continuous training and high-intensity interval training ameliorate pulmonary injury by enhancing angiogenesis and diaphragm function in high-fat diet-induced obese mice.
Genetic Counseling Patient Attitudes, Cultural, Psychosocial Factors in Middle East
Authors: Tayoun Ahmad Abou , Shenbagam Shruti , Taylor Alan , Jain Ruchi , Fakhro Khalid , Alkuraya Fowzan
Published: December 2024

Genomic advancements have led to increased utilization of genetic testing in clinical care, yet barriers to accessing genetic counseling and genomics services remain, particularly in the Middle East where inherited diseases are highly prevalent due to consanguinity. Limited knowledge of healthcare professionals' experiences in genetic counseling in the Middle East necessitates understanding their perspectives for better service improvement in the region. As a pilot, a survey of 32 healthcare professionals providing genetic counseling services in the Middle East explored provider experiences, patient attitudes and cultural/psychosocial factors related to genetic testing. Among the participants, 21 providers (65.6%), caring for patients of multiple ethnicities, including Arabs, recognised that there are unique challenges to counseling between these patient groups. Thematic data analysis identified that higher levels of consanguinity and stoic nature of the people are unique cultural considerations for this region. Language barriers and limited resources were identified as genetic counseling challenges. Overall, patients in the region demonstrated good coping abilities with a genetic diagnosis. Eighteen responses (56%) highlighted an overall positive attitude, with increasing awareness and acceptance towards genetic testing in this region. This study highlights the need for further research and interventions to address the unique challenges and improve genetic counseling services in the Middle East.
A tale of two liberalization episodes with China: impact on poverty in a developing nation1
Authors: Pane Deasy Damayanti Putri , Massie Natanael Waraney Gerald
Published: December 2024

We investigate the impact of increased trade with China on poverty in Indonesia, focusing on two key liberalization phases: China's WTO entry in 2001 and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) implementation in 2010. Using district-level trade exposure and an instrumental variable approach, we find that regions facing greater import competition post-ACFTA experienced faster poverty reduction, particularly driven by increased imports of raw materials and intermediate goods. However, expanded market access to China had limited poverty impact. Regional disparities, shaped by urbanization, education, and literacy, underscore the need for targeted policies to ensure equitable distribution of trade benefits.
Using the COM-B Model to Explore Factors Influencing Adherence to Postoperative Administration of Oral Nutritional Supplementation in Patients with Gastrointestinal Tumors: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Huang Yujia , Han Xiaoyun , Jiang Junfang , Wang Desheng , Chen Weibo , Mi Liudan
Published: December 2024

Objective To gain an in-depth understanding of the influencing factors of postoperative oral nutritional supplementation adherence in patients with gastrointestinal tumors, and to provide a reference for developing intervention strategies.
Methods Based on the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation behavior model, 15 patients who underwent radical surgery for gastrointestinal tumors were selected for semi-structured interviews by descriptive qualitative research method using purposive sampling in April-June 2024, and data analysis was performed by directed content analysis.
Results A total of 3 themes and 10 sub-themes were extracted. ①Capability factors: includes two sub-themes, lack of knowledge about nutrition and ONS, and symptoms of gastrointestinal intolerance. ②Opportunity factors: includes 5 sub-themes, lack of support from family, relatives, friends, and peers, lack of effective health promotion, lack of continuity of care targeting oral nutritional supplementation, lack of financial support, and lack of convenient purchasing access. ③Motivational factors: includes 3 sub-themes, individual differences in the need for and preference for ONS, negative coping styles, inefficient self-management, and the lack of feedback on the effects of taking ONS.
Conclusion There are certain facilitating and hindering factors during postoperative ONS administration in patients with gastrointestinal tumors. It is necessary to set up a nutritional support team, formulate a personalized recommendation plan based on patients' preferences and needs, and carry out postoperative continuity of care services in conjunction with smart healthcare, to improve the symptoms of gastrointestinal intolerance in patients, enhance their awareness of nutritional support, and then improve patients' adherence to ONS.
Blood transcriptome analysis of the crosstalk between ELF1 and OA
Authors: wang siyu , wan lei , zhang xiaojun , fang haoxiang , zhang mengyu , li feng , yan dawei
Published: December 2024

Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent degenerative disease affecting multiple joints. It is characterized by joint pain, morning stiffness, and deformity, which causes limb instability and disability, seriously damaging the quality of life.Here, we identified apolipoprotein ELF1(E74-like factor 1) as a biomarkerand potential therapeutic target for OA.
Methods
The expression of ELF1 was detected in OA by Gene Expression Omnibus ( GEO ), immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR. Bioinformatics methods ( protein-protein interaction ( PPI ) network, gene ontology ( GO ), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes ( KEGG ) pathway and gene set enrichment analysis ( GSEA ) ) were used to show the downstream genes and pathways of ELF1 in OA.
Results
The GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that common DEGs were primarily concentrated in the nucleus and inflammatory response-related signaling pathways. We identified Cyclin Dependent Kinase Inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A), ESF1 Nucleolar Pre-RRNA Processing Protein Homolog (ESF1), Jun Proto-Oncogene, AP-1 Transcription Factor Subunit (JUN), JunD Proto-Oncogene, AP-1 Transcription Factor Subunit (JUND), Protein Phosphatase 1 Regulatory Subunit 15A (PPP1R15A) and ZFP36 Ring Finger Protein (ZFP36) as six downstream hub genes of ELF1. Next, we evaluated the biological function of ELF1 by flow cytometry and CCK-8, and we verified the role of ELF1 in OA chondrocytes.
Conclusions
In conclusion, ELF1 regulates CDKN1A, ESF1, JUN, JUND, PPP1R15A, ZFP36 expression and chondrocyte function, and may have great potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target for OA.
Mutations in a Zea mays alanyl-tRNA synthetase condition an albino phenotype and suggest retrograde signaling affects replication-dependent histone transcription.
Authors: Dhingra Anuradha , Adhikari Indra , Rock Chris
Published: December 2024

We isolated a nuclear recessive, seedling-lethal albino mutant manifesting yellowish-white plantlets. Employing bulk-segregant analysis and whole-genome re-sequencing, we examined 89 homozygous mutant individuals and 205 wild-type relatives from B73 backcrossed pedigrees. We called de novo SNPs and indel variants using Genome Analysis ToolKit. Using QTLseqr BSA software, we fine mapped the alb-605F mutant locus to end of short arm of Chr. 9 within an interval of ~ 10 Mbp. The causal gene Alanyl-tRNA synthetase, predicted to localize to chloroplasts but not mitochondria, was fine-mapped by flanking indel PCR markers and validated by failure to complement the albino phenotype in progeny of test cross with a heterozygous Mutator transposon reverse-genetics allele which also segregated albino progeny when selfed. Both homozygous mutant allele ZmAlaRS plants showed reduction of chloroplast ribosomal rRNAs but were variably leaky for mature plastid rRNA accumulation associated with variable greenhouse and growth chamber environments. A two-nucleotide frameshift deletion and/or retrotransposon insertion discovered in the alb-605F mutant haplotype altered transcript variant abundances versus control sibling samples assayed by BSA RNAseq. Relative genomic DNA read abundances mapping to the organellar genomes were significantly higher in alb-605F mutants compared to wild-type, interpreted as evidence of retrograde signaling processes associated with stalled leaf development. Analysis of Gene Ontology bins showed significant impact of the alb-605F mutation on transcripts associated with retrograde signals from chlorophyll-mediated oxidative stress and/or mitochondrial and nuclear genetic compartments. We identified a novel target of organelle retrograde signaling: replication-dependent histones.
Europe will struggle to meet the new WHO Air Quality Guidelines
Authors: Im Ulas , Ye Zhuyun , Schuhen Nina , Chowdhury Sourangsu , Christensen Jesper , Geels Camilla , Hänninen Risto , Hodnebrog Øivind , Marelle Louis , Sofiev Mikhail , Brandt Jørgen , Aunan Kristin
Published: December 2024

The World Health Organization (WHO) updated its Global Air Quality Guidelines in 2021 due to growing evidence on adverse health impacts of air pollution even at low concentrations. We used an ensemble of regional atmospheric chemistry models to simulate fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) levels over Europe in 2015–2050 and assessed the compliance of European countries with the new guidelines under different emission scenarios. The results show that 65% of the EU countries will comply with the PM2.5 target value (5 µg m− 3) by 2050 under ambitious emission reductions (SSP1-2.6). Under less ambitious mitigation scenarios (SSP2-4.5 and SSP3-7.0), the compliance level is only 10%. In addition, none of the EU countries will comply with the O3 target value (60 µg m− 3), while interim values are achieved in most of the EU countries, partly under SSP2-4.5, and to a large extent under SSP1-2.6. These results highlight that reaching the new WHO limit values will be challenging for Europe, however, partly due to natural contribution to PM2.5 reaching up to 50% in some regions. These imply the necessity of more drastic emission reductions to meet the targets.
Design of an Integrated Model for Gait Identification Using DDPG, Sparse Group Lasso, and Stacked Generalization
Authors: Urkude Giridhar , Misal Ashish Kumar , Choubey Abha , Choubey Siddharth
Published: December 2024

Applications in security, healthcare, and human-computer interaction critically require accurate gait identification under complex environmental conditions such as varying lighting and background noise. Current approaches are usually unable to adapt to dynamic, highdimensional environments, with reduced accuracy of feature extraction and classification. This paper bridges the gap by offering an overview of a multi-stage framework that merges the advanced techniques of machine learning with those of reinforcement learning for preemptive optimization. It begins by using Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient for a preprocessing module: environmental parameters are dynamically adjusted so that their real-time data quality is optimized. The module is then followed by a phase in multi-domain feature extraction using Sparse Group Lasso along with KMeans clustering, thereby improving representativeness while reducing dimensionality by 50–60%. We have used a hybrid of stacked generalization, in this case of XGBoost and LightGBM, because this provides a better overall classification accuracy. Refined temporal post-processing at the hidden Markov model and Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) results in enhanced phase transitions that may be gait-based, thus improving the identification accuracy. As the final step, we use Proximal Policy Optimization to implement feedback-driven reinforcement learning, where improvements are incrementally made by updating the model with iterative feedback. This new method enhances the correctness of feature extraction by 12% in complex environments. Overall classification accuracy increases by 5–6% and reaches 95%. False positives in gait phase transitions decrease as well, further increasing the system robustness and reliability in real-world applications.