bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biocompatible Soft Material Actuator for Compliant Medical Robots
Authors: Marzi Christian , Fischer Nikola , Mathis-Ullrich Franziska 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Robots from material-based actuators offer high potential for small-scale robots with abilities hardly achievable by classical methods like electric motors. Besides excellent scaling to minimally invasive systems, allowing for omission of metallic components, such robots can be applied in imaging modalities such as MRI or CT. To allow for higher accessibility in this field of research, a facile method for fabrication of such soft actuators was developed. It comprises only two materials: graphene oxide and silicone elastomer. The facile fabrication method does not require specialized equipment. The resulting actuator is biocompatible and controllable by light mediated heat. The bending motion can be controlled by the intensity of applied infrared light and the actuator was experimentally shown to move five times its own weight. Thus, providing capabilities for a medical soft robotic actuator.
μRIGS – Ultra-light Micropositioning Robotics for Universal MRI Guided Interventions
Authors: Fomin Ivan , Odenbach Robert , Pannicke Enrico , Hensen Bennet , Wacker Frank , Rose Georg 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Performing minimal invasive interventions under real-time image guidance proves problematic in a closed-bore magnetic resonance imaging scanner. To enable better usability in MRI guided interventions, robotic systems could be used for additional assistance. However, the integration of such devices into the clinical workflow relates to many technical challenges in order to increase precision of the procedure while ensuring the overall safety. In this work, an MR compatible, compact, ultra-light and remotely controllable micropositioning system called μRIGS is presented. The instrument positioning unit can be operated in a 5-DoF range within a working volume of 2100 cm3with an instrument feed of 120 mm. The kinematics are actuated with a combination of non-metallic Bowden cables and electric stepper motors from a safe distance inside the scanner room, while their control is initiated from the control room via a custom-fitted GUI. Thereby, the precision of the positioning reproducibility of the respective DoF can be achieved with a mean deviation of 0.12 °. Furthermore, a feed force of 14 N can be provided to puncture various soft tissue.
Acting in a Robotic Environment Requires New Skills for Physicians
Authors: Berlet Maximilian , Fuchtmann Jonas , Krumpholz Roman , Ostler Daniel , Feussner Hubertus , Wilhelm Dirk 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In context of the Corona pandemic, telemedicine acquired a new significance. Whereas previously the aim was to override given barriers, now, in the case of a pandemic, the main idea is to create an intentional distance between patients and healthcare professionals in order to avoid cross-infection. To meet the needs of a fully diagnostic examination, a robotic based system was designed. However, collaborative robotic systems bear new risks, that have to be dealt with. To prepare future physicians for telediagnostics, we developed a training curriculum for the telemedical examinations. It is based upon multiple stages including a skill trainer, healthy volunteers, supervised examinations of real patients and an exam. In a first proof of concept, we demonstrated the existence of a learning curve and significant better performance after the passed curriculum compared to an untrained collective.
Deep learning for calcium segmentation in intravascular ultrasound images
Authors: Bargsten Lennart , Riedl Katharina A. , Wissel Tobias , Brunner Fabian J. , Schaefers Klaus , Grass Michael , Blankenberg Stefan , Seiffert Moritz , Schlaefer Alexander 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Knowing the shape of vascular calcifications is crucial for appropriate planning and conductance of percutaneous coronary interventions. The clinical workflow can therefore benefit from automatic segmentation of calcified plaques in intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images. To solve segmentation problems with convolutional neural networks (CNNs), large datasets are usually required. However, datasets are often rather small in the medical domain. Hence, developing and investigating methods for increasing CNN performance on small datasets can help on the way towards clinically relevant results. We compared two state-of-the-art CNN architectures for segmentation, U-Net and DeepLabV3, and investigated how incorporating auxiliary image data with vessel wall and lumen annotations improves the calcium segmentation performance by using these either for pretraining or multi-task training. DeepLabV3 outperforms U-Net with up to 6.3 % by means of the Dice coefficient and 36.5 % by means of the average Hausdorff distance. Using auxiliary data improves the segmentation performance in both cases, whereas the multi-task approach outperforms the pre-training approach. The improvements of the multi-task approach in contrast to not using auxiliary data at all is 5.7 % for the Dice coefficient and 42.9 % for the average Hausdorff distance. Automatic segmentation of calcified plaques in IVUS images is a demanding task due to their relatively small size compared to the image dimensions and due to visual ambiguities with other image structures. We showed that this problem can generally be tackled by CNNs. Furthermore, we were able to improve the performance by a multi-task learning approach with auxiliary segmentation data.
Update VertiGo – light affection of mobile VNG
Authors: Reinhardt Sophia , Schmidt Joshua , Leuschel Michael , Schüle Christiane , Schipper Jörg 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Dizziness is one of the most frequent symptoms in outpatient practices. For the differentiation of peripheral or central pathogenesis of vertigo, history taking and clinical examination with the detection of nystagmus is elementary. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lighting for the detection of horizontal vestibular nystagmus while utilizing a conventional webcam. In the proof-of-concept study, caloric induced vestibular nystagmus was recorded with a conventional video-nystagmography and mobile webcam in addition to an external light source. The analysis of recorded data was performed with a self-developed software using computer vision techniques. The self-designed algorithm detected the existence of nystagmus and its direction in several cases. The experimental webcam-based vestibular nystagmography could be enhanced by improving lighting conditions. Currently, a clinical application for this technique is not approved. Further software improvements are necessary to increase its accuracy.
Towards realistic organ models for 3D printing and visualization
Authors: Kraft Valentin , Schumann Christian , Salzmann Daniela , Nopper Hans , Lück Thomas , Weyhe Dirk , Schenk Andrea 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Three-dimensional visualizations and 3D-printed organs are used increasingly for teaching, surgery planning, patient education, and interventions. Hence, pipelines for the creation of the necessary geometric data from CT or MR images on a per-patient basis are needed. Furthermore, modern 3D printing techniques enable new possibilities for the models with regard to color, softness, and textures. However, to utilize these new features, the respective information has to be derived from the medical images in addition to the geometry of the relevant organ structures. In this work, we propose an automatable pipeline for the creation of realistic, patientspecific 3D-models for visualization and 3D printing in the context of liver surgery and discuss remaining challenges.
Постижение культуры России: от менталитета – к глобалитету
Authors: Кондаков Игорь Вадимович 
Published: August 2021

Аннотация
Статья посвящена осмыслению культурно-исторических процессов в России – от истоков до современности. В условиях современной «многоликой» глобализации становятся определяющими не столько унификация цивилизаций и культур в глобальном контексте, сколько различия в их менталитетах и глобалистских устремлениях (глобалитетах). Потенциальная причастность к мировой культуре у разных цивилизаций различна и разномасштабна. Россия принадлежит к числу сильных и амбициозных цивилизаций, давно и успешно примеряющих к себе «всемирность» и «всечеловечность». Менталитет каждой локальной культуры, определяющий ее идентичность, константен и относительно стабилен. Историческая динамика глобалитета переменна и циклична. Россия за свою многовековую историю четырежды переживала подъем и спад своего глобалитета. Первый подъем связан с истоками цивилизации, вышедшей за границы локальности; второй – с обретением ею независимости и культурной уникальности; третий – с формированием «всемирной отзывчивости», т.е. включенности в мировую культуру; четвертый – с превращением в эксклюзивный феномен мирового порядка (сверхдержаву). В силу циклической изменчивости всемирно-исторических обстоятельств каждый подъем глобалитета завершался спадом и нередко расколом, но не утратой глобалитета. В то же время каждый новый подъем и спад глобалитета имеют неповторимую историческую специфику и определенный вектор трансформации. Ценностно-смысловая специфика и цивилизационная направленность глобалитета России, во многом зависящая от ее менталитета, делают его одновременно союзником и соперником иных культурных глобалитетов – в геополитике и экономике, влиянии на исторические события и развитие культуры во всемирно-историческом масштабе.
Novel image enhancement approaches for despeckling in ultrasound images for fibroid detection in human uterus
Authors: Dilna Kaitheri Thacharedath , Jude Hemanth Duraisamy 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Ultrasonography is an extensively used medical imaging technique for multiple reasons. It works on the basic theory of echoes from the tissues under consideration. However, the occurrence of signal dependent noise such as speckle destroys utility of ultrasound images. Speckle noise is subject to the composition of image tissue and parameters of image. It reduces the effectiveness of many image processing steps and decreases human perception of fine details form ultrasound images. In many medical image processing methods, despeckling is used as the preprocessing step before segmentation and feature extraction. Many speckle reduction filters are proposed but while combining many techniques some speckle diagnostic information should be preserved. Removal of speckle noise from ultrasound image by preserving edges and added features is a great challenging task in ultrasound image restoration. This paper aims at a comprehensive description and comparison of reduction of speckle noise of ultrasound fibroid image. Many filters are applied on ultrasound scanned images and the performance is marked in terms of some statistical measures. Even though several despeckling filters are there for speckle reduction, all are not good for ultrasound scanned images. A comparison of quality measures such as mean square error, peak signal-to-noise ratio, and signal-to-noise ratio is done in ultrasound images in despeckling.
Efficacy and safety of Barg-e-Sahajna (Moringa oleifera Lam.) in primary hypothyroidism
Authors: Alam Md Anzar , Quamri Mohd Aleemuddin , Haider Nafis 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Hypothyroidism is the most common disorder arising from hormone deficiency. It frequently affects women than men. The prevalence of overall hypothyroidism has been reported to be 4.8–11%. Levothyroxine is the treatment of choice for all types of hypothyroidism. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Barg-e-Sahajna (Leaves of Moringa oleifera Lam.) among diagnosed patients of primary hypothyroidism.

Methods
This study was an open observational study. A total of 22 patients were screened, out of which 10 were excluded (did not meet inclusion criteria) and 2 refused to consent to be part of the study, rest 10 participants were enrolled after obtaining written informed consent finally 8 subjects completed the study and 2 are dropout in last follow up. The drug was given in the form of decoction at the dose of 5 g fresh leaves twice a day after meal for 45 days.

Results
The study effects on objective parameter thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) were found extremely significant when compared before (16.62 ± 11.49, 132 ± 19.32, 9.28 ± 1.46) and after (4.75 ± 3.12, 150.37 ± 20.68, 11.84 ± 3.81) treatment with a significant decrease in serum TSH level (p<0.0246) and an increase in serum T3 (p<0.0005) and T4 (p<0.0438) levels. The results were analyzed using paired “t” test.

Conclusions
The improvements in thyroid profiles (TSH, T3 and T4) after consuming ‘Barg-e-Sahajna’ show that the test drug is effective in primary hypothyroidism and the relief was considerable. No significant effect on safety parameters (serum-glutamic-oxaloacetic-transaminase [SGOT], serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase [SGPT], blood urea, and serum creatinine) was observed. Therefore, it may be concluded that the Barg-e-Sahajna is preliminarily safe and effective in the management of primary hypothyroidism.
The exact number of orthogonal exponentials on the spatial Sierpinski gasket
Authors: Wang Qi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Let

μ

M
,
D

{\mu_{M,D}}

be a self-affine measure associated with
an expanding real matrix

M
=

diag
⁡

[

ρ
1

,

ρ
2

,

ρ
3

]

{M=\operatorname{diag}[\rho_{1},\rho_{2},\rho_{3}]}

and the digit set

D
=

{
0
,

e
1

,

e
2

,

e
3

}

{D=\{0,e_{1},e_{2},e_{3}\}}

in the space

ℝ
3

{\mathbb{R}^{3}}

, where

|

ρ
1

|

,

|

ρ
2

|

,

|

ρ
3

|

∈

(
1
,
∞
)

{\lvert\rho_{1}\rvert,\lvert\rho_{2}\rvert,\lvert\rho_{3}\rvert\in(1,\infty)}

and

e
1

,

e
2

,

e
3

{e_{1},e_{2},e_{3}}

is the standard basis of unit column vectors in

ℝ
3

{\mathbb{R}^{3}}

.
In this paper, we mainly consider the case

ρ
1

∈

{

p
q

:

p
∈

2
⁢
ℤ

,

q
∈

2
⁢
ℤ

-
1

}

,

ρ
2

,

ρ
3

∈

{

p
q

:

p
,
q

∈

2
⁢
ℤ

-
1

}

.

\rho_{1}\in\Bigl{\{}\frac{p}{q}:p\in 2\mathbb{Z},\,q\in 2\mathbb{Z}-1\Bigr{\}}%
,\quad\rho_{2},\rho_{3}\in\Bigl{\{}\frac{p}{q}:p,q\in 2\mathbb{Z}-1\Bigr{\}}.

We prove that if

ρ
2

=

ρ
3

{\rho_{2}=\rho_{3}}

, then there exist at most 4 mutually orthogonal exponential
functions in the Hilbert space

L
2

⁢

(

μ

M
,
D

)

{L^{2}(\mu_{M,D})}

, where the number 4 is the best upper bound.
If

ρ
2

=

-

ρ
3

{\rho_{2}=-\rho_{3}}

, then there exist at most 8 mutually orthogonal exponential
functions in

L
2

⁢

(

μ

M
,
D

)

{L^{2}(\mu_{M,D})}

, where the number 8 is the best upper bound.
If

|

ρ
3

|

≠

|

ρ
2

|

{\lvert\rho_{3}\rvert\neq\lvert\rho_{2}\rvert}

, then there are any number of orthogonal exponentials in

L
2

⁢

(

μ

M
,
D

)

{L^{2}(\mu_{M,D})}

.
This gives the exact number of orthogonal exponentials on the spatial Sierpinski gasket in the above case.
Indecomposable involutive solutions of the Yang–Baxter equation of multipermutational level 2 with abelian permutation group
Authors: Jedlička Přemysl , Pilitowska Agata , Zamojska-Dzienio Anna 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
We present a construction of all finite indecomposable involutive solutions of the Yang–Baxter equation of multipermutational level at most 2 with abelian permutation group. As a consequence, we obtain a formula for the number of such solutions with a fixed number of elements. We also describe some properties of the automorphism groups in this case; in particular, we show they are regular abelian groups.
Correlation between electric energy use and CO2 emissions in a university campus in Brazil
Authors: Lameirão Antonio Manoel Matta dos Santos , Meiriño Marcelo Jasmim , Fortes Marcio Zamboti 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this article is to examine the correlations between greenhouse gas (GHG) by CO2eq emissions and the use of electricity on the Praia Vermelha campus of the Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) located in Brazil. The study favors understanding and management for the sustainability of the campus operations. The research used electricity consumption data from 2017 to 2019 and quantitative and qualitative data collected in 2020, through online research applied at Praia Vermelha campus. An exploratory and descriptive study, providing familiarity with the problem and deepening knowledge about the phenomenon, seeking a correlation between variables and proposing reflections. We observed a reduction in electricity consumption on the campus in the period surveyed from 2017 to 2019, however, there wasn’t proportional and significant reduction CO2eq emissions in the period between 2018 until 2019. During this period occurred fluctuations in the dispatches of the different power generating plants, considering renewables and fossils sources. We also found that most of survey respondents agree with to implementation of incentive programs and the dissemination of information about GHG emissions on campus to promote the engagement of the academic environment in the efficient use of electricity. We found few peer-reviewed studies dealing with GHG emissions generated in South American universities. Through a bibliographic review, we investigated the commitment of the universities to sustainability and the management of efficient use of electric energy, as well as the methodology for calculating indirect GHG emissions, in CO2eq, related to purchase energy from the System National Interconnected System (SIN) of Brazil.
The retrogradation characteristics of starch in green wheat product Nianzhuan: effects of storage temperature and time
Authors: Zhang Kangyi , He Mengying , Nie Bin , Kang Zhimin , Zhao Di 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The objective of this study was to reveal the process of starch retrogradation and quality changes of Nianzhuan stored at 4, −18 °C, and freeze-thaw cycles treatment for different lengths of time. XRD revealed that Nianzhuan starch displayed an increasing trend of crystallinity with prolonged storage time and numbers of freezing-thawing cycles, which was likely due to a more orderly crystalline matrix in starch. The Raman full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the bands at 2913 cm−1 of the three storage methods all decreased. According to DSC analysis, an increase in ∆H was detected, and a significant (P < 0.05) increase in T

o
and T

p
were found at −18 °C, and freeze-thaw treated samples, indicating more thermal energy were needed to disrupt re-crystallization. Good correlations between crystallinity, FWHM, ∆H, and hardness, springiness, chewiness were tested. The results of this study would provide useful information for the process of starch-based product Nianzhuan.
Delay-dependent robust stability analysis of uncertain fractional-order neutral systems with distributed delays and nonlinear perturbations subject to input saturation
Authors: Aghayan Zahra Sadat , Alfi Alireza , Machado J. A. Tenreiro 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In this article, we address the delay-dependent robust stability of uncertain fractional order neutral-type (FONT) systems with distributed delays, nonlinear perturbations, and input saturation. With the aid of the Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, criteria on asymptotic robust stability of FONT, expressed in terms of linear matrix inequalities, are constructed to compute the state-feedback controller gains. The controller gains are determined subject to maximizing the domain of attraction via the cone complementarity linearization algorithm. The theoretical results are validated using numerical simulations.
Second language listening instruction and learners’ vocabulary knowledge
Authors: Yeldham Michael 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This mixed-methods study examined how second language (L2) learners’ vocabulary knowledge interacted with the two main process-based listening instruction methods of (1) strategy training and (2) interactive training that combined strategy training with that of bottom-up skills, to influence the learners’ development as listeners. The participants were lower-proficiency listeners, and the quantitative component of the study reanalyzed data from a previous study by the author that had compared the effectiveness of the two instruction methods for these learners, and also factored in the learners’ level of vocabulary knowledge (higher vs lower). Among a range of dependent variables considered important for listener development, the study found an interaction effect between instruction method and vocabulary knowledge for the learners’ confidence, or self-efficacy, as listeners. In particular, among the higher vocabulary knowledge learners in the study, those in the strategy course demonstrated much greater improvement in their self-efficacy than those in the interactive course. Insights from elsewhere in the study, particularly analysis of qualitative data gathered for this study, helped to explain why. As self-efficacy is often considered an important requirement for effective listening, and also a precursor for future listener development, the result of the study has relevance for listening instruction.
Patterns of drug therapy, glycemic control, and predictors of escalation – non-escalation of treatment among diabetes outpatients at a tertiary care center
Authors: Atal Shubham , Joshi Rajnish , Misra Saurav , Fatima Zeenat , Sharma Swati , Balakrishnan Sadashivam , Singh Pooja 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objectives
The study was conducted to assess patterns of prescribed drug therapy and clinical predictors of need for therapy escalation in outpatients with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods
This was a prospective cohort study, conducted at an apex tertiary care teaching hospital in central India for a period of 18 months. The demographic, clinical, and treatment details on the baseline and follow up visits were collected from the patients’ prescription charts. Glycemic control, adherence, pill burdens along with pattern of antidiabetic therapy escalation, and deescalations were analyzed.

Results
A total of 1,711 prescriptions of 925 patients of diabetes with a mean age of 53.81 ± 10.42 years and duration of disease of 9.15 ± 6.3 years were analyzed. Approximately half of the patients (n=450) came for ≥1 follow up visits. Hypertension (59.35%) was the most common comorbidity followed by dyslipidemia and hypothyroidism. The mean total daily drugs and pills per prescription were 4.03 ± 1.71 and 4.17 ± 1.38, respectively. Metformin (30.42%) followed by sulphonylureas (SUs) (21.39%) constituted majority of the AHA’s and dual and triple drug therapy regimens were most commonly prescribed. There were improvements in HbA1c, fasting/postprandial/random blood sugar (FBS/PPBS/RBS) as well as adherence to medication, diet, and exercise in the follow up visits. Among patients with follow ups, therapy escalations were found in 31.11% patients, among whom dose was increased in 12.44% and drug was added in 17.28%. Apart from Hb1Ac, FBS, and PPBS levels (p<0.001), characteristics such as age, BMI, duration of diagnosed diabetes, presence of hypertension and dyslipidemia, and daily pill burdens were found to be significantly higher in the therapy escalation group (p<0.05). Inadequate medication adherence increased the relative risk (RR) of therapy escalation by almost two times.

Conclusions
Disease and therapy patterns are reflective of diabetes care as expected at a tertiary care center. Higher BMI, age, pill burden, duration of diabetes, presence of comorbidities, and poor medication adherence may be the predictors of therapy escalation independent of glycemic control and such patients should be more closely monitored.