bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contrastive Gaussian Clustering for Weakly Supervised 3D Scene Segmentation
Authors: Castillo Myrna , Dahaghin Mahtab , Toso Matteo , Del Bue Alessio 
Published: December 2024

Abstract3D scene segmentation is a crucial task in Computer Vision, with applications in autonomous driving, augmented reality, and robotics. Traditional methods often struggle to provide consistent and accurate segmentation across different viewpoints. To address this, we look at the growing field of novel view synthesis. Methods like NeRF and 3DGS take a set of images and implicitly learn a multi-view consistent representation of the geometry of the scene; the same strategy can be extended to learn a 3D segmentation of the scene that is consistent with the 2D segmentation of an initial training set of input images.We introduce Contrastive Gaussian Clustering, a novel approach for novel segmentation view synthesis and 3D scene segmentation. We extend 3D Gaussian Splatting to include a learnable 3D feature field, which allows us to cluster the 3D Gaussians into objects. Using a combination of contrastive learning and spatial regularization, our model can be trained on inconsistent 2D segmentation labels, and still learn to generate multi-view consistent masks. Moreover, the resulting model is extremely accurate, improving the IoU accuracy of the predicted masks by $$+8\%$$

+
8
%

over the state of the art.Code and trained models are available at https://github.com/MyrnaCCS/contrastive-gaussian-clustering.
Negotiation of dominant AI narratives in museum exhibitions
Authors: Maksimova Alisa 
Published: December 2024

AbstractNarratives of artificial intelligence frame public perceptions and expectations, and have a performative role, potentially leading to increased attention and resource allocation, acceptance of AI, or resistance to the technology. However, research on AI narratives frequently produces generalized and decontextualized accounts. This paper argues for closer examination of the specific processes that shape AI narratives in particular contexts. To explore this, nine AI-related exhibitions held in German museums from 2022 to 2023 were analyzed. The study draws on interviews with curatorial teams and exhibition materials to investigate what narratives of AI museums are formed and how those relate to the dominant AI narratives described in previous research. It is shown that curators are critical of dominant AI narratives and aim to deconstruct common myths and present more nuanced portrayals of AI. Yet, they also face challenges in balancing this critical stance with the need for creating engaging, accessible exhibitions. The analysis reveals that while some curatorial strategies successfully counter AI stereotypes, others fail or inadvertently reproduce mainstream imaginaries. Curators discover that avoiding problematic understandings of AI in the way they had initially intended is challenging or even impossible. In other cases, when elements of mainstream AI discourse resurface in museum exhibits despite the critical stance of the curators, they remain unexamined, or are regarded as insignificant and inconsequential.
Culturally responsive communication in generative AI: looking at ChatGPT’s advice for coming out
Authors: Cirucci Angela M. , Coleman Miles , Strasser Dan , Garaizar Evan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractGenerative AI has captured the public imagination as a tool that promises access to expertise beyond the technical jargon and expense that traditionally characterize such infospheres as those of medicine and law. Largely absent from the current literature, however, are interrogations of generative AI’s abilities to deal in culturally responsive communication, or the expertise interwoven with culturally aware, socially responsible, and personally sensitive communication best practices. To interrogate the possibilities of cultural responsiveness in generative AI, we examine the patterns of response that characterize ChatGPT-3.5’s advice for coming out. Specifically, we submitted 100 prompts soliciting coming out advice to GPT-3.5, variegating each of those prompts slightly to account for intersectional identities. From the analysis, we find that, while the responses are largely in-line with best practices, there are also instances that might represent problematics concerning the interpellation of the user or the persons to whom one is coming out.
Long-term outcomes of surgical treatment for paediatric acute mastoiditis: the role of mastoidectomy
Authors: Švagan Matija , Rebol Janez 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Despite the declining incidence of acute mastoiditis (AM) due to antibiotics, complications persist, necessitating surgical intervention in severe cases. Recent studies suggest conservative treatments, avoiding mastoidectomy, show high recovery rates. However, this trend raises concerns about severe complications, prolonged treatment, increased antibiotic use, and declining surgical skills. While much research focuses on AM pathogenesis and treatment, the long-term consequences, especially post-mastoidectomy ear function, are less understood. To address this, we studied the permanent effects of surgically treated AM and mastoidectomy on ear function.

Methods
A cohort of patients that received surgical treatment for AM in the form of mastoidectomy was invited to be tested after at least 5 years since the operation. Test battery included COMQ-12 questionnaire, physical exam and otomicroscopy, extended high pure tone audiogram, DPAOE and middle ear impedance testing. Results were compared with a control group and a group which received surgical treatment in the form of tympanostomy for acute otitis media with impeding mastoiditis.

Results
The COMQ-12 questionnaire yielded higher scores in questions about hearing in quiet environments, hearing in noise, tinnitus, and ear discomfort. Minor structural changes were observed in the test groups during otomicroscopy, but not in the control group. Pure tone audiometry revealed a median elevation of around 10 dB in high and extended high frequencies, with similar results observed in DPAOE testing. In middle ear impedance testing, only an elevation of the stapedial reflex threshold was noted; other tests did not show any statistically significant differences.

Conclusions
In the long term, the majority of patients post-AM have minor functional in structural consequences. In the context of treatment of AM, the effects of mastoidectomy are negligible when compared to less invasive surgical procedures.
Safety and accuracy assessment of static computer assisted localized piezoelectric alveolar decortication: an in vitro study
Authors: Lara-Muros María , Camps-Font Octavi , Vilarrasa Javi , Vilarrasa Jordi , Mir-Mari Javier , Figueiredo Rui , Valmaseda-Castellón Eduard 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Objectives
To assess the safety and accuracy of static computer assisted corticotomy surgery (sCACS) in comparison with freehand piezocision.

Materials and methods
A randomized in vitro study was conducted. A total of 260 interradicular corticotomies were performed in 20 identical printed models. sCACS was performed in half of the models, while the rest underwent freehand localized decortication. Accuracy was measured in the three spatial axes by overlapping the digital planning with a previous cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan of the patient and a postoperative CBCT of the models. Safety was determined as the number of damaged root surfaces. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed.

Results
Freehand corticotomies increased the likelihood of iatrogenic root damage 2.21-fold (95%CI: 1.30 to 3.77; p = 0.004). Both groups showed some degree of deviation compared to digital planning. Nevertheless, the accuracy of sCACS was significantly greater in sagittal (B = -0.21 mm, 95%CI: -0.29 to -0.12; p < 0.001), axial (B = -0.32 mm, 95%CI: -0.48 to -0.18; p < 0.001) and angular deviation (B = -2.02º; 95%CI: -2.37 to -1.66; p < 0.001) compared to freehand surgery, with the exception of depth.

Conclusions
The precision and safety of sCACS are greater than the freehand technique.

Clinical relevance
Corticotomies are performed in crowded areas where there is usually space limitation. Clinicians should consider the systematic use of surgical guides, since minimal deviations can cause iatrogenic root damage in areas where malocclusions are present.
Effects of 6-month tele-training tai chi versus resistance training on cardiometabolic health-related indices and oxidative stress markers in older Mexican women with overweight or obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hernández-Álvarez David , Rosado-Pérez Juana , Gavia-García Graciela , Arista-Ugalde Taide Laurita , Aguiñiga-Sánchez Itzen , Santiago-Osorio Edelmiro , Vaquero-Barbosa Nayeli , Mendoza-Núñez Víctor Manuel 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Telehealth physical exercise training represents a viable option for maintaining intrinsic capacity, especially in confinement situations such as the one experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of tele-training tai chi vs. resistance exercise on cardiometabolic health-related indices in older Mexican women with overweight or obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
A quasi-experimental exploratory study of a convenience sample of 38 older women with overweight or obesity who participated in a zoom tele-exercise program, divided into two groups: (1) resistance training group (RTG) n = 19 (age 61 ± 7 years; BMI, 29 ± 5); (2) tai chi group (TCG) n = 19 (age 63 ± 4 years; BMI, 31 ± 5). All participants had blood cardiometabolic health-related indices and oxidative stress (OxS) markers, and body composition parameters assessed at baseline and after 6 months of tele-exercise training.

Results
Adherence to the tele-training by zoom program was observed in the 90% of the RTG and 80% in the TCG. A statistically significant changes were observed after tele-training by group (p < 0.05) in several parameters, RTG: IL1β (+ 17.4%), IL6 (+ 21.2%), TNF-α (+ 19%); TAS (− 18%), TOS (+ 116%), PC (+ 33.8%), OSI (+ 147%); TCG: IL8 (+ 76.6%), IL1β (+ 26%), 8OHdG (− 26.7%), cholesterol (− 12%), %FM (− 8.1%), %FFM (+ 8.4%). Likewise, a greater increase in the ratio of free fat mass and skeletal muscle mass was observed in the TCG compared to the RTG with borderline statistical significance (p = 0.06).

Conclusion
Our findings suggest TC-tele-training has a significantly greater antioxidant effect than RT linked to an increase in fat-free mass and skeletal muscle mass. Therefore, the TC-tele-training may be an option to prevent or control OxS, to maintain or improve intrinsic capacity for healthy aging.
Examining the effect of verbal feedback vs. real-time software feedback on kinetic and kinematic metrics of the Nordic hamstring exercise
Authors: Sconce Emma , Heller Ben , Maden-Wilkinson Tom , Hamilton Nick 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Purpose
A wealth of research exists for the Nordic hamstring exercise and several devices provide real-time feedback on torque profiling. However, none currently offer feedback on technique execution. This study investigated the effect of verbal and software feedback on Nordic exercise kinetic and kinematic metrics.

Methods
24 recreational participants completed two sets of three bilateral repetitions on a hamstring testing device. In a crossover design, one set was performed with verbal feedback, while the other set used software-based feedback. Hamstring strain injury risk metrics (peak torque, break-torque angle, and bilateral limb percentage difference) and exercise technique metrics (relative trunk-to-thigh angle and angular velocity of the knee) were recorded for analysis.

Results
The feedback type significantly affected eccentric knee flexor peak torque, by a mean decrease of 7.1 Nm when performed with software feedback (Cohen’s d = 0.238, p < 0.01). Altering feedback had no significant effect on bilateral limb difference percentage (Cohen’s d = 0.068, p = 0.578) or break-torque angle (Cohen’s d = 0.159, p = 0.115). Software feedback significantly decreased the mean of both the relative-trunk-to-thigh angle at peak torque by 5.7° (Cohen’s d = 0.514, p < 0.01) and the angular velocity of the knee at peak torque by 8.7 deg·s−1.

Conclusions
An integrated software feedback system significantly improves acute Nordic exercise technique, benefitting individuals initially exhibiting poorer technique the most.
A simple technique to improve docking time in robotic surgery
Authors: Mintz Yoav , Elazary Ram , Helou Brigitte , Brodie Ronit , Marom Gad 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe docking process is a crucial step in robotic surgery, which determines the technical capability of moving the robotic arms during surgery and affects the performance of surgery. Robotic companies, therefore, provide setup guides recommending the trocar placement, arm carts, and operating table positioning for each procedure or body quadrant, to facilitate this process. This process takes time and although improves with experience, reported docking times range from 4 to 29 min. The final step of docking the robot is sometimes challenging and includes the insertion of the robotic instruments into the surgical field which involve patient safety. We implemented a simple new technique for safe insertion of robotic instruments and overcome the challenge of manipulating the camera arm for visualizing the trocars and advancing of the robotic instruments into the surgical field. This technique utilizes simple laparoscopic skills of laparoscopic instrument insertion. Docking times were recorded in ten consecutive patients undergoing robotic surgeries with the Hugo RAS™ and compared to our prospectively collected data registry prior to this technique. The new technique reduced the average docking time by 3.5 min and resulted in improvement of 45% in docking time. Integrating trivial laparoscopic skills into the docking process may simplify and reduce the docking time in robotic surgery.
A case of complete remission by cabozantinib as an end-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Nagashima Shuhei , Kobayashi Satoshi , Tsunoda Shotaro , Yamachika Yui , Tozuka Yuichiro , Fukushima Taito , Morimoto Manabu , Ueno Makoto , Furuse Junji , Maeda Shin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Cabozantinib is a multi-kinase inhibitor targeting multiple tyrosine kinases. It improves overall survival and progression-free survival in patients previously treated with sorafenib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared to the placebo in the phase 3 CELESTIAL trial. A 71-year-old man presented to our hospital for treatment of HCC with chronic hepatitis C. He was refractory to sorafenib, lenvatinib, regorafenib, and ramucirumab and started atezolizumab and bevacizumab therapy in November 2020. After administering the second cycle on December 10, 2020, the patient was diagnosed with progressive disease in January 2021. Therefore, cabozantinib (60 mg/day) was initiated on January 14, 2021. As the grade 3 aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels increased, grade 3 anorexia and a decline in performance status were observed in the first week, and cabozantinib was terminated. His performance status and anorexia gradually improved, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) in June 2021 showed complete remission (CR) according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. The patient did not show disease progression for 11 months without receiving any treatment for HCC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of CR with cabozantinib in advanced HCC.
Impregnated layer solution combustion synthesized CaO-based composite pellets with enhanced CO2 sorption property
Authors: Wang Te , Li Hewen , Wei Fei , Xue Zeyu , Wang Mengqin , Guo Yafei , Sun Jian , Lu Ping 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe impregnated layer solution combustion synthesis (SCS) technique was employed to synthesize CaO-based sorbents supported by inert stabilizers so as to improve the cyclic CO2 uptake stability. Four different inert stabilizers were evaluated for their impact on the cyclic CO2 uptake stability of sorbents. It found that the Mg-based inert stabilizer significantly outperforms the other three in improving cyclic CO2 sorption capabilities of sorbents synthesized by the impregnated layer SCS method. Moreover, MgO-supported sorbent pellets were prepared via graphite hydrophobic layer-assisted casting, with the magnesia load within the pellets being regulated between 15 and 45 wt %. It is the addition of MgO stabilizer that significantly improves the performance of CaO-based sorbents, with the improvements being notably more pronounced at higher MgO loads. The calcium-based sorbent pellets containing 45 wt % MgO show extremely stable CO2 sorption performance; after 17 cycles, the carbonation conversion rate is 73.6%, about three times the rate of pellets without MgO loading. The uniform dispersion of MgO inert stabilizer inside pellets improves high-temperature sintering resistance and, concurrently, enhances the mechanical property. Furthermore, the use of waste cigarette butts as impregnated layer templates, rather than other organic additives, will significantly reduce the cost of synthesizing MgO-supported CaO-based sorbents.
Graphical Abstract
Identifying the Mechanism of Interaction Between Soil Moisture State and Summertime MCS Initiations in Weakly Forced Synoptic Environments Using Convective‐Permitting Simulations
Authors: Gaal Rachel , Kinter James L. , Dirmeyer Paul A. , Singh Bohar 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis work aims to identify a mechanism of interaction between soil moisture (SM) state and the incidence of weakly forced synoptic scale MCS events during boreal summer by performing a sensitivity study using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model over the US Great Plains. A uniformly dry SM patch at a 5° × 5° scale is centered at the point of a documented MCS initiation to observe spatiotemporal changes of the simulated MCS events, totaling 97 cases between 2004 and 2017. A storm‐centered composite analysis of SM at the location of simulated MCS events depicted SM heterogeneity [O(100) km] structured as significantly drier soils to the southwest (SW) transitioning to wetter soils northeast (NE) of the mean simulated initiation. Further analyses showed that this SM configuration influenced near‐surface fluxes, which created a gradient of 2m‐temperature and 2m‐humidity, also aligned SW‐to‐NE, which affected the growth of the planetary boundary layer to trigger MCS initiations earlier in time (∼1–2 hr on average) compared to Control simulations. The implementation of the dry SM perturbation introduced drier‐to‐wetter SM gradients along the edges of the perturbed area, and MCS initiations were subsequently preferred on the drier side of those transition zones, with the most common orientation of simulated MCS events embedded within southwesterly flow. These results emphasize the importance of the low‐level wind field alignment to organized SM gradients, which suggests that SM heterogeneity can drive MCS initiation related to near‐surface atmospheric variable fluctuations as the main mechanism of interaction in weakly forced synoptic environments.
Using Simulated Radiances to Understand the Limitations of Satellite‐Retrieved Volcanic Ash Data and the Implications for Volcanic Ash Cloud Forecasting
Authors: Saint C. , Beckett F. M. , Dioguardi F. , Kristiansen N. , Tubbs R. N. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractVolcanic Ash Advisory Centers (VAACs) have generated volcanic ash forecasts for the aviation industry since the mid‐1990s. The excellent spatial and temporal coverage of satellite data makes them critical to the validation of ash dispersion model forecasts. This study investigates the limitations of satellite‐retrieved volcanic ash data through the production of simulated radiances for a range of ash cloud properties encompassing the satellite retrieval's sensitivity. We run a detection and retrieval algorithm (Francis et al., 2012, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JD016788) on these simulated ash clouds and assess the sensitivity and performance of the algorithms. Expected limitations are highlighted, including a lack of sensitivity to particles larger than ∼10 μm in radius and challenges in accurately retrieving heights in the stratosphere. However, other previously poorly defined limitations are also constrained, such as the reduction in sensitivity as ash column loading increases in optically thick ash clouds and increasingly underestimated column loading when column loadings are >∼7 g m−2. We consider the implications of the identified limitations when using satellite‐retrieved ash column loadings to verify dispersion model output. We show that, accounting for the limitations of the satellite retrieval, a significant proportion of mass in the model output can lie outside the sensitivity range of the satellite detection and retrieval. This demonstrates the importance of understanding observations' limitations when comparing to model output. This knowledge should be used when verifying operational volcanic ash cloud forecasts.
Convective Gravity Waves in the Stratosphere and the Mesosphere: A Case Study of Airglow Over West Africa Using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model
Authors: Chou Yen‐Liang , Wang Pao K. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model is employed to explore gravity waves excited by a storm complex over West Africa on 15 August 2020, propagating to the mesosphere and lower thermosphere. Although the simulation portrays gravity waves in the stratosphere in a complex structure, it reveals a concentric‐ring pattern of gravity waves in the mesosphere. The waves closely resemble the airglow image acquired by Suomi National Polar‐orbiting Partnership satellite near the mesopause. This intriguing phenomenon of the emergence of concentric rings after passing the stratopause is investigated by analyzing wave characteristics, including horizontal wavenumbers, frequency, and phase speed. The analysis reveals that the wind filtering effect directly influences the behavior of gravity waves, leading to variations in their appearance with altitude. The wind filtering effect, which typically breaks symmetric ring waves, could help reveal the ring pattern when the waves are subject to interference. Consequently, the concentric rings, propagating faster than the background winds, are shown to originate from the cloud tops of the storm complex. A wind duct at a specific location is identified through spectral analysis. This mechanism is further elucidated with the assistance of the dispersion relation of a classical linear theory.