bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Special concepts of edge regularity in the cubic fuzzy graph structure environment with an application
Authors: Shi Xiaolong , Kosari Saeed , Sadati Seyed Hossein , Talebi Ali Asghar , Khan Aysha
Published: August 2023

The cubic fuzzy graph structure is a tool for modeling problems, in which there are two fuzzy values for each variable and the relationships between them that cannot be expressed as a single fuzzy number. Inducing the same relationship among different subjects has an important effect on the understanding of uncertain problems. This is especially ambiguous and complicated when we are dealing with two different fuzzy values. With the aim of explaining edge regular in relationships among vertices, the current research has introduced this concept in the cubic fuzzy graph structure and expressed some of its characteristics. The edge regular and the total edge regularity are described in relation to several relationships. This concept has been applied in some special types such as the complete cubic fuzzy graph structure, and its results have been reviewed. Moreover, the vertex regular and its relationship with the edge regularity have been discussed. This study showed that the degree of vertices is effective in the edge adjustment process. In the end, an application of the topic under discussion is presented.
Non-invasive monitoring of intracranial pressure changes: healthy volunteers study
Authors: Roldan Maria , Bradley George R. E. , Mejía-Mejía Elisa , Abay Tomas Y. , Kyriacou Panayiotis A.
Published: August 2023

Objective: This research aims to evaluate the possible association between pulsatile near infrared spectroscopic waveform features and induced changes in intracranial pressure in healthy volunteers.

Methods: An optical intracranial pressure sensor was attached to the forehead of 16 healthy volunteers. Pulsatile near infrared spectroscopic signals were acquired from the forehead during body position changes and Valsalva manoeuvers. Features were extracted from the pulsatile signals and analyses were carried out to investigate the presence of statistical differences in the features when intracranial pressure changes were induced. Classification models were developed utilizing the features extracted from the pulsatile near-infrared spectroscopic signals to classify between different body positions and Valsalva manoeuvre.

Results: The presence of significant differences in the majority of the analyzed features (p < 0.05) indicates the technique’s ability to distinguish between variations in intracranial pressure. Furthermore, the disparities observed in the optical signal features captured by the proximal and distal photodetectors support the hypothesis that alterations in back-scattered light directly correspond to brain-related changes. Further research is required to subtract distal and proximal signals and construct predictive models employing a gold standard measurement for non-invasive, continuous monitoring of intracranial pressure.

Conclusion: The study investigated the use of pulsatile near infrared spectroscopic signals to detect changes in intracranial pressure in healthy volunteers. The results revealed significant differences in the features extracted from these signals, demonstrating a correlation with ICP changes induced by positional changes and Valsalva manoeuvre. Classification models were capable of identifying changes in ICP using features from optical signals from the brain, with a sensitivity ranging from 63.07% to 80% and specificity ranging from 60.23% to 70% respectively. These findings underscored the potential of these features to effectively identify alterations in ICP.

Significance: The study’s results demonstrate the feasibility of using features extracted from optical signals from the brain to detect changes in ICP induced by positional changes and Valsalva manoeuvre in healthy volunteers. This represents a first step towards the non-invasive monitoring of intracranial pressure.
Ventricular interdependence in critically ill patients: from physiology to bedside
Authors: Petit Matthieu , Vieillard-Baron Antoine
Published: August 2023

The review focuses on the mechanism of ventricular interdependence, a frequently encountered phenomena, especially in critically ill patients. It is explained by the anatomy of the heart, with two ventricles sharing a common wall, the septum, and nested in an acutely inextensible envelope, the pericardium. In pathological situation, it results in abnormal movements of the interventricular septum driven by respiration, leading to abnormal filling of one or the other ventricle. Ventricular interdependence has several clinical applications and explains some situations of hemodynamic impairment, especially in situations of cardiac tamponade, severe acute asthma, right ventricular (RV) overload, or more simply, in case of positive pressure ventilation with underlying acute pulmonary hypertension. Ventricular interdependence can be monitored with pulmonary arterial catheter or echocardiography. Knowledge of this phenomena has very concrete clinical applications in the management of filling or in the prevention or treatment of RV overload.
Trajectories across the healthy adult lifespan on sense of direction, spatial anxiety, and attitude in exploring places
Authors: Muffato Veronica , Miola Laura , Pazzaglia Francesca , Meneghetti Chiara
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Self-evaluations about orientation and navigation in the environment contribute to individual differences in spatial cognition. Evidence suggests that they may change, even slightly, with the progression of adulthood. It is necessary to improve the framing of environment-related subjective self-evaluations in adulthood and aging by examining how they change and the factors related to them. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the developmental trajectories of sense of direction, spatial anxiety, and attitude in exploring place across the adult lifespan while also considering gender and education.

Materials and methods

A sample of 1,946 participants (1,068 women), aged 18–87 years, completed the sense of direction and spatial representation, spatial anxiety, and attitude in exploring scales.

Results

The regression models showed a linear increase in sense of direction with age, stable spatial anxiety until age 66 years when anxiety began increasing, and a stable attitude in exploring with a deflection by age 71 years. Gender played a role in all three types of self-evaluations, with men reporting higher ratings in sense of direction and attitude toward exploring (especially in older men), and lower levels of spatial anxiety than women did. Education also played a role, with higher education years associated with lower ratings in spatial anxiety and a higher sense of direction, nullifying gender differences in the latter.

Discussion

These results offer, in the spatial cognition framework, a better understanding of how specific environment-related self-evaluations develop with age and related factors, such as education. This underscores the importance of enhancing them, particularly in women and older adults.
Potential determinants of vaccine hesitancy among celiac disease patients: a single cohort analysis
Authors: Rehman Shazia , Rehman Erum , Holy Ondrej
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Though researchers and scholars have greatly emphasized addressing the influencing factors of vaccination hesitancy, little attention has been paid to patients with celiac disease. Addressing the variables hampering attitudes might help direct appropriate patient advocacy and doctor-patient communication endeavors to encourage vaccination among celiac disease patients. The present investigation seeks to explore the coverage against vaccine-preventable diseases, vaccination attitudes, and related possible factors among celiac disease patients in the Pakistani setting.

Methods

A self-reported online survey was conducted in Islamabad, Pakistan, for celiac disease patients aged 18 and above. The questionnaire was completed by 226 participants, with a response rate of 43.8%. The influencing variables for vaccination hesitancy were examined, and 95% confidence intervals for the crude and adjusted odds ratios were computed.

Results

Among the study population, the majority were females, with a ratio of 75.66%. A prominent proportion of 69.03% was observed for influenza vaccination, while 39.82% were unable to recall all of the vaccinations they had previously received. Only 7% of the patients were considered to have a negative attitude toward vaccination, compared to an estimated 76% who were in favor of it. The significantly positive influencing factors observed toward vaccination were being well-educated (graduate, master, or above), possible recurrence of vaccine-preventable diseases with declining vaccination coverage (adjusted OR: 13.36), and increased confidence in vaccines from health care experts compared to electronic media (adjusted OR: 8.41). Contrarily, practicing complementary and alternative medicines (adjusted OR: 5.59), willingness to get vaccinated again in the future (adjusted OR: 15.59), and prior negative perspectives (adjusted OR: 1.01) were the determinants with a significant negative association.

Discussion

In conclusion, the outcomes of the current work raise the possibility that health practitioners may be accountable for inappropriately prescribing vaccines to this demographic since 77% of the participants had a favorable attitude toward vaccination. These findings could serve as a springboard for creating targeted immunization efforts to raise vaccination coverage against vaccine-preventive diseases among celiac disease patients.
Using lessons learnt from key stakeholders to increase support for scaling the Reach Up Early Childhood Parenting program
Authors: Coore-Hall Jacqueline , Smith Joanne , Kelly Melissa , Baker-Henningham Helen , Chang Susan , Walker Susan
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Sustainable implementation of early childhood programs requires resources, materials and methods that are adaptable, scalable and feasible for delivery through multiple sectors. Additional or modified program resources may be required to meet emerging needs, as programs go to scale. An active and effective monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) process may enable programs to be responsive to demands. The Reach Up: Early Childhood Parenting program, is designed primarily for disadvantaged children under 4 years of age in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to promote their development through playful caregiver interactions. The curriculum, training manuals and other materials and resources support implementers in the adaptation of the intervention, implementation, workforce training, monitoring and evaluation. This paper reports on how data collected from key informants drove modifications to program processes, materials and resources.

Methods

We conducted in-depth interviews with 14 key informants (including program managers, lead trainers, academics, consultants and workforce personnel) on their experiences with Reach Up across 15 LMICs where the program has been implemented. We also reviewed written records generated from (i) structured small group discussions at a Knowledge Exchange meeting of 31 Reach Up partners and (ii) notes from working groups formed at the meeting and tasked to continue working post-meeting to find solutions to support ongoing implementation. The transcripts from the in-depth interviews and the meeting records were analysed using thematic analysis with a mixture of pre-defined categories and data-driven sub-themes.

Results

The main findings indicated that there was a need to: (i) develop advocacy and communication resources and materials to aid prospective implementers and other stakeholders, to make decisions for implementation, (ii) revise and/or add to the content and format of the curriculum and add content in the training and other supporting manuals and (iii) enhance the training process.

Conclusion:

The feedback from the key global partners informed the development of new knowledge materials, resources and processes and modifications to existing program materials and resources. These will help to support advocacy, ongoing implementations, and the process of transitioning the Reach Up early childhood intervention to scale.
Development and psychometric validation of the Colorectal Cancer Literacy Scale—Uruguay Version
Authors: Buki Lydia P. , Reich Micaela , Wang Jue , Sanabia Selva , Larrosa Dolores , Sologaistoa Bibiana , Blanco Mercedes
Published: August 2023

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in Uruguay, yet less than half of the eligible population is up to date with screenings. Research is hampered because no measures exist to assess psychosocial factors that influence screening decisions in this population. To address this gap, we report on the development and psychometric validation of the Colorectal Cancer Literacy Scale—Uruguay Version, a scale based on the health literacy model. We developed an item pool based on the extant literature, obtained feedback from experts, and conducted focus groups with community participants and health care providers. After revision, we conducted a psychometric validation with a national community sample of 405 participants. Through an exploratory factor analysis, we identified four factors that were collapsed into two for theoretical and pragmatic reasons, representing (a) disposition toward cancer prevention and (b) attitudes, beliefs, and emotions about cancer. A third factor, knowledge about colorectal cancer, was examined separately given its distinct focus. Subsequently, we conducted a confirmatory factor analysis with the remaining sample participants using Rasch measurement theory for validation purposes and to further assess the scales’ psychometric properties. The resulting 44-item scale presented a good model fit with adequate EAP reliabilities and good initial discriminant validity. Further criterion-related validity analyses should be performed when additional measures are available. The Colorectal Cancer Literacy Scale—Uruguay Version is a theoretically based measure that can bring to light barriers and facilitative factors in an underscreened population at risk. Implications for theory, research, and practice are discussed.
Anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) aneurysms: a radiological study of 15 consecutive patients
Authors: Muhammad Sajjad , Hafez Ahmad , Kaukovalta Hanna , Rezai Jahromi Behnam , Kivisaari Riku , Hänggi Daniel , Niemelä Mika
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The aneurysms of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) are rare lesions of the posterior circulation and to treat them is challenging. We aim to present anatomical and morphological characteristics of AICA aneurysms in a series of 15 patients.

Method

The DSA and CT angiography images of AICA aneurysms in 15 consecutive patients were analyzed retrospectively. Different anatomical characteristics were quantified, including morphology, location, width, neck width, length, bottleneck factor, and aspect ratio.

Results

Eighty percent of the patients were females. The age was 52.4 ± 9.6 (mean ± SD) years. 11 patients were smokers. Ten patients had a saccular aneurysm and five patients had a fusiform aneurysm. Aneurysm in 10 patients were located in the proximal segment, in three patients in the meatal segment, and in two patients in the distal segment. Ten out of 15 patients presented with a ruptured aneurysm. The size of AICA aneurysms was 14.8 ± 18.9 mm (mean ± SD). The aspect ratio was 0.92 ± 0.47 (mean ± SD) and bottleneck factor was 1.66 ± 1.65 (mean ± SD).

Conclusion

AICA aneurysms are rare lesions of posterior circulation predominantly found in females, present predominantly with subarachnoid hemorrhage, and are mostly large in size.
Deep learning image segmentation approaches for malignant bone lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rich Joseph M. , Bhardwaj Lokesh N. , Shah Aman , Gangal Krish , Rapaka Mohitha S. , Oberai Assad A. , Fields Brandon K. K. , Matcuk George R. , Duddalwar Vinay A.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Image segmentation is an important process for quantifying characteristics of malignant bone lesions, but this task is challenging and laborious for radiologists. Deep learning has shown promise in automating image segmentation in radiology, including for malignant bone lesions. The purpose of this review is to investigate deep learning-based image segmentation methods for malignant bone lesions on Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Positron-Emission Tomography/CT (PET/CT).

Method

The literature search of deep learning-based image segmentation of malignant bony lesions on CT and MRI was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus electronic databases following the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A total of 41 original articles published between February 2017 and March 2023 were included in the review.

Results

The majority of papers studied MRI, followed by CT, PET/CT, and PET/MRI. There was relatively even distribution of papers studying primary vs. secondary malignancies, as well as utilizing 3-dimensional vs. 2-dimensional data. Many papers utilize custom built models as a modification or variation of U-Net. The most common metric for evaluation was the dice similarity coefficient (DSC). Most models achieved a DSC above 0.6, with medians for all imaging modalities between 0.85–0.9.

Discussion

Deep learning methods show promising ability to segment malignant osseous lesions on CT, MRI, and PET/CT. Some strategies which are commonly applied to help improve performance include data augmentation, utilization of large public datasets, preprocessing including denoising and cropping, and U-Net architecture modification. Future directions include overcoming dataset and annotation homogeneity and generalizing for clinical applicability.
Continuous dynamical decoupling of optical 171Yb+ qudits with radiofrequency fields
Authors: Zalivako Ilia V. , Borisenko Alexander S. , Semerikov Ilya A. , Korolkov Andrey E. , Sidorov Pavel L. , Galstyan Kristina P. , Semenin Nikita V. , Smirnov Vasiliy N. , Aksenov Mikhail D. , Fedorov Aleksey K. , Khabarova Ksenia Yu , Kolachevsky Nikolay N.
Published: August 2023

The use of multilevel quantum information carriers, also known as qudits, has attracted significant interest as a way of further scaling quantum computing devices. However, such multilevel systems usually express shorter coherence time than their two-level counterparts, which limits their computational potential. We thus propose and experimentally demonstrate two approaches for realizing the continuous dynamical decoupling of magnetic-sensitive states with mF = ±1 for qudits encoded in optical transition of trapped 171Yb+ ions. We improve the coherence time of qudit levels by an order of magnitude (more than 9 ms) without any magnetic shielding, revealing the potential advantage of the symmetry of the 171Yb+ ion energy structure for counteracting magnetic field noise. Our results are a step toward realizing qudit-based algorithms using trapped ions.
Case report: A vertebral bone spur as an etiology for spinal cord herniation: case presentation, surgical technique, and review of the literature
Authors: Hunziker S. , Örgel A. , Tatagiba M. , Adib S. D.
Published: August 2023

Objective

The pathophysiology of idiopathic spinal cord herniation remains unknown. However, several different factors have been postulated, such as congenital causes (ventral dura mater duplication, preexisting pseudomeningocele, or other congenital dural defects), inflammation, remote spinal trauma, or thoracic disc herniation. Herein, the diagnosis and surgical treatment of a patient with spinal cord herniation caused by an intraspinal bone spur is presented along with a relevant literature review.

Case presentation

A 56-year-old male patient presented with a non-traumatic Brown-Sequard syndrome persisting for over 1 year. A magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal axis revealed a ventral spinal cord displacement in the level of T 6/7. A supplementary thin-sliced computed tomography of the spine revealed a bone spur at the same level. For neurosurgical intervention, T 6 and T 7 laminectomy was performed. The cranial and caudal end of the right paramedian ventral dural defect was visualized and enlarged. Following extradural spinal cord mobilization by denticulate ligament transection, the spinal cord was finally released. The spinal cord was rotated and the ventral closure of the dural defect was performed by continuous suture. The patient recovered from surgery without additional deficits. The patient’s postoperative gait, sensory, and motor function deficits improved, and further neurological deterioration was prevented.

Conclusion

Since the first description of spinal cord herniation by Wortzman et al. in 1974, approximately 260 cases have been reported in the literature. In addition to other causes, intraspinal bone spur is a possible cause of spinal cord herniation.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Lactation Traits in Chinese Holstein Cows in Southern China
Authors: Su Minqiang , Lin Xiaojue , Xiao Zupeng , She Yuanhang , Deng Ming , Liu Guangbin , Sun Baoli , Guo Yongqing , Liu Dewu , Li Yaokun
Published: August 2023

Lactation traits are economically important for dairy cows. Southern China has a high-temperature and high-humidity climate, and environmental and genetic interactions greatly impact dairy cattle performance. The aim of this study was to identify novel single-nucleotide polymorphism sites and novel candidate genes associated with lactation traits in Chinese Holstein cows under high-temperature and humidity conditions in southern China. A genome-wide association study was performed for the lactation traits of 392 Chinese Holstein cows, using GGP Bovine 100 K SNP gene chips. Some 23 single nucleotide polymorphic loci significantly associated with lactation traits were screened. Among them, 16 were associated with milk fat rate, 7 with milk protein rate, and 3 with heat stress. A quantitative trait locus that significantly affects milk fat percentage in Chinese Holstein cows was identified within a window of approximately 0.5 Mb in the region of 0.4–0.9 Mb on Bos taurus autosome 14. According to Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses, ten genes (DGAT1, IDH2, CYP11B1, GFUS, CYC1, GPT, PYCR3, OPLAH, ALDH1A3, and NAPRT) associated with lactation fat percentage, milk yield, antioxidant activity, stress resistance, and inflammation and immune response were identified as key candidates for lactation traits. The results of this study will help in the development of an effective selection and breeding program for Chinese Holstein cows in high-temperature and humidity regions.
Treatment of Canine Disc-Associated Cervical Spondylomyelopathy with a Cervical Distraction–Stabilization Technique (C-LOX Combined with LCP Plate) and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Tabbì Marco , Barillaro Giuseppe , Interlandi Claudia Dina , Di Pietro Simona , Fugazzotto Domenico , Costa Giovanna Lucrezia , Iannelli Nicola Maria , Macrì Daniele , Ferrantelli Vincenzo , Macrì Francesco
Published: August 2023

Canine disc-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (DA-CSM) is a form of caudal CSM, characterized by the compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots due to an intervertebral disc protrusion. It is more frequent in large canine breeds. A variety of surgical techniques has been proposed for DA-CSM. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of a cervical distraction–stabilization technique using an intervertebral anchored fusion device (C-LOX) combined with a locking compression plate (LCP plate) for the treatment of DA-CSM in dogs, based on clinical and radiographical follow-up data. Thirteen dogs affected by DA-CSM were included in the study. After the surgical procedure, an improvement in neurological status was documented in 9/13 cases. This cervical distraction–stabilization technique seems to be a valuable surgical alternative to treat this canine pathology.
Lack of SARS-CoV-2 Viral RNA Detection among a Convenience Sampling of Ohio Wildlife, Companion, and Agricultural Animals, 2020–2021
Authors: Ehrlich Margot , Madden Christopher , McBride Dillon S. , Nolting Jacqueline M. , Huey Devra , Kenney Scott , Wang Qiuhong , Saif Linda J. , Vlasova Anastasia , Dennis Patricia , Lombardi Dusty , Gibson Stormy , McLaine Alexis , Lauterbach Sarah , Yaxley Page , Winston Jenessa A. , Diaz-Campos Dubraska , Pesapane Risa , Flint Mark , Flint Jaylene , Junge Randy , Faith Seth A. , Bowman Andrew S. , Hale Vanessa L.
Published: August 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in humans in late 2019 and spread rapidly, becoming a global pandemic. A zoonotic spillover event from animal to human was identified as the presumed origin. Subsequently, reports began emerging regarding spillback events resulting in SARS-CoV-2 infections in multiple animal species. These events highlighted critical links between animal and human health while also raising concerns about the development of new reservoir hosts and potential viral mutations that could alter the virulence and transmission or evade immune responses. Characterizing susceptibility, prevalence, and transmission between animal species became a priority to help protect animal and human health. In this study, we coalesced a large team of investigators and community partners to surveil for SARS-CoV-2 in domestic and free-ranging animals around Ohio between May 2020 and August 2021. We focused on species with known or predicted susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, highly congregated or medically compromised animals (e.g., shelters, barns, veterinary hospitals), and animals that had frequent contact with humans (e.g., pets, agricultural animals, zoo animals, or animals in wildlife hospitals). This included free-ranging deer (n = 76 individuals), free-ranging mink (n = 57), multiple species of bats (n = 59), and other wildlife in addition to domestic cats (n = 275) and pigs (n = 184). In total, we tested 792 individual animals (34 species) via rRT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA was not detected in any of the tested animals despite a major peak in human SARS-CoV-2 cases that occurred in Ohio subsequent to the peak of animal samplings. Importantly, we did not test for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in this study, which limited our ability to assess exposure. While the results of this study were negative, the surveillance effort was critical and remains key to understanding, predicting, and preventing the re-emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in humans or animals.
Evaluating the Rumen Degradation of Novel Protected Gelatin Capsules Containing Fish Oil Fed to Lactating Dairy Cows
Authors: Pena Omar Manuel , Murphy Kevin , Long Nathan , Lascano Gustavo J. , Jenkins Thomas C. , Aguerre Matías J.
Published: August 2023

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of feeding gelatin capsules containing fish oil, treated with alcoholic solutions of flavoring agents followed by drying, on lactation performance, rumen fatty acids content and milk enrichment of fatty acids. In Trial 1, four multiparous ruminally fistulated Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments sequences in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Treatments consisted of (1) Control with no capsules, (2) Control plus 200 untreated capsules per cow/day, mixed with the TMR, (3) Control plus 200 treated capsules per cow/day placed directly into the rumen, (4) Control plus 200 treated capsules per cow/day, mixed with the TMR. In Trial 2, three fistulated Holstein and three fistulated Jersey multiparous cows were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments sequences in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. Treatments consisted of (1) Control with no capsules fed to the cows, (2) Control plus 180 untreated capsules per cow/day, (3) Control plus 180 treated capsules per cow/day. Compared to control, feeding fish oil capsules significantly (Trial 1) or numerically (Trial 2) reduced milk fat concentration and yield. Furthermore, in both trials, the feeding of untreated or treated capsules had no effect on animal performance or milk composition. In both trials, compared to controls, supplementing the diet with fish oil capsules consistently increased total trans C18:1 isomers and DHA concentration in the rumen and milk fat. However, for both trials, capsule protection treatment had a minimal effect on the concentration of any of the reported rumen and milk fatty acids. When assessed under laboratory control conditions, due to water absorption, the treated capsule weight was increased by 40% while resistance to pressure decreased by 84% after 2 h of incubation in water. The results of this study suggest that due to a reduction in the capsule shell’s resistance to abrasion, treated capsules marginally prevented the release of fish oil in the rumen.
Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance among Pilgrims with Infectious Diseases during Hajj: Lessons Learnt from COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Haseeb Abdul , Saleem Zikria , Faidah Hani Saleh , Saati Abdullah A. , AlQarni Abdullmoin , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Alghamdi Saleh , Elrggal Mahmoud E. , AlGethamy Manal , Radwan Rozan Mohammad , Mahrous Ahmad Jamal , Abuhussain Safa S. Almarzoky , Khayyat Sarah M. , Ibrahim Kiran , Godman Brian , Sheikh Aziz
Published: August 2023

Hajj pilgrimage is a large mass gathering global event that may facilitate the spread and emergence of various infectious diseases as well as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in a local and global scenario. Planning and preparing for these public health issues is a challenging and complex process for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) health authorities. Despite multiple efforts for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases through longtime funding in education and medical care, the prevalence of infectious disease is still high among Hajj pilgrims. The commonly observed infectious diseases during Hajj include respiratory tract infections (influenza and pneumonia), urinary tract infections and skin infections that may necessitate the use of antimicrobials. Beta-lactams are used as a first-line treatment for hospital acquired infections as well as community acquired infections due to their broad-spectrum activity. However, most of the bacterial isolates such as Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp. and E. coli are resistant to beta-lactams. Irrational use of antimicrobials, lack of infection prevention practices and suboptimal healthcare access further exacerbate the risk of spreading AMR among Hajj pilgrims. Enhanced collaboration between countries, sharing of best practices and international cooperation are crucial in addressing AMR threats among pilgrims. Consequently, robust surveillance systems for early detection and monitoring of AMR, collaboration with national as well as international healthcare agencies, effective infection prevention and control measures, public awareness and rational use of antimicrobials via antimicrobial stewardship programs are required to mitigate the risk of AMR and ensure the health and well-being of pilgrims during Hajj.
Mosaicing Technology for Airborne Wide Field-of-View Infrared Image
Authors: Dong Lei , Liu Fangjian , Han Mingchao , You Hongjian
Published: August 2023

Multi-detector parallel scanning is derived from the traditional airborne panorama camera, and it has a great lateral field of view. A wide field-of-view camera can be used to obtain an area of remote sensing image by whisk broom mood during the flight. The adjacent image during acquisition should cover the overlap region according to the flight path, and then the regional image can be generated by image processing. Complexity and difficulty are increased during the regional image processing due to some interference factors of aircraft in flight. The overlap of the acquired regional image is constantly variable. Depending on the analysis of the imaging geometric principle of a wide field-of-view scanning camera, this paper proposes the rigorous geometric model of geoposition. The infrared image mosaic technology is proposed according to the features of regional images through the SIFT (Scale Invariant Feature Transform) operator to extract the two best-matching point pairs in the adjacent overlap region. We realize the coarse registration of adjacent images according to image translation, rotation, and a scale model of image geometric transformation, and then the local fine stitching is realized using the normalized cross-correlation matching strategy. The regional mosaic experiment of aerial multi-detector parallel scanning infrared image is processed to verify the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Surgical Wound Repair with Innovative Hemostatic Glue: Clinical Case Report
Authors: Alovisi Mario , Erovigni Francesco , Bianchi Lorenzo , Longhi Beatrice , Scotti Nicola , Pasqualini Damiano , Berutti Elio
Published: August 2023

Background: The labial frenulum may be associated with traction on the marginal gingiva of the incisors with resulting gingival recession, a condition known as “pull syndrome”. In this case, performing a frenulectomy at least 6 months before root covering surgery is necessary. Recently, tissue adhesives have been studied as a good alternative to conventional sutures. Methods: A 34-year-old female affected by pull syndrome of the central lower incisors underwent frenulectomy, and an n-hexyl-cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive was used to ensure wound closure. Results: The patient was instructed in hygiene maneuvers and rinsed with 0.12% chlorhexidine-based mouthwash for 15 days. The glue was partially removed at 7 days, and for the remaining, natural disposal time was expected. The wound healing process was complete after 15 days with minimal postoperative discomfort. Conclusion: This n-hexyl-cyanoacrylate surgical glue could be proposed as a viable alternative to conventional sutures during surgical procedures involving wide flaps with the impossibility of first-intention healing. Moreover, it could be indicated to reduce operative time and patients’ discomfort, even if these hypotheses should be confirmed by future clinical studies.
Radio Link Model for Node Deployment in Underground Mine Sensor Networks
Authors: Shahid Saleem , Zahra Hijab , Qaisar Saad Bin , Naqvi Ijaz Haider , Abbas Syed Muzahir , Mukhopadhyay Subhas
Published: August 2023

This paper presents an experimental characterization of the proposed radio link model for an underground mine sensor network. Power efficiency and range are critical factors to consider when designing a wireless sensor network, particularly for low data rate applications where the goal is to have a long-lasting, low-maintenance network. A ‘deploy and forget’ strategy is desirable because it allows the network to operate autonomously without requiring frequent maintenance or intervention from network operators. DASH7 and IEEE 802.15.4f are both excellent choices for low-power, long-range wireless sensor networking applications. The proposed radio link model was developed and evaluated for 433 MHz DASH7 in underground mines, considering the practical electromagnetic properties of mine walls and the propagation medium, which helps in calculating accurate signal characteristics. Radio wave propagation is a critical factor that needs to be considered when designing a wireless sensor network for complex mine structures. The received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and packet error rate (PER) are two key parameters that are used to measure wave propagation and assess the quality of the radio link between sensor nodes. The radio link design has been optimized for complex mine structures by utilizing these parameters in a model, leading to improved performance and reliability. The measurements were carried out in the world’s second largest salt mine at Khewra, Pakistan, with representative irregular mine structures. The RSSI and PER were measured at different node positions and with variable separation between the nodes. The proposed model allows for the easy placement of nodes on either the rooftop or near the side walls of the mine corridors, with an average variation of 6% in RSSI and 1.9% in PER. The proposed model was validated using off-the-shelf wizzi sensor nodes received from Wizzi Lab, France, and was programmed to measure RSSI and PER while operating under the 433 MHz DASH7 protocol. An agreement between modeled and measured parameters has been noted, making the proposed model a decent method for efficient node deployment in underground mine sensor networks.
Infrared Spectroscopy for the Analysis of Bioactive Analytes in Wheat: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Johnson Joel B. , Walsh Kerry B. , Naiker Mani
Published: August 2023

This study compared the performance of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIRS) for the prediction of moisture, protein, total phenolic content (TPC), ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) and total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA) content in 65 samples of Australian wheat flour. Models were constructed on 50 of the wheat samples, with the 15 remaining samples used as a dependent test set. NIRS showed excellent results for the prediction of protein content (R2test = 0.991; RMSEP = 0.22% w/v) and acceptable to good results for TPC (R2test = 0.83; RMSEP = 3.9 mg GAE/100 g), FRAP (R2test = 0.92; RMSEP = 5.4 mg TE/100 g) and moisture content (R2test = 0.76, RMSEP = 0.62% w/v). Similarly, MIRS showed the best results for protein prediction (R2test = 0.93, RMSEP = 0.62% w/v) and acceptable results for moisture content (R2test = 0.83, RMSEP = 0.65% w/v), FRAP (R2test = 0.83, RMSEP = 7.0 mg TE/100 g) and TPC (R2test = 0.73, RMSEP = 5.6 mg GAE/100 g). However, the TMA content could not be predicted. Finally, moving window analysis was conducted to determine the optimum wavelength ranges for predicting selected analytes. On average, this improved RMSECV values by an average of 18–20% compared to the corresponding full wavelength models, when using the same component selection method. The results confirm that infrared spectroscopy may be useful for the real-time quantitation and/or screening of key quality parameters in wheat, such as protein, TPC and antioxidant capacity.
Efficient Information-Theoretic Large-Scale Semi-Supervised Metric Learning via Proxies
Authors: Chen Peng , Wang Huibing
Published: August 2023

Semi-supervised metric learning intends to learn a distance function from the limited labeled data as well as a large amount of unlabeled data to better gauge the similarities of any two instances than using a general distance function. However, most existing semi-supervised metric learning methods rely on the manifold assumptions to mine the rich discriminant information of the unlabeled data, which breaks the intrinsic connection between the manifold regularizer-building process and the subsequent metric learning. Moreover, these methods usually encounter high computational or memory overhead. To solve these issues, we develop a novel method entitled Information-Theoretic Large-Scale Semi-Supervised Metric Learning via Proxies (ISMLP). ISMLP aims to simultaneously learn multiple proxy vectors as well as a Mahalanobis matrix and forms the semi-supervised metric learning as the probability distribution optimization parameterized by the Mahalanobis distance between the instance and each proxy vector. ISMLP maximizes the entropy of the labeled data and minimizes that of the unlabeled data to follow the entropy regularization, in this way, the labeled part and unlabeled part can be integrated in a meaningful way. Furthermore, the time complexity of the proposed method has a linear dependency concerning the number of instances, thereby, can be extended to the large-scale dataset without incurring too much time. Experiments on multiple datasets demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method over the compared methods used in the experiments.
Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) and Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) Extracts as Potential Radioprotective Agents: Relation to Their Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Ribeiro Margareth da Silva , Sebastià Natividad , Montoro Alegría , García-Martínez Eva
Published: August 2023

Ionising radiation is an important form of treatment for human cancer; however, the side effects associated with oxidative damage caused by radiation compromise its effectiveness. This work aimed to quantify the major bioactive components of freeze-dried kiwifruit (KD) and strawberry (SD) extracts and assess their potential efficacy as radioprotective agents in human blood lymphocytes. Their possible genotoxic and cytotoxic effects were also evaluated. The study was conducted by pre-treating human lymphocytes with KD and SD (50, 400, and 800 µg/mL) before radiation at 2 Gy. The results showed that SD presented a higher antioxidant capacity (12.6 mmol Trolox equivalents/100 g db) and higher values of total phenolic compounds (2435 mg of gallic acid equivalents/100 g db), while KD had the highest vitamin C content (322 mg ascorbic acid/100 g db). Regarding phenolic compounds, pelargonidin-3-glucoside was the most abundant in SD (1439 mg/1000 g db) and quercetin-3-O-galactoside in KD (635 mg/1000 g db). None of the tested concentrations of both fruit extracts showed a genotoxic effect. SD (800 µg/mL) reduced the sister chromatid exchange frequency and mitotic index. The efficacy of KD (400 and 800 µg/mL) in lowering the dicentric chromosome frequency demonstrated its radioprotective activity.
Advances in Monitoring and Understanding the Dynamics of Suspended-Sediment Transport in the River Drava, Slovenia: An Analysis More than a Decade-Long
Authors: Kramer Stajnko Janja , Jecl Renata , Nekrep Perc Matjaž
Published: August 2023

Managing sediment transport in streams is crucial to the surface water resource development strategy and has several implications for flood risk and water management, hydropower use, and balancing river morphology. This paper summarises the movement and behaviour of suspended sediment within the Slovenian portion of the River Drava, covering a span of thirteen years from 2005 to 2018. An analysis of relevant data collected during this period is also presented. Suspended-sediment dynamics strongly depend on flow velocity, seasonal variations in sediment sources, and human interventions in the riverbed. The transportation of material in the River Drava results in the accumulation of sediments in reservoirs and riverbeds, consequently impeding the natural hydrological cycle by reducing the outflow into aquifers. The 2018 high-water event is analysed in terms of the dependence of concentration of suspended sediments on discharge, where counterclockwise hysteresis was observed, providing an essential clue to the origin of sediment. Sediments from the River Drava in Slovenia are managed with some conventional processes and are mainly deposited or reintegrated into rivers and aquatic ecosystems. Some additional sediment management strategies with long-term solutions for efficient and comprehensive water management, hydropower, and ecological problems are proposed.
Evaluation of Cloud Water Resources in the Huaihe River Basin Based on ERA5 Data
Authors: Gao Jinlan , Feng Jingjing , Cao Yanan , Zheng Xiaoyi
Published: August 2023

High-resolution reanalysis data are an effective way to evaluate cloud water resources (CWRs). Based on ERA5 reanalysis data and gridded observed precipitation data, combined with the diagnostic quantification method of cloud water resource (CWR-DQ), we analyze and evaluate the CWRs and their distribution characteristics in the Huaihe River Basin from 2011 to 2021. Moreover, we compare and evaluate the CWRs of two typical precipitation processes in summer and winter. The results show that the annual total amount of atmospheric hydrometeor (GMh) in the Huaihe River Basin is approximately 1537.3 mm. The precipitation (Ps) is 963.5 mm, the cloud water resource (CWR) is 573.8 mm, and the precipitation efficiency of hydrometeor (PEh) is 62.4%. The CWR in the Huaihe River Basin shows a slow increasing trend from 2011 to 2021.The monthly variations in Ps, CWR, and PEh show a single peak distribution. The spatial horizontal distributions of the gross mass of water vapor (GMv), GMh, and Ps in the Huaihe River Basin are zonal, and the values decrease with increasing latitude. In summer, the hydrometeors are mainly distributed in the middle layer (between 600 and 350 hPa). The hydrometeors in spring, autumn, and winter are mainly below 500 hPa. Two cases reveal that GMv, the condensation from water vapor to hydrometeors (Cvh), GMh, Ps, and PEh in the summer case are significantly higher compared to those in the winter case, while the CWRs are similar. The results are helpful for proposing rational suggestions for the Huaihe River Basin and to provide some beneficial reference for the development of CWRs.
Observation of Ultra-Low-Frequency Wave Effects in Possible Association with the Fukushima Earthquake on 21 November 2016, and Lithosphere–Atmosphere–Ionosphere Coupling
Authors: Hayakawa Masashi , Schekotov Alexander , Yamaguchi Hiroki , Hobara Yasuhide
Published: August 2023

The study presents seismogenic ULF (ultra-low-frequency) wave effects, as observed at our own new magnetic observatory at Asahi (geographic coordinates: 35.770° N, 140.695° E) in Chiba Prefecture. Our target earthquake (EQ) is a huge one offshore of Fukushima prefecture (37.353° N, 141.603° E) with a magnitude (M) of 7.4, which occurred at 20.59 h on November 21 UT, 2016. As a sampling frequency of 1 Hz was chosen for our induction magnetometer, we could detect both ULF wave effects: ULF radiation from the lithosphere, and the ULF depression effect, indicative of lower ionospheric perturbations. Observing the results of polarization analyses, we detected clear enhancements in ULF (frequency = 0.01–0.03 Hz) lithospheric radiation 14 days, 5 days, and 1 day before the EQ, and also observed a very obvious phenomenon of ULF (0.01–0.03 Hz) depression just 1 day prior to the EQ, which is regarded as the signature of lower ionospheric perturbations. These findings suggest that pre-EQ seismic activity must be present in the lithosphere, and also that the lower ionosphere was very much perturbed by the precursory effects of the Fukushima EQ. These new observational effects from our station have been compared with our previous investigations on different seismogenic topics for the same EQ, including the ULF observations at another magnetic observatory at Kakioka, belonging to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), about 50 km north of our Asahi station, subionospheric VLF/LF propagation data (Japanese and Russian data), AGW (Atmospheric gravity wave) activity in the stratosphere, and satellite observation of particle precipitations. We have found that seismogenic anomalies of different parameters tend to happen just around the EQ day, but mainly before the EQ, and have found the chain-like tendency of the effects of the lithosphere, which seem to propagate upwards the lower ionosphere. Finally, we will try to gain a better understanding of the physical phenomena or mechanisms of the lithosphere–atmosphere–ionosphere coupling (LAIC) process during the EQ preparation phase.