bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autonomous multiple‐trolley collection system with nonholonomic robots: Design, control, and implementation
Authors: Xie Peijia , Xia Bingyi , Hu Anjun , Zhao Ziqi , Meng Lingxiao , Sun Zhirui , Gao Xuheng , Wang Jiankun , Meng Max Q.‐H.
Published: July 2024

The task of collecting and transporting luggage trolleys in airports, characterized by its complexity within dynamic public environments, presents both an ongoing challenge and a promising opportunity for automated service robots. Previous research has primarily developed on universal platforms with robot arms or focused on handling a single trolley, creating a gap in providing cost‐effective and efficient solutions for practical scenarios. In this paper, we propose a low‐cost mobile manipulation robot incorporated with an autonomy framework for the collection and transportation of multiple trolleys that can significantly enhance operational efficiency. The method involves a novel design of the mechanical system and a vision‐based control strategy. We design a lightweight manipulator and the docking mechanism, optimized for the sequential stacking and transportation of trolleys. On the basis of the Control Lyapunov Function and Control Barrier Function, we propose a vision‐based controller with online Quadratic Programming, which improves the docking accuracy. The practical application of our system is demonstrated in real‐world scenarios, where it successfully executes the multiple‐trolley collection task.
N‐methylation of histidine to tune tautomeric preferences in histidine‐heme coordination and enzyme‐mimetic catalysis
Authors: Du Ruikai , Lv Yunbo , Wu Haifeng , Zhang Baoli , Liu Yuanxi , Xu Shichao , Li Shan , Wang Zhen‐Gang
Published: July 2024

Enzymes with active sites involving histidine selectively utilize either the δ‐ or ε‐nitrogen atom (Nδ or Nε) of the histidine imidazole for catalysis. However, evaluating the impact of Nδ and Nε is difficult, and directly integrating noncanonical N‐methylated histidine within enzymes poses risks due to laborious procedures. In this study, we present the self‐assembly of Fmoc‐Histidine (Fmoc‐His) with hemin to create a peroxidase‐mimetic catalyst, in which either the Nε or Nδ of histidine is methylated to modify the tautomeric preferences, thereby tuning hemin catalysis. UV‐vis spectra, 1H‐NMR, and fluorescence experiments elucidate that the N‐methylation of histidine alters the self‐assembly propensity of Fmoc‐His, and affects the binding affinity of histidine to hemin iron, with Fmoc‐δmHis/hemin exhibiting stronger binding than Fmoc‐εmHis/hemin. Theoretical simulation results suggest that εmHis and δmHis ligation produce a saddled structure and planar structure of hemin, respectively, stemming from the disparity of steric hindrance at the Nε and Nδ positions. The significant inhibition of hemin's oxidative activity by Fmoc‐δmHis is observed, likely due to the strong binding of Fmoc‐δmHis, potentially hindering access of the substrate, H2O2, to the hemin iron. Conversely, Fmoc‐εmHis enhances hemin catalysis, surpassing even Fmoc‐His alone. This differential impact of Fmoc‐εmHis and Fmoc‐δmHis on hemin activity is further corroborated by apparent activation energy and kinetic parameters (kcat, kcat/Km). This study sheds light on the heterogeneous biological effects at the nitrogen positions of histidine imidazole and offers insights into designing supramolecular metalloenzymes.
Continuous On‐Chip Synthesis of Ag Nanoparticles Assisted by Resonant Microwave Heating Using a Post‐Wall Waveguide
Authors: Fujitani Kaito , Kishihara Mitsuyoshi , Sugiyama Munehiro , Utsumi Yuichi
Published: July 2024

Microfluidics made of dimethylpolysiloxane were developed for chemical synthesis using microwave heating at 24.125 GHz, and microwave efficiency was enhanced by the microwave resonance effect. In addition, the device was fabricated using a mold created using a 3D printer to reduce production costs. The microchip structure comprised a post‐wall waveguide and a microchannel that passed through the waveguide. This post‐wall waveguide also comprises metal columns (post‐wall) instead of a conductor side wall, and easily introduces microchannels through the gaps between the metal columns. The waveguide length was adjusted to achieve a resonance frequency of 24 GHz using an electromagnetic wave simulation, assuming that the microchannel was filled with pure water. Microwaves with an input power of 4 W caused a maximum temperature increase of 93 °C; this result is ~10 °C higher than that of a microchip with non‐resonant structure. In this study, Ag nanoparticles were synthesized using a chemical reaction induced by microwave irradiation of a chip flow system. Owing to irradiating the mixing reagent with microwaves of an input power of 4 W while controlling the flow rate at 0.7 μl/min, the formation of Ag nanoparticles with an average particle size of ~19.2 ± 2.4 nm was demonstrated by absorbance measurements and dynamic light scattering. It is expected that microwave microfluidics enhanced by the resonance effect will substantialize nanoparticle synthesis and high‐efficiency automated chemical synthesis combined with multichemical unit operations. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
The impact of PAC‐loaded polymer membrane thickness on chloroform removal and comparison of solvent and thermal membrane regeneration methods
Authors: Hou Yizhi , Mayer Brooke K.
Published: July 2024

Powdered activated carbon (PAC) has better adsorption performance than granular activated carbon (GAC) and is widely used in water purification. In most cases, PAC is dosed into water directly, then precipitated as sludge, and landfilled. In this study, PAC was mixed with a polymer and dissolved in dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent to form a PAC‐loaded membrane, which was then tested for chloroform removal. The chloroform adsorption capacity of the PAC membrane increased with increasing membrane thickness because of higher carbon loading. However, regardless of membrane thickness, the flux of the PAC membranes was similar since flux resistance predominantly occurred at the top dense polymer surface. This dense surface can be removed by sandpaper polishing, where the adsorption capacity of the polished PAC membranes was 20% higher than the unpolished membranes because of more even distribution of feed water on the polished surface. Removal of the dense surface via polishing increased the flux by 97% to 130%, exceeding the flux of typical household carbon block filters. Using DMF to regenerate the membrane recovered 48% to 66% of the initial adsorption capacity. Thermal regeneration of the exhausted PAC membrane at 250°C was more effective than DMF regeneration (both in terms of cost and performance), with 83% to 94% PAC membrane regeneration efficiency over four regeneration recycles. After four thermal regeneration cycles, flux increased by 300% and the membrane became brittle because of thermal aging of the polymer, indicating that a total of 6 h of regeneration time (equivalent to three cycles in this study) was the limit for effective PAC membrane performance.

Practitioner Points

Powdered activated carbon was immobilized on a membrane to remove chloroform from water.

Thicker membranes increased adsorption capacity but did not impact flux.

Flux and capacity increased using polishing to remove the dense polymer surface and more evenly distribute flow across the membrane.

Thermal regeneration of the membrane at 250°C was effective for up to three cycles and outperformed solvent‐based regeneration.

PAC‐loaded filters are relevant for applications such as household carbon block filtration.
Risky Incrementalism: Defense AI in the United States
Authors: Kahn Lauren A.
Published: July 2024

The United States remains the world’s preeminent military and technological power. Over the last decade, the United States has increasingly viewed artificial intelligence (AI) proficiency as a vital U.S. interest and mechanism for assuring U.S. military and economic power, recognizing its potential as a force multiplier. As a result, the United States is actively implementing AI across its defense and armed services, with notable applications in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Cyber, Autonomous Systems, Command and Control, Disaster Relief, and Logistics. The United States government is generally well-placed to leverage defense AI and AI-enabled systems. However, various bureaucratic, organizational, and procedural hurdles have slowed down progress on defense AI adoption and technology-based innovation such that the Department of Defense has yet to successfully, on a broad scale, translate commercial AI developments into real military capabilities. The U.S. Department of Defense suffers from a complex acquisition process and a widespread shortfall of data, STEM, and AI talent and training. Organizations working on AI and AI-related technologies and projects are often siloed, separated not only from each other but also from necessary data and other resources, and there exists within the department a culture that favors tried-and-true methods and systems, sometimes trending towards Luddism. In the last few years, however, the Defense Department has made substantial headway on some of these challenges, restructuring its approach to defense AI. However, whether these new AI efforts will be sufficient to allow the U.S. to make up for time lost remains to be seen.
Risk and Disease: Two Alternative Ways of Modelling Health Phenomena
Authors: Giroux Élodie
Published: July 2024

The notion of risk questions our dominant and traditional medical approach to health phenomena: a binary normal-pathological model anchored in the pathophysiological framework. For risk factors which are continuous biological variables such as hypertension or hypercholesterolemia, the demarcation line between a level which would be ‘normal’, ‘at risk’, or ‘pathological’ is drawn in a conventional and non-fixed manner. Above all, these risk factors, which are the subject of preventive treatment, are increasingly considered as diseases in their own right. This shift would reinforce the pathologisation of human life and the associated problems of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. However, while it is easy to see the value of clarifying and specifying the distinction between ‘risk’ and ‘disease’ when dealing with those problems, finding the best way to do so remains challenging. In this chapter, I begin by describing the confusion between these two categories. I then show that the conceptual analysis, in particular, the naturalistic definition of disease, fails to provide a satisfactory distinction. Finally, I argue that this distinction can be better established if we understand the epidemiological risk approach as a different way of modelling health phenomena than the binary and categorical approach of pathophysiology.
Pragmatism in the Fray: Constructing Futures for ‘Medically Unexplained Symptoms’
Authors: Greco Monica
Published: July 2024

The expression ‘medically unexplained symptoms’ is still widely used to indicate physical symptoms that are not attributable to any known conventionally defined disease. It is discursively related to several other concepts including somatisation, somatic symptom disorder (DSM 5), and functional somatic syndromes, which include the diagnoses of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity, and irritable bowel syndrome, among others. Some of these conditions are currently the object of controversies and political battles. This chapter examines what it can mean to approach this group of conditions ‘pragmatically’ by contrasting two different versions of pragmatism. One version, exemplified in social research that aligns itself with arguments proposed by some patient movements, is consistent with Rorty’s ‘epistemological behaviourism’. Another version, exemplified by a novel clinical intervention (the Symptoms Clinic) is consistent with William James’ ‘radical empiricism’. It is argued that these different approaches yield significantly different consequences. The first affords legitimacy to patients on an immediate and piecemeal basis at the expense of reinforcing a bifurcated mode of thought. This, it is argued, is a factor in (re)producing the experience of ‘medically unexplained symptoms’. The second is premised on the assumption of a relational continuity between social structure, embodied experience, and physiology.
What instruments do researchers use to evaluate LXD? A systematic review study
Authors: Tawfik Andrew A. , Payne Linda , Ketter Heather , James Jedidiah
Published: July 2024

In contrast to traditional views of instructional design that are often focused on content development, researchers are increasingly exploring learning experience design (LXD) perspectives as a way to espouse a broader and more holistic view of learning. In addition to cognitive and affective perspectives, LXD includes perspectives on human–computer interaction that consist of usability and other interactions (ie—goal-directed user behavior). However, there is very little consensus about the quantitative instruments and surveys used by individuals to assess how learners interact with technology. This systematic review explored 627 usability studies in learning technology over the last decade in terms of the instruments (RQ1), domains (RQ2), and number of users (RQ3). Findings suggest that many usability studies rely on self-created instruments, which leads to questions about reliability and validity. Moreover, additional research suggests usability studies are largely focused within the medical and STEM domains, with very little focus on educators' perspectives (pre-service, in-service teachers). Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Dynamic Informed Bias RRT*-Connect: Improving Heuristic Guidance by Dynamic Informed Bias Using Hybrid Dual Trees Search
Authors: Li Haotian , Kang Yiting , Han Haisong
Published: July 2024

The RRT*-Connect algorithm enhances efficiency through dual tree bias growth, yet this bias can be inherently blind, potentially affecting the algorithm’s heuristic performance. In contrast, the Informed RRT* algorithm narrows the planning problem’s scope by leveraging an informed region, thereby improving convergence efficiency towards optimal solutions. However, this approach relies on the prior establishment of feasible paths. Combining these two algorithms can address the challenges posed by Informed RRT while also accelerating convergence towards optimality, albeit without resolving the issue of blind bias in dual trees.In this paper, we proposed a novel algorithm: Dynamic Informed Bias RRT*-Connect. This algorithm, grounded in potential and explicit informed bias sampling, introduces a dynamical bias points set that guides dual tree growth with precision objectives. Additionally, we enhance the evaluation framework for algorithmic heuristics by introducing two innovative metrics that effectively capture the algorithm’s characteristics. The improvements observed in traditional indicators demonstrate that the proposed algorithm exhibits greater heuristic compared to RRT*-Connect and Informed RRT*-Connect. These findings also suggest the viability of the new metrics introduced in our evaluation framework.
Prevalence, demographic, socio-economic, and lifestyle factors associated with cigarette, e-cigarette, and dual use: evidence from the 2017–2021 Scottish Health Survey
Authors: Adebisi Yusuff Adebayo , Bafail Duaa Abdullah , Oni Oluwatobi Ebenezer
Published: July 2024

Understanding the correlation between demographic, socio-economic, and lifestyle factors with e-cigarette use, cigarette smoking, and dual use is essential for targeted public health interventions. This study examines the prevalence of these behaviors in Scotland and identifies the associated factors. We conducted a repeated cross-sectional analysis of the Scottish Health Survey data from 2017 to 2021, leveraging data from 12,644 participants aged 16 and older: 2271 cigarette smokers, 687 e-cigarette users, 428 dual users, and 9258 never users. Weighted prevalences were calculated by age group, sex, and survey year, followed by weighted multinomial logistic regression to explore associated factors. The overall prevalences were 72.0% (95% CI 70.9–73.1) for never users, 18.9% (95% CI 17.9–19.9) for cigarette smokers, 5.5% (95% CI 5.0–6.1) for e-cigarette users, and 3.6% (95% CI 3.2–4.0) for dual users. From 2017 to 2021, cigarette smoking declined from 21.7% (95% CI 19.6–23.9) to 13.1% (95% CI 11.5–15.0), e-cigarette use from 6.5% (95% CI 5.4–7.8) to 4.8% (95% CI 3.6–6.4), and dual use from 3.7% (95% CI 2.9–4.6) to 2.7% (95% CI 1.9–3.7). Age was a critical factor, with the 25–34 age group more likely to use e-cigarettes (p = 0.007) and the 35–44 age group more likely to engage in dual use (p = 0.006) compared to the 16–24 age group. Males had higher odds of e-cigarette use than females (p = 0.031). White individuals had higher odds of using e-cigarettes (p = 0.023) and being dual users (p = 0.017) compared to non-whites. Previously married individuals had higher odds of dual use than singles (p = 0.031). Larger household sizes were linked to reduced odds of all three behaviors (p = 0.001). Rural residents were less likely to use e-cigarettes compared to urban residents (p = 0.025). Higher education correlated with lower odds of all three behaviors (p = 0.001). Manual occupation increased the likelihood of dual use (p = 0.042). Lower income and higher deprivation significantly increased the odds of all three behaviors (p < 0.001). Excessive alcohol consumption was associated with increased odds of the three behaviors (p < 0.001). Poor sleep quality correlated with increased odds of dual use (p = 0.002) and cigarette smoking (p < 0.001). Adherence to physical activity guidelines was associated with reduced odds of all three behaviors (cigarette smoking p < 0.001, e-cigarette use p = 0.031, dual use p = 0.016). In conclusion, this study showed a decline in the prevalence of cigarette smoking, e-cigarette use, and dual usage from 2017 to 2021 in Scotland. Significant associations with demographic, socio-economic, and lifestyle factors highlight the need for targeted public health interventions.
New and interesting records of rare caddisflies (Trichoptera, Insecta) from Slovakia with comments on their ecology and conservation status
Authors: Navara Tomáš , Endel Branislav , Kokavec Igor , Lukáš Jozef , Majzlan Oto , Samay Ján , Thomková Katarína , Vidlička Ľubomír , Chvojka Pavel
Published: July 2024

The distribution and diversity of insects are crucial conservation issues. The order Trichoptera is comprised of numerous endangered species, but the rarity of some makes it challenging to determine their conservation priority. In recent decades, data based on caddisfly larvae have become more frequent in limnological research in Slovakia. Our research, focusing mainly on adult caddisflies, has led to more reliable and accurate identification of many species that cannot be identified with certainty in the larval stage.We combined several entomological methods, including sweeping, Malaise traps, and UV light attraction, to increase the likelihood of catching rare species. The text lists and discusses the discoveries of caddisfly species that are particularly important for faunistics or biodiversity in Slovakia, as well as in the Central European context. Enoicyla reichenbachii (Kolenati, 1848), Limnephilus incisus Curtis, 1834, Ptilocolepus granulatus (Pictet, 1834) and Oecetis testacea (Curtis, 1834) were recorded for the first time in Slovakia. The rare species Hagenella clathrata (Kolenati, 1848) and Adicella balcanica Botosaneanu and Novák, 1965, previously found in Slovakia, were also recorded. Additionally, a new locality of Adicella syriaca Ulmer, 1907 indicates a further northward shift of this Mediterranean species. We further discussed the faunistically important records of Beraeamyia hrabei Mayer, 1937, Allotrichia pallicornis (Eaton, 1873), Ceraclea riparia (Albarda, 1874), Grammotaulius nitidus (Müller, 1764) and Limnephilus fuscicornis Rambur, 1842 from Slovakia. The conservation status of each species is proposed and discussed on the basis of our faunistic records, in accordance with the forthcoming update of the Slovak Red Book.
Centennial Changes of Salt Marsh Area in Coastal Georgia (USA) Related to Large-Scale Sediment Dynamics by River, Waves, and Tides
Authors: Mariotti G. , Ceccherini G. , Alexander C. R. , Spivak A. C.
Published: July 2024

Marsh lateral expansion and retreat are often attributed to sediment availability, but a causal link is difficult to establish. To shed light on this problem, we analyzed changes in salt marsh area along the ~ 200-km-long Georgia coast (USA) from the 1850s to 2010s in relation to total suspended sediment (TSS) and to proxies for river sediment input and local sediment resuspension. Marsh area is characterized by large gains and losses (up to 200 m2/m/yr), but relatively small net change (-50 to 50 m2/m/yr or -0.1 to 0.1%/yr). This has resulted in a general loss of marsh area, except close to the mouths of major rivers, where there is net gain. Net expansion rates decreased in the Savannah Estuary but increased in the Altamaha Estuary from the 1850s–1930s period to the 1930s–2010s period, which are consistent with observed decreases and likely increases in sediment discharge in the two estuaries, respectively. To explain the spatial patterns in the 1930s–2010s marsh area change, we estimated TSS from satellite measurements (2003 to 2020). Along the northern part of the Georgia coast, net marsh gain is positively correlated to the average TSS within the estuarine region. However, this correlation breaks down in more southern areas (Cumberland Sound). Coast-wide, there is a better correlation between TSS associated with new input from the rivers, estimated as the TSS difference between high-discharge (Jan–Mar) and low-discharge (Sept–Nov) months. To identify the effect of wave resuspension in the nearshore, we consider the TSS difference between high-wave, low-discharge (Sept–Nov) and low-wave, low-discharge periods (Jun–Aug). Wave resuspension is relatively uniform along the coast and does not explain spatial patterns of marsh area change. Sediment input from the nearshore is likely contributing to the estuarine sediment budget in Georgia, but it is not sufficient to prevent marsh lateral retreat. To identify the role of tidal resuspension and advection, we consider differences in TSS between low and high tide. This differential is relatively constant along most of the coast, but it is much lower in the southern part of the coast, suggesting a lower tidal action in this region. Sediment resuspended by tides is likely originating from internal recycling (i.e., erosion) within the estuary, and thus does not contribute to marsh lateral expansion. The proposed approach to partition TSS is a general demonstration and could be applied to other coastal regions.
Identification of hub genes and potential molecular mechanisms in MSS/MSI classifier primary colorectal cancer based on multiple datasets
Authors: Qiao Xia , Ma Duan , Zhang Xu
Published: July 2024

Objective

MSI has a better prognosis than MSS in colorectal cancer patients, and the main objective of this study was to screen for differentially expressed molecules between MSI and MSS primary colorectal cancers using bioinformatics.

Material and methods

Two gene expression datasets (GSE13294 and GSE13067) were downloaded from GEO, and differential expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed using GEO2R. Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genomes, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis were conducted using the DEGs. Furthermore, a Protein–Protein Interaction Networks (PPI) was constructed to screen for significant modules and identify hub genes. The hub genes were analyzed in colorectal cancer using GEPIA. The expression of hub genes in clinical samples was visualized using the online Human Protein Atlas (HPA).

Results

A total of 265 common DEGs were identified in MSS primary colorectal cancer compared to MSI primary colorectal cancer. Among these, 178 DEGs were upregulated, and 87 DEGs were downregulated. Enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs were associated with the response to mechanical stimulus, regulation of cellular response to stress, G protein-coupled receptor binding, and other processes. A total of 5 hub genes was identified by cytoHubba: HNRNPL, RBM39, HNRNPH1, TRA2A, SRSF6. GEPIA software online analysis, 5 hub gene expression in colorectal cancer survival curve did not have significant differences. The expression of RBM39 was significantly different in different stages of colorectal cancer. The HPA online database results showed that the expression of the five hub proteins varied widely in CRC patients.

Conclusion

The hub genes, such as HNRNPH1and RBM39, and the spliceosome resulting from DEGs, which may provide novel insights and evidence for the future diagnosis and targeted therapy of MSS/MSI PCRC.
Sobolev orthogonal polynomials, Gauss–Borel factorization and perturbations
Authors: Ariznabarreta Gerardo , Mañas Manuel , Tempesta Piergiulio
Published: July 2024

We present a comprehensive class of Sobolev bi-orthogonal polynomial sequences, which emerge from a moment matrix with anLUfactorization. These sequences are associated with a measure matrix defining the Sobolev bilinear form. Additionally, we develop a theory of deformations for Sobolev bilinear forms, focusing on polynomial deformations of the measure matrix. Notably, we introduce the concepts of Christoffel–Sobolev and Geronimus–Sobolev transformations. The connection formulas between these newly introduced polynomial sequences and existing ones are explicitly determined.
Revealing Subsurface Damage Morphology and Patterns in areal Ultrashort Pulse Laser Machining of Glass
Authors: Frank Samson , Reichenbächer Maria , Seiler Michael , Thelemann Dennis , Arnold Thomas , Bliedtner Jens
Published: July 2024

Material removal rates as well as surface and subsurface quality are key aspects for the industrial application of ultrashort pulse (USP) laser machining. However, revealing so-called subsurface damage (SSD) is challenging. The presented study visualizes and quantifies subsurface damage patterns in areal USP laser ablation of fused silica (FS) and glass N-BK7 (BK). For the first time, using high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) as non-destructive and three-dimensional (3D) evaluation method, SSD morphologies of areal laser machining induced damages are analysed. Influences of laser wavelength, beam geometry and processed material are investigated. Discovered differences of damage morphologies and depth in FS and BK point out the relevance of selecting suitable process parameters. Based on the evaluation of volumetric OCT data, the authors were able to quantify damage morphologies using the surface texture ratio as well as power spectral density functions. One important finding for the quantification and comparability of damage depths in USP laser processing is the influence of applicable evaluation thresholds. In comparison to area thresholds of 0.001% being applicable to OCT measurements, more lenient thresholds of e.g. 1% commonly applied in destructive SSD measurement methods in average result in a reduction of measured damage depths by a factor of ~ 2. This potentially leads to an underestimation of damage depths depending on methods on thresholds used. The presented measurement and evaluation methods as well as gained process insights are important assets for the future optimization of low-damage USP laser micromachining of brittle materials. Moreover, the general applicability and relevance of OCT-based morphological damage analysis in laser material processing is shown.
Development and validation of a predictive model for PACU hypotension in elderly patients undergoing sedated gastrointestinal endoscopy
Authors: Wang Zi , Ma Juan , Liu Xin , Gao Ju
Published: July 2024

Background

Hypotension, characterized by abnormally low blood pressure, is a frequently observed adverse event in sedated gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures. Although the examination time is typically short, hypotension during and after gastroscopy procedures is frequently overlooked or remains undetected. This study aimed to construct a risk nomogram for post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) hypotension in elderly patients undergoing sedated gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Methods

This study involved 2919 elderly patients who underwent sedated gastrointestinal endoscopy. A preoperative questionnaire was used to collect data on patient characteristics; intraoperative medication use and adverse events were also recorded. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the risk of PACU hypotension in these patients. To achieve this, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis method was used to optimize variable selection, involving cyclic coordinate descent with tenfold cross-validation. Subsequently, multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to build a predictive model using the selected predictors from the LASSO regression. A nomogram was visually developed based on these variables. To validate the model, a calibration plot, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used. Additionally, external validation was conducted to further assess the model’s performance.

Results

The LASSO regression analysis identified predictors associated with an increased risk of adverse events during surgery: age, duration of preoperative water abstinence, intraoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP) <65 mmHg, decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP), and use of norepinephrine (NE). The constructed model based on these predictors demonstrated moderate predictive ability, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.710 in the training set and 0.778 in the validation set. The DCA indicated that the nomogram had clinical applicability when the risk threshold ranged between 20 and 82%, which was subsequently confirmed in the external validation with a range of 18–92%.

Conclusion

Incorporating factors such as age, duration of preoperative water abstinence, intraoperative MAP <65 mmHg, decreased SBP, and use of NE in the risk nomogram increased its usefulness for predicting PACU hypotension risk in elderly patient undergoing sedated gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Rank is all you need: development and analysis of robust causal networks
Authors: Cornell Cameron , Mitchell Lewis , Roughan Matthew
Published: July 2024

Financial networks can be constructed to model the intertemporal price dependencies within an asset market, giving rise to a causal network. These networks are traditionally inferred through multivariate predictive modelling. However, the application of these techniques to financial data is highly challenged. The interplay of social and economic factors produces unstable price behaviour that violates most conventional modelling assumptions, limiting the informational content of networks derived from standard inference tools. Despite these limitations, it remains unclear whether the improved accuracy of robustly estimated networks translates into qualitatively unique insight. This study provides an extended analysis of our recently introduced Rank-Vector-Autoregression model, demonstrating its capacity to identify properties that are undetected with standard methodology. We initially validate the superior accuracy of Rank-VAR through a simulation study on processes that contain adversarial abnormalities. When applied to a dataset of 261 cryptocurrencies, our rank network uniquely displays capitalisation-dependent hierarchical ordering, with outgoing influence being positively, and incoming influence negatively correlated to total coin valuation. Applying our method to the squared deviations verifies that even under robust estimation, volatility networks display fundamentally differing dynamics to raw returns, with more connections, clustering, and causal cycles. Our results demonstrate the use of Rank-VAR to identify and verify unique properties in the causal structures of cryptocurrency markets.
The Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare (ISEW) as a proxy for sustainable GDP: revisited and recapitulated
Authors: Tsara Iliana K. , Vortelinos Dimitrios I. , Menegaki Angeliki N.
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this “perspective” type paper is to revisit and recapitulate an existing alternative approach to measuring economic and sustainable GDP (using the ISEW as a proxy) at both national and regional levels. Motivated by the recognized inadequacies of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in capturing true economic welfare, this study highlights the need for comprehensive indicators that reflect genuine prosperity. While GDP has long served as the primary macroeconomic measure of development, it fails to account for genuine progress, prompting the exploration of alternative measures. In recent decades, sustainable development has become a focal point for global, national, and regional economies, highlighted by the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The inability of GDP to capture sustainable welfare has led to the proposal of various alternative indicators in the literature. This study revisits and recapitulates the Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare, first introduced by Daly and Cobb (For the common good: redirecting the economy toward community, the environment, and a sustainable future, Beacon Press, Boston, 1989), which adjusts GDP to better reflect sustainable development. The current “perspective” reviews the application of ISEW across different countries revealing significant insights into the limitations of GDP and the benefits of more holistic measures. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of capturing sustainable economic prosperity at the local level and advocates for the inclusion of cultural aspects as the fourth pillar of sustainable development.
FSBOA: feature selection using bat optimization algorithm for software fault detection
Authors: Pethe Yoginee Surendra , Gourisaria Mahendra Kumar , Singh Pradeep Kumar , Das Himansu
Published: July 2024

Feature selection (FS) plays a crucial role in software fault prediction (SFP), aiming to identify a subset of relevant and discriminative features from a large pool of software metrics. It serves as a critical preprocessing step in building accurate fault prediction models, enabling the identification of potential software faults early in the development life cycle and facilitating effective resource allocation for testing and maintenance activities. The study's objective is to determine how well the bat optimization algorithm (BOA) can extract the features that are most important for correctly predicting software flaws, improve the accuracy of fault prediction, reduce the dimensionality of the feature space, and mitigate the risk of overfitting, thereby enabling more effective resource utilization and better allocation of testing efforts. The forecasting models underwent testing and training utilizing a collection of software metrics, with the datasets undergoing evaluation using several different FS algorithms. An assessment was conducted by contrasting the effectiveness of multiple optimization algorithms, including evolutionary methods such as FS employing genetic algorithm (FSGA), FS employing differential evolution (FSDE), and swarm-based techniques such as FS employing ant colony optimization (FSACO), FS employing particle swarm optimization (FSPSO), FS employing firefly algorithm (FSFA), and FS employing binary grey wolf optimization algorithm (FSBGWO) in relation to FS employing bat optimization algorithm (FSBAO). The results obtained from FSBAO approach demonstrate the effectiveness in solving FS optimization problems with at most accuracy of 98.92%. Furthermore, the experimental results have been statistically validated for the greater efficiency of the proposed FSBAO algorithm. This study's findings have crucial implications for developing a software failure prediction models that is more accurate and efficient.
Optimized and safe use of topical corticosteroids in pediatric dermatology through interdisciplinary collaboration: a review
Authors: Sreeraj K. , Risana V. U. , Mathew Sandra Rose , Soman Sauparnika , Charyulu R. Narayana , Chandran C. Sarath , Mateti Uday Venkat , Joel Juno J. , Sarin S. M.
Published: July 2024

The use of topical corticosteroids (TCs) in pediatric patients is a common therapeutic approach for various dermatological conditions. However, their application can lead to a spectrum of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), from localized skin changes to systemic effects. Due to factors such as thinner skin, enhanced cutaneous absorption, and developing organ systems, pediatric populations are particularly vulnerable to TCs-led ADRs. The most common ADRs associated with the use of TCs in the pediatric population include skin atrophy, striae, and telangiectasia. Other less common ADRs include allergic contact dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, and systemic effects such as suppression of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, etc. To minimize the possibility of ADRs and unwanted medication reactions, rational and safe use of TCs shall be promoted. Clinical Pharmacists (CPs) play a pivotal role in ensuring appropriate and safe utilization of TCs in pediatric patient care. CPs collaborate with healthcare practitioners to design individualized treatment regimens considering factors such as age, skin type, and medical history. They also educate patients and caregivers on proper TCs application techniques, therapy duration, and potential side effects, thereby facilitating better adherence and treatment outcomes. Clinical research specific to pediatric populations is essential to provide precise insights into TCs effectiveness and safety, accounting for age-related variations and long-term consequences. TCs represent a valuable tool in pediatric dermatology, but their use requires careful consideration of the risks and benefits, active involvement of CPs, regulatory measures, and ongoing research to optimize therapy outcomes and safety in pediatric patients.
The potential negative impacts of pet guardianship on the guardian, a scoping review
Authors: Zoanetti Joshua , Nielsen Torben Dahl , Hazel Susan
Published: July 2024

The human-animal bond can lead to a highly positive experience for both the guardian and the animal, nonetheless there is a need to be cognisant of the potential negative aspects this relationship may pose. This scoping review aimed to systematically identify the potential negative guardian aspects associated with pet guardianship and their causative factors, to facilitate a greater understanding and address and minimise these aspects. Through the online databases Scopus, ProQuest and PubMed, a systematic search was conducted, with 6871 sources identified, screened to 76 final sources for inclusion. Numerous potential negative aspects of pet guardianship were identified. The most documented were perceived cost, burden of care and negative aspects of caretaking, followed by grief, negative effects on guardian life satisfaction, and increases in guardian stress, anxiety and/or depression levels. Guardian concern and relinquishment, and disenfranchised guilt about dog parenting were also identified as negative aspects of guardianship. These negative aspects were brought about by various causative factors, such as problem behaviours, caring for a sick or aging pet, the burden of everyday care, and the death of a pet. Whilst integral to the lives of their guardians and providing many positive impacts, the pet guardian relationship is not without challenges. Through further research, particularly regarding the financial constraints that pets may pose for guardians, we can continue to facilitate an overall positive experience for both the guardian and their pet.
Evaluating TROPOMI δD Column Retrievals With In Situ Airborne Field Campaign Measurements Using Expanded Collocation Criterion
Authors: Thurnherr Iris , Sodemann Harald , Trent Tim , Werner Martin , Bösch Hartmut
Published: July 2024

Satellite observations of column‐averaged water isotopes are relatively new retrieval products that are in need of further in situ evaluation. Such evaluation studies are generally difficult to perform due to the wide mismatch in temporal and spatial scales between the satellite observations based on instantaneous pixel averages during an overpass and airborne in situ measurements ranging up to several hours over a km‐scale. In addition, topography, weather conditions and in particular cloudiness impose severe constraints on an exact collocation between satellite and airborne in situ measurement platforms. Here we present a new method that allows a comparison between in situ measurements and satellite observations of δD on a broader statistical basis. We use regional isotope‐enabled model simulations as intermediate information to identify the area for best comparisons. Applying our methodology to TROPOMI total column δD retrievals for the L‐WAIVE campaign in Annecy, France, during June 2019 increases the number of satellite pixels for comparison despite widespread cloudiness on average by a factor of 20. In addition, the comparison of simulated and observed δD revealed a dependency of the satellite evaluation on the structure of the middle and upper troposphere. We conclude that our method provides a more robust statistic basis for in situ evaluation of δD satellite retrievals. The method will thus be useful in planning and executing forthcoming validation and evaluation campaigns, and can potentially be used for the evaluation of other satellite products.
Spatiotemporal Development of Cosmic Noise Absorption at Subauroral Latitudes Using Multipoint Ground‐Based Riometers
Authors: Kato Yuto , Shiokawa Kazuo , Tanaka Yoshimasa , Ozaki Mitsunori , Kadokura Akira , Oyama Shin‐ichiro , Oinats Alexey , Connors Martin , Baishev Dmitry
Published: July 2024

Electron density enhancements in the ionospheric D‐region due to the precipitation of high‐energy electrons (>30 keV) have been measured as increases in cosmic radio noise absorption (CNA) using ground‐based riometers. CNA has been studied since the 1960s. However, there have been few studies of the spatiotemporal development of CNA at multi‐point ground stations distributed in longitude at subauroral latitudes, where plasma particles with a wide energy range are intermingled. In this study, we analyzed the longitudinal development of CNA steep increases using simultaneous riometer observations at six stations at subauroral latitudes in Canada, Alaska, Russia, and Iceland over 3 years from 2017 to 2020. The results revealed that the occurrence rate of steep increases in CNA was highest at midnight at 22‐08 magnetic local time (MLT), and lowest near dusk at 17–21 MLT. We also showed statistically that the CNA steep increases expanded eastward on the dawn side and westward on the dusk side. The CNA expansion velocity was slightly faster than the results of previous studies in the auroral zone. Correlation and superposed epoch analyses of CNA with solar wind and geomagnetic parameters revealed that CNA intensity was dependent on the Interplanetary Magnetic Field Bz, Interplanetary Electric Field Ey, SYM‐H index, and SME index. These results indicate that the CNA at subauroral latitudes is closely related to solar wind and geomagnetic activities, and its propagation characteristics correspond to the dynamics of high energy electrons in the inner magnetosphere.
Simultaneous Inference of Sea Ice State and Surface Emissivity Model Using Machine Learning and Data Assimilation
Authors: Geer Alan J.
Published: July 2024

Satellite microwave radiance observations are strongly sensitive to sea ice, but physical descriptions of the radiative transfer of sea ice and snow are incomplete. Further, the radiative transfer is controlled by poorly‐known microstructural properties that vary strongly in time and space. A consequence is that surface‐sensitive microwave observations are not assimilated over sea ice areas, and sea ice retrievals use heuristic rather than physical methods. An empirical model for sea ice radiative transfer would be helpful but it cannot be trained using standard machine learning techniques because the inputs are mostly unknown. The solution is to simultaneously train the empirical model and a set of empirical inputs: an “empirical state” method, which draws on both generative machine learning and physical data assimilation methodology. A hybrid physical‐empirical network describes the known and unknown physics of sea ice and atmospheric radiative transfer. The network is then trained to fit a year of radiance observations from Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2, using the atmospheric profiles, skin temperature and ocean water emissivity taken from a weather forecasting system. This process estimates maps of the daily sea ice concentration while also learning an empirical model for the sea ice emissivity. The model learns to define its own empirical input space along with daily maps of these empirical inputs. These maps represent the otherwise unknown microstructural properties of the sea ice and snow that affect the radiative transfer. This “empirical state” approach could be used to solve many other problems of earth system data assimilation.
The Past, Present, and Future of Extraterrestrial Sample Return
Authors: Davidson Jemma , Barnes Jessica
Published: July 2024

Retrieving samples from distant solar system bodies has revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos and our place in it.
Tunable single emitter-cavity coupling strength through waveguide-assisted energy quantum transfer
Authors: Liu Yuan , Zhou Hongwei , Lin Linhan , Sun Hong-Bo
Published: July 2024

The emitter-cavity strong coupling manifests crucial significance for exploiting quantum technology, especially in the scale of individual emitters. However, due to the small light-matter interaction cross-section, the single emitter-cavity strong coupling has been limited by its harsh requirement on the quality factor of the cavity and the local density of optical states. Herein, we present a strategy termed waveguide-assisted energy quantum transfer (WEQT) to improve the single emitter-cavity coupling strength by extending the interaction cross-section. Multiple ancillary emitters are optically linked by a waveguide, providing an indirect coupling channel to transfer the energy quantum between target emitter and cavity. An enhancement factor of coupling strength $$\widetilde{g}/g > 10$$

g

̃

/
g
>
10

can be easily achieved, which dramatically release the rigorous design of cavity. As an extension of concept, we further show that the ancillae can be used as controlling bits for a photon gate, opening up new degrees of freedom in quantum manipulation.