bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A stacking ensemble learning for Iberian pigs activity prediction: a time series forecasting approach
Authors: Divina Federico , García-Torres Miguel , Gómez-Vela Francisco , Rodriguez-Baena Domingo S.
Published: April 2024

Automatic determination of abnormal animal activities can be helpful for the timely detection of signs of health and welfare problems. Usually, this problem is addressed as a classification problem, which typically requires manual annotation of behaviors. This manual annotation can introduce noise into the data and may not always be possible. This motivated us to address the problem as a time-series forecasting problem in which the activity of an animal can be predicted. In this work, different machine learning techniques were tested to obtain activity patterns for Iberian pigs. In particular, we propose a novel stacking ensemble learning approach that combines base learners with meta-learners to obtain the final predictive model. Results confirm the superior performance of the proposed method relative to the other tested strategies. We also explored the possibility of using predictive models trained on an animal to predict the activity of different animals on the same farm. As expected, the predictive performance degrades in this case, but it remains acceptable. The proposed method could be integrated into a monitoring system that may have the potential to transform the way farm animals are monitored, improving their health and welfare conditions, for example, by allowing the early detection of a possible health problem.
Implementation of a pilot checklist for control standardization on fishery goods consignments at the Livorno border control post
Authors: Tinacci Lara , Santoni Samantha , Magni Antonella , Verde Ferdinando , Nuvoloni Roberta , Armani Andrea
Published: April 2024

To standardize control activities, it is necessary to introduce checklists to support the control of consignments entering the European Union through border control posts (BCPs). This study aimed to develop a pilot checklist for the control of fishery consignments, preliminarily identified as the predominant group of goods entering the Livorno (Italy) BCP. The design of the pilot checklist was preceded by i) a revision of the current European and national legislation on the general and specific objectives of border control activities on fishery products and ii) a comparative analysis of two checklists (one of the Ministry of Health and one of the former Livorno border inspection post) developed on the basis of the repealed legislation. This comparison aimed to define the pilot checklist structure, verification objectives, and selection of assessment scores to be included in defining consignment compliance and acceptability. Once developed, the clarity and ease of use of the first draft of the pilot checklist were verified through its use in a field test during the control of 64 fishery product consignments. 22 regulatory sources (18 European and 4 national) were selected as reference legislation. The pilot checklist was structured as a dynamic “read-do” document based on the workflow of control activities described in the current legislation. The field test was useful in improving the clarity of the verification objectives within the documentary, identity, and physical control sections and in facilitating the use of the checklist and the collection of evidence during the control activity. This study, which focused on fishery products, can provide a practical approach for the development of checklists for all the other goods categories under the responsibility of BCPs.
Depression and Help Seeking in the Sri Lankan-Australian and Anglo-Australian Community: A Qualitative Exploration-Preliminary Findings
Authors: Antoniades Josefine , Brijnath Bianca
Published: April 2024

This study compared cultural variances in the understanding of depression, help seeking and management strategies between Anglo-Australians and Sri Lankan immigrants with depression, one of the fastest growing immigrant communities in Australia. From 2012-2104 Sri Lankan (n=18) and Anglo-Australians (n=30) participants living with depression took part in semi-structured interviews. Participant eligibility was verified by significant levels of depression on the DSM IV and K10. Sri Lankans and Anglo-Australians expressed overlap in the experience in symptoms, yet differences in beliefs related to the etiology of depression; in general, Sri Lankan migrants attributed depressive symptoms to ongoing social problems whereas Anglos-Australians generally conceptualized depression as a biomedical disorder. These disparities in illness beliefs influenced help seeking trajectories; Sri Lankans favored self-directed behavioral interventions, and in many cases were hesitant take medication to address mental health issues as this was seen as an admission of “madness.” In contrast early intervention via primary care was common for Anglo-Australians. However, while a significant proportion of Anglo-Australians would use pharmaceutical interventions, many were also prepared to try complementary and alternative therapies. Across both groups stigma still presents a significant barrier to help-seeking, however stigma was particularly noted in the Sri Lankan community. Preliminary analyses suggest important differences in help-seeking strategies that may have implications for improving access to mental health services and the development of culturally salient interventions in the Australian context to cater for the growing Sri Lankan migrant community. The outcomes of this study will provide greater insight into cultural variances of depression and help seeking of Sri Lankan immigrants. These results may further provide valuable information that can be used more broadly in countries receiving Sri Lankan, and possibly other South Asian migrants.
How Does Income Inequality Get Under the Skin? The Mediating Role of Perceived Age Discrimination in the Inequality- Health Nexus for Older and Younger People
Authors: Vauclair Christin-Melanie , Marques Sibila , Lima Maria , Abrams Dominic , Swift Hannah , Bratt Christopher
Published: April 2024

The relative income hypothesis predicts poorer health in societies with greater income inequality, yet the psychological mechanisms that explain this association are not clear to date. This study tests the hypothesis that perceived age discrimination acts as a mediator in the inequality-health nexus for people who categorize themselves as old. It is expected that the detrimental mediating effect of perceived age discrimination does not occur for those who categorize themselves as young, since their low status is only temporary until they move to the higher status middle-aged group. A cross-sectional multilevel analysis of the 2008/09 European Social Survey (ESS, Round 4) was conducted. A subsample of respondents who perceive themselves as belonging to the old (N = 10,650) or young age group (N = 15,635) was analysed. The Gini coefficient was used to represent national inequalities in income in each of the 28 ESS countries. Mediation analyses within the multilevel structural equation modelling paradigm indicate that perceived age discrimination fully mediates the associations between income inequality and self-rated health for people who categorize themselves as old, but not as young. Our findings illustrate the importance of the socio-economic context as well as the permeability of group boundaries in the area of perceived discrimination and well-being.
From Diversity to Systematic Patterns and Integrative Syntheses: A Journey in Cross-Cultural Psychology
Authors: Kagitcibasi Cigdem
Published: April 2024

The evolution of cross-cultural psychology started with studies of differences, advanced to examining systematic patterns and currently is involved with possible Integrative syntheses. The beginnings of cross-cultural psychology, closely allied with anthropology, involved European and North American scientists’ search for human differences in “exotic” places. With the internationalization of the field, research is now carried out mostly in contemporary societies. With large comparative data sets systematic patterns are revealed, for example in values. The next step, which may have already started, is likely to integrate cultural differences with similarities adaptive to increasingly similar urban life styles. Such syntheses promise to contribute to human wellbeing.
Family Climate and Adolescent Aggression: An Analysis of their Relationships
Authors: Rodríguez-Naranjo Carmen , Caño Antonio
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between family functioning (problem solving, communication, roles, affective responsiveness, affective involvement, behaviour control and general functioning) and the development of different expressions of aggressive behaviour in adolescents. Data were collected from a sample of 722 Spanish adolescents who completed the Family Assessment Device and the self-report form of the Children’s Social Behavior Scale. Regression analyses confirmed the specific influence of different dimensions of family functioning on specific types of aggressive behaviour in adolescents. These findings pointed out that a better understanding of family functioning dimensions is necessary in order to design specific interventions for aggressive adolescents.
Intercultural Competencies to Overcome Trauma
Authors: Bayard-Richez Anna , Denoux Patrick , Teyssier Julien
Published: April 2024

This research aims to implement a set of questions linked to two theoretical approaches: French intercultural psychology, in terms of culture contact psychology, and intercultural clinical psychology of trauma. We examine the alleviation of trauma from the development of intercultural competencies involved in cultural contacts. We advance the hypothesis of a link between the development of intercultural skills and the reduction of trauma. We contend that these two concepts are connected through creative resolution strategies and that people confront a traumatic situation that doesn’t make sense, whether from a perpetrator or from another culture encounter. In our first set of qualitative interviews (N = 15), we elaborate on a quantitative questionnaire. According to the results of our second sample (N = 165), the people who experienced a potentially traumatic life event seem to develop intercultural skills and creativity to overcome the trauma.
The Interplay Between Traditional and Modern Values and Interpersonal Variables in Mental Disorders and Mental Health
Authors: Maercker Andreas
Published: April 2024

Our research focuses on values and mental health, and possible mediating factors. Based on two value-related theories – Schwartz’s and Inglehart’s - we suggest a complex prediction model: It hypothesises that social support mediates the relationship between traditional values and mental health, whereas the relationship between modern values and mental health is mediated by resilience. We tested our model with three large student samples from China, Russia, and Germany. By and large, our hypotheses were confirmed: Particularly traditional values were relevant for mental health by predicting social support and thence mental health. With regard to modern values, the value of self-direction predicted resilience and – in consequence – mental health. Hedonism did not show the predicted association with resilience. We discuss the implications of these findings and future directions.
Locating the Self in Autobiographical Memories: A New Approach to Analysis
Authors: Antalíková Radka , de la Mata Manuel , Santamaría Andrés , Cubero Mercedes , Arias Samuel , Hansen Tia
Published: April 2024

Systematic cross-cultural variation in autobiographical memory has been reported in numerous previous research. Variations have often been interpreted as mirroring differences in culturally diverging self-conceptions, implying that content characteristics of autobiographical memories can be used as indirect measures of self. However, a majority of these characteristics rest on the traditional independence vs. interdependence dimension, and might only be suitable for typically Western and Eastern populations. Other content characteristics could be more instrumental for “locating” the self in autobiographical memories, such as the incidence of actions, mental states and reflections. We therefore propose a new approach to content analysis of autobiographical memories. The approach is theoretically grounded in Kagitcibasi’s (2005) model of autonomy and relatedness and Bruner’s (1987) distinction between landscape of action and landscape of consciousness. Operationalizing these concepts and building on empirical work of Qi Wang (e.g. Wang, 2001), we present a four-step coding system for content analysis of autobiographical memories. In the first step, memories are divided into separate units of analysis. In the next three steps, these units are placed within a number of different categories, and that with regards to who the units’ subjects are, what these subjects are doing or experiencing, and whether they are thereby showing any signs of agency and/or relatedness. Ultimately, the proposed coding system aims to capture how the self is present, and presented, in autobiographical memory in a more nuanced way, compared with previous research. Hence, the system could be applicable for use in studies with a variety of culturally diverse populations.
Comparison of ultrasonographic measurement of gastric antral volume and pH with or without pharmacological acid aspiration prophylaxis in low-risk surgical patients – A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kannamani Balaji , Panneerselvam Sakthirajan , Rudingwa Priya , Badhe Ashok S. , Govindaraj Kirthiha , Ramamoorthy Srivats V.
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims:

The role of preoperative pharmacological prophylaxis in preventing aspiration pneumonitis under general anesthesia (GA) in patients at low risk of aspiration pneumonitis is still under debate. We addressed the need for routine pharmacological aspiration prophylaxis in at-risk population by assessing the change in gastric volume using ultrasound with and without pharmacological acid aspiration prophylaxis.

Material and Methods:

A single-center, randomized double-blinded trial, with 200 adult patients scheduled for elective surgical procedures under GA, were randomized into a prophylaxis group, in which the patients received oral famotidine and metoclopramide, and a no prophylaxis group, in which the patients did not receive any prophylaxis. Gastric volume derived from preinduction measurement of gastric antral volume by ultrasound, postinduction gastric pH, and incidences of aspiration pneumonitis were compared. Bland–Altman plot was used to determine the level of agreement between measured gastric volume and ultrasonography based on calculated gastric volume.

Results:

The gastric antral cross-sectional area (CSA) and volume in the no prophylaxis group (3.12 cm2 and 20.11 ml, respectively) were comparable to the prophylaxis group (2.56 cm2 and 19.67 ml, respectively) (P-values 0.97 and 0.63, respectively). Although there was a statistically significant decrease in gastric pH in the no prophylaxis group (P-value 0.01), it was not clinically significant to increase the risk of aspiration pneumonitis based on Roberts and Shirley criteria (P-value 0.39).

Conclusion:

In an adequately fasted low-risk population, the amount of residual gastric volume was similar and below the aspiration threshold, regardless of the aspiration prophylaxis status.
Comparison of the effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine versus ketamine on postoperative analgesia in fracture femur patients operated under subarachnoid block – A prospective randomized double-blind controlled trial
Authors: Ather Rana , Nikhar Sapna Annaji , Kar Akhay Kumar , Durga Padmaja , Prasanna Pindi Laxmi
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims:

Intravenous sedation during spinal anesthesia has the advantages of increased duration of spinal anesthesia and better postoperative pain control. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of intravenous bolus and infusion of dexmedetomidine versus ketamine given intraoperative on the postoperative analgesia in fracture femur patients operated under subarachnoid block.

Material and Methods:

In this prospective randomized double-blind controlled study, 75 patients aged 18–65 years posted for elective surgery were selected and randomly divided into three groups to receive ketamine (group K), dexmedetomidine (group D), and saline (control group C). Postoperative pain was evaluated using the numerical rating scale (NRS). The duration of analgesia and the amount of analgesic consumption were also recorded. Student’s t-test and Chi-square test were used to compare the two groups, and one-way ANOVA with posthoc analysis was performed for comparison of the three groups.

Results:

Patients in the ketamine group had better postoperative analgesia as assessed by decreased pain (on the NRS scale) and decreased need for postoperative rescue analgesics (P < 0.001). The duration of sensory block and motor block was prolonged in group K as compared to the other two groups (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Intraoperative use of intravenous ketamine was superior to dexmedetomidine for postoperative analgesia in fracture femur patients operated under subarachnoid block.
The Exploring of Growth Differentiation Factor-15 and H63D Gene Polymorphisms in β-thalassemia Major: Implications for Cardiovascular Risk and Iron Overload
Authors: Hamza Hussein Yaqoub , Al-Ziaydi Ahmed Ghdhban , Alzamili Aalan Hadi Hassan
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

β-thalassemia major (βTM) is a genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency in hemoglobin production, ineffective erythropoiesis, chronic hemolysis, lifelong blood transfusions, iron overload, and increased risk of cardiac complications.

OBJECTIVE:

The study aimed to evaluate the growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) concentration in βTM patients and its correlation with cardiac complications. H63D refers to a specific mutation in the HFE gene, which is associated with hereditary hemochromatosis (HH), a genetic disorder characterized by excessive accumulation of iron in the body. This mutation involves a change of histidine (H) to aspartic acid (D) at position 63 in the HFE protein. This mutation is often only written abbreviated as (H63D).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This case–control study was done on 120 subjects. A total of 60 patient samples were randomly collected from the Genetic Hematology Center at the Babylon Hospital, with an age range of 10–26 years. In addition, 60 samples were collected from healthy children in the same age range as the control group; patients and controls were subdivided into (10–18) and (18–26) year groups. GDF-15 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the genotyping of mutation was done by amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction technique.

RESULTS:

The study revealed a significant increase in ferritin (FER) and GDF-15 levels in the patients compared to controls (P< 0.001). GDF-15 showed a direct correlation with age (r= 0.244,P= 0.02) and FER (r= 0.215,P= 0.04). There was a significant difference in H63D mutations between controls and patients (P = 0.044), with a higher proportion of the C-G (heterozygous for the mutant allele) genotype observed in βTM patients (31.67%). Additionally, a notable effect of the H63D mutation on serum ferritin (higher) levels within the βTM group was observed.

CONCLUSION:

Elevations of the GDF-15 in βTM patients indicate a high risk of cardiovascular complications in patients with βTM. The H63D mutation of the hemostatic iron regulator (HFE) gene is frequently found in βTM. Although a significant effect of the mutation was obtained on serum FER levels, it did not act as a risk factor in βTM patients. However, the frequent presence of the H63D mutation in patients indicated a possible association between single-nucleotide polymorphism and the iron regulation pathway.
Avascular Bone Necrosis in Pediatric Patients with Sickle Cell Disease in Basrah, Iraq
Authors: Hamood Wadha Abdullah , Hassan Meaad Kadhum , Yesser Wissam Jabar
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Avascular necrosis (AVN) is regarded as a manifestation of severe sickle cell disease (SCD), with the femoral head being the most affected.

OBJECTIVES:

The main objectives of this study were to look for the frequency of AVN in pediatric patients with SCD, evaluate the clinical pattern and severity of AVN, and study the possible risk factors associated with AVN.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A cross-sectional study has been conducted on SCD patients, aged 6–18 years, who visited the Basrah Center for Hereditary Blood Diseases from the first of February 2021 to August 2021. Patients were screened for AVN by hip plain radiography and magnetic resonance imaging. The modified Ficat-Arlet staging system was used to classify different stages of AVN.

RESULTS:

The total number of screened patients was 291; 193 (66.3%) had sickle cell anemia, 71 (24.4%) with S/β0 thalassemia, 21 (7.2%) with S/β+ thalassemia, and 6 (2.1%) had S/D disease. Fifty-eight (19.9%) patients were found to have different stages of AVN; 7 (12.1%) were asymptomatic and 51 (87.9%) were symptomatic. The logistic regression analysis has revealed that frequent vaso-occlusive crises requiring hospitalization (B = 1.576, P = 0.003), acute splenic sequestration crises (B = 1.256, P = 0.003), homozygous sickle hemoglobin genotype (B = −0.208, P = 0.001), and low reticulocyte count (B = 1.452, P = 0.027) are significant variables associated with AVN.

CONCLUSION:

AVN was reported in a significant percentage of pediatric patients with SCD and was associated with selected indicators of disease severity. Further studies that evaluate the natural history, progress of AVN, and variations in selected variables over time like reticulocytes and the co-inheritance of α-thalassemia are important.
Assessing Bone Mineral Density in Sickle Cell Disease Patients and linking it to Admission Rates: A Prospective Uni-center Study
Authors: Al-Ansari Rehab Yusuf , Alshammari Amal Shilash , Woodman Alexander , Tawfiq Sama Khalid , Aldawish Majed Mutlaq , Banjar Asem Osama , Fadoul Tawasoul , Algarni Mushref Ali , Alorf Ali Mohammed , Motabgani Sameerah Mohammedakram , Habib Ahmad Abdullah
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder with bone mineral density (BMD) as a common clinical manifestation of SCD. With a prevalence of 2.6%, Saudi Arabia is among the highest incidence of SCD worldwide. The purpose of this research was to examine how SCD evolves and how it affects bone density in Saudi patients from an Eastern Province tertiary hospital.

METHODS:

This was an observational prospective study conducted in the tertiary care hospital among 119 SCD patients. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A – severe SCD patients requiring hospital care ≥3/year; and Group B included patients with a smooth course of SCD who did not require frequent hospitalization (<3 hospitalizations per year), with a milder course of the disease. Analysis was based on the frequency of hospitalizations with pain crises and measuring BMD.

RESULTS:

Of 119 patients, 73.1% had low bone density. Compared to the femur (47.9%), the spine (62.2%) had a higher prevalence of low bone density. The prevalence of low BMD did not significantly differ between the two groups (64.8 vs. 79.9%, P = 0.081). Patients with more frequent hospital visits had significantly higher Mg concentrations (2.30 vs. 0.84, P = 0.001), higher gamma-glutamyl transferase (59.44 vs. 39.49, P = 0.030), and significantly lower 25-hydroxy Vitamin D (34.82 vs. 49.48, P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients with SCD had a generally higher prevalence of low BMD. Further research is needed to answer the proposed debate about the accuracy of DXA scanning in patients with SCD.
Incidence and Predictors of Venous Thromboembolism and Mortality in Saudi Lung Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Two-center Cohort Study
Authors: Aleidan Fahad A. S. , Almesfir Reem , Alqudaibi Nada , Alqhatani Sultan , Abuelgasim Khadega A.
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) frequently occurs among individuals with cancer, and lung cancer (LC) is among the malignancies associated with the highest rate of VTE development.

PURPOSE:

The study’s objective was to ascertain the incidence rates of VTE and evaluate predictors of both VTE occurrence and mortality in LC patients.

METHODS:

This two-center retrospective study involved 497 Saudi Arabian patients diagnosed with LC aged ≥ 18 years. In this study, we calculated VTE incidence and mortality rates. We conducted Cox regression analyses (both univariate and multivariate) to explore the relationship between patient characteristics, VTE, and mortality using a 95% confidence interval (CI) and hazard ratios (HRs).

RESULTS:

Among 497 LC patients, 98 developed VTE, resulting in a prevalence rate of 9.8 per 100 person-years (PYs) with a 95% CI of 8.0–11.8. Furthermore, 280 patients passed away, resulting in a mortality rate of 26.5 per 100 PY with a 95% CI of 23.9–29.3. Low albumin levels, diagnosis of nonsmall cell LC (NSCLC), and high Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status were all independent risk factors for VTE. Patients with VTE had notably higher mortality risk (HR: 3.10; 95% CI, 2.53–3.91; P < 0.001) than non-VTE patients. The Kaplan–Meier analyses showed that the predicted median time of VTE occurrence was significantly higher in small cell LC (SCLC) (33.7 months) (P = 0.002 by the log-rank test) compared to NSCLC (28.7 months) patients. Furthermore, the estimated median time of survival for NSCLC patients (23.8 months) was significantly lower than in SCLC (29.7 months) (P < 0.001 by the log-rank test).

CONCLUSION:

The study findings indicated that the VTE occurrence in LC patients was 9.8 per 100 PY, with a corresponding mortality rate of 26.5 per 100 PY. Reduced levels of albumin, ECOG performance status, and NSCLC emerged as significant risk factors of VTE. Patients who experienced VTE had a 3.10-fold higher mortality risk than non-VTE LC patients.
Enhancing Privacy Measures in Healthcare within Cyber-Physical Systems through Cryptographic Solutions
Authors: Rani Bandaru Venkata Naga , Sumalatha M , Rafee Shaik Mohammad , Prasadraju Kantheti , Sri Lakshmi M
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION: The foundation of cybersecurity is privacy, standardization, and interoperability—all of which are essential for compatibility, system integration, and the protection of user data. In order to better understand the complex interrelationships among privacy, standards, and interoperability in cybersecurity, this article explains their definitions, significance, difficulties, and advantages.
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this article is to examine the relationship between privacy, standards, and interoperability in cybersecurity, with a focus on how these factors might improve cybersecurity policy and protect user privacy.
METHODS: This paper thoroughly examines privacy, standards, and interoperability in cybersecurity using methods from social network analysis. It combines current concepts and literature to reveal the complex processes at work.
RESULTS: The results highlight how important interoperability and standardization are to bolstering cybersecurity defences and preserving user privacy. Effective communication and cooperation across a variety of technologies are facilitated by adherence to standards and compatible systems.
CONCLUSION: Strong cybersecurity plans must prioritize interoperability and standardization. These steps strengthen resilience and promote coordinated incident response, which is especially important for industries like healthcare that depend on defined procedures to maintain operational security.
Research on Surface Defect Detection Method of Photovoltaic Power Generation Panels——Comparative Analysis of Detecting Model Accuracy
Authors: Wang Yunxin , Zhang Zhi , Zhang Jialiang , Han Jiangning , Lian Jianguo , Qi Yifeng , Liu Xiaowei , Guo Jiangyang , Yin Xiaoju
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION: Research on intelligent defect detection technology using machine vision was conducted to address the challenging problem of detecting and localizing PV defects in photovoltaic power generation system operation and maintenance.
OBJECTIVES: The aim is to improve the accuracy of PV defect detection and enhance the operation and maintenance efficiency of PV power plants.
METHODS: In this paper, three detection methods such as image processing based detection, traditional machine learning based detection, and deep learning algorithm based detection are discussed and compared, and analyzed respectively. It is finally concluded that the deep learning based detection is more efficient in comparison. Then further analysis and simulation experiments are done through several detection algorithms based on deep learning.
RESULTS: The experiment yields a high accuracy of the detection model based on the Faster-RCNN algorithm. Its mAP value reaches 92.6%. The detection model based on the YOLOv5 algorithm reaches a mAP value of 91.4%. But its speed is as much as 7 times faster than the model based on the Faster-RCNN algorithm.
CONCLUSION: Comprehensive speed and accuracy index. Combining the needs of PV defect detection in the operation and maintenance of PV power generation systems with the results of simulation experiments. It is concluded that the detection model based on the YOLOv5 algorithm can provide better detection capability. Modeling with this algorithm is more suitable for PV defect detection.
Analysis and Design of Wind Turbine Monitoring System Based on Edge Computing
Authors: Yin Xiaoju , Mu Yuhan , Li Bo , Wang Yuxin
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION: A wind turbine data analysis method based on the combination of Hadoop and edge computing is proposed.
OBJECTIVES: Solve the wind turbine health status monitoring system large data, time extension, energy consumption and other problems.
METHODS: By analysing the technical requirements and business processes of the system, the overall framework of the system was designed and a deep reinforcement learning algorithm based on big data was proposed.
RESULTS: It solves the problem of insufficient computing resources as well as energy consumption and latency problems occurring in the data analysis layer, solves the problems in WTG task offloading, and improves the computational offloading efficiency of the edge nodes to complete the collection, storage, and analysis of WTG data.
CONCLUSION: The data analysis and experimental simulation platform is built through Python, and the results show that the application of Hadoop and the edge computing offloading strategy based on the DDPG algorithm to the system improves the system's quality of service and computational performance, and the method is applicable to the distributed storage and analysis of the device in the massive monitoring data.
The matching problem between functional shapes via a $BV$ penalty term: A $\Gamma$-convergence result
Authors: Nardi Giacomo , Charlier Benjamin , Trouvé Alain
Published: April 2024

The matching problem often arises in image processing and involves finding a correspondence between similar objects. In particular, variational matching models optimize suitable energies that evaluate the dissimilarity between the current shape and the relative template. A penalty term often appears in the energy to constrain the regularity of the solution. To perform numerical computation, a discrete version of the energy is defined. Then, the question of consistency between the continuous and discrete solutions arises. This paper proves a

\Gamma

-convergence result for the discrete energy to the continuous one. In particular, we highlight some geometric properties that must be guaranteed in the discretization process to ensure the convergence of minimizers. We prove the result in the framework introduced in the 2017 paper of Charlier et al., which studies the matching problem between geometric structures carrying on a signal (fshapes). The matching energy is defined for

L^{2}

signals and evaluates the difference between fshapes in terms of the varifold norm. This paper maintains a dual attachment term, but we consider a

BV

penalty term in place of the original 

L^{2}

 norm.
Ample groupoid homology and étale correspondences
Authors: Miller Alistair
Published: April 2024

We show that étale correspondences between ample groupoids induce homomorphisms of homology groups. To complement this we explore the module categories of ample groupoids. We construct an induction-restriction adjunction for subgroupoids, which generates a procedure for building resolutions of arbitrary groupoid modules. These resolutions can be used to work with the Tor picture of groupoid homology, enabling explicit descriptions of the maps in homology induced by étale correspondences.
Associations of Eating Out and Dietary Diversity with Mild Cognitive Impairment among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Kiuchi Yuto , Makizako Hyuma , Nakai Yuki , Taniguchi Yoshiaki , Akaida Shoma , Tateishi Mana , Kimura Mika , Takenaka Toshihiro , Kubozono Takuro , Tsutsumimoto Kota , Shimada Hiroyuki , Ohishi Mitsuru
Published: April 2024

Background: Dementia is a critical late-life health issue that occurs among members of aging societies. This study examined the relationships between eating out, dietary diversity, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among community-dwelling older adults.Methods: We analyzed data from 597 older adults (median age 73.0 years, interquartile range 69.0–78.0 years; 62.6% females). We applied the food frequency score to evaluate diet variety and the weekly consumption frequencies of ten food items were determined. The National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology Functional Assessment Tool (NCGG-FAT) was used to evaluate MCI. Finally, we asked the participants how often they ate out each month; those who replied "none" were categorized into the "non-eating out" group.Results: The overall prevalence of MCI was 122 (20.4%), with a higher prevalence in the low dietary diversity group than in the high dietary diversity group (28.6% vs. 18.6%). After adjusting for covariates, the participants who self-described as not eating out were independently associated with low dietary diversity (odds ratio [OR]=1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–3.20), while low dietary diversity was associated with MCI (OR=1.72; 95% CI 1.02–2.87). Structural equation models revealed that not eating out had no direct effect on MCI but was associated with MCI via low dietary diversity (root mean square error of approximation=0.030, goodness-of-fit index=0.999, and adjusted goodness-of-fit index=0.984).Conclusions: Although non-eating out may not have a direct effect on MCI, an indirect relationship may exist between eating-out habits and MCI via dietary diversity status.
Novel insights into immune-related genes associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus-related cognitive impairment
Authors: Gao Jing , Zou Ying , Lv Xiao-Yu , Chen Li , Hou Xin-Guo
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

The cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multifaceted and advancing state that requires further exploration to fully comprehend. Neuroinflammation is considered to be one of the main mechanisms and the immune system has played a vital role in the progression of the disease.

AIM

To identify and validate the immune-related genes in the hippocampus associated with T2DM-related cognitive impairment.

METHODS

To identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between T2DM and controls, we used data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database GSE125387. To identify T2DM module genes, we used Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis. All the genes were subject to Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. Protein-protein interaction network construction and machine learning were utilized to identify three hub genes. Immune cell infiltration analysis was performed. The three hub genes were validated in GSE152539 via receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Validation experiments including reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were conducted both in vivo and in vitro . To identify potential drugs associated with hub genes, we used the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD).

RESULTS

A total of 576 DEGs were identified using GSE125387. By taking the intersection of DEGs, T2DM module genes, and immune-related genes, a total of 59 genes associated with the immune system were identified. Afterward, machine learning was utilized to identify three hub genes (H2-T24 , Rac3 , and Tfrc ). The hub genes were associated with a variety of immune cells. The three hub genes were validated in GSE152539. Validation experiments were conducted at the mRNA and protein levels both in vivo and in vitro , consistent with the bioinformatics analysis. Additionally, 11 potential drugs associated with RAC3 and TFRC were identified based on the CTD.

CONCLUSION

Immune-related genes that differ in expression in the hippocampus are closely linked to microglia. We validated the expression of three hub genes both in vivo and in vitro , consistent with our bioinformatics results. We discovered 11 compounds associated with RAC3 and TFRC . These findings suggest that they are co-regulatory molecules of immunometabolism in diabetic cognitive impairment.
In vivo pilot study into superficial microcirculatory characteristics of colorectal adenomas using novel high-resolution magnifying endoscopy with blue laser imaging
Authors: Dong Hai-Bin , Chen Tao , Zhang Xiao-Fei , Ren Yu-Tang , Jiang Bo
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

No studies have yet been conducted on changes in microcirculatory hemodynamics of colorectal adenomas in vivo under endoscopy. The microcirculation of the colorectal adenoma could be observed in vivo by a novel high-resolution magnification endoscopy with blue laser imaging (BLI), thus providing a new insight into the microcirculation of early colon tumors.

AIM

To observe the superficial microcirculation of colorectal adenomas using the novel magnifying colonoscope with BLI and quantitatively analyzed the changes in hemodynamic parameters.

METHODS

From October 2019 to January 2020, 11 patients were screened for colon adenomas with the novel high-resolution magnification endoscope with BLI. Video images were recorded and processed with Adobe Premiere, Adobe Photoshop and Image-pro Plus software. Four microcirculation parameters: Microcirculation vessel density (MVD), mean vessel width (MVW) with width standard deviation (WSD), and blood flow velocity (BFV), were calculated for adenomas and the surrounding normal mucosa.

RESULTS

A total of 16 adenomas were identified. Compared with the normal surrounding mucosa, the superficial vessel density in the adenomas was decreased (MVD: 0.95 ± 0.18 vs 1.17 ± 0.28 μm/μm2, P < 0.05). MVW (5.11 ± 1.19 vs 4.16 ± 0.76 μm, P < 0.05) and WSD (11.94 ± 3.44 vs 9.04 ± 3.74, P < 0.05) were both increased. BFV slowed in the adenomas (709.74 ± 213.28 vs 1256.51 ± 383.31 μm/s, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The novel high-resolution magnification endoscope with BLI can be used for in vivo study of adenoma superficial microcirculation. Superficial vessel density was decreased, more irregular, with slower blood flow.
Role of second look endoscopy in endoscopic submucosal dissection and peptic ulcer bleeding: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kogilathota Jagirdhar Gowthami Sai , Perez Jose Andres , Banga Akshat , Qasba Rakhtan K , Qasba Ruman K , Pattnaik Harsha , Hussain Muhammad , Bains Yatinder , Surani Salim
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Second-look endoscopy (SLE) to prevent recurrent bleeding in patients with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and those undergoing endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is routinely being performed. Conflicting evidence exists regarding efficacy, risk, benefit, and cost-effectiveness.

AIM

To identify the role and effectiveness of SLE in ESD and PUD, associated rebleeding and PUD-related outcomes like mortality, hospital length of stay, need for endoscopic or surgical intervention and blood transfusions.

METHODS

A systematic review of literature databases PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase was conducted from inception to January 5, 2023. Randomized controlled trials that compared patients with SLE to those who did not have SLE or evaluated the role of prophylactic hemostasis during SLE compared to other conservative interventions were included. The study was conducted per PRISMA guidelines, and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO (ID CRD42023427555:). RevMan was used to perform meta-analysis, and Mantel-Haenszel Odds ratio (OR) were generated using random effect models.

RESULTS

A total of twelve studies with 2687 patients were included in our systematic review and meta-analysis, of which 1074 patients underwent SLE after ESD and 1613 patients underwent SLE after PUD-related bleeding. In ESD, the rates of rebleeding were 7% in the SLE group compared to 4.4% in the non-SLE group with OR 1.65, 95% confidence intervals (CI) of 0.96 to 2.85; P = 0.07, whereas it was 11% in the SLE group compared to 13% in the non-SLE group with OR 0.8 95%CI: 0.50 to 1.29; P = 0.36. The mean difference in the blood transfusion rates in the SLE and no SLE group in PUD was OR 0.01, 95%CI: -0.22 to 0.25; P = 0.91. In SLE vs non-SLE groups with PUD, the OR for Endoscopic intervention was 0.29, 95%CI: 0.08 to 1.00; P = 0.05 while it was OR 2.03, 95%CI: 0.95 to 4.33; P = 0.07, for surgical intervention. The mean difference in the hospital length of stay was -3.57 d between the SLE and no SLE groups in PUD with 95%CI: -7.84 to 0.69; P = 0.10, denoting an average of approximately 3 fewer days of hospital stay among patients with PUD who underwent SLE. For mortality between SLE and non-SLE groups in PUD, the OR was 0.88, 95%CI: 0.45 to 1.72; P = 0.70.

CONCLUSION

SLE does not confer any benefit in preventing ESD and PUD-associated rebleeding. SLE also does not provide any significant improvement in mortality, need for interventions, or blood transfusions in PUD patients. SLE decreases the hospital length of stay on average by 3.5 d in PUD patients.
Magnesium Alloy Welding Wire, 3.2 Rare Earths - 2.5Zn - 0.72Zr (EZ33A)
Authors:   AMS D Nonferrous Alloys Committee
Published: April 2024

This specification covers a magnesium alloy in the form of welding wire (see 8.5).
Magnesium Alloy Welding Wire 8.7Al - 0.70Zn - 0.26Mn (AZ91E)
Authors:   AMS D Nonferrous Alloys Committee
Published: April 2024

This specification covers a magnesium alloy in the form of welding wire (see 8.5).
Expedition Leadership: Lessons for Corporate Management Leadership in mountaineering and in the corporate environment.
Authors:   , Theodorovics Christine
Published: April 2024

The study of leadership has sparked much interest among researchers over the last decades. One approach to increase the value of leadership research for practitioners is to explore it in a cross-sectional context, such as mountaineering. However, most of the literature on mountaineering leadership practices are not empirically researched, but based on the individual experience of an alpinist. This thesis seeks to define a connection between expedition leadership and corporate management by bridging academics and management practitioners. It provides critical insights into the key drivers of expedition leadership practices by exploring three research questions: how expedition leaders become leaders, how they manage group dynamics and how they make decisions. The study took a constructivist position using a qualitative methodology analysing interviews with 13 expedition leaders to obtain - narratives. This expert-sample included respondents from eight countries between the ages of 39 and 97 years. A thematic analysis was followed by narrative analysis, whereby power emerged as a new lateral and overarching theme. The importance of emotional intelligence was shown in the literature, including servant leadership (Greenleaf, 1977), distributed leadership (Gronn, 2009; Bolden, 2011) and conversational leadership (Groysberg & Slind, 2012). Team building, trust and communication were also identified as success factors and empowerment was also shown to be critically important. This thesis contributes to existing research knowledge in the area of leadership with the following learnings. In many respects, expedition leadership was ahead of the curve: (1) The development of leadership away from hierarchical, big organizations towards small, light, and agile teams. Distributed leadership based on empathy and emotional intelligence was often applied. (2) Most expedition leaders lived through many qualified experiences early on. Expert power grew into referent power and supported their authenticity. (3) Expedition leaders developed strategies to create an ecosystem for remote communication, necessary for a successful expedition long before this topic was relevant in the corporate world. (4) The hardest decisions to manage were not the ones following critical incidents, but the “wicked” ones, which were people related, especially involving summit politics.
Early Years Practitioners’ Perceptions of Ofsted Inspection.
Authors:   , Ward Michelle
Published: April 2024

This research explored the perceptions of Early Years (EY) practitioners in England regarding the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) inspection. While a significant amount of previous scholarly literature focuses on primary and secondary school teachers’ perceptions of this phenomenon, less is known about the views of EY practitioners, especially those working in private, voluntary and independent (PVI) settings. This study addresses this gap, whilst also incorporating the views of other practitioners working under the umbrella of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (Department for Education, 2014 – at the point of interviews). Working within the interpretivist paradigm, I engaged in thirteen semi-structured interviews with EY practitioners who had all experienced at least one Ofsted inspection. The key theorist employed to help with navigating through this study, was Foucault (chiefly 1977), and my interpretation of his ideas about panopticism provided the analytical framework. Prominent findings indicated that participants often considered their practice to be similar, irrespective of the presence of an Ofsted inspector. While the panoptic mechanism might have offered an explanation for this, participants also held some shared pedagogical values and beliefs with government requirements for EY settings. This raised the question of whether panopticism could explain all that they told me about their practice. These practitioners generally accepted that some kind of monitoring of settings was necessary in order to ensure quality in EY. In addition, they shared suggestions on how improvements could be made in relation to quality assurance. Regarding inspection, their chief recommendation was for Ofsted to prioritise the training of inspectors. This study will be of interest to all individuals grappling with their own thoughts about Ofsted inspection, as well as the decision-makers involved in EY quality assurance policy-making in England.