bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occupational epidemiological characteristics of noise-induced hearing loss and the impact of combined exposure to noise and dust on workers’ hearing—a retrospective study
Authors: Zhou Bin , Zhang Jiaxiang
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The aim of the study was to investigate the occupational epidemiological characteristics of hearing loss among noise-exposed workers through a cross-sectional study and to explore the impact of combined noise and dust exposure on workers’ hearing loss through a longitudinal study.

Results

This cross-sectional study revealed that the risk of speech-frequency hearing loss increases with age (OR = 1.096, 95%CI = 1.081–1.111). Independent factors influencing high-frequency hearing loss include sex, age, hazardous factors, industry category, and enterprise size. Scientific research and technical services (OR = 1.607, 95%CI = 1.111–2.324), wholesale and retail (OR = 2.144, 95%CI = 1.479–3.107), manufacturing (OR = 1.907, 95%CI = 1.429–2.545), and other industries (OR = 1.583, 95%CI = 1.002–2.502) are risk factors for high-frequency hearing loss, whereas being female (OR = 0.297, 95%CI = 0.236–0.373) is a protective factor against high-frequency hearing loss. Independent factors influencing occupational noise-induced hearing loss include sex, working age, hazardous factors, industry category, smoking, and drinking, with the risk of occupational noise-induced hearing loss increasing with working age (OR = 1.045, 95%CI = 1.031–1.058). Noise and dust work (OR = 1.271, 95%CI = 1.011–1.597), other work (OR = 0.619, 95%CI = 0.479–0.800), manufacturing (OR = 2.085, 95%CI = 1.336–3.254), other industries (OR = 2.063, 95%CI = 1.060–4.012), occasional smokers (OR = 0.863, 95%CI = 0.652–1.142), regular smokers (OR = 1.216, 95% CI = 0.987–1.497), and excessive drinkers (OR = 2.171, 95%CI = 1.476–3.193) are risk factors for occupational noise-induced hearing loss, whereas being female (OR = 0.496, 95%CI = 0.347–0.709) is a protective factor against occupational noise-induced hearing loss. The longitudinal study revealed differences in pure-tone hearing threshold test results at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, 3,000 Hz, 4,000 Hz, and 6,000 Hz in both ears before and after enrollment among noise-exposed workers (p < 0.05). Combined noise and dust exposure (OR = 4.660, 95%CI = 1.584–13.711), 1st year (OR = 1.540, 95%CI = 1.128–2.103), 2nd year (OR = 1.994, 95%CI = 1.409–2.821), and 3rd year (OR = 1.628, 95%CI = 1.170–2.264) were risk factors for high-frequency hearing loss.

Discussion

Combined noise and dust exposure is a risk factor for occupational noise-induced hearing loss. Additionally, occupational noise-induced hearing loss is influenced by gender, working age, enterprise industry category, smoking, and drinking. Employers should enhance occupational health management and improve workers’ occupational health literacy, with a particular focus on older male workers of long working age, and those with unhealthy habits. Combined exposure to noise and dust may have a synergistic effect on causing high-frequency hearing loss, and comprehensive protective measures should be implemented for workers exposed to both.
Investigation of the playing digital games on shoulder flexibility, muscle strength and reaction speed in volleyball players
Authors: Güney Şeyma , Şahin Fatma Neşe , Arslanoğlu Cansel , Güler Özkan , Aydoğmuş Mert , Doğan Abdullah , Ayyıldız Durhan Tebessüm , Arıkan Gökhan , Yaşar Onur Mutlu , Küçük Hamza
Published: October 2024

Esports is a natural extension of digital games. Digital games provide a platform for players to showcase their skills, thereby forming the foundation of e-sports. These two domains continuously support each other, demonstrating significant growth in popularity and establishing a solid presence in the competitive landscape. Digital games require high levels of attention, strategy, reflexes, and coordination, offering pathways to reach the pinnacle of competition. The benefits derived from digital games enhance the ability to perform effectively under stress, making them crucial for both physical and mental performance. This study investigates the effects of digital gaming on the physical performance, shoulder flexibility, muscle strength and reaction speed of female volleyball players. A total of 50 female volleyball players took part, who were divided into two groups based on their digital playing habits: Group 1 consisted of female players who played video games for at least 4 h per day in the last 6 months, while Group 2 included those who played <4 h per day. In the study, the Activ5© Handheld Digital Dynamometer was used to measure the strength of the shoulder muscles during various movements, including flexion, hyperextension, abduction, internal rotation and external rotation. In addition, the BlazePod™ trainer device was used to assess reaction times. The results showed that volleyball players who frequently played digitally showed significant improvements in shoulder flexibility, especially in flexion of the non-dominant side. In addition, these players showed faster reaction times than those who played less frequently. However, a significant decrease in hyperextension muscle strength was observed in the group that frequently played digital games. The study highlights that while digital games can improve certain physical skills such as reaction speed and shoulder flexibility, they can also contribute to muscular imbalances or a decrease in muscle strength in certain areas. These findings suggest potential benefits for volleyball players, particularly in movements that require quick reflexes and flexibility, such as serving and spiking. However, the results also raise concerns about potential negative effects on muscle strength and posture, highlighting the need for balanced training programs to mitigate these effects. Further research is needed to investigate the long-term effects of digital games on athletic performance and physical health.
Political ideology shapes support for the use of AI in policy-making
Authors: Gur Tamar , Hameiri Boaz , Maaravi Yossi
Published: October 2024

In a world grappling with technological advancements, the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in governance is becoming increasingly realistic. While some may find this possibility incredibly alluring, others may see it as dystopian. Society must account for these varied opinions when implementing new technologies or regulating and limiting them. This study (N = 703) explored Leftists’ (liberals) and Rightists’ (conservatives) support for using AI in governance decision-making amidst an unprecedented political crisis that washed through Israel shortly after the proclamation of the government’s intentions to initiate reform. Results indicate that Leftists are more favorable toward AI in governance. While legitimacy is tied to support for using AI in governance among both, Rightists’ acceptance is also tied to perceived norms, whereas Leftists’ approval is linked to perceived utility, political efficacy, and warmth. Understanding these ideological differences is crucial, both theoretically and for practical policy formulation regarding AI’s integration into governance.
Reported roles of care partners in a specialized weaning centre—perspectives of patients, care partners, and health care providers
Authors: Istanboulian L. , Gilding A. , Hamilton L. , Master T. , Bingler S. , Hill M. , Isani S. , Kazi S. , Coppinger S. , Smith K.
Published: October 2024

Background

Care partners are individuals chosen by a person with an illness to support their care during hospitalization. Patients with persistent critical illness have longer than average critical care admission and often other conditions including dysphagia, communication vulnerability, severe physical deconditioning, the need for an artificial airway, and difficulty weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation. Family presence has been identified as important for patients experiencing persistent critical illness in specialized weaning centers. Despite this, the role of care partners in clinical settings for patients with persistent critical illness has not been fully characterized, particularly from the perspectives of patients, care partners, and health care providers. The aim of this study was to gain insights into the roles of care partners during persistent critical illness from the perspectives of patients, care partners, and health care providers.

Methods

We used qualitative descriptive methodology including semi-structured interviews and content analysis. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Included participants (n = 30) were patient survivors (n = 7), care partners of patient survivors (n = 9), and professionally diverse health care providers (n = 14) of adult patients with persistent critical illness from two specialized units in one community academic hospital in Toronto, Canada.

Results

Participants across all groups described care partner roles that included physical, mental health, cognitive, social, and spiritual support of the patient, including the perceived role of safeguarding the multiple dimensions of care for the patient who is experiencing persistent critical care in specialized care settings.

Discussion

The results of this study are being used to co-design, implement, and evaluate a sustainable care partner program that is acceptable, appropriate, and feasible to implement in clinical settings where the care of patients with persistent critical illness occurs.

Reporting method

Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies (COREQ).
Artificial intelligence and real decisions: predictive systems and generative AI vs. emotive-cognitive legal deliberations
Authors: Contini Francesco , Minissale Alessandra , Bergman Blix Stina
Published: October 2024

The use of artificial intelligence in law represents one of the biggest challenges across different legal systems. Supporters of predictive systems believe that decisionmaking could be more efficient, consistent and predictable by using AI. European legislation and legal scholars, however, identify areas where AI developments are at high risk or too dangerous to be used in judicial proceedings. In this article, we contribute to this debate by problematizing predictive systems based on previous judgments and the growing use of Generative AI in judicial proceedings. Through illustrations from real criminal cases in Italian courts and prosecution offices, we show misalignments between the functions of AI systems and the essential features of legal decision-making and identify possible legitimate usages. We argue that current predictive systems and Generative AI crunch the complexity of judicial proceedings, the dynamics of fact-finding and legal encoding. They reduce the delivery of justice to statistical connections between data or metadata, cutting off the emotive-cognitive process that lies at the core of legal decision-making.
From bean to market: exploring the chemical and production dynamics of high-quality Indonesian vanilla
Authors: Munarso S. Joni , Rahardjo Yogi P. , Sjafrina Noveria , Arianto Arief , Hadipoentyanti Endang , Astuti Puji , Setiadi Adi , Koeslulat Ermi E. , Lintang Meivie M. J. , Sulistyorini Sulistyorini , Egayanti Yusra , Elmatsani Huda M. , Djafar Mochammad J. , Susetyo Eko B. , Lanjar Lanjar , Hadipernata Mulyana
Published: October 2024

Indonesia’s vanilla industry requires continuous efforts to enhance its quality and safety to ensure its sustainability. The objective of this research is to identify the chemical composition, production constraints, and post-harvest practices impacting vanilla quality. This research investigates the quality of Indonesian vanilla through in-depth interviews with vanilla growers and exporters, as well as quality analysis in the laboratory. Purposive sampling targeted key producers across seven provinces from May to August 2023. Vanilla samples were collected for chemical analysis after a direct interview with each producer. The result shows that the physical and chemical qualities of vanilla products fulfill Indonesian standards (SNI). The vanillin content ranged from 1.21 to 3.50. Establishing universal standards requires considering various vanilla varieties and determining minimum quality attribute values. Due to the risk of theft, vanilla pods are often picked when they are less than 9 months old, before the fruit is fully ripe. This practice results in a drop in quality, particularly in vanillin concentration. Sustainable growth, stakeholder involvement, inclusive business models, education, and contract farming arrangements help navigate challenges like theft and premature harvesting. Advancements in processing methodologies and the selection of clonal materials reinforce the industry’s commitment to enhancing quality.
Outcome and survival analysis of pulmonary metastasectomy for primary sarcoma with pulmonary metastases
Authors: Chang Chih-Hsiang , Chiang Xu-Heng , Lin Mong-Wei , Kuo Shuenn-Wen , Huang Pei-Ming , Hsu Hsao-Hsun , Chen Jin-Shing
Published: October 2024

Background

Sarcomas are rare malignancies, accounting for approximately 1% of all cancers. Pulmonary metastases are the most preferential site for distant metastasis in malignant soft tissue sarcomas. Despite the lack of evidence from large randomized trials to support treatment guidelines, surgical resection of resectable metastatic tumors remains the current standard of care. This study aimed to explore the survival status of patients with soft tissue sarcoma after resection of pulmonary metastases.

Methods

This study is a retrospective analysis of patients who mestastasectomy by means of lobar or sublobar resections at National Taiwan University Hospital and its branches. The statistical and investigation period was from February 2007 to December 2020.

Results

Among 110 samples during the investigation period, the overall 5-year survival rate was 62.9%, which was higher than the 15%–50.9% reported previously. A disease-free interval of more than 12 months and the occurrence of local recurrence of sarcoma at the time of resection of pulmonary metastases are associated with overall survival. Most of the samples were treated with minimally invasive surgery (VATS), and therefore, most patients had a shorter hospital stay and better postoperative recovery.

Conclusion

For pulmonary metastatic sarcoma, pulmonary metastasectomy is a relatively safe treatment method with short hospital stay and short ICU stay. The results of this study suggest that VATS is preferred over thoracotomy, but further observations are needed to confirm these findings.
Machine learning perioperative applications in visceral surgery: a narrative review
Authors: Hossain Intekhab , Madani Amin , Laplante Simon
Published: October 2024

Artificial intelligence in surgery has seen an expansive rise in research and clinical implementation in recent years, with many of the models being driven by machine learning. In the preoperative setting, machine learning models have been utilized to guide indications for surgery, appropriate timing of operations, calculation of risks and prognostication, along with improving estimations of time and resources required for surgeries. Intraoperative applications that have been demonstrated are visual annotations of the surgical field, automated classification of surgical phases and prediction of intraoperative patient decompensation. Postoperative applications have been studied the most, with most efforts put towards prediction of postoperative complications, recurrence patterns of malignancy, enhanced surgical education and assessment of surgical skill. Challenges to implementation of these models in clinical practice include the need for more quantity and quality of standardized data to improve model performance, sufficient resources and infrastructure to train and use machine learning, along with addressing ethical and patient acceptance considerations.
A toxicological assessment of Ganoderma lucidum and Cordyceps militaris mushroom powders
Authors: Chrysostomou Paola P. , Freeman Elaine , Murphy Mary M. , Chaudhary Ankit , Siddiqui Nazia , Daoust Julie
Published: October 2024

Gonoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) and Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) are among the many mushrooms known for their long history of use in traditional medicine. Wildcrafted sources of mushrooms including G. lucidum and C. militaris can be limited from a scarcity and quality perspective, but solid fermentation processes in cultivation settings can provide an efficient way to deliver whole mushroom preparations of a consistent composition. Despite the historical use of these mushrooms, few published reports have explored their potential subchronic oral toxicity or genotoxicity, either from specific components or whole mushroom preparations. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential for acute toxicity, subchronic toxicity, and genotoxicity of powders produced from G. lucidum mycelial biomass and fruiting body (“Organic Reishi M2-102-02 powder”) cultured on oats, and C. militaris mycelial biomass, stroma, and fruiting body (“Organic Cordyceps M2-116-04 powder”) cultured on oats. Results of the testing demonstrate that both Organic Reishi M2-102-02 powder and Organic Cordyceps M2-116-04 powder were not acutely toxic, did not exhibit subchronic oral toxicity in rats at doses up to the highest dose tested of 2,000 mg/kg bw/day, and did not have genotoxic potential based on in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity assays.
Welfare assessment of dromedary camels kept under pastoralism in Pakistan
Authors: Padalino Barbara , Faraz Asim , Masebo Naod Thomas , Waheed Abdul , Ishaq Hafiz Muhammad , Tauqir Nasir Ali , Abbasi Ali Raza , Menchetti Laura
Published: October 2024

Standardized welfare assessment protocols are crucial to enhance animal welfare; up to date, there is no data on the level of welfare of camels kept under pastoralism. A tailored protocol for measuring welfare in dromedary camels kept under nomadic pastoralist conditions was recently developed, drawing from the currently available welfare protocol for dromedary camels kept in intensive systems. This study, therefore, aimed to apply the newly developed tailored protocol and assess the welfare of dromedary camels kept under pastoralism in the Southern Punjab Province of Pakistan. A total of 44 welfare indicators (animal-, resource, and management-based measures) aligning with animal welfare principles (“Good Feeding”, “Good Housing”, “Good Health”, and “Appropriate Behavior”) were gathered into two assessment levels: “Caretaker-Herd level” and “Animal level”. Data were collected in 2023 in the Cholistan desert in the southern Punjab province. Fifty-four herds were evaluated for a total population of 1,186 camels, of which 510 (495 females and 15 males; average age: 5–6 years old) were assessed at the animal level. The indicators were scored and aggregated to obtain Principle Aggregated Indexes (PAIs) and a total Welfare Index (TWI). Using the PAIs classification, 4 herds were categorized as excellent, 42 satisfactory, and 8 unsatisfactory. Total Welfare Index (TWI) varied from 55.7 to 82.2, and the thresholds for classification into tertiles were 65.4 and 70.6. Good feeding and Good housing were the most problematic PAIs, with Good feeding as the most influential variable for classification into welfare categories. As expected, camels kept under pastoralism had a higher level of welfare than those reported in the literature for intensive systems, especially concerning the Appropriate Behavior principle. Our findings are a first step in proposing welfare standards for dromedary in Pakistan and worldwide.
Prevalence and genetic diversity of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in wild small mammals from western Yunnan province, China
Authors: Zhu Jun-jie , Zhang Hong-ze , Hong Ru-dan , Yu Dan , Hong Mei , Liu Zheng-xiang , Li Dong-mei , Yin Jia-xiang
Published: October 2024

Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen causing human granulocytic anaplasmosis, linked to small mammal reservoirs that harbor various zoonotic pathogens, underscoring their importance in public health and ecology. This study seeks to determine the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum in small mammals using PCR, then sequence and genotype positive samples, and assess infection risk factors. Small mammals were seasonally captured and a nested polymerase chain reaction (nested-PCR) was conducted targeting the 16S rRNA gene on spleen samples to detect A. phagocytophilum infection from three counties in western Yunnan province, China. Positive samples were sequenced and genotyped, revealing genetic diversity and regional clustering of the pathogen. A total of 1,605 small mammals belonging to 30 species, 18 genera, 6 families, 3 orders were captured seasonally and screened in this region, yielding a 0.93% infection rate with A. phagocytophilum (15/1605). Significant variations in infection rates were observed across different species, counties, and habitats. The 16Sr RNA genes of A. phagocytophilum were categorized into two distinct clades, indicating notable genetic diversity. The identification of genetic variants in spleen samples underscores the potential public health risk and the critical importance of the One Health approach in disease surveillance. Our findings emphasize the necessity for continuous monitoring and highlight the value of nested-PCR testing on spleen samples for accurate prevalence assessment.
Prevalence and genetic evolution analysis of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and porcine circovirus type 2 in Sichuan Province, China, from 2023 to 2024
Authors: Wu Fang , Xu Tong , Lai Si-Yuan , Ai Yan-Ru , Zhou Yuan-Cheng , Ge Liang-Peng , Sun Jing , Liu Zuo-Hua , Zeng Xiu , Lang Li-Qiao , Xu Zhi-Wen , Zhu Ling
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) are highly prevalent in Sichuan, significantly affecting the swine industry’s development. PCV2, known for its immunosuppressive effects, can compromise pigs’ immune systems, while PEDV typically causes diarrhea in piglets, leading to high mortality rates. Despite their impact, recent studies on the epidemiology and genetic diversity of PCV2 and PEDV within Sichuan Province remain limited.

Methods

This study examines clinical samples from 352 diarrheal piglets across 63 pig farms in 17 regions of Sichuan Province, revealing positivity rates of 42.33% (149/352) for PCV2 and 50.28% (177/352) for PEDV, with a co-infection rate of 27.56% (97/352). Notably, the highest positivity rates were observed in Ziyang for PCV2 at 61.90% (13/21), and in Meishan for PEDV at 73.81% (31/42), both regions also reported the highest co-infection rates of 47.62%.

Results and discussion

Seasonal analysis indicated that PEDV infections peaked during winter, whereas PCV2 showed no significant seasonal trends. Phylogenetic analysis identified 14 PCV2 strains, categorizing 2 as PCV2b (14.29%), 10 as PCV2d (71.43%), and 2 as PCV2e (14.29%). Among the 16 PEDV strains, 2 were classified as G1a (12.5%) and 14 as G2a (87.5%), with PCV2d and PEDV G2a identified as the predominant strains in the region. The study also highlights a high mutation rate at the antigenic sites of both viruses, potentially affecting vaccine efficacy. These findings underscore the need for ongoing surveillance and vaccine development tailored to the prevalent strains to improve control measures within the province.
Detection of Viruses and Elimination of Sweet Potato Feathery Mottle Virus in High-Yielding Varieties of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) from Ethiopia
Authors: Buko Dereje Haile , Spetz Carl , Hvoslef-Eide Trine (A.K.)
Published: October 2024

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam.) is a major source of food in many parts of Ethiopia. In recent years, viral diseases have become the main threat to sweet potato production in Ethiopia. Previous virus survey studies carried out from 1986 to 2020 reported eight viruses infecting sweet potato in Ethiopia. Consequently, obtaining and multiplying virus-free planting materials have been difficult for farmers and commercial multipliers. This study was conducted to detect viruses infecting the five sweet potato varieties used as source plants and compare the virus elimination efficiency between meristem cultures from untreated and heat-treated mother plants and production of virus-free sweet-potato-planting materials. Seven common viruses were tested for, using grafting to Ipomoea setosa, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) before and after elimination procedures as screening and confirmatory methods. The sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV) elimination efficiencies of meristem cultures from untreated (grown at 25 ± 1 °C) and heat-treated (grown at 39 ± 1 °C) potted plants of sweet potato varieties were evaluated and compared. Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV) was detected in 12 of the 15 source plants tested. Triple infections of SPFMV, sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV), and sweet potato virus C (SPVC) were detected in one of the fifteen plants. This study reports the detection of SPVC for the first time in sweet potato plants from Ethiopia. The cutting of meristems from heat-treated plants further increased the percentage of virus-free plantlets by ca 10% to ca 16%, depending on the plant variety. Elimination efficiency also seemed to vary among varieties: the greatest difference was observed for ‘Tola’, and the least difference was observed for ‘Guntute’. The present study provided protocols for detecting viruses and generating virus-free sweet-potato-planting materials in Ethiopia.
Design and Experimental Analysis of an Air-Suction Wheat Precision Hill-Seed Metering Device
Authors: Fang Ziheng , Zhang Jing , Chen Jincheng , Pan Feng , Wang Baiwei , Ji Chao
Published: October 2024

The uniformity of the wheat distribution within and between rows has a significant effect on crop population structure, leading to decreased yield as nonuniformity increases. Traditional drills are influenced by soil porosity and flatness in the field, making accurate control of sowing depth and amount challenging and resulting in an uneven spatial distribution of gramineous seedlings. Precision cave-sowing technology effectively enhances wheat population distribution uniformity. However, owing to limitations in existing mechanical precision cave planters, their operational speed is lower than that of drill planters. To address these issues, this study designed an air-suction precision wheat seed dispenser, described its basic structure and working principle, and developed a seed mechanical model. A theoretical analysis was conducted on the working process and key components of the seed feeder. A suitable mould hole diameter was determined to be 1.6~2.0 mm, and the rotation speed range for the seed plate was found to be 65~85 r·min−1. Fluent simulations were used to determine the influence of orifice type on gas chamber flow fields; DEM-CFD-coupled simulation identified an appropriate negative pressure range of 2.6~3.4 kPa for optimal performance during seeding operations. Orthogonal experiments were carried out with mould hole diameter, negative pressure size, and seed plate speed as test factors alongside a qualification index, multiple sowing index, and missed sowing index as response indicators—leading to regression equation establishment, which yielded the optimal parameter combination: mould hole diameter at 1.8 mm; gas chamber negative pressure at 3.2 kPa; and a seed plate speed of 74 r·min−1, with the corresponding forwards speed of the machine being 7 km·h−1—resulting in a qualification index of 91.66%, multiple sowing index of 5.98%, and missed sowing index of 2.36%. This pneumatic suction type wheat precision seeder achieves equivalent operational speeds as traditional drills while enabling precision seeding.
Characteristics and Antibiotic Treatment of Patients with Cellulitis in the Emergency Department
Authors: Wiederhold Aaron K. , Cartuliares Mariana B. , Jeppesen Karin , Skjøt-Arkil Helene
Published: October 2024

Background: Cellulitis is a common infection in Emergency Departments (EDs), and unclear diagnostics may lead to unnecessary treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics. The aim of this study was to characterize patients with cellulitis admitted to the ED, describe the type and route of antibiotic treatment and compare the prognosis for cellulitis to that for other infections. Methods: This multicenter, cross-sectional study prospectively included adult patients admitted to the ED suspected of having an infection. Data were collected from medical records, and an expert panel assigned a final diagnosis to each patient. Only patients diagnosed with an infection were included in this study. Results: A total of 777 patients were included, of which 77 were diagnosed with cellulitis. Diabetes, obesity and prior cellulitis were associated with cellulitis with an OR of 2.01 [95% CI: 1.17–3.46], OR 2.66 [95% CI: 1.54–4.59] and OR 14.88 [95% CI: 7.88–28.08], respectively. The majority of the patients were treated, according to the regional guidelines, with narrow-spectrum antibiotics. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were rarely used. The patients with cellulitis were hospitalized for a shorter time compared to those with other infections, but 26% were readmitted within 30 days. The 30-day mortality of the patients with cellulitis was 3.9% and did not differ significantly from other infections.
Attention Score Enhancement Model Through Pairwise Image Comparison
Authors: Ju Yeong Seok , Geem Zong Woo , Lim Joon Shik
Published: October 2024

This study proposes the Pairwise Attention Enhancement (PAE) model to address the limitations of the Vision Transformer (ViT). While the ViT effectively models global relationships between image patches, it encounters challenges in medical image analysis where fine-grained local features are crucial. Although the ViT excels at capturing global interactions within the entire image, it may potentially underperform due to its inadequate representation of local features such as color, texture, and edges. The proposed PAE model enhances local features by calculating cosine similarity between the attention maps of training and reference images and integrating attention maps in regions with high similarity. This approach complements the ViT’s global capture capability, allowing for a more accurate reflection of subtle visual differences. Experiments using Clock Drawing Test data demonstrated that the PAE model achieved a precision of 0.9383, recall of 0.8916, F1-Score of 0.9133, and accuracy of 92.69%, showing a 12% improvement over API-Net and a 1% improvement over the ViT. This study suggests that the PAE model can enhance performance in computer vision fields where local features are crucial by overcoming the limitations of the ViT.
An Automated Computational Fluid Dynamics Workflow for Simulating the Internal Flow of Race Car Radiators
Authors: Mangini Francesco , Vaccalluzzo Matteo , Bardoscia Eugenio , Bortoli Andrea , Colombo Alessandro
Published: October 2024

In this article, we present a software tool developed in Python, named T-WorkFlow. It has been devised to meet some of the design needs of Tatuus Racing S.p.a., a leading company in the design and production of racing cars for the FIA Formula 3 Regional and Formula 4 categories. The software leverages the open-source tools OpenFOAM and FreeCAD to fully automate the fluid dynamics simulation process within car radiators. The goal of T-WorkFlow is to provide designers with precise and easily interpretable results that facilitate the identification of the geometry, ensuring optimal flow distribution in the radiator channels. T-WorkFlow requires the radiator’s geometry files in .stp and .stl formats, along with additional user inputs provided through a graphical interface. For mesh generation, the software leverages the OpenFOAM tools blockMesh and snappyHexMesh. To ensure uniform mesh quality across different configurations, and thus, comparable numerical results, various pre-processing operations on the specific geometry files are needed. After generating the mesh, T-WorkFlow automatically defines a control surface for each radiator channel to monitor the volumetric flow rate distribution. This is achieved by combining the OpenFOAM command topoSet with specific geometric information directly obtained from the radiator’s CAD through FreeCAD. During the simulation, the software provides various outputs that automate the main post-processing operations, enabling quick and easy identification of the configuration that ensures the desired performance.
Sewage and Location Detection with Improved Cycle Generative Adversarial Network-Based Augmented Datasets and YOLOv5-BiFC
Authors: Wang Minkai , Li Chenglin , Jiang Yunzhong , Yang Mingxiang
Published: October 2024

Sewage discharge from outfalls significantly contaminates the environment. However, due to the unique characteristics of environmental policy, challenges such as data acquisition difficulties arise. This study introduces an enhanced approach by utilizing an improved Cycle GAN, the core function of which involves extrapolating a small sample to a large sample. An enhanced YOLOv5 model is used to focus on lightweight model construction and model performance enhancement. The proposed Cycle GAN incorporating Self-Attention and residual modules is suggested to tackle the problem of limited data at the outfall. Additionally, a refined YOLOv5 model (YOLOV5-BIFC) is proposed, integrating the C3Ghost module, BiFPN module, and CBAM attention mechanism to overcome low model recognition efficiency and large model size concerns. The research employs an augmented dataset for training and evaluates model performance using metrics such as mAP, F1 score, model size, and FPS. The results indicate that the YOLOV5-BIFC model has a size of 7.8 MB, representing a 44.2% reduction compared to the original YOLOv5 model. The FPS of this model is 26.7, enabling real-time discharge monitoring. The F1 score and mAP achieved by YOLOv5-BiFC are 89.8% and 87.3%. Comparative analysis with other neural networks demonstrates the superior accuracy and efficiency of the enhanced model. The YOLOv5-BiFC model facilitates precise, rapid, and intelligent discharge inspection.
A Novel Algorithm to Analyze Multi-Frequency Electrocochleography Measurements to Monitor Electrode Placement During Cochlear Implant Surgery
Authors: Babajanian Eric E. , Koka Kanthaiah , Saoji Aniket A.
Published: October 2024

Objectives: During cochlear implant (CI) electrode placement, single low-frequency (e.g., 500 Hz) cochlear microphonics (CM) measurements are used to monitor hair-cell function and provide feedback to avert insertion trauma. However, it can be difficult to differentiate between trauma and the electrode’s progression through the cochlea when monitored with a single frequency. Multi-frequency CM measurements, while more complex to analyze, can provide more accurate feedback by measuring CM from various locations along the basilar membrane. Methods: A new algorithm was developed to analyze multi-frequency CM tracings by comparing amplitude and phase changes across different test frequencies. The new algorithm was evaluated as to its ability to identify drop-alarm instances with the multi-frequency approach, as compared to single-frequency 500 Hz tracings. Results: The algorithm presented in this manuscript uses the relationship between CM amplitude and phase changes across frequencies to provide real-time feedback during CI electrode placement. The results show that multi-frequency CM tracings raised an alarm only 0.5 times, as compared to 2.8 instances of alarm raised for the single-frequency 500 Hz CM measurements. Conclusions: Multi-frequency CM tracings can help reduce the number of alarms which may be false positives prompting unnecessary electrode manipulations, thereby minimizing the risk of insertion trauma.
Paternal and Maternal Speech at 3 Months Postpartum: An Exploratory Study on the Effect of Parental Role and Birth Weight
Authors: Neri Erica , Provera Alessandra , Agostini Francesca
Published: October 2024

Recent research highlights a growing interest in early interactions between fathers and their infants, acknowledging the significant influence these interactions have on developmental outcomes. However, there is a limited understanding of the specific characteristics of paternal infant-directed speech (IDS), especially in the context of premature birth. This study aimed to analyze the functional and morpho-syntactic features of paternal IDS to full-term (FT) and preterm (PT) infants at 3 months, comparing it with maternal communicative style. Additionally, the study explored the influence of the severity of preterm birth according to birth weight, further distinguishing between extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) and very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants. Seventy-one father–infant and mother–infant dyads (24 FT, 22 ELBW, 25 VLBW) were recruited at 3 months (corrected age for PTs). Parent–infant interactions were video recorded to assess lexical, syntactic, and functional aspects of paternal and maternal speech. Results revealed lower verbosity and lexical variability in paternal IDS compared to the maternal one. No differences were found between parents of the PT and FT groups. Overall, these findings could contribute to better understanding the patterns of parent–infant communications in both FT and PT dyads, confirming the importance of involving both mothers and fathers from the early stages of development.
Thyroid Hormone Supplementation Restores Cognitive Deficit, Insulin Signaling, and Neuroinflammation in the Hippocampus of a Sporadic Alzheimer’s-like Disease Rat Model
Authors: Sepúlveda Paulina , Ferreira Ana Flavia Fernandes , Sandoval Cristian , Bergoc Giovanna , Moreno Ana Caroline Rippi , Nunes Maria Tereza , Torrão Andréa da Silva
Published: October 2024

Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in the development of the central nervous system and are considered pivotal to cognitive functions in the adult brain. Recently, thyroid dysfunction has been associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The aim of this study was to assess the neuroprotective effects of triiodothyronine (T3) on insulin signaling, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and cognitive function in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced sporadic Alzheimer’s disease-like model. Male Wistar rats underwent stereotaxic surgery for intracerebroventricular injections of streptozotocin (STZ; 2 mg/kg) or vehicle in the lateral ventricles to induce an AD-like model. The animals received a daily dose of 1.5 μg of T3/100 g body weight or the same volume of vehicle for 30 days and were subdivided into four experimental groups: (1) animals receiving citrate treated with saline (Control = CTL); (2) animals receiving citrate treated with T3 (T3); (3) animals receiving STZ treated with saline (STZ); and (4) animals receiving STZ treated with T3 (STZ + T3). The novel object recognition test was used to measure cognitive function. Serum analysis, real-time RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and immunoblotting analyses were also carried out. Our results demonstrated that T3 treatment reversed cognitive impairment and increased Akt and GSK3 phosphorylation in the treated group, while also reducing microglial activation (Iba-1) and GFAP expression (reactive astrocytes), along with TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels in the hippocampus. Additionally, T3 treatment increased levels of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and reduced the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein BAX in the hippocampus. Our study demonstrated that T3 could potentially protect neurons in an AD model induced by STZ.
Two-Band Electronic Reconstruction Induced via Correlation and CDW Order Effects
Authors: Craco L.
Published: October 2024

The emergence of a charge density wave (CDW) in transition-metal dichalcogenides opens up a route to charge order, followed by superconductivity at low temperatures. A key question here concerns how many particle electron–electron interations govern the low-energy electronic structure in the normal and CDW states. Using dynamical mean-field theory, we explore the many-body properties of an extended, two-band Hubbard model applicable to 2H-TaSe2. We reveal the electronic structure reconstruction in the normal and CDW states driven by two-band dynamical correlations. Our results demonstrate a remarkable renormalization of the Ta-5d bands crossing the Fermi level, showing a continuous reduction in the CDW gap up to an incomplete gapping, followed by a CDW to a CDW–Mott phase transition pertinent to strongly correlated transition-metal dichalcogenides.
Structural, Morphological, and Optical Properties of Nano- and Micro-Structures of ZnO Obtained by the Vapor–Solid Method at Atmospheric Pressure and Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Bueno Carlos , Luna Adan , Flores Gregorio , Juárez Héctor , Pacio Mauricio , Pérez René , Flores-Méndez Javier , Maestre David , Cortés-Maldonado Raúl
Published: October 2024

Micro- and nano-structures of ZnO were synthesized by the vapor–solid method at 600, 700, and 800 °C in atmospheres of Ar and air, at atmospheric pressure. The structural characterization XRD shows that the nano-structures synthesized in air atmosphere at 600 °C, while diffraction peaks were found due to Zn because the presence of metallic Zn remains on the surface of the pellet. SEM images show that the morphologies range from nano-wires to micro-tubes. When cathodoluminescence is measured in micro-tubes, there is a shift of the near-band edge of the ZnO toward red; this is due to structural defects in the ZnO network. This result is corroborated with panchromatic CL measurements, which exhibit a difference in brightness between the micro-tubes. Furthermore, EDS measurements show an atomic quantity ratio of Zn:O that differs from the stoichiometric composition in the micro-tubes. The photocatalytic activity of three types of structures—nano-wires, micro-tubes, and micro-rods under UV irradiation using methylene blue as a model pollutant—were evaluated. The best response was obtained for nanowires, not only because they have a larger surface area but also because of the present defects.
Structural and Optical Properties of SrTiO3-Based Ceramics for Energy and Electronics Applications
Authors: Kim Donghoon , Gwon Soyeon , Park Kyeongsoon , Jeon Eui-Chan
Published: October 2024

A series of Sr1−xDyxTi1−yNbyO3−δ (0.05 ≤ x, y ≤ 0.10) samples were fabricated using cold compaction, followed by sintering in a (95% N2 + 5% H2) reducing atmosphere. We studied the crystal structure and optical properties of Sr1−xDyxTi1−yNbyO3−δ using X-ray diffraction (XRD) with Rietveld refinement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and ultraviolet−visible−near-infrared (UV−VIS−NIR) spectroscopy. The sintered Sr1−xDyxTi1−yNbyO3−δ had a tetragonal structure (I4/mcm space group). In the sintered samples, Ti ions existed as a mixture of Ti3+ and Ti4+, and Nb ions existed as a mixture of Nb4+ and Nb5+. The band-gap energies decreased with increasing Dy/Nb concentrations. The incorporation of Ti and Nb ions, the formation of both Ti3+ and Nb4+ ions, and the reduction in band-gap energies are likely highly effective for increasing the electron concentration and the corresponding electrical conductivity. Sr1−xDyxTi1−yNbyO3−δ with high electrical conductivity is suitable for energy and electronics applications.
A Fluorescence Sensor Based on Biphenolic Backbone for Metal Ion Detection: Synthesis and Crystal Structure
Authors: Chantaniyomporn Kanokporn , Charoensuk Kiratikarn , Duangthongyou Tanwawan , Chainok Kittipong , Wannalerse Boontana
Published: October 2024

2′-(hexyloxy)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-2-yl 5-(dimethylamino)naphthalene-1-sulfonate (KC1) was synthesized by using biphenol and dansyl chloride as starting materials. The KC1 was characterized via single X-ray diffraction, FTIR, HRMS and 1H and 13C-NMR. The KC1 indicates triclinic as P1 in the space group type. From the KC1, the biphenolic backbone structure is twisted at an angle of 54.48° due to connecting the dansyl unit and hexyl moiety. Upon the addition of the Fe3+ ion to the KC1 solution, the fluorescence emission at 585 nm of KC1 was quenched due to complexation between KC1 and the Fe3+ ion. The complexation ratio of KC1 and Fe3+ was determined to be a 1:1 formation via Job’s analysis. The Stern–Volmer constant (Ksv) calculated was 21,203 M−1 for the KC1 and the Fe3+ ion complex.
Comparative Efficacy of Quadratus Lumborum Muscle Energy Technique with Gluteus Medius Strengthening Versus Gluteus Medius Strengthening Alone in Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Soomro Rabail Rani , Karimi Hossein , Gilani Syed Amir
Published: October 2024

Background: Pain in the sacroiliac joint is the most prevalent and often overlooked. The sacroiliac joints are thought to be sources of pain in roughly 10% to 25% of patients with chronic lower back pain. Due to the biomechanical nature of the joint, muscle imbalance is the most important cause of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The hamstring and gluteus medius are the primary muscles involved in postural dysfunction-related muscle imbalance; however, the quadratus lumborum’s role in the compensatory mechanism is becoming more apparent, and its potential for treatment in conjunction with gluteus medius strengthening has not yet been investigated. Gluteus medius exercises, along with conventional treatment, are routinely given to patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction; however, the aim of this study is to explore the additional effects of the muscle energy technique (MET) on the quadratus lumborum along with strengthening of the gluteus medius on pain, disability and quality of life of patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Methods: Using a computer-generated random number table, seventy patients with unilateral sacroiliac joint pain were divided equally and randomly into two groups. Prior to initiating treatment, baseline measurements were taken using a hand-held dynamometer, visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI-U) and short form 36-item survey (SF-36v2) to assess strength, pain, functional disability and quality of life, respectively. Over the course of four weeks, all patients received twelve sessions, and both the pre- and post-intervention outcome measures were documented. Results: After 4 weeks of treatment, both groups showed statistically significant (p < 0.005) mean improvements in muscle strength, pain, disability and quality of life before and after intervention. However, the mean improvements in post-intervention on a dynamometer, VAS, ODI and SF-36 were better in the MET with exercise group (METGME) as compared to the conventional group with exercise (CTGME), with a larger effect size. Conclusions: The muscle energy technique, applied to the quadratus lumborum in combination with gluteus medius strengthening, is more effective clinically and significantly in improving pain, disability and quality of life in comparison to conventional treatment of sacroiliac joints with gluteus medius exercises.