bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Failure Probability Prediction for Offshore Floating Structures Using Machine Learning
Authors: Lim H.
Published: December 2023

Accurately estimating the failure probability is crucial in designing civil infrastructure systems, such as floating offshore platforms for oil and gas processing/production, to ensure their safe operation throughout their service periods. However, as a system becomes complex, the evaluation of a limit state function may involve the use of an external computer solver, resulting in a significant computational burden to perform Monte Carlo simulations (MCS). Moreover, the high-dimensionality of the limit state function may limit efficient sampling of input variables due to the “curse of dimensionality.” To address these issues, an efficient machine learning framework is proposed, combining polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) and active subspace. This will enable the accurate and efficient evaluation of the failure probability of an offshore structure, which typically involves a large number of uncertain parameters. Unlike conventional PCE schemes that use the original random variable space or the auxiliary variable space for building a surrogate model, the proposed method utilizes a reduced-dimension space to circumvent the “curse of dimensionality.” An appropriate coordinate transformation is first sought so that most of the variability of a limit state function can be accounted for. Next, a PCE surrogate limit state function is constructed on the derived low-dimensional “active subspace.” The Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization process is used for making basis polynomial functions, which is particularly effective when input random parameters do not follow the Askey scheme and/or when a dependence structure between the input parameters exists. Therefore, a nonlinear iso-probabilistic transformation, which makes the convergence of a surrogate to the true model difficult, is not required, unlike traditional PCE. Numerical examples, including limit state functions related to structural dynamics problems, are presented to illustrate the advantages of the proposed method in estimating failure probabilities for complex structural systems. Specifically, the method exhibits significantly improved efficiency in estimating the failure probability of an offshore floating structure without compromising accuracy as compared to traditional PCE and MCS.
An Intelligent Decision Framework For Facial Expression Recognition Based On Deep Learning
Authors: Pan Xianzhang
Published: December 2023

Facial expression recognition is very important for computer interacting with human. In this paper, the intelligent decision framework based on deep learning is proposed to improve the accuracy of facial expression recognition, which employs three channels to extract different complementary deep features. Each channel has the combination of different convolution layers and MaxPool layers and alleviating the gradient disappearance problem by residual network to obtain the possible expression. Finally, the results of three channels are employed to obtain the final facial expression by the intelligent decision function. Experiments on the public datasets of Fer2013 and Afew5.0 show the effective results.
Mechanical and Dielectric Properties of Silver Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanocomposite Films
Authors: Karmakar Narayan. S. , Valavade A. V. , Khandekar P. L. , Jain Shilpa , Shah Akshara , Phirke Ajay. , Kothari D
Published: December 2023

Wet casting was used to make silver (Ag) nanoparticles in a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix, which led to the in-situ creation of silver polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite films (Ag-PVA). The nanocomposite films were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, in order to determine the impact of varying Ag-nanoparticle concentrations in the PVA matrix. By adjusting the concentration of Ag nanoparticles in the polymer matrix, the mechanical and dielectric characteristics of Ag-PVA nanocomposite films were investigated. The findings demonstrate that adding AgNPs changes the PVA polymer's optical characteristics. Therefore, the Ag-PVA nanocomposites films created may be used in optoelectronic devices.
Scalable production of uniform and mature organoids in a 3D geometrically-engineered permeable membrane
Authors: Kim Dong Sung , Kim Dohui , Lim Hyeonji , Youn Jaeseung , Park Tae-Eun
Published: December 2023

The application of organoids has been limited by the lack of methods for producing uniformly mature organoids at scale. This study introduces an organoid culture platform, called UniMat, which addresses the challenges of uniformity and maturity simultaneously. UniMat is designed to not only ensure consistent organoid growth but also facilitate an unrestricted supply of soluble factors by a 3D geometrically-engineered, permeable membrane-based platform. Using UniMat, we demonstrate the scalable generation of kidney organoids with enhanced uniformity in both structure and function compared to conventional methods. Notably, kidney organoids within UniMat matured significantly better, showing increased expression of nephron transcripts, more in vivo-like cell-type balance, and better vascularization. Moreover, UniMat's design offers a more standardized organoid model for drug testing, as demonstrated by its consistent response to a polycystic-kidney-disease drug. In essence, UniMat presents a transformative platform for organoid technology, promising applications in organ development, disease modeling, and drug screening.
Low-complexity conjugate homodyne detection scheme for SPAD-free DV-QKD
Authors: Ramos Mariana , Vokić Nemanja , Hübel Hannes , Pinto Armando , Silva Nuno
Published: December 2023

We demonstrate a polarization diversity conjugate homodyne detection scheme for DV-QKD, that does not require complex high
computational demanding post-processing or single-photon detection. Unlike CV-QKD based on coherent detection, this work
presents the advantage for saving computational resources highly-demanded by sophisticated carrier phase and frequency
recovery schemes. A complete physical model of the DV-QKD system is assessed under a finite-key size analysis of the BB84
with 1 decoy state protocol and phase randomization between consecutive pulses. We show that, for practical post-processing
block sizes of 108 bits, the system is able for key generation up to a secrete key fraction of 4% obtained after a post-selection stage to obtain discrete outcomes. Also, we demonstrate experimentally the decoding of quantum polarization states can be achieved with a inherent QBER lower than 1%.
Deletion of Cardiac Fgf23 Impairs Myocardial Energy Metabolism and Ameliorates Fibrosis in a Pressure Overload Model in Mice
Authors: Erben Reinhold , Latic Nejla , Sun Na , Buck Achim , Zupcic Ana , Hofer Martin , Chang Wenhan , Walch Axel , Grabner Alexander
Published: December 2023

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is associated with increased cardiac expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF23) in mice and men. To further elucidate the pathophysiological role of locally produced FGF23 in LVH, we specifically ablated Fgf23 in cardiomyocytes by crossing Fgf23fl/fl mice with MLCv2-Cre transgenic mice, and employed transverse aortic constriction (TAC) to induce LVH by chronic pressure overload. The TAC-induced ~25-fold increase in cardiac Fgf23 mRNA expression was blunted in cardiomyocyte-specific Fgf23 knock-out (Fgf23CKO) mice. Serum Fgf23 levels were equally increased in all genotypes after TAC, suggesting that cardiac-derived Fgf23 does not contribute to the TAC-induced rise in circulating Fgf23. Heart-to-body weight ratio, cardiomyocyte size, and molecular hypertrophy markers were similarly increased in all TAC groups, showing that LVH developed inde-pendently of cardiac Fgf23. However, Fgf23CKO TAC mice showed reduced blood pressure upstream of the aortic constriction site, more pronounced eccentric hypertrophy, and a distinct reduction of cardiac fibrosis, relative to Fgf23fl/fl TAC controls. Spatial metabolomics using mass spectrometry imaging in heart cryosections revealed that lack of local Fgf23 secretion reduced intracellular glucose abundance and impaired cardiac energy metabolism. Conversely, treatment of cultured cardiomyocytes with recombinant FGF23 stimulated the abundance of intracellular glucose as evidenced by mass spectrometry imaging. Collectively, our data uncover a novel function of cardiomyocyte-derived Fgf23 as modulator of energy metabolism and of cardiac fibrosis in LVH.
Anti-Ebola virus mAb 3A6 with unprecedented potency protects highly viremic animals from fatal outcome and physically lifts its glycoprotein target from the virion membrane
Authors: Saphire Erica , Salie Zhe Li , Ke Zunlong , Halfmann Peter , DeWald Lisa Evans , McArdle Sara , Grinyo Ariadna , Davidson Edgar , Schendel Sharon , Hariharan Chitra , Norris Michael , Yu Xiaoying , Chennareddy Chakravarthy , Xiong Xiaoli , Heinrich Megan , Holbrook Michael , Doranz Benjamin , Crozier Ian , Hastie Kathryn , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Branco Luis , Kuhn Jens , Briggs John , Worwa Gabriella , Davis Carl , Ahmed Rafi
Published: December 2023

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Ebola virus (EBOV) glycoprotein (GP1,2) are the standard of care for Ebola virus disease (EVD). Anti-GP1,2 mAbs targeting the stalk and membrane proximal external region (MPER) potently neutralize EBOV in vitro. However, their neutralization mechanism is poorly understood because they target a GP1,2 epitope that has evaded structural characterization. Moreover, their in vivo efficacy has only been evaluated in the mouse model of EVD. Using x-ray crystallography and cryo-electron tomography of 3A6 complexed with its stalk– GP1,2 MPER epitope we reveal a novel mechanism in which 3A6 elevates the stalk or stabilizes a conformation of GP1,2 that is lifted from the virion membrane. In domestic guinea pig and rhesus monkey EVD models, 3A6 provides therapeutic benefit at high viremia levels, advanced disease stages, and at the lowest dose yet demonstrated for any anti-EBOV mAb-based monotherapy. These findings can guide design of next-generation, highly potent anti-EBOV mAbs.
Wafer-scale lithography of silicone-integrated hole transporters for anti-pixel crosstalk organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Kim Do Hwan , Kweon Hyukmin , Kim Seonkwon , Ha Borina , Lee Seunghan , Lee Soyeon , Ha Jiyeon , Kang Minsu , Roh Seung Hwan , Kang Moon Sung , Cho Jeong Ho
Published: December 2023

Ultrahigh-density displays are becoming increasingly prevalent in display technology for immersive digital interactive devices. However, the pursuit of higher pixel resolution has inadvertently led to the emergence of electrical pixel crosstalk, primarily due to the use of common hole transporting layers (HTLs). In this work, we present wafer-scale, anti-pixel crosstalk micro-lithography to mitigate electrical pixel crosstalk by incorporating a silicone-integrated small molecule HTL (SI-HTL), which not only enables ultrahigh-density pixelation but also enhances the functionality of the HTL itself. Leveraging the inherent silicon etching properties of SI-HTL, we successfully created high-fidelity micro-pattern arrays with a remarkable resolution of up to 10,062 pixels per inch on 6-inch wafer scales. Furthermore, SI-HTL effectively modulates charge balance within the emission layers, resulting in improved luminance characteristics in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Our comprehensive optical and quantitative assessment of electrical pixel crosstalk in OLEDs integrated with micro-patterned SI-HTL demonstrates the significant effectiveness of high pixelation of the HTL in alleviating the crosstalk issue.
The Potential Value of Novel Biomarkers: keratin 19(KRT19) and laminin beta1 (LAMB1) in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Daim Dina Abd El , Agroudy Ayman El-Baz El , Nada Hoda Ahmed , ElAlfy Hatem Abd El-Wahab , Hazem Noha
Published: December 2023

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global problem as it represents the 6th most common cancer worldwide and the 2nd most common cause of cancer-related deaths. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the only clinically proven HCC biomarker up till now with limited sensitivity and specificity. Laminin B1(LAMB1) expression increases in liver cirrhosis and HCC. It was observed that in HCC malignant hepatocytes express keratin19 (KRT19). This study aims + to evaluate the potential value of both KRT19 and LAMB1 in human HCC diagnosis through the investigation of their mRNA levels in the blood sample.
Methods
KRT19 and LAMB1 mRNA was assessed in blood samples by total mRNA extraction, reverse transcription, and real-time PCR in comparison with AFP. 80 subjects were included in 3 groups which are the normal healthy controls (NC, n = 22), the cirrhotic patients without HCC (CC, n = 21), and HCC patients (HCC, n = 37).
Results
For discrimination between HCC and CC groups, KRT19 has the highest accuracy with 100% specificity and sensitivity of 89.2% among the other studied genes according to the ROC curve. To differentiate between the HCC patients and the NC group, KRT19 also has the highest accuracy with 80.95% specificity and 86.84% sensitivity.
Conclusions
This study indicates a potential role of KRT19 and LAMB1 mRNA expression assessment for HCC detection. KRT19 mRNA expression levels showed higher diagnostic accuracy than AFP in the diagnosis of HCC. This might help early detection of HCC patients with other routine liver markers which confers better response to treatment and lower mortality rates.
Synthesis of NMC111 Cathode from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) using Acetic Acid as a Leaching Agent and Flame Assisted Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Saputra Dita Adi , Rahayu Sri , Gumelar Muhammad Dikdik , Arjasa Oka Pradipta , Husin Saddam , Taqwatomo Galih , Yuliani Hanif , Saudi Aghni Ulma , Andrameda Yurian Ariandi , Agustanhakri Agustanhakri , Budiman Abdul Hamid , Arti Dewi Kusuma , Indrijarso Surat , Syaifulloh Aan , Setiawan Iwan , Prasetyo Agus Budi , Lalasari Latifa Hanum
Published: December 2023

This study uses the Flame Assisted Spray Pyrolysis (FASP) method to synthesize NMC111 cathode nanoparticles from spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) cathode (NMC battery type) leachate with organic acids. Beginning with the pre-treatment procedures for batteries, which include grading, discharging, disassembling, separating, grinding, sieving, and heat treating. Recovery of Li, Ni, Mn, and Co metal ions utilizes extraction by hydrometallurgy method with acetic acid (CH3COOH) as a leaching agent with varying acid concentrations (0,25; 0,5; 0,75; 1; 1,25 M), solid-to-liquid ratio (10; 15; 20; 25; 30 g/L) and temperature (40; 50; 60; 70; 80 ºC) to get the optimum conditions. Up to 4% v/v of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is utilized as an effective oxidizing agent. The results showed that concentrations of 1.25M, a solid-to-liquid ratio of 30 gr/L, and a temperature of 70ºC were the optimum leaching conditions for acetic acid, producing percentages of metal recovery of 87.16%, 64.34%, 82.89%, and 99.24% for Li, Ni, Mn, and Co. After molarity adjustment, NMC 111 cathodes are synthesized/regenerated using the FASP method from the cathode of a spent NMC battery using an acetic acid leaching solution. The cathode produced by the FASP approach showed a good level of crystallization, as shown by the XRD data after a 6-hour calcination treatment at 800ºC. The nanoparticles produced using the FASP approach had a spherical shape with particle size distribution in the range of 200–400 nm and characteristic polycrystalline aggregates, according to the morphology and particle size analysis performed by SEM-EDX.
A phase I trial investigating the clinical safety and anti-tumor efficacy of a new generation of oncolytic adenovirus, Ad-TD-nsIL12, in Recurrent Glioblastoma
Authors: Zhang Hongwei , Ning Weihai , Qian Xiao , Guo Yuduo , Li Shenglun , Song Dixiang , Liu Deshan , Ma Lixin , Chen Yujia , Zhao Chao , Xu Jiacheng , Qu Yanming , Wang Haoran , Gu Chunyu , Zhang Mingshan , Dunmall Louisa Chard , Wang Yaohe , Wang Shengdian
Published: December 2023

Glioblastoma is one of the most fatal malignancies of the central nervous system, with high mortality and post-treatment recurrence rates. Oncolytic viruses are attractive treatment options for this disease, but must be improved to enhance efficacy and safety. Here we describe a phase I, dose-escalating trial to study the safety of Ad-TD-nsIL12, a novel oncolytic adenovirus expressing a mutant form of interleukin-12, in patients with recurrent glioblastoma that connects with the ventricular system. Eight patients, were enrolled, with treatment doses ranging from 5x109vp to 5x1010vp. Grade 3 seizure was observed in two patients from Cohort 3 (5x1010vp). Minimal adverse events were observed at a treatment dose of 1x1010vp, even after multiple injections. Complete response in one patient, a partial response in one patient and post-treatment infiltrations of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells into the tumor were documented during this trial. AD-TD-nsIL12 treatment was safe and effective and warrants examination in a phase II clinical study.
Using deep learning algorithm to predict flow boiling pressure drop under ultrasound fields in vertical mini-channels
Authors: Zhang Jinxin , Xiao Jian
Published: December 2023

Two-phase flow in mini/micro-channels can meet the high heat dissipation requirements of many state-of-the-art cooling solutions. However, there is lack of accurate universal methods for predicting parameters like pressure drop in these configurations. In recent years, deep learning has been brought to wide attention that could be employed for data-driven estimation gas-liquid two-phase pressure drop in mini-channels. This paper put forward a new multi-scale convolution neural network (MSCNN) and time-frequency representation (TFR) model based on deep learning was proposed to predict pressure drop of gas-liquid two-phase flow in mini-channels under ultrasound. Time-series pressure drop fluctuation data of gas-liquid two-phase were transformed into useful TFRs data by wavelet transform. TFR could effectively reveal the pressure drop fluctuation of gas-liquid two-phase in mini-channel, but The TFRs data scale was the high dimensionality and consumes computer resources. Therefore, bilinear interpolation was used to reduce TFRs data scale and as input of deep learning model. Compared with the traditional convolutional neural network (CNN) model structure, MSCNN model structure has global and local information synchronization. The prominent features are helpful to predict flow boiling pressure drop in mini-channel and to the automatic learning of MSCNN. Experiments showed that the prediction performance of MSCNN model has been greatly improved than the traditional data-driven.
Determination of Fruit Characteristics, Nutrients and Biochemical Contents of Transvalia (Prunus persica L.) Peach Variety Grafted on Different Clonal Rootstocks Obtained by Selection and Hybridization
Authors: yaman mehmet , uğur remzi , keçe yusuf murat , ünsal hasan talha , gönültaş metin , güneş adem , yıldız ercan
Published: December 2023

Rootstocks are frequently used in modern orchard practise due to their special characteristics. They not only eliminate the limiting factors in fruit growing, but also have advantages such as increasing productivity, fruit quality, dwarfing and nutrient yield. In addition, rootstocks have a significant impact on plant development, fruit characteristics, nutrients and biochemical content. The study was conducted to investigate the effects of different peach rootstocks on fruit quality, nutrient content and biochemical content. A total of 16 rootstocks of the species P. persica were used as test material. The morphological characteristics include fruit weight (297,33 g), fruit width (83.5 mm), fruit length (77.58 mm), seed weight (9.96 g), seed width (28.16 mm) and seed length (43 mm). The rootstock GGF3 has the highest values (0.47 mm). The effect of rootstocks on nutrients (except Al, Ca, Cu, K, P and Fe) in the fruits was statistically significant. The effect of rootstocks on nutrients (except Pb, Na and Cr) in the leaves was found to be statistically significant. The effect of the individual rootstocks on the plant nutrients varied. It has been found that there is a positive relationship between micro and macronutrients. The highest mineral content in peach rootstocks was found in rootstock NGF14 with P (1071,34 mg kg− 1) and K (4234,30 mg kg− 1), in rootstock NG1 with Ca (539,6 mg kg− 1) and in rootstock FG64 with Mg (289.98 mg kg− 1 ). With regard to the analysed characteristics, a large variation between the peach rootstocks was observed. According to the results of biochemical analysis, statistically significant differences were found in total biochemical contents. Among the peach rootstocks, KL38 rootstock had the highest content of total flavonoids with 25.68 mg 100gr-1 the highest anthocyanin content with 7.48 mg kg-1, KL38 rootstock also had the highest phenolic content with 137,19 mg kg-1, and NGF14 rootstock had the highest antioxidant content with 349,46 mg kg-1. According to principal component analysis (PCA), the eigenvalue of 13 PCs was above 1.0 and accounted for 85.08% of the total variation; this effectively showed the variation among peach rootstocks with respect to the traits analysed. These results show that most of the peach rootstocks analysed are rich in minerals, nutritional values and bioactive substances. Therefore, these rootstocks, which have high nutritional value and important health properties, can be used as genetic material in peach breeding programmes and similar studies for the development of new peach varieties. The data obtained show that rootstock varieties have a significant impact on the aforementioned traits and that the selection of rootstock varieties has a very important place, especially in economic breeding.
Identification of Novel Loci and Cross-Disorder Pleiotropy Through Multi-Ancestry Genome-Wide Analysis of Alcohol Use Disorder in Over One Million Individuals
Authors: Icick Romain , Shadrin Alexey , Holen Børge , Karadag Naz , Parker Nadine , O'Connell Kevin , Frei Oleksandr , Bahrami Shahram , Høegh Margrethe , Lagerberg Trine , Cheng Weiqiu , Seibert Tyler , Djurovic Srdjan , Dale Anders , Zhou Hang , Edenberg Howard , Gelernter Joel , Smeland Olav , Hindley Guy , Andreassen Ole
Published: December 2023

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is highly heritable and burdensome worldwide. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) can provide new evidence regarding the aetiology of AUD. We report a multi-ancestry GWASs across diverse ancestries focusing on a narrow AUD phenotype, using novel statistical tools in a total sample of 1,041,450 individuals [102,079 cases; European, 75,583; African, 20,689 (mostly African-American); Hispanic American, 3,449; East Asian, 2,254; South Asian, 104; descent]. Cross-ancestry functional analyses were performed with European and African samples. Thirty-seven genome-wide significant loci were identified, of which seven were novel for AUD and six for other alcohol phenotypes. Loci were mapped to genes enriched for brain regions relevant for AUD (striatum, hypothalamus, and prefrontal cortex) and potential drug targets (GABAergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons). African-specific analysis yielded a unique pattern of immune-related gene sets. Polygenic overlap and positive genetic correlations showed extensive shared genetic architecture between AUD and both mental and general medical phenotypes, suggesting they are not only complications of alcohol use but also share genetic liability with AUD. Leveraging a cross-ancestry approach allowed identification of novel genetic loci for AUD and underscores the value of multi-ancestry genetic studies. These findings advance our understanding of AUD risk and clinically-relevant comorbidities.
Mendelian randomization to evaluate the relationship between frailty index and the risk of osteoporosis, falls and fractures
Authors: Zhao Libo , Zhang Yu , Pu Hongxu , Liu Chang , Zheng Meng , Wang Zhiyong , Zhang Jingru , Li Yonggang
Published: December 2023

Background
Observational research suggested a suggestive relationship between frailty index (FI) and osteoporosis, falls and fractures.
Aims
This study aimed to explore genetic causality and identified that higher genetically predicted FI positively correlated with increased risks of osteoporosis, falls, and fractures.
Methods
Genome-wide association study summary data were used to identify genetic variants strongly related to FI. GWAS data of Heel Bone mineral density, osteoporosis, fall risk and fracture at different site was considered as outcome. Inverse variance-weighted (IVW) analysis was mainly applied; MR-Egger and the weighted median were also used to obtain robust estimates. A series of sensitivity analyses were used to detect pleiotropy or heterogeneity. Then, we adjustment of Body Mass Index (BMI) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) using multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR).
Results
In the main analysis, a genetically predicted higher Frailty index was associated with a higher risk of Osteoporosis and fall. What’s more, frailty index significantly contributed to an increased risk of Heel Body Mass Density (BMD). In MVMR, after correcting for type 2 diabetes, the causal relationship between FI and Heel BMD has turned into negative regulation. Results of comprehensive sensitivity analysis were consistent with the main causality estimate. Horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity were absent in our MR study.
Discussion
The results provide evidence that offering avenues for interventions alleviates the burden of FI associated with these health concerns.
Conclusions
Our results suggest a potentially causal relationship between FI and osteoporosis, falls, and fractures.
How much does it cost to retain antiretroviral therapy (ART) clients in care? Routine financial costs of retention interventions at Lighthouse Trust’s Martin Preuss Centre (MPC) in Lilongwe, Malawi
Authors: Weldemariam Hiwot , Thawani Agness , Kiruthu-Kamamia Christine , Huwa Jacqueline , Chipanda Mirriam , Tweya Hannock , Feldacker Caryl
Published: December 2023

Introduction Antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves the health of people living with HIV (PLHIV). However, a high loss to follow-up, particularly in the first year after ART initiation, is problematic. The financial expenses related to client retention in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in sub-Saharan Africa are not well understood. This study aimed to comprehensively assess and quantify the financial costs associated with routine ART retention care at Lighthouse Trust’s (LT) Martin Preuss Centre (MPC), a large, public ART clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi. Methods We performed activity-based microcosting using routine data to assess the expenses related to routine ART retention services at the MPC for 12 months, January-December 2021. MPC provides an “ART Buddy” from ART initiation to 12 months. The MPC’s Back-to-Care (B2C) program traces clients who miss ART visits at any time. Clients may be traced and return to care multiple times per year. We assessed client retention costs for the first 12 months of treatment with ART and conducted a sensitivity analysis. Results The total annual cost of ART retention interventions at the MPC was $237,564. The proactive Buddy phase incurred $108,504; personnel costs contributed $97,764. In the reactive B2C phase, the total cost was $129,060, with personnel expenses remaining substantial at $73,778. The Buddy unit cost was $34 per client. The reactive B2C intervention was $17 per tracing event. On average, the unit cost for ART retention in the first year of ART averaged $22 per client. Conclusion This study sheds light on the financial dimensions of ART retention interventions at the MPC of LTs. ART retention is both costly and critical for helping clients adhere to visits and remain in care. Continued investment in the human resources needed for both proactive and reactive retention efforts is critical to engaging and retaining patients on lifetime ART.
Automated Landmark-Based Cat Facial Analysis and its Applications
Authors: Martvel George , Lazebnik Teddy , Feighelstein Marcelo , Meller Sebastian , Shimshoni Ilan , Finka Lauren , Luna Stelio , Mills Daniel S. , Volk Holger A. , Zamansky Anna
Published: December 2023

Facial landmarks, widely studied in human affective computing, are beginning to gain interest in the animal domain. Specifically, landmark-based geometric morphometric methods have been used to objectively assess facial expressions in cats, focusing on pain recognition and the impact of breed-specific morphology on facial signaling. These methods employed a 48-landmark scheme grounded in cat facial anatomy. Manually annotating these landmarks, however, is a labour intensive process, deeming it impractical for generating sufficiently large amounts of data for machine learning purposes as well as use in applied real time contexts with cats. Our previous work introduced an AI pipeline for automated landmark detection, which showed good performance in standard machine learning metrics. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of fully automated, end-to-end landmark-based systems for practical cat facial analysis tasks remained underexplored. This paper presents a thorough evaluation of such systems for three benchmark tasks related to cat facial analysis: recognition of breed, cephalic type, and pain.
Emergence of Potentially Disinfection Resistant, Naturalized Escherichia coli Populations Across Food- and Water-Associated Engineered Environments
Authors: Yu Daniel , Stothard Paul , Neumann Norman
Published: December 2023

The Escherichia coli species is comprised of several ‘ecotypes’ inhabiting a wide range of host and natural environmental niches. Recent studies have suggested that novel naturalized ecotypes have emerged across wastewater treatment plants and meat processing facilities. Phylogenetic and typing analyses clustered 37 previously described naturalized wastewater and meat plant strains into two main sequence types, ST635 and ST399, and several serotypes, representing independent lineages that have each naturalized within their respective engineered niches. Reflecting this, pan-genomic analyses revealed that the naturalized strains possessed an abundance of genes related to biofilm formation, defense, and disinfection-related stress resistance, but lacked genes associated with virulence and colonization, indicating that their naturalization may have come at the cost of fitness in the original host environment. Indeed, ecotype prediction analyses reliably distinguished the naturalized strains from the rest of the E. coli species, suggesting they represent a novel, disinfection-resistant ecotype that has recently emerged across food- and water-associated engineered environments.
The Impact of Hidradenitis Suppurativa on Health Care Decision Making and Vaccines
Authors: Afzal Najiba , Archila Marjorie , Barbieri John S. , Charrow Alexandra , Mostaghimi Arash , Chada Lourdes Perez , Noe Megan H.
Published: December 2023

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disease that causes significant burden for patients in multiple aspects of their life. However, the details regarding the impact on factors aside from skin are limited.
Objective: We explored patient perspectives around the impact of HS on personal health and how that affects a patient’s health care decision making.
Methods: Individual, semi-structured, virtual interviews were conducted with adults that have HS by a trained medical student. The interviews were performed over a private, video conference platform. English speaking individuals between the ages of 18-45 with a diagnosis of HS for at least 1 year were invited to participate in the study. The transcripts were coded by the medical student and a research assistant and discrepancies were resolved by group consensus. This study followed the reporting guidelines of the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research.
Results: 23 participants were interviewed in which 21 participants (91%) were female and 2 participants (9%) were male. The mean age was 31.2 years. Patients expressed an increased awareness of their personal health because of their HS, including considering HS with respect to what they ate, the medications they took, the physicians they sought, and their family planning decision. Some participants stated that HS made them more likely to receive vaccines while others described the two are unrelated.
Conclusions: Patients with HS considered their skin disease when making medical decisions broadly. Many specifically considered their disease when making decisions regarding health maintenance and immunizations though some did not consider the two related.
Competition for flexible distribution resources in a ’smart’ electricity distribution network
Authors: Tangerås Thomas P.
Published: December 2023

In a 'smart' electricity distribution network, flexible distribution resources (FDRs) can be aggregated to improve efficiency in the power market. But aggregation enables whoever controls resources to exercise market power. This paper establishes a ranking of market structures: Independent aggregators competing for FDRs are more efficient than an integrated distribution system operator (DSO)/aggregator, which is more efficient than an integrated generator/aggregator, which is more efficient than no FDR market. A no-market solution is more efficient than an FDR market with independent aggregators and an integrated DSO/aggregator. The paper also characterizes a regulation that implements the efficient outcome.
JEL codes: H41; L12; L51; L94
Non-invasive arterial input function estimation using an MRI atlas and machine learning
Authors: Vashistha Rajat , Moradi Hamed , Hammond Amanda , O’Brien Kieran , Rominger Axel , Sari Hasan , Shi Kuangyu , Vegh Viktor , Reutens David
Published: December 2023

Background
Dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) scanners can generate images of parameters that reflect the kinetics of the administered radiotracer. Kinetic parameter estimation requires an arterial input function (AIF) conventionally obtained from arterial blood samples. The AIF can also be non-invasively estimated from blood pools in PET images, often identified using co-registered MRI images. Deploying methods without blood sampling or the use of MRI generally requires total body PET systems with a long axial field-of-view (LAFOV) that includes a large cardiovascular blood pool. However, the number of such systems in clinical use is currently much smaller than that of short axial field-of-view (SAFOV) scanners.
Methods
We propose a data-driven approach for AIF estimation for SAFOV PET scanners, which is non-invasive and does not require MRI or blood sampling. Dynamic 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) total body PET data were acquired over 62 min in 10 subjects. A probabilistic vascular MRI atlas was registered to each subject’s PET image to identify cerebral arteries in the brain, from which the AIF was estimated. To correct for partial volume effects, a variational inference machine learning approach was implemented. The estimated AIF using brain PET images (AIF-Brain) was compared to that obtained using data from the descending aorta of the heart (AIF-DA). Kinetic rate constants (K1, k2, k3) and net tracer influx (Ki) for both cases were computed and compared.
Results
Qualitatively, the shape of AIF-Brain matched that of AIF-DA, capturing information on both the peak and tail of the AIF. The area under the curve (AUC) of AIF-Brain and AIF-DA were similar, with an average relative error of 9%. The mean Pearson correlations between kinetic parameters (K1, k2, k3) estimated with AIF-DA and AIF-Brain for each voxel were between 0.92 and 0.99 in all subjects, and for Ki, it was above 0.97.
Conclusion
This study introduces a new approach for AIF estimation in dynamic PET using brain PET images, a probabilistic vascular atlas, and machine learning techniques. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of non-invasive and subject-specific AIF estimation for SAFOV scanners.
Systematically mapping and analysing multi-level policy developments: a methodological toolkit
Authors: Kessel Robin van , Czabanowska Katarzyna , Roman-Urrestarazu Andres
Published: December 2023

Policy analysis is a multi-disciplinary approach to public and social policy that aims to explain the interaction between institutions, ideas, and interests in the policymaking process. It is useful prospectively to plan for future policymaking and retrospectively to understand past policy failures or identify good practices. However, current methods of systematically mapping policy in health are lacking in the qualitative research field. In this article, we outline a novel methodological toolkit that allows for a systematic approach to reviewing policy developments cross-sectionally and longitudinally through a qualitative modular approach: (1) develop a comprehensive search strategy for policy databases; (2) review and extract relevant policies and legislation directly from original sources; (3) develop a multi-layered search strategy for scientific databases; (4) merge policy and academic publications according to the eligibility criteria; (5) acquire further information through searching reference lists of included policies and articles; and (6) merge the three searches into one single data repository for further analysis. Our methodological toolkit gives a point-by-point description of how to design, perform, and report a systematic and reproduceable policy mapping article, as well as how that policy data can be analysed further to lead to prospective policy action points.
Surgical Management of Extruded Fractured Instrument Beyond the Periapical Area: A Case Report with Two-year Follow-up
Authors:   Centre of Comprehensive Care Studies, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Jalan Hospital, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia, Jawami Afiq Azizi , Soo Eason ,   Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Abdullah Dalia ,   Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Lishen Wong ,   Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Published: December 2023

A fractured instrument is an undesirable endodontic mishap that can prevent complete root canal disinfection, thereby affecting the root canal treatment outcome. The present case discussed the surgical management of an extruded fractured barbed broach at the apical third of maxillary right first premolar. A 28-year-old female presented with an endodontic failure on tooth 14 and was diagnosed as previously root canal treated with symptomatic apical periodontitis. Radiographic examination revealed a straightline radiopacity structure that was 2 mm in length extruded from the apical root-end, suggesting a fractured instrument. The case was successfully managed through endodontic microsurgery. The present case emphasises the significance of cone-beam computed tomography as a valuable tool for diagnosis and investigation, while also offering supplementary information for the planning of surgical treatment.
Gingival Enlargement with Marfan Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors:   Periodontics Unit, Klinik Pakar Pergigian Mentakab, Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia, Jalan Karak, 28400 Mentakab, Pahang, Malaysia, Thomas Annabel Shanta Edwin , Raja Awang Raja Azman ,   Periodontics Unit, School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia, Taib Haslina ,   Periodontics Unit, School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
Published: December 2023

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant and multisystemic disorder affecting the connective tissues. Patients with MFS may exhibit characteristic oral features including maxillary protrusion, high palate, crowded teeth, and fragility of the temporomandibular joint. Periodontal manifestations may include a higher prevalence of gingivitis and/or periodontitis owing to the high concentration of elastic fibres in the periodontal ligament. This case report describes the management of gingival enlargement associated with MFS. The patient was successfully managed with non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy. In patients with oral manifestations of systemic disorders, patient motivation and effective treatment planning are able to achieve the optimum periodontal and oral health outcomes.
Oral Health in the Naval Armed Forces: A Scoping Review
Authors:   Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Nik Azis Nik Madihah , Raja Abdullah Raja Noreihan ,   Dental Polyclinic, Kota Kinabalu Regional Military Hospital,  Kota Kinabalu RMN Base, 88846 Teluk Sepangar, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Mohamad Ayub Mohamad Nur Adzmi ,   Dental Polyclinic, Kota Kinabalu Regional Military Hospital,  Kota Kinabalu RMN Base, 88846 Teluk Sepangar, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Baharin Badiah ,   Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Published: December 2023

Naval armed forces are commonly prone to stressors during military activities which are associated with their working environment. This can adversely impact the oral health of these personnel. This scoping review aimed to explore the literature concerning oral health among naval personnel. Relevant articles that reported oral health among naval armed forces published from 1990 to December 2022 were retrieved from five main databases. Of the 641 articles searched, 15 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Occurrences of caries, periodontal disease and barodontalgia were high among the naval armed forces, with a significant number of dental emergencies during deployment and training operations. The dental diseases and emergencies experienced by the naval personnel on duty may influence their performance during missions. Given the far-reaching effects of dental diseases among personnel in the naval armed forces, further prospective studies with standardised report investigating oral health and dental diseases are recommended. Oral health services in the naval armed forces can also be improved by increasing the dentist-to-navy personnel ratio both at the military bases and on board the vessels during missions, as well as designing preventive strategies to improve oral health among the naval personnel.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Removable Partial Denture-related Research in Dentistry
Authors:   Centre of Studies for Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia, Abdul Hamid Nor Faharina , Ariffin Farha ,   Centre of Studies for Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia, Ahmad Rohana ,   Centre of Studies for Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia,   Integrative Pharmacogenomic Institute (iPromise), Universiti Teknologi MARA, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Published: December 2023

The objective of this study was to characterise articles published in removable partial denture (RPD) research from 1948 to 2022 to identify the most influential journals, publications, authors, and core research areas using bibliometric analysis. The Scopus database was used to retrieve publications with titles containing the truncated search term (“removable partial denture*” OR “removable prostho*”). Data analysis and visualisation were done using Microsoft Excel, Biblioshiny software and VOSviewer. A total of 2,484 articles were analyses from 1948 till 2022, representing an annual growth rate of 4.9%. The Journal of Prosthodontic Research demonstrated the highest average normal citation rate, with productive authors with highest citations being from Japan. From 1948 to 1999, most in-vitro and clinical research focused on the basic concept of RPD using cobalt-chromium as a framework before shifting to titanium in 2000. RPD research after 2012 focuses on new technology and non-metalbased frameworks as an alternative to metal-based frameworks. Wakabayashi and Fueki were the most prominent researchers, according to a three-field plot analysis, with the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, and Journal of Prosthodontic Research among the authors’ preferred journals. “CAD/CAM” and “3D printing” were identified as emerging themes in year 2020 to 2022, while “selective laser melting” was the trending keyword in 2017 to 2019. Research on “oral health and quality of life” has been identified as core research area in RPD-related research. RPD research on digital dentistry and new framework materials is anticipated to increase in the future with the incorporation of research on quality of life.
La gestión de datos digitales en la educación primaria catalana: percepciones del profesorado
Authors: Gonzalez-Mingot Sandra , I. Marín Victoria
Published: December 2023

La datificación de la educación primaria se ha visto acentuada por los procesos de neoliberalización y el solucionismo tecnológico impuesto por la Covid-19, como resultado del aumento de la industria edtech y el uso extendido de los Bigtech. Dada la importancia internacional que supone la gestión de los datos y la escasez de trabajos más allá de la educación superior, la investigación pretende identificar los principales actores involucrados en las redes de datos de la educación digital de Cataluña, así como comprender la percepción del profesorado de las escuelas de primaria sobre quién recae la responsabilidad de su custodia y gestión. Para ello, se utilizó un diseño mixto secuencial basado en 491 cuestionarios y 19 entrevistas con docentes de educación primaria de escuelas catalanas. Se ha evidenciado que el binomio público-privado Departament d’Educació, como representante de la administración pública, y Google, como gigante tecnológico, son los principales actores de la educación digital de Cataluña, en orden invertido. Sin embargo, la mayoría de los entrevistados desconoce cómo los agentes identificados gestionan los datos. Es por ello que insistimos en la necesidad de generar prácticas educativas y protocolos que garanticen la soberanía digital de los datos digitales del alumnado y profesorado.
SOSYAL HİZMETTE ÇEVRE KAVRAMINDAKİ DEĞİŞİM
Authors: KOÇAK Selin
Published: December 2023

Çevre kavramı fiziksel, sosyal, kültürel gibi pek çok unsuru bir arada bulundurmaktadır. Farklı disiplinlerin çalışma konusu olan çevre, son yıllardaki küresel ısınma, iklim krizi gibi problemlerle birlikte farklı açılardan da ele alınmaya başlanmıştır. Sosyal hizmette de çevre sosyal hizmet bilgisi ve uygulamasının odağıdır. Ekolojik yaklaşım, sistem yaklaşımı ve çevresi içinde birey bakış açısı sosyal hizmette çevrenin önemli bir yeri olduğunu gösteren kuramlardır. Bu kuramlarda sosyal hizmette çevre kavramı sosyal çevre olarak, insan merkezli bir bakış açısıyla ele alınmıştır, ancak küresel ekolojik krizlerle birlikte bu yaklaşımın değişmeye başladığı görülmektedir. Sosyal hizmette çevrenin hangi yönleriyle nasıl ele alındığı toplumu ve bilimi birçok yönden etkileyen modernizm ve postmodernizm ile bağlantılıdır. Bu nedenle makalede modernizmin ve postmodernizmin temel özelliklerinin sosyal hizmetin çevre kavramına bakışını, uygulamalarını ve araştırmalarını nasıl şekillendirdiğine yer verilmiştir.