bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial Intelligence Predictive Model for Hormone Therapy Use in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Spratt Daniel E , Tang Siyi , Sun Yilun , Huang Huei-Chung , Chen Emmalyn , Mohamad Osama , Armstrong Andrew J , Tward Jonathan D , Nguyen Paul L , Lang Joshua M , Zhang Jingbin , Mitani Akinori , Simko Jeffry P , DeVries Sandy , Wal Douwe van der , Pinckaers Hans , Monson Jedidiah M , Campbell Holly A , Wallace James , Ferguson Michelle J , Bahary Jean-Paul , Schaeffer Edward M , Consortium NRG Prostate Cancer AI , Sandler Howard M , Tran Phuoc T , Rodgers Joseph P , Esteva Andre , Yamashita Rikiya , Feng Felix Y
Published: April 2023

Background
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with radiotherapy can benefit patients with localized prostate cancer. However, ADT can negatively impact quality of life and there remain no validated predictive models to guide its use.
Methods
Digital pathology image and clinical data from pre-treatment prostate tissue from 5,727 patients enrolled on five phase III randomized trials treated with radiotherapy +/- ADT were used to develop and validate an artificial intelligence (AI)-derived predictive model to assess ADT benefit with the primary endpoint of distant metastasis. After the model was locked, validation was performed on NRG/RTOG 9408 (n = 1,594) that randomized men to radiotherapy +/- 4 months of ADT. Fine-Gray regression and restricted mean survival times were used to assess the interaction between treatment and predictive model and within predictive model positive and negative subgroup treatment effects.
Results
In the NRG/RTOG 9408 validation cohort (14.9 years of median follow-up), ADT significantly improved time to distant metastasis (subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR] = 0.64, 95%CI [0.45–0.90], p = 0.01). The predictive model-treatment interaction was significant (p-interaction = 0.01). In predictive model positive patients (n = 543, 34%), ADT significantly reduced the risk of distant metastasis compared to radiotherapy alone (sHR = 0.34, 95%CI [0.19–0.63], p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between treatment arms in the predictive model negative subgroup (n = 1,051, 66%; sHR = 0.92, 95%CI [0.59–1.43], p = 0.71).
Conclusions
Our data, derived and validated from completed randomized phase III trials, show that an AI-based predictive model was able to identify prostate cancer patients, with predominately intermediate-risk disease, who are likely to benefit from short-term ADT.
Development and Validation of Nomogram Model to Predict Cancer-Specific Survival and Overall Survival in Adult Patients with Malignant Glioma: A Population-Based Analysis
Authors: Ma Huihui , Sun Jialin , Xiong Siyuan , Cai Ronglong , Wang Yan , Yu Xiushi , Zhang Zhongshuang , Si Junqiang , Luo Shu , Ma Ketao
Published: April 2023

Malignant glioma (MG) is the most common primary central nervous system malignancy; it is highly invasive and has a poor prognosis. Accurate and effective evaluation of prognostic factors is of great clinical significance for individualized treatment, prognosis and follow-up of MG patients. This study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram model to predict cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) in adult MG patients. The data of adult MG patients were downloaded from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to determine independent risk factors for the prognosis of adult MG patients. Nomograms were developed to predict the CSS and OS of adult MG patients based on a multivariate Cox regression model. Furthermore, calibration curves were used to verify the consistency of the nomogram model. The consistency index (C-index) and the area under the subject operating characteristic curve (AUC) values were used to test for the models’ accuracy and discrimination, respectively. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the clinical applicability of the nomogram models. Subsequently, a risk score was calculated for each patient based on the nomogram. ROC was used to find the optimal cut-off value, and all patients were divided into the high-risk group or the low-risk group. The Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curve of the high-risk group and the low-risk group was drawn, and the survival difference between both two groups was tested by the Log-rank test. The differences in survival with respect to various surgical procedures and sequence number (SN) were analyzed. Finally, a computer and mobile calculators were designed to facilitate the use of the nomograms. In total, 37474 adult MG patients were included from 2004 to 2019. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models revealed that age, marital status, race, tumor site, laterality, histology, stage, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and SN were independent risk factors for predicting CSS and OS in adult patients with MG. The calibration curve demonstrated that the model had good consistency. The C-index and AUC verified the discrimination of the model, and the DCA revealed that the nomogram model had superior clinical applicability to the stage model of the SEER database. The models can help doctors and patients to make better clinical decisions.
Association ofACE Gene Polymorphisms with In-Stent Restenosis by Stent Type (Biomime, Supraflex, Xience)
Authors: Klashami Zeynab Nickhah , Roudbordeh Majid Gholamzadeh , Asadi Mojgan , Ebrahimi Pirooz , Amoli Mahsa Mohammadi
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme or ACE is an exopeptidase that causes the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, vasoconstriction, and aldosterone secretion. ACE gene polymorphism (I/D) causes more enzyme activity and increases the risk of coronary artery disease or CAD.
Aims: To examine the role of ACE (I/D) Gene Polymorphisms by Stent Types (Biomime, Supraflex, Xience) has been investigated in patients who underwent angioplasty in this study.
Material & Methods: Patients in the in-stent restenosis group (ISR+) (N=53) and patients non-ISR group (ISR-) (N=68) have been enrolled in this study based on follow-up angiography > 1 year after PCI. Frequencies of allele and genotypes of the ACE (I/D) variant were determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Results: The genotypes and allele frequencies were not significantly different between the studied populations (p-Values > 0.05). However, there was a significant difference between people with a history of Clopidogrel use in the ISR- and ISR+ groups observed (p-Values > 0.005).
Conclusion: In the present study, there was no statistically significant relationship between ACE (I/D) gene polymorphism and the incidence of restenosis in patients who underwent repeat angiography. However, the ratio of frequency percentage of alleles to each other in terms of frequency shows the highest to lowest alleles I/D, D/D, and I/I in both groups. In the comparison of drugs used among patients, the drug Clopidogrel (Plavix) is discussed in the incidence of restenosis, in this study, the results showed that the number of patients who received Clopidogrel in the ISR+ group was significantly less than the ISR- group. This issue can indicate the inhibitory effect of Clopidogrel in the recurrence of stenosis.
Treatment and reuse of a pesticide-containing wastewater by a combination of physicochemical, biological and membrane processes
Authors: Gaioto Fernanda Cazelato , Matheus Maurício , Chaves Bianca Miguel de Souza , Campos Juacyara Carbonelli , Barra Thamara Andrade , Azevedo Débora de Almeida , Bassin João Paulo , Dezotti Márcia Walquíria de Carvalho
Published: April 2023

Proper treatment and reuse of industrial wastewaters are efficient ways to mitigate their environmental impacts. In this work, a pesticide formulation wastewater pretreated by activated carbon was combined with sewage (4:96) and subjected to biotreatment in a lab-scale moving-bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) with 50% media filling ratio and 6h HRT. Throughout 180 days, efficient removal was achieved for organic matter (86%, tCOD) and ammonium (88%). Additionally, the MBBR effluent exhibited higher quality than the water of the river used by the pesticide industry. For evaluating the possibility of wastewater reuse, the effluents from the MBBR (M) and a lubricant industry (L, from the same industrial site) were combined with the river water (R) that feeds the industrial water treatment plant (WTP) and submitted to a lab-scale reproduced WTP: coagulation/flocculation, sedimentation, sand filtration and microfiltration. River water and two combinations (RM: 85:15 and RML: 80:15:5) were assessed. The mixtures improved the efficiency of the lab-reproduced WTP; however, the fouling potential was high (SDI15>5) for reverse osmosis at the end of the WTP. Thus, after microfiltration, two ultrafiltration (UF) membranes (10 and 50 kDa) were tested, producing similar quality water (0.02 NTU, low SDI and color). After UF, the total turbidity and color removals for R, RM and RML were, respectively, 99.87%, 99.84% and 99.81%, and 96.2%, 87.3% and 93.1%. The UF implementation produced stable high-quality water, implying a reduction of RO membrane costs and cleaning frequency, while increasing the permeate flux. Ultimately, complete wastewater reuse was enabled by the proposed chain.
Solution of Green function in near-field from high-speed railway seismic source and simulation signal analysis
Authors: Jia Baoxin , Yuan Wenya
Published: April 2023

Establishing and simplifying the high-speed railway seismic source model in near-field was crucial to analyzing the propagation law and energy radiation of high-speed railway seismic wave. With the forward calculation of Green function, the study on the simulation signal was carried out by MATLAB. By comparing the simulation signal with real signal, the Green function in the near-field term of high-speed-railway seismic source was verified to be reliable. In addition, according to simulation signal analysis on vibration curves, frequency spectra and energy distribution maps, the results showed that in the near-field of high-speed railway seismic source，the vibration curves were characterized with two peaks in the direction parallel to the high-speed railway, reflecting the propagation law of high-speed railway seismic wave under the moving-line source, while the propagation law and energy attenuation were obvious in the direction perpendicular to the ground surface. The high-speed railway seismic signal appeared broadband with clear discrete spectral lines, of which the feature frequencies varied from 60Hz to 370Hz, affected by the propagation distance of high-speed railway seismic wave. Within 150 meters, the energy of high-speed railway seismic wave under the feature frequencies below 200Hz attenuated greater, while when the high-speed railway seismic wave propagated farther than 150 meters, that under the feature frequencies between 200Hz to 300Hz attenuated much more. The energy distribution of high-speed railway seismic wave depended on the frequency response property at seismic source, and the frequency response property showed significant difference with the frequency ranging from 40Hz to 500Hz.
Cilostazol ameliorates motor dysfunction and Schwann cell impairment in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Chang Lin-Li , Wu Yu-Ming , Wang Hung-Chen , Tseng Kuang-Yi , Wang Yi-Hsuan , Lu Yen-Mou , Cheng Kuang-I
Published: April 2023

This study investigated the effects of cilostazol on motor dysfunction, spinal motor neuron abnormalities, and schwannopathy in rats with diabetes. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced in rats via femoral intravenous streptozotocin (STZ) injection (60 mg/kg). After successful DM induction, cilostazol was administered on day 15 via oral gavage (100 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks until sacrifice. Behavioral assays, including motor function were performed weekly. The sciatic nerve, L5 spinal cord, and spinal ventral root were collected to evaluate the expression of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), myelin protein zero (P0), and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. DM rats displayed decreased running speeds, running distance, and toe spread but increased foot pressure. In addition, loss of non-myelinating Schwann cells and myelin sheaths was observed in the sciatic nerve and L5 spinal ventral root. Reduced numbers of motor neurons were also found in the L5 spinal ventral horn. Cilostazol administration significantly potentiated running speed and distance, increased hind paw toe spread, and decreased foot pressure. In the sciatic nerve and L5 spinal ventral root, cilostazol treatment significantly improved non-myelinated Schwann cells and increased myelin mass. ChAT expression in motor neurons in the spinal ventral horn was improved, but not significantly. Cilostazol administration may protect sensorimotor function in diabetic rats.
Metabolic Phenotyping of BMI to Characterize Cardiometabolic Risk: Evidence from Large Population-Based Cohorts
Authors: Meikle Peter , Beyene Habtamu , Giles Corey , Huynh Kevin , Wang Tingting , Cinel Michelle , Mellett Natalie , Olshansky Gavriel , Meikle Thomas , Watts Gerald , Hung Joseph , Hui Jennie , Cadby Gemma , Beilby John , Blangero John , Moses Eric , Shaw Jonathan , Magliano Dianna
Published: April 2023

Obesity is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, a substantial proportion of patients with these conditions have a seemingly normal body mass index (BMI). Conversely, not all obese individuals present with metabolic disorders giving rise to the concept of “metabolically healthy obese”. Using comprehensive lipidomic datasets from two large independent population cohorts in Australia (n = 14,831), we developed models that predicted BMI and calculated a metabolic BMI score (mBMI) as a measure of metabolic dysregulation associated with obesity. We postulated that the mBMI score would be an independent metric for defining obesity and help identify a hidden risk for metabolic disorders regardless of the measured BMI. Based on the difference between mBMI and BMI (mBMI delta; “mBMIΔ”), we identified individuals with a similar BMI but differing in their metabolic health profiles. Participants in the top quintile of mBMIΔ (Q5) were more than four times more likely to be newly diagnosed with T2DM (OR = 4.5; 95% CI = 3.1–6.6), more than two times more likely to develop T2DM over a five year follow up period (OR = 2.5; CI = 1.5–4.1) and had higher odds of cardiovascular disease (heart attack or stroke) (OR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.5–3.1) relative to those in the bottom quintile (Q1). Exercise and diet were associated with mBMIΔ suggesting the ability to modify mBMI with lifestyle intervention. In conclusion, our findings show that, the mBMI score captures information on metabolic dysregulation that is independent of the measured BMI and so provides an opportunity to assess metabolic health to identify individuals at risk for targeted intervention and monitoring.
The Full Multi-wake Vortex Lattice Method: a detached flow model based on Potential Flow Theory
Authors: Pimentel Jesus Carlos
Published: April 2023

One of the main issues concerning to the standard Vortex Lattice Method is its application to partially or fully detached flow conditions, where non-linear aerodynamic characteristics appears as the angle of attack increases and/or the aspect ratio decreases. In order to solve such limitations a pure numerical approach based entirely on the Vortex Lattice Method concepts has been developed. The so-called steady “Full Multi-wake Vortex Lattice Method” comes from the main hypothesis that each discretized element on the body’s surface detaches their own wakes downstream. Obtained results match for lift, induced drag and moment coefficients for the entire aspect ratio range configurations (under straight wakes and inviscid assumptions). A future unsteady version of such multi-wake approach could improve the current results obtained through Vortex Element Methods (as vortons or isolated vortex filaments).
Simulating the Breathing Phase Transitions of Metal-organic Frameworks : Volume Control of Nanocrystallites
Authors: Schmid Rochus , Schaper Larissa
Published: April 2023

Flexible metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can undergo structural transitions with significant pore volume changes upon guest adsorption or other external triggers while maintaining their porosity. In computational studies of this breathing behavior, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations within periodic boundary conditions (PBCs) are commonly performed. However, to account for the finite size and surface effects affecting the phase transition mechanism, the simulation of non-periodic nanocrystallite (NC) models without the constraint of PBCs is an important alternative. In this study, we present an approach allowing the analysis and control of the volume of finite-size structures during MD simulations by a tetrahedral tessellation of the (deformed) NC's volume. The new method allows for defining the current NC's volume during the simulation and manipulating it regarding a particular reference volume to compute free energies for the phase transformation via umbrella sampling. The application on differently sized DMOF‑1 and DUT‑128 NCs reveals flexible pore closing mechanisms without significant biasing of the transition pathway. The concept provides the theoretical foundation for further research on flexible materials regarding targeted initialization of the breathing phase behavior to elucidate the underlying mechanism, which can be used to improve the applications of flexible materials by targeted controlling of the phase transition.
Novel QTL for Lateral Root Density and Length improve Phosphorus Uptake in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Dinh Lam Thi , Ueda Yoshiaki , Gonzalez Daniel , Tanaka Juan Pariasca , Takanashi Hideki , Wissuwa Matthias
Published: April 2023

The rice root system consists of two types of lateral roots, indeterminate larger L-types capable of further branching, and determinate, short, unbranched S-types. L-type laterals correspond to the typical lateral roots of cereals whereas S-type laterals are unique to rice. Both types contribute to nutrient and water uptake and genotypic variation for density and length of these laterals could be exploited in rice improvement to enhance adaptations to nutrient and water-limited environments. Our objectives were to determine how best to screen for lateral root density and length and to identify markers linked to genotypic variation for these traits. Using different growing media showed that screening in nutrient solution exposed genotypic variation for S-type and L-type density, but only the lateral roots of soil-grown plants varied for their lengths. A QTL mapping population developed from parents contrasting for lateral root traits was grown in a low-P field, roots were sampled, scanned and density and length of lateral roots measured. One QTL each was detected for L-type density (LDC), S-type density on crown root (SDC), S-type density on L-type (SDL), S-type length on L-type (SLL), and crown root number (RNO). The QTL for LDC on chromosome 5 had a major effect, accounting for 46% of the phenotypic variation. This strong positive effect was confirmed in additional field experiments, showing that lines with the donor parent allele at qLDC5 had 50% higher LDC. Investigating the contribution of lateral root traits to P uptake using stepwise regressions indicated LDC and RNO were most influential, followed by SDL. Simulating effects of allelic differences of main QTL in a P uptake model confirmed that qLDC5 was most effective in improving P uptake followed by qRNO9 for RNO and qSDL9 for S-type lateral density on L-type laterals. Pyramiding qLDC5 with qRNO9 and qSDL9 is possible given that trade-offs between traits were not detected. Phenotypic selection for the RNO trait during variety development would be feasible, however, the costs of doing so reliably for lateral root density traits is prohibitive and markers identified here therefore provide the first opportunity to incorporate such traits into a breeding program.
Interpretable Machine Learning-based Individual Analysis of Acute Kidney Injury in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy
Authors: Sakuragi Minoru , Uchino Eiichiro , Sato Noriaki , Matsubara Takeshi , Ueda Akihiko , Mineharu Yohei , Kojima Ryosuke , Yanagita Motoko , Okuno Yasushi
Published: April 2023

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a critical complication in immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Although risk factors of AKI in ICI therapy have been extensively studied, individualized and real-time assessment of AKI risk has not been achieved. We aimed to clarify the underlying causes of individual AKI in ICI-treated patients using a novel time-series clustering approach with Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values and decision tree-based machine learning (ML) prediction models. The medical records of 616 cancer patients receiving ICI therapy were used for model construction, and 112 patients (18.2%) had at least one AKI episode. They were clustered per key features and their SHAP value patterns, and three nephrologists assessed the clusters’ clinical relevance. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the area under the curve was 0.880. Patients with AKI were categorized into four clusters with significant prognostic differences (p = 0.010). The leading causes of AKI (such as hypovolemia, drug-related, and cancer cachexia) for each cluster were interpretable by nephrologists. These results suggest that our clustering method of time-series SHAP values can clarify the underlying background of AKI in ICI-treated patients and possibly be used for personalized AKI risk assessment and early intervention for improved outcomes.
Fingertip Coverage with uni-pedicled volar rotational advancement flap with large Z-plasty; a report on 112 cases
Authors: Park Seong Oh , Kim Dae Kwan , Ahn Hee Chang , Kim Youn Hwan
Published: April 2023

Background Simple and safe fingertip reconstruction methods involve the use of local neurovascular islands flaps that can preserve functional length and sensitivity, and reconstruction with skin of the same texture. However, techniques involving flaps have numerous drawbacks and do not satisfy all the requirements for fingertip reconstruction. A particular problem is the persistence of contracture deformity due to lack of full flap advancement. We present a new technique using uni-pedicled volar rotational advancement flap with large Z-plasty, and describe the results of long-term follow-up.Methods From October 1993 to December 2009, 112 fingers of 98 patients were covered with uni-pedicled volar rotational advancement flap with large Z-plasty after sustaining various types of injuries or finger pulp avulsion. A longitudinal incision was made along the lateral border of the digit and a large neurovascular volar flap was elevated just above the pulleys and flexor tendon sheath. To release tension, a large Z-plasty was applied at the metacarpophalangeal joint or interphalangeal joint crease. The final patient outcomes were reviewed retrospectively.Results All fingertip injuries were treated without flap necrosis. Partial wound dehiscence was observed in two patients and average static two-point discrimination was 5.2 mm. There were no postoperative contracture deformities, joint stiffness, paresthesia, or hypersensitivity. Most patients were left with acceptable scarring and were free of postoperative pain and cold intolerance during the long-term follow-up.Conclusions Our novel technique provides durable, completely sensate, and well-vascularized coverage of the fingertip with minimal discomfort to patients.
Design of personalized nasal catheter fixation device based on laser engraving technology and evaluation of its application effect
Authors: Wang Min , Li Fanfan , Wang Ting , Wang Panpan , Ma Guojing , Qin Yue , Wang Xiaolan , Zhao Dan , Ma Minjie , Ma Xiaoli
Published: April 2023

Background: A historical controlled study method to compare the effectiveness of laser engraved personalized nasal cannula fixation devices with conventional cut nasal patches for fixing nasogastric tubes after esophageal cancer surgery.
Methods: One hundred and twenty-four patients with indwelling nasal catheters for esophageal cancer surgery in a tertiary care hospital in Lanzhou were selected as study subjects and divided into control and observation groups according to the historical control study method, with 62 patients in each group. The control group used conventionally cut nasal patches to fix the nasal ducts, and the observation group used laser-engraved personalized nasal patches to fix the nasal ducts. The rate of catheter displacement or slippage under the fixation device, the number of rolled edges and replacement of nasal patches, nasal medical device related pressure injury and pre-injury condition, medical adhesive related skin injury, and patient comfort condition were observed in both groups.
Results: The rate of nasal catheter displacement in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The number of rolled edges and replacement of nasal patches in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of nasal mucosal indentation, nasal pain, and medical adhesive-related skin lesions in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The physiological level of comfort of patients in the observation group was better than that in the control group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Laser engraved personalized nasal cannula fixation devices have better clinical value than conventional cut nasal patches. It can reduce the incidence of clinical nasal catheter displacement, the frequency of rolled edges and replacement of nasal patches, reduce the incidence of nasal medical device related pressure injuries and medical adhesive related skin injuries, and increase patient comfort.
Spectra of triply heavy Ωccb and Ωbbc baryons
Authors: Shah Zalak , Kakadiya Amee , Rai Ajay kumar
Published: April 2023

We determine the spectroscopic properties of triply charm-bottom baryons in this paper. The mass spectra of Ωccb and Ωbbc are calculated with total spin S = 1/2 and 3/2. All possible states with JP values are calculated and compared with the available literature. The Regge trajectories are also plotted. The magnetic moments, magnetic transition moment, and radiative decay widths are also calculated.
Surgical resection for liver recurrence after curative resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Shibata Yoshiyuki , Uemura Kenichiro , Sumiyoshi Tatsuaki , Okada Kenjiro , Otsuka Hiroyuki , Serikawa Masahiro , Ishii Yasutaka , Murakami Yoshiaki , Arihiro Koji , Takahashi Shinya
Published: April 2023

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of surgical resection for liver recurrence in patients with curatively resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.Methods The medical records of patients who had a liver recurrence after undergoing curative pancreatectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were retrospectively reviewed. Clinicopathological and prognostic factors were analyzed, as was the clinical impact of surgical resection for liver recurrence.Results Overall, 502 patients underwent curative pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma resection. Of the 311 patients with recurrence after curative pancreatectomy, 71 (23%) had an initial recurrence in the liver, with 35 having solitary recurrence (11%). Patients with solitary, two or three, or > four recurrences had median overall survival times of 28.5, 18.0, and 12.2 months, respectively (p < 0.001). Surgical indications for liver recurrence in our institution included solitary tumor, good disease control under chemotherapy after recurrence for > 6 months, and sufficient remnant liver function. Ten patients who met our institutional policy inclusion criteria underwent liver resection. In 35 patients with initially solitary liver recurrence, those who underwent liver resection outlived those who did not (57.6 months vs. 20.1 months, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis of overall survival, solitary liver recurrence, and liver resection were independent favorable prognostic factors in patients with initial liver recurrence.Conclusion In selected patients with solitary liver recurrence after curatively resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, liver resection may be a treatment option.
Real-Time Tracking of Moving Objects through Efficient Scale Space Adaptation and Normalized Correlation Filtering
Authors: Ali Asfak , Ghosh Avra , Chaudhuri Sheli Sinha
Published: April 2023

The field of real-time mobile object tracking is a crucial aspect of computer vision. Despite numerous algorithms proposed for efficient tracking, the high computational complexity presents challenges in achieving real-time performance. This paper presents a novel approach by introducing an adaptive search region proposal block that works in tandem with Mean Shift and Unscented Kalman Filter. The block efficiently searches the region of the estimated object location. The dynamic changes in the appearance and size of a moving target make tracking difficult, but the proposed Multi-scale Template Matching technique addresses this challenge by utilizing the Normalized Cross-Correlation method in the adaptive search region. This optimization results in a reduced computational complexity and an increased frame rate of 53.4 FPS. Additionally, the approach leads to a 50.3% decrease in error rate and improved precision and success rates of 76% and 79% respectively. Comparisons with various state-of-the-art trackers show that the proposed algorithm achieves the best results in terms of precision, success rate, and object tracking error.
Daily smoking prevalence for small domains in Australia
Authors: Das Sumonkanti , Baffour Bernard , Richardson Alice , Cramb Susanna , Haslett Stephen
Published: April 2023

Small area statistics on health outcomes like daily smoking prevalence are vital for measuring
community progress towards healthy lifestyles. Due to sparse data and remoteness in Australia,
the National Health Survey is insufficient to estimate at the disaggregated statistical areas (SA)
in Australia, even sometimes at the sub-national level. This study estimates daily smoking
prevalence for Australian adults at various sub-national levels comprising 8 States and Territories,
88 Statistical Areas Level 4 (SA4s), and 334 Statistical Areas Level 3 (SA3s) by extending
widely used area-level models developed at the detailed SA3 level as a form of hierarchical
Bayesian model and fitted by Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation. Detailed level direct
estimates with their smoothed standard errors from the 2017-18 National Health Survey are
used as model inputs. Area-level models accounting for the detailed level structured (spatial)
and unstructured (non-spatial) random effects provide slightly higher bias and lower coverage
at the disaggregated SA4 level. An extension of area-level models by including intermediate
(SA4) level non-spatial random effects is proposed to improve the unbiasedness and coverage
of the model-based estimators at higher aggregation levels and is found to be suitable for the
Australian smoking prevalence data through examination of model performance statistics.
Magnetohydrodynamic Mixed Convection in a Vertical Rectangular Cavity with Semi-circular Heat Source and Circular Obstacle
Authors: Akhtar Pushpa , Hossain M. M. Touhid , Alim Md. Abdul , Ali Mohammad Mokaddes
Published: April 2023

A study of MHD mixed convection in a vertical rectangular cavity with semi-circular heat source and circular obstacles is accomplished numerically. A semi-circular heat source is placed at the middle of the bottom wall of the cavity and the top wall of the cavity is kept isothermally cooled while other walls are considered adiabatic. Moreover, a hollow circular cylinder is also placed as an obstruction at the center of the cavity. Finite element method is applied to determine a numerical solution of the non-linear coupled equations. Computations have been carried out for the flow and thermal fields inside the cavity which inclusively depends on the applied magnetic field parameter called Hartmann number (Ha) and other dimensionless numbers such as Reynolds number (Re), Richardson number (Ri) and Prandtl number (Pr). From this analysis it is observed that the fluid flow in the cavity is noticeably slowed down by the increase in Ha, heat transfer rate is significantly increased for increasing Re and Ri, but it decreased for increasing the values of Pr and Ha. In addition, the average temperature within the cavity shows opposite behaviors for variations in physical parameters studied except for Ha.
Synthesis ,Growth , Thermal and Third-order nonlinear optical studies of Bisglycine Lithium Perchlorate Single Crystal
Authors: Revathi P. , George Merin , Philip Bessy Mary , Nair Sutheertha S. , Jose Bibin K. , Shereena Elsy , Ittyachan Reena , Balakrishnan T. , Sajan D.
Published: April 2023

We herein record the synthesis as well as the results of our investigations on the structure as well as properties - thermal, mechanical, surface and nonlinear optical (NLO) - of semiorganic bisglycine lithium perchlorate (BGLP) single crystals. BGLP single crystal with dimensions 14× 3 × 2 mm3 has been synthesized and its structure and lattice parameters have been identified with the aid of X-ray diffraction. The vibrational spectrum of BGLP has been investigated making use of FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra. Dielectric constant of BGLP is found to show variations with frequency as well as temperature, which remains constant at high frequencies, the causes of which have been discussed. BGLP is manifested to be thermally stable up to 256ºC as revealed from thermogravimetric analyses. The two-dimensional nucleation mechanism in the growth of BGLP crystals have been understood from chemical etching studies. The potential applications of BGLP in optical switching is evident from its third order NLO response seen in the Z-scan curves.
Survival analysis of laparoscopic surgery and open surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yin Yaolin , Tao Jilin , Xian Yin , Li Yonghe , Li Qiang , Xiong Yongfu , Huang Xujian , He Yi , He Kun , Li Jingdong
Published: April 2023

PurposeThis study compared the clinical efficacy and safety of laparoscopic versus open resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) and analyzed potential prognostic factors.MethodsThe study included patients who underwent HCCA resection at our center from March 2012 to February 2022. Perioperative complications and postoperative prognosis were compared between the laparoscopic surgery (LS) and open surgery (OS) groups.ResultsAfter screening 313 HCCA patients, 68 patients were eligible for the study in the LS group (n = 40) and OS group (n = 28). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis revealed that overall survival > 2 years and 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) were more common in the LS than OS group, but the rate of 2-year DFS was lower in the LS group than OS group. Cox multivariate regression analysis revealed age (< 65 years), radical resection, and postoperative adjuvant therapy were associated with reduced risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.380, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.150–0.940,P = 0.036; HR = 0.080, 95% CI = 0.010–0.710,P = 0.024 and HR = 0.380, 95% CI = 0.150–0.960,P = 0.040), whereas preoperative biliary drainage was an independent factor associated with increased risk of death (HR = 2.810, 95% CI = 1.130–6.950,P = 0.026). Perineuronal invasion was identified as an independent risk factor affecting DFS (HR = 5.180, 95% CI = 1.170–22.960,P = 0.030).ConclusionsCompared with OS, laparoscopic HCCA resection does not significantly differ in terms of clinical efficacy. Age (< 65 years), radical resection, and postoperative adjuvant therapy reduce the risk of death, and preoperative biliary drainage increases the risk of death.
Is Wheat Self-Sufficiency in Algeria, a Myth?
Authors: Bouchafaa Bahia , Kherchi-Medjden Hanya , Rouaski Khaled
Published: April 2023

Algeria is one of the largest wheat importers in the world. Despite the importance of this staple food for the population, the country remains heavily dependent on imports due to its inability to produce enough wheat to meet its own needs. With a focus on food sovereignty, this paper aims to explore the feasibility of achieving wheat self-sufficiency in Algeria. A historical review of the trends in wheat production, import, and consumption from 2001 to 2018 was conducted to understand the dynamics of the wheat market in Algeria. The review reveals that despite government efforts to increase wheat production, it has remained sluggish, while consumption has continued to grow rapidly. The widening gap between these two magnitudes is a reflection of the country’s inability to achieve self-sufficiency in wheat. The wheat self-sufficiency rate is calculated as the ratio of wheat production to consumption, and the findings of this study indicate that this rate is unlikely to reach the value of 1, which means that self-sufficiency in wheat remains an elusive goal for Algeria. The slow growth of wheat production and the rapid increase in consumption highlight the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the wheat self-sufficiency challenge in Algeria, which would involve improving agricultural policies and practices, increasing investment in the sector, and promoting technological advancements. In conclusion, this paper highlights the critical need for Algeria to prioritize the development of its agricultural sector, specifically its wheat production, to achieve food sovereignty and reduce its dependence on imports. The study provides valuable insights into the challenges and limitations of achieving wheat self-sufficiency in Algeria and offers recommendations for future action to address these challenges.
The sensitivities of Jordan housing demand to macroeconomic factors: demand supply analysis model application
Authors: Tahat Ibrahim
Published: April 2023

This paper summarizes the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on the issue mismatch between demand and supply of Jordan housing market. The main purpose of the research is systematization of the literary sources and approaches for solving the problem demand behaviour of Jordan housing market and its influencing factors with emphasis on macroeconomic variables on demand formula for the period between 2006 to 2019 indicates that the relevance of this scientific problem decision is that investigation The sensitivities of Jordan housing demand to macroeconomic factors. In the paper is carried out in the following logical sequence methodological tools of the research methods were. This research offers empirical estimates using the time series data from the current demand model for residential homes in Jordan. The study applied the (Janet and Lam 2012) model of general function of housing demand (Qd = f (G, H, D, t). Years of research data used from 2006 to 2019 of Jordan housing market statistic. The paper presents the results of an empirical analysis of Janet and Lam 2012 model which showed that the research empirically confirms and theoretically proves that demographic factors were statistically significant in most formulations, it had the wrong sign on its coefficient, indicated low impact on the amount of new construction activity completed for residential purpose. More important the study found that housing sectors related factors is the most significant variables in explaining the demand for new housing in Jordan and their present are relatively drive the new housing demand function, and housing suppliers may react to the demands of housing customers, issuing new building permit or complete licensed one when the price increase, in case of Jordan we found exactly the opposite; price increase and number of new building completed and new permit are declining and housing price increases. The results of the research can be useful for both decision and policy makers are engaged in housing sectors in developing policy and offer more affordable unit size.
Crystal chemistry and thermodynamic properties of zircon structure-type materials
Authors: Strzelecki Andrew C. , Zhao Xiaodong , Estevenon Paul , Xu Hongwu , Dacheux Nicolas , Ewing Rodney C. , Guo Xiaofeng
Published: April 2023

Zircon-class ternary oxide compounds have an ideal chemical formula of ATO4, where A is commonly a lanthanide and an actinide, with T = As, P, Si, or V. Their structure (I41/amd) accommodates a diverse chemistry on both A- and T-sites, giving rise to more than 17 mineral end-members of five different mineral groups, and in excess of 45 synthetic end-members. Because of their diverse chemical and physical properties, the zircon structure-type materials are of interest to a wide variety of fields and may be used as ceramic nuclear waste forms and as aeronautical environmental barrier coatings, to name a couple. To support advancement of their applications, many studies have been dedicated to the understanding of their structural and thermodynamic properties. The emphasis in this review will be on recent advances in the structural and thermodynamic studies of zircon structure-type ceramics, including pure end-members [e.g., zircon (ZrSiO4), xenotime (YPO4)] and solid solutions [e.g., ErxTh1–x(PO4)x(SiO4)1–x]. Specifically, we provide an overview on the crystal structure, its variations and transformations in response to non-ambient stimuli (temperature, pressure, and radiation), and its correlation to thermophysical and thermochemical properties.
Student Perceptions of the Visual Design of Learning Management Systems
Authors: Stoesz Brenda M. , Niknam Mehdi
Published: April 2023

Research on the impact of the visual design of the user interface of learning management systems (LMS) on learning experience is sparse. The purpose of this study was to conduct a preliminary examination of students’ perceptions of the visual design of their postsecondary institutions’ LMS and their learning experiences using survey methodology (N= 46). Students generally agreed that the course homepages were well organized and that the LMS colours, while deemed moderately to very important, did not enhance learning or increase the ability to remember course content. However, more positive perceptions of the visual appearance of the LMS were associated with greater satisfaction with grades. Expected end of term grade point average was negatively correlated with the degree to which students perceived that colour enhanced their learning. Students reported a greater satisfaction with the contribution of the LMS to learning correlated to the number of school terms they had used an LMS, their LMS proficiency, and their perceptions about the visual appeal of the LMS design. Together, these results suggest that exploring the impact of LMS colour and other dimensions of visual design on student engagement and learning are important and have practical value for LMS developers, instructional designers, and instructors.
Automated Scoring of Speaking and Writing: Starting to Hit its Stride
Authors: Jones Daniel Marc , Cheng Liying , Tweedie Gregory
Published: April 2023

This article reviews recent literature (2011–present) on the automated scoring (AS) of writing and speaking. Its purpose is to first survey the current research on automated scoring of language, then highlight how automated scoring impacts the present and future of assessment, teaching, and learning. The article begins by outlining the general background of AS issues in language assessment and testing. It then positions AS research with respect to technological advancements. Section two details the literature review search process and criteria for article inclusion. In section three, the three main themes emerging from the review are presented: automated scoring design considerations, the role of humans and artificial intelligence, and the accuracy of automated scoring with different groups. Two tables show how specific articles contributed to each of the themes. Following this, each of the three themes is presented in further detail, with a sequential focus on writing, speaking, and a short summary. Section four addresses AS implementation with respect to current assessment, teaching, and learning issues. Section five considers future research possibilities related to both the research and current uses of AS, with implications for the Canadian context in terms of the next steps for automated scoring.
The Encyclopedia of Female Pioneers in Online Learning, 2023.
Authors: Janes Diane P.
Published: April 2023

The Encyclopedia of Female Pioneers in Online Learning by Drs. Susan Bainbridge and Norine Wark is an overview of the work and experiences of 30 women - early adopters of online (OL) and distance education (DE) in their countries (although even they struggle with what to call their focus of study and practice, as discussed in Chapter 32). Building on the use of “…career profiles, original interviews, and research analysis…” (p. 1), the book is a testament to the space that women in this field, have occupied and continue to occupy in the modern-day world of technology enhanced global education. The book is divided into two parts.
İKİNCİ DAĞLIK KARABAĞ SAVAŞI SONRASINDA İMZALANAN ATEŞKES ANDLAŞMASI’NA GÖRE AZERBAYCANLI GÖÇMENLERİN YERLERİNE DÖNÜŞÜ
Authors: İSAYEV Tuğçe
Published: April 2023

Dağlık Karabağ sorunu ve I. Dağlık Karabağ Savaşı Azerbaycanlı göçmenlerin ortaya çıkmasına sebep olmuştur. Azerbaycanlı göçmenlerin sorunlarının çözülmesi ve yerlerine dönüşü Azerbaycan açısından her zaman öncelikli meselelerden biri olmuştur. Bu çalışmanın amacı, II. Dağlık Karabağ Savaşı sonrasında imzalanan Ateşkes Andlaşması’na göre Azerbaycanlı göçmenlerin yerlerine dönüşünü ayrıntılı şekilde incelemektir. Ateşkes Andlaşması’nın 7. maddesine göre, mülteciler ve ülke içinde yerinden edilmiş kişiler, Dağlık Karabağ’ın topraklarına ve etrafındaki rayonlara Birleşmiş Milletler Mülteciler Yüksek Komiserliği’nin kontrolü altında dönecektir. Bu çalışma ile varılan sonuca göre I. Dağlık Karabağ Savaşı ve bu savaş sırasında Ermenistan tarafından gerçekleştirilen işgal sebebiyle 1991 yılı ve sonrasında Eski Dağlık Karabağ Özerk Bölgesi ve etrafındaki yedi rayonda ülke içinde yerinden edilmiş Azerbaycanlı göçmenler Birleşmiş Milletler Mülteciler Yüksek Komiserliği’nin denetimi ve kontrolü altında yerlerine dönebilecektir. Bu çerçevede, 1988 yılı ve sonrasında Ermenistan’dan zorunlu olarak göç ettirilen Azerbaycanlı göçmenlerin yerlerine başka bir ifade ile, zorunlu olarak göç ettirildikleri Ermenistan’a dönüşü Ateşkes Andlaşması ile getirilen düzenlemenin kapsamına dahil değildir. Ancak, Ateşkes Andlaşması’nın 7. maddesine göre bu kişiler de Dağlık Karabağ’ın topraklarına ve etrafındaki rayonlara Birleşmiş Milletler Mülteciler Yüksek Komiserliği’nin denetimi ve kontrolü altında dönebilecektir. Azerbaycan Hukuku bakımından mülteciler ve ülke içinde yerinden edilmiş kişilerin aynı hukuki statüye tabi tutulduğu, bu durum sebebiyle de ülke içinde yerinden edilmiş kişiler ile birlikte mültecilerin Dağlık Karabağ topraklarına ve etrafındaki rayonlara dönmesine izin verildiği ifade edilebilir. Azerbaycanlı göçmenlerin yerlerine dönüşü ile ilgili en önemli sorun Azerbaycanlı göçmenlerin dönecekleri toprakların Ermenistan tarafından mayınlanmış olması ve bölgedeki mayınların temizlenmesinin uzun yıllar sürecek olmasıdır.