bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRAETORIAN: From Protection to Resilience of Critical Infrastructures
Authors: Muñoz-Navarro Eva , Hernández-Montesinos Juan José , Marqués-Moreno Antonio , Papadopoulos Lazaros , Karteris Antonios , Demestichas Konstantinos
Published: September 2024

With the entry into force of the new CER directive, critical entities must focus on resilience. New tools will soon be demanded by Critical Infrastructure operators and innovative technologies will make the difference for the adoption of key measures: carry out risk assessments, take technical and organizational measures to enhance resilience and notify incidents. The H2020 PRAETORIAN project enables the security stakeholders of the CIs in Europe to manage the life cycle of security threats, from forecast, assessment and prevention to detection, response, and mitigation, in a collaborative manner with the security teams from related CIs—being the CIs in the same sector or not. PRAETORIAN supports the decision-making process of CI operators to prevent major damages to the installations, neighboring population, and the environment, while allowing a fast recovery after incidents. This means a significant move toward a Resilience-based framework, going beyond the merely Protection approach required by the former regulation.
Supporting Maintenance Tasks and Upgrading Roadworks Through an Integrated Automated System
Authors: Gkotsis Ilias , Aggelis Aggelos , Perlepes Leonidas , Kostaridis Antonis , Karali Theodora , Bilionis Dimitrios , Camarinopoulos Stefanos , Handanos Yannis , Molcho Solon
Published: September 2024

At a time of zero tolerance (zero accidents, zero operating restrictions, zero ice on our roads, etc.), it is increasingly necessary to control risks and to improve the knowledge of road operators with regard to the condition of structures in order to organize preventive and predictive maintenance that minimizes risks at an acceptable cost. Instrumentation, particularly in the context of preventive monitoring, is a valuable tool, as are risk analysis approaches. It allows, in this case, to better understand the behavior of structures, to know their condition, and thus to provide reliable input data for a robust risk analysis. HERON project aims to develop an integrated automated system to perform maintenance and upgrading roadworks, such as sealing cracks, patching potholes, asphalt rejuvenation, autonomous replacement of CUD elements, and painting markings, but also supporting the pre/post-intervention phase including visual inspections and dispensing and removing traffic cones in an automated and controlled manner. To achieve this, HERON aims at providing (among others) extended situation awareness, granting the users with real-time information stream during road maintenance and inspection operations, and supporting the reduction of fatal accidents, maintenance costs, and traffic disruptions, thus increasing the network capacity and efficiency.
A Semantic Engine for Fighting Cultural Goods Crime
Authors: Daskalakis Emmanouil , Alexakis Theodoros , Peppes Nikolaos , Demestichas Konstantinos , Adamopoulou Evgenia
Published: September 2024

Looting and illicit trafficking of cultural objects pose a significant threat to the preservation of cultural heritage. Advanced digital tools for the early detection of such phenomena can play an important role in safeguarding cultural property on a global scale. Fighting illicit trafficking of cultural property in a timely manner is of vital importance, as any loss of time favors smugglers and can seriously undermine the efforts of protecting the cultural heritage. Towards this direction, this paper demonstrates the main functionalities provided by a semantic engine which will apply logical, rule-based reasoning for revealing new relations between the source and the destination points of stolen objects, among the different types of goods and their distribution channels, as well as among diverse structures and activities of traffickers. The semantic engine will display a wide range of alerts alongside a unified graph, thus helping Law Enforcement Agencies to tackle cases of cultural goods crime faster and more effectively.
Assessing AI Technologies for LEA Use: The ALIGNER Methodology
Authors: Casaburo Donatella , Jarlsbo Mathilde , Lückerath Daniel , Normelli Norea
Published: September 2024

Artificial intelligence may greatly enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies. However, different (emerging) AI applications create different technical, ethical, legal, and organisational risks. To identify the most promising AI technologies for law enforcement use, the H2020 project ALIGNER has developed a sound methodology consisting of a collaborative technology watch process, followed by three cumulative assessments. This book chapter presents ALIGNER’s AI Technology Impact Assessment, Risk Assessment, and Fundamental Rights Impact Assessment.
Implementation and Evaluation of Standardisation Activities in Crisis Management Through a Full-Scale Exercise
Authors: Athanasiadis Spyridon C. , Michalis Panagiotis , Tsougiannis Vangelis , Ouzounoglou Eleftherios , Karagiannidis Lazaros , Amditis Angelos
Published: September 2024

STRATEGY project aims at selecting and implementing existing, evolving and new standards within solutions, tools, procedural guidelines and recommendations. The project will streamline and validate technical and organisational interoperability in a fully transboundary configuration with means of standards through the implementation of use cases involving EU and National Standardisation bodies. The main objective is to enhance the resilience of EU against all types of natural & manmade disasters (multi-hazard approach), through validating the standards of next-generation solutions and procedures ensuring an effective and efficient collaborative response. This article presents the validation activities carried out for two pre-standardisation items entitled ‘Specifications for Digital Scenarios for Crisis Managements’ and ‘Requirements for acquiring digital information from victims during Search and Rescue operations’. The results of the developments and the implementation and evaluation through a Full-Scale Exercise are presented which aimed at collecting feedback from key crisis management stakeholders which included first responders, academia and researchers, industry and public authorities.
AI-Based Framework for Supporting Micro and Small Hosting Service Providers on the Report and Removal of Online Terrorist Content
Authors: Kalpakis George , Paternoster Caterina , Mancuso Marina , Kozhuharova Denitsa , Spathi Theoni , Semertzidis Theodoros , Tsikrika Theodora , Vrochidis Stefanos
Published: September 2024

This work proposes a framework integrating AI technologies and tools to assist micro and small hosting service providers (HSPs) in adhering to the terrorist content online (TCO) Regulation. The framework encompasses: (i) a suite of AI tools for the automated detection and removal of TCO, (ii) a federated learning infrastructure for (re-)training and testing the underlying AI models, (iii) a secure shared hash repository to facilitate the automated prevention of uploading subversive content to HSP platforms, and (iv) a unified reporting mechanism to support the submission of removal orders by competent authorities. The proposed framework is being developed in the context of the ALLIES project in a user-driven manner based on the requirements of HSP and law enforcement agency (LEA) personnel. In addition, its development is guided by a desktop and empirical study on the landscape of online radicalisation, extremism conducted by domain experts. Overall, this framework is envisaged to support micro and small HSPs and protect their platforms from terrorist abuse in an efficient and cost-effective way.
CTC Project: Advancing the Fight against Terrorist Financing with AI Technologies
Authors: Spathi Theoni , Jofre Maria , Djouadi Mateo , Skouras Taxiarchis , Stylianou Nikolaos , Raptis Sotirios , Kosmatopoulos Andreas , Theodosiadou Ourania , Koufakis Alexandros , Semertzidis Theodoros , Sanchez Gisela , Da Bormida Giorgio , Skarlatos Efstathios , Lykousas Nikolaos , Pavué Clément , Kavallieros Dimitris , Tsikrika Theodora , Vrochidis Stefanos
Published: September 2024

Terrorist financing (TF) poses a significant threat to the security and stability of the European Union (EU) and its member states. To combat TF in an efficient and timely manner, advanced technologies are required. The EU-funded Cut the Cord project (CTC) seeks to strengthen the EU’s capability to understand and counter TF by exploring innovative technologies and developing artificial intelligence (AI)-based solutions. Moreover, it pioneers the development of a blockchain-based chain-of-custody system that ensures a secure, transparent, and auditable exchange of intelligence among stakeholders, thus providing an immutable record of transactions and contributing to the robustness of evidence that could be presented in a court of law. This paper outlines CTC’s objectives, proposed solutions, and potential impacts, sparking discussion on novel approaches to detect and fight TF.
Learning Domain-Invariant Spatio-Temporal Visual Cues for Video-Based Crowd Panic Detection
Authors: Calle Javier , Unzueta Luis , Leskovsky Peter , García Jorge
Published: September 2024

Developing a vision-based approach for identifying crowd panic in video surveillance systems is a complex task due to the struggle to gather enough real-world event recordings for training. The use of synthetic data can mitigate this issue, but the domain gap between synthetic and real-world samples needs to be managed to achieve precise results. We present a method to train these systems effectively by combining synthetic and real data to differentiate between normal and panic states. Our method learns domain-invariant spatio-temporal visual cues of the scenes along with supplementary descriptive attributes of crowd directions for the panic state classification. Experimental results show its potential with respect to alternative state-of-the-art methodologies and how it can effectively leverage synthetic data to train this kind of systems with high accuracy.
A Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) Solution for Synthetically Generated Botnet Attack Data Samples
Authors: Peppes Nikolaos , Alexakis Theodoros , Daskalakis Emmanouil , Adamopoulou Evgenia , Demestichas Konstantinos
Published: September 2024

The trend of digitization in almost every aspect of daily human life has raised serious concerns about security in the digital world. With new technologies, solutions, and tools emerging daily, new vulnerabilities also arise. Botnets are among the most widespread cyberthreats in the modern digital landscape, as they can breach and affect entire organizations or domains by infecting just a single device in a network. This study involves the design and implementation of a generative adversarial network (the so-called BotNetGAN - BNGAN) to synthetically generate botnet attack data samples, which are assessed for both quality and quantity using specific data quality indicators. The quality assessment results show that the produced data are very similar to the original ones. Therefore, the significance of GANs in data generation processes is almost undeniable. Furthermore, increasing the volume of annotated data can lead to the improvement and enhancement of AI-based cybersecurity solutions that heavily rely on data availability.
Leveraging Continuous Learning for Fighting Misinformation
Authors: Adamopoulou Evgenia , Alexakis Theodoros , Peppes Nikolaos , Daskalakis Emmanouil , Demestichas Konstantinos
Published: September 2024

The evolution brought by social media as well as the Internet itself has led to new paradigms in journalism and mass communication. New technologies revolutionize the way humans communicate and get informed about what is happening in the world; in parallel, however, individuals and organizations can exploit these new paradigms to pursue their own agenda. In this light, the spread of misinformation and disinformation can have a variety of negative effects on society, for instance, by creating dipoles in the political dialogue and threatening democracy, putting the health and security of citizens at risk through falsified information, or spreading conspiracy theories about climate change and the environment. To help in the fight against misinformation, the present study focuses on an innovative approach that evaluates and combines the results of different content verification services. This approach, entitled “Meta-Detection Toolset (MDT)” for content verification, consists of an algorithmic consensus (voting) mechanism based on weights, which rewards or penalizes verification services on the basis of their prediction results and the ground truth (verification labels) provided by human domain experts (fact checkers or other). Using a dedicated weight recalculation algorithm, as the feedback of the experts is gradually provided, the weights are recalculated and updated constantly, thus forming a continuous learning procedure for content verification.
Best Practices for Creating and Maintaining Clusters in EU-Funded Projects: Insights from the H2020 BES Cluster
Authors: Charalampos Chatzimallis , Danai Kyrkou , Anneta Kampouridou , Christianna Themistocleous , Alkiviadis Astyakopoulos , Artemisia Nikolaidou , Mirela Rosgova , Yildirim Yayilgan Sule , Pantelis Velanas
Published: September 2024

EU-funded projects often use clustering or sister projects communities as a dissemination and communication strategy to promote their outputs and exchange knowledge. Maintaining such communities with meaningful impact on projects, during and following their life cycle, may be challenging. This chapter aims to provide answers and best practices to questions related to creating, managing, and maintaining clusters, engaging projects, ensuring sustainability, and supporting efficient joint exploitation activities. Focusing on the latter, it draws insights from the H2020 BES Cluster (H2020 Border External Security Cluster), which consists of security-related H2020 and Horizon Europe projects collaborating to support communication and dissemination activities, exchange good practices and methodologies, and explore possibilities to combine pilot activities. The chapter provides a comprehensive review of the outcomes and impact of the H2020 BES Cluster projects, highlighting their significance and potential for further exploitation. Moreover, it discusses strategies for early exploitation and effective dissemination for projects still in progress. Although the H2020 BES Cluster is border security-related, its proposed methodology and practices can apply to different projects with minor customisation. This chapter aspires to introduce and strengthen innovations and improvements to the security and border control system within the EU by promoting a collaborative environment and drawing attention to the tangible results and benefits of EU-funded projects.
Frugal and Robust AI for Defence Advanced Intelligence
Authors: Papagianni Andromachi , Ioannidis Konstantinos , Tsikrika Theodora , Vrochidis Stefanos , Kompatsiaris Ioannis
Published: September 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has greatly impacted various aspects of modern society and economy. Recent technological advancements have significantly improved decision-making and support systems, as well as autonomous processes, by utilising different types of data, such as text, visual content, and video footage. To provide accurate outcomes, AI models require collection and preparation of a number of representative data that leads to a costly and timely process, in terms of hardware and human resources. Though, their adoption in defence systems is severely affected by the lack of appropriate data either in terms of size or due to their limited classification level. Current AI trends can contribute to overcoming such limitations and improve their overall utilisation in the defence domain hence to modernise current warfare. To this end, the proposed framework aims to comprise an AI package that involves numerous models and addresses the core challenges of a defence system. This research study relies on the development of five, interconnected research pillars and is expected to impact their systems. The ambition of the so-called ‘FaRADAI framework’ is to produce relevant research advances in the development of new technologies which will be successfully applied in the context of AI for defence applications, covering all stages of a military operation supply chain, from planning, to execution, C2, decision-making, and mission adaptation.
Methodological Approach for Designing an Artificial Intelligence Repository for Defence Applications
Authors: Kampas Georgios , Moutzouris Marios , Perlepes Leonidas , Gyftodimos Konstantinos , Papageorgiou Dimitrios , Savvopoulos Alexandros , Michalis Pantelis , Eftychidis Georgios , Kostaridis Antonis , Diagourtas Dimitrios
Published: September 2024

This chapter is a response to the increasing demand for a versatile AI dataset repository in a rapidly evolving landscape that necessitates frugal and robust AI solutions for defence applications. In an era characterized by an exponential growth in data generation, the need for a repository that can accommodate diverse and extensive datasets has become paramount. The evolving nature of defence and security challenges, marked by the reliance on AI for critical decision-making, further underscores the urgency of this repository. With a wealth of non-cooperative and cooperative tracking data, electro-optical data, radio signals, and more at play, the chapter addresses the imperative to provide a secure, accessible, and scalable repository that aligns datasets with specific user requirements and use cases. This comprehensive repository design acknowledges not only the massive volumes of data at hand but also the importance of long-term data preservation, access control, and data integrity. It offers a methodological blueprint for building a robust AI dataset repository capable of meeting the ever-increasing demands of a dynamic AI landscape. In this context, the chapter includes the methodological approach for the creation of a specialized AI dataset repository, which is being developed within the framework of the EU-funded FaRADAI project (GA no. 101103386) and aims at advancing AI technology for defence applications. The FaRADAI Dataset Repository (FDR) plays a pivotal role in facilitating collaboration among project partners by serving as a centralized hub for secure and efficient data storage and access.
AI Applied to Intelligence and Security: Technologies and EC-Funded Initiatives
Authors: Frascà Domenico , Zanasi Alessandro , Ustenko Maria , Fratantoni Paola , Venturi Giulia
Published: September 2024

This chapter reports on the artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and EC-funded initiatives and research projects focused on the application of AI to the security and intelligence fields. Nowadays, the AI technology is transversal to a multitude of activities in all phases of the intelligence cycle. In particular, the use of AI in the phases of collection, processing, and analysis of data and information is now part of the state of the art. Several software tools, frameworks, and techniques are available, and security and intelligence practitioners that make use of AI technologies often adapt and customize these frameworks for the context and purpose of the specific operational case.
SAFERS: Structured Approaches for Forest Fire Emergencies in Resilient Societies
Authors: Arnaudo Edoardo , Bruno Luca , Oldani Federico , Laine Marko , Bielski Conrad , Croci Alberto , Trucchia Andrea , Masa Panagiota , Rossi Claudio
Published: September 2024

Forest fires, exacerbated by the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, remain a pressing concern. Developing effective forest fire emergency management systems is paramount to mitigate the impacts of future events. The SAFERS project (Structured Approaches for Forest fire Emergencies in Resilient Societies) addresses this challenge by proposing a modular and comprehensive Emergency Management System (EMS) encompassing all phases of the emergency management cycle. The main backbone of SAFERS is composed of Intelligent Services (ISs) linked with a web-based platform allowing data visualization and end-user interactions. These services integrate diverse data sources, including Earth Observation data, meteorological forecasts, and crowdsourced information. Through advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms, the ISs enable early warnings, rapid fire detection, propagation prediction, postevent assessment, and monitoring of soil recovery. This work focuses on these services and on the methodologies applied within SAFERS to enhance decision-making capabilities, facilitate effective response strategies, and promote resilience in the face of forest fire emergencies.
Is Public Procurement a Hindering Factor in the Uptake of Innovation?
Authors: Kubinec Jozef
Published: September 2024

End users in the security sector often perceive public procurement as hindering innovation uptake. The chapter debates the role of public procurement in security research and innovation, presents the steps that the project iProcureNet is taking to promote innovation and offers suggestions of public procurement practices to public buyers that can promote innovation, such as joint cross-border public procurement, preliminary market consultation, value engineering and functional specifications. This chapter aims to analyse some of the public procurement instruments that can potentially promote innovation and presents practical suggestions on how public buyers, end users and researchers can utilise public procurement so that it no longer hinders innovation uptake.
Policy Recommendations for Combating New Trends in Drug Trafficking
Authors: Makri Freideriki , Dimitrakopoulou Genny , Kapsalis Nikolaos , Kokkinis George
Published: September 2024

Drug trafficking is a serious threat to the security and well-being of the European Union’s citizens. Organised criminal groups involved in drug trafficking exploit new information and communication technologies to evade law enforcement agencies and use the profits from illegal drugs to fund other criminal activities. This chapter presents the findings and policy recommendations of the work performed by the Mediterranean and Black Sea Network of security practitioners. The research performed focuses on the operational challenges and the capability gaps experienced in the fight against drug trafficking, and specifically heroin trafficking from Asia to Europe through the Balkan route. The chapter outlines the methodology used by the network of practitioners to first identify and then analyse the security gaps and challenges they are currently experiencing. Research and academia support security practitioners to develop a series of policy recommendations required to overcome these challenges. The policy recommendations focused on interconnecting existing security databases, expanding the mandate of Passenger Information Units to other modes of transport, harmonising and advancing the lawful interception process, better regulating the end-to-end encryption in modern communication channels, and developing a framework for the seizure of cryptocurrencies. The chapter concludes that enhancing information exchange and cooperation between security stakeholders at the national and EU levels, as well as developing advanced technological solutions in the fields of intelligence analysis, scanning of freights and intercepting criminal communications, are essential for combating drug trafficking effectively.
Measuring Forest Resilience Against Wildfires and Climate Change: Methods and Technical Approaches
Authors: Demestichas Konstantinos , Sykas Dimitrios , Zografakis Dimitrios , Kaloudis Spyridon , Kalapodis Nikolaos , Sakkas Georgios , Athanasiou Miltiadis , Costopoulou Constantina
Published: September 2024

Forest ecosystems, vital for biodiversity and climate regulation, are increasingly threatened by wildfires and climate change. This book chapter aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of methods used to measure forest resilience against these threats. This involves exploring both quantitative methodologies, focusing on specific ecosystem parameters, and qualitative ones that seek to understand contributing social and ecological factors. Earth Observation is emphasized as a critical tool for monitoring changes in forest health. The chapter underscores that forest resilience is multifaceted and cannot be described by a single metric; diverse approaches, including hydrological monitoring, machine learning, and decision support systems, are needed. Challenges in measuring resilience are discussed, such as dealing with heterogeneous data and the complexity of forest ecosystems. However, advances in technology provide significant opportunities for enhancing our understanding and ability to ensure the continued survival and prosperity of forest ecosystems.
Dry Liposculpture of the Calves and Ankles—A Novel Technique for Sculpting the Lower Legs
Authors: Niddam Jeremy , Castel Noam , Berl Ariel , Shalom Avshalom
Published: September 2024

Background

Liposuction of the calves and ankles was historically described as a “taboo” procedure and linked with higher postoperative pain and unpleasing aesthetic results.

Objectives

This study presents a Novel technique for dry liposculpture of the calves and ankles using a tourniquet, as a safe and less painful procedure, which achieves better aesthetic results.

Methods

This single surgeon, retrospective study included 70 women who underwent surgery based on the technique described. Details regarding the surgical outcomes and pain levels were collected, and patients completed 2 years of follow-up.

Results

A mean of 1395 cc fat was aspirated from both legs, combined, and the mean duration of surgery was 98 minutes. No major complications were observed, and postoperative pain levels were low. Pre- and post-surgery pictures were evaluated by 8 certified senior plastic surgeons for aesthetic results.

Discussion

The findings suggest that dry liposculpture is suitable for reshaping the calves and ankles.

Conclusions

This technique is safe, with precise and satisfactory aesthetic results, low levels of postoperative pain, and may take less time to perform than wet liposuction.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Parents caring and sham-feeding their child born with Esophageal atresia at home while waiting for reconstructive surgery
Authors: Tollne AnnaMaria , Öst Elin , Nilsson Tuva , Almström Markus , Svensson Jan F.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

For children with Esophageal atresia who have to wait for reconstructive surgery, long hospital stay, delayed introduction of oral feeds and hampered oro-motor function has traditionally been draw-backs for this treatment as the patients have minimal training of oro-motor function while waiting for surgery. In this paper, we present the concept of sham-feed at home awaiting reconstructive surgery with the aim to obliviate these problems. The aim was to describe the characteristics of patients with Esophageal atresia waiting for reconstructive surgery sham-feeding at home by their parents and further describe adverse events that arose.

Methods

The study is a retrospective descriptive single center study on all children with a delayed reconstruction of Esophageal atresia who was sham-fed by their parents at home before reconstructive surgery between January 2010 and January 2023 at the Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm.

Results

Nine patients where home waiting for reconstructive surgery for a median of 72 days. No adverse events were reported related to the sham-feed procedure at home. The children had reconstructive surgery at a median 120 days of age. Five of the children ate full meals orally day 8–27 after surgery. Two children ate fully before 1 year after surgery. Two children had surgery less than 1 year ago and were not eating fully orally at the time of data collection.

Conclusion

Sham-feeding at home by the parents was safe and feasible with the benefits of a prolonged time out of hospital awaiting reconstructive surgery.
Does the femoral component design modified in consideration of Asian anatomical characteristics fit better than the conventional design for Korean femora in reality?
Authors: Jung Seok Jin , Kim Han Sol , Rhee Seung Joon , Lee Sang Min , D’lima Darryl D.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

We aimed to investigate the anatomical and clinical advantages of an Asian-specific femoral component design with a high femoral aspect ratio, compared with the conventional femoral component design.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis of the operation and outpatient clinic records of 239 knees operated on using an anatomically modified femoral component design (MFCD, Group A) and 153 knees operated on using a conventional femoral component design (CFCD, Group B) in Korean patients was performed. Three subgroups were created based on the mediolateral size of the two different femoral component designs. The geometric accommodation of each femoral component was assessed using intraoperatively measured femoral posterior condylar resection and posterior condylar trimming amounts. Clinical outcomes were assessed using a range of motion (ROM) and patient-reported outcome measurements.

Results

In the comparison between Groups A and B, the mean combined bilateral posterior condylar trimming (XPCT) was 2.91 [2SD: − 4.12–9.94] and 1.45 [2SD: − 5.89–8.80], and the median XPCT was 3 and 1.5. In the largest subgroup (subgroup 2), Groups A and B included 100 and 112 patients, all six posterior condylar resection and trimming parameters were significantly larger in Group A. Preoperative and postoperative ROM and Hospital for Special Surgery scores were similar between the two groups. Preoperative Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) was higher in Group A. However, postoperative WOMAC was similar between the groups. Perioperative improvement in WOMAC index was significantly greater in Group B.

Conclusions

The Asian-specific femoral component design resulted in more resection and trimming of the femoral posterior condyle than the conventional design despite it was not associated with different clinical outcomes. Surgeons should be aware of unexpected excessive posterior condylar resection and formation of large flexion gap when using femoral component design with high femoral aspect ratio.
Effect of intravenous different drugs on the prevention of restlessness during recovery period of pediatric laparoscopic surgery: a randomized control trial
Authors: Liang Zhi-Jie , Liang Jia-Mei , Nong Xiao-Ling , Chen Ni-Qiao , Liu An-Yuan , Sun Xiao-Qiang , Lu Yi-Xing , Ou Zhuo-Xin , Li Sheng-Lan , Lin Yu-Nan
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To explored the impact of dexmedetomidine and esketamine in mitigating restlessness during the postoperative recovery phase following laparoscopic surgery in children.

Methods

102 individuals aged 1 to 7 years experiencing laparoscopic surgery were randomly allocated into three groups, each accepting 1 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine, 0.3 mg/kg of esketamine, or saline immediately at the end of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum. Emergence agitation (EA) occurrence was assessed by PAED scale and 5-point agitation scale. Pain was judged using Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) scale. The recovery time, extubation time, and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay time were recorded for all three groups.

Results

Patients administered 1 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine (8.8%) and individuals given 0.3 mg/kg of esketamine (11.8%) showed lower incidences of emergence agitation compared to those receiving saline (35.5%; P = 0.009). There was no statistically significant difference in the time to discharge from the PACU among the three groups of patients (P > 0.05). The recovery time and extubation time were notably extended in the dexmedetomidine group (40.88 ± 12.95 min, 42.50 ± 13.38 min) when compared to the saline group (32.56 ± 13.05 min, 33.29 ± 11.30 min; P = 0.009, P = 0.010).

Conclusion

Following CO2 pneumoperitoneum in pediatric laparoscopic surgeries, the intravenous administration of 1 μg/kg dexmedetomidine or 0.3 mg/kg esketamine effectively lowers EA occurrence without extending PACU time.
A multibody simulation of the spine for objectification of biomechanical quantities after VBT: a proof of concept and description of baseline data
Authors: Frank Jil , Pishnamaz Miguel , Ignasiak Dominika , Trobisch Per David , Hildebrand Frank , Praster Maximilian
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT), an alternative treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, shows satisfactory post-operative results. However, the biomechanical quantities and consequences after VBT surgery remain largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze the spinal biomechanics during different motions using a multibody simulation approach.

Methods

The tether and intervertebral compression forces were simulated in a validated spine model during different physiological movements at different pre-tensions and screw positions, while considering the anatomical muscle and ligament properties.

Results

The simulations showed that an augmentation of the pre-tension and an alteration of the screw position have both significant impact on the intervertebral compression and tether forces. The forces also vary depending on the movement performed, with the highest tether forces measured during lateral bending. In the upright position, with a pre-tension of 200 N, the maximum compression force increases by up to 157% compared to the untethered maximum compression force. The screw position can lead to large differences in the distribution of forces in the spine.

Conclusion

The biomechanical data provide a first impression of the forces that occur along the spine during various physiological movements and are consistent with published clinical data. Forces are not evenly distributed along the spine, with higher lumbar forces. The tether forces reach values during lateral bending that can potentially destroy the tether´s integrity and thus may explain the common post-operative complication, namely tether breakage. The results of the model can therefore have an impact on future directions for improved surgical VBT treatment.
Long-term safety and effectiveness of romiplostim for chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in real-world settings
Authors: Obara Naoshi , Hatanaka Shigeki , Tsuji Yukie , Higashi Koji
Published: September 2024

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), an autoimmune hematologic disorder characterized by severe platelet count reduction, can be treated with romiplostim. However, post-marketing safety and effectiveness data for romiplostim in Japan are scarce. This prospective, observational, post-marketing Specified Use-Results Survey evaluated the real-world safety and effectiveness of romiplostim for 2 years. All patients treated with romiplostim during the survey period were eligible. Of the 1622 patients in the safety analysis set, 94.08% (1526/1622) had chronic ITP. The mean single dose of romiplostim was stable after 12 weeks and remained < 6 μg/kg in approximately 70% of patients until 104 weeks. Within 2 years, 14.92% of patients discontinued romiplostim because of adverse events, while 6.47% discontinued because of suspected adverse drug reactions. In contrast, 14.00% of patients discontinued romiplostim because of symptom improvement. Before romiplostim initiation, platelet count was < 2.0 × 104/µL in 60.54% of patients, and the mean platelet count was 2.84 ± 5.76 × 104/µL. Platelet count was 9.19 ± 13.01 × 104/µL after 4 weeks, and remained between 10.34 ± 10.72 and 12.38 ± 12.63 × 104/µL from 8 to 104 weeks of treatment. No specific concerns were revealed regarding the safety and effectiveness of romiplostim in chronic ITP; the findings demonstrated a favorable risk–benefit balance for romiplostim in this population. Trial registration: UMIN000047864 (www.umin.ac.jp/ctr).
Information processing at the speed of light
Authors: AbuGhanem Muhammad
Published: September 2024

In recent years, quantum computing has made significant strides, particularly in light-based technology. The introduction of quantum photonic chips has ushered in an era marked by scalability, stability, and cost-effectiveness, paving the way for innovative possibilities within compact footprints. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of photonic quantum computing, covering key aspects such as encoding information in photons, the merits of photonic qubits, and essential photonic device components including light squeezers, quantum light sources, interferometers, photodetectors, and waveguides. The article also examines photonic quantum communication and internet, and its implications for secure systems, detailing implementations such as quantum key distribution and long-distance communication. Emerging trends in quantum communication and essential reconfigurable elements for advancing photonic quantum internet are discussed. The review further navigates the path towards establishing scalable and fault-tolerant photonic quantum computers, highlighting quantum computational advantages achieved using photons. Additionally, the discussion extends to programmable photonic circuits, integrated photonics and transformative applications. Lastly, the review addresses prospects, implications, and challenges in photonic quantum computing, offering valuable insights into current advancements and promising future directions in this technology.

Graphic abstract
The advantages of preoperative 3D reconstruction over 2D-CT in thoracoscopic segmentectomy
Authors: He Hao , Wang Peiyuan , Zhou Hang , Wei Wenwei , Lin Junpeng , Chen Yujie , Wang Feng , Liu Shuoyan
Published: September 2024

Performing a pulmonary segmentectomy is a complex process, with precise localization of pulmonary nodules and recognition of intraoperative anatomical variations posing significant challenges. This study aims to assess the advantages of preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction (3D-RE) in thoracoscopic segmentectomy. The study, at Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, analyzed data from segmentectomy patients from January 2016 to February 2022. It compared 3D-RE and two-dimensional computed tomography (2D-CT) preoperative scans, focusing on perioperative complications within30 days to identify any differences. This investigation encompassed a total of 265 instances, with 148 belonging to the 3D-RE group and 117 aligned with the 2D-CT group. The 3D-RE group showed reduced intraoperative blood loss and shorter postoperative hospital stays (P < 0.001). They also had higher rates of lymph node sampling and combined subsegmentectomy and segmentectomy procedures (P < 0.01). Postoperative complications, particularly pneumonia and lung fistula, were lower in the 3D-RE group (P = 0.041). The rates of minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) and invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC) were significantly higher in the 3D-RE group, while adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) and benign cases were less common (P = 0.006). Surgical duration, chest tube duration, chest drainage volume, surgery complexity, and pathological diagnoses showed no significant differences between the groups. Utilization of preoperative 3D-RE holds potential to minimize both intraoperative and postoperative complications, thereby enhancing the safety and feasibility of undertaking segmentectomy procedures.
3D Printing of Tough Hydrogel Scaffolds with Functional Surface Structures for Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Yao Ke , Hong Gaoying , Yuan Ximin , Kong Weicheng , Xia Pengcheng , Li Yuanrong , Chen Yuewei , Liu Nian , He Jing , Shi Jue , Hu Zihe , Zhou Yanyan , Xie Zhijian , He Yong
Published: September 2024

Hydrogel scaffolds have numerous potential applications in the tissue engineering field. However, tough hydrogel scaffolds implanted in vivo are seldom reported because it is difficult to balance biocompatibility and high mechanical properties. Inspired by Chinese ramen, we propose a universal fabricating method (printing-P, training-T, cross-linking-C, PTC & PCT) for tough hydrogel scaffolds to fill this gap. First, 3D printing fabricates a hydrogel scaffold with desired structures (P). Then, the scaffold could have extraordinarily high mechanical properties and functional surface structure by cycle mechanical training with salting-out assistance (T). Finally, the training results are fixed by photo-cross-linking processing (C). The tough gelatin hydrogel scaffolds exhibit excellent tensile strength of 6.66 MPa (622-fold untreated) and have excellent biocompatibility. Furthermore, this scaffold possesses functional surface structures from nanometer to micron to millimeter, which can efficiently induce directional cell growth. Interestingly, this strategy can produce bionic human tissue with mechanical properties of 10 kPa-10 MPa by changing the type of salt, and many hydrogels, such as gelatin and silk, could be improved with PTC or PCT strategies. Animal experiments show that this scaffold can effectively promote the new generation of muscle fibers, blood vessels, and nerves within 4 weeks, prompting the rapid regeneration of large-volume muscle loss injuries.
Eager beavers v. lazy slugs: selection effects in experiments with social preferences
Authors: Eckel Catherine , Wilson Rick K. , Youn Sora
Published: September 2024

We ask whether social preferences measured in subjects who come to the laboratory when invited are systematically different from those of subjects who only respond when an online option is available. Subjects participated in two types of third-party (other–other) dictator games and a trust game, either in the lab or on-line. In the third party dictator games, the dictator divides $20 between two other individuals, one of whom is a member of their in-group. (We also varied types of in-group between a real group and an artificial group.) In the trust game, the first-mover decides how much of the endowment to send to the second-mover. The second-mover receives the amount sent tripled by the experimenter and decides how much to send back to the trustee. Across all the games, we find no statistically significant differences in social preferences measured in-lab and on-line.
A Scan Strategy Based Compensation of Cumulative Heating Effects in Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Breuning Christoph , Markl Matthias , Körner Carolin
Published: September 2024

The fabrication of complex geometries with uniform material properties in electron beam powder bed fusion (PBF-EB) remains a major challenge. Local material properties in PBF-EB are determined by the local thermal conditions and the spatio-temporal melt pool evolution. The local thermal conditions are governed by the cumulative heating effect on the hatch scale, which results from the superposition of temperature fields from adjacent hatch lines. The build-up of the cumulative heating effect at the beginning of a new hatch segment, without prior hatch lines, which results in regions with underdeveloped thermal conditions, is so far only rarely considered in the design of process strategies. This study introduces a numerical optimization scheme with the objective to minimize the extent of regions with underdeveloped thermal conditions at the beginning of line-based hatches, by means of scan strategy modifications. For this purpose, a simplified thermal solution is combined with an optimization approach to determine an optimal process strategy for line-based PBF-EB of a cuboid model geometry through the adaptation of individual hatch line spacing. Based on the approach determined for the model geometry, a generalized process strategy is derived for complex geometries and is numerically validated for different process parameter and geometry combinations.
Perspective: imaging atomic step geometry to determine surface terminations of kagome materials and beyond
Authors: Liu Guowei , Yang Tianyu , Jiang Yu-Xiao , Hossain Shafayat , Deng Hanbin , Hasan M. Zahid , Yin Jia-Xin
Published: September 2024

Here we review scanning tunneling microscopy research on the surface determination for various types of kagome materials, including 11-type (CoSn, FeSn, FeGe), 32-type (Fe3Sn2), 13-type (Mn3Sn), 135-type (AV3Sb5, A = K, Rb, Cs), 166-type (TbMn6Sn6, YMn6Sn6 and ScV6Sn6), and 322-type (Co3Sn2S2 and Ni3In2Se2). We first demonstrate that the measured step height between different surfaces typically deviates from the expected value of ±0.4 ∼0.8Å, which is owing to the tunneling convolution effect with electronic states and becomes a serious issue for Co3Sn2S2 where the expected Sn-S interlayer distance is 0.6Å. Hence, we put forward a general methodology for surface determination as atomic step geometry imaging, which is fundamental but also experimentally challenging to locate the step and to image with atomic precision. We discuss how this method can be used to resolve the surface termination puzzle in Co3Sn2S2. This method provides a natural explanation for the existence of adatoms and vacancies, and beyond using unknown impurity states, we propose and use designer layer-selective substitutional chemical markers to confirm the validity of this method. Finally, we apply this method to determine the surface of a new kagome material Ni3In2Se2, as a cousin of Co3Sn2S2, and we image the underlying kagome geometry on the determined Se surface above the kagome layer, which directly visualizes the p-d hybridization physics. We emphasize that this general method does not rely on theory, but the determined surface identity can provide guidelines for first-principles calculations with adjustable parameters on the surface-dependent local density of states and quasi-particle interference patterns.
A review on the mathematical models of thermostatically controlled load
Authors: Tian Xiaoyu , Liu Lin , Shen Ganhua
Published: September 2024

Thermostatically controlled load (TCL) contributes a relatively higher proportion of energy consumption. Its mathematical models can be used for quantifying the real-time supply and demand balance between the power generations and load systems. The relevant studies have received great attention with the development of smart grids in recent years. This study mainly presented the development of TCL mathematical models from a single model to aggregated models. Finally, the advantages of these models were compared and analyzed based on the simulation results. This study could provide a theoretical basis for the applications of TCLs in the supply and demand balances.
Challenges and prospects in utilizing technologies for gene fusion analysis in cancer diagnostics
Authors: Su Xinglei , Zheng Qiangting , Xiu Xuehao , Zhao Qiong , Wang Yudong , Han Da , Song Ping
Published: September 2024

Gene fusions are vital biomarkers for tumor diagnosis and drug development, with precise detection becoming increasingly important. This review explores the links between gene fusions and common tumors, systematically evaluating detection technologies like fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), electrochemiluminescence (ECL), and next-generation sequencing (NGS). FISH is the gold standard for DNA-level rearrangements, while PCR and NGS are widely used, with PCR confirming known fusions and NGS offering comprehensive genome-wide detection. Bioinformatic tools like STAR-Fusion, FusionCatcher, and Arriba are assessed for diagnostic accuracy. The review highlights how artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning (DL) technologies like convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs), is transforming gene fusion research by accurately detecting and annotating genes from genomic data, eliminating biases. Finally, we present an overview of advanced technologies for gene fusion analysis, emphasizing their potential to uncover unknown gene fusions.

Graphical Abstract