bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
When can we Kick (Some) Humans “Out of the Loop”? An Examination of the use of AI in Medical Imaging for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Muyskens Kathryn , Ma Yonghui , Menikoff Jerry , Hallinan James , Savulescu Julian 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) has attracted an increasing amount of attention, both positive and negative. Its potential applications in healthcare are indeed manifold and revolutionary, and within the realm of medical imaging and radiology (which will be the focus of this paper), significant increases in accuracy and speed, as well as significant savings in cost, stand to be gained through the adoption of this technology. Because of its novelty, a norm of keeping humans “in the loop” wherever AI mechanisms are deployed has become synonymous with good ethical practice in some circles. It has been argued that keeping humans “in the loop” is important for reasons of safety, accountability, and the maintenance of institutional trust. However, as the application of machine learning for the detection of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) in this paper’s case study reveals, there are some scenarios where an insistence on keeping humans in the loop (or in other words, the resistance to automation) seems unwarranted and could possibly lead us to miss out on very real and important opportunities in healthcare—particularly in low-resource settings. It is important to acknowledge these opportunity costs of resisting automation in such contexts, where better options may be unavailable. Using an AI model based on convolutional neural networks developed by a team of researchers at NUH/NUS medical school in Singapore for automated detection and classification of the lumbar spinal canal, lateral recess, and neural foraminal narrowing in an MRI scan of the spine to diagnose LSS, we will aim to demonstrate that where certain criteria hold (e.g., the AI is as accurate or better than human experts, risks are low in the event of an error, the gain in wellbeing is significant, and the task being automated is not essentially or importantly human), it is both morally permissible and even desirable to kick the humans out of the loop.
Free and forced vibrations of elastically restrained cantilever with lumped oscillator
Authors: Babaei Alireza , Parker Johné , Moshaver Paria 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The efficiency assessment of cantilever-based energy harvesters relies on vibrational analysis, which necessitates modifications aimed at enhancing efficiency. These modifications involve manipulating the fundamental frequency to lower values and encompassing a wider range of resonances within a specified bandwidth. Consequently, this paper introduces an original analytical-numerical exploration into the vibratory response of a cantilever with a novel boundary condition involving an elastically restrained oscillator-spring arrangement. At the microbeam's tip, an oscillator is elastically confined by a linear spring, resulting in a novel set of coupled governing equations and a distinct shearing boundary condition. Microbeam equations is derived from the modified couple stress theory to capture size dependency. During free vibration analysis, a previously unreported characteristic equation is derived. This nonlinear transcendental equation is numerically solved utilizing root-solver algorithms, such as those available in MATLAB. Significantly, it is discovered that the inclusion of a lumped oscillator with an elastic support induces a minimal (new) natural frequency. Applying the extended Hamilton's principle, the effect of the lumped oscillator emerges both on the governing equations of motion and boundary conditions of the microbeam. Novelty of the paper focuses on the both characteristic equation and transmissibility by adopting the Galerkin’s modal decomposition technique. This finding carries vital implications as the efficiency of cantilever-based energy harvesters is directly contingent upon the resonance frequency. Notably, the oscillator mass and spring constant are two parameters that directly influence the vibratory response of the microbeam. In the context of forced vibrations, harmonic base excitation is considered as the input excitation, and the mechanical frequency response function is provided. The proposed system offers two distinct advantages for energy harvester systems: the creation of minimal resonance at lower values and the potential to manipulate the system's resonance toward a desired frequency spectrum.

Article Highlights

Modifying the boundary conditions of a cantilever beam with lumped-parameter system, can significantly change the behavior of the vibratory response.

The boundary condition directly impact the resonance frequencies; which influences the maximum amount of harvestable voltage in vibration-based energy harvesters.

Spring constant and mass of the lumped oscillator, are the key factors to alter the vibratory behavior and bandwidth of frequencies. Optimizing such mentioned parameters can help reaching to the maximum harvesting of energy.
Comparison of mMO-TLIF via Midline Incision Versus MIS-TLIF via Wiltse Approach in Lumbar Degenerative Disease
Authors: Li Shengwen , Zhou Zhiqiang , Meng Fanjian , Huang Xinyu , Cheng Maohua , Shen Yixin , Zhang Peng , Lu Zhengfeng , Zeng Qianghua 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
To compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of modified mini-open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (mMO-TLIF) via posterior midline incision for "targeted limited dissection" versus minimal invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) via Wiltse approach in lumbar degenerative diseases.

Methods
A total of 60 consecutive patients in our center from January 2019 to March 2020 were enrolled, including 30 patients who were treated with mMO-TLIF via posterior midline incision and 30 treated with MIS-TLIF through the Wiltse approach. Perioperative parameters were recorded. The questionnaires of Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analogue Score (VAS) were conducted before the operation and after the operation (3 days, 1 week, and 2 years). CT and MRI radiological outcomes were evaluated before the operation and at a 2-year follow-up.

Results
There were no significant differences in the general data, gender, age, and BMI between the two groups. All patients were successfully operated without intraoperative complications. There were significant differences between the two groups in the operation time (p < 0.001) and intraoperative bleeding (p < 0.05). There was no difference in ODI and VAS scores between groups pre- and post-operatively, but they were both significantly improved compared to those before the operation (p < 0.01). At a 2-year follow-up, the paraspinal muscle atrophy and fat infiltration were increased comparing to pre-operation, but the difference was also not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In addition, both the two groups’ fusion rates were more than 90% at a 2-year follow-up, however, no difference was detected between the two groups.

Conclusion
mMO-TLIF via midline incision for “targeted limited dissection” could achieve similar clinical and radiological outcomes as MIS-TLIF for lumbar degenerative disease.
Photodynamic Inactivation in agriculture: combating fungal phytopathogens resistant to conventional treatment
Authors: Jernej Linda , Frost Danielle S. M. , Walker Anne-Sophie , Liu Jun , Fefer Michael , Plaetzer Kristjan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBotrytis cinerea is a severe threat in agriculture, as it can infect over 200 different crop species with gray mold affecting food yields and quality. The conventional treatment using fungicides lead to emerging resistance over the past decades. Here, we introduce Photodynamic Inactivation (PDI) as a strategy to combat B. cinerea infections, independent of fungicide resistance. PDI uses photoactive compounds, which upon illumination create reactive oxygen species toxic for killing target organisms. This study focuses on different formulations of sodium–magnesium–chlorophyllin (Chl, food additive E140) as photoactive compound in combination with EDTA disodium salt dihydrate (Na2EDTA) as cell-wall permeabilizer and a surfactant. In an in vitro experiment, three different photosensitizers (PS) with varying Chl and Na2EDTA concentrations were tested against five B. cinerea strains with different resistance mechanisms. We showed that all B. cinerea mycelial spheres of all tested strains were eradicated with concentrations as low as 224 µM Chl and 3.076 mM Na2EDTA (LED illumination with main wavelength of 395 nm, radiant exposure 106 J cm−2). To further test PDI as a Botrytis treatment strategy in agriculture a greenhouse trial was performed on B. cinerea infected bell pepper plants (Capsicum annum L). Two different rates (560 or 1120 g Ha−1) of PS formulation (0.204 M Chl and 1.279 M Na2EDTA) and a combination of PS formulation with 0.05% of the surfactant BRIJ L4 (560 g Ha−1) were applied weekly for 4 weeks by spray application. Foliar lesions, percentage of leaves affected, percentage of leaf area diseased and AUDPC were significantly reduced, while percentage of marketable plants were increased by all treatments compared to a water treated control, however, did not statistically differ from each other. No phytotoxicity was observed in any treatment. These results add to the proposition of employing PDI with the naturally sourced PS Chl in agricultural settings aimed at controlling B. cinerea disease. This approach seems to be effective regardless of the evolving resistance mechanisms observed in response to conventional antifungal treatments.
Graphical abstract
Photodynamic inactivation of E. coli with cationic imidazolyl-porphyrin photosensitizers and their synergic combination with antimicrobial cinnamaldehyde
Authors: Silva Madalena F. C. , Aroso Rafael T. , Dabrowski Janusz M. , Pucelik Barbara , Barzowska Agata , da Silva Gabriela J. , Arnaut Luis G. , Pereira Mariette M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBacterial infections are a global health concern, particularly due to the increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics. Multi-drug resistance (MDR) is a considerable challenge, and novel approaches are needed to treat bacterial infections. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of microorganisms is increasingly recognized as an effective method to inactivate a broad spectrum of bacteria and overcome resistance mechanisms. This study presents the synthesis of a new cationic 5,15-di-imidazolyl porphyrin derivative and the impact of n-octanol/water partition coefficient (logP) values of this class of photosensitizers on PDI efficacy of Escherichia coli. The derivative with logP = –0.5, IP-H-OH2+, achieved a remarkable 3 log CFU reduction of E. coli at 100 nM with only 1.36 J/cm2 light dose at 415 nm, twice as effective as the second-best porphyrin IP-H-Me2+, of logP = –1.35. We relate the rapid uptake of IP-H-OH2+ by E. coli to improved PDI and the very low uptake of a fluorinated derivative, IP-H-CF32+, logP ≈ 1, to its poor performance. Combination of PDI with cinnamaldehyde, a major component of the cinnamon plant known to alter bacteria cell membranes, offered synergic inactivation of E. coli (7 log CFU reduction), using 50 nM of IP-H-OH2+ and just 1.36 J/cm2 light dose. The success of combining PDI with this natural compound broadens the scope of therapies for MDR infections that do not add drug resistance. In vivo studies on a mouse model of wound infection showed the potential of cationic 5,15-di-imidazolyl porphyrins to treat clinically relevant infected wounds.
Graphical Abstract
Assuring AI safety: fallible knowledge and the Gricean maxims
Authors: Kaas Marten H. L. , Habli Ibrahim 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this paper we argue that safety claims, when justified by a safety case, are descriptive fallible knowledge claims. Even if the aim of a safety case was to justify infallible knowledge about the safety of a system, such infallible safety knowledge is impossible to attain in the case of AI-enabled systems. By their nature AI-enabled systems preclude the possibility of obtaining infallible knowledge concerning their safety or lack thereof. We suggest that one can communicate knowledge of an AI-enabled system’s safety by structuring their exchange according to Paul Grice’s Cooperative Principle which can be achieved via adherence to the Gricean maxims of communication. Furthermore, these same maxims can be used to evaluate the calibre of the exchange, with the aim being to ensure that communicating knowledge about an AI-enabled system’s safety is of the highest calibre, in short, that the communication is relevant, of sufficient quantity and quality, and communicated perspicuously. The high calibre communication of safety claims to an epistemically diverse group of stakeholders is vitally important given the increasingly participatory nature of AI-enabled system design, development and assessment.
Geographic and socioeconomic variation in treatment of elderly prostate cancer patients in Norway – a national register-based study
Authors: Gustavsen Elin Marthinussen , Haug Erik Skaaheim , Haukland Ellinor , Heimdal Ragnhild , Stensland Eva , Myklebust Tor Åge , Hauglann Beate 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to examine geographic and socioeconomic variation in curative treatment and choice of treatment modality among elderly prostate cancer (PCa) patients.

Methods
This register-based cohort study included all Norwegian men ≥ 70 years when diagnosed with non-metastatic, high-risk PCa in 2011–2020 (n = 10 807). Individual data were obtained from the Cancer Registry of Norway, the Norwegian Prostate Cancer Registry, and Statistics Norway. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to model variation across hospital referral areas (HRAs), incorporating clinical, demographic and socioeconomic factors.

Results
Overall, 5186 (48%) patients received curative treatment (radical prostatectomy (RP) (n = 1560) or radiotherapy (n = 3626)). Geographic variation was found for both curative treatment (odds ratio 0.39–2.19) and choice of treatment modality (odds ratio 0.10–2.45). Odds of curative treatment increased with increasing income and education, and decreased for patients living alone, and with increasing age and frailty. Patients with higher income had higher odds of receiving RP compared to radiotherapy.

Conclusions
This study showed geographic and socioeconomic variation in treatment of elderly patients with non-metastatic, high-risk PCa, both in relation to overall curative treatment and choice of treatment modality. Further research is needed to explore clinical practices, the shared decision process and how socioeconomic factors influence the treatment of elderly patients with high-risk PCa.
Economic gains of transitioning towards reduced-risk products: evidence from Mexico
Authors: Espinosa Herrera Alejandro 
Published: May 2024

AbstractUnhealthy behaviors such as poor diet and tobacco use contribute to disease burden and escalating healthcare costs. This paper evaluates potential savings from people adopting reduced risk behaviors in Mexico. Using the Preventable Risk Integrated Model, we compare actual consumption in 2016 (baseline) to optimal intake following WHO guidelines (counterfactual) for salt, fiber, fruit/vegetables, and fat to estimate reductions in coronary, cerebrovascular, cancer, diabetes and hypertensive diseases. We also model 50% of smokers switching to e-cigarettes/heated tobacco with 65–97% lower disease risk. Results indicate over 650,000 preventable cases annually, mostly from diet changes (fruits/vegetables, fat, salt). Healthcare cost savings reach $3.4 billion USD; $2.8 billion from nutrition and $0.3 billion from smoking substitution. Fruit/vegetable intake and reduced fat confer over $1 billion savings each. Salt and fiber also contribute significantly. Adding smoking transitions provides further savings. Shifting Mexicans towards healthier diets and alternative nicotine products could substantially lower disease burden and healthcare costs. These findings underscore the economic imperative of promoting reduced-risk behaviors through public health policies.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis and Mammography in Breast Cancer Screening: A Markov Modeling Study
Authors: Chung Wei-Shiuan , Wan Thomas T. H. , Shiu Yu Tsz , Shi Hon-Yi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Mammography (MG) has demonstrated its effectiveness in diminishing mortality and advanced-stage breast cancer incidences in breast screening initiatives. Notably, research has accentuated the superior diagnostic efficacy and cost-effectiveness of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). However, the scope of evidence validating the cost-effectiveness of DBT remains limited, prompting a requisite for more comprehensive investigation. The present study aimed to rigorously evaluate the cost-effectiveness of DBT plus MG (DBT-MG) compared to MG alone within the framework of Taiwan’s National Health Insurance program.

Methods
All parameters for the Markov decision tree model, encompassing event probabilities, costs, and utilities (quality-adjusted life years, QALYs), were sourced from reputable literature, expert opinions, and official records. With 10,000 iterations, a 2-year cycle length, a 30-year time horizon, and a 2% annual discount rate, the analysis determined the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) to compare the cost-effectiveness of the two screening methods. Probabilistic and one-way sensitivity analyses were also conducted to demonstrate the robustness of findings.

Results
The ICER of DBT-MG compared to MG was US$5971.5764/QALYs. At a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of US$33,004 (Gross Domestic Product of Taiwan in 2021) per QALY, more than 98% of the probabilistic simulations favored adopting DBT-MG versus MG. The one-way sensitivity analysis also shows that the ICER depended heavily on recall rates, biopsy rates, and positive predictive value (PPV2).

Conclusion
DBT-MG shows enhanced diagnostic efficacy, potentially diminishing recall costs. While exhibiting a higher biopsy rate, DBT-MG aids in the detection of early-stage breast cancers, reduces recall rates, and exhibits notably superior cost-effectiveness.
Assessments and observations of infection prevention and control practices in US outpatient hemodialysis facilities, 2015–2018: important opportunities for improvement
Authors: Gualandi Nicole R. , Novosad Shannon A. , Perz Joseph F. , Hopkins Lauren R. , Hsu Stephanie , Segura Sheila , Kopp Patricia , Maloney Meghan , McHale Eileen , Mehr Jason , Perlmutter Rebecca , Patel Priti R. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractInfections cause substantial morbidity and mortality among patients receiving care in outpatient hemodialysis facilities. We describe comprehensive infection prevention assessments by US public health departments using standardized interview and observation tools. Results demonstrated how facility layouts can undermine infection prevention and that clinical practices often fall short of policies.
On the convexity of the quaternionic essential numerical range
Authors: Carvalho LuÍs , Diogo Cristina , Mendes Sérgio , Soares Helena 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe numerical range in the quaternionic setting is, in general, a non-convex subset of the quaternions. The essential numerical range is a refinement of the numerical range that only keeps the elements that have, in a certain sense, infinite multiplicity. We prove that the essential numerical range of a bounded linear operator on a quaternionic Hilbert space is convex. A quaternionic analogue of Lancaster theorem, relating the closure of the numerical range and its essential numerical range, is also provided.
No Orthopathy without Orthoaesthesis: On the Necessity of Negative Effort
Authors: Duns Ryan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTheologians have become increasingly attentive to the role emotion and experience must play in theological reflection. Several thinkers have recently done so by appropriating and developing Jon Sobrino’s understanding of orthopathy, or “right affect.” A close examination of these efforts, however, reveals inconsistencies in the way the category is understood and deployed. This article redresses these inconsistencies by complementing orthopathy with orthoaesthesis, or “right perception.” The article opens by considering various appeals to orthopathy before suggesting how William James’s theory of emotion might provide the category with clarifying content. The second stage engages Simone Weil and Iris Murdoch as practitioners of orthoaesthesis. Special attention is given to Murdoch’s “techniques” aimed at transforming how practitioners perceive reality. With Murdoch’s guidance, the article contends that orthopathy is ineluctably bound to and not possible without orthoaesthesis. The article concludes with a constructive proposal to show how orthoaesthesis-orthopathy contributes to a Christian theological anthropology.
Phylogenetic position of Ancyrocephalus (sensu lato) curtus Achmerov, 1952 (Monopisthocotylea, Dactylogyridae), a parasite of fish Perccottus glenii Dybowski, 1877(Gobiiformes: Odontobutidae)
Authors: Sokolov Sergey G. , Khasanov Fuat K. , Vlasenkov Sergei A. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The genus Ancyrocephalus sensu lato is a large assemblage of species of dactylogyrid monopisthocotyleans without clear taxonomic boundaries. Despite an urgent need for revision, only three representatives of this taxon have been molecularly characterised so far. We found specimens of Ancyrocephalus curtus, a previously non-genotyped species, in gills of Perccottus glenii caught in the River Syumnyur, Amur Basin, Russia. The aim of this study was to assess the phylogenetic position of this parasite using partial sequences of 28S rRNA gene. In the phylogenetic tree, A. curtus appeared as a sister taxon to the dactylogyrine genus Gobioecetes. The new molecular evidence supports the hypothesis about the non-monophyletic status of Ancyrocephalus sensu lato.
Principle-Policy and Principle-Personal Gaps in Americans’ Diversity Attitudes
Authors: Rajasekar Neeraj , Stewart Evan , Hartmann Douglas 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Americans generally celebrate the abstract principle of diversity, but research suggests that they have a comparatively lower (1) favorability towards policies that promote diversity and (2) sense of personal closeness with others from diverse backgrounds. The current study analyzes nationally representative survey data to assess such “principle-policy gaps” and “principle-personal gaps” in Americans’ diversity attitudes. We find that these attitudinal gaps indeed exist and are substantial in the general population. We also consider how individual-level factors relate to these attitudinal gaps. Following common findings in previous research, we find that participant racial identity and political partisanship have statistically significant relationships with these attitudinal gaps. But our overall findings illustrate that principle-policy gaps and principle-personal gaps in diversity attitudes are fairly substantial and prevalent across Americans who vary by race, politics, and several other individual-level factors. We consider our findings in the current social and political context, and we discuss directions for future inquiry.