bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation method of comprehensive contribution index of virtual power plant based on improved fuzzy analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Yang Zhongguang , Liang Weipeng , Du Yang
Published: August 2024

A comprehensive assessment of the comprehensiveness of the internal resources of the virtual power plant (VPP) can fully tap the potential of the internal resources of the VPP and stimulate the internal aggregation of resources of the VPP, which is of positive significance to improve the safety of the power grid. This paper researches this. First, it analyzes the evaluation indicators of the comprehensive contribution of VPP, establishes a scientific and accurate index evaluation system, and evaluates the contribution of VPP from the three aspects of reliability, economy, and safety. Secondly, it calculates the weights corresponding to the fuzzy hierarchical analysis method and the entropy weight method of each index in turn, fits the weights of the two to obtain the combined weights, determines the evaluation results of the four levels of the evaluation system, and finally analyzes them in combination with examples. The results show that based on an improved fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, the optimal selection strategy for the internal resources of the virtual power plant is determined, and reference suggestions are put forward for the resource mix of the VPP.
Sequential disaster recovery strategy for distribution network considering maintenance crew scheduling
Authors: Qi Mutao , Zhang Feng , Zhang Gang
Published: August 2024

To efficiently restore electricity customers from a large-scale blackout, this paper proposes a novel mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model for the optimal disaster recovery of power distribution systems. The physical maintenance crew (PMC) repairs damaged components and fosters synergy between the PMC scheduling model and the load restoration scheme. This collaboration generates optimal control sequences for scheduling maintenance routes and managing switches. Furthermore, there is a mismatch between the time scales of maintenance personnel scheduling and equipment repair, which can span from minutes to hours, and the much shorter time scales involved in load restoration and switching actions. To reconcile this mismatch, a “maintenance event triggering” mechanism is suggested. This mechanism aims to achieve harmony between the longer and shorter time frames, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance. Finally, this paper verified the practical effect of this co-optimization model on a modified IEEE33 busbar test system.
A two-stage optimization control strategy of private EVs and public EBs for system resilience enhancement
Authors: Hou Meng , Xue Honglin , Hu Heng , Yang Chengpeng , Hao Xiaowei , Chen Yunpeng , Zhang Xi
Published: August 2024

Deploying microgrids (MG) in metropolitan cities is entitled to the increasing frequency of extreme meteorological events in recent years. In this context, effective vehicle-to-grid (V2G) control strategies are pivotal in upholding the essential loads of an energy system during MG islanding scenarios. This paper explores the advantages of resilience enhancement through intelligent V2G services in an urban multi-energy microgrid (MEMG). Then it compares the effect of private electric vehicle (PrEV) collaboration with public electric bus (PuEB) collaboration on system resilience. A two-stage optimization approach is proposed to obtain an aggregate response plan and allocate the aggregate charging/discharging power to PrEVs or puEBs. Simulation results indicate that the coordinated operation of prEVs or puEBs based on the proposed strategy can significantly alleviate essential load curtailment during extreme operation conditions.
Research on equivalent ice thickness monitoring model of overhead transmission lines based on representative span
Authors: Yin Weihua , Luo Guocai , Jian Lingyun , Liao Tingjian , Xiao Qian
Published: August 2024

This paper aims to enhance the precision and efficiency of the calculation model for the equivalent icing thickness of tangent towers. The current calculation model for equivalent icing thickness of transmission lines lacks consideration of the influence of representative spans and controlled meteorological conditions. It also overlooks the impact of the concentrated load of the tension insulator string on the suspension shape of the conductor, as well as the compensatory capability of the suspension insulator string to counteract stress on the overhead transmission lines when deflected, resulting in calculation deviations. To resolve these issues, this paper investigates the dynamic characteristics of transmission line parameters and proposes a calculation model for equivalent icing thickness based on the representative span. The improved model demonstrates enhanced efficiency and accuracy in measuring the equivalent icing thickness for on-line icing-monitoring of transmission lines. Experimental results confirm a reduction in relative error compared to reference values, with the relative error gradually decreasing as ice thickness increases, indicating enhanced accuracy. The efficacy of this model is substantiated through experiments, offering a more efficient and precise method for monitoring ice thickness in engineering applications.
Research on flexible job shop scheduling problems based on deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Qiao Dongping , Li Honglei , Hu Jihao
Published: August 2024

The flexible job shop scheduling problem is a typical class of combinatorial optimization problems and one of the classical NP-hard problems. By optimizing the scheduling scheme, it can realize the reasonable arrangement of the production line, improve the utilization rate of the equipment, reduce the production cycle, and thus enhance the competitiveness of the enterprise. Therefore, this article focuses on the complexity of solving flexible job shop scheduling problems, with the optimization objective of minimizing the maximum completion time. A dual channel state feature is established as the input of the neural network, and 22 combined heuristic scheduling rules are used as the output of the neural network. Action effectiveness exploration and utilization strategies are adopted to select the best action, and a reward function based on machine utilization is designed. Finally, standard cases were used to experiment with the algorithm’s solving time, verifying the effectiveness and generalization of the proposed algorithm.
Design of automatic and integrated calibration device for dynamic characteristics of eddy-current sensor
Authors: Ma Jiang , Qiu Shiqiang , Deng Guanghua , Xu Xiang , Yao Jia
Published: August 2024

To realize the dynamic calibration of eddy current sensor with high precision and high efficiency in a wide frequency range, a set of standard shaking table was designed as the actuator for the dynamic calibration of eddy current sensor, and the modal analysis and harmonic response analysis of the vibration disk were completed. At the same time, the control system was designed based on FPGA. The design of control system includes the design of signal generator with adjustable frequency and amplitude, data collector and communication module. Finally, the dynamic test and analysis of the eddy current sensor dynamic calibration disk was completed and the calibration accuracy of the standard vibration table is verified by comparative method. The deviation is less than 3% at the whole frequency band from 10-500HZ, which meets the design requirements.
Analysis of amplitude and dissipation factor of AT-cut quartz crystal resonators over a wide temperature range
Authors: Zhang Duanqin , Dou Linpeng , Liu Jia , Nie Jing
Published: August 2024

Quartz Crystal Resonators (QCR) are fundamental components of Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation Monitoring (QCM-D) sensors, which are highly sensitive to temperature. First, theoretical and finite element models of an AT-cut QCR considering temperature coupling are established. Subsequently, the effects of quartz substrate shape and thermal stress on the amplitude and dissipation factor of the resonator across a broad temperature range are analyzed by using the constructed finite element simulation model. The results indicate that the dissipation factor shows little correlation with the shape and thermal stresses across a broad range of temperature fluctuations. The amplitude decreases gradually as the temperature rises, and the circular substrate experiences a relatively smaller rate of change compared to the squared one. Additionally, thermal stresses contribute to reducing the resonator’s amplitude.
Research on settlement stress detection and control measures for in-service pipelines in valve chamber
Authors: Xia Li , Wu Jia , Shi Laimin , Chen Zhang , Zhou Zhonghe , Chen Kang , Tang Xiatao , Xu Lintao , Liu Qiang
Published: August 2024

The non-uniform settlement of the valve chamber can easily lead to pipeline tilting and deformation and even cause the consequences of tearing, seriously threatening the safety of pipeline operation. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct stress detection on the in-service valve chamber pipeline and study the severity of the impact of non-uniform settlement on the pipeline. For a valve chamber with non-uniform settlement in a coastal area, the ultrasonic stress detection method was used for stress detection of in-service gas pipelines. The corresponding relationship between wave velocity and stress was analyzed using acoustic elasticity theory. An ultrasonic stress detection instrument was used for on-site measurement applications, and the stress state and level of gas pipelines in the valve chamber were evaluated based on the stress detection results. The results show that under current conditions, the stress at each measuring point of the gas transmission pipeline in the valve chamber does not exceed the yield strength of the pipe. Still, the stress values at some measuring points have exceeded the allowable stress. Appropriate settlement control measures have been taken to ensure the safe operation of the pipeline.
Machine learning-based crack prediction modeling of laser cladding coatings
Authors: Cui Jiahuan , Zhang Yanhui , Lv Weiyan
Published: August 2024

Because of its flexibility, precision, and strong generalization capacity, machine learning offers a whole new research viewpoint to the fields of materials science and engineering when compared to traditional experimental and computer simulation methods. This paper adopts laser cladding cracking research as the application background. A prediction model for small datasets is established using well-developed prediction algorithms, and a crack prediction model with superior generalizability, accuracy, and efficiency for cladding is proposed. The findings indicate that the tendency to crack increases with scanning speed, but it decreases with laser power; the random forest-based crack density prediction model has an accuracy of 90.1% and a coefficient of determination of R
2 = 0.874, which can better realize the prediction of the density and enhance some engineering practice guidelines.
Temperature field reconstruction of hot blast furnace shell based on DE-RBF hybrid algorithm
Authors: Zhang Jun , Li Zhanlong , Li Hong , Cao Junqin
Published: August 2024

This paper explores the radial basis function interpolation algorithm in spatial interpolation techniques to determine the temperature distribution pattern on the furnace shell, serving as a crucial tool for ironmaking. First of all, three types of arrangement schemes for temperature sensors are initially established. The principle of radial basis function interpolation on the outer surface of the hot blast furnace shell is analyzed. Based on this analysis, an objective function linking RBF parameters and the root-mean-square-error(RMSE) of the reconstructed results is formulated. The optimal parameters of RBF are determined using the differential evolution (DE) algorithm. The average absolute error value, RMSE, and coefficient of determination of the reconstructed temperature field are utilized as evaluation metrics. The study was compared to the weighted radial basis function (RBF) interpolation algorithm to determine the temperature distribution pattern on the furnace shell. The method is being compared to the weighted RBF. These findings show that the RBF, when optimized with the Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm, outperforms the weighted radial basis function interpolation algorithm with reductions in average absolute error value and RMSE by 3.37% and 4.07%, and an improvement in the coefficient of determination by 3.99%. This enhancement results in a more effective reconstruction of the temperature field.
Theoretical modeling and vibration characteristics analysis of acoustic black hole beam
Authors: Li Wenzhen , Zhou Quan , Chen Zanxu , Ye Xi , Wang Hongfu
Published: August 2024

Acoustic Black Holes (ABH) can concentrate and capture the energy of waves in specific regions of a structure. They offer significant advantages and application potential in manipulating bending waves and reducing vibrations and noise in thin-walled structures. This paper focuses on the ABH beam structure, employing a semi-analytical method to analyze its vibration characteristics. Firstly, an improved triangular series is used as the displacement-permitting function for the ABH beam. Based on the Ritz method, a semi-analytical model for the ABH beam is established. The modal analysis of the ABH beam is solved, showing good agreement with numerical results, and validating the reliability of the semi-analytical method. Subsequently, the forced vibration response of the ABH beam is studied in comparison to a homogeneous beam. The bandgap characteristics and vibration-damping properties of the ABH beam are analyzed. The results indicate that the ABH beam has multiple vibration suppression bandgaps compared to a homogeneous beam, and after applying damping to the ABH beam, it exhibits a certain level of vibration suppression effect.
Thickness uniformity, electrical properties, and stress of sputtered TiN thin films
Authors: Wang Junbao , Ma Dianguo , Wang Lu , Liu Yunyun , Lv Yiying , Tian Xiaozhong , Liang Lanju , Xiao Weiwei , Gao Ju
Published: August 2024

The development of microelectronic and semiconductor devices has put forward higher requirements for the growth quality of TiN thin films. In this paper, TiN thin films were grown using magnetron sputtering technology on 50°C monocrystalline silicon substrates. The effects of preparation factors (sputtering power and argon/nitrogen ratio) on TiN films were studied by X-ray diffractometer, X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, four-probe instrument, and stress measuring instrument. The experimental results show that the sputtering power and argon/nitrogen flow ratio have important effects on the thickness distribution. As the sputtering power increases, the surface of TiN thin films becomes flat and smooth. Meanwhile, the reduction of the argon/nitrogen flow ratio was helpful in improving the growth quality of the films. Using optimized preparation process parameters, uniformly high-compressive-stressed and high-resistivity TiN films could be obtained at lower argon/nitrogen flow rates.
Thermal conductivity experiment of interface material based on graphite sheet
Authors: Zhang Xue , Qian Jiyu , Wei Tao , Liu Xuewen
Published: August 2024

Graphite sheets, recognized for their exceptional thermal conductivity, where in-plane thermal conductivity can surpass 1000 W/m·K, are examined in this study for their impact on the thermal resistance of cooling devices. This investigation focuses on how the installation torque of graphite sheet interface material, along with the contact surface’s roughness and flatness, influences the overall thermal resistance. The findings reveal that integrating a graphite sheet at the interface markedly enhances the interface thermal contact resistance, with increased roughness and flatness further reducing the thermal contact resistance. Specifically, at an installation torque of 0.3 N·m, a flatness of 0.05 mm, and a roughness of 0.8 μm, without filler, using 0.2 mm tin bismuth foil, and 0.2 mm graphite, thermal contact resistance was measured at 2.96, 2.52, and 1.09 K·cm2/W, respectively, showing a significant reduction in thermal contact resistance by 1.87 K·cm2/W (63.1%) upon adding a graphite sheet. Moreover, when roughness was increased to 12.5 μm, the reduction in contact resistance attributable to the graphite sheet escalated to 82.3%, with the reduction attributable to increased flatness being negligible. The decrease in thermal contact resistance with the graphite sheet reached 87.2%. Furthermore, the study indicates that at a lower installation torque of 0.2 N·m, the graphite sheet effectively fills the interfacial air gaps, thereby enhancing heat dissipation efficiency. These results offer valuable insights for the application of graphite gaskets in high-power components.
Study on water absorption of cement-based materials containing water repellent by using low-field nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Raja Al Jarmouzi , Sun Zhenping
Published: August 2024

Water absorption and aggressive ions play a fundamental role in estimating the chemical and physical degradation of cement-based materials’ structure, leading to a decline in durability and lifespan. Water absorption by cement-based structures is accompanied by a subsequent reconfiguration of nano-scale porosity, resulting in water entrapment. Therefore, limiting water absorption by using water-repellent admixtures as an integral hydrophobic modifier during the mixing process of fresh cement paste is needed. Additionally, the low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) technique was employed to characterize the water absorption of cement paste containing water-repellent admixtures and integral hydrophobicity. Cement pastes with 0-3% dosages of Isobutyltriethoxysilane (IS) were prepared. The effect of IS on transverse relaxation time (T2), pore size distribution variations, pore structure development, and total peak area by LF-NMR of cement paste during the water absorption process from 0 to 72 hours were measured. The results indicate that the intensity signal of T2 distribution and the amount of water in capillary pores of control cement paste (CP) sharply increased during the absorption process. Furthermore, the CP exhibited the highest absorption rate during the immersion process. The cement paste incorporated with IS signals the intensity of T2 distribution and the water in capillary pores is significantly reduced. The IS specimens showed the lowest absorption rate and the amount of water in capillary pores was reduced. The addition of IS admixtures exhibited high efficiency in resisting capillary water absorption, which could have numerous applications in protecting concrete structures in coastal areas, including coastal architecture, sea bridges, flood control dams, and ports.
River algal blooms can be estimated by remote sensing reflectance
Authors: Huang Tonghui , Xia Rui , Zhang Kai , Chen Yan , Ren Yuanxin , Song Jinxi , Wang Yao , Liu Chengjian
Published: August 2024

River eutrophication is difficult to diagnose and estimate quantitatively because of its complex degradation mechanism in large river systems. Conventional monitoring and modeling methods are limited to accurately revealing the evolution process and trends of river aquatic organisms. In the present study, based on HJ-1A/1B CCD sensor, combined with genetic algorithm (GA) and regression tree (GART), a remote sensing inversion prediction model was established; the model can estimate algal blooms in the Han River affected by China’s Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project (SNWTP). During the outbreak of algal blooms, the near-infrared band reflectance evidently increased between 2009 and 2015, with increasing algal density. The algal density in the downstream of the Han River has a nearly synchronous positive change with the reflectance in the B4 (near-infrared) band and a nearly synchronous reverse change with the B1 (blue) band. B1 and B4 screened by GA reduced redundancy by 14%, leading to a good prediction performance (R
2 = 0.88). According to GART and partial dependence analysis, the B4 band is a crucial characterization factor of algal blooms in the Han River. When the remote sensing band was in the range of B1 ⩾ 0.085 and B4 ⩽ 0.101, the algal density was lower than 0.15 × 107 cells l−1, indicating no algal bloom in the downstream of the Han River. When B4 was >0.103 and B1 ⩽ 0.076, algal density was higher than 1 × 107 cells l−1 and algal blooms were very likely to occur. These findings could provide a scientific reference for diagnosing and predicting large-scale water ecological degradation in similar watersheds.
Antimicrobial activity of apricot kernel extract loaded carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles against multidrug resistant wound-skin infection bacteria
Authors: El-Houssiny A S , Fouad E A
Published: August 2024

In recent years, skin and soft-tissue infections, particularly due to multidrug resistance bacteria (MDR) are generating a serious health crisis to human health. Thus, the current investigation tried to find new promising alternatives such as herbal therapy and biopolymer nanotechnology to combat MDR microbes. Apricot kernels extract was prepared and its amygdalin content was determined by HPLC analysis. Carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles (CMC NPs) encapsulated with amygdalin extract (Am ext) were synthesized and characterized through their morphology, particle size, zeta potential and thermal analysis. The antibacterial activity of Am ext, CMC NPs and CMC-Am ext NPs were evaluated against MDR bacteria. Moreover, to confirm the antibacterial action of the samples, bacterial DNA fragmentation analysis was performed. Furthermore, the cyanide ions released from bacterial breakdown of amygdalin was confirmed using Nanocolor Cyanide 08 Test 0–31 kits. The HPLC analysis indicated that amygdalin extracted efficiently from the apricot kernels. The CMC-Am ext NPs exhibited spherical shaped and mono dispersed particles of size 28 nm; physical stability and thermal compatibility. Additionally, CMC-Am ext NPs have significant antibacterial action on all MDR microbes in synergy with Am ext. Moreover, the results confirmed that the cyanide ions were released from amygdalin breakdown by the action of bacteria. Furthermore, the DNA fragmentation analysis confirmed that both Am ext and its nano-encapsulated form caused bacterial cell death by inducing DNA damage. Therefore, these findings demonstrate CMC-Am ext NPs as a novel potential therapeutic agent which can be used as an alternative to the current antibiotics against MDR bacteria.
Ecological and economic predictors of métiers in a mixed fishery
Authors: Oostdijk Maartje , Baranowska Elzbieta , Rybicki Sandra , Kasper Jacob M , Agnarsson Sveinn , Elvarsson Bjarki Þór , Woods Pamela J
Published: August 2024

Marine ecosystem-based management requires the understanding of species interactions and what species are harvested together. This study combines two major questions: the first regarding what drives the probability that a métier (species assemblages, with spatial distribution and seasonality) will be observed as catch, and the second regarding the level of control fishers have over this catch mix. To address these questions, we analysed highly resolved logbook records of an Arctic and sub-Arctic industrial demersal fishery operating in Icelandic waters. The study employs a multi-class random forest model to identify predictors of métier occurrence and consistency of predictions using a dataset of >100 000 hauls over 4 years (2016–2019). The overall accuracy of the random forest model is 69–70%, indicating moderate predictability of catch mix based on known environmental, vessel, and company characteristics. We find that habitat-related variables (depth and temperature) are most important to predict catch mix. Still, company, trip, and vessel characteristics are also very important (e.g. vessel and trip length, distance to port). Beyond these more traditional bio-economic variables, important predictors include variables related to harvesting strategies, such as quota diversity and a vessel’s mobility. These findings contribute to a fuller picture of fisher decision-making in mixed fisheries.
Temporal resource continuity for egg parasitoids of Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) during winter on irrigated maize crops and edge grasses
Authors: Moya-Raygoza Gustavo
Published: August 2024

Little is known about winter-season parasitism of eggs of the corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis DeLong (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), an important pest of maize throughout the Americas. Our study, conducted in Mexico, aimed to characterize winter-season parasitism of corn leafhopper eggs on maize crops cultivated with drip irrigation and on wild grasses that grow on the edges of maize crops when maize is not present. Maize leaves baited with D. maidis eggs were used to trap the egg parasitoids in the field. In the first year (2022), parasitism of D. maidis eggs was investigated in maize fields planted contiguously on different dates (asynchronous planting). In the second year (2023), parasitism of D. maidis eggs was evaluated in edge grasses and in adjacent maize crops planted on the same date (synchronous). The highest percentage of parasitism (53%), percentage of emergence, and total abundance of egg parasitoids were found in asynchronous maize fields. Here, Anagrus virlai Triapitsyn (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), Paracentrobia subflava (Girault) (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), and Pseudoligosita sp. (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) wasps were found parasitizing the D. maidis eggs, with P. subflava being the most abundant. In wild edge grasses, only P. subflava was found, showing low levels of parasitism, while in synchronous maize, P. subflava increased its percentage of parasitism (up to 37%), percentage of emergence, and abundance, during winter. These results suggest that P. subflava acts as an efficient biological control agent of D. maidis in irrigation-grown maize crops during the winter season, and that edge grasses are overwinter habitats for P. subflava.
Gender Preferences in Job Vacancies and Workplace Gender Diversity
Authors: Card David , Colella Fabrizio , Lalive Rafael
Published: August 2024

In Spring 2005, the Ombud for Equal Treatment in Austria launched a campaign notifying employers and newspapers that gender preferences in job ads were illegal. At the time, over 40% of vacancies on the nation’s largest job board stated a gender preference; within a year the rate fell below 5%. We merge job board vacancies and employer records to study how the campaign affected hiring choices and the gender diversity of occupations and workplaces. Using pre-campaign data, we predict the use of gender preferences, then conduct a difference-in-differences analysis of hiring outcomes for vacancies with predicted male or female preferences, relative to those with no predicted preferences. The elimination of explicit gender preferences boosted the share of women hired for jobs that were likely to be targeted to men (and vice versa). At the firm level, we find that the campaign led to a rise in the share of women at firms that were more likely to use male stated gender preferences (SGP’s), and a symmetric increase in the share of men at firms that were likely to use female SGP’s, with no effects on firm survival, employment, or average wages.
Two Squamomelanocytic Tumors With Dendritic Melanocytes: Thoughts About Origin
Authors: Suen Juliet , Fagan Kiley K. , Grider Douglas J.
Published: August 2024

Cutaneous malignant squamomelanocytic tumor (SMT) is a rare neoplasm comprising 2 distinct cell populations of squamous cell carcinoma and a second component of either benign or malignant melanocytes. SMT most often presents as a keratotic papule in areas of chronic sun exposure, typically on the head or neck of middle-aged and elderly-aged, White male patient populations. In recent years, there has been an increase in case reports, including a review article published in 2023, identifying a total of 37 cases published in the literature. There are only 3 reported cases in the literature with spindled or dendritic cells in the melanocytic component, as most have been of the epithelioid subtype. Despite the increasing prevalence, the origin and pathophysiology is poorly understood. We report 2 cases of SMT with dendritic melanocytes that are centered around a hair follicle, proposing the theory that these 2 distinct cell types may arise from the hair follicles.
Total Nail Avulsion for Pincer Nail: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Kato Toyoaki , Hoashi Toshihiko
Published: August 2024

Pincer nail is a common condition characterized by excessive transverse curvature of the nail that causes pain, cosmetic problems, and functional limitation. Surgical treatments include correction of the nail bed and distal phalanges, which have shown good outcomes but are difficult to perform in general clinics because of their high invasion. Conservative treatments require special devices, which may be difficult to keep on hand in general clinics. We report two cases of pincer nails successfully treated by total nail avulsion. The patient in case 1 is a 66-year-old woman. She had a pincer nail on her right third toe that was painful. Total nail avulsion was performed on the nail, and taping was performed after surgery. Three months later, a new flattened nail grew. The curvature index was improved from 2.43 to 1.10. The patient in case 2 is a 68-year-old woman. Total nail avulsion was performed on a pincer nail of the left second toe. Nineteen months later, the nail was flattened and she remained free from pain. The curvature index was improved from 3.62 to 1.32. In both cases, pain was soon relieved by total nail avulsion and there were no complications. Total nail avulsion does not require special devices, can be performed in a short time during outpatient treatment, and is relatively less invasive. It is also easily applied to small nails. Total nail avulsion is an effective treatment for pincer nails on the second and third toes. Future studies are needed to determine if it is equally effective for pincer nails on the first toe.
Long Term Follow Up of a Family with A3243G Mitochondrial Syndrome
Authors: Feo Alessandro , Fossataro Claudia , Abraham Néda , Voichanski Shilo , Lemon Jack D. , Sarraf David
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

To describe the clinical and multimodal imaging (MMI) features of a family (proband, sister and mother) with A3243G mitochondrial retinopathy and long-term follow up.

Methods:

Medical and imaging records were retrospectively evaluated. Multimodal imaging included ultra-widefield color fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Long-term MMI follow up ranged from 6 to 15 years and was available for each member.

Results:

The proband (Case 1) exhibited rapidly progressive bilateral macular atrophy, corneal endothelial polymegathism, and an A3243G mutation in the mitochondrial DNA. The proband also endorsed a history of early-onset myocardial infarction (MI) ten years prior at the age of 42. The proband’s sister (Case 2) only exhibited unilateral focal macular atrophy but admitted to a history of severe multiorgan systemic disease, including multiple sclerosis and major depression disorder. The proband’s mother (Case 3), the only one with diabetes mellitus and hearing loss, originally presented with branch retinal vein occlusion in the right eye and pattern dystrophy in the left eye which evolved to geographic atrophy, OD > OS, 15 years later.

Conclusion:

A3243G mitochondrial syndrome can exhibit heterogenous ocular and systemic features, even within members of the same family. The development of the characteristic maculopathy with early-onset MI warrants genetic testing. Early cardiac and systemic screening may be recommended in individuals with characteristic retinal findings and genetic confirmation.
Technology and Methodology in Glaucoma Case Detection
Authors: Pasquale Louis R.
Published: August 2024

Even the most powerful handheld screening tool for glaucoma will not find cases cost-effectively because the disease prevalence is low. However, a tier 1 biomarker tool that enhances disease prevalence followed by the use of a screening tool could serve as a future glaucoma screening strategy.
A Scoping Review of Patient Involvement in Violence Risk Assessment
Authors: Woods Phil , Dadgardoust Laleh
Published: August 2024

Objective

This scoping review aimed to summarize the published literature on patient involvement in violence risk assessment. Two research questions reviewed the extent of patient involvement and what evidence exists.

Inclusion Criteria

English-language peer-reviewed published articles of any methodology related to violence risk assessment toward others were included. Articles were related to forensic and mental health practice and involve patients directly in the process.

Methods

Five electronic databases were comprehensively searched, as well as the reference lists of included articles. Both authors reviewed articles for inclusion and extracted data from included articles.

Results

Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria. Articles reported on three approaches to patient engagement in structured violence risk assessment: how patients were involved or experienced the process, using rating scales, and using questions related to patient self-perceived risk. In relation to what evidence existed, four main themes emerged: patient views about risk and their involvement in risk assessment, comparing the predictive accuracy of patient self-rated tools with clinician-rated tools, predictive accuracy of a patient self-rated tool, and comparing risk ratings between patients and clinicians.

Conclusions

There is a dearth of research published about involving patients in their own risk assessment. Patients report both positive and negative experiences of the process. From cohort-type studies, results have shown that patient self-risk assessment can have a similar predictive ability to the clinician ratings related to adverse violence outcomes. Findings from studies can pave the way for future clinical research around the tools that have been developed thus far.
``Getting People Back Into the Community''
Authors: Roberts Casey , Luder Michael , McMullen Crystal , Cole Rosalind , Ward Nicole , Dignam Paul , Ireland Michael
Published: August 2024

Background

The implementation of the recovery model into forensic mental health care promotes hope and has important implications for inpatients' community reintegration.

Aim

This study aimed to describe forensic mental health nurses' perceptions and experiences of providing care using the recovery model within a high-secure forensic hospital in Queensland, Australia.

Methods

Twenty-seven forensic mental health nurses were interviewed regarding their perceptions and experiences of providing recovery-oriented care within a high-secure forensic hospital.

Results

The participants described an individualized approach to recovery, both in the goals developed and in the level of support they required. There was an overarching shared goal across the participant group, which was focused on supporting patients to reintegrate back into the community. Inadequate resources (both internal and external), the severity of patient psychopathology, legal constraints, and the nursing role within the broader treating team were all perceived to present challenges to utilizing the recovery model within a high-secure forensic hospital.

Implications for Clinical Forensic Nursing Practice

To fully realize the potential of the recovery model, a system-wide reconceptualization is necessary.
Broadening the View of Holistic Care: Integrating Arts and Humanities Into Physician Assistant Education
Authors: Horak Shaun , Dickey Pamela , Ammons Samantha K. , Barone T. Lynne , Culross Beth , Berke Melissa , Duran Adrian R. , Hawkins Daniel N. , Langan Steve , McCaffrey Joseph , Morris Amy
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The integration of arts and humanities (A&H) into physician assistant (PA) preclinical curriculum may enhance student performance and improve their patient rapport. Arts and humanities content could promote the personal and professional qualities we desire in clinicians including competence, compassion, and empathy. The aim of this research was to determine what PA students report learning from A&H modules designed to foster personal insight and perspective-taking.

Methods

The “Introduction of Humanities & Arts into Physician Assistant Education” (IHAPAE) project is an intercampus collaboration between 2 Midwest Universities. The IHAPAE faculty collaboratively created and delivered A&H-based modules within first-year communication courses. Two cohorts of PA students (N = 130) participated in modules and subsequently attended exploratory focus groups to elicit their perceptions of the A&H curriculum.

Results

Using a constructivist grounded theory approach for data analysis, we found that PA students perceived multiple benefits. Specifically, module content promoted reflection and stress reduction, improved their continuity of care notes, provided utility in cultivating empathy in patient communication, and introduced students to A&H approaches they could recommend to patients.

Discussion

The process model that emerged from student perceptions fits well with existing emotional regulation theory and provides empirical evidence for cultivation of empathy and patient-centeredness. Given the positive outcomes of our project, PA programs should consider the value of incorporating the A&H activities into their curriculum to enhance the student experience and develop essential provider attributes and skills.
Antibiotic dose optimisation in the critically ill: targets, evidence and future strategies
Authors: Dyer Christopher J. , De Waele Jan J. , Roberts Jason A.
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review

To highlight the recent evidence for antibiotic pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) in enhancing patient outcomes in sepsis and septic shock. We also summarise the limitations of available data and describe future directions for research to support translation of antibiotic dose optimisation to the clinical setting.

Recent findings

Sepsis and septic shock are associated with poor outcomes and require antibiotic dose optimisation, mostly due to significantly altered pharmacokinetics. Many studies, including some randomised controlled trials have been conducted to measure the clinical outcome effects of antibiotic dose optimisation interventions including use of therapeutic drug monitoring. Current data support antibiotic dose optimisation for the critically ill. Further investigation is required to evolve more timely and robust precision antibiotic dose optimisation approaches, and to clearly quantify whether any clinical and health-economic benefits support expanded use of this treatment intervention.

Antibiotic dose optimisation appears to improve outcomes in critically ill patients with sepsis and septic shock, however further research is required to quantify the level of benefit and develop a stronger knowledge of the role of new technologies to facilitate optimised dosing.
How to assess survival prognosis in patients hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia in 2024?
Authors: Ramirez Julio A. , File Thomas M.
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is increasingly recognized as a complex, multisystemic disease with the potential to cause both acute and long-term sequelae, significantly impacting patient mortality rates. In this manuscript, the authors review the current methodologies for assessing mortality risk among CAP patients.

Recent findings

The most common prediction scores for ICU care and short-term mortality include Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI), CURB-65, SMART COP, SCAP, and ATS/IDSA criteria. These models have clinical utility in the prediction of short-term mortality, but they have significant limitations in addressing long-term mortality. For patients who are discharged alive from the hospital, we do not have scores to predict long term mortality.

The development of an optimal prognostic tool for postacute sequelae of CAP is imperative. Such a tool should identify specific populations at increased risk. Moreover, accurately identifying at-risk populations is essential for their inclusion in clinical trials that evaluate potential therapies designed to improve short and long-term clinical outcomes in patients with CAP.
Treatment of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bloodstream infections in critically ill patients: an update
Authors: Viasus Diego , Gudiol Carlota , Carratalà Jordi
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review

This review describes the latest information in the management of bloodstream infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (MDRGNB) in critically ill patients.

Recent findings

The prevalence of bloodstream infections due to MDRGNB is high, and they pose a significant risk in critically ill patients. Recently, novel antimicrobial agents, including new β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations and cefiderocol, have been introduced for treating these infections. Concurrently, updated guidelines have been issued to aid in treatment decisions. Prompt diagnosis and identification of resistance patterns are crucial for initiating effective antibiotic therapy. Current studies, especially with observational design, and with limited sample sizes and patients with bacteremia, suggest that the use of these new antibiotics is associated with improved outcomes in critically ill patients with MDRGNB bloodstream infections.

For critically ill patients with bloodstream infections caused by MDRGNB, the use of newly developed antibiotics is recommended based on limited observational evidence. Further randomized clinical trials are necessary to determine the most effective antimicrobial therapies among the available options.
COVID-19 vs. non-COVID-19 related nosocomial pneumonias: any differences in etiology, prevalence, and mortality?
Authors: Martin-Loeches Ignacio , Restrepo Marcos I.
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review

This review explores the similarities and differences between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related and non-COVID-related nosocomial pneumonia, particularly hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). It critically assesses the etiology, prevalence, and mortality among hospitalized patients, emphasizing the burden of these infections during the period before and after the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic.

Recent findings

Recent studies highlight an increase in nosocomial infections during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a significant rise in cases involving severe bacterial and fungal superinfections among mechanically ventilated patients. These infections include a higher incidence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), complicating treatment and recovery. Notably, COVID-19 patients have shown a higher prevalence of VAP than those with influenza or other respiratory viruses, influenced by extended mechanical ventilation and immunosuppressive treatments like corticosteroids.

The findings suggest that COVID-19 has exacerbated the frequency and severity of nosocomial infections, particularly VAP. These complications not only extend hospital stays and increase healthcare costs but also lead to higher morbidity and mortality rates. Understanding these patterns is crucial for developing targeted preventive and therapeutic strategies to manage and mitigate nosocomial infections during regular or pandemic care.
The perspective for next-generation lung replacement therapies: functional whole lung generation by blastocyst complementation
Authors: Shimizu Dai , Miura Akihiro , Mori Munemasa
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review

Blastocyst complementation represents a promising frontier in next-generation lung replacement therapies. This review aims to elucidate the future prospects of lung blastocyst complementation within clinical settings, summarizing the latest studies on generating functional lungs through this technique. It also explores and discusses host animal selection relevant to interspecific chimera formation, a challenge integral to creating functional human lungs via blastocyst complementation.

Recent findings

Various gene mutations have been utilized to create vacant lung niches, enhancing the efficacy of donor cell contribution to the complemented lungs in rodent models. By controlling the lineage to induce gene mutations, chimerism in both the lung epithelium and mesenchyme has been improved. Interspecific blastocyst complementation underscores the complexity of developmental programs across species, with several genes identified that enhance chimera formation between humans and other mammals.

While functional lungs have been generated via intraspecies blastocyst complementation, the generation of functional interspecific lungs remains unrealized. Addressing the challenges of controlling the host lung niche and selecting host animals relevant to interspecific barriers between donor human and host cells is critical to enabling the generation of functional humanized or entire human lungs in large animals.
Evaluation of long-read sequencing for Ostreid herpesvirus type 1 genome characterization fromMagallana gigasinfected tissues
Authors: Dotto-Maurel Aurélie , Pelletier Camille , Degremont Lionel , Heurtebise Serge , Benjamin Morga Isabelle Arzul , Chevignon Germain
Published: August 2024

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Since the 1990s, the Pacific oysterMagallana gigashas faced significant mortality, which has been associated with the detection of the Ostreid Herpesvirus type 1 (OsHV-1). Due to the complex genomic architecture and the presence of multiple genomic isomers, short-read sequencing using Illumina method struggles to accurately assemble tandem and repeat regions and to identify and characterize large structural variations in the OsHV-1 genome. Third-generation sequencing technologies, as long-read real-time nanopore sequencing from Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT), offer new possibilities for OsHV-1 whole genome analysis. Identification of the best method for extraction of high molecular weight (HMW) DNA and development of accurate bioinformatic pipelines for its characterization are now required. To this end, we evaluated and compared six HWM methods and one conventional DNA extraction kit for their ability to extract OsHV-1 DNA fromM. gigas- infected tissues. We then evaluated the ability of ONT sequencing to produce an accurate OsHV-1 genome from both whole genome and “adaptive sampling” (AS) sequencing approaches. Finally, we evaluated the efficiency of bioinformatics tools forde novoassembly and consensus calling to generate accurate OsHV-1 genomes. The HMW DNA extraction kit coupled with ONT sequencing and dedicated bioinformatics tools allowed us to produce accurate OsHV-1 genomes compared to those assembled using Illumina technology. The AS approach allowed up to 60% enrichment for viral data, and the long reads generated by ONT allowed the characterization of OsHV-1 isomers. Together with its portability, this sequencing shows great promise as a diagnostic tool for the characterization of unculturable aquatic viruses directly from host tissues.

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Importance

Many aquatic viruses threaten commercially valuable species and cause significant economic losses during outbreaks. To improve our understanding of the origin, transmission patterns and spread of these viruses, additional genomic data are essential. However, genomic characterization of unculturable large DNA viruses is a major challenge. In the present study, we have successfully evaluated the ability of ONT sequencing and adaptive sequencing (AS) to sequence and assemble the complete OsHV-1 genome. Our results show that it is now possible to sequence the whole genome of large DNA viruses directly from infected host tissue, without the need for priorin vitropropagation or prior laboratory steps for virus enrichment.