bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Arrest Mortality and Disposition Patterns in United States Emergency Departments
Authors: Zabel Kenneth M. , Quazi Mohammed A. , Leyba Katarina , Millhuff Alexandra C. , Madi Mikel , Madrid Wilfredo Henriquez , Goyal Aman , Bilal Muhammad Ibraiz , Sohail Amir H. , Sagheer Shazib , Sheikh Abu Baker
Published: September 2024

Background: Despite resuscitative efforts, cardiac arrest (CA) continues to result in high mortality and poor prognosis. However, a gap remains in understanding the comparative outcomes of efforts in emergency departments (ED) over recent years. This study evaluated patients with CA during ED visits, with a particular focus on outcomes of mortality and transition of care. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using the National Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) database. The study population included patients aged 18 years or older who visited the ED between January 2016 and December 2020. Statistical analysis of patients and hospital characteristics included chi-squared tests for independence and multivariable logistic regression models to report the associations of factors with mortality in the ED and disposition from the ED. The primary outcome measured was mortality in the ED, and the secondary outcome included transition of care. Results: A total of 699,822,424 ED visits occurred between 2016 and 2020, with 1,414,060 (0.20%) CAs. The survival rate from CA ranged from 24.6% to 28.1%. In 2020, the rate of ED CA increased to 0.27%, with an inpatient mortality rate of 58.8%. There was no significant difference in mortality between sexes (p = 0.690). There was a trend for higher mortality in the ED among patients who were self-paid. Notably, the odds of transfer from the ED to other hospitals were significantly lower in minority groups. Conclusions: Our results showed significant disparities in ED mortality and patient disposition following cardiac arrest, highlighting the need for equitable healthcare resources and policies.
Rib Hemangiomas: Intriguing Findings from a Systematic Review of Rare Thoracic Tumors
Authors: Kumar Jayant , Magloire Jonathan , Quintero Luis , Vakil Deep , Bhatt Himani , Kassira Noor , Levene Tamar , Neville Holly
Published: September 2024

Background: Bone hemangiomas are rare benign vascular tumors, comprising less than 1% of all bone tumors. They are predominantly found in the vertebral body or skull; rib hemangiomas are particularly rare and are often misdiagnosed as malignant tumors. Given the high malignancy rate of primary rib tumors, understanding rib hemangiomas is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA standards. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus. Data on patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and clinical presentation were analyzed using STATA/SE 17. Results: From 306 articles, 40 studies including 43 patients met the inclusion criteria. Rib hemangiomas showed a bimodal age distribution, with peaks in patients younger than 30 years (mean age 21.43 ± 5.60 years) and ≥30 years (mean age 59.96 ± 9.70 years). Females were more affected (62.79%) than males (37.21%), with a ratio of 1.69:1. The tumors were most frequently located in mid-thoracic ribs (4–8) and predominantly on the left side of the thorax. The mean tumor size was 7.27 cm, with 76.19% exhibiting osteolytic changes. Clinically, 63.41% of cases were asymptomatic, while symptomatic cases mainly presented with pain. Conclusions: Rib hemangiomas, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of thoracic tumors. They present as well-demarcated lytic lesions with distinct imaging features, and they typically require complete surgical excision, which may be aided with preoperative embolization. Their accurate diagnosis involves a combination of radiologic and clinical evaluation. Further studies are needed to understand the disease’s pathophysiology and to refine diagnostic and treatment protocols.
Electrocardiographic Patterns and Arrhythmias in Cardiac Amyloidosis: From Diagnosis to Therapeutic Management—A Narrative Review
Authors: Teresi Lucio , Trimarchi Giancarlo , Liotta Paolo , Restelli Davide , Licordari Roberto , Carciotto Gabriele , Francesco Costa , Crea Pasquale , Dattilo Giuseppe , Micari Antonio , Emdin Michele , Berruezo Antonio , Di Bella Gianluca
Published: September 2024

Electrophysiological aspects of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) are still poorly explored compared to other aspects of the disease. However, electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities play an important role in CA diagnosis and prognosis and the management of arrhythmias is a crucial part of CA treatment. Low voltages and a pseudonecrosis pattern with poor R-wave progression in precordial leads are especially common findings. These are useful for CA diagnosis and risk stratification, especially when combined with clinical or echocardiographic findings. Both ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias are common in CA, especially in transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR), and their prevalence is related to disease progression. Sustained and non-sustained ventricular tachycardias’ prognostic role is still debated, and, to date, there is a lack of specific indications for implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD). On the other hand, atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common supraventricular arrhythmia with a prevalence of up to 88% of ATTR patients. Anticoagulation should be considered irrespective of CHADsVA score. Furthermore, even if AF seems to not be an independent prognostic factor in CA, its treatment for symptom control is still crucial. Finally, conduction disturbances and bradyarrhythmias are also common, requiring pacemaker implantation in up to 40% of patients.
Gingival Augmentation Using Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin (i-PRF)—A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Żurek Jacek , Niemczyk Wojciech , Dominiak Marzena , Niemczyk Stanisław , Wiench Rafał , Skaba Dariusz
Published: September 2024

Background: In recent years, the utilization of blood concentrates in dentistry has become increasingly prevalent. In 2014, the development of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) was achieved. One of the key benefits of i-PRF is its ability to consistently release a range of growth factors. This review aimed to determine whether i-PRF could be used for gingival augmentation. Methods: The research involved a search of the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases using the following search terms: (“microneedling” or “micro needling” or “injectable platelet-rich fibrin” or “i-PRF”) and (“gingival augmentation” or “augmentation” or “attached gingiva” or “attached mucosa” or “soft tissue augmentation” or “KM” or “keratinized mucosa”). Results: Of the 668 results, 8 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the article. The results of the studies analyzed indicated a significant increase in gingival thickness. Furthermore, some articles demonstrated an increase in keratinized tissue width. The augmentation of the gingival thickness with i-PRF yielded no inferior results in comparison to the free gingival graft, which is the current gold standard, resulting in a superior aesthetic outcome and a reduction in postoperative discomfort. Conclusions: This systematic review allowed the authors to conclude that the use of i-PRF or hyaluronic acid may be the first step towards developing a non-surgical method of gingival augmentation.
Protection of Personal Data in the Context of E-Commerce
Authors: Morić Zlatan , Dakic Vedran , Djekic Daniela , Regvart Damir
Published: September 2024

This paper examines the impact of stringent regulations on personal data protection on customer perception of data security and online shopping behavior. In the context of the rapidly expanding e-commerce landscape, ensuring the security of personal data is a complex and crucial task. The study of several legal frameworks, including Malaysia’s compliance with EU regulations and Indonesia’s Personal Data Protection Law, provides valuable insights into consumer data protection. The challenges of balancing data safeguarding and unrestricted movement and tackling misuse by external entities are significant and require careful consideration. This research elucidates the pivotal role of trust in e-commerce environments and the deployment of innovative e-commerce models designed to minimize personal data sharing. By integrating advanced privacy-enhancing technologies and adhering to stringent regulatory standards such as the GDPR, this study demonstrates effective strategies for robust data protection. The paper contributes to the academic discourse by providing a comprehensive framework that synergizes legal, technological, and procedural elements to fortify data security and enhance consumer trust in digital marketplaces. This approach aligns with international data protection standards and offers a pragmatic blueprint for achieving sustainable data security in e-commerce.
Probabilistic Representation Differences between Decisions from Description and Decisions from Experience
Authors: Nie Dandan , Hu Zhujing , Zhu Debiao , Yang Jianyong
Published: September 2024

For mathematically identical risky decisions, different choices can be made depending on whether information about outcomes and their probabilities is learned by description or by experience, known as the description–experience gap. However, it is unclear whether different ways of obtaining information lead to different representation forms of probability, resulting in a description–experience gap. The current study investigates the representation formats of the alternative options’ probability for decisions from description and decisions from experience. The experiments measured the relative error of probability estimation in percentage and frequency forms for the two types of decisions in low and medium-to-large probability situations. The results demonstrate that for decisions from description in medium-to-large probability scenarios, the estimation error was lower in percentage form than in frequency form, with equally near-perfect estimates in small-probability scenarios. Nevertheless, in decisions from experience, the accuracy of estimation in percentage form was lower than in frequency form in both low and medium-to-large probability situations. This suggests that decision makers in decisions from description tend to represent the probability information in percentage form. However, in decisions from experience, they tend to represent probability in frequency form. The utilization of different formats for probability representation is one of the factors that contribute to the description–experience gap.
Functional Conception of Biomimetic Artificial Reefs Using Parametric Design and Modular Construction
Authors: Maslov Dmytro , Cruz Fabio , Pinheiro Marisa , Miranda Tiago , Valente Isabel Brito , Ferreira Vasco , Pereira Eduardo
Published: September 2024

Artificial reefs featuring different shapes and functions have been deployed around the world, causing impacts on marine ecosystems. However, the approaches typically used to deliver topological complexity, flexibility and expanding requirements to prospective structures during the initial design stages are not well established. The aim of this study was to highlight the advantages and provide evidence on how modularity and parametric design can holistically leverage the performance of multifunctional artificial reefs (MFARs). In particular, the goal was to develop a parametric design for MFAR and establish a direct relationship between specific design parameters and the MFAR target functions or design requirements. The idea of implementing the parametric design for generating the initial biomimetic geometry of the individual modular unit was explored. Furthermore, possible ways of manipulating the geometric parameters of the individual module and the whole assembly were proposed. The findings suggest that, by adopting the developed procedure and the examples studied, several functions may be reached within a single assembly: the promotion of marine biodiversity restoration, the support of scientific platforms with various sensors, as well as the development of recreational diving and of touristic attraction areas. Acquired knowledge suggests that the concept of a nature-like design approach was developed for artificial reefs with varying scales, complexity and functions, which widens the range of possibilities of how smart design of human-made underwater structures may contribute to benefiting the near shore ecosystems.
Viral Etiology of Aseptic Meningitis and Clinical Prediction of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Meningitis
Authors: Song Pamela , Seok Jin Myoung , Kim Seungju , Choi Jaehyeok , Bae Jae Yeong , Yu Shi Nae , Park Jongkyu , Choi Kyomin , Yang Youngsoon , Jeong Dushin , Yang Kwang Ik , Park Hyungkook
Published: September 2024

Background: Aseptic meningitis comprises meningeal inflammation and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis without positive Gram stain and culture. Regional differences exist in the prevalence of viral etiologies of aseptic meningitis. We aimed to assess the etiologies of aseptic meningitis in immunocompetent adults, focusing on herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed immunocompetent adults diagnosed with meningitis at a Korean tertiary care hospital from 2016 to 2018. Aseptic meningitis was defined through clinical and CSF analysis. We compared clinical and laboratory characteristics across viral etiologies and investigated predictors of HSV-2 meningitis. Results: A total of 98 patients (46.9% female) with aseptic meningitis were finally enrolled. The etiologies of aseptic meningitis were identified in 62 patients (63.3%), including enterovirus (28.5%), HSV-2 (16.3%), and varicella zoster virus (VZV, 15.3%). HSV-2 showed female predominance, with shorter admission times with longer hospital stays and a recurrent meningitis history. Compared to other viral etiologies, HSV-2 showed higher CSF white blood cell (WBC) counts and protein levels but lower C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. A random forest model identified previous meningitis history and serum CRP level as key predictors of HSV-2 meningitis. Conclusions: This study provides insights into the etiologies of aseptic meningitis in a specific Korean region, identifying HSV-2 as a notable cause. The prediction model suggested that the clinical history of previous meningitis and serum CRP level may guide clinical assessment of meningitis.
Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Gymnastics: Exploring the Advantages and Limitations of the Friedewald, Martin–Hopkins, and Sampson Equations for Personalized Lipid Management
Authors: Mănescu Ion Bogdan , Demian Liliana , Dobreanu Minodora
Published: September 2024

Background: The most commonly used method for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) estimation is the Friedewald equation, which has notable limitations. However, more accurate methods have been proposed. This study investigates the advantages and limitations of these methods and identifies the contexts in which each equation is the most or least applicable. Methods: A cohort of 222 individuals underwent a standard lipid profile assessment, including directly measuring their LDL-C (dLDL-C). LDL-C was also estimated using the Friedewald, Martin–Hopkins, and Sampson equations. The differences (%Delta) between the estimated and measured LDL-C were analyzed in relation to dLDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride levels. Results: The %Delta was significantly lower (p < 0.0001) for the Martin–Hopkins (−8.8 ± 9.8) and Sampson (−9.5 ± 9.2) equations compared to Friedewald (−12.2 ± 9.2). All equations increasingly underestimated LDL-C as the dLDL-C levels decreased. The %Delta of the Martin–Hopkins equation showed significant positive correlations with dLDL-C (≤130 mg/dL) and triglycerides and a significant negative correlation with HDL-C. In a subgroup of 30 individuals with extreme %Delta values, patterns of gross underestimation were observed, particularly when low LDL-C, low triglycerides, and high HDL-C coincided. Conclusions: The Martin–Hopkins equation is a superior method for LDL-C estimation and a valuable tool in precision medicine. However, clinicians and laboratory professionals must be aware of its limitations and recognize patterns that could lead to significant LDL-C underestimation. We propose an algorithm for clinical laboratories to provide personalized LDL-C assessments.
The Usability and Feasibility of a Dietary Intake Self-Monitoring Application in a Population with Varying Literacy Levels
Authors: Chaudhry Beenish Moalla , Siek Katie A. , Connelly Kay
Published: September 2024

Objectives: Our aim was to study how hemodialysis patients with varying levels of literacy would use a diet and fluid intake monitoring mobile application (DIMA-P) and what would be its impact on their dietary behaviors. Materials and Methods: We developed a mobile application using user-centered methods and informed by the Integrated Theory of Health Behavior Change (ITHBC). Eight hemodialysis patients were recruited to use the application to record and monitor their diet and fluid intakes for a 6-week study. Overall, the participants had low literacy, numeracy, and technical skills. We collected the data on application usage and administered usability and context-of-use questionnaires to gain insights into the participants’ interaction with the application. The participants’ portion estimation skills and dietary self-regulation self-efficacy were assessed using various tests. In addition, interdialytic weight gain data were collected to assess the impact of app usage on the participants’ health outcomes. Results: The application usage patterns varied, with a general trend towards frequent use (n = 5) correlating with engagement in self-monitoring. The participants gave high comprehensibility, user-friendliness, satisfaction, and usefulness ratings, suggesting that the app was well designed and the target users could easily navigate and interact with the features. While the participants improved in estimating portion sizes, the impact on measuring skills was variable. There was also an improvement in the participants’ dietary self-regulation self-efficacy post-study. The interdialytic weight gain trends indicated a slight improvement in fluid and diet management. Conclusion: People with different literacy skills can effectively use icon-based interfaces for portion size estimation and develop personalized usage patterns to self-regulate their fluid and dietary intakes. Moreover, they can experience an enhancement in their dietary self-efficacy skills by using a mobile application aimed at providing nutritional feedback. Furthermore, this research shows that the constructs of the ITHBC are effective in promoting dietary behavior change in a population with varying literacy skills. The target users can benefit from explicitly visualizing the relationship between their health outcomes and the factors influencing those outcomes. These user ambitions could be supported by developing machine learning models. Future research should also focus on enhancing the mechanisms by which technology can further enhance each component of the ITHBC framework.
Preoperative Chest Computed Tomography Screening Reduces the Perioperative Stroke Rate in Patients at Risk of Aortic Calcification
Authors: Ghazy Tamer , Vondran Maximillian , Irqsusi Marc , Moscoso-Ludueña Martin , Lackner Helmut Karl , Mahlmann Adrian , Rastan Ardawan J.
Published: September 2024

Objectives: We evaluated the effect of preoperative chest computed tomography (CT) screening on the perioperative stroke rate in cardiosurgical patients at risk of aortic calcification. Methods: Between May 2019 and April 2020, 129 patients at risk of aortic calcification underwent non-contrast chest CT screening before their procedure. They were assigned to Group 1 and compared with a historical Group 2, who were treated the previous year without a preoperative CT scan. The primary endpoint was to determine postoperative stroke occurrence. The secondary outcomes were the rate reintubation/tracheostomy, the length of hospital stay, and any change in surgical strategy based on the CT findings. Results: Groups 1 and 2 comprised 129 and 261 patients, respectively. Group 1 had a lower left ventricular ejection fraction, less carotid stenosis, a history of carotid endarterectomy, and a longer cross-clamp time. The surgical strategy was changed for 6 patients in Group 1. Group 1 had a significantly lower stroke rate. No significant differences were observed in reintubation and tracheostomy rates, or length of hospital stay. Lack of CT screening, age, aortic valve surgery, aortic surgery, and rethoracotomy were identified as independent risk factors for a stroke. Conclusions: Preoperative non-contrast chest CT screening of patients at risk of aortic calcification reduces postoperative stroke through adaptation of the surgical approach and should be used routinely in these patients.
Examining the Impact of Vulnerability and the Law of Justice on the IFRS Adoption Decision
Authors: Istiak Khandokar , Cummings John Reid , Forrester Robert , Adams Macy
Published: September 2024

We investigate the impact of vulnerability and the law of justice indicators on the decision to adopt International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by 133 countries. Applying robust Logit and Probit models to 2021 cross-sectional data, we find that the absence of corruption, state illegitimacy, a well-functioning civil justice system, and insufficient public services are helpful for IFRS adoption. On the other hand, results show that a country’s uneven economic development and human rights violations are detrimental to IFRS adoption. Our research confirms that requiring higher standards for financial and accounting reporting in the media, allocating sufficient budget amounts to support an equitable civil justice system, and coordinating efforts to reduce or eliminate economic inequality may help IFRS adoption. We argue that highlighting the positive benefits of IFRS adoption and the commensurate constructive policy outcomes may add the emphasis needed to convince governmental leaders to move toward IFRS adoption.
Assessing Uneven Regional Development Using Nighttime Light Satellite Data and Machine Learning Methods: Evidence from County-Level Improved HDI in China
Authors: Zhang Xiping , Xu Jianbin , Zhong Saiying , Wang Ziheng
Published: September 2024

Uneven regional development has long been a focal issue for both academia and policymakers, with numerous studies over the past decades actively engaging in discussions on measuring regional development disparities. Generally, most existing studies measure the Human Development Index (HDI) using relatively simple indicators, with a focus on national and provincial scales. As a crucial component of regional development, counties can directly reflect the regional characteristics of socio-economic progress. This study employs a multi-dimensional approach to develop an improved Human Development Index (improved HDI) system, using machine learning techniques to establish the relationship between nighttime light (NTL) data and the improved HDI. Subsequently, NTL data are utilized to infer the spatial distribution characteristics of the improved HDI across China’s county-level regions. The improved HDI for county-level areas in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region was validated using a machine learning model, resulting in a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.93. The adjusted R-squared value for the linear fit was 0.86, and the residuals were relatively balanced, ensuring the accuracy of the simulations. This study reveals that 1439 county-level units, representing 50% of all county-level units in China, have development levels at or above the medium level. At the provincial and national levels, the improved HDI shows significant clustering, characterized by a multi-center pattern with declining diffusion. The spatial distribution of the improved Human Development Index remains closely associated with the natural geographic background and socio-economic development levels of the county regions. Lower HDI values are predominantly found in the inland areas of central and western China, often in ecologically sensitive areas, inter-provincial border zones, and mountainous regions of mainland China, sometimes forming contiguous distribution patterns. This underscores the need for the government and society to focus more on these specific geographic development areas, promoting continuous improvements in health, education, and living standards to achieve coordinated regional development.
Navigating the Currents: Land Use Challenges Amidst Water and Food Security Debates and Social Media Misperceptions
Authors: Komendantova Nadejda , Hassani Hossein , Yeganegi Mohammad Reza , Al Salaymeh Ahmed , Qoaider Louy
Published: September 2024

This research aims to understand the complexities of energy deployment requiring nexus governance solutions. Nexus governance involves coordinating decision-making across policy areas and sectors, seeking compromise among stakeholders with varying positions. The challenge lies in coordinating diverse sectors and stakeholders amidst potentially conflicting priorities and interests. Moreover, social media significantly influence stakeholders’ perceptions and actions, serving as a platform for idea exchange and mobilization but also contributing to echo chambers and polarization. This study examines the impact of social media on perceptions of the oil shale project in Al Attarat, Jordan, focusing on the intersections of social, economic, and environmental concerns. The findings highlight that social media significantly influences public discourse, often skewing perceptions with misperceptions about land use, water, and food security. Analyzing key social media narratives reveals that food security is a primary concern, with energy and water security also gaining attention, though less prominently. Furthermore, misinformation has exacerbated tensions among stakeholders, leading to polarized views and resistance to proposed governance solutions. This research underscores the need for effective strategies to counter misinformation and promote informed dialogue.
Wetlands Mapping and Monitoring with Long-Term Time Series Satellite Data Based on Google Earth Engine, Random Forest, and Feature Optimization: A Case Study in Gansu Province, China
Authors: Zhang Jian , Liu Xiaoqian , Qin Yao , Fan Yaoyuan , Cheng Shuqian
Published: September 2024

Given global climate change and rapid land cover changes due to human activities, accurately identifying, extracting, and monitoring the long-term evolution of wetland resources is profoundly significant, particularly in areas with fragile ecological conditions. Gansu Province, located in northwest China, contains all wetland types except coastal wetlands. The complexity of its wetland types has resulted in a lack of accurate and comprehensive information on wetland changes. Using Gansu Province as a case study, we employed the GEE platform and Landsat time-series satellite data, combining high-quality sample datasets with feature-optimized multi-source feature sets. The random forest algorithm was utilized to create wetland classification maps for Gansu Province across eight periods from 1987 to 2020 at a 30 m resolution and to quantify changes in wetland area and type. The results showed that the wetland mapping method achieved robust classification results, with an average overall accuracy (OA) of 96.0% and a kappa coefficient of 0.954 across all years. The marsh type exhibited the highest average user accuracy (UA) and producer accuracy (PA), at 96.4% and 95.2%, respectively. Multi-source feature aggregation and feature optimization effectively improve classification accuracy. Topographic and seasonal features were identified as the most important for wetland extraction, while textural features were the least important. By 2020, the total wetland area in Gansu Province was 10,575.49 km2, a decrease of 4536.86 km2 compared to 1987. The area of marshes decreased the most, primarily converting into grasslands and forests. River, lake, and constructed wetland types generally exhibited an increasing trend with fluctuations. This study provides technical support for wetland ecological protection in Gansu Province and offers a reference for wetland mapping, monitoring, and sustainable development in arid and semi-arid regions.
Corneal Epithelial Wavefront Error as a Novel Diagnostic Marker for Epithelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy
Authors: Grauvogl Vitus , Mayer Wolfgang , Siedlecki Jakob , Mohr Niklas , Dirisamer Martin , Priglinger Siegfried , Kassumeh Stefan , Luft Nikolaus
Published: September 2024

Synopsis: Corneal epithelial wavefront error and epithelial thickness variance qualify as highly sensitive and specific biomarkers for epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (EBMD). The biomarkers show a normalization after treatment of EBMD with phototherapeutic keratectomy. Purpose: To gauge the diagnostic value of epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (EBMD), a novel spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT)-based imaging modality for simultaneous morphological (thickness profile) and refractive (optical wavefront) assessment of the corneal epithelial layer in one of the most common but often underdiagnosed corneal dystrophies. Methods: In this prospective observational study, a total of 32 eyes of 32 patients diagnosed with EBMD and 32 eyes of 32 healthy control subjects were examined with high-resolution anterior segment SD-OCT (MS-39; CSO, Florence, Italy). Various epithelial thickness and epithelial wavefront-derived terms were compared between groups and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were computed to analyze the diagnostic capacity of the respective parameters. A total of 17 of 32 EBMD patients underwent treatment with phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) and were followed up for 3 months. Results: Epithelial thickness variance (60.4 ± 56.7 µm versus 7.6 ± 6.1 µm) and interquartile range (11.0 ± 6.9 versus 3.3 ± 1.9 µm) were markedly elevated in EBMD patients as compared with healthy controls (both with p < 0.001). Epithelial wavefront analysis showed a highly statistically significant excess in all examined aberration terms in EBMD patients (all with p < 0.001). Significantly greater areas under the curve (AUCs) were yielded by the epithelial wavefront-derived parameters (e.g., total epithelial wavefront error: AUC = 0.966; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.932–1) than by the epithelial thickness-derived parameters (e.g., variance: AUC = 0.919; 95% CI 0.848–0.990). Conclusions: Corneal epithelial wavefront aberrometry proved valuable as an objective biomarker for EBMD, with high sensitivity and specificity. PTK resulted in a reduction of morphological and refractive epithelial irregularities in EBMD.
Potential Protective Effect of Hesperidin (Vitamin P) against Glyphosate-Induced Spermatogenesis Damage in Male Rats: Biochemical and Histopathological Findings on Reproductive Parameters
Authors: Güngör Şükrü , Kırıkkulak Murat , Denk Barış , Gülhan Mehmet Fuat , Güleş Özay , Budak Duygu , İnanç Muhammed Enes , Avdatek Fatih , Yeni Deniz , Taşdemir Umut
Published: September 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of hesperidin (HES) on testicular histopathological changes, biochemical changes, and semen characteristics in rats exposed to glyphosate (GLP). The control group was given a normal diet devoid of GLP and HES, the HES group was given 100 mg/kg/day HES with the normal diet, the GLP group was given GLP at the LD50/10 dose of normal feed, which was 787.85 mg/kg/day, and the GLP + HES group was given normal feed containing 787.85 mg/kg/day LD50/10 dose of GLP in addition to 100 mg/kg/day HES. GLP administration reduced sperm motility, sperm plasma membrane integrity, glutathione levels, and total antioxidant levels in the testicular tissues of rats. Moreover, it caused an increase in right testis and left epididymis weights, abnormal sperm counts, malondialdehyde levels, total oxidant status, and DNA damage. The HES treatment showed curative effects on these parameters. Furthermore, HES was effective in lessening the histopathological damage that was caused by GLP. The results showedthat HES protects spermatological parameters and DNA integrity, improves antioxidant defenses, and lowers the damage and lipid peroxidation caused by GLP in testicular tissue.
Effect of the Phenological Stage on the Phenolic Composition, and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten. Extracts
Authors: Griskeviciene Urte , Dambrauskiene Justina , Marksa Mindaugas , Mazeliene Zaneta , Vainoriene Rimanta , Ivanauskas Liudas
Published: September 2024

Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten. is a plant from the Asteraceae family that is commonly used in traditional medicine. The purpose of this work was to investigate the antioxidant and antimicrobial characteristics of phenolic compounds found in ethanol and dry extracts of C. vulgare leaves, inflorescence, and roots during various phenological stages. Apigenin-7-O-glucoside and chlorogenic acid were identified in practically all C. vulgare extracts. Extracts from leaves collected at the end of the phenological dormancy period and in the first growing year had the highest antioxidant (cupric ion-reducing antioxidant capacity of 12,938 Trolox equivalents/g dry weight) and antimicrobial activity (against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, and Candida albicans) with MIC values of ethanol extract from 16.7 mg/mL to 8.35 mg/mL. These extracts included a high concentration of chlorogenic acid and apigenin-7-O-glucoside. Also, dry extracts from C. vulgare roots and inflorescences showed a higher antimicrobial effect compared to ethanolic extracts with MIC values from 5.57 mg/mL to 3 mg/mL. The study emphasizes the critical role of phenological stages and raw material composition in the accumulation of phenolic compounds and their biological activity in C. vulgare. The findings suggest that extracts from C. vulgare leaves, especially those collected at the end of the phonological dormancy period, are promising candidates for further research into bioactive compounds with potential medicinal applications. The strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties of these extracts highlight their potential for development into natural pharmaceutical products.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Performances of Magnesium-Substituted Dicalcium Phosphate Anhydrous
Authors: Lee Jiyu , Bae Jong-Seong , Kim Yong-Il , Yoo Kyung-Hyeon , Yoon Seog-Young
Published: September 2024

Dicalcium phosphate anhydrous (DCPA, CaHPO4) is regarded as an orthopedic material due to its ability to match the generation of new bone to the rate of implant resorption without considering the material’s mechanical stability. Additionally, magnesium (Mg) is widely recognized for its essential function in bone metabolism, especially during the initial phases of osteogenesis. Therefore, we explored the influences of Mg ions on DCPA powder, in biological responses, and on the enhancement of osteogenic properties. Mg-DCPA powders with varying substitution levels (0, 3, 5, and 7 mol%) were produced using the co-precipitation method. In the in vitro test, precipitates began to develop on the surface of the Mg-DCPA powders after 7 days. These results indicate that Mg ions in the DCPA powder could enhance the generation of a new apatite phase when subjected to physiological fluids on the surface of the powder. In addition, the osteogenic performance of the DCPA powder was improved by adding Mg ions. The most effective magnesium substitution content in the DCPA powder in order to improve its osteogenic potential was approximately 3 mol%. Consequently, this amount of magnesium in the DCPA powder could control the maintaining time in the implantation operation to produce a new apatite phase.
Research on Vault Settlement during Three-Step Tunnel Construction Process Based on Sandstone Rheological Experiment
Authors: Peng Chang , Qu Yong , Fu Helin , Xie Chengda , Cao Guiqian
Published: September 2024

Tunnel stability is influenced by the rheological properties of the surrounding rock. This study, based on the Ganshen high-speed railway tunnel project, examines the rheological characteristics of siltstone and sandstone through laboratory tests and theoretical analysis. Rheological curves and parameters are derived, revealing the time-dependent deformation mechanisms of the surrounding rocks. A numerical simulation model is created using these parameters to analyze deformation and stress characteristics based on different rock levels and inverted arch closure distances. Results indicate that sandstone follows the Cvisc model, with the Maxwell elastic modulus increasing under higher loads while the viscous coefficient decreases. The vault displacement is mainly affected by the surrounding rock strength; lower strength leads to greater displacement, which also increases with the closure distance of the inverted arch. These findings are crucial for determining the optimal closure distance of inverted arches in sandstone conditions.
Synthesis and Characterization of Porous Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Silica Microcapsules for Applications in Agriculture
Authors: Elbaz Yeela , Iline-Vul Taly , Dombrovsky Aviv , Caspi Ayelet , Margel Shlomo
Published: September 2024

Silica (SiO2) particles are widely used in various industries due to their chemical inertness, thermal stability, and wear resistance. The present study describes the preparation and potential use of porous hydrophobic and hydrophilic SiO2 microcapsules (MCs) of a narrow size distribution. First, various layers of SiO2 micro/nano-particles (M/NPs) were grafted onto monodispersed polystyrene (PS) microspheres of a narrow size distribution. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic sintered SiO2 MCs were then prepared by removing the core PS from the PS/SiO2 core–shell microspheres by burning off under normal atmospheric conditions or organic solvent dissolution, respectively. We examined how the size and quantity of the SiO2 M/NPs influence the MC’s properties. Additionally, we utilized two forms of hollow SiO2 MC for different applications; one form was incorporated into polymer films, and the other was free-floating. The hydrophobic microcapsules filled with 6% hydrogen peroxide were effective in killing the tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV). The hydrophilic microcapsules filled with thymol and thin coated onto polypropylene films were successfully used to prevent mold formation for hay protection.
Geometric Parameter Optimization for Axial Modification in Helical Gear Form Grinding
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhang Yu , Zhang Longjie , Li Qingyu , Wang Xiaoyi
Published: September 2024

During the axial modification in helical gear form grinding, the contact line between the grinding wheel and the gear constantly changes, and the additional radial motion can cause a “tooth surface twist” phenomenon. An optimization method for tooth surface twist error was proposed to address this. Based on the gear meshing principles, a mathematical model for axial modification in form grinding was established to solve for the instantaneous contact lines at various positions on the actual modified tooth surface. By analyzing the influence of the grinding wheel installation angle on the axial modification contact line, an optimization model was constructed to reduce the twist of the transverse profile, reduce the twist of the flank profile, reduce the helix deviation, and improve the form grinding efficiency. The practical implications of this research are significant, as the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm was employed to optimize the form grinding parameters, leading to a method that effectively reduced tooth surface twist error and improved the form grinding accuracy of the modified tooth surface.
A New Method for Displacement Modelling of Serial Robots Using Finite Screw
Authors: Xue Feiyang , Fang Zhengjun , Song Jiahao , Liu Qi , Yang Shuofei
Published: September 2024

Kinematics is a hot topic in robotic research, serving as a foundational step in the synthesis and analysis of robots. Forward kinematics and inverse kinematics are the prerequisite and foundation for motion control, trajectory planning, dynamic simulation, and precision guarantee of robotic manipulators. Both of them depend on the displacement models. Compared with the previous work, finite screw is proven to be the simplest and nonredundant mathematical tool for displacement description. Thus, it is used for displacement modelling of serial robots in this paper. Firstly, a finite-screw-based method for formulating displacement model is proposed, which is applicable for any serial robot. Secondly, the procedures for forward and inverse kinematics by solving the formulated displacement equation are discussed. Then, two typical serial robots with three translations and two rotations are taken as examples to illustrate the proposed method. Finally, through Matlab simulation, the obtained analytical expressions of kinematics are verified. The main contribution of the proposed method is that finite-screw-based displacement model is highly related with instantaneous-screw-based kinematic and dynamic models, providing an integrated modelling and analysis methodology for robotic mechanisms.
Design and Implementation of Digital PID Control for Mass-Damper Rectilinear Systems
Authors: Al-Baidhani Humam , Kazimierczuk Marian K.
Published: September 2024

The mechanical systems were modeled using various combinations of mass-damper-spring elements to analyze the system dynamics and improve the system stability. Due to the marginal stability property of the mass-damper rectilinear system, a proper control law is required to control the mass position accurately, improve the relative stability, and enhance the dynamical response. In this paper, a mathematical model of the electromechanical system was first derived and analyzed. Next, a digital PID controller was developed based on the root locus technique, and a systematic design procedure is presented in detail. The proposed digital control system was simulated in MATLAB and compared with other control schemes to check their tracking performance and transient response characteristics. In addition, the digital PID control algorithm of the mass-damper rectilinear system was implemented via dSPACE platform to investigate the real-time control system performance and validate the control design methodology. It has been shown that the digital PID controller yields zero percentage overshoot, fast transient response, adequate stability margins, and zero steady-state error.
Multi-Output Bayesian Support Vector Regression Considering Dependent Outputs
Authors: Wang Yanlin , Cheng Zhijun , Wang Zichen
Published: September 2024

Multi-output regression aims to utilize the correlation between outputs to achieve information transfer between dependent outputs, thus improving the accuracy of predictive models. Although the Bayesian support vector machine (BSVR) can provide both the mean and the predicted variance distribution of the data to be labeled, which has a large potential application value, its standard form is unable to handle multiple outputs at the same time. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a multi-output Bayesian support vector machine model (MBSVR), which uses a covariance matrix to describe the relationship between outputs and outputs and outputs and inputs simultaneously by introducing a semiparametric latent factor model (SLFM) in BSVR, realizing knowledge transfer between outputs and improving the accuracy of the model. MBSVR integrates and optimizes the parameters in BSVR and those in SLFM through Bayesian derivation to effectively deal with the multi-output problem on the basis of inheriting the advantages of BSVR. The effectiveness of the method is verified using two function cases and four high-dimensional real-world data with multi-output.
Simulation of Shock Waves in Methane: A Self-Consistent Continuum Approach Enhanced Using Machine Learning
Authors: Maksudova Zarina , Shakurova Liia , Kustova Elena
Published: September 2024

This study presents a self-consistent one-temperature approach for modeling shock waves in single-component methane. The rigorous mathematical model takes into account the complex structure of CH4 molecules with multiple vibrational modes and incorporates exact kinetic theory-based transport coefficients, including bulk viscosity. The effects of the bulk viscosity on gas-dynamic variables and transport terms are investigated in detail under varying degree of gas rarefaction. It is demonstrated that neglecting bulk viscosity significantly alters the shock front width and peak values of normal stress and heat flux, with the effect being more evident in denser gases. The study also evaluates limitations in the use of a constant specific heat ratio, revealing that this approach fails to accurately predict post-shock parameters in polyatomic gases, even at moderate Mach numbers. To enhance computational efficiency, a simplified approach based on a reduced vibrational spectrum is assessed. The results indicate that considering only the ground state leads to substantial errors in the fluid-dynamic variables across the shock front. Another approach explored involves the application of machine learning techniques to calculate vibrational energy and specific heat. Among the methods tested, the Feedforward Neural Network (FNN) proves to be the most effective, offering significant acceleration in calculations and providing one of the lowest errors. When integrated into the fluid-dynamic solver, the FNN approach yields nearly a three-fold increase in speed in numerical simulations of the shock wave structure.
Reputation-Driven Asynchronous Federated Learning for Optimizing Communication Efficiency in Big Data Labeling Systems
Authors: Sheng Xuanzhu , Yu Chao , Zhou Yang , Cui Xiaolong
Published: September 2024

With the continuous improvement of the performance of artificial intelligence and neural networks, a new type of computing architecture-edge computing, came into being. However, when the scale of hybrid intelligent edge systems expands, there are redundant communications between the node and the parameter server; the cost of these redundant communications cannot be ignored. This paper proposes a reputation-based asynchronous model update scheme and formulates the federated learning scheme as an optimization problem. First, the explainable reputation consensus mechanism for hybrid intelligent labeling systems communication is proposed. Then, during the process of local intelligent data annotation, significant challenges in consistency, personalization, and privacy protection posed by the federated recommendation system prompted the development of a novel federated recommendation framework utilizing a graph neural network. Additionally, the method of information interaction model fusion was adopted to address data heterogeneity and enhance the uniformity of distributed intelligent annotation. Furthermore, to mitigate communication delays and overhead, an asynchronous federated learning mechanism was devised based on the proposed reputation consensus mechanism. This mechanism leverages deep reinforcement learning to optimize the selection of participating nodes, aiming to maximize system utility and streamline data sharing efficiency. Lastly, integrating the learned models into blockchain technology and conducting validation ensures the reliability and security of shared data. Numerical findings underscore that the proposed federated learning scheme achieves higher learning accuracy and enhances communication efficiency.