bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Chemical Sanitizers against Salmonella Typhimurium in Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) Hydroponic Systems: Implications for Food Safety, Crop Quality, and Nutrient Content in Leafy Greens
Authors: Mensah Abigail A. , Lewis Ivey Melanie L. , Moodispaw Margaret R. , Ilic Sanja
Published: June 2024

Hydroponic farming systems play an increasingly important role in the sustainable production of nutrient-rich foods. The contamination of surfaces in hydroponic fresh produce production poses risks to the food safety of crops, potentially endangering public health and causing economic losses in the industry. While sanitizers are widely used in commercial hydroponic farms, their effectiveness against human pathogens on surfaces and their impact on plant health and quality are not known. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of chemical sanitizers in eliminating Salmonella Typhimurium from inanimate surfaces in commercial hydroponic Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) systems. Further, we assessed the impact of sanitizers on the yield, quality, and nutritional value of lettuce and basil. Sanitizers (Virkon, LanXess, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; SaniDate 12.0, BioSafe Systems, East Hartford, CT, USA; KleenGrow, Pace Chemical Ltd., Delta, BC, Canada; Green Shield, United Labs Inc., St Charles, IL, USA; Zerotol, BioSafe Systems, East Hartford, CT, USA; Bleach, Pure Bright, ON, Canada) were tested against Salmonella Typhimurium inoculated on NFT surfaces (nutrient reservoir, growing channels, top covers, drain lines). The effective treatments were then tested for their impact on lettuce and basil in a split-plot experiment conducted in commercial NFT units. Crop yield, color, and nutrient content (chlorophyll and carotenoids) were measured throughout the crop life cycle. While all quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC), SaniDate 12.0 (200 ppm), Zorotol (5%), and Virkon (1%) eliminated Salmonella Typhimurium from commercial NFT surfaces, chlorine-based sanitizer treatments were statistically similar to water treatments on most surfaces. All chemical sanitizers impacted the yield, color, and nutritional value of lettuce and basil. SaniDate 12.0 (200 ppm) was the least detrimental to crops and was identified as a potential candidate for further validation in commercial hydroponic settings. The findings of this study will be translated into recommendations for the industry and will contribute to the development of future food safety guidelines and policies.
Impact of Hydroxyapatite on Gelatin/Oxidized Alginate 3D-Printed Cryogel Scaffolds
Authors: Zhanbassynova Ainur , Mukasheva Fariza , Abilev Madi , Berillo Dmitriy , Trifonov Alexander , Akilbekova Dana
Published: June 2024

Fabrication of scaffolds via 3D printing is a promising approach for tissue engineering. In this study, we combined 3D printing with cryogenic crosslinking to create biocompatible gelatin/oxidized alginate (Gel/OxAlg) scaffolds with large pore sizes, beneficial for bone tissue regeneration. To enhance the osteogenic effects and mechanical properties of these scaffolds, we evaluated the impact of hydroxyapatite (HAp) on the rheological characteristics of the 2.86% (1:1) Gel/OxAlg ink. We investigated the morphological and mechanical properties of scaffolds with low, 5%, and high 10% HAp content, as well as the resulting bio- and osteogenic effects. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a reduction in pore sizes from 160 to 180 µm (HAp-free) and from 120 to 140 µm for both HAp-containing scaffolds. Increased stability and higher Young’s moduli were measured for 5% and 10% HAp (18 and 21 kPa, respectively) compared to 11 kPa for HAp-free constructs. Biological assessments with mesenchymal stem cells indicated excellent cytocompatibility and osteogenic differentiation in all scaffolds, with high degree of mineralization in HAp-containing constructs. Scaffolds with 5% HAp exhibited improved mechanical characteristics and shape fidelity, demonstrated positive osteogenic impact, and enhanced bone tissue formation. Increasing the HAp content to 10% did not show any advantages in osteogenesis, offering a minor increase in mechanical strength at the cost of significantly compromised shape fidelity.
Rational Design and Testing of Antibacterial Aloe Vera Hemostatic Hydrogel
Authors: Shin Bryan , Hillyer Trae , Shin Woo Shik
Published: June 2024

Bleeding resulting from surgical procedures or trauma, including gunshot wounds, represents a life-threatening health issue. Therefore, the development of safe, effective, and convenient hemostatic agents is critical in securing the “golden time” to save patients’ lives. Plant-derived compounds and plant extracts have been regarded as promising sources of hemostatic agents in previous studies, regulating hemostatic function with low toxicity and minimal side effects within the human body. Aloe vera-based hydrogels, which are characterized by flexible strength and high functionality, have emerged as a promising platform for wound applications due to their unique biocompatibility features. This study provides a comprehensive exploration of the utilization of thickening agents and natural agents such as xanthan gum, carrageenan, Carbomer, and alginate in applying aloe vera-based hydrogels as a hemostatic. Furthermore, it also tests the use of aloe vera-based hydrogels for therapeutic delivery at wound sites through the incorporation of various antimicrobial agents to extend the utility of the hydrogels beyond hemostasis. Our novel applied research utilizes aloe vera-based hydrogel as an antimicrobial hemostatic agent, providing valuable insights for a wide range of applications and highlighting its potential to enhance hemorrhage control in various emergency scenarios.
Landslide Susceptibility Assessment by Machine Learning and Frequency Ratio Methods Using XRAIN Radar-Acquired Rainfall Data
Authors: Rodrigues Neto José Maria dos Santos , Bhandary Netra
Published: June 2024

This study is an efficiency comparison between four methods for the production of landslide susceptibility maps (LSMs), which include random forest (RF), artificial neural network (ANN), and logistic regression (LR) as the machine learning (ML) techniques and frequency ratio (FR) as a statistical method. The study area is located in the Southern Hiroshima Prefecture in western Japan, a locality known to suffer from rainfall-induced landslide disasters, the most recent one in July 2018. The landslide conditioning factors (LCFs) considered in this study are lithology, land use, altitude, slope angle, slope aspect, distance to drainage, distance to lineament, soil class, and mean annual precipitation. The rainfall LCF data comprise XRAIN (eXtended RAdar Information Network) radar records, which are novel in the task of LSM production. The accuracy of the produced LSMs was calculated with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), and an automatic hyperparameter tuning and result comparison system based on AUROC scores was utilized. The calculated AUROC scores of the resulting LSMs were 0.952 for the RF method, 0.9247 for the ANN method, 0.9016 for the LR method, and 0.8424 for the FR. It is also noteworthy that the ML methods are substantially swifter and more practical than the FR method and allow for multiple and automatic experimentations with different hyperparameter settings, providing fine and accurate outcomes with the given data. The results evidence that ML techniques are more efficient when dealing with hazard assessment problems such as the one exemplified in this study. Although the conclusion that the RF method is the most accurate for LSM production as found by other authors in the literature, ML method efficiency may vary depending on the specific study area, and thus the use of an automatic multi-method LSM production system with hyperparameter tuning such as the one utilized in this study is advised. It was also found that XRAIN radar-acquired mean annual precipitation data are effective when used as an LCF in LSM production.
Trend Analysis of Climatic Variables in the Cross River Basin, Nigeria
Authors: Agbiji Ndifon M. , Agunwamba Jonah C. , Eshiet Kenneth Imo-Imo Israel
Published: June 2024

There have been several incidences of flood recently, which are believed to be aggravated by increased climatic variables as a result of perceived changes in climatic conditions (due to climate change) in the Cross River Basin. The basin is the most extensively developed and used river basin in the management of the water resources of the Cross River and Akwa Ibom States in Nigeria. In this paper, 30 years (from 1992 to 2021) of hydro-meteorological data (annual average rainfall, maximum and minimum temperatures, hu midity, duration of sunlight (sunshine hours), evaporation, wind speed, soil temperature, cloud cover, solar radiation, and atmospheric pressure) from four stations in the Cross River Basin were obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Abuja and subjected to trend detection analysis using the Mann–Kendall test to determine the trend in climatic parameters. The results indicate that there is a significant upward trend in annual rainfall in Ogoja but a downward trend in Calabar. The evaporation trend is significantly downward in Eket, whereas in Calabar, there is an upward trend in solar radiation. Generally, there is a significant rise in annual maximum temperature across the basin. Serial correlation and segmented regression analyses were performed to measure the impact of fluctuations in monthly and long-term Tahiti and Darwin’s Sea level pressures on the climatic variables at the Cross River Basin catchment. These analyses were necessary to determine the extent of the influence of the El Nino Southern Oscillation climatic cycle. The analyses show no significant association between the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and rainfall or between the ENSO and runoff in the catchment. This implies that the impact of the ENSO on rainfall and runoff in the Cross River Basin catchment is not considerable. The intercepts derived from the segmented regression in Eket and Ogoja show significant positive trends in both areas for rainfall and runoff. The trends in intercepts suggest that there are external factors influencing rainfall and runoff other than ENSO events, thus strengthening the assertion of climate change. Results from this study will facilitate the understanding of the variability in climatic parameters by stakeholders in the basin, researchers, policymakers, and water resource managers.
Delivery of Allied Health Interventions Using Telehealth Modalities: A Rapid Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Raymond Melissa J. , Christie Lauren J. , Kramer Sharon , Malaguti Carla , Mok Zaneta , Gardner Betina , Giummarra Melita J. , Alves-Stein Serena , Hudson Claire , Featherston Jill , Holland Anne E. , Lannin Natasha A.
Published: June 2024

Objectives: To determine whether allied health interventions delivered using telehealth provide similar or better outcomes for patients compared with traditional face-to-face delivery modes. Study design: A rapid systematic review using the Cochrane methodology to extract eligible randomized trials. Eligible trials: Trials were eligible for inclusion if they compared a comparable dose of face-to-face to telehealth interventions delivered by a neuropsychologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, podiatrist, psychologist, and/or speech pathologist; reported patient-level outcomes; and included adult participants. Data sources: MEDLINE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases were first searched from inception for systematic reviews and eligible trials were extracted from these systematic reviews. These databases were then searched for randomized clinical trials published after the date of the most recent systematic review search in each discipline (2017). The reference lists of included trials were also hand-searched to identify potentially missed trials. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool Version 1. Data Synthesis: Fifty-two trials (62 reports, n = 4470) met the inclusion criteria. Populations included adults with musculoskeletal conditions, stroke, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and/or pain. Synchronous and asynchronous telehealth approaches were used with varied modalities that included telephone, videoconferencing, apps, web portals, and remote monitoring, Overall, telehealth delivered similar improvements to face-to-face interventions for knee range, Health-Related Quality of Life, pain, language function, depression, anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This meta-analysis was limited for some outcomes and disciplines such as occupational therapy and speech pathology. Telehealth was safe and similar levels of satisfaction and adherence were found across modes of delivery and disciplines compared to face-to-face interventions. Conclusions: Many allied health interventions are equally as effective as face-to-face when delivered via telehealth. Incorporating telehealth into models of care may afford greater access to allied health professionals, however further comparative research is still required. In particular, significant gaps exist in our understanding of the efficacy of telehealth from podiatrists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and neuropsychologists. Protocol Registration Number: PROSPERO (CRD42020203128).
Implementing Immersive Worlds for Metaverse-Based Participatory Design through Photogrammetry and Blockchain
Authors: Abramov Nikolai , Lankegowda Havana , Liu Shunwei , Barazzetti Luigi , Beltracchi Carlo , Ruttico Pierpaolo
Published: June 2024

This paper explores participatory design methods for the interconnection of digital recording techniques, like digital photogrammetry and Gaussian splatting, with emerging domains such as the metaverse and blockchain technology. The focus lies in community engagement and the economic growth of urban and rural areas through blockchain integration, utilizing low-cost digitalization methods to create Web3 environments mirroring real settlements. Through a case study of an Italian village, the potential of participatory design and community-led development strategies in revitalizing neglected areas are explored, and the use of low-cost drone-based photogrammetry and Gaussian splatting in digitization are compared, highlighting their advantages and drawbacks considering the aim of this work, i.e., the creation of an interactive metaverse space. Ultimately, the study underscores the transformative role of digital technologies in reshaping design processes and fostering community development through a workflow, stressing collaborative decision-making and blockchain-driven economy, manufacturing, and maintenance through self-ownership models and performance-based smart contracts.
Trajectory Compression with Spatio-Temporal Semantic Constraints
Authors: Zhou Yan , Zhang Yunhan , Zhang Fangfang , Zhang Yeting , Wang Xiaodi
Published: June 2024

Most trajectory compression methods primarily focus on geometric similarity between compressed and original trajectories, lacking explainability of compression results due to ignoring semantic information. This paper proposes a spatio-temporal semantic constrained trajectory compression method. It constructs a new trajectory distance measurement model integrating both semantic and spatio-temporal features. This model quantifies semantic features using information entropy and measures spatio-temporal features with synchronous Euclidean distance. The compression principle is to retain feature points with maximum spatio-temporal semantic distance from the original trajectory until the compression rate is satisfied. Experimental results show these methods closely resemble each other in maintaining geometric similarity of trajectories, but our method significantly outperforms DP, TD-TR, and CascadeSync methods in preserving semantic similarity of trajectories. This indicates that our method considers both geometric and semantic features during compression, resulting in the compressed trajectory becoming more interpretable.
Age-Related Blood Levels of Creatine Kinase-MM in Newborns and Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Considerations for the Development of Newborn Screening Algorithms
Authors: Potter Sarah Nelson , Migliore Brooke , Carter Javan , Copeland Veronica R. , Smith Edward C. , Peay Holly L. , Kucera Katerina S.
Published: June 2024

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked progressive disorder and the most common type of muscular dystrophy in children. As newborn screening (NBS) for DMD undergoes evaluation for the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel and is already mandated in multiple states, refining NBS algorithms is of utmost importance. NBS for DMD involves measuring creatine kinase-MM (CK-MM) concentration—a biomarker of muscle damage—in dried blood spots. The current test is FDA-approved for samples obtained less than 72 h after birth. Separate reference ranges are needed for samples collected later than 72 h after birth. In this study, we investigated the relationship between age and CK-MM in presumed healthy newborns to inform NBS algorithm designs. In patients with DMD, CK-MM is persistently elevated in childhood and adolescence, while it may be transiently elevated for other reasons in healthy newborns. CK-MM decrease over time was demonstrated by a population sample of 20,306 presumed healthy newborns tested between 0 and 60 days of life and repeat testing of 53 newborns on two separate days. In the population sample, CK-MM concentration was highest in the second 12 h period of life (median = 318 ng/mL) when only 57.6% of newborns tested below 360 ng/mL, the lowest previously published cutoff. By 72 h of age, median CK-MM concentration was 97 ng/mL, and 96.0% of infants had concentrations below 360 ng/mL. Between 72 h and 60 days, median CK-MM concentration ranged from 32 to 37 ng/mL. Establishing age-related cutoffs is crucial for optimizing the sensitivity and specificity of NBS for DMD.
Advances in Cybersecurity and Reliability
Authors: Alazab Moutaz , Alazab Ammar
Published: June 2024

In recent years, the significant increase in financial and data losses impacting individuals and businesses has highlighted the pressing need to tackle cybersecurity challenges in today’s digital environment [...]
Correction: Szawaryn et al. A New Tribe of the Ladybird Beetle Subfamily Microweiseinae (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Discovered on an Island in the North Atlantic Ocean. Insects 2020, 11, 367
Authors: Szawaryn Karol , Větrovec Jaroslav , Tomaszewska Wioletta
Published: June 2024

The recent paper by Szawaryn et al [...]
The Three-Step Approach for Lumbar Disk Herniation with Anatomical Insights Tailored for the Next Generation of Young Spine Surgeons
Authors: La Rocca Giuseppe , Galieri Gianluca , Mazzucchi Edoardo , Pignotti Fabrizio , Orlando Vittorio , Pappalardo Simona , Olivi Alessandro , Sabatino Giovanni
Published: June 2024

Background/Objectives: Lumbar disc herniation, a complex challenge in spinal health, significantly impacts individuals across diverse age groups. This article delves into the intricacies of this condition, emphasising the pivotal role of anatomical considerations in its understanding and management. Additionally, lumbar discectomy might be considered an “easy” surgery; nevertheless, it carries significant risks. The aim of the study was to present a groundbreaking “three-step approach” with some anatomical insight derived from our comprehensive clinical experiences, designed to systematise the surgical approach and optimise the outcomes, especially for young spine surgeons. We highlighted the purpose of the study and introduced our research question(s) and the context surrounding them. Methods: This retrospective study involved patients treated for lumbar disc herniation at a single institution. The patient demographics, surgical details, and postoperative assessments were meticulously recorded. All surgeries were performed by a consistent surgical team. Results: A total of 847 patients of the 998 patients initially included completed the follow-up period. A three-step approach was performed for every patient. The recurrence rate was 1.89%. Furthermore, the incidence of lumbar instability and the need for reoperation were carefully examined, presenting a holistic view of the outcomes. Conclusions: The three-step approach emerged as a robust and effective strategy for addressing lumbar disc herniation. This structured approach ensures a safe and educational experience for young spinal surgeons.
The Identification and Evaluation of Interleukin-7 as a Myokine Biomarker for Peripheral Artery Disease Prognosis
Authors: Li Ben , Shaikh Farah , Zamzam Abdelrahman , Syed Muzammil H. , Abdin Rawand , Qadura Mohammad
Published: June 2024

Background/Objectives: Myokines have been demonstrated to be associated with cardiovascular diseases; however, they have not been studied as biomarkers for peripheral artery disease (PAD). We identified interleukin-7 (IL-7) as a prognostic biomarker for PAD from a panel of myokines and developed predictive models for 2-year major adverse limb events (MALEs) using clinical features and plasma IL-7 levels. Methods: A prognostic study was conducted with a cohort of 476 patients (312 with PAD and 164 without PAD) that were recruited prospectively. Their plasma concentrations of five circulating myokines were measured at recruitment, and the patients were followed for two years. The outcome of interest was two-year MALEs (composite of major amputation, vascular intervention, or acute limb ischemia). Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to identify IL-7 as the only myokine that was associated with 2-year MALEs. The data were randomly divided into training (70%) and test sets (30%). A random forest model was trained using clinical characteristics (demographics, comorbidities, and medications) and plasma IL-7 levels with 10-fold cross-validation. The primary model evaluation metric was the F1 score. The prognostic model was used to classify patients into low vs. high risk of developing adverse limb events based on the Youden Index. Freedom from MALEs over 2 years was compared between the risk-stratified groups using Cox proportional hazards analysis. Results: Two-year MALEs occurred in 28 (9%) of patients with PAD. IL-7 was the only myokine that was statistically significantly correlated with two-year MALE (HR 1.56 [95% CI 1.12–1.88], p = 0.007). For the prognosis of 2-year MALEs, our model achieved an F1 score of 0.829 using plasma IL-7 levels in combination with clinical features. Patients classified as high-risk by the predictive model were significantly more likely to develop MALEs over a 2-year period (HR 1.66 [95% CI 1.22–1.98], p = 0.006). Conclusions: From a panel of myokines, IL-7 was identified as a prognostic biomarker for PAD. Using a combination of clinical characteristics and plasma IL-7 levels, we propose an accurate predictive model for 2-year MALEs in patients with PAD. Our model may support PAD risk stratification, guiding clinical decisions on additional vascular evaluation, specialist referrals, and medical/surgical management, thereby improving outcomes.
Functional and Radiological Results Following Revision Blade Plating and Cephalomedullary Nailing in Aseptic Trochanteric and Subtrochanteric Nonunion
Authors: Rehme-Röhrl Julia , Brand Andreas , Dolt Annika , Grünewald Dag , Hoffmann Reinhard , Stuby Fabian , Schweigkofler Uwe , von Rüden Christian
Published: June 2024

Background: Trochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures result in nonunion in more than 20% of cases. The aim of this study was to assess the functional and radiological results following revision cephalomedullary nailing and 95-degree angled blade plating in aseptic trochanteric and subtrochanteric nonunion. Methods: In a retrospective multi-center study between January 2010 and December 2020, a total of 68 consecutive patients (21 women and 47 men) from two European level I trauma centers with the diagnosis of aseptic nonunion were recruited. Follow-up assessment and the patients’ convenience were assessed using the Harris Hip Score, Visual Analog Scale for pain at rest and on stress/exertion and Short Form-12. Results: The patients’ mean age was 57 (range 26–85) years. After a follow-up period of 12 months, one case of persistent nonunion in the cephalomedullary nail group and 10 cases in the blade plate group were identified. The mean duration of surgery was 137 ± 47 min in the cephalomedullary nail group and 202 ± 59 min in the blade plate group (<0.0001). Short-term postoperative complications included wound dehiscence, bleeding, mismatched screw and hematoma. The mid-term results 12 months after surgical revision demonstrated significantly different osseous union rates (p = 0.018). The long-term functional outcome according to the Harris Hip Score 6 years (range 2–10) after revision surgery demonstrated 81 ± 21 points in the cephalomedullary nail group and 64 ± 23 points in the plate group (p = 0.026). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the revision treatment of trochanteric and subtrochanteric nonunion using a 95-degree blade plate or cephalomedullary nail resulted in a high percentage of osseous union, with a low incidence of complications and good functional results for both methods.
The Role of CyberKnife Stereotactic Radiosurgery in Recurrent Cranial Medulloblastomas across Pediatric and Adult Populations
Authors: Yoo Kelly , Marianayagam Neelan , Park David , Zamarud Aroosa , Gu Xuejun , Pollom Erqi , Soltys Scott , Meola Antonio , Chang Steven
Published: June 2024

Background/Objectives: Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. In recent decades, the therapeutic landscape has undergone significant changes, with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) emerging as a promising treatment for recurrent cases. Our study provides a comprehensive analysis of the long-term efficacy and safety of SRS in recurrent medulloblastomas across both pediatric and adult patients at a single institution. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiological records of patients who underwent CyberKnife SRS for recurrent cranial medulloblastomas at our institution between 1998 and 2023. Follow-up data were available for 15 medulloblastomas in 10 patients. The cohort comprised eight pediatric patients (ages 3–18) and two adult patients (ages 19–75). The median age at the time of SRS was 13 years, the median tumor volume accounted for 1.9 cc, the median biologically equivalent dose (BED) was 126 Gy, and the single-fraction equivalent dose (SFED) was 18 Gy. The SRS was administered at 75% of the median isodose line. Results: Following a median follow-up of 39 months (range: 6–78), 53.3% of the medulloblastomas progressed, 13.3% regressed, and 33.3% remained stable. The 3-year local tumor control (LTC) rate for all medulloblastomas was 65%, with lower rates observed in the adult cohort (50%) and higher rates in pediatric patients (67%). The 3-year overall survival (OS) rate was 70%, with significantly higher rates in pediatric patients (75%) compared to adult patients (50%). The 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 58.3%, with higher rates in pediatric patients (60%) compared to adult patients (50%). Two pediatric patients developed radiation-induced edema, while two adult patients experienced radiation necrosis at the latest follow-up, with both adult patients passing away. Conclusions: Our study provides a complex perspective on the efficacy and safety of CyberKnife SRS in treating recurrent cranial medulloblastomas across pediatric and adult populations. The rarity of adverse radiation events (AREs) underscores the safety profile of SRS, reinforcing its role in enhancing treatment outcomes. The intricacies of symptomatic outcomes, intertwined with factors such as age, tumor location, and prior surgeries, emphasize the need for personalized treatment approaches. Our findings underscore the imperative for ongoing research and the development of more refined treatment strategies for recurrent medulloblastomas. Given the observed disparities in treatment outcomes, a more meticulous tailoring of treatment approaches becomes crucial.
Effect of Preoperative Clear Liquid Consumption on Postoperative Recovery in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Huh Jaewon , Koo Jung-Min , Kim Minju , Choi Hoon , Park Hyung-Joo , Rim Gong-Min , Hwang Wonjung
Published: June 2024

Background/Objectives: Preoperative fasting guidelines traditionally aim to reduce pulmonary aspiration risk. However, concerns over the adverse effects of prolonged fasting have led to exploring alternatives. This study aimed to investigate the impact of preoperative clear liquid intake on postoperative outcomes in children undergoing minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE). Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted on children aged 3–6 years scheduled for elective MIRPE. Patients were randomized into either a routine overnight fasting group (NPO) or a clear liquid group. The incidence and severity of emergence delirium (ED) were assessed using Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) and Watcha scales at recovery room. Postoperative pain scores and opioid requirements were evaluated at intervals of 1–6 h, 6–12 h, and 12–24 h after surgery. Results: Fasting time was 178.6 ± 149.5 min and 608.9 ± 148.4 min in the clear liquid group compared and NPO group, respectively. The incidence of ED, measured by PAED and Watcha scales, was lower in the clear liquid group (PAED score ≥ 12: 55.6% vs. 85.2%, p = 0.037; Watcha score ≥ 3: 51.9% vs. 85.2%, p = 0.019). The highest PAED score recorded in the recovery room was significantly lower in the clear liquid group (11.4 ± 2.8 vs. 14.6 ± 2.8, p < 0.001). Clear liquid group showed significantly lower pain scores at 1–6, 6–12, and 12–24 h postoperatively. Additionally, clear liquid group had lower opioid requirement at 1–6 and 6–12 h postoperatively. Conclusions: Preoperative clear liquid consumption was associated with a lower incidence of ED in pediatric patients undergoing MIRPE.
Kinematic Alignment Achieves a More Balanced Total Knee Arthroplasty Than Mechanical Alignment among CPAK Type I Patients: A Simulation Study
Authors: Arai Noriaki , Toyooka Seikai , Masuda Hironari , Kawano Hirotaka , Nakagawa Takumi
Published: June 2024

Background: There is no consensus on whether mechanical alignment (MA) or kinematic alignment (KA) should be chosen for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for coronal plane alignment of the knee (CPAK) Type I with a varus arithmetic HKA (aHKA) and apex distal joint line obliquity (JLO). The aim of this study was to investigate whether MA or KA is preferable for soft tissue balancing in TKA for this phenotype. Method: This prospective cohort study included 64 knees with CPAK Type I osteoarthritis that had undergone cruciate-retaining TKA. Using optical tracking software, we simulated implant placement in the Mako system before making the actual bone cut and compared the results between MA and KA. Extension balance (the difference between medial and lateral gaps in extension) and medial balance (the difference in medial gaps in flexion and extension) were examined. These gap differences within 2 mm were defined as good balance. Achievement of overall balance was defined as an attainment of good extension and medial balance. The incidence of balance in each patient was compared with an independent sample ratio test. Results: Compared with the MA group, the KA group achieved better soft tissue balance in extension balance (p < 0.001). A total of 75% of the patients in the KA group achieved overall balance, which was greater than the 38% achieved in the MA group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In robot-assisted TKA for CPAK Type I osteoarthritis, KA achieved knee balance during extension without soft tissue release in a greater percentage of patients than MA.
Automatic Detection of Post-Operative Clips in Mammography Using a U-Net Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Schnitzler Tician , Ruppert Carlotta , Hejduk Patryk , Borkowski Karol , Kajüter Jonas , Rossi Cristina , Ciritsis Alexander , Landsmann Anna , Zaytoun Hasan , Boss Andreas , Schindera Sebastian , Burn Felice
Published: June 2024

Background: After breast conserving surgery (BCS), surgical clips indicate the tumor bed and, thereby, the most probable area for tumor relapse. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a U-Net-based deep convolutional neural network (dCNN) may be used to detect surgical clips in follow-up mammograms after BCS. Methods: 884 mammograms and 517 tomosynthetic images depicting surgical clips and calcifications were manually segmented and classified. A U-Net-based segmentation network was trained with 922 images and validated with 394 images. An external test dataset consisting of 39 images was annotated by two radiologists with up to 7 years of experience in breast imaging. The network’s performance was compared to that of human readers using accuracy and interrater agreement (Cohen’s Kappa). Results: The overall classification accuracy on the validation set after 45 epochs ranged between 88.2% and 92.6%, indicating that the model’s performance is comparable to the decisions of a human reader. In 17.4% of cases, calcifications have been misclassified as post-operative clips. The interrater reliability of the model compared to the radiologists showed substantial agreement (κreader1 = 0.72, κreader2 = 0.78) while the readers compared to each other revealed a Cohen’s Kappa of 0.84, thus showing near-perfect agreement. Conclusions: With this study, we show that surgery clips can adequately be identified by an AI technique. A potential application of the proposed technique is patient triage as well as the automatic exclusion of post-operative cases from PGMI (Perfect, Good, Moderate, Inadequate) evaluation, thus improving the quality management workflow.
Intelligent Detection of Marine Offshore Aquaculture with High-Resolution Optical Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Dong Di , Shi Qingxiang , Hao Pengcheng , Huang Huamei , Yang Jia , Guo Bingxin , Gao Qing
Published: June 2024

The rapid and disordered expansion of artificial marine aquaculture areas has caused severe ecological and environmental problems. Accurate monitoring of offshore aquaculture areas is urgent and significant in order to support the scientific and sustainable management and protection of coastal marine resources. Artificial intelligence provides a valuable tool to improve marine resource monitoring. Deep learning methods have been widely used for marine object detection, but You Only Look Once (YOLO) models have not been employed for offshore aquaculture area monitoring. This study therefore evaluated the capacity of two well-known YOLO models, YOLOv5 and YOLOv7, to detect offshore aquaculture areas based on different high-resolution optical remote sensing imagery. Compared with YOLOv7 based on a satellite dataset, YOLOv5 increased the Precision value by approximately 3.29% (to 95.33%), Recall value by 3.02% (to 93.02%), mAP_0.5 by 2.03% (to 96.22%), and F1 score by 2.65% (to 94.16%). Based on the Google Earth dataset, YOLOv5 and YOLOv7 showed similar results. We found that the spatial resolution could affect the deep learning models’ performances. We used the Real-ESRGAN method to enhance the spatial resolution of satellite dataset and investigated whether super-resolution (SR) methods improved the detection accuracy of the YOLO models. The results indicated that despite improving the image clarity and resolution, the SR methods negatively affected the performance of the YOLO models for offshore aquaculture object detection. This suggests that attention should be paid to the use of SR methods before the application of deep learning models for object detection using remote sensing imagery.
Robust Prescribed-Time ESO-Based Practical Predefined-Time SMC for Benthic AUV Trajectory-Tracking Control with Uncertainties and Environment Disturbance
Authors: Xu Yufei , Zhang Ziyang , Wan Lei
Published: June 2024

The aim of this study is to address the trajectory-tracking control problem of benthic autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) subjected to model uncertainties and extra disturbance. In order to estimate lumped uncertainties and reconstruction speed information, this paper designs a robust prescribed-time extended state observer (RPTESO), and its prescribed time can be directly designed as an explicit parameter, without relying on the initial state of the system and complex parameter settings. In addition, an adaptive law is designed to improve the robustness of RPTSEO and reduce overshoot on the premise of ensuring convergence speed. Then, a non-singular robust practical predefined-time sliding mode control (RPPSMC) considering the hydrodynamic characteristics of AUV is designed, and the predefined time can be directly set by an explicit parameter. The RPPSMC is designed based on the lumped uncertainties estimated using RPTESO, so as to improve the control accuracy of the controller in a complex environment. Theoretical analysis and simulations demonstrated the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.
Life Assessment of Deep-Sea Observation Windows under Different Design Considerations
Authors: He Zhihao , Wang Fang , Zhang Jinfei , Zhao Bingxiong , Wu Yu , Luo Ruilong , Chen Fengluo
Published: June 2024

As a key component of deep-sea manned submersibles, the observation window is usually constructed with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) material. During the design of the observation windows, the consideration of actual lifespan and its influential factors is insufficient. There are no clear provisions in the widely applied specifications. In this paper, based on the continuum damage mechanics model, combined with the viscoelastic relationship of PMMA material, a series of calculations were performed on the PMMA observation window. The parametric analysis of the fatigue crack-initiation life of the observation window at various thickness-to-diameter ratios (1.6, 1.4, 1.2, and 1.0), different friction coefficients (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3), and different transition arc radii (4000 mm and 6000 mm) was carried out. The calculated crack positions in the numerical mode used for validation closely align with those in the tested window. And simulation results show that the fatigue life of the observation window gradually decreases with the decrease in the thickness–diameter ratio and the increase in the friction coefficient. However, the increase in the transition arc radius will prolong the fatigue life of the observation window, which is higher than that of the original structure.
Research on Time-Cooperative Guidance with Evasive Maneuver for Multiple Underwater Intelligent Vehicles
Authors: Fan Zuoe , Ding Hao , Feng Linping , Li Bochen , Song Lei
Published: June 2024

In order to achieve the precise attack of multiple underwater intelligent vehicles (UIVs) on the same target ship at a fixed impact time, and to improve the penetration capability of the UIVs themselves, this study investigated the guidance law for the time-cooperative guidance of UIVs with maneuvering evasion. The evasive maneuver of the UIV increases the line-of-sight angle between the UIV and the target, which decreases the guidance precision of the UIV. A segmented control strategy is proposed to solve the problem of decreasing guidance precision caused by evading maneuvers, which is also the main contribution of this paper. This control strategy is dividing the guidance trajectory into two segments. The first segment allows for intelligent underwater vehicles to make evasion maneuvers and penetrate the defense, while the second segment controls the terminal time and achieves precision strike. Different desired target-vehicle distances are designed for each segment, unifying the impact time control issue and evasion maneuver problem into the pursuit of desired target-vehicle distances. Finally, based on feedback linearization control theory, a time-cooperative guidance law with evasion maneuver capability is proposed. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method in attacking-moving targets.
Cooling Improvement for High-Power-Density Shell-Mounted Underwater Propulsion Motors with Heat Bridges
Authors: Ou Huanyu , Hu Yuli , Mao Zhaoyong , Tian Wenlong , Cheng Bo
Published: June 2024

Subject to an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) with rigorously limited space and weight, the high-power-density propulsion motor urgently needs an efficient cooling method to improve reliability and stability. In this paper, a cooling improvement method based on heat bridges (HBs) is proposed for the shell-mounted propulsion motor (SmPM) of the AUVs. First, the electromagnetic and thermal characteristics of a 150 kW SmPM are analyzed using a numerical method. Then, a prototype was developed and tested to verify the accuracy of the numerical calculation. Subsequently, in order to further improve the cooling performance of the motor with minimal weight increment, this paper proposes HBs mounted on the end winding. The maximum winding temperature of the motor containing the proposed HBs is decreased by 20 K at the rated operation state. Based on the validated numerical method, the effects of topologies, materials, and geometric parameters on the cooling effect are investigated. Furthermore, according to the required operating time, the SmPM is optimized based on the cooling performance improvement provided by the proposed HBs. The results show that in addition to the benefit of the cooling improvement contributed by the proposed HB, the weight of the propulsion motor is reduced by 7.14%.
Colonization and Biodegradation Potential of Fungal Communities on Immersed Polystyrene vs. Biodegradable Plastics: A Time Series Study in a Marina Environment
Authors: Philippe Aurélie , Salaun Marie , Quemener Maxence , Noël Cyril , Tallec Kévin , Lacroix Camille , Coton Emmanuel , Burgaud Gaëtan
Published: June 2024

Plastic pollution of the ocean is a major environmental threat. In this context, a better understanding of the microorganisms able to colonize and potentially degrade these pollutants is of interest. This study explores the colonization and biodegradation potential of fungal communities on foamed polystyrene and alternatives biodegradable plastics immersed in a marina environment over time, using the Brest marina (France) as a model site. The methodology involved a combination of high-throughput 18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to investigate fungal taxa associated with plastics compared to the surrounding seawater, and a culture-dependent approach to isolate environmentally relevant fungi to further assess their capabilities to utilize polymers as carbon sources. Metabarcoding results highlighted the significant diversity of fungal communities associated with both foamed polystyrene and biodegradable plastics, revealing a dynamic colonization process influenced by the type of polymer and immersion time. Notably, the research suggests a potential for certain fungal species to utilize polymers as a carbon source, emphasizing the need for further exploration of fungal biodegradation potential and mechanisms.
Role of Flavohemoglobins in the Development and Aflatoxin Biosynthesis of Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Zhou Xiaoling , Chen Dongyue , Yu Min , Jiao Yuan , Tao Fang
Published: June 2024

Aspergillus flavus is notorious for contaminating food with its secondary metabolite—highly carcinogenic aflatoxins. In this study, we found that exogenous nitric oxide (NO) donor could influence aflatoxin production in A. flavus. Flavohemoglobins (FHbs) are vital functional units in maintaining nitric oxide (NO) homeostasis and are crucial for normal cell function. To investigate whether endogenous NO changes affect aflatoxin biosynthesis, two FHbs, FHbA and FHbB, were identified in this study. FHbA was confirmed as the main protein to maintain NO homeostasis, as its absence led to a significant increase in intracellular NO levels and heightened sensitivity to SNP stress. Dramatically, FHbA deletion retarded aflatoxin production. In addition, FHbA played important roles in mycelial growth, conidial germination, and sclerotial development, and response to oxidative stress and high-temperature stress. Although FHbB did not significantly impact the cellular NO level, it was also involved in sclerotial development, aflatoxin synthesis, and stress response. Our findings provide a new perspective for studying the regulatory mechanism of the development and secondary mechanism in A. flavus.
Does Corporate Social Responsibility Create Value in Acquisitions? Evidence from the German Market
Authors: Walter Jan-Luca , Charifzadeh Michel , Herberger Tim Alexander
Published: June 2024

This paper examines the impact of a firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) level on abnormal stock returns around merger and acquisitions (M&A) announcements. Using a sample of transactions announced by German DAX-listed acquirers from 2017 and 2022, the analysis assesses whether CSR creates value for acquiring firms’ shareholders and offers a comprehensive discussion of potential factors supporting or opposing this notion. Our study seeks to fill a notable gap in the German literature on the relationship between CSR performance and abnormal stock returns surrounding M&A announcements. Building upon prior research findings in the US and in an international sample, our investigation focuses on the German market. Employing event study methodology, our results indicate that M&A transactions of German-listed acquirers did not yield significant negative or positive cumulative abnormal returns for event windows of 3 and 11 days. Furthermore, based on multiple linear regression, no evidence was found that CSR positively or negatively influenced abnormal stock returns following M&A announcements, suggesting that positive and negative effects potentially offset each other. The outcomes of our research have important implications for investors, as CSR initiatives do not serve as a positive trading signal, guaranteeing excess returns, which contrasts findings from previous studies in other developed countries. For managers, it is essential to concentrate on factors beyond CSR performance, such as synergies and fit. Finally, both managers and investors should not view CSR as a shareholder value-enhancing short-term investment but as an integral component of fostering sustainable business development.
Factors Affecting Return on Assets in the Renewable Energy Sector during Supply Chain Disruptions
Authors: Yu Jie
Published: June 2024

Return on assets (ROA) is a critical metric in assessing a company’s sustainability, especially in light of supply chain disruptions. Within the renewable energy sector, such disruptions often lead to a decline in ROA. Through the utilization of a within-between random model, this study uncovers the necessity for distinct strategies both prior to and during supply chain disruptions to maintain a high ROA. Pre-disruption, emphasis should be placed on securing additional funding for research and development (R&D) initiatives and expanding market reach. However, amid disruptions, sustaining a high ROA demands a strategic pivot. Specifically, renewable energy firms should scale back expansion efforts, redirect cash toward R&D, and exercise caution when venturing into new international markets, particularly in the absence of substantial government subsidies. Notably, this paper focuses solely on large-scale listed companies, overlooking potential innovative strategies employed by smaller-scale companies—an area ripe for future investigation. Despite this limitation, our findings offer valuable insights into enhancing sustainable performance within the renewable energy sector.