bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Including magnesium sulfate in the diet of twin-bearing ewes in the last week of gestation improves the adaptation of lambs to extrauterine life
Authors: Minteguiaga M. A. , López Mazz C. , Fierro S. , Banchero G. 
Published: August 2024

Context Most deaths of lambs in the first days of life are due to failure to adapt to extrauterine life. Aims This study aimed to test the hypothesis that adding magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) to the diet of twin-bearing ewes in the last week of gestation improves the adaptation to the extrauterine life of the lambs. Methods Eighty-three multiparous Finnish × Polwarth ewes carrying twins in the last week of gestation were MgSO4 supplemented (n = 40) or allocated to control (n = 43). We recorded the durations of gestation, expulsion and lambing, interlambing interval, and birthweights, meconium score, lamb rectal temperature (at birth and 3 h after birth), whether assistance was needed (yes or no) and time from lamb expulsion to stand and to suck (n = 148). A jugular blood sample of the lambs was analysed for acidity, partial pressures of CO2 and oxygen; active and standard HCO3, blood base excess (BE b) and extracellular fluid base excess (BE ecf), saturated oxygen, and total CO2 concentration. Glucose was analysed with a portable device. Key results Gestation was longer in supplemented ewes (147.7 ± 2.0 vs control: 146.7 ± 1.7 days, P < 0.05). Birthweight and litter birthweight of lambs were higher when ewes were supplemented (3.74 ± 0.6 and 7.47 ± 0.9 kg vs control: 3.51 ± 0.5 and 7.02 ± 0.9 kg, P < 0.05). The need for assistance, meconium score, durations of expulsion and lambing, and time to stand and to suck were not different between treatments (P > 0.05). The interlambing interval was shorter in the supplemented ewes (6.7 ± 2.7 m vs control: 10.4 ± 2.6, P < 0.05). Lamb rectal temperature was not different between treatments 3 h after birth, but at birth was lower in lambs of supplemented ewes (P < 0.05). Treatments did not differ in blood acidity, CO2 partial pressure and total concentration, active and standard HCO3, both measures of base excess, nor blood glucose. Lambs of supplemented ewes had higher oxygen saturation and partial pressure (P < 0.05). Conclusions The MgSO4 supplementation improves the adaptation to extrauterine life in pen conditions. Implications It should be tested whether maternal supplementation with MgSO4 reduces the mortality of twin lambs.
Slurry infiltrated low-quality construction and demolition coarse aggregate waste in concrete – a sustainable construction
Authors: Vijayan Vishnu , Shukla Sanjay Kumar , K M Mini 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Exponential growth in infrastructure projects, stimulated by emerging sophisticated technologies have been instrumental in the salutary proliferation of the construction sector, globally. An indubitable adversity of the rapid boom in the construction industry has been the rampant cumulative fallout of burgeoning waste during the demolition and construction phases of restoration. The current study explored the propriety of replacing natural coarse aggregate by low-quality recycled coarse aggregates (RCA) with varying proportions, along with silica fume (SF) and polypropylene (PP) fibers as admixtures, for the preparation of concrete. As the quality of RCA is determined by the history of its parent demolished structure, this investigation was preceded by assessment of the properties of RCA. A statistical approach using design of experiments, adopted to determine the coherent combinations of RCA and admixtures, yielded 16 combinations. Accordingly, concrete specimens were prepared with various quantities of RCA in place of natural coarse aggregate. Optimum proportions of the ingredients were inferred, based on the compressive strength attained by the concrete specimens. Further strength property evaluation was conducted, using these low-quality RCA treated with cement and silica fume slurry. Based on the strength results, 75% slurry infiltrated RCA, coupled with 10% SF and 0.5% PP, provided better strength in compression, tension and flexure. Scanning electron microscopy study, adopted for characterization of the micro-structural slurry-infiltrated RCA, shows the presence of strong interfacial transition zone in the treated RCA concrete. Thus, this study confirmed the efficacy of low-quality RCA as a promising material for structural construction, concurrent with a solution to various ecological disruptions precipitated by infrastructure construction and demolition wastes.
Simulation analysis of cryogenic mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced silicon-containing epoxy resin composite
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui , Li Jialiang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The use of carbon fiber-reinforced resin matrix composites instead of metals to manufacture cryogenic propellant tanks for spacecrafts is a development trend in the world aerospace industry. Cryogenic mechanical properties of the composites should be investigated in detail due to that the ultra-low temperature environment may cause micro cracks in the composites, leading to propellant leakage. In the present study, cryogenic tensile properties of a carbon fiber reinforced silicon-containing epoxy resin aomposite are investigated using experimental and numerical simulation methods. A silicon-containing epoxy resin with excellent cryogenic mechanical properties is developed by introducing a synthesized organic silicon polymer epoxidized polysiloxane and Nano-SiO2 into bisphenol F type epoxy resin. The tensile strength and modulus of the silicon-containing epoxy resin at −180 °C are 202.63 MPa and 7.81 GPa, which are 16.71% and 3.03% higher than those of bisphenol F type epoxy resin. The tensile strength of the silicon-containing epoxy resin at −180 °C is increased by 107.7% compared to that at room temperature, and the modulus at −180 °C is nearly twice that at room temperature. The carbon fiber reinforced silicon-containing epoxy resin composite is prepared by vacuum injection molding. The finite element model for the representative volume element of the composite unidirectional plate is established. The random sequence expansion method is used to randomly distribute the carbon fibers and simulate the thermal residual stress, the elastic performance, and the damage of the composite at cryogenic environments. Through comparison, it is found that the simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results. The simulation reliability for cryogenic mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced resin matrix composites is verified. It is expected to provide a reference for the analysis and evaluation of cryogenic mechanical properties of composite tanks.
An end-to-end deep learning pipeline to derive blood input with partial volume corrections for automated parametric brain PET mapping
Authors: Chavan Rugved , Hyman Gabriel , Qureshi Zoraiz , Jayakumar Nivetha , Terrell William , Wardius Megan , Berr Stuart , Schiff David , Fountain Nathan , Eluvathingal Muttikkal Thomas , Quigg Mark , Zhang Miaomiao , K Kundu Bijoy 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Dynamic 2-[18F] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (dFDG-PET) for human brain imaging has considerable clinical potential, yet its utilization remains limited. A key challenge in the quantitative analysis of dFDG-PET is characterizing a patient-specific blood input function, traditionally reliant on invasive arterial blood sampling. This research introduces a novel approach employing non-invasive deep learning model-based computations from the internal carotid arteries (ICA) with partial volume (PV) corrections, thereby eliminating the need for invasive arterial sampling. We present an end-to-end pipeline incorporating a 3D U-Net based ICA-net for ICA segmentation, alongside a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) based MCIF-net for the derivation of a model-corrected blood input function (MCIF) with PV corrections. The developed 3D U-Net and RNN was trained and validated using a 5-fold cross-validation approach on 50 human brain FDG PET scans. The ICA-net achieved an average Dice score of 82.18% and an Intersection over Union of 68.54% across all tested scans. Furthermore, the MCIF-net exhibited a minimal root mean squared error of 0.0052. The application of this pipeline to ground truth data for dFDG-PET brain scans resulted in the precise localization of seizure onset regions, which contributed to a successful clinical outcome, with the patient achieving a seizure-free state after treatment. These results underscore the efficacy of the ICA-net and MCIF-net deep learning pipeline in learning the ICA structure’s distribution and automating MCIF computation with PV corrections. This advancement marks a significant leap in non-invasive neuroimaging.
Innovative 3D printing and molding process for secondary-skin-collimator fabrication
Authors: Sohn James J , Kim Haram , Stolen Ethan , Chidel Gibson , Jang Sung , Furutani Keith , Beltran Chris , Lu Bo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose. Secondary skin collimation (SSC) is essential for shielding normal tissues near tumors during electron and orthovoltage radiation treatments. Traditional SSC fabrication methods, such as crafting in-house lead sheets, are labor-intensive and produce SSCs with low geometric accuracy. This study introduces a workflow that integrated 3D scanning and 3D printing technologies with an in-house mold process, enabling the production of patient-specific SSCs within six hours. Methods. An anthropomorphic head phantom was scanned with a handheld 3D scanner. The resulting scan data was imported into 3D modeling software for design. The completed model was exported to a 3D printer as a printable file. Subsequently, molten Cerrobend was poured into the mold and allowed to set, completing the SSC production. Geometric accuracy was assessed using CT images, and the shielding effectiveness was evaluated through film dosimetry. Results. The 3D printed mold achieved submillimeter accuracy (0.5 mm) and exhibited high conformity to the phantom surface. It successfully endured the weight and heat of the Cerrobend during pouring and curing. Dosimetric analysis conducted with radiochromic film demonstrated good agreement between the measured and expected attenuation values of the SSC slab, within ±3%. Conclusions. This study presents a proof of concept for novel mold room workflows that produce patient-specific SSCs within six hours, a significant improvement over the traditional SSC fabrication process, which takes 2–3 days. The submillimeter accuracy and versatility of 3D scanning and printing technologies afford greater design freedom and enhanced delivery accuracy for cases involving irregular geometries.
Numerical simulation in magnetic resonance imaging radiofrequency dosimetry
Authors: Subaar Christiana , Gyan Emmanuel , Dompreh Kwadwo A , Amoako Joseph K , Edusei George , Owusu Alfred 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) employs a radiofrequency electromagnetic field to create pictures on a computer. The prospective biological consequences of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMFs) have not yet been demonstrated, and there is not enough evidence on biological hazards to offer a definite response concerning possible RF health dangers. Therefore, it is crucial to research the health concerns in reaction to RF EMFs, considering the entire exposure in terms of patients receiving MRI. Monitoring increases in temperature in-vivo throughout MRI scan is extremely invasive and has resulted in a rise in the utilization of computational methods to estimate distributions of temperatures. The purpose of this study is to estimate the absorbed power of the brain exposed to RF in patients undergoing brain MRI scan. A three-dimensional Penne’s bio-heat equation was modified to computationally analyze the temperature distributions and potential thermal effects within the brain during MRI scans in the 0.3 T to 1.5 T range (12.77 MHz to 63.87 MHz). The instantaneous temperature distributions of the in-vivo tissue in the brain temperatures measured at a time, t = 20.62 s is 0.2 °C and t = 30.92 s is 0.4 °C, while the highest temperatures recorded at 1.03 min and 2.06 min were 0.4 °C and 0.6 °C accordingly. From the temperature distributions of the in-vivo tissue in the brain temperatures measured, there is heat build-up in patients who are exposed to electromagnetic frequency ranges, and, consequently, temperature increases within patients are difficult to prevent. The study has, however, indicated that lengthier imaging duration appears to be related to increasing body temperature.
Deriving measurement collapse using zeta function regularisation and speculative measurement theory
Authors: Stander Mark 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This paper shows how an application of zeta function regularisation to a physical model of quantum measurement yields a solution to the problem of wavefunction collapse. Realistic measurement dynamics based on a particle becoming non-isolated are introduced and, based on this, an outcome function is derived using the method of maximum entropy. It is shown how regularisation of an information theoretic quantity related to this outcome function leads to apparent collapse of the wavefunction. The physical principles and key assumptions that underlie this theory are discussed. Some possible experimental approaches are described.
Temporal change and spatial heterogeneity of the association between ambient temperature and transport accident mortality in Japan from 1972 to 2019: a nationwide time-stratified case-crossover study
Authors: Pan Rui , Chung Yeonseung , Sim Kisung , Hashizume Masahiro , Honda Yasushi , Lee Whanhee , Kim Yoonhee 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Studies have demonstrated that ambient temperature was associated with transport accidents; however, little is known about the temporal change and spatial heterogeneity of this association. This study investigated the temporal change and spatial variation in the association between temperature and transport accident mortality in Japan using daily time-series data from 1972 to 2019. First, we used time-stratified case-crossover analyses with a distributed lag nonlinear model to estimate the risks of transport accident mortality with temperature in 47 prefectures in Japan. We then pooled the estimates to obtain the risk at the country level through multivariate meta-analysis. In addition, we divided the whole time period into five sub-periods to explore temporal changes in the association and fitted the mixed-effects meta-regression to identify climatic, demographic, and socioeconomic factors that may explain the spatial heterogeneity. We found that temperature was positively associated with transport accident mortality, with a percent change (PC) of 1.47% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10%, 1.85%) increase in transport accident mortality per 1 °C increase in daily mean temperature. The risk of transport accident mortality associated with temperature has decreased from 1972 [PC = 2.14% (95% CI: 1.51%, 2.77%)] to 2000 [PC = 0.89% (95% CI: 0.21%, 1.57%)] but increased slightly from 2001 [PC = 1.13% (95% CI: 0.47%, 1.48%)] to 2019 [PC = 1.60% (95% CI: 0.73%, 2.48%)]. The association between temperature and transport accident mortality was larger in relatively less developed prefectures, as explained by demographic and socioeconomic factors (e.g., total population, proportion of older people and females, and number of general hospitals). Our findings may help to better understand the association between high temperature and transport accident mortality and underlying potential mechanisms, which can provide implications for public health policies to reduce the mortality burden from transport accidents in the future.
Evaluation of the anticorrosive painting procedure with reused abrasive for surface preparation – a case study
Authors: Grabarski Marina Izabelle , Lopes Luana Jéssica dos Santos , da Silva Gabriel Pereira , Pintaude Giuseppe 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Atmospheric corrosion is a relevant cause of failure for many metallic structures. Its aggressiveness depends on environmental factors such as relative humidity, salinity, and contaminants. Anti-corrosion paint is the most used technique to minimize this problem, and surface preparation is a fundamental step for suitable paint adhesion. Abrasive blasting can remove oxides and old paint and texture the surface for receiving a new coating. An alternative to reduce costs is reusing abrasive particles to make the process more sustainable. In this investigation, an paint system was qualified through tests in its current environment. The influence of reused abrasives on the painting process by the paint layer’s thickness and its adhesion to the substrate was evaluated. Samples blasted with new and reused abrasives were prepared to evaluate the surface preparation process, allowing surface roughness measurements and incrustation analysis. It was possible to observe that the layers of paint were thin and not uniform, had approximately 155 μm thick, and defects such as pinholes. Reusing the abrasive did not affect the surface average roughness, which was 9.4 ± 2.5 μm. Abrasive incrustation and other contaminants such as Na, P, K, S, and Cl were found on new and reused abrasive surfaces. Recommendations for improvement and suggestions for changing the process were possible to assess.
‘Just leader? No, lideresa!’ Experiences of female leaders working in climate change disaster risk reduction and environmental sustainability in the global south
Authors: Bharwani Nilofer K , Hodges Thomas , Lepadatu Darina , Rodriguez Darlene Xiomara 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
As environmental disasters disproportionately affect women, international guidelines to address the disparity focus on the inclusion of women in disaster risk reduction programs. While inclusion is a noble pursuit, it may fall short of equitable outcomes and instead lead to tokenization. Drawing on standpoint feminism and intersectionality, the goal of this study was to investigate tensions between inclusion and equity for women working in disaster risk reduction. We interviewed women from Ecuador and Tajikistan and asked them about the ways that gender shapes their experiences working in disaster risk reduction. We found that the women reflect upon themselves as agents with various forms of privilege and disadvantage, based on their multifaceted identities and differing levels of perceived discrimination within their professions. The findings suggest that inclusion, while necessary, can fall short of its promises. We recommend that organizational guidelines make everyone responsible for fostering equitable workplaces for disaster risk reduction.
Influence of sampling on the convergence rates of greedy algorithms for parameter-dependent random variables
Authors: Blel Mohamed-Raed , Ehrlacher Virginie , Lelièvre Tony 
Published: August 2024

The main focus of this article is to provide a mathematical study of greedy algorithms for the construction of reduced bases so as to approximate a collection of parameter-dependent random variables. For each value of the parameter, the associated random variable belongs to some Hilbert space (say the space of square-integrable random variates for instance). But carrying out an exact greedy algorithm in this context would require the computation of exact expectations or variances of parameter-dependent random variates, which cannot be done in practice. Instead, expectations and variances can only be computed approximately via empirical means and empirical variances involving a finite number of Monte-Carlo samples. The aim of this work is precisely to study the effect of finite Monte-Carlo sampling on the theoretical properties of greedy algorithms. In particular, using concentration inequalities for the empirical measure in Wasserstein distance proved by Fournier and Guillin [Probab. Theory Related Fields 162 (2015), pp. 707–738], we provide sufficient conditions on the number of samples used for the computation of empirical variances at each iteration of the greedy procedure to guarantee that the resulting method algorithm is a weak greedy algorithm with high probability. Let us mention here that such an algorithm has initially been proposed by Boyaval and Lelièvre [Commun. Math. Sci. 8 (2010), pp. 735–762] with the aim to design a variance reduction technique for the computation of parameter-dependent expectations via the use of control variates constructed using a reduced basis paradigm. The theoretical results we prove here are not fully practical and we therefore propose a heuristic procedure to choose the number of Monte-Carlo samples at each iteration, inspired from this theoretical study, which provides satisfactory results on several numerical test cases.
71895 - The Hill Anti Reflux Procedure -a Possible new solution to GERD post Bariatric Surgery?
Authors: Efendic Enes , Nilsson Magnus , Gutschow Christian , Low Donald , Stenberg Erik 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the main concerns after bariatric surgery with an occurrence of about 30% after Sleeve Gastrectomy. While Gastric Bypass surgery (GBP) often relieves symptoms, upto 8% still suffer from significant GERD. Effective treatment options for patients with large hiatal hernia and severe obesity as well as those with refractory GERD after GBP are scarce.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the Hill reflux procedure as an adjunct to gastric bypass.

Method
The study is a phase 2a-trial aimed to include 8 consecutive patients with refractory GERD after gastric bypass surgery or large hiatal hernia, GERD and severe obesity.
Preoperative and 1 year follow-up evaluation includes upper-GI endoscopy, 24h-pH measure, manometry, radiology and subjective symtoms estimated with GerdQ. All operations are performed laparoscopically by one surgeon according to the Hill-technique (fig1). Each procedure is filmed and postoperatively evaluated by a team of international experts.

Result
Preliminary report involves data for the first three cases, including one patient with severe GERD with intrathoracic pouch herniation after GBP and two patients with primary gastric bypass and large hiatal hernia.
There were no conversions or intraoperative complications, but one Grade-2 postoperative complication.
During 1-4 months follow-up GerdQ has been normalized in all three cases.

Discussion
Early, data suggest feasibility of the procedure in a group of patients with today few effective treatment options.