bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lower Abdominal vs. Lateral Thigh Perforator Flaps in Microsurgical Sarcoma Reconstruction: The Aesthetics of Donor Site Matters
Authors: Brunetti Beniamino , Salzillo Rosa , De Bernardis Riccardo , Petrucci Valeria , Pazzaglia Matteo , Camilloni Chiara , Putti Alessandra , Morelli Coppola Marco , Tenna Stefania , Persichetti Paolo
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Sarcoma resection often leaves patients with big defects only amenable through microsurgical reconstruction. In such cases, it is hard for the surgeon to uphold low donor-site morbidity with an aesthetic result. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical outcome and the patient’s perception regarding the donor site in a cohort of patients undergoing microsurgical reconstruction with lateral thigh and lower abdominal perforator flaps. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of all patients who underwent sarcoma reconstruction with flaps harvested from the lower abdominal region (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap, superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap) or lateral thigh region (anterolateral thigh perforator flap and its variations) was performed. Only patients with defects greater than 100 cm2 were included. Patient demographics and operative variables were recorded, together with complications. Patient satisfaction and quality of life with the donor site were registered using the SCAR-Q questionnaire, which was administered at least six months post-operatively. Results: Eighteen anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flaps and twenty-two deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) and superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap procedures were performed. The two groups were homogeneous for major post-operative complications (p > 0.999). Patient satisfaction with the donor site measured using the SCAR-Q questionnaire showed significantly higher scores in the DIEP/SCIP group when compared with the thigh group (p < 0.001), indicating a superiority of the lower abdominal area as an aesthetic donor site. Conclusions: The DIEP and SCIP flaps are a versatile option for reconstructing large soft-tissue defects following sarcoma resection. Therefore, flaps harvested from the lower abdomen yield a higher patient satisfaction with the donor site, which is a feature worth considering when planning a reconstructive procedure.
Bone Scintigraphy for Guidance of Targeted Treatment of Vertebral Compression Fractures
Authors: Arnon-Sheleg Elite , Weiner Daniel , Haj Saeda , Rod Alon , Rahamimov Nimrod
Published: June 2024

Background: Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are prevalent in the elderly population and might be the source of back pain if they are fresh and yet unhealed. In many cases, it is a diagnostic challenge to differentiate fresh VCFs from healed united fractures, which retain similar radiographic characteristics but no longer generate pain. This information is crucial for appropriate management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of bone scintigraphy (BS) in identifying fresh VCFs appropriate for targeted treatment when compared to the findings of Computerized Tomography (CT). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 190 patients with back pain suspected to stem from a recent VCF that underwent both a CT and a BS and compared the imaging patterns per vertebra. Results: The studies were concordant in the majority of cases (95.5%), diagnosing 84.4% normal vertebrae, 6.4% acute VCFs, and 4.7% chronic VCFs. However, in 37 patients, 45 occult acute VCFs were only detected on BS and not on CT. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that these patients were older and had lower bone density compared to the rest of the study population. Additionally, 40 patients had acute VCFs visible on CT, but with no increased or low intensity uptake on BS. These cases were associated with a shorter time period between trauma and BS, a higher prevalence of male patients, and a higher bone density. Acute VCFs with no increased uptake or low levels of uptake were found only within the first six days of the trauma. Conclusions: BS detects radiologically occult fractures and can differentiate if a radiographically evident VCF is indeed clinically active, guiding possible treatment options. To avoid missing acute VCFs, BS should be performed six days or more after the injury.
Selected Mechanical Properties of Dental Hybrid Composite with Fluorine, Hydroxyapatite and Silver Fillers
Authors: Kula Zofia , Klimek Leszek , Dąbrowska Katarzyna , Neves Cristina Bettencourt , Roque João Carlos
Published: June 2024

In recent years, hydroxyapatite, as a ceramic material, has been a subject of growing interest due to its optimal biological properties, which are useful especially in medical and dental applications. It has been increasingly used in dentistry as a filler in composites. Nevertheless, research has shown a deterioration of their mechanical properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the content of hydroxyapatite together with fluorine and silver on the mechanical properties of a hybrid composite used in conservative dentistry. The authors compared specimens of commercial hybrid composite with specimens of experimental hybrid composite containing 2 wt% and 5 wt% of hydroxyapatite powder with fluorine and silver. The composite specimens were subjected to hardness and impact strength measurements, as well as bending, compression, and tribological wear tests. The research results indicate that the mechanical properties of composites are influenced by the type and amount of filler used. Composite containing 2 wt% of hydroxyapatite powder along with calcium fluoride and silver provided acceptable results.
Modeling and Research on Offshore Casing Cutting of Hydraulic Internal Cutting Device
Authors: Sun Qiaolei , Tian Jie , Jin Yujie , Feng Ding , Hou Lingxia
Published: June 2024

A mechanical model for offshore casing cutting based on the field application of a mechanical cutting device in the South China is presented in this paper. The proposed model includes the calculation of the piston acting on the cutter and the calculation of the cutting torque and wellhead driving torque. The influence of structural parameters on cutting extension distance, cutting torque, wellhead driving torque, and the proportion of cutting torque to wellhead driving torque are analyzed. The required extension distance is related to piston displacement and cutter face angle, the cutter face angle and cutting depth (water depth) have obvious influence on the cutting torque and wellhead driving torque, and the drilling revolution affects the inertia torque and wellhead driving torque. Since the proportion of cutting torque to wellhead driving torque decreased with the increase in the cutting depth, we cannot determine whether the casing cutting is completed based on the sudden decrease in the wellhead driving torque with cutting depths greater than 800 m. The numerical simulation results of the cutting tool cutting the casing show that if the revolution speed is too high, the initial cutting melting of the casing may affect the cutting force, and it is recommended to increase the rake angle as much as possible within a certain range. The field example shows the limitation of judging casing cutting by a sudden drop in torque.
Comparative FEM Analysis of Vacuum and Perlite Insulation Techniques on the Structural Integrity of Independent Type C Liquefied Natural Gas Tank
Authors: Sviličić Šimun , Rudan Smiljko , Galić Helena , Weigand Emil , Slapničar Vedran
Published: June 2024

In light of escalating global energy demands and the imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the efficient transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) has become increasingly critical. As the evaporation of LNG from storage tanks represents a significant energy loss, improving tank insulation is crucial to optimize storage efficiency. This paper conducts a structural assessment of a smaller-sized Type C independent tank made of AISI 304L steel and examines the impact of two insulation techniques—vacuum and perlite—on their heat, structural, and fatigue behavior. Utilizing the finite element method (FEM), this study performs a heat transfer analysis followed by a structural analysis under combined loads in accordance with the International Gas Carrier (IGC) code. The subsequent fatigue analysis follows IGC procedures and is performed using third-party software. This article presents a detailed analysis of the heat transfer throughout the entire LNG tank and the stress levels under various combined load scenarios while providing insights into the critical stress points and the areas with the lowest fatigue life. Finally, this study confirms the viability of using both novel materials, perlite as an insulation material and Durolight for the tank support, because they meet the required limits.
Confined Compressibility of Fine-Grained Marine Sediments with Cavities after Complete Dissociation of Noduled Natural Gas Hydrates
Authors: Yang Lei , Liu Lele , Liu Tao , Lin Jinbo , Wan Yizhao , Zhang Yongchao , Wang Zhihui , Liu Xiang
Published: June 2024

Due to natural and anthropogenic disturbances, natural gas hydrates with morphologies of nodules and chunks dissociate and release massive free gas, creating large cavities within fine-grained marine sediments. However, it is still a challenge to quantify the impact of gas cavities on mechanical properties of cavitied fine-grained marine sediments as there is a lack of efforts focusing on the inner structure visualization. In this study, an oedometer test and X-ray computed tomography scans are jointly conducted on marine clayey silt with gas cavities, and the confined compressibility as well as the inner structure change under an undrained condition are explored, followed by development of a theoretical model depicting the void ratio change. The results show that vertical loading induces a void ratio reduction, and the reduced void ratio can fully recover after being unloaded. Although being fully recovered, unrecovered changes of the inner structure still remain after being unloaded. Examples include closed cracks in the lower matrix, new occurring cracks in the upper matrix, and the fragmented gas cavity. In addition, the void ratio linearly increases with the increasing inverse of normalized pore gas pressure, while the coefficient of the effective stress linearly decreases with the increasing inverse of normalized vertical loading stress. The proposed theoretical model captures the essential physics behind undrained confined deformation of fine-grained marine sediments with gas cavities when subjected to loading and unloading.
Inundation Characteristics’ Prediction of Storm Surge under Relative Sea Level Rise Scenarios: A Case Study of Taizhou, Zhejiang Province
Authors: Zhao Tangqi , Li Xiaomin , Zhang Suming , Hou Qi , Du Xuexue , Zhang Jie
Published: June 2024

Storm surge is the most serious marine disaster in China, and the inundation characteristics of storm surge are the key indicators of disaster severity. Especially in the context of relative sea level rise (RSLR), it is very important to rapidly and accurately estimate the inundation characteristics of storm surge for the risk assessment and emergency management of storm surge disasters. Taking Taizhou city, Zhejiang Province, as the study area, this paper constructed an RSLR scenario library considering absolute sea level rise, land subsidence and storm surge water increase. The scenario library includes 72 scenarios, consisting of a combination of four absolute sea level rise scenarios, three land subsidence scenarios, three timescales (2030, 2050 and 2100) and two storm surge water increase scenarios. Then, an improved passive inundation method was used to predict and analyze the inundation characteristics of storm surge under each scenario. This improved method combines the advantages of the accurate active inundation method and the rapid passive inundation method, and is suitable for rapid and accurate estimation of the storm surge inundation characteristics, which can meet the needs of a storm surge disaster risk assessment and emergency response. The prediction and analysis results show that a minor RSLR can also cause a large-scale inundation in coastal areas of Taizhou. When the value of RSLR exceeds the critical value (0.6 m), it may significantly increase the expansion of the inundation area of storm surge. At a relative sea level rise of 1.57 m (extreme scenario in 2100), the inland storm surge inundation of low-risk areas may become high-risk areas. Finally, the quantitative measures for preventing storm surge disasters were put forward according to the current situation of the coast in Taizhou. Without considering storm surge and superimposed general surge, the existing 20-year return period standard seawall can effectively protect against storm surge under various scenarios. In the case of maximum water increase, it is expected that effective protection will remain until 2030, but the standard of the seawall defense will need to be improved in 2050 and 2100.
A Pruning and Distillation Based Compression Method for Sonar Image Detection Models
Authors: Cheng Chensheng , Hou Xujia , Wang Can , Wen Xin , Liu Weidong , Zhang Feihu
Published: June 2024

Accurate underwater target detection is crucial for the operation of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), enhancing their environmental awareness and target search and rescue capabilities. Current deep learning-based detection models are typically large, requiring substantial storage and computational resources. However, the limited space on AUVs poses significant challenges for deploying these models on the embedded processors. Therefore, research on model compression is of great practical importance, aiming to reduce model parameters and computational load without significantly sacrificing accuracy. To address the challenge of deploying large detection models, this paper introduces an automated pruning method based on dependency graphs and successfully implements efficient pruning on the YOLOv7 model. To mitigate the accuracy degradation caused by extensive pruning, we design a hybrid distillation method that combines output-based and feature-based distillation techniques, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the pruned model. Finally, we deploy the compressed model on an embedded processor within an AUV to evaluate its performance. Multiple experiments confirm the effectiveness of our proposed method in practical applications.
Applying the Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) for Integrated, Standardized, and Sustainable Development of Cadastre Country Profile for Pakistan
Authors: Ahsan Muhammad Sheraz , Hussain Ejaz , Lemmen Christiaan , Chipofya Malumbo Chaka , Zevenbergen Jaap , Atif Salman , Morales Javier , Koeva Mila , Ali Zahir
Published: June 2024

Rapid urban growth necessitates focused attention regarding its policy and governance to ensure affordable housing, transparent and efficient real-world systems, reduce social inequalities, and promote sustainable development. This study delves into the semantics and ontology for developing a Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) profile in the context of Pakistan’s Land Administration Systems (LASs), which currently face issues due to manual record-keeping, lack of transparency, frauds, and disintegration. Establishing a baseline through Record of Rights (RoR) and Property Information Report (PIR), alongside surveying and mapping procedures defined by laws and rules, forms the foundation for LADM profile development. This study explores the transition from manual LAS to 2D/3D representation, using LADM as a conceptual guideline. The LADM profile’s three key packages—PK_Party, PK_Administrative, and PK_SpatialUnit—a sub-package, and external classes are examined, with proposals for digitalisation and modernisation. Additionally, the study includes expert consultation, and highlights the significant support that the LADM implementation offers to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Pakistan. In conclusion, the study underscores the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to address organisational overlaps and ambiguities within LAS, positioning PK LADM as a transformative force for sustainable urban LAS in Pakistan, aligning with broader SDGs. Recommendations include exploring realistic land valuation, integrated ownership and location verification systems, addressing historical survey data challenges, and promoting wider stakeholder adoption for sustainable 2D/3D urban LAS using LADM and its edition II as a way forward towards the creation of a smart city and digital twin.
Exploring the Long-Term Changes in Visual Attributes of Urban Green Spaces Using Point Clouds
Authors: Zhang Xiaohan , Fang Yuhao , Zhang Guanting , Cheng Shi
Published: June 2024

The visual attributes of urban green spaces influence people’s perceptions, preferences, and behavioural activities. While many studies have established correlations between landscape perception and visual attributes, they often focus on specific timeframes and overlook dynamic changes in the spatial form of urban green spaces. This study aims to explore the long-term changes in the visual attributes of urban green spaces. We propose a method to quantitatively analyse changes in visual attributes using point clouds to simulate visual interfaces. Using an unmanned aerial vehicle, we conducted a five-axis tilt photography survey of Qinglvyuan Park in Nanjing, China, in August 2018 and September 2023. Point cloud models were generated for the two periods, and five visual attribute indicators, openness (OP), depth variance (DV), green view ratio (GVR), sky view ratio (SVR), and skyline complexity (SC), were analysed for long-term changes. The results indicate that OP, DV, and SVR decreased after five years, while GVR increased. The maximum increase in GVR was 26.6%, and the maximum decrease in OP was 12.8%. There is a positive correlation between GVR and its change (d_GVR). Conversely, there are negative correlations between SC and its change (d_SC), as well as between SVR and d_GVR. Tree growth emerged as a primary factor influencing changes in the visual attributes of urban green spaces. This study highlights the importance of adopting a long-term and dynamic perspective in visual landscape studies, as well as in landscape design and maintenance practices. Future research on predicting long-term changes in the visual attributes of urban green spaces should focus on understanding the relationships between tree properties and environmental conditions.
Land Use Policy Frameworks in Canada and Aotearoa New Zealand: Examining the Opportunities and Barriers of Indigenous-Led Conservation and Protected Areas
Authors: Vandermale Emalee A. , Bogetti Jordyn , Mason Courtney W.
Published: June 2024

Indigenous Peoples throughout the world have been displaced from their ancestral territories through colonial land use management. Indigenous Peoples have pushed settler-colonial governments to shift their policy frameworks to better support Indigenous rights and leadership across land management, but particularly in conservation. In Canada, this has recently involved the development of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas. Combined with pressure from international organizations, Canada’s Federal Government has dedicated substantial funds to support the establishment of these areas and to achieve conservation and reconciliatory goals. In Aotearoa New Zealand, Māori groups have shaped new legislation that recognizes legal personality status for natural features, which contrasts with Western understandings of land ownership. Indigenous-led conservation in Canada faces many interrelated barriers grounded in colonial histories that complicate land jurisdictions, reconciliation, and protected area networks. This research reveals some of this complexity by examining how Indigenous-led conservation can contribute to more equitable and consensus-based decision-making frameworks in land use management. Policy and legal analyses of Canadian, Aotearoa New Zealand, and international conservation and human rights documents inform our results. We affirm that Indigenous-led conservation can foster relationships between Indigenous Nations and Crown governments. They can also provide steps towards reconciling colonial injustices, supporting Indigenous self-determination, and advancing more sustainable land use systems.
Research on the Risk Spillover among the Real Economy, Real Estate Market, and Financial System: Evidence from China
Authors: Huangfu Yubin , Yu Haibo , Dong Zuoji , Wang Yingman
Published: June 2024

Amidst escalating global policy uncertainties and the painful transformation phase of the Chinese economy, studying the time-varying characteristics of risk spillover among the real economy, real estate market, and financial system holds substantial practical relevance for preventing and resolving significant systemic risks. This paper employs the TVP-VAR-DY model, selects indices from the real sectors to construct a risk spillover index for the real economy, and incorporates indices from the real estate and financial sectors to develop a trivariate SV-TVP-VAR model for empirically analyzing the time-varying nature of risk spillover relationships among these variables. This study reveals that risk spillover among different sectors of the real economy exhibits asymmetry and volatility, with the industrial sector experiencing the highest degree of risk spillover. The prosperity of the real estate market consistently aligns with that of the financial system; however, shocks during periods of risk accumulation in the real estate market significantly amplify risks in the real economy. The financial system serves the real economy, which suffers lesser impacts. Nonetheless, post-2008, the financial system’s support for the real estate market has gradually diminished. Crises exacerbate the extent of risk spillover, but the causative factors and socio-economic context create heterogeneity in fluctuations. Based on these findings, in response to the current real estate shock, the Chinese government should discuss the real economy, the real estate industry, and the financial system within the same research framework. Policies should primarily focus on fiscal measures to promote the recovery of the real economy more rapidly. Additionally, by allowing local governments to implement tailored policies based on local conditions, potential homebuying demand has been effectively stimulated.
Spatial Optimization of Land Use Allocation Based on the Trade-off of Carbon Mitigation and Economic Benefits: A Study in Tianshan North Slope Urban Agglomeration
Authors: Lee Jinmeng , Yin Xiaojun , Zhu Honghui
Published: June 2024

The rational allocation of land use space is crucial to carbon emissions reductions and economic development. However, previous studies have either examined inter-objective trade-offs or intra-objective trade-offs within a single objective and lacked multilevel and comprehensive studies. Therefore, this paper integrates inter- and intra-objective carbon mitigation and economic efficiency trade-offs to comprehensively study the interaction between land pattern demand and space due to policies. The research methods were mainly multi-objective planning, a gray model, and patch-generating land use simulation model, and the study area was the less-developed urban agglomeration—the Tianshan north slope urban agglomeration. The results of the study show that the total change area of the study area from 2000 to 2020 was 5767.94 km2, the grassland area was transferred out the most, 3582.59 km2, accounting for 62.11%, and the cultivated land area was transferred in the most, 3741.01 km2. Compared with 2020, the simulated land use pattern obtained for 2030 has significantly changed. In addition, the total economic benefits and total carbon emissions under the economic and low-carbon objectives changed in the opposite direction. The four landscape patterns under the three scenarios of economic and low-carbon objectives changed in the same direction, and the degree of landscape fragmentation, agglomeration, and regularity under the low-carbon objective was better than that under the economic objective. The study results are essential references for future land resource management, carbon mitigation, and sustainable development of urban agglomerations.
Assessment of Bone Age Based on Hand Radiographs Using Regression-Based Multi-Modal Deep Learning
Authors: Kim Jeoung Kun , Park Donghwi , Chang Min Cheol
Published: June 2024

(1) Objective: In this study, a regression-based multi-modal deep learning model was developed for use in bone age assessment (BAA) utilizing hand radiographic images and clinical data, including patient gender and chronological age, as input data. (2) Methods: A dataset of hand radiographic images from 2974 pediatric patients was used to develop a regression-based multi-modal BAA model. This model integrates hand radiographs using EfficientNetV2S convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and clinical data (gender and chronological age) processed by a simple deep neural network (DNN). This approach enhances the model’s robustness and diagnostic precision, addressing challenges related to imbalanced data distribution and limited sample sizes. (3) Results: The model exhibited good performance on BAA, with an overall mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.410, root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.637, and accuracy of 91.1%. Subgroup analysis revealed higher accuracy in females ≤ 11 years (MAE: 0.267, RMSE: 0.453, accuracy: 95.0%) and >11 years (MAE: 0.402, RMSE: 0.634, accuracy 92.4%) compared to males ≤ 13 years (MAE: 0.665, RMSE: 0.912, accuracy: 79.7%) and >13 years (MAE: 0.647, RMSE: 1.302, accuracy: 84.6%). (4) Conclusion: This model showed a generally good performance on BAA, showing a better performance in female pediatrics compared to male pediatrics and an especially robust performance in female pediatrics ≤ 11 years.
β3-adREnoceptor Analysis in CORD Blood of Neonates (β3 RECORD): Study Protocol of a Pilot Clinical Investigation
Authors: Scaramuzzo Rosa Teresa , Crucitta Stefania , del Re Marzia , Cammalleri Maurizio , Bagnoli Paola , Dal Monte Massimo , Pini Alessandro , Filippi Luca
Published: June 2024

Background and Objective: The embryo and the fetus develop in a physiologically hypoxic environment, where vascularization is sustained by HIF-1, VEGF, and the β-adrenergic system. In animals, β3-adrenoceptors (β3-ARs), up-regulated by hypoxia, favor global fetal wellness to such an extent that most diseases related to prematurity are hypothesized to be induced or aggravated by a precocious β3-AR down-regulation, due to premature exposure to a relatively hyperoxic environment. In animals, β3-AR pharmacological agonism is currently investigated as a possible new therapeutic opportunity to counteract oxygen-induced damages. Our goal is to translate the knowledge acquired in animals to humans. Recently, we have demonstrated that fetuses become progressively more hypoxemic from mid-gestation to near-term, but starting from the 33rd–34th week, oxygenation progressively increases until birth. The present paper aims to describe a clinical research protocol, evaluating whether the expression level of HIF-1, β3-ARs, and VEGF is modulated by oxygen during intrauterine and postnatal life, in a similar way to animals. Materials and Methods: In a prospective, non-profit, single-center observational study we will enroll 100 preterm (group A) and 100 full-term newborns (group B). We will collect cord blood samples (T0) and measure the RNA expression level of HIF-1, β3-ARs, and VEGF by digital PCR. In preterms, we will also measure gene expression at 48–72h (T1), 14 days (T2), and 30 days (T3) of life and at 40 ± 3 weeks of post-menstrual age (T4), regardless of the day of life. We will compare group A (T0) vs. group B (T0) and identify any correlations between the values obtained from serial samples in group A and the clinical data of the patients. Our protocol has been approved by the Pediatric Ethical Committee for Clinical Research of the Tuscany region (number 291/2022). Expected Results: The observation that in infants, the HIF-1/β3-ARs/VEGF axis shows similar modulation to that of animals could suggest that β3-ARs also promote fetal well-being in humans.
A Graph-Data-Based Monitoring Method of Bearing Lubrication Using Multi-Sensor
Authors: Zhang Xinzhuo , Zhang Xuhua , Zhu Linbo , Gao Chuang , Ning Bo , Zhu Yongsheng
Published: June 2024

Super-precision bearing lubrication condition is essential for equipment’s overall performance. This paper investigates a monitoring method of bearing lubrication using multi-sensors based on graph data. An experiment was designed and carried out, establishing a dataset including vibration, temperature, and acoustic emission signals. Graph data were constructed based on a priori knowledge and a graph attention network was employed to conduct a study on monitoring bearing lubrication abnormalities and discuss the influence of a missing sensor on the monitoring. The results show that the designed experiments can effectively respond to the degradation process of bearing lubrication, and the graph data constructed based on a priori knowledge show a good effect in the anomaly monitoring process. In addition, the multi-sensor plays a significant role in monitoring bearing lubrication. This work will be highly beneficial for future monitoring methods of bearing lubrication status.
Distributed Batch Learning of Growing Neural Gas for Quick and Efficient Clustering
Authors: Siow Chyan Zheng , Saputra Azhar Aulia , Obo Takenori , Kubota Naoyuki
Published: June 2024

Growing neural gas (GNG) has been widely used in topological mapping, clustering and unsupervised tasks. It starts from two random nodes and grows until it forms a topological network covering all data. The time required for growth depends on the total amount of data and the current network nodes. To accelerate growth, we introduce a novel distributed batch processing method to extract the rough distribution called Distributed Batch Learning Growing Neural Gas (DBL-GNG). First, instead of using a for loop in standard GNG, we adopt a batch learning approach to accelerate learning. To do this, we replace most of the standard equations with matrix calculations. Next, instead of starting with two random nodes, we start with multiple nodes in different distribution areas. Furthermore, we also propose to add multiple nodes to the network instead of adding them one by one. Finally, we introduce an edge cutting method to reduce unimportant links between nodes to obtain a better cluster network. We demonstrate DBL-GNG on multiple benchmark datasets. From the results, DBL-GNG performs faster than other GNG methods by at least 10 times. We also demonstrate the scalability of DBL-GNG by implementing a multi-scale batch learning process in it, named MS-DBL-GNG, which successfully obtains fast convergence results. In addition, we also demonstrate the dynamic data adaptation of DBL-GNG to 3D point cloud data. It is capable of processing and mapping topological nodes on point cloud objects in real time.
Short-Term Wind Speed Prediction for Bridge Site Area Based on Wavelet Denoising OOA-Transformer
Authors: Gao Yan , Cao Baifu , Yu Wenhao , Yi Lu , Guo Fengqi
Published: June 2024

Predicting wind speed in advance at bridge sites is essential for ensuring bridge construction safety under high wind conditions. This study proposes a short-term speed prediction model based on outlier correction, Wavelet Denoising, the Osprey Optimization Algorithm (OOA), and the Transformer model. The outliers caused by data entry and measurement errors are processed by the interquartile range (IQR) method. By comparing the performance of four different wavelets, the best-performing wavelet (Bior2.2) was selected to filter out sharp noise from the data processed by the IQR method. The OOA-Transformer model was utilized to forecast short-term wind speeds based on the filtered time series data. With OOA-Transformer, the seven hyperparameters of the Transformer model were optimized by the Osprey Optimization Algorithm to achieve better performance. Given the outstanding performance of LSTM and its variants in wind speed prediction, the OOA-Transformer model was compared with six other models using the actual wind speed data from the Xuefeng Lake Bridge dataset to validate our proposed model. The experimental results show that the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), root mean square error (RMSE), and coefficient of determination (R2) of this paper’s method on the test set were 4.16%, 0.0152, and 0.9955, respectively, which are superior to the other six models. The prediction accuracy was found to be high enough to meet the short-term wind speed prediction needs of practical projects.
Bisection Series Approach for Exotic 3F2(1)-Series
Authors: Chen Marta Na , Chu Wenchang
Published: June 2024

By employing the bisection series approach, two classes of nonterminating 3F2(1)-series are examined. Several new summation formulae are established in closed form through the summation formulae of Gauss and Kummer for the 2F1(±1)-series. They are expressed in terms of well-known functions such as π, Euler–Gamma, and logarithmic functions, which can be used in physics and applied sciences for numerical and theoretical analysis.
A Note on the Convergence of Multigrid Methods for the Riesz–Space Equation and an Application to Image Deblurring
Authors: Ahmad Danyal , Donatelli Marco , Mazza Mariarosa , Serra-Capizzano Stefano , Trotti Ken
Published: June 2024

In recent decades, a remarkable amount of research has been carried out regarding fast solvers for large linear systems resulting from various discretizations of fractional differential equations (FDEs). In the current work, we focus on multigrid methods for a Riesz–Space FDE whose theoretical convergence analysis of such multigrid methods is currently limited in the relevant literature to the two-grid method. Here we provide a detailed theoretical convergence study in the multilevel setting. Moreover, we discuss its use combined with a band approximation and we compare the result with both τ and circulant preconditionings. The numerical tests include 2D problems as well as the extension to the case of a Riesz–FDE with variable coefficients. Finally, we investigate the use of a Riesz–Space FDE in a variational model for image deblurring, comparing the performance of specific preconditioning strategies.
The Generalized Fox–Wright Function: The Laplace Transform, the Erdélyi–Kober Fractional Integral and Its Role in Fractional Calculus
Authors: Paneva-Konovska Jordanka , Kiryakova Virginia
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we consider and study in detail the generalized Fox–Wright function Ψ˜qp introduced in our recent work as an extension of the Fox–Wright function Ψqp. This special function can be seen as an important case of the so-called I-functions of Rathie and H¯-functions of Inayat-Hussain, that in turn extend the Fox H-functions and appear to include some Feynman integrals in statistical physics, in polylogarithms, in Riemann Zeta-type functions and in other important mathematical functions. Depending on the parameters, Ψ˜qp is an entire function or is analytic in an open disc with a final radius. We derive its basic properties, such as its order and type, and its images under the Laplace transform and under classical fractional-order integrals. Particular cases of Ψ˜qp are specified, including the Mittag-Leffler and Le Roy-type functions and their multi-index analogues and many other special functions of Fractional Calculus. The corresponding results are illustrated. Finally, we emphasize the role of these new generalized hypergeometric functions as eigenfunctions of operators of new Fractional Calculus with specific I-functions as singular kernels. This paper can be considered as a natural supplement to our previous surveys “Going Next after ‘A Guide to Special Functions in Fractional Calculus’: A Discussion Survey”, and “A Guide to Special Functions of Fractional Calculus”, published recently in this journal.
Extended Efficient Multistep Solvers for Solving Equations in Banach Spaces
Authors: Behl Ramandeep , Argyros Ioannis K. , Alharbi Sattam
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we investigate the local and semilocal convergence of an iterative method for solving nonlinear systems of equations. We first establish the conditions under which these methods converge locally to the solution. Then, we extend our analysis to examine the semilocal convergence of these methods, considering their behavior when starting from initial guesses that are not necessarily close to the solution. Iterative approaches for solving nonlinear systems of equations must take into account the radius of convergence, computable upper error bounds, and the uniqueness of solutions. These points have not been addressed in earlier studies. Moreover, we provide numerical examples to demonstrate the theoretical findings and compare the performance of these methods under different circumstances. Finally, we conclude that our examination offers a significant understanding of the convergence characteristics of previous iterative techniques for solving nonlinear equation systems.
Multiorgan Failure and Sepsis in an ICU Patient with Prolidase Enzyme Deficiency—The Specificity of Treatment and Care: A Case Report
Authors: Wojnar-Gruszka Katarzyna , Nowak-Kózka Ilona , Cichoń Jakub , Ogryzek Aleksandra , Płaszewska-Żywko Lucyna
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives: Prolidase deficiency (PD) is a rare, life-threatening, genetically determined disease with an incidence of 1–2 cases per 1 million births. The disease inhibits collagen synthesis, which leads to organ and systems failure, including hepato- and splenomegaly, immune disorders, chronic ulcerative wounds, respiratory infections, and pulmonary fibrosis. The complexity of the problems associated with this disease necessitates a comprehensive approach and the involvement of an interdisciplinary team. The objective was to present the treatment and care plan, as well as complications of PD, in a young woman following admission to an intensive care unit (ICU). Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational single-case study. Results: A 26-year-old woman with PD was hospitalized in the ICU for acute respiratory failure. The presence of difficult-to-heal extensive leg ulcers and the patient’s immunocompromised condition resulted in the development of sepsis with multiple organ failure (respiratory and circulatory, liver and kidney failure). Complex specialized treatment consisting of wound preparation, limb amputation, the minimization of neuropathic pain, mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy, circulatory stabilization, and the prevention of complications of the disease and of therapy were applied. On the 83rd day of hospitalization, the patient expired. Conclusions: Despite the use of complex treatment and care, due to the advanced nature of the disease and the lack of therapies with proven efficacy, treatment was unsuccessful. There is a need for evidence-based research to develop effective treatment guidelines for PD.
A Rare Case of Cervical Spinal Arteriovenous Malformation: A Case Report
Authors: Ošiņa Jolanta , Jurjāns Kristaps , Kupčs Kārlis , Rzajeva Tatjana , Miglāne Evija
Published: June 2024

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal connection of vasculature resulting in capillary bed bypassing and leading to neurological deterioration and high risk of bleeding. Intramedullary AVMs in the cervical spinal cord are rare and require precise diagnostics and treatment. We present a clinical case of recurrent AVMs in a 28-year-old Caucasian female with sudden and severe neck pain and variable neurological symptoms along with current diagnostic and treatment modalities. Conservative treatment was partially effective. MRI and DSA confirmed AVMs at C4 level with subsequent several endovascular treatment sessions at the age of 15 and 24 with mild neurological improvement. Afterwards the patient underwent rehabilitation with minor neurological improvement. This case highlights the clinical progression and treatment of AVMs along with showcasing current pathophysiology, classification, and imaging.
Potential of Chlorogenic Acid in the Management of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): Animal Studies and Clinical Trials—A Narrative Review
Authors: Ziółkiewicz Agnieszka , Niziński Przemysław , Soja Jakub , Oniszczuk Tomasz , Combrzyński Maciej , Kondracka Adrianna , Oniszczuk Anna
Published: June 2024

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a natural polyphenol found in coffee, tea, vegetables, and fruits. It exhibits strong antioxidant activity and possesses several other biological properties, including anti-inflammatory effects, antimicrobial activity, and insulin-sensitizing properties. Moreover, it may improve lipid and glucose metabolism. This review summarizes the available information on the therapeutic effect of CGA in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). As the literature search engine, the browsers in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science databases, and ClinicalTrials.gov register were used. Animal trials and clinical studies suggest that CGA has promising therapeutic potential in treating MASLD and hepatic steatosis. Its mechanisms of action include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects via the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway and the inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling cascade. Furthermore, the alleviation of liver disease by CGA also involves other important molecules such as AMPK and important physiological processes such as the intestinal barrier and gut microbiota. Nevertheless, the specific target cell and key molecule to which CGA is directed remain unidentified and require further study.
The Usefulness of the C2HEST Score in Predicting the Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19 in COPD and Non-COPD Cohorts
Authors: Gawryś Jakub , Doroszko Adrian , Dróżdż Olgierd , Trocha Małgorzata , Gajecki Damian , Gawryś Karolina , Szahidewicz-Krupska Ewa , Rabczyński Maciej , Kujawa Krzysztof , Rola Piotr , Stanek Agata , Sokołowski Janusz , Madziarski Marcin , Jankowska Ewa Anita , Bronowicka-Szydełko Agnieszka , Bednarska-Chabowska Dorota , Kuźnik Edwin , Madziarska Katarzyna
Published: June 2024

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) infected with SARS-CoV-2 indicate a higher risk of severe COVID-19 course, which is defined as the need for hospitalization in the intensive care unit, mechanical ventilation, or death. However, simple tools to stratify the risk in patients with COPD suffering from COVID-19 are lacking. The current study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the C2HEST score in patients with COPD. A retrospective analysis of medical records from 2184 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at the University Hospital in Wroclaw from February 2020 to June 2021, which was previously used in earlier studies, assessed outcomes such as mortality during hospitalization, all-cause mortality at 3 and 6 months, non-fatal discharge, as well as adverse clinical incidents. This re-analysis specifically examines the outcomes using a COPD split. In the COPD group, 42 deaths were recorded, including 18 in-hospital deaths. In-hospital mortality rates at 3 and 6 months did not significantly differ among C2HEST strata, nor did their impact on subsequent treatment. However, a notable association between the C2HEST score and prognosis was observed in the non-COPD cohort comprising 2109 patients. The C2HEST score’s predictive ability is notably lower in COPD patients compared to non-COPD subjects, with COPD itself indicating a high mortality risk. However, C2HEST effectively identifies patients at high risk of cardiac complications during COVID-19, especially in non-COPD cases.
Effect of Triticale Grain in Diets on Performance, Development of Gastrointestinal Tract and Microflora in Crop and Ileum of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Wróblewska Patrycja , Hikawczuk Tomasz , Szuba-Trznadel Anna , Wiliczkiewicz Andrzej , Zinchuk Andrii , Rusiecka Agnieszka , Laszki-Szcząchor Krystyna
Published: June 2024

The purpose of the research was to determine the effect of the use of a diet containing 30% triticale grain. In an experiment lasting 28 days, 180 one-day Ross-308 chickens (sex ratio 1:1) with an average initial body weight in treatment of 44.6 g were randomly assigned to 30 metabolic cages/replications, 6 birds in each. To compare the results between treatments, a one-way ANOVA was used with uneven replication numbers. The control group (I) received a standard diet containing maize and soybean meal. In the other treatments, 30% of different cereals were used: II—wheat, III—barley, and IV—triticale. Significant differences in body weight (BW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed on the 4th day of the life of broiler chickens (p < 0.05). Differences were determined between the control group (90.7 g BW and 1.32 kg of feed/kg BWG in the case of FCR) and birds receiving barley (93.0 g BW and 1.29 kg of feed/kg BWG in the case of FCR), compared to chickens fed diets with a 30% share of wheat grain (86.2 g BW and 1.53 kg feed/kg BWG in the case of FCR) and triticale (86.6 g BW and 1.53 kg feed/kg BWG in the case of FCR). Later, the differences in performance of birds between treatments did not occur (p > 0.05). In the nutrition of broiler chickens, control or 30% of the triticale diet caused a significant reduction (p < 0.01) of the number of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the crop of broiler chickens (0 log cfu/g), compared to birds obtaining feed with 30% of wheat (1.78 log cfu/g). The diet containing triticale also reduced the number of E. coli (p < 0.05) within the ileum (0.78 log cfu/g) compared to chickens obtaining barley grain in the diet (2.12 log cfu/g). As a result of the use of triticale grain (p < 0.05), the total length of the bird intestines (199.64 cm) was compared to 30% of barley grain (209.76 cm). The increase in the length of the large intestine of broiler chickens in treatments was positively correlated (r = 0.613, p < 0.05) with the number of Lactobacillus sp. in the ileum. Triticale increased the pH in the crop of broilers chickens. The research results indicate that triticale, after longer storage, can be used in amounts of 30% of the diet without significant effect on the performance of broiler chickens, with a reduction in E. coli in crop in comparison with wheat and in ileum with barley.
Upper Limb Compartment Syndrome—An Extremely Rare Life-Threatening Complication of Cutaneous Anthrax
Authors: Pertea Mihaela , Luca Stefana , Moraru Dan Cristian , Veliceasa Bogdan , Filip Alexandru , Grosu Oxana Madalina , Poroch Vladimir , Panuta Andrian , Luca Catalina Mihaela , Avadanei Andrei Nicolae , Lunca Sorinel
Published: June 2024

(1) Background: Cutaneous anthrax is a disease caused by a Gram-positive bacillus, spore-forming Bacillus anthracis (BA). Cutaneous anthrax accounts for 95% of all anthrax cases, with mortality between 10–40% in untreated forms. The most feared complication, which can be life-threatening and is rarely encountered and described in the literature, is compartment syndrome. (2) Methods: We report a series of six cases of cutaneous anthrax from the same endemic area. In two of the cases, the disease was complicated by compartment syndrome. The systematic review was conducted according to systematic review guidelines, and the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases were searched for publications from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2023. The keywords used were: “cutaneous anthrax” and “compartment syndrome by cutaneous anthrax”. (3) Results: For compartment syndrome, emergency surgical intervention for decompression was required, along with another three surgeries, with hospitalization between 21 and 23 days. In the systematic review, among the 37 articles, 29 did not contain cases focusing on compartment syndrome of the thoracic limb in cutaneous anthrax. The results were included in a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) flow diagram. (4) Conclusions: Early recognition of the characteristic cutaneous lesions and compartment syndrome with early initiation of antibiotics and urgent surgical treatment is the lifesaving solution.