bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicians’ attitudes toward hypnotics for insomnia: A questionnaire-based study
Authors: Takeshima Masahiro , Aoki Yumi , Ie Kenya , Katsumoto Eiichi , Tsuru Eichi , Tsuboi Takashi , Inada Ken , Kise Morito , Watanabe Koichiro , Mishima Kazuo , Takaesu Yoshikazu
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines are still widely prescribed despite safety concerns and the introduction of novel hypnotics (orexin receptor antagonists [ORA] and melatonin receptor agonists [MRA]), which may be influenced by physicians’ attitudes toward hypnotics.

Methods

A questionnaire survey was administered to 962 physicians between October 2021 and February 2022, investigating frequently prescribed hypnotics and the reasons for their selection.

Results

ORA were the most frequently prescribed at 84.3%, followed by non-benzodiazepines (75.4%), MRA (57.1%), and benzodiazepines (54.3%). Compared to non-frequent prescribers of hypnotics, a logistic regression analysis showed that frequent ORA prescribers were more concerned with efficacy (odds ratio [OR]: 1.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–2.54, p = 0.044) and safety (OR: 4.52, 95% CI: 2.99–6.84, p < 0.001), frequent MRA prescribers were more concerned with safety (OR: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.77–3.46, p < 0.001), frequent non-benzodiazepine prescribers were more concerned with efficacy (OR: 4.19, 95% CI: 2.91–6.04, p < 0.001), and frequent benzodiazepine prescribers were more concerned with efficacy (OR: 4.19, 95% CI: 2.91–6.04, p < 0.001) but less concerned with safety (OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.16–0.39, p < 0.001).

Discussion

This study suggested that physicians believed ORA to be an effective and safe hypnotic and were compelled to prescribe benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine frequently, choosing efficacy over safety.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on outpatient visit volume in cancer patients: Results of COMETA multicenter retrospective observational study
Authors: Frisardi Vincenza , Brunetti Oronzo , Abbinante Vincenza , Ardigò Marco , Caolo Giuseppina , Di Turi Annunziata , Torsello Alessandra , Napoli Christian , Mancini Rita , Belleudi Valeria , Addis Antonio , Di Bella Ornella , Ciliberto Gennaro , Neri Antonino , Corsini Romina , Ruggieri Patrizia , Pollorsi Chiara , Silvestris Nicola
Published: February 2023

Objective

To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on first and follow-up visits for cancer outpatients.

Methods

This is a multicenter retrospective observational study involving three Comprehensive Cancer Care Centers (CCCCs): IFO, including IRE and ISG in Rome, AUSL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, and IRCCS Giovanni Paolo II in Bari) and one oncology department in a Community Hospital (Saint'Andrea Hospital, Rome). From 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2021, we evaluated the volume of outpatient consultations (first visits and follow-up), comparing them with the pre-pandemic year (2019). Results were analyzed by quarter according to the Rt (real-time indicator used to assess the evolution of the pandemic). IFO and IRCCS Giovanni Paolo II were “COVID-free” while AUSL-IRCCS RE was a “COVID-mixed” Institute. Depending on the Rt, Sain't Andrea Hospital experienced a “swinging” organizational pathway (COVID-free/ COVID-mixed).

Results

Regarding the “first appointments”, in 2020 the healthcare facilities operating in the North and Center of Italy showed a downward trend. In 2021, only AUSL-IRCCS RE showed an upward trend. Regarding the “follow-up”, only AUSL IRCCS RE showed a slight up-trend in 2020. In 2021, IFO showed an increasing trend, while S. Andrea Hospital showed a negative plateau. Surprisingly, IRCCS Giovanni Paolo II in Bari showed an uptrend for both first appointment and follow-ups during pandemic and late pandemic except for the fourth quarter of 2021.

Conclusions

During the first pandemic wave, no significant difference was observed amongst COVID-free and COVID-mixed Institutes and between CCCCs and a Community Hospital. In 2021 (“late pandemic year”), it has been more convenient to organize COVID-mixed pathway in the CCCCs rather than to keep the Institutions COVID-free. A swinging modality in the Community Hospital did not offer positive results in term of visit volumes. Our study about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on visit volume in cancer outpatients may help health systems to optimize the post-pandemic use of resources and improve healthcare policies.
Expanding outpatient benefits package can reduce diabetes-related avoidable hospitalizations
Authors: Liu Hao-Ran , Chen Si-Yuan , Zhang Lan-Yue , Fu Hong-Qiao , Jian Wei-Yan
Published: February 2023

Objective

To evaluate the policy effect of replacing hospitalization service with outpatient service and reducing diabetes-related avoidable hospitalizations by improving outpatient benefits package.

Methods

A database of hospital discharge from 2015 to 2017 in City Z was used. All diabetic inpatient cases enrolled in Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance were selected as the intervention group, and diabetic inpatient cases enrolled in Urban and Rural Resident Basic Medical Insurance were selected as the control group. The Difference-in-Difference model was used to analyze the effect of improving outpatient benefits package level of diabetes from 1800 yuan (about $252.82) to 2400 yuan (about $337.09) per capita per year on avoidable hospitalization rate, average hospitalization cost and average length of stay.

Results

The avoidable hospitalization rate of diabetes mellitus decreased by 0.21 percentage points (P < 0.01), the average total cost of hospitalization increased by 7.89% (P < 0.01), and the average length of stay per hospitalization increased by 5.63% (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Improving the outpatient benefits package of diabetes can play a role in replacing hospitalization service with outpatient service, reducing diabetes-related avoidable hospitalizations, and reducing the disease burden and financial burden.
Depression and HIV risks: Engaging older African American women in HIV prevention education through the church
Authors: Ebor Megan T. , Jackson Aurora P.
Published: February 2023

This report describes the recruitment of a sample of older African American women to test the effectiveness of an educational HIV prevention intervention that sought to reduce depressive symptoms and thereby HIV risks in this population. The outreach venue is the Black church. A framework for maximizing response is suggested. Of 62 women who participated in two arms of the intervention, 29 were assigned randomly to a four-session discussion group (experimental condition) and 33 were assigned to a one-session informational group (control condition) focused on HIV prevention education. Between-within subjects analyses of variance showed that participation in the study was associated with a significant improvement in the women's psychological status, i.e., decreased depressive symptoms. This change in depressive symptoms was due in part to the experimental condition assignment. Implications for future HIV prevention interventions, research, and methods used to maximize the probability of response among older African American women are discussed.
Urban Heat Islands and What They Can Teach Us About Climate Change
Authors: Kullberg Alyssa T. , Feeley Kenneth J.
Published: February 2023

Urban areas typically get much hotter than rural or natural areas. The higher temperatures in cities are caused by the presence of lots of buildings and streets, which heat up in the sun because they are made of materials that can not hold much water. In hot urban areas, called urban heat islands, people and animals stay cool by sweating, panting, and staying in shady areas. Even urban trees can stay cool by transpiring, which is like sweating. In fact, trees transpire so much that they can cool down the air and reduce the urban heat effect—like natural air conditioning. Although the urban heat effect is typically viewed as a problem, scientists can study the plants and animals living in urban heat islands to understand the effects that rising temperatures due to climate change will have on these species in their natural habitats.
Feasibility of preservation of superior rectal artery plus dissection of lymph nodes around inferior mesenteric artery in laparoscopic resection for sigmoid colon cancer
Authors: Ren Haoyuan , Liu Yong , Zhang Mingran , An Liang
Published: February 2023

Background

Limited data are available about superior rectal artery (SRA) preservation in laparoscopic resection for sigmoid colon cancer (SCC). This study aimed to evaluate the short-term and long-term efficacies of SRA preservation in laparoscopic radical resection for SCC.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 207 patients with SCC who underwent laparoscopic radical resection for SCC from January 2017 to June 2021. A total of 84 patients received lymph node clearance around the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) root (D3 lymph node dissection) with preservation of SRA (SRA preservation group), and 123 patients received high ligation of the IMA (control group). The clinicopathological data of the two groups were compared, and Kaplan–Meier method was performed to estimate patient survival.

Results

Compared with the control group, the operation time of the SRA preservation group was longer (p < 0.001), but the postoperative exhaust and defecation times were significantly shorter (p = 0.003, p < 0.001). Two cases of postoperative ileus and four cases of anastomotic leakage were observed in the control group, whereas the SRA preservation group had none. However, no statistical difference was observed between the groups (p = 0.652, p = 0.248). The overall survival also showed no significant difference in (p = 0.436).

Conclusion

Preservation of SRA plus dissection of lymph nodes around IMA did not increase postoperative morbidity and mortality nor affect the prognosis of patients but increased the bowel blood supply, which may have a significant positive effect on the recovery of postoperative intestinal function and reduction of anastomotic leakage.
Clinical characteristics of primary atrial tumor and their diagnostic value: A retrospective study of 10 years
Authors: Wang Qian , Jiang Yue , Lin Li , Li Sheng , Lv Jiagao , Chen Jun
Published: February 2023

Background

Primary atrial tumors are relatively rare and predominantly benign. However, some atrial tumors may be malignant and are associated with poor outcome. Currently, it is hard to determine the malignance of atrial tumors by preoperative clinical presentation or by echocardiography. We aimed to report the difference in the clinical characteristics of patients with benign and malignant atrial tumor.

Methods

This was a single-center retrospective study. A total of 194 patients with primary atrial tumor admitted to our center between 2012 and 2021 were included. The clinical characteristics of patients with benign and malignant tumor were compared.

Results

Benign and malignant tumor accounted for 93% (n = 180) and 7% (n = 14) of the total patients, respectively. Malignant atrial tumor tended to occur in younger patients (P < 0.05), was more likely to be located at the right atrium (P < 0.05), and tended to attach to the atrial wall or valve instead of the atrial septum. Fever symptoms were more common in patients with malignant tumors than in patients with benign tumors (P < 0.05). Compared to benign tumor, patients with malignant atrial tumor also demonstrated higher rates of fever, lower rates of increasing fibrinogen, increased blood glucose (P < 0.05), significantly longer prothrombin time, and lower prothrombin activity (P < 0.05). Patients with malignant primary atrial tumor had higher mortality rate, tumor metastasis rate, and tumor recurrence rate than patients with benign primary atrial tumor (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

We compared the clinical characteristics of patients with benign and malignant atrial tumor. These findings provide valuable information to preoperatively determine the malignance of atrial tumor and thus guide surgical treatment.
Effect of mango seeds as an untraditional source of energy on the productive performance of dairy Damascus goats
Authors: El-Sanafawy Heba A. , Maggiolino Aristide , El-Esawy Ghada S. , Riad Wasef A. , Zeineldin Mohamed , Abdelmegeid Mohamed , Seboussi Rabiha , EL-Nawasany Lamiaa I. , Elghandour Mona M. M. Y. , De Palo Pasquale , Salem Abdelfattah Z. M.
Published: February 2023

Eighteen dairy Damascus goats weighing 38–45 kg live body weight and aged 3–4 years were divided into three groups according to their body weight, with six goats in each group. Yellow corn grain in their concentrate feed mixture was replaced with mango seeds (MS) at levels of 0% MS in group 1 (G1, control), 20% MS in group 2 (G2), and 40% MS in group 3 (G3). The digestibility coefficients of the organic matter, dry matter, crude fiber, crude protein, ether extract, nitrogen-free extract, and total digestible nutrients increased (P < 0.05) upon feeding MS to G2 and G3. The amounts of dry matter, total digestible nutrients, and digestible crude protein required per 1 kg 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM) were lower (P < 0.05) in G2 and G3 vs. G1. Actual milk and 3.5% FCM yield increased (P < 0.05) with the increasing MS dietary level. G2 and G3 had the highest significant (P < 0.05) total solids, total protein, non-protein nitrogen, casein, ash, fat, solids not fat, lactose, and calcium contents compared with G1. Replacing yellow corn grain with MS in G2 and G3 significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the cholesterol concentration and AST activity. Feeding MS increased the concentrations of caprioc, caprylic, capric, stearic, oleic, elaidic, and linoleic acids and decreased the concentrations of butyric, laueic, tridecanoic, myristic, myristoleic, pentadecanoic, heptadecanoic, cis-10-Heptadecanoic, cis-11-eicosenoic, linolenic, arachidonic, and lignoseric acids in the milk fat. The results show that the replacement of corn grain with MS improved the digestibility, milk yield, feed conversion, and economic efficiency, with no adverse effects on the performance of Damascus goats.
Characterization of the Nozzle Ablation Rate Based on 3D Laser Scanning System
Authors: Zhang Kaining , Wang Chunguang , Li Qun , Wang Zhihong
Published: February 2023

The nozzle of solid rocket motor (SRM) is easily ablated by high temperature, high pressure, high speed, and corrosive particles, which affects the stability of rocket flight. Therefore, the measurement and characterization of the nozzle ablation rate are helpful in providing some guidance for the design of nozzle material and structure. However, due to the high surface roughness of the composite nozzle after ablation, it is difficult to obtain an accurate ablation rate by contact measurement methods. The 3D laser scanning system is a 3D non-contact measurement technology using structured light technology, phase measurement technology, and computer vision technology. It has the advantages of non-contact, large scanning size, flexibility, and portability. In this paper, a 3D reconstruction of the ablation nozzle is carried out based on the 3D laser scanning system. Additionally, the ablation rate of the nozzle is measured without cutting the actual specimen. Furthermore, the pressure, temperature, and surface convective heat transfer coefficient trends are numerically calculated and compared with the ablation rate. Additionally, the empirical formula between ablation rate and pressure, temperature, convective heat transfer coefficient is obtained empirically by the inversion analysis method. The empirical formula can provide theoretical guidance for nozzle size design and optimization. The results show that the non-contact 3D laser scanning system is a valuable method for reconstructing the model of the ablated nozzle, and the empirical formula of ablation rate can accurately predict the ablation rate of the nozzle.
Study on the Measurement and Influencing Factors of Rural Energy Carbon Emission Efficiency in China: Evidence Using the Provincial Panel Data
Authors: Tian Yun , Wang Rui , Yin Minhao , Zhang Huijie
Published: February 2023

This paper summarizes the spatial–temporal characteristics of China’s rural energy carbon emission efficiency and then uses the Tobit model to explore its influencing factors. The results show that the rural energy carbon emission efficiency had experienced a growing trend in China during 2005 and 2020, with an annual growth rate of 4.82%. The growth is more affected by technological changes than by improvements in technical efficiency. Although all 30 provinces were in a state of improvement in rural energy carbon productivity during the period under review, there were significant differences between them. Technological change played a significant important role in promoting rural energy carbon productivity in the majority of Chinese provinces, while technical efficiency not only played a slightly less important role but also deteriorated in many provinces. Rural energy carbon emission efficiency is positively influenced by the level of agricultural development, the structure of rural labor force, and the urbanization level. However, it is negatively affected by the structure of cultivated land use, the rural human capital and rural residents’ consumption level. As such, policy formulation should support and promote the overall improvement of rural energy carbon emission efficiency.
Response of Multi-Stressed Olea europaea Trees to the Adjustment of Soil pH by Acidifying Agents: Impacts on Nutrient Uptake and Productivity
Authors: Beheiry Hamada R. , Awad Ahmed A. M. , Hussein Hamdy A. Z.
Published: February 2023

Soil pH is the most important factor in evaluating plant nutritional status due to its close association with nutrient availability. In the 2018 and 2019 seasons, two field experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of olive trees (Olea europaea, Picual cv.) grown in sandy clay loam soil under multi-abiotic stresses with the application of three different acidifying agents (AAs), acetic (AC), citric (CA), and sulfuric (SA) acid, at two doses (25 and 50 cm3; AC1 and AC2, CA1 and CA2, and SA1 and SA2, respectively), as compared with a control treatment. This study was established according to a randomized complete block design. In general, our results showed that all the AAs applied surpassed the control treatment with respect to all the studied parameters except for the leaf iron content. Furthermore, the trees treated with CA yielded the best results in terms of the leaf nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium contents; the physiological and growth parameters (except for the performance index); the total fruit weight, flesh weight, and flesh dry matter; the fruit diameter; the oil content; and the total olive yield. Furthermore, the maximum leaf potassium, manganese, zinc, and copper contents were obtained in the trees growing in soil injected with AC. The correlation coefficient fluctuated between positive and negative among the studied characteristics.
Powder Metallurgy Processing and Characterization of the χ Phase Containing Multicomponent Al-Cr-Fe-Mn-Mo Alloy
Authors: Stasiak Tomasz , Sow Mourtada Aly , Touzin Matthieu , Béclin Franck , Cordier Catherine
Published: February 2023

High entropy alloys present many promising properties, such as high hardness or thermal stability, and can be candidates for many applications. Powder metallurgy techniques enable the production of bulk alloys with fine microstructures. This study aimed to investigate powder metallurgy preparation, i.e., mechanical alloying and sintering, non-equiatomic high entropy alloy from the Al-Cr-Fe-Mn-Mo system. The structural and microstructural investigations were performed on powders and the bulk sample. The indentation was carried out on the bulk sample. The mechanically alloyed powder consists of two bcc phases, one of which is significantly predominant. The annealed powder and the sample sintered at 950 °C for 1 h consist of a predominantly bcc phase (71 ± 2 vol.%), an intermetallic χ phase (26 ± 2 vol.%), and a small volume fraction of multielement carbides—M6C and M23C6. The presence of carbides results from carbon contamination from the balls and vial during mechanical alloying and the graphite die during sintering. The density of the sintered sample is 6.71 g/cm3 (98.4% relative density). The alloy presents a very high hardness of 948 ± 34 HV1N and Young’s modulus of 245 ± 8 GPa. This study showed the possibility of preparing ultra-hard multicomponent material reinforced by the intermetallic χ phase. The research on this system presented new knowledge on phase formation in multicomponent systems. Moreover, strengthening the solid solution matrix via hard intermetallic phases could be interesting for many industrial applications.
The Assessment of Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Activity of Essential Oils against Staphylococcus aureus Strains
Authors: Ersanli Caglar , Tzora Athina , Skoufos Ioannis , Fotou Konstantina , Maloupa Eleni , Grigoriadou Katerina , Voidarou Chrysoula (Chrysa) , Zeugolis Dimitrios I.
Published: February 2023

The increase in antimicrobial resistance and tolerance over the years has become a serious public health problem, leading to the inevitable development of alternative antimicrobial agents as substitutes for industrial pharmaceutical antibiotics targeting humans and animals under the concept of one health. Essential oils (EOs) extracted from aromatic and pharmaceutical plants incorporate several bioactive compounds (phytochemicals) that positively affect human and animal health. Herein, this work aimed to examine a standardized chemical composition and screen the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of Thymus sibthorpii, Origanum vulgare, Salvia fruticosa, and Crithmum maritimum EOs against three different Staphylococcus aureus strains by gold-standard disc diffusion, broth microdilution, and microtiter plate biofilm assays. Therefore, the evaluation of the above-mentioned EOs were considered as substitutes for antibiotics to combat the ever-mounting antimicrobial resistance problem. The observed bacterial growth inhibition varied significantly depending on the type and concentration of the antimicrobials. Thymus sibthorpii was determined as the strongest antimicrobial, with 0.091 mg/mL minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and a 14–33 mm diameter inhibition zone at 5% (v/v) concentration. All tested EOs indicated almost 95% inhibition of biofilm formation at their half MIC, while gentamicin sulfate did not show sufficient anti-biofilm activity. None of the methicillin-resistant strains showed resistance to the EOs compared to methicillin-sensitive strains. Thymus sibthorpii and Origanum vulgare could be potential alternatives as antimicrobial agents to overcome the problem of microbial resistance. The tested EOs might be incorporated into antimicrobial products as safe and potent antimicrobial and anti-biofilm agents.
Prevalence and Characterization of Beta-Lactam and Carbapenem-Resistant Bacteria Isolated from Organic Fresh Produce Retailed in Eastern Spain
Authors: Jiménez-Belenguer Ana Isabel , Ferrús Maria Antonia , Hernández Manuel , García-Hernández Jorge , Moreno Yolanda , Castillo María Ángeles
Published: February 2023

Fresh fruits and vegetables are potential reservoirs for antimicrobial resistance determinants, but few studies have focused specifically on organic vegetables. The present study aimed to determine the presence of third-generation cephalosporin (3GC)- and carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria on fresh organic vegetables produced in the city of Valencia (Spain). Main expanded spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)- and carbapenemase-encoding genes were also detected in the isolates. One hundred and fifteen samples were analyzed using selective media supplemented with cefotaxime and meropenem. Resistance assays for twelve relevant antibiotics in medical use were performed using a disc diffusion test. A total of 161 isolates were tested. Overall, 33.5% presented multidrug resistance and 16.8% were resistant to all β-lactam antibiotics tested. Imipenem resistance was observed in 18% of isolates, and low resistance levels were found to ceftazidime and meropenem. Opportunistic pathogens such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterobacter spp., Raoultella sp., and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were detected, all presenting high rates of resistance. PCR assays revealed blaVIM to be the most frequently isolated ESBL-encoding gene, followed by blaTEM and blaOXA-48. These results confirm the potential of fresh vegetables to act as reservoirs for 3GC- and carbapenem-producing ARB. Further studies must be carried out to determine the impact of raw organic food on the spread of AMRs into the community.
When and How a Judo Contest Ends: Analysis of Scores, Penalties, Rounds and Temporal Units in 2018, 2019 and 2021 World Championships
Authors: Dopico-Calvo Xurxo , Mayo Xián , Santos Luis , Carballeira Eduardo , Šimenko Jožef , Ceylan Bayram , Clavel Iván , Iglesias-Soler Eliseo
Published: February 2023

The main aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between how contests end (scores or penalties), the temporal units and the competition rounds regarding when the contest end in the 2018, 2019 and 2021 Judo World Championships. A total of 2340 contests involving 2244 elite judo athletes (1343 men and 901 women) were analysed. Pearson’s chi-squared (χ2) was implemented to analyse the association between variables, and the standardised residuals were used to analyse its interpretation; the strength of the associations was reported as Cramer’s V. Shapiro–Wilk and Kolmogorov–Smirnov were implemented to test the normality of the length of golden score (GS) sequences, and Kruskal–Wallis was applied for analysing GS sequences by championships. Mann–Whitney U was also implemented if a significant effect was detected. The level of significance was set at 0.05. The results were as follows: (1) Most contests ended before the accomplishment of the regular time (BRT), and they were won by ippon. (2) During BRT, the defeated accumulated more shido than the winner, while the opposite happened in contests finishing at the regular time (FRT). (3) Contests ending in the first and third minutes decreased, while contests ending in the second and fourth minutes increased; a longer length of the GS period was observed for women compared with men. (4) BRT contests were overrepresented in rounds 1 and 2, while extended time contests (EXT) in repechage, semi-final, bronze and final were overrepresented. (5) There were fewer waza-ari than expected during the preliminary rounds and more in the final rounds. The current study reveals cornerstone information that could be used to improve the training programs of elite judo athletes.
An Improved YOLOv5 Model for Detecting Laser Welding Defects of Lithium Battery Pole
Authors: Yang Yatao , Zhou Yunhao , Din Nasir Ud , Li Junqing , He Yunjie , Zhang Li
Published: February 2023

Focus on the requirement for detecting laser welding defects of lithium battery pole, a new model based on the improved YOLOv5 algorithm was proposed in this paper. First, all the 3 × 3 convolutional kernels in the backbone network were replaced by 6 × 6 convolutional kernels to improve the model’s detection capability of a small defect; second, the last layer of the backbone network was replaced by our designed SPPSE module to enhance the detection accuracy of the model; then the improved RepVGG module was introduced in the head network, which can help to improve the inference speed of the model and enhance the feature extraction capability of the network; finally, SIOU was used as the bounding box regression loss function to improve the accuracy and training speed of the model. The experimental results show that our improved YOLOv5 model achieved 97% mAP and 270 fps on our dataset. Compared with conventional methods, ours had the best results. The ablation experiments were conducted on the publicly available datasets PASCAL VOC and MS COCO, and their mAP@0.5 was improved by 2.4% and 3%, respectively. Additionally, our model improved the average detection rate for small targets on the MS COCO dataset by 2.4%, showing that it can effectively detect small target defects.
Intelligent Alignment Monitoring Method for Tortilla Processing Based on Machine Vision
Authors: Sun Yerong , Yi Kechuan
Published: February 2023

As people pay more and more attention to a healthy diet, it has become a consensus to eat more coarse grains. The development of its edible value is of great significance for a healthy human diet and has attracted the attention of many scholars and food processing companies. However, due to the differences in protein composition and structure between corn flour and wheat protein, it is difficult to form a network structure during processing, and the viscoelasticity and flexibility are poor. Based on this, this paper proposes a machine vision-based noodle positioning monitoring method to achieve noodle alignment monitoring in the noodle processing process. First, the images are captured by binocular cameras and preprocessed. Further, feature detection and matching algorithms are used to recover the pose information between binocular cameras, and then the recognition targets are matched. Finally, noodle alignment monitoring during noodle processing is achieved. Experiments show that the detection accuracy of the method proposed in this paper is much higher than the traditional manual detection, which can improve the noodle quality and reduce labor costs.
Efficient Load Balancing for Blockchain-Based Healthcare System in Smart Cities
Authors: Tareen Faheem Nawaz , Alvi Ahmad Naseem , Malik Asad Ali , Javed Muhammad Awais , Khan Muhammad Badruddin , Saudagar Abdul Khader Jilani , Alkhathami Mohammed , Abul Hasanat Mozaherul Hoque
Published: February 2023

Smart cities are emerging rapidly due to the provisioning of comfort in the human lifestyle. The healthcare system is an important segment of the smart city. The timely delivery of critical human vital signs data to emergency health centers without delay can save human lives. Blockchain is a secure technology that provides the immutable record-keeping of data. Secure data transmission by avoiding erroneous data delivery also demands blockchain technology in healthcare systems of smart cities where patients’ health history is required for their necessary treatments. The health parameter data of each patient are embedded in a separate block in blockchain technology with SHA-256-based cryptography hash values. Mining computing nodes are responsible to find a 32-bit nonce (number only used once) value for each data block to compute a valid SHA-256-based hash value in blockchain technology. Computing nonce for valid hash values is a time-taking process that may cause life losses in the healthcare system. Increasing the mining nodes reduces this delay; however, the uniform distribution of mining data blocks to these nodes by considering the priority data is a challenging task. In this work, an efficient scheme is proposed for scheduling nonce computing tasks at the mining nodes to ensure the timely execution of these tasks. The proposed scheme consists of two parts, the first one provides a load balancing scheme to distribute the nonce execution tasks among the mining nodes such that makespan is minimized and the second part prioritizes more sensitive patient data for quick execution. The results show that the proposed load balancing scheme effectively allocates data blocks in different mining nodes as compared to round-robin and greedy algorithms and computes hash values of most of the higher-risk patients’ data blocks in a reduced amount of time.
A Multi-Analytical Investigation of Liu Kang’s Colour Palette and Painting Technique from the Shanghai Period (1933–1937)
Authors: Lizun Damian , Kurkiewicz Teresa , Szczupak Bogusław , Rogóż Jarosław
Published: February 2023

This study presents the analytical characterisation of Liu Kang’s paint mixtures and the painting technique used during the important Shanghai artistic phase (1933−1937). Liu Kang (1911–2004) was a Chinese artist who received an academic art education in Shanghai (1926–1928) and Paris (1929–1932). He settled permanently in Singapore in 1945 and became a leading contributor to the national art scene. This study showcases 12 paintings on canvas from the collections of the National Gallery Singapore and the Liu family. An integrated approach combined non- and micro-invasive analytical methods supplemented with archival sources and enabled characterising the investigated paint mixtures and revealing details of the artist’s painting technique. The study has proved the artist’s ability to produce a variety of hues by utilising a conventional palette of colours. The predilection for ultramarine, viridian, yellow and red iron-rich earth pigments, umber, yellow chromate pigments, as well as lead white, zinc white or Zn-base compounds like lithopone and barium white was recorded. The study emphasises a minor use of Prussian blue, emerald green, cadmium yellow or its variant and bone black. Although it remains unknown what brands of paints Liu Kang used, the available archival sources give insights into the painting materials available in Shanghai that the artist could have had at his disposal during the period under review. The archival information is based on the Chinese and overseas colourmen advertisements printed in Chinese journals and the respective contemporary colourmen catalogues. The artist’s painting technique departs from the experimental approach of his Paris phase. In Shanghai, he focused on synthesising the painting principles of the School of Paris with traditional Chinese calligraphy. The outcomes of this research may support future technical studies of works by other artists contemporary to Liu Kang and who were active in pre-war Shanghai.
Study of Partial Discharge Inception Voltage in Inverter Fed Electric Motor Insulation Systems
Authors: Elorza Azpiazu Leire , Almandoz Gaizka , Egea Aritz , Ugalde Gaizka , Badiola Xabier
Published: February 2023

This article performs a thorough evaluation of different environmental and electrical waveform characteristics affecting PDIV on electric motor winding insulation. Temperature received special attention, as it clearly affects PDIV. Additionally, the PDIV models found in the literature were reviewed. Considering that the winding of the electric motor can reach 180 °C during operation, the experiments were performed at high temperatures in order to evaluate the performance of PDIV models. Several models were studied regarding their accuracy at high temperatures and the advantages and disadvantages of each one were identified. Based on the analysis, a simple analytical model to estimate the PDIV of twisted pairs depending on the temperature was proposed. All in all, the proposed model was the best compromise between computational requirements and PDIV estimation accuracy at high temperatures. Finally, future lines were identified. Further studies are necessary that consider the humidity, rise time, and pulse width effect on PDIV. Moreover, new models regarding both, environmental and waveform characteristics are necessary to accurately estimate PDIV. Extended volume–time theory seems to be a good basis for that.
A Novel Measurement Method for Determining Geometric Errors of Rotary Tables by Using LaserTRACER and Reflectors
Authors: Hsu Chi-Hua , Chen Jr-Rung , Hsu Fan-Hsi , Chen Yu-Ta
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a novel and robust measurement method is proposed for obtaining the geometric errors of rotary tables by using LaserTRACER and the reflectors mounted on the reflector standard fixture. For the machining accuracy, the six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) geometric errors of the rotary axes interactively influence the manufacturing quality of the precise workpieces. Therefore, this paper mainly aims to develop a measurement method for identifying the 6-DOF geometric errors of rotary tables without using the external linear axis. Furthermore, the set-up errors of the reflector standard fixture are also considered and identified to reduce the influence of the 6-DOF geometric error measurements. For each rotary table geometric error measurement, the positions of the LaserTRACER as well as the relative distance between the reflectors and the LaserTRACER are measured and obtained for determining the 6-DOF geometric errors of the rotary tables. In addition, the homogeneous transformation matrix (HTM), multilateration method, and least squares method are used for building the mathematical measurement algorithm. Moreover, the experimental verifications are implemented to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed measurement method. Conclusively, the experiment and simulation verification results clearly delineate that the maximal relative differences in the linear errors and the angular errors of the 6-DOF geometric errors are, at most, 3.25% and 2.30%, respectively.
Optimization Framework for Temporal Interference Current Tibial Nerve Stimulation in Tibial Nerves Based on In-Silico Studies
Authors: Kim Eunseon , Ye Eunbi , Lee Jiho , Kim Taekyung , Choi Dongil , Lee Kyusung , Park Sungmin
Published: February 2023

Compared to the existing noninvasive methods, temporal interference (TI) current stimulation is an emerging noninvasive neuromodulation technique that can improve the ability to focus an electrical field on a target nerve. Induced TI field distribution depends on the anatomical structure of individual neurons, and thus the electrode and current optimization to enhance the field focus must reflect these factors. The current study presents a TI field optimization framework for focusing the stimulation energy on the target tibial nerve through extensive electrical simulations, factoring in individual anatomical differences. We conducted large-scale in-silico experiments using realistic models based on magnetic resonance images of human subjects to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed methods for tibial nerve stimulation considering overactive bladder (OAB) treatment. The electrode position and current intensity were optimized for each subject using an automated algorithm, and the field-focusing performance was evaluated based on the maximum intensity of the electric fields induced at the target nerve compared with the electric fields in the neighboring tissues. Using the proposed optimization framework, the focusing ability increased by 12% when optimizing the electrode position. When optimizing both the electrode position and current, this capability increased by 11% relative to electrode position optimization alone. These results suggest the significance of optimizing the electrode position and current intensity for focusing TI fields at the target nerve. Our electrical simulation-based TI optimization framework can be extended to enable personalized peripheral nerve stimulation therapy to modulate peripheral nerves.
Deep Reinforcement Learning Agent for Negotiation in Multi-Agent Cooperative Distributed Predictive Control
Authors: Aponte-Rengifo Oscar , Vega Pastora , Francisco Mario
Published: February 2023

This paper proposes a novel solution for using deep neural networks with reinforcement learning as a valid option in negotiating distributed hierarchical controller agents. The proposed method is implemented in the upper layer of a hierarchical control architecture composed at its lowest levels by distributed control based on local models and negotiation processes with fuzzy logic. The advantage of the proposal is that it does not require the use of models in the negotiation, and it facilitates the minimization of any dynamic behavior index and the specification of constraints. Specifically, it uses a reinforcement learning policy gradient algorithm to achieve a consensus among the agents. The algorithm is successfully applied to a level system composed of eight interconnected tanks that are quite difficult to control due to their non-linear nature and the high interaction among their subsystems.
Continuous Measurements and Source Apportionment of Ambient PM2.5-Bound Elements in Windsor, Canada
Authors: Zhang Tianchu , Su Yushan , Debosz Jerzy , Noble Michael , Munoz Anthony , Xu Xiaohong
Published: February 2023

Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, are impacted by local emissions and regional/transboundary transport input and also attributable to secondary formation. PM2.5-bound elements were monitored hourly in Windsor from April to October 2021. Observed concentrations of the elements were generally comparable to historical measurements at urban sites in Ontario. A clear diurnal pattern was observed for most of the elements, i.e., high in the morning and low in the afternoon, mostly related to evolution of atmospheric mixing heights and local anthropogenic activities. Conversely, sulfur showed elevated levels in the afternoon, suggesting conversion of gaseous sulfur dioxide to particulate sulphate was enhanced by increased ambient temperatures. Five source factors were resolved using the US EPA positive matrix factorization model, including three traffic-related sources (i.e., vehicular exhaust, crustal dust, and vehicle tire and brake wear factors) and two industrial sources (i.e., coal/heavy oil burning and metal processing factors). Overall, the three traffic-related sources were mostly local and contributed to 47% of the total elemental concentrations, while the two industrial sources may originate from regional/transboundary sources and contributed to 53%. Measures to control both local traffic emissions and regional/transboundary industrial sources would help reduce levels of PM2.5-bound elements in Windsor.
Socio-Economic Status and Language Development in Hearing Loss: A Critical Appraisal
Authors: Binos Paris , Papastefanou Theodora , Psillas George
Published: February 2023

The impact of language input on children’s speech, language, and brain development was borne out of Hart and Risley’s famous “30-million-word gap”. A perspective bolstered by many studies in the last decade relates higher socio-economic status (SES) to better qualitative and quantitative differences in children’s speech. The logic chains found in these studies suggest that literacy development depends on language and brain development. Thus, brain building develops based on environmental experience and language input depends on the brain’s perception of the auditory information. This essay uses the latest published peer-reviewed research to outline the current landscape of the role of SES in the development of speech and language skills among children with hearing loss (HL) who are enrolled in auditory-driven habilitation programs. This essay argues that low SES families may provide sufficient input for their children. The outcome of auditory-driven programs implemented by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) seems to be detached from SES. The role of SES on this developmental trajectory remains unclear, and clinical practice may be related to other validated and robust parameters related to hearing loss.
Disentangling Crocus Series Verni and Its Polyploids
Authors: Raca Irena , Blattner Frank R. , Waminal Nomar Espinosa , Kerndorff Helmut , Ranđelović Vladimir , Harpke Dörte
Published: February 2023

Spring crocuses, the eleven species within Crocus series Verni (Iridaceae), consist of di- and tetraploid cytotypes. Among them is a group of polyploids from southeastern Europe with yet-unclear taxonomic affiliation. Crocuses are generally characterized by complex dysploid chromosome number changes, preventing a clear correlation between these numbers and ploidy levels. To reconstruct the evolutionary history of series Verni and particularly its polyploid lineages associated with C. heuffelianus, we used an approach combining phylogenetic analyses of two chloroplast regions, 14 nuclear single-copy genes plus rDNA spacers, genome-wide genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) data, and morphometry with ploidy estimations through genome size measurements, analysis of genomic heterozygosity frequencies and co-ancestry, and chromosome number counts. Chromosome numbers varied widely in diploids with 2n = 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 28 and tetraploid species or cytotypes with 2n = 16, 18, 20, and 22 chromosomes. Crocus longiflorus, the diploid with the highest chromosome number, possesses the smallest genome (2C = 3.21 pg), while the largest diploid genomes are in a range of 2C = 7–8 pg. Tetraploid genomes have 2C values between 10.88 pg and 12.84 pg. Heterozygosity distribution correlates strongly with genome size classes and allows discernment of di- and tetraploid cytotypes. Our phylogenetic analyses showed that polyploids in the C. heuffelianus group are allotetraploids derived from multiple and partly reciprocal crosses involving different genotypes of diploid C. heuffelianus (2n = 10) and C. vernus (2n = 8). Dysploid karyotype changes after polyploidization resulted in the tetraploid cytotypes with 20 and 22 chromosomes. The multi-data approach we used here for series Verni, combining evidence from nuclear and chloroplast phylogenies, genome sizes, chromosome numbers, and genomic heterozygosity for ploidy estimations, provides a way to disentangle the evolution of plant taxa with complex karyotype changes that can be used for the analysis of other groups within Crocus and beyond. Comparing these results with morphometric analysis results in characters that can discern the different taxa currently subsumed under C. heuffelianus.
Defining the Failure of Medical Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the Era of Advanced Therapies: A Systematic Review
Authors: State Monica , Negreanu Lucian
Published: February 2023

Background: The expansion of advanced therapies for inflammatory bowel disease created a lag between the development of these new therapies and their incorporation and use in daily practice. At present, no clear definitions for treatment optimization, treatment failure or criteria to abandon therapy are available. We aimed to centralize criteria for a nonresponse to all available molecules and to summarize guideline principles for treatment optimization. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of studies that reported criteria for the treatment response to all advanced therapies (infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, ustekinumab, vedolizumab and tofacitinib) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Results: Across trials, criteria for a response of both patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are heterogenous. Investigators use different definitions for clinical and endoscopic remission, and endoscopic response and outcomes are assessed at variable time points. Current society guidelines provide heterogenous recommendations on treatment optimization. Most available data on loss of response concern anti-TNF molecules, and newer therapies are not included in the guidelines. Conclusion: The lack of clear definitions and formal recommendations provide the premise for empirical treatment strategies and premature abandonment of therapies.