bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perspectives of adult offspring of participants recruited to a randomised trial in pregnancy: a qualitative study
Authors: Franke Nike , Wouldes Trecia Ann , Brown Gavin Thomas Lumsden , Ward Kim , Rogers Jenny , Harding Jane E
Published: November 2023

Background

Routinely assessed outcomes in paediatric health studies may not reflect families’ priorities. Increasing our understanding of childhood experiences of research participation may contribute to improving the quality of consent and better align study aims with the concerns of relevant communities.

Objective

To explore young adults’ views on their participation in medical research during their childhood, specifically around the acceptability of consent and their priorities regarding health, development and well-being as potential trial outcomes.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive 20-year follow-up study of a medical trial which aimed to improve outcomes after preterm birth. Semistructured dialogue transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Setting and participants

Seventeen young adults whose parents consented to their participation in a clinical trial when they were fetuses, and in follow-up studies as preschoolers and school-age children.

Results

Overall, participants expressed comfort with their parents consenting to medical research on their behalf. However, autonomous child assent may not be attainable due to children’s susceptibility to suggestions. Participants generally expressed satisfaction with the outcomes investigated in the follow-up studies, although some suggested other outcomes of interest such as mental health and learning disabilities.

Conclusions

Current consent procedures were deemed acceptable as parents hold responsibility for making decisions on behalf of their children, and their commitment to their child’s well-being ensures that they make appropriate choices. The outcomes assessed in this trial and health and developmental outcomes in the follow-up assessments aligned well with outcomes of interest to the young adult participants.
Group A Streptococcal Endometritis and Toxic Shock causing Septic Pelvic Thrombophlebitis and Septic Pulmonary Emboli
Authors: Dharia Sunny , Shah Sapan , Kissinger Meghan , Sanders Alan , Singh Gurpreet
Published: November 2023

Group AStreptococcus(GAS) in the setting of postpartum endometritis can have severe and life-threatening complications. We report a rare case of septic pulmonary emboli that we surmised to have originated from septic pelvic thrombosis in the setting of GAS toxic shock syndrome (TSS) secondary to postpartum endometritis and intrauterine demise. Although the patient had source control with hysterectomy, she continued to have new septic emboli to the lungs seen on CT scans. CT scan of the pelvis demonstrated several filling defects in the renal and pelvic veins. The patient eventually responded well to anticoagulation in addition to antibiotics, which is similar to cases of Lemierre’s syndrome. Additionally, we would like to bring attention to how important radiological findings can be missed if there is lack of interspecialty communication about the patient’s clinical situation.
Early-stage serous fallopian tube carcinoma
Authors: Khromchenko Keren , Aikman Noelle , Sun Xiu , ElSahwi Karim
Published: November 2023

Primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) is a rare disease. Its location, close association with epithelial ovarian carcinoma, and lack of specific signs and symptoms make diagnosis challenging especially in its early stages. We report a postmenopausal patient who presented with a 2-month history of abdominopelvic pain with watery vaginal discharge. Imaging findings showed a 7 cm complex left adnexal mass. The patient underwent a robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and surgical staging. Findings were significant for stage IA serous fallopian tube carcinoma. PFTC is sometimes missed preoperatively and intraoperatively. Available literature review has focused on the clinical and imaging characteristics of PFTC to aid in timely disease diagnosis. Minimally invasive surgery is a viable option in the diagnosis and management of early-stage ovarian cancer due to improved visualisation of pelvic structures, decreased length of hospital stay, decreased estimated blood loss and lower postoperative complication rates compared with laparotomy.
Progesterone hypersensitivity: a cyclical history
Authors: Brás-Cruz Rute , David Filipa , Morais Ferreira Rute , Rosário Cristina
Published: November 2023

Hypersensitivity reaction to progesterone is rare, with less than 200 cases reported. It occurs mainly in women in their third decade of life and can have a heterogeneous presentation (cutaneous and/or systemic), with temporal relation to serum levels of progesterone. Diagnosis is based on history and physical examination, supported by skin tests. We describe the case of a woman in her late 20s with pruritic erythema on the chest that manifested in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, with spontaneous resolution in less than 5 days, without secondary scarring. The histological diagnosis was non-specific, with evidence of interface dermatitis, but positive skin tests supported the diagnosis of autoimmune progesterone dermatitis. It is intended to alert to the manifestations of a pathology that is rare and difficult to diagnose but with a great impact on daily life.
Acute onset facial oedema: an unusual presentation of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in a child
Authors: Anderson Darren , Pandya Atisha , Patankar Chhaya
Published: November 2023

A previously fit and well girl of middle-childhood age presented to her local emergency department after waking with upper-facial swelling. She had a 24-hour preceding history of mild vomiting illness and fatigue. Examination revealed palpable splenomegaly and mild cervical lymphadenopathy, with pitting oedema of the forehead, nasal bridge and eyelids. Admission full blood count showed anaemia and neutropenia, and further investigations confirmed a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic B-cell leukaemia. X-ray of the chest and CT imaging did not reveal any local facial mass, veno-occlusive disease or mediastinal pathology to explain her facial swelling. She was referred to the tertiary paediatric oncology service for commencement of induction chemotherapy.
Genetic variant rs9939609 inFTOis associated with body composition and obesity risk in Korean females
Authors: Park Hyeon-Gyo , Choi Jeong-Hwa
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene is a significant locus in obesity. However, the association betweenFTOgenetic variants and body composition has not been fully elucidated.

Research design and methods

This observational study examined the associations ofFTOrs9939609 T>A with obesity and body composition markers in Koreans. A total of 6474 participants from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study were analyzed for their general characteristics, body composition andFTOgenotype with a sex-stratified approach.

Results

Females with the obesity risk A allele showed significantly greater body weight, hip circumference, and body mass index and were at a 1.28-fold higher risk of obesity (95% CI=1.088 to 1.507) than those with the TT genotype. Analyses of body composition also showed that females with the A allele had a greater body fat mass and percentage, abdominal fat percentage, and degree of obesity, and this association andFTOgenetic variation and adiposity was observed in females, especially aged under 50 years. However, the effect of the variant allele on non-fat tissue markers was not evident in females and was not associated with any parameters examined in males.

Conclusions

TheFTOrs9939609 variant is associated with body composition in Koreans, especially body fat markers in females. These results support that theFTOrs9939609 variant is a genetic risk factor in the etiology of obesity.
Nebulised furosemide for the treatment of patients with obstructive lung disease: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Veldhoen Richard , Muscedere John
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Obstructive lung diseases (OLDs) such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are major global sources of morbidity and mortality. Current treatments broadly include bronchodilators such as beta agonists/antimuscarinics and anti-inflammatory agents such as steroids. Despite therapy patients still experience exacerbations of their diseases and overall decline over time. Nebulised furosemide may have a novel use in the treatment of OLD. Multiple small studies have shown improvement in pulmonary function as well as dyspnoea. This systematic review will aim to summarise and analyse the existing literature on nebulised furosemide use in OLD to guide treatment and future studies.

Methods and analysis

We will identify all experimental studies using nebulised/inhaled furosemide in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that report any outcome. Databases will include EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ACP Journal Club, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Clinical Answers, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Methodology Register, Health Technology Assessment and the NHS Economic Evaluation Database (1995–2015). We will also search ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO-International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Two reviewers will independently determine trial eligibility. For each included trial, we will perform duplicate independent data extraction, risk of bias assessment and evaluation of the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval will not be applicable to this systematic review. The results of the study will be communicated through publication in peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021284680.
Efficacy and safety of intraperitoneal dexamethasone on postoperative nausea and vomiting following laparoscopy: study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Ning , Jiang Kailian , Liu Lulu , Chen Linmu
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Intraperitoneal dexamethasone has been reported to be effective to reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Therefore, this meta-analysis will analyse the efficacy and safety of intraperitoneal dexamethasone on PONV following laparoscopy.

Methods and analysis

Electronic databases (eg, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database, Web of Science, National Institute of Informatics, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and clinical trial registries will be systematically searched from their inception to 1 October 2022. After the study and data collection processes, we will identify randomised controlled trials that reported details of intraperitoneal dexamethasone on PONV following laparoscopy to conduct a meta-analysis. We will perform the study process and data collection separately. The collected data will be statistically analysed using Review Manager 5.4 software. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool 2. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation certainty assessment, and a trial sequential analysis will be conducted to ensure the accuracy of this meta-analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval and patient consent are not required since this study is a systematic review and meta-analysis. The findings of this meta-analysis will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022362924.
Cost-effectiveness of providing university students with a mindfulness-based intervention to reduce psychological distress: economic evaluation of a pragmatic randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wagner Adam P , Galante Julieta , Dufour Géraldine , Barton Garry , Stochl Jan , Vainre Maris , Jones Peter B
Published: November 2023

Objective

Increasing numbers of young people attending university has raised concerns about the capacity of student mental health services to support them. We conducted a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to explore whether provision of an 8 week mindfulness course adapted for university students (Mindfulness Skills for Students—MSS), compared with university mental health support as usual (SAU), reduced psychological distress during the examination period. Here, we conduct an economic evaluation of MSS+SAU compared with SAU.

Design and setting

Economic evaluation conducted alongside a pragmatic, parallel, single-blinded RCT comparing provision of MSS+SAU to SAU.

Participants

616 university students randomised.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary economic evaluation assessed the cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained from the perspective of the university counselling service. Costs relate to staff time required to deliver counselling service offerings. QALYs were derived from the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation Dimension 6 Dimension (CORE-6D) preference based tool, which uses responses to six items of the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation Outcome Measure (CORE-OM; primary clinical outcome measure). Primary follow-up duration was 5 and 7 months for the two recruitment cohorts.

Results

It was estimated to cost £1584 (2022 prices) to deliver an MSS course to 30 students, £52.82 per student. Both costs (adjusted mean difference: £48, 95% CI £40–£56) and QALYs (adjusted mean difference: 0.014, 95% CI 0.008 to 0.021) were significantly higher in the MSS arm compared with SAU. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was £3355, with a very high (99.99%) probability of being cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of £20 000 per QALY.

Conclusions

MSS leads to significantly improved outcomes at a moderate additional cost. The ICER of £3355 per QALY suggests that MSS is cost-effective when compared with the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence thresholds of £20 000 per QALY.

Trial registration number

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12615001160527.
Factors associated with uptake of human papillomavirus vaccination among adolescent girls in Mettu town, southwest Ethiopia: a school-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Dawud Amin , Kera Abeza Mitiku , Bekele Desta , Hiko Desta , Zewdie Asrat
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study was designed to assess the level of uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and its associated factors among school-age adolescent girls.

Design

School-based cross-sectional study.

Setting

High schools in Mettu town, southwest Ethiopia, from 5 February to 10 March 2022.

Participants

Data were collected using a pretested and structured questionnaire through face-to-face interviews with 667 adolescent girls selected via multistage random sampling. Data were entered into EpiData V.3.1 and exported to SPSS V.26 for analysis. Simple binary logistic regression was done, and variables with a p value less than 0.25 were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model; variables with a p value <0.05 were considered significant.

Results

About half (48.6%) of adolescent girls aged 14–18 years had received the HPV vaccine. Being in the 16–18 years age group (adjusted OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.50 to 4.80), having good knowledge (2.14, 95% CI 1.29 to 3.52), having a positive attitude (5.86, 95% CI 3.51 to 9.76), and getting encouragement from healthcare workers (3.04, 95% CI 1.36 to 6.79), teachers (2.14, 95% CI 1.05 to 4.34) and parents (2.39, 95% CI 1.02 to 5.64) were significantly associated with vaccine uptake.

Conclusion

The uptake of HPV vaccination was low. Having good knowledge and positive attitude as well as encouragement from parents, healthcare workers and teachers were identified as factors associated with HPV vaccine uptake. Improving knowledge about HPV and involving teachers and parents in the immunisation campaign might help promote HPV vaccine uptake.
Effectiveness of a midwife-led continuity of care model on birth outcomes and maternal mental health in vulnerable women: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial with an internal pilot, process evaluation and economic analysis
Authors: Willan Kathryn , Moss Rachael H , Santorelli Gillian , Ahern Sara , Bryant Maria , Bywater Tracey , Blower Sarah Louise , Richardson Gerry , Hinde Sebastian , Huo Dacheng , Wright John , Dickerson Josie , Innovation Hub Better Start Bradford
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Women from social disadvantage are at greater risk of poor birth outcomes. The midwife-led continuity of care (MCC) model, which offers flexible and relational care from a small team of midwives, has demonstrated improved birth outcomes. In the general population, the impact of MCC on socially disadvantaged women and on birth outcomes is still unclear. This protocol describes a pragmatic evaluation of the MCC model in a socially disadvantaged population.

Methods and analysis

An open-labelled individual prospective randomised controlled trial with an internal pilot, process evaluation and economic analysis, from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2024.

Women will be randomly allocated to MCC or standard care as part of usual midwifery practice. Participants and midwives will not be blinded, but researchers will be. An internal pilot will test the feasibility of this process.

Participants are those randomised into MCC or standard care, who consent to participate in one of two Born in Bradford (BiB) birth cohort studies. Outcomes are taken from routinely linked health data, supplemented by additional data capture. The sample size is fixed by the capacity of MCC teams, commissioning duration and numbers recruited into the cohort. The estimated maximum fixed sample size is 1,410 pregnancies (minimum 734).

Intention to treat (ITT) analysis will be undertaken to assess the impact of MCC on two independent primary outcomes. An economic evaluation will explore the impact on health resource use and a process evaluation will explore fidelity to the MCC model, and barriers/facilitators to implementation from midwives’ and women’s perspectives.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained for the randomisation in midwifery practice, use of the cohort data for evaluation and for the process evaluation. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at conferences and translated into policy briefings.

Trial registration number

IsRCTNhttps://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN31836167
OCT and OCTA in dysthyroid optic neuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Nan , Zhu Hui , Ma Junxin , Shao Qing
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To explore the current research about the role of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON).

Methods

Studies in the literature that focused on OCT, OCTA and DON were retrieved by searching PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane databases and Clinical Trial before 20 June 2023. The methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The quantitative calculation was performed using Review Manager V.5.3.

Results

Twelve studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. DON group presented lower macular ganglion cell complex in the overall, superior and inferior hemifields compared with the non-DON group. Furthermore, the ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer in DON group was thinner in contrast to the non-DON group. The optic nerve head vessel density was lower in the DON group than that in the non-DON group. A reduction of radial peripapillary capillary vessel density could be seen in the DON group than the non-DON group in overall, inside disc, peripapillary, superior-hemifield, temporal and nasal. Besides, the macular superficial retinal capillary layer of non-DON and DON is lower than the healthy control group.

Conclusions

This study supported the potential value of OCT and OCTA metrics as novel biomarkers of DON. Ophthalmologists should comprehensively consider the retinal structure and microvasculature in dealing with DON.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review included data from published literature and was exempt from ethics approval. Results would be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and presented at academic conferences engaging clinicians.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023414907.
Grand rounds in methodology: key considerations for implementing machine learning solutions in quality improvement initiatives
Authors: Verma Amol A , Trbovich Patricia , Mamdani Muhammad , Shojania Kaveh G
Published: November 2023

Machine learning (ML) solutions are increasingly entering healthcare. They are complex, sociotechnical systems that include data inputs, ML models, technical infrastructure and human interactions. They have promise for improving care across a wide range of clinical applications but if poorly implemented, they may disrupt clinical workflows, exacerbate inequities in care and harm patients. Many aspects of ML solutions are similar to other digital technologies, which have well-established approaches to implementation. However, ML applications present distinct implementation challenges, given that their predictions are often complex and difficult to understand, they can be influenced by biases in the data sets used to develop them, and their impacts on human behaviour are poorly understood. This manuscript summarises the current state of knowledge about implementing ML solutions in clinical care and offers practical guidance for implementation. We propose three overarching questions for potential users to consider when deploying ML solutions in clinical care: (1) Is a clinical or operational problem likely to be addressed by an ML solution? (2) How can an ML solution be evaluated to determine its readiness for deployment? (3) How can an ML solution be deployed and maintained optimally? The Quality Improvement community has an essential role to play in ensuring that ML solutions are translated into clinical practice safely, effectively, and ethically.
Infection control and environmental sustainability: focus on practice
Authors: Griffiths Helen
Published: November 2023

Endoscopy is known to be a high generator of waste in healthcare. It also poses an infection risk to patients, both from their own endogenous flora and from exogenous micro-organisms. Increases in infection, as seen during the pandemic, result in increased use of single-use equipment, personal protective equipment, packaging and harmful chemicals. With the significant risk of a further pandemic within the next 5 years, both climate change and the risk of infections should be considered as health emergencies, as they create a revolving door scenario. This article reviews some of the endoscopic and non-endoscopic infection risks and practical ways in which we can improve our environmental footprint while maintaining infection prevention and control.
Neuroblastoma: an ongoing cold front for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Kennedy Paul T , Zannoupa Demetra , Son Meong Hi , Dahal Lekh N , Woolley John F
Published: November 2023

Neuroblastoma is the most frequent extracranial childhood tumour but effective treatment with current immunotherapies is challenging due to its immunosuppressive microenvironment. Efforts to date have focused on using immunotherapy to increase tumour immunogenicity and enhance anticancer immune responses, including anti-GD2 antibodies; immune checkpoint inhibitors; drugs which enhance macrophage and natural killer T (NKT) cell function; modulation of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes pathway; and engineering neuroblastoma-targeting chimeric-antigen receptor-T cells. Some of these strategies have strong preclinical foundation and are being tested clinically, although none have demonstrated notable success in treating paediatric neuroblastoma to date. Recently, approaches to overcome heterogeneity of neuroblastoma tumours and treatment resistance are being explored. These include rational combination strategies with the aim of achieving synergy, such as dual targeting of GD2 and tumour-associated macrophages or natural killer cells; GD2 and the B7-H3 immune checkpoint; GD2 and enhancer of zeste-2 methyltransferase inhibitors. Such combination strategies provide opportunities to overcome primary resistance to and maximize the benefits of immunotherapy in neuroblastoma.
If it walks like a duck…: Monitored Emergency Use of Unregistered and Experimental Interventions (MEURI) is research
Authors: Schaefer G Owen
Published: November 2023

Monitored Emergency Use of Unregistered and Experimental Interventions (MEURI) is an ethical framework developed by the WHO for using unproven interventions in public health emergencies outside the context of medical research. It is mainly intended for use when medical research would be impracticable, but there is still a need to systematically gather data about unproven interventions. As such, it is designed as something of a middle ground between clinical and research ethical frameworks.

However, I argue that MEURI does not truly lie at the intersection of clinical care and research. Due to its intent, structure and oversight requirements, it takes on most of the crucial features of research, to the point that it is best understood as a form of research. As a result, cases where MEURI could practicably be applied should instead make use of existing research frameworks. For those circumstances where research is truly impracticable, a more straightforward oversight system than MEURI is needed. While existing practices of compassionate use have some applicability, proposals to make use of clinical ethics committees to oversee unproven interventions may help achieve the right balance in acting in a patient’s best interests when the relevant evidence base is weak.
Association between trauma triage and time-to-vaso-occlusive events in patients with sickle cell disease after traumatic injury: a retrospective study
Authors: Parchuri Ektha , Pacella-LaBarbara Maria , O’Brien Julia , Gruen Danielle S , Guyette Frances , Brown Joshua B , De Castro Laura , Jonassaint Charles R
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with vaso-occlusive events (VOEs) that can lead to disease complications, including early mortality. Given that similar inflammatory responses characterize VOE and traumatic injury, injured patients with SCD may be vulnerable to acute complications. This study is the first to examine whether traumatic injury is associated with increased severity of future VOEs.

Methods

This cohort study was conducted using electronic health record data from an SCD clinic in Western Pennsylvania; 356 patients with SCD from January 2000 to July 2021 were identified via retrospective chart review. 55 patients were eligible based on continuous medical record data spanning 1 year preinjury and postinjury. Patients were sorted into three treatment groups based on injury management: (1) Neither triage to trauma team activation (TTA) nor inpatient admission (Early Discharge), (2) Triage but no inpatient admission (Triage Only), and (3)Triage and In-patient. Outcomes included time from injury to first VOE, annual VOE counts requiring an emergency department (ED) visit, and ED length of stay (LOS) for the first VOE after injury.

Results

Early Dischargeindividuals experienced a VOE event within 2.93 days of injury, significantly shorter time to event thanTriage and In-patientindividuals at 52.375 days andTriage Onlyindividuals at 100.16 days (p=0.0058). No difference in annual VOE counts was noted postinjury across all groups. However, a significant increase in VOE LOS preinjury (16.1 hours) to postinjury (77.4 hours) was noted only for theTriage Onlygroup (p=0.038). Cox regression model showed that shortened time to VOE events was marginally associated with TTA status (p=0.06).

Conclusion

Despite minimal changes in long-term VOE outcomes after injury, traumatic injuries may accelerate the time-to-VOE among theEarly Dischargegroup. Therefore, future research is warranted to analyze whether the absence of postinjury triage assessment and intervention may cause unforeseen physiologic stressors contributing to VOE outcomes.

Level of evidence

Level IV: retrospective case-control study with three negative criteria.
$$Z_{cs}$$, $$Z_c$$ and $$Z_b$$ states under the complex scaling method
Authors: Cheng Jian-Bo , Huang Bo-Lin , Lin Zi-Yang , Zhu Shi-Lin
Published: November 2023

We investigate the$$Z_b$$Zb,$$Z_c$$Zcand$$Z_{cs}$$Zcsstates within the chiral effective field theory framework and theS-wave single channel molecule picture. With the complex scaling method, we accurately solve the Schrödinger equation in momentum space. Our analysis reveals that the$$Z_b(10610)$$Zb(10610),$$Z_b(10650)$$Zb(10650),$$Z_c(3900)$$Zc(3900)and$$Z_c(4020)$$Zc(4020)states are the resonances composed of theS-wave$$(B\bar{B}^{*}+B^{*}\bar{B})/\sqrt{2}$$(BB¯∗+B∗B¯)/2,$$B^{*}\bar{B}^*$$B∗B¯∗,$$(D\bar{D}^{*}+D^{*}\bar{D})/\sqrt{2}$$(DD¯∗+D∗D¯)/2and$$D^{*}\bar{D}^*$$D∗D¯∗, respectively. Furthermore, although the$$Z_{cs}(3985)$$Zcs(3985)and$$Z_{cs}(4000)$$Zcs(4000)states exhibit a significant difference in width, these two resonances may originate from the same channel, theS-wave$$(D_{s}\bar{D}^{*}+D_{s}^{*}\bar{D})/\sqrt{2}$$(DsD¯∗+Ds∗D¯)/2. Additionally, we find two resonances in theS-wave$$D_s^*\bar{D}^*$$Ds∗D¯∗channel, corresponding to the$$Z_{cs}(4123)$$Zcs(4123)and$$Z_{cs}(4220)$$Zcs(4220)states that await experimental confirmation.
LCSTR: Scene Text Recognition with Large Convolutional Kernels
Authors: Wang Jiale , Yang Lina , Wang Jing , Yang Haoyan , Bai Lin , Wang Patrick Shen-Pei , Li Xichun , Luo Huiwu , Xu Huafu
Published: November 2023

The task of scene text recognition involves processing information from two modalities: images and text, thereby requiring models to have the ability to extract features from images and model sequences simultaneously. Although linguistic knowledge greatly aids scene text recognition tasks, the extensive use of language models in sequence modeling and model prediction stages in recent years has made model architectures increasingly complex and inefficient. In this paper, we propose LCSTR, a pure convolutional visual model that can complete text recognition without the need for attention mechanisms or language models. This approach applies large kernels to text recognition tasks for the first time, extracting word-level text information through large text-aware blocks, capturing long-range dependencies between characters, and using small text-aware blocks to obtain local features within characters. Experiments show that this model strikes a good trade-off between accuracy and speed, achieving notable results on seven public benchmarks, validating the generalizability and effectiveness of this method. Furthermore, owing to the absence of a language module, this model demonstrates remarkable accuracy even in limited sample scenarios, and the lightweight and low computational overhead features make it suitable for engineering applications.
BIM-Based Building Performance Simulation Analysis: A Multi-Parameter-Driven Approach to Building Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction
Authors: Sun Wu , Zhao Liang
Published: November 2023

Global warming and other environmental problems are increasing the demand for high-performance buildings. The development of high-performance computers and building information models has a significant impact on buildings’ energy simulation. High-performance building design needs to comprehensively consider geography, climate, material, cost and other factors which is a highly complex multidisciplinary research problem. Therefore, it is urgent to use advanced modeling and simulation technology to realize it, involving Building Information Modelling (BIM), parametric design and cloud platform. Comprehensive simulation of building performance refers to a multidisciplinary collaborative design, and the correlation between research objects and parameters should be achieved by complex programming design. This study integrates BIM, computer, cloud computing and other technologies to simulate BIM-based building energy consumption performance. Based on project information, geometry information and physical properties exhibited by materials stored in BIM model, the energy analysis model is created. Revit–Dynamo API functions are employed to generate a novel BIM model in Revit after automatically changing and transferring user-defined parameters. BIM energy consumption model is converted into Green Building eXtended Markup Language (GBXML) file and uploaded to Green Building Studio (GBS) cloud server. The optimal project solution is yielded by retrieving the energy consumption simulation results of BIM models with a range of parameters. The case study shows that building volume, glass material, window-wall ratio and window height have significant influence on energy consumption targets of buildings. In hot-summer and cold-winter areas, the total energy consumption of glass materials with high insulation and reflection coefficient is small. The window size slightly impacts the annual lighting energy consumption, but it has significant influence on the annual air conditioning energy consumption, with a maximum increase of about 22%. Finally, the application advantages and limitations of the framework in high-performance building design and its application prospects in energy-saving building design are discussed.
A CNN-SVM Study Based on the Fusion of Spectrogram and Thermal Imaging Heterogeneous Features for Pig Cough Recognition in Field Situation
Authors: Wang Buyu , Duan Weijun , Liu Na , Qi Jingwei
Published: November 2023

Accurate identification of pig cough is essential for comprehensive monitoring and diagnosis of the respiratory health status of pigs. It contributes to stress-free animal health management, reduces pig mortality and improves the economics of farming. Creating a representative multisource signal signature of pig cough is a critical step in achieving automatic recognition of pig cough. For this reason, in this paper, we propose a feature fusion classification method that combines the spectrogram deep features and thermal image deep features to be fed into a support vector machine (SVM) classifier to accomplish cough classification. First, we use a time–frequency transformation algorithm to convert a one-dimensional cough sound signal into a two-dimensional acoustic spectrogram. Then, the corresponding heterogeneous deep features are extracted from the cough spectrogram and thermal image by fine-tuning Lenet-5 and a customized CoughRNet shallow convolutional neural network. Finally, we employ an early fusion technique to align and splice the extracted heterogeneous deep features and feed them into an SVM for the automatic classification task of pig cough. Our study evaluates the classification performance, recognition speed and model size of the proposed deep feature fusion classification network with satisfactory results. Experimental results show that the method achieves 99.77% accuracy in pig cough recognition. This further demonstrates the effectiveness of combining abstract heterogeneous sound and thermal image deep features as a method for automated detection of pig respiratory health.
CATHODIC PLASMA ELECTROLYTIC DEPOSITION (CPED) TECHNIQUE FOR SURFACE STRENGTHENING OF TITANIUM AND TITANIUM ALLOYS: A MINI REVIEW
Authors: LI XIAOKAI , LIN NAIMING , ZENG QUNFENG , JIA HONGBING , NOURI MEISAM , WANG XIN
Published: November 2023

Due to the unique properties of titanium (Ti) and its alloys, it has a particularly wide range of applications in aerospace, automotive, medical and other fields. However, the problems of low surface hardness, high friction coefficient and low wear resistance of Ti alloys limit its development to a certain extent. The destruction of Ti and its alloys often occurs on the surface of materials such as wear damage, corrosion, and oxidation resistance. Therefore, the exploration and application of surface strengthening technology is particularly important. The cathodic plasma electrolytic deposition (CPED) technology, as a surface modification technology, can achieve better adhesion and facilitate the material to achieve better comprehensive performance. This paper briefly introduces the basic concepts, principles and development progress of CPED. Starting from the preparation of ceramic coatings, metal coatings, diamond-like carbon films and composite coatings, it summarizes the application of CPED in Ti and its alloys. Applications in alloys to improve thermal oxidation resistance, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and film-based adhesion. At the end, its development in the new era environment is prospected.
Scale-Dependent Generalized Thermoelastic Damping in Vibrations of Small-Sized Rectangular Plate Resonators by Considering Three-Dimensional Heat Conduction
Authors: Ali Bashar M , Batoo Khalid Mujasam , Hussain Sajjad , Hussain Worood , Khazaal Waleed Mohammed , Mohammed Bahira Abdulrazzaq , Rasen Fadhil A. , Alawady Ahmed Hussien Radie , Alsaalamy Ali Hashiem
Published: November 2023

Given that thermoelastic damping (TED) is one of the main causes of energy dissipation in miniaturized structures, calculation of its exact amount is of particular importance in the design of such elements. Considering three-dimensional (3D) heat transfer along with the scale effect on both mechanical and thermal areas is one of the decisive factors in the more rigorous modeling of TED in small-sized resonators. This paper exploits the modified couple stress theory (MCST) and dual-phase-lag (DPL) heat conduction model to establish an analytical TED relation for rectangular micro/nanoplate resonators with 3D heat conduction. At the start, the non-Fourier heat equation corresponding to 3D DPL model is derived. Then, the solution of temperature distribution is determined by employing infinite trigonometric series. Moreover, the scale-dependent frequency of the system is presented in the context of MCST. Eventually, with the help of entropy generation (EG) method, an analytical TED expression considering 3D heat conduction is established. The precision of the presented solution is examined by comparing it with a simpler model available in the literature. By choosing two common types of boundary conditions, i.e. fully-clamped (CCCC) and fully-simply (SSSS) supported plates, the influence of various factors on TED changes is comprehensively investigated in simulation section. According to the outcomes, in plates with a lower ratio of length and width to thickness, the dimension considered for heat conduction model has a noticeable impact on the variations of TED.
On G-derivations of Lie–Yamaguti algebras
Authors: Sahoo Aroonima , Khuntia Tofan Kumar , Pati Kishor Chandra
Published: November 2023

This paper primarily deals with the study of [Formula: see text]-derivations associated with Lie–Yamaguti algebras (LY-algebras). Taking [Formula: see text] as an automorphism group, the concept of [Formula: see text]-derivations, which is a derivation under both the bilinear and trilinear operations is defined for LY-algebras. Then some important properties of [Formula: see text]-derivations are studied along with their relationship with other generalized derivations of LY-algebras.
On some specific results of rings with prime nilradical
Authors: Alhazmy Khaled , Almahdi Fuad Ali Ahmed , Haddaoui Younes El , Mahdou Najib
Published: November 2023

The authors of A. Benhissi and S. Hizem [Nonnil-Noetherian rings and SFT property, Rocky Mountain J. Math. 41 (2011) 1483–1500] proved that the primary decomposition of a nonnil-ideal of a nonnil-Noetherian ring always exists. We will show in this paper that this primary decomposition is minimal. We next prove that over any nonnil-Noetherian ring, a sub-class of modules admit a primary decomposition. In the second part of this paper, we give some properties related to [Formula: see text]-chained and [Formula: see text]-Prüfer rings.
A comparison of finiteness conditions in quadratic form theory
Authors: Becher Karim Johannes , Gosavi Saurabh
Published: November 2023

We discuss and relate finiteness conditions for certain field invariants which are studied in quadratic form theory. This includes the [Formula: see text]-invariant, the reduced stability index and the symbol lengths for Galois cohomology groups with coefficients in [Formula: see text], as well as a new invariant called the splitting height.
Transient Structural Thermo-Mechanical Response of Multi-Layered Viscoelastic Composite Laminates with Non-Idealized Interfacial Conditions Based on New Fractional Derivatives
Authors: Li Chenlin , Cao Suan , He Tianhu
Published: November 2023

Multi-Layered viscoelastic composite laminates are commonly designed as damping structures in non-isothermal environments to avoid unnecessary vibration and ensure the safety of structures working in vibration engineering, such as reducing the unwanted vibration and noise of aircraft structures and vehicles. In recent years, there have been extensive research works that contributed to evaluate and predict the influences of relaxation time parameters, nonlocal elastic/thermal parameters, and temperature related material properties on the dynamic thermo-viscoelastic responses of such structures. Nevertheless, the effects of fractional derivatives and related parameters are rarely reported on this topic. This paper aims to construct a mathematical model of transient structural thermo-mechanical response of multi-layered viscoelastic composite laminates with non-idealized interfacial conditions (i.e., the thermal contact resistance and elastic wave impedance) by introducing the new definitions of the Caputo-Fabrizio (CF), Atangana-Baleanu (AB), and Tempered-Caputo (TC) fractional derivatives. The Laplace transform method is applied to obtain the transient solutions. The dimensionless results reveal that the new fractional derivatives, non-idealized interfacial conditions and material constants ratios significantly affect the wave propagations and transient thermo-viscoelastic responses, and the harmful heat/stress isolation at interface are improved to some extent.
Studies on the Biocompatibility of Carbon Dots Prepared by Utilizing Aquatic Waste
Authors: Zhang Yi , Tian Ge , Luo Guosheng , Dong Ping , Hua Ruifang , Wang Fanping , Zhang Yun
Published: November 2023

Carbon dots (CDs) are a kind of novel carbon nanomaterial that has unique properties, which make them useful for various applications, and now newer types of CDs are being found. Herein, a series of easy, cost-effective, environmentally friendly and highly biocompatible one-step syntheses of fluorescent CDs were fabricated by reacting easily available aquatic waste used as the carbon source, using hydrothermal reaction. The rapid development of nanomaterials has provided unprecedented opportunities for various applications, and CDs have been widely used in pharmaceutical analysis, environmental monitoring, clinical diagnosis, medical imaging technologies and cancer treatment. Good biocompatibility is a prerequisite for the application of nanomaterials in biology, chemistry, medicine and other fields. This paper presents a systematic study of the biocompatibility and biosafety issues of the three as-synthesized CDs, including primary investigations of their cytotoxicity, cell morphology, plant imaging, apoptosis analysis and effects on embryos in zebrafish embryos. The aim of this research is to make a profound study on the biocompatibility of carbon dots and explore the application of CDs in the field of biological imaging.
Detection of silver cation based on phenothiazine derivative probe
Authors: Shu Yan , Shi Yi Ying , Jia Wen Hao , Yang Qiu Sheng , Duan Zhong Yu
Published: November 2023

In this work, a novel probe 1 has been prepared via two-step reaction from o-phenylenediamine. The recognition properties of probe 1 for different metal ions in DMF solution were investigated by UV absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy, respectively. The color of the solution changed from light yellow to light purple, then became brown after half an hour when Ag[Formula: see text]was added to the DMF solution of probe 1. Ag[Formula: see text] can also be easily and quickly identified by using the test strips prepared. 1 has also high selectivity and sensitivity for Ag[Formula: see text] even in the presence of other metal ions. After adding Ag[Formula: see text], the fluorescence quenching appeared and the lowest detection limit of Ag[Formula: see text] is 2.90 [Formula: see text]M. Furthermore, the 1H NMR test and density functional theory calculation have verified the sensing behavior mechanism. The detection of silver cation provided here is rapid and effective, and it is a beneficial exploration for the development of high efficiency ion sensors.
The Cretaceous deposits of the Paris Basin
Authors: Amédro Francis , Deconinck Jean-François , Robaszynski Francis
Published: November 2023

Since the creation of the Cretaceous system by Jean-Baptiste d'Omalius d'Halloy, numerous analyses have provided details about the Cretaceous sedimentary successions of the Paris Basin, where many boreholes have been drilled. We present a synthesis of the Cretaceous deposits using data from recent drilling carried out in the central and eastern parts of the basin which, during the early Cretaceous, corresponded to a continental environment represented by Wealden facies. However, from the Berriasian to the Barremian, the southeastern part of the basin was occasionally invaded by a shallow sea during transgressions originating from the Tethys Ocean. The sedimentary successions of this age presented in this article have been studied thanks to drilling carried out by Andra (French Agency for Nuclear Waste Disposal). Several new results are presented here: a discussion on the age of the Argiles ostréennes, the identification of an equivalent of oceanic anoxic event (OAE)1a, and the construction of a continuous section of the Albian clays in their type area. Regarding the Upper Cretaceous chalk, the Cenomanian to Maastrichtian stages are represented over the entire basin and correlations are proposed based on biostratigraphic data and various marker beds including marly levels, bentonites, hardgrounds and eco-events.
New approaches to an old problem: addressing spatial gaps in the World Stress Map
Authors: Coblentz D. , van Wijk J. , Carmichael J. , Johnson C. , Delorey A. , Chai C. , Maceira M. , Richardson R. M.
Published: November 2023

A well-recognized characteristic of the World Stress Map (WSM) database is the continued presence of large spatial gaps in the distribution of the data records despite the more than 40-year development history of the database. The current release has more than 30 000 high-quality (A–C) data records (often referred to as ‘stress indicators’), but while some continental areas (such as Australia) have seen a significant increase in spatial converge with the latest release, other continental regions (Africa, central Asia, most of South America) remain markedly sparse. In this contribution we (1) review the current state of the spatial distribution of stress indicators in the continental regions (above sea-level); (2) quantify the clustering of the stress indicators in the latest WSM release using the Hopkins statistic as a way to explore the current spatial distribution of the indicators and assess future WSM releases; and (3) present three approaches (joint inversion, seismic anisotropy and InSAR) that provide a way to fill in the gaps (both in the S
Hmax
orientation and principal stress magnitudes) in regions that lack active seismicity and where borehole drilling is cost prohibitive. These three approaches have the potential to guide procedures for improving
a priori
estimates of the ambient stress field in the Earth's crust and reduce the uncertainty in predicting both the magnitude and orientation of the principal tectonic stresses.