bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Annotation-efficient deep learning for breast cancer whole-slide image classification using Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes and slide-level labels
Authors: Perera Rashindrie , Savas Peter , Senanayake Damith , Salgado Roberto , Joensuu Heikki , O’Toole Sandra , Li Jason , Loi Sherene , Halgamuge Saman
Published: December 2023

Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) play a crucial role in the immune response against cancer cells. The existing deep learning methods for TIL analysis in whole-slide images (WSIs) require extensive annotations at the sub-image (patch) level, which often require time-consuming and labor-intensive specialist input. To address this, we propose a first-of-its-kind framework named annotation-efficient segmentation and attention-based classifier (ANSAC). ANSAC requires only slide-level labels to classify WSIs as having high vs. low TIL scores, with the binary classes divided by an expert-defined threshold. ANSAC automatically segments tumor and stroma regions relevant to TIL assessment, eliminating the need for extensive manual annotations. Additionally, it uses an attention model to generate an attention map that highlights the most pertinent regions in the WSI for the classification task. We evaluate ANSAC on four breast cancer WSI datasets and show significant improvements over three baseline methods in identifying TIL-relevant regions and up to 8% classification improvement on a held-out test dataset. Additionally, we propose a modification to the pre-processing step of a well-known method, enhancing its performance up to 6%.
Tear Fluid Cytokine Analysis: A Non-Invasive Approach for Assessing Retinopathy of Prematurity Severity
Authors: Baba Takashi , Uotani Ryu , Inata Kodai , Sasaki Shin-ichi , Shimizu Yumiko , Miura Mazumi , Inoue Yoshitsugu , Miyazaki Dai
Published: December 2023

Purpose: To determine whether there is a significant association between the inflammatory cytokines in the tear fluid and the severity of the Retinopathy of Prematurity Severity (ROP).
Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.
Methods: The cytokine levels in tear fluids were determined in 34 eyes with ROP and 18 eyes without ROP. There were 15 eyes with severe ROP requiring treatment and 19 eyes with mild ROP not requiring treatment. For severe ROP eyes, tear fluids were collected before treatment.
Results: Significantly higher levels of CCL2 and VEGF were detected in eyes with severe ROP compared to eyes with mild ROP and no ROP. When assessed for cytokine levels that discriminate each disease group, CCL2 showed a significant odds ratio of 1.76 for severity change (/quintile, P = 0.032, after adjusting for birth weight). Correlation analysis showed that birth weight correlated with IL-1α levels, and decreased weight gain increased IFN-γ levels. We next determined tear fluid cytokines which discriminate severe ROP using receiver operating characteristics analysis. We show combination of higher CCL2 levels, higher VEGF levels, and lower IFN-γ levels in the tear fluid had a stronger predictive value for the severe ROP (area under curve, 0.85).
Conclusion: The levels of CCL2, VEGF, and IFN-γ in tear fluid may serve as useful biomarkers for assessing the severity of ROP.
Generalized Eruption Forecasting Models using Machine Learning Trained on Seismic Data from 24 Volcanoes
Authors: Ardid Alberto , Dempsey David , Caudron Corentin , Cronin Shane , Kennedy Ben , Girona Társilo , Potter Sally , Lamb Oliver , Miller Craig , Cabrera Leoncio , Ruiz Sergio , Pacheco Javier , Mora Mauricio , Maranto Anto , Sabuncu Yesim Cubuk , De Angelis Silvio , Roman Diana
Published: December 2023

Seismic data collected before volcanic eruptions holds important clues for forecasting future eruptions. However, many volcanoes have short monitoring histories or have infrequent eruptions. Here, we aim to enhance volcanic eruption forecasting through machine learning, tackling challenges in generalizing eruption precursors across diverse volcanoes, including those with limited seismic data. Additionally, we investigate similarities and differences in pre-eruptive seismic activity. We combine records from 24 volcanoes to train machine learning (ML) models that recognize eruption precursors and tested the accuracy by forecasting on volcanoes whose data had been withheld during training. These forecasts had nearly the same accuracy as other models that were given the advantage of training on past eruptions at the target volcano. We find that numerous eruption precursors are applicable across various volcanoes, challenging the notion that volcanoes exhibit individualistic behaviour. The accuracy of the ML models is about 50 to 70% higher than traditional methods based on averaged seismic amplitude. Our ML models should be a tool for volcano observatories to provide timely probabilistic forecasts suitable to address volcanic risk, especially where prior eruption data is limited. This methodology and workflow can be applied to other hazard types that suffer from regional data-scarcity, e.g., wildfires and floods.
Gender differences in the proportion of Japanese parents meeting recommendations within 24- hour movement guidelines and associations with weight status
Authors: Tanaka Chiaki , Tremblay Mark S. , Tanaka Shigeho
Published: December 2023

Background
Canadian 24-h movement guidelines were developed to improve health of adults. Parents’ healthy behaviours are especially important because they are also role models for their children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate adherence to the three recommendations associated with health in the Canadian 24-h movement guidelines and their relationship with weight status (underweight or obesity) in Japanese parents.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 425 mothers and 237 fathers who had children < 13 years of age. Weight status according to measured body mass index (BMI) was classified by < 18.5 kg/m2 and ≥ 25 kg/m2 as the cut-off for underweight and obesity, respectively. Meeting the 24-h movement guidelines was defined as: ≥150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (Canadian PA recommendation) or at least 60 min/day of MVPA (Japanese PA recommendation), ≤ 8 h/day of sedentary time which includes ≤ 3 hours of recreational screen time, and 7 to 9 h/night of sleep. MVPA and sedentary time were accelerometer-determined while and screen time and sleep duration were self-reported.
Results
The prevalence of mothers meeting all three recommendations was 30.6% using Canadian physical activity guidelines and 20.7% using Japanese physical activity guidelines, while that of fathers was 10.6% and 8.0%, respectively. Mothers not meeting the sedentary behaviour recommendation had a lower odds ratio and those not meeting Japanese PA recommendations had a higher odds ratio for underweight compared to mothers meeting the recommendations, adjusted for age and area socioeconomic status.
Conclusions
The screen time recommendation or Japanese PA recommendation were associated with underweight in mothers. None of the recommendations was associated with weight status in fathers. Further research is needed to understand the relationships among movement behaviours and weight status, particularly among Japanese women, whose routine behaviours may be misclassified as sedentary.
Period-doubling cascade route to chaos in an initially curved microbeam resonator exposed to fringing-field electrostatic actuation
Authors: Rashidi Zahra , Azizi Saber , Rahmani Omid
Published: December 2023

This paper explores the nonlinear dynamics of a piezoelectrically laminated microbeam resonator with an initial curvature, which is subjected to electrostatic actuation caused by fringing fields. The resonator is fully clamped at both of its ends and is coated with two piezoelectric layers, encompassing both the top and bottom surfaces. The fringing field electrostatic force is assessed through finite element modeling, and the resulting data is accurately fitted to a suitable hyperbolic function. The nonlinear motion equation accounts for the geometric nonlinearity and the nonlinear electrostatic force. The motion equation is discretized using Galerkin method and the reduced order system is numerically integrated over the time for the time response. The variation of the first three natural frequencies with respect to the applied electrostatic voltage is determined and the frequency response curve is determined. The bifurcation points have been examined and their types have been clarified based on the loci of the Floquet exponents on the complex plane. The period -doubled branches of the frequency response curves originating from the period doubling (PD) bifurcation points are stablished. It's demonstrated that the succession PD cascades leads to chaotic behavior. The chaotic behavior is identified qualitatively by constructing the corresponding Poincaré section and analyzing the response's associated frequency components. The chaotic response is regularized by applying an appropriate piezoelectric voltage which shifts the frequency response curve along the frequency axis.
Detection of hidden antibiotic resistance through real-time genomics
Authors: Urban Lara , Sauerborn Ela , Corredor Carolina , Reska Tim , Perlas Albert , Atum Samir Vargas da Fonseca , Goldman Nick , Wantia Nina , Costa Clarissa Prazeres da , Foster-Nyarko Ebenezer
Published: December 2023

Real-time genomics through nanopore sequencing holds the promise of fast antibiotic resistance prediction, but concerns remain about its accuracy. We here show that real-time genomics has the potential to improve clinical practice based on a multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infection. In contrast to established diagnostics, real-time genomics can accurately identify complex antibiotic resistance patterns conferred through newly discovered low-abundance resistance genes, potentially significantly impacting clinical decision-making and patient outcome.
Workforce Estimate to Treat Mental Disorders in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Lee Eileen , Bruckner Tim A. , Alluhidan Mohammad , Alamri Adwa , Alhabeeb Abdulhameed , Nakshabandi Ziad , Alqahtani Mohammed M.J. , Herbst Christopher , Hamza Mariam M. , Alazemi Nahar
Published: December 2023

Background: Mental, neurological, and substance abuse (MNS) disorders describe a range of conditions that affect the brain and cause distress or functional impairment. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), MNS disorders make up 10.88 percent of the burden of disease as measured in disability-adjusted life years. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is one of the main providers of mental health services and one of the largest contributors to mental health research in the region. Within the past decade, mental health resources and services has increased.
Methods: We employ a needs-based workforce estimate to arrive at the total number of psychiatrists, nurses, and psychosocial care providers needed to meet the epidemiological need of mental health conditions of the population of KSA. Estimates for a potential mental health workforce gap were calculated using five steps: Step 1– Quantify target population for priority mental health conditions. Step 2 – Identify number of expected cases per year. Step 3 – Set target service coverage for each condition. Step 4 – Estimate cost-effective health care service resource utilization for each condition. Step 5 – Estimate service resources needed for each condition.
Results: There is an epidemiologic need for a total of 17,128 full-time-equivalent (FTE) health care providers to treat priority MNS disorders. KSA appears to have a need-based shortage of 10,402 health workers to treat mental disorders. A total of 114 psychiatrists, 5,729 nurses, and 4,559 psychosocial care providers would be additionally needed (that is, above and beyond current levels) to address the priority mental health conditions. The shortfall is particularly severe for nurses and psychosocial workers who make up 98.9 percent of the shortfall. This shortage is substantial when compared to other high-income countries. Overall, the workforce needed to treat MNS conditions translates to 49.2 health workers per 100,000 population.
Conclusion: Challenges to addressing the shortfall are Saudi specific which includes awareness of cultural customs and norms in the medical setting. These requisites are compounded by the lack of Saudi nationals in the mental health workforce. Saudis make up 29.5 percent of the physician workforce and 38.8 percent of the nursing workforce which means that foreign-trained staff must supplement the shortfall and be mindful of Saudi specific cultural considerations. Potential solutions to reducing the shortfall of mental health care workers includes nurse task shifting and training of general practitioners to screen for, and treat, a subset of MNS disorders.
Data Generation Using Generative Adversarial Network with Twin Normalization
Authors: Mao Xiuqing , Sun Lei , Kong Zhiyin , Zhao Min
Published: December 2023

Traditional generative adversarial networks require a large number of samples during training. When generating high-resolution images, it may suffer to mode collapse, resulting in lower quality outputs. This paper proposes a generative adversarial network data generation method (Twin-Norm-GAN) based on twin normalization, which is expected to relief the problem of mode collapse when generating high-resolution images with few samples. The method first normalizes the gradient of the discriminator, that is, imposes gradient norm constraints, which further prevents the phenomenon of mode collapse; then adds a normalized attention module to the generator and discriminator to suppress less significant weights, a weight sparsity penalty is applied to the attention module, which improves the quality of the generated images. Experiments are conducted using standard datasets such as FFHQ, Panda, and art paintings, and compared with the current state-of-the-art GAN model (FastGAN) for generating high-fidelity images with few samples through qualitative and IS, FID quantitative evaluation methods, the experiments show that compared with the contrast model, this method can generate higher quality images. And the classification experiments prove that the data generated by this method are available for the training of downstream task models.
Overt visual attention in the formation of preference between lottery options
Authors: Fan Xinhao , Elsey Jacob , Wyngaard Aurelien , Sampson Aaron , Yang Youping , Emeric Erik , Glickman Moshe , Usher Marius , Levy Dino , Stuphorn Veit , Niebur Ernst
Published: December 2023

Models of multi-attribute decision making vary on whether all or only part of the information available is being processed, as well as on whether preference formation is based on within-option or within-attribute processing. Here we carry out a combined empirical and computational study in which we rely on lottery-options with varying task complexities. We monitor eye-gaze during the decision formation to determine which decision-relevant information participants attend, and when. We then compare a large set of models, of different levels of complexity in their ability to account for the choices made by individual participants, and we find that two models outperform all others. The first is the two-layer 1 leaky-competing accumulator based on Prospect Theory (LCA-PT), which predicts human choices on simple tasks better than any other model. For complex tasks a new model based on older work in operations research performs best in the complex task, with both its performance as well as that of the second-ranked LCA-PT model significantly exceeding that of all other models. Both of these models use the sequence of observed eye movements for each participant to capture the allocation of attention to specific options and attributes during the decision process, but make different assumptions about the effect of attention on decision making. Our results suggest that, when faced with complex choice problems, people form preferences primarily based on attention-guided pairwise, within-attribute value-comparisons.
Attitude Towards Health Technology And Skills Required For Health Technology Developers: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Phaisawang Sranya , Nakorn Thanyaphong Na , Trivijitsilp Prasert , Srikiatkhach Anan
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND
Throughout history, medical education has developed in response to societal changes and advances in biological research and technology. Health technology, encompassing devices, medicines, vaccines, and digital health systems, is transforming healthcare with increased effectiveness and efficiency. Thailand, a popular medical tourism destination, intends to shift its focus to high-quality healthcare services and advanced technologies for long-term economic sustainability. This study examines attitudes towards health technology and identifies necessary skills for health technology developers to help create an ecosystem for technology-driven healthcare and prepare human capital in the field.
METHODS
In-depth interviews with diverse stakeholders in the health and health technology industries were conducted for this qualitative study to investigate the role of health technology in future healthcare and the skills required for health technology developers. Qualitative Content Analysis was carried out, and participants included national health policy makers, university presidents, hospital directors, and health technology company administrators. The study utilized the electronic Delphi method for ranking skills through multiple interview rounds, ensuring thorough evaluation of significant topics.
RESULTS
This study involved interviews with sixteen stakeholders in health technology, focusing on its importance and impact on future healthcare. Participants discussed three major areas of technology: molecular technologies, biomedical engineering technologies, and health information technologies. Delocalization, personalization, and digitalization are key components of healthcare transformation. The challenges and skills needed for health technology developers were categorized into four domains including, Health Science, Health Technology, Product Development & Design and Marketing & Entrepreneurship.
CONCLUSION
Our qualitative research revealed the significance of technology in healthcare transformation. We also identified four skill categories that health technology developers must possess. (1) Health Science, (2) Health Technology, (3) Product Development & Design, and (4) Marketing & Entrepreneurship were among these domains. A systematic strategy for developing these skills is a crucial success factor in human capital preparation for future technology-driven healthcare.
Dynamics of HIV PrEP use and coverage during and after COVID-19 in Germany
Authors: Schmidt Daniel , Duport Yannick , Kollan Christian , Marcus Ulrich , Iannuzzi Sara , Kleist Max
Published: December 2023

Background
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with oral emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil (FTC/TDF) proved highly efficient in preventing HIV. Since 09/2019, FTC/TDF-PrEP is covered by health insurances in Germany, if prescribed by licensed specialists. However, methods to longitudinally monitor progress in PrEP implementation in Germany are lacking.
Methods
Utilizing anonymous FTC/TDF prescription data from 2017–2021, we developed a mathematical model to disentangle HIV-treatment from PrEP prescriptions, as well as to translate PrEP prescriptions into number of PrEP users. We used the model to estimate past- and future PrEP uptake dynamics, to predict coverage of PrEP needs and to quantify the impact of COVID-19 on PrEP uptake on a national and regional level.
Results
We identified significant (p < 0.01) decelerating effects of the first- and second COVID-19-lockdown on PrEP uptake in 04/2020 and 12/2020. We estimated 26,159 (CI: 25,751 − 26,571) PrEP users by 12/2021, corresponding to 33% PrEP coverage of people in need. We projected 64,794 (CI: 62,956 − 66,557) PrEP users by 12/2030, corresponding to 67% PrEP coverage. We identified profound regional differences, with high PrEP coverage and uptake in metropoles and low coverage in more rural regions.
Conclusions
Our approach presents a comprehensive solution to monitor and forecast PrEP implementation from anonymous data and highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly decelerated PrEP uptake in Germany. Moreover, slow PrEP uptake in rural areas indicate that structural barriers in PrEP care, education or information exist that may hamper the goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
Struggling to Resume Childhood Vaccination During War in Myanmar: Evaluation of a Pilot Program
Authors: Poe April , (none) Emily , (none) Aurora , Aung Hein Tharu , Salreh Alfred , Grissom Brianna , Oo Cynthie Tin , Fishbein Daniel B.
Published: December 2023

Background. After the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021, the health system began to disintegrate when staff who called for the restoration of the democratic government resigned and fled to states controlled by ethnic minorities. The military retaliated by blocking the shipment of humanitarian aid, including vaccines, and attacked the ethnic states. After two years without vaccines for their children, parents urged a nurse-led civil society organization in an ethnic state to find a way to resume vaccination. The nurses developed a vaccination program, which we evaluated.
Methods. A retrospective cohort study and participatory evaluation were conducted. We interviewed the healthcare workers about vaccine acquisition, transportation, and administration and assessed compliance with WHO-recommended practices. We analyzed the participating children’s characteristics. We calculated the proportion of children vaccinated before and after the program. We calculated the probability children would become up-to-date after the program using inverse survival.
Results. Since United Nations agencies could not assist, private donations were raised to purchase, smuggle into Myanmar, and administer five vaccines. Cold chain standards were maintained. Compliance with other WHO-recommended vaccination practices was 74%. Of the 184 participating children, 145 (79%, median age five months [IQR 6.5]) were previously unvaccinated, and 71 (41%) were internally displaced. During five monthly sessions, the probability that age-eligible zero-dose children would receive the recommended number of doses of MMR was 92% (95% confidence interval [CI] 83%-100%), Penta 87% (95% CI 80%-94%); BCG 76% (95% CI 69%-83%); and OPV 68% (95% CI 59%-78%). Migration of internally displaced children and stockouts of vaccines were the primary factors responsible for decreased coverage.
Conclusions. This is the first study to describe the situation, barriers, and outcomes of a childhood vaccination program in one of the many conflict-affected states since the coup in Myanmar. Even though the proportion of previously unvaccinated children was large, the program was successful. While the target population was necessarily small, the program's success led to a donor-funded expansion to 2,000 children. Without renewed efforts, the proportion of unvaccinated children in other parts of Myanmar will approach 100%.
Investigation into the cracking potential of different composite liners under wetting-drying cycles
Authors: Puspita Annisa Sila , Budihardjo Mochamad Arief , Samadikun Budi Prasetyo
Published: December 2023

The formation of cracks in compacted clay liners used as landfill liners creates a preferential pathway for water flow and pollutant transport, resulting in polluted soil and an increase in the hydraulic conductivity of the soil. The desiccation crack intensity in six variations in the materials of clay soil commonly used for landfill liner was studied using the wetting-drying cycle method and analyzed using crack intensity factor (CIF) values for 15 days with observations every 8 hours; the crack intensity was identified based on color sensitivity using MATLAB R2018b software. The results indicate that the more bentonite clay there is in the soil, the higher its CIF value becomes because bentonite has a high plasticity index. Adding lime and coconut fiber is associated with a lower CIF, and higher plastic and liquid limits are associated with higher CIF values. The CIF pattern identified in the soil variations (V1 to V6) shows that the highest CIF value is in V4 (4.11%), and the lowest CIF value is in V3 (0.0138%), with the reduction of CIF in two groups of clayey soils (A1 and A2) during the experiment was over A1 (10%) and A2 (16%). According to the results of this study, desiccation cracking testing on soil using the wetting-drying cycle method using CIF values analyzed ​​every 8 hours is promising for characterizing environmental conditions with accurate observations.
Food addiction to capture severe condition in eating disorder
Authors: Jobin Alycia , Gingras Félicie , Beaupré Juliette , Legendre Maxime , Bégin Catherine
Published: December 2023

Food addiction (FA) is not in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). However, evidence shows that it increases the severity of eating disorder symptoms, especially when comorbid with binge eating disorder (BED). This study aims to examine the effect of FA on the severity of eating behaviors and psychological correlates in relation with an ED diagnosis. Participants (n = 223) were recruited at the Centre [blind for review] and completed a semi-structured eating disorder diagnosis interview and questionnaires measuring eating behaviors, personality traits, emotional regulation, and childhood interpersonal trauma. They were categorized by the presence of an eating disorder (BED, eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) or none) and the presence of FA. Group comparisons showed that, in patients with BED, those with FA demonstrated higher disinhibition and more maladaptive emotional regulation strategies than participants without FA. In patients without an eating disorder diagnosis, those with FA demonstrated higher disinhibition, more maladaptive emotional regulation strategies, more interpersonal trauma, and less self-directedness. The assessment of FA combined with the diagnostic assessment of eating disorder provides a better understanding of the severity of the pathology. First, in presence of BED, FA allows to target a subgroup of patients showing higher severity. Second, FA allows to target patients without an eating disorder diagnosis that would still benefit from professional help.
Detection of the JAK2V617F in Phildelphia-negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms patients: Comparison of the PCR-RFLP and Nucleotide sequencing
Authors: Laranjeira Wanessa Horreda , Torres Dania Isamary Gutierrez , Garcia Nadja , Costa Allyson Guimarães da , Malheiro Adriana , Mourão Lucivana P. de Souza , Silva George Allan Villarouco da , Tarragô Andréa Monteiro
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs) are a group of hematological malignancies, characterized by the hyperplasia of progenitor hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow and increased circulation of mature cells in the peripheral blood.
Methods: This study investigated the occurrence of the c.617Val>Phe variant in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms in the state of Amazonas-Brazil. As well, to compare the molecular analysis of JAK2V617F by PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and Sanger Sequencing. The online application OpenEpi calculated the accuracy, sensibility, and specificity of the test.
Results: Samples of 97 patients with hematological diseases were analyzed by PCR- RFLP methodology, 14 (14.43%) JAK2V617F-positiveand 83 (85.57%) were negative for variant. By Sanger sequencing, 13 patients were positive for the mutation (8 with GT genotype [heterozygote] and 3 with TT genotype [homozygous mutant].
Conclusion: Using the Sanger Sequencing results as a reference for mutation detection, the performance of the RFLP-PCR assay demonstrated similar results, with a sensitivity of 92.31%, specificity of 97.63%, and diagnostic accuracy of 96.91%. Both techniques are appropriate for detecting JAK2V617F.In summary, PCR-RFLP is the most suitable approach for quick and efficient V617F detection, may be used as a screening technique in routine laboratory.
An analysis of the influencing factors of false negative autoantibodies in patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: wang ailin , Ying Hao , Huo Yunlong , Zhang Yi , Xu Xiaoman
Published: December 2023

Objectives: To analyze the clinical significance of seven autoantibodies (p53, PGP9.5, SOX2, GAGE7, GBU4-5, MAGE, and CAGE) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the factors that influence false-negative results.
Methods: Seven autoantibodies were measured in the serum of 502 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using ELISA, and their correlations with age, sex, smoking history, pathological type, clinical stage, and PD-L1 gene expression were analyzed. The clinicopathological data of the false-negative and positive groups for the seven autoantibodies were compared to determine the influencing factors.
Results: P53 antibody expression level was correlated with lobulation sign, PGP9.5 antibody expression level with sex and vascular convergence; Sox2 antibody expression level with pathological type, clinical stage, and enlarged lymph nodes; and MAGE antibody expression level with the pathological type (P<0.05). False-negative autoantibodies are prone to occur in lung cancer patients with ground-glass nodules, no enlarged lymph nodes, no vascular convergence, and PD-L1 gene expression <1% (P <0.05).
Conclusion: Detection of seven autoantibodies was clinically significant in patients with NSCLC. However, poor sensitivity should be considered in clinical diagnoses to prevent missed diagnoses.
Numerical Investigation of Vortex Flow Dynamics and Heat Transport in a Wavy Cavity with Variable Cross-Section Cylinder Using Triangular Grid-Based Finite Element Method and Galerkin Weighted Residuals
Authors: Hossain Md. Nazmul , Fayz-Al-Asad Md. , Alam Md. Nur , Sarker Md. Manirul  Alam , Ali Ahmed Refaie
Published: December 2023

This work aims to develop a computational model to explore the dynamics of vortex flow physics and heat transport characteristics inside a wavy enclosure subjected to a cylinder of varying cross section. The physical problems are expressed in mathematical form by suitable sets of governing equations with the appropriate boundary conditions. This dimensionless form is subsequently solved using a free triangular grid-based finite element technique that utilizes the Galerkin weighted residuals methodology. The progress simulation were conducted for a range of Rayleigh number (103 ≤ Ra ≤ 106), aspect ratios (1 ≤ Ra ≤ 3), and various inclination angles of an elliptical cylinder (0° ≤ ϕ ≤ 90°). The numerical solutions to the problems are visually shown in terms of streamlines, isotherms, angle of orientation, and mean Nusselt number in terms of heat transport rate. The findings of the current study and a previously published paper are noted to be strongly in agreement. The most significant enhancement in heat transport was observed when the elliptical cylinder was oriented in a vertical arrangement when AR = 3.0 and Ra = 106.
Ocular manifestations of COVID-19 infection: A retrospective study
Authors: Ju Huan , Wang Xing , Xie Hao , Lu Jing , Peng Hui
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) swept the world rapidly to become the world’s first major public health problem. SARS-CoV-2’s receptors are expressed in multiple tissues throughout the body and can cause multiple organ damage when engaged by the virus. We collected and classified the clinical ocular manifestations of individuals infected with the SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic and analyzed them to gain an understanding of the ocular manifestations of COVID-19.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective study to collect the demographic characteristics, the SARS-CoV-2 infection signs and symptoms, and specifically, the ocular manifestations of the individuals with COVID-19. We used SPSS for all statistical analyses, to calculate the incidence of COVID-19 ocular manifestations and to analyze the possible associations between those and sex, age, and clinical manifestations of COVID-19.
Results: Of the 452 records reviewed, 134 didn’t pass any tests to confirm COVID-19, so this group did not participate in the analysis. Of the remaining 318 reviewed records, 147 (46.2%, n=318) belonged to men and 171 (53.8%, n=318) to women. The most common systemic symptoms were cough, expectoration, chills, fever, and fatigue. In addition, we found women to be more likely than men to experience cough, expectoration, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, hoarseness, low back pain, taste changes, and arthralgia. The overall incidence ofCOVID-19 eye manifestations was 26.7% (n=318) and the most common symptoms were eyeball pain, decreased vision , eye itching or foreign body sensation, and photophobia or tearing. Women were more likely than men to experience eyeball pain and orbital pain. We found sex and the prolonged screen time usage to be associated with COVID-19 ocular manifestations, whereas age, BMI, history of eye disease, basic diseases, types of COVID-19, vaccination status, and vaccination time were not associated with the presence of ocular manifestations.
Conclusion: COVID-19 ocular manifestations are common, and the main ones include eyeball pain and decreased vision. The variables associated with eye discomfort are sex and the prolonged screen time usage. Other variables such as age, BMI, underlying diseases, and type of COVID-19 were not associated with the occurrence of ocular symptoms in COVID-19.
A generalisation of the method of regression calibration and comparison with the Bayesian 2-dimensional Monte Carlo method
Authors: Little Mark P. , Hamada Nobuyuki , Zablotska Lydia B
Published: December 2023

For many cancer sites it is necessary to assess risks from low-dose exposures via extrapolation from groups exposed at moderate and high levels of dose. Measurement error can substantially alter the shape of this relationship and hence the derived population risk estimates. Even in studies with direct measurement of low-dose exposures measurement error could be substantial in relation to the size of the dose estimates and thereby distort population risk estimates. Recently, much attention has been devoted to the issue of shared errors, common in many datasets, and particularly important in occupational settings. In this paper we test a Bayesian model averaging method, the so-called Bayesian two-dimensional Monte Carlo (2DMC) method, that has been fairly recently proposed against a very newly proposed modification of the regression calibration method, which is particularly suited to studies in which there is a substantial amount of shared error, and in which there may also be curvature in the true dose response. We also compared both methods against standard regression calibration and Monte Carlo maximum likelihood. The Bayesian 2DMC method performs poorly, with coverage probabilities both for the linear and quadratic dose coefficients that are under 5%, particularly when the magnitudes of classical and Berkson error are both moderate to large (20%-50%). The method also produces substantially biased (by a factor of 10) estimates of both the linear and quadratic coefficients, with the linear coefficient overestimated and the quadratic coefficient underestimated. By comparison the extended regression calibration method yields coverage probabilities that are too low when shared and unshared Berkson errors are both large (50%), although otherwise it performs well, and coverage is generally better than the Bayesian 2DMC and all other methods. The bias of the predicted relative risk at a variety of doses is generally smallest for extended regression calibration, and largest for the Bayesian 2DMC method (apart from unadjusted regression), with standard regression calibration and Monte Carlo maximum likelihood exhibiting bias in predicted relative risk generally somewhat intermediate between the other two methods.
Is women’s social independence a strong determinant for the reproductive health-related outcomes of the Turkish population?
Authors: Özdemir Raziye , Horasan Gönül Dinç
Published: December 2023

Background
Women's empowerment is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor in achieving reproductive health goals and gaining related rights. This study analyzed the relationship between women’s social independence and various reproductive health-related outcomes.
Methods
The study used data from the nationally representative 2018 Turkey Demographic and Health Survey. We analyzed data from 5156 married women. The study included eight dependent variables: 1) a total number of births; 2) an ideal number of children; 3) women’s ability to have just the desired number of children; 4) unplanned births; 5) needs for modern family planning methods; 6) contraceptive category (female-only or couple contraceptive methods); 7) induced abortions; and 8) miscarriages. The main predictor of outcome variables was women’s social independence, which was measured using a modified form of the social independence domain of the survey-based women's empowerment (SWPER) index. Principal component analysis was used to estimate the factor loadings of the items and calculate individual standardized scores. Social independence scores were classified into 20% quintiles as lowest, lower, middle, higher, and highest. The relationship between the dependent and independent variables was explored by calculating prevalence ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (PRs, 95% CI) using a robust Poisson regression analysis. PRs were adjusted by age, household wealth quantiles, residence, and region.
Results
Women with the lowest levels of social independence had higher PRs than those with the highest social independence in the following categories: number of births of four or more [PR = 16.0 (7.2–25.3)], ideal number of children of four or more [PR = 1.9 (1.6–2.2)], more children than the ideal number [PR = 5.7 (3.3–8.1)], having an unplanned birth [PR = 2.3 (1.6–2.9)], the use of female-only contraceptive methods [PR = 1.7 (1.4–1.9)], induced abortions [PR = 1.9 (1.5–2.4)], and miscarriages [PR = 1.7 (CI 1.3-2.0)]. As women's social independence levels decreased, there was a consistent and gradual increase in negative reproductive health outcomes.
Conclusion
The study indicates that higher social independence levels are strongly associated with better reproductive health outcomes, emphasizing the need for women's empowerment in social independence for reproductive health policies.
A Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Unique to the Galanthum-CMS of Onion
Authors: Havey Michael J.
Published: December 2023

Different sources of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) are used to produce hybrid onion seed. The most commonly used source of CMS in onion is S cytoplasm (S-CMS), and male fertility is restored by a dominant allele at the nuclear male-fertility restoration locus (Ms). Male-sterile plants possess S cytoplasm and have the homozygous recessive genotype at Ms; seed propagation of male-sterile plants is possible by crossing with a male-fertile maintainer plant or inbred possessing normal (N) male-fertile cytoplasm and the homozygous recessive at the Ms locus (N msms). Some commercially important onion populations possess S-CMS and high frequencies of the dominant Ms allele, eliminating the possibility to develop maintainer lines. An alloplasmic source of CMS (Gal-CMS) was developed by backcrossing the cytoplasm of Allium galanthum into the nuclear background of onion. The advantage of Gal-CMS is that the dominant allele at Ms does not restore male fertility, making this source of CMS useful for the development of male-sterile lines from populations possessing S cytoplasm and dominant allele(s) at Ms. In this research, a single nucleotide polymorphism unique to the cytoplasms of A. galanthum and Gal-CMS was identified, useful to distinguish Gal-CMS from other onion cytoplasms.
Desafios e dificuldades da extensão universitária multicampi: uma experiência na UFVJM
Authors: RAMOS Welyson Tiano dos Santos , GONÇALVES Max Pereira , GUIMARÃES Karen de Souza , BRITO Lívia Gabriela de , ROCHA Elém Patricia Alves , BORSAGLI Fernanda Guerra Lima Medeiros , SOUZA Fidel Edson de , ALLIPRANDINI FILHO Paulo , OLIVEIRA JUNIOR João de Deus
Published: December 2023

Em universidades multicampi, garantir a acessibilidade dos estudantes a projetos em outros campi é um desafio. Neste trabalho é relatada uma experiência interdisciplinar e multicampi em um projeto de extensão da UFVJM, durante os anos de 2021 e 2022. No total, estiveram envolvidos 45 alunos, de 3 campi e 10 cursos distintos, em atividades conduzidas de forma remota, tais como, a criação de conteúdo textual e material audiovisual, culminando também na realização de um workshop online, trabalhos de conclusão de curso e publicação de artigos científicos. As atividades remotas ampliaram a acessibilidade ao projeto e ofereceram flexibilidade de horários para professores e estudantes, além de permitir a interação entre discentes de diferentes cursos. No entanto, houveram desafios devido à comunicação ineficiente durante o processo de seleção de estudantes, a falta de acesso à internet e recursos computacionais de alta qualidade.
Covariant canonical formulations of classical field theories
Authors: Gieres Francois
Published: December 2023

We review in simple terms the covariant approaches to the canonical formulation of classical relativistic field theories (in particular gauge field theories and general relativity) and we discuss the relationships between these approaches as well as the relation with the standard (non-covariant) Hamiltonian formulation. Particular attention is paid to conservation laws (notably related to geometric symmetries) within the different approaches. Moreover, for each of these approaches, the impact of space-time boundaries is also addressed. To make the text accessible to a wider audience, we have included an outline of Poisson and symplectic geometry for both classical mechanics and field theory.
Determinants of financial performance in Nepalese nonlife insurance companies: A panel data analysis
Authors: Mani Upadhyaya Yadav , Ghimire Rabindra , Raj Ghimire Shiva
Published: December 2023

The financial performance of insurance companies plays a fundamental role in driving the overall economy towards economic development and progress. The study aims to examine the impact of financial performance indicators on the Return on Equity (ROE) and Return on Assets (ROA) of nonlife insurance companies. In the methodology of study, 13 nonlife insurance companies have been considered, and panel data have been analyzed for a 14-year period (2008–2021). The fixed effects model was estimated using the E-Views software package. The panel data analysis results point to a noteworthy and favorable impact on ROA, explaining 92.75% of its variance. The results show that there is a strong positive relationship between ROA and four key factors: gross premium, retention ratio, expense ratio, and combined ratio. This underscores the importance of enhancing elements like gross premium, retention ratio, expense ratio, and combined ratio to elevate ROA. The conclusion of the study provides useful insights for improving the financial performance and competitiveness of nonlife insurance companies in Nepal. The study reveals the key success factors that affect the profitability and efficiency of the insurance sector. This suggests that nonlife insurance companies in Nepal can improve their profitability by focusing on increasing their gross premium, retention ratio, reducing expense ratio, and decreasing combined ratio. The findings have important implications for enhancing the performance and competitiveness of the nonlife insurance sector in Nepal.
Solving the problem of stability of the stationary quality indicator of complex technical systems
Authors: Karmanov A. V. , Orlova K. P. , Serkin V. E. , Tokarev M. A.
Published: December 2023

Aim. To define and solve the problem of stability of the stationary quality indicator of a complex technical system. The random process of the system’s walking by its possible states is described with a homogeneous Markov process. The stability problem consists in defining such stationary (final) probabilities of the Markov process that implement the maximum and minimal values of the quality indicator, provided that the rate of state transitions have interval estimations and the rates are conditioned by the process of failures and recoveries of the system’s elements. The stationary quality indicator has a fairly standard form and is a scalar product of the final probability vector of the Markov process and the vector that characterises the “weight” of each state, where “weight” may be understood as various contensive characteristics of states.

Methods. The paper uses mathematical methods of optimal control of a Markov process using an income vector of a special form and linear programming.

Results. A method is proposed and substantiated for solving the problem of stability of a stationary indicator of the quality of operation of a complex technical system. A numerical algorithm for solving the above problem is presented as well. The paper gives an example of the solution of a problem of stability with quality indicator that is a “penalty” function.

Conclusion. The paper discusses the problem of numerical solution of the stability problem of a large dimensionality.
Predictive models of the dependability of electric power transmission (using the example of AO Tyvaenergo)
Authors: Naumov I. V.
Published: December 2023

Aim. The paper analysed the damage rate of the electric power networks of AO Tyvaenergosbyt between 2014 and 2022 and preventively evaluates emergency shutdowns in the company’s networks in 2023. The author provides a brief historical reference regarding the company’s foundation, a description of the structure of its power supply network. The damage rate of elements, as well as main electrical equipment of the company’s power supply network were examined. The quantity of electrical power undersupplied to customers as the result of emergency shutdowns was analysed. The number of failures was classified depending on the amount of undersupplied electrical power. The paper studied the applicability of certain methods of prediction of the number of emergency shutdowns for the obtained interpolated series of preceding failures. The most appropriate method was established that was used for preventively evaluating the damage rate of the examined power networks for each month of 2023.

Methods. The paper uses methods of mathematical analysis, general scientific methods of research, properties and capabilities of the MATLAB graphic interface and Excel tables. Statistical and cybernetical methods of prediction were considered for the purpose of predictive model development. The probability of failures within the examined power networks was evaluated. Equations were obtained for autoregression failure models that enable predictive evaluation of failure by months.

The Results of the study may prove to be useful to the experts of Tyvaenergosbyt, as well as other power grid companies that are developing advanced emergency prevention activities aimed at improving the reliability of power supply.

Conclusion. The approach to predictive evaluation of emergency shutdowns proposed in the paper showed that the most efficient method of predicting failures in a company’s power networks is the method of autoregression models using interpolation of data on preceding failures. The probability of prediction fulfilment is 95%.