bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shape completion in the dark: completing vertebrae morphology from 3D ultrasound
Authors: Gafencu Miruna-Alexandra , Velikova Yordanka , Saleh Mahdi , Ungi Tamas , Navab Nassir , Wendler Thomas , Azampour Mohammad Farid 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose

Ultrasound (US) imaging, while advantageous for its radiation-free nature, is challenging to interpret due to only partially visible organs and a lack of complete 3D information. While performing US-based diagnosis or investigation, medical professionals therefore create a mental map of the 3D anatomy. In this work, we aim to replicate this process and enhance the visual representation of anatomical structures.

Methods

We introduce a point cloud-based probabilistic deep learning (DL) method to complete occluded anatomical structures through 3D shape completion and choose US-based spine examinations as our application. To enable training, we generate synthetic 3D representations of partially occluded spinal views by mimicking US physics and accounting for inherent artifacts.

Results

The proposed model performs consistently on synthetic and patient data, with mean and median differences of 2.02 and 0.03 in Chamfer Distance (CD), respectively. Our ablation study demonstrates the importance of US physics-based data generation, reflected in the large mean and median difference of 11.8 CD and 9.55 CD, respectively. Additionally, we demonstrate that anatomical landmarks, such as the spinous process (with reconstruction CD of 4.73) and the facet joints (mean distance to ground truth (GT) of 4.96 mm), are preserved in the 3D completion.

Conclusion

Our work establishes the feasibility of 3D shape completion for lumbar vertebrae, ensuring the preservation of level-wise characteristics and successful generalization from synthetic to real data. The incorporation of US physics contributes to more accurate patient data completions. Notably, our method preserves essential anatomical landmarks and reconstructs crucial injections sites at their correct locations.
Depth over RGB: automatic evaluation of open surgery skills using depth camera
Authors: Zuckerman Ido , Werner Nicole , Kouchly Jonathan , Huston Emma , DiMarco Shannon , DiMusto Paul , Laufer Shlomi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose
In this paper, we present a novel approach to the automatic evaluation of open surgery skills using depth cameras. This work is intended to show that depth cameras achieve similar results to RGB cameras, which is the common method in the automatic evaluation of open surgery skills. Moreover, depth cameras offer advantages such as robustness to lighting variations, camera positioning, simplified data compression, and enhanced privacy, making them a promising alternative to RGB cameras.

Methods
Experts and novice surgeons completed two simulators of open suturing. We focused on hand and tool detection and action segmentation in suturing procedures. YOLOv8 was used for tool detection in RGB and depth videos. Furthermore, UVAST and MSTCN++ were used for action segmentation. Our study includes the collection and annotation of a dataset recorded with Azure Kinect.

Results
We demonstrated that using depth cameras in object detection and action segmentation achieves comparable results to RGB cameras. Furthermore, we analyzed 3D hand path length, revealing significant differences between experts and novice surgeons, emphasizing the potential of depth cameras in capturing surgical skills. We also investigated the influence of camera angles on measurement accuracy, highlighting the advantages of 3D cameras in providing a more accurate representation of hand movements.

Conclusion
Our research contributes to advancing the field of surgical skill assessment by leveraging depth cameras for more reliable and privacy evaluations. The findings suggest that depth cameras can be valuable in assessing surgical skills and provide a foundation for future research in this area.
Treat and release: an observational study of non-conveyed high-acuity dispatches in a Danish emergency medical system
Authors: Wolthers Signe Amalie , Mikaelsson Tor Jerker , Holgersen Mathias Geldermann , Blomberg Stig Nikolaj Fasmer , Andersen Lars Bredevang , Mikkelsen Søren , Christensen Helle Collatz 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNon-conveyance refers to the practice of treating a patient on-site without transporting them to a medical facility. It may decrease unnecessary hospital transfers and improve patient satisfaction. Nonetheless, ensuring patient safety remains paramount. The objective of the study was to assess admission to hospital and mortality in non-conveyed patients. This population-based cohort study included all high-acuity dispatches in Region Zealand, Denmark between 2019 and 2022. The primary outcome was admission within 48 h, and the secondary outcome was 30-day mortality. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted, and logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. A non-conveyance rate of 14% was identified in 95,238 transports. Admission within 48 h was seen in 22% of non-conveyed patients vs. 95% in conveyed patients, p < 0.001. The adjusted analysis showed a decreased likelihood of admission within 48 h within non-conveyed patients, with an aOR of 0.01 95% CI (0.01–0.01). Non-conveyed patients had a crude 30-day mortality rate of 2 vs. 6% among conveyed patients, p < 0.001. The adjusted analysis showed an increased likelihood of 30-day mortality in non-conveyed patients with an odds ratio of 1.21, 95% CI (1.05–1.40). Non-conveyed patients constitute a substantial proportion of patients assessed by ambulances following high-acuity dispatch. Less than one in four non-conveyed patients were admitted within 48 h. Despite the low crude mortality in this study, an increased likelihood of mortality was found within the non-conveyed population. However, additional investigation is warranted in future research.
Simulation of process forces and topographical characteristics of single grains in microfinishing processes
Authors: Heining Ines , Bergmann Jim A. , Tilger Meik , Biermann Dirk , Wiederkehr Petra 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHoning operations, e.g. microfinishing, are resulting in high quality surfaces with a roughness values, e.g., average roughness Ra, of only a few micro- to nanometer [1]. The simulation of honing processes can be beneficial to reduce experimental effort in terms of determining suitable process parameters for such processes. Various aspects of the finishing process can be investigated with the aid of process models, such as tool wear, tool life, the resulting surface quality or shape deviation. In addition, process simulations can be used to assist in the design of components with regard to desired functional properties. In order to model processes with such high accuracy, it is necessary to be aware of process influences on a microscropic scale. Such influences can be analyzed separately, for instance, by means of analogy experiments to reduce the complexity and dependencies of the occurring effects. In this work, a process force model was developed based on single-grain scratch tests, which takes into account the process-inherent kinematic variations. The occurring single grain forces in dependence of the orientation of the grains and in relation to the cutting direction were analyzed and modeled. This is important for a further analysis of the influences on tool wear to increase the accuracy of corresponding models.
Relation Between Exposure to Tobacco Smoke Assessed by Serum Cotinine Concentration and Questionnaire Method, and Serum Renalase Concentration—the Importance of the Coexistence of Arterial Hypertension and Other Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Żórawik Aleksandra , Hajdusianek Wojciech , Kusnerż Agnieszka , Markiewicz-Górka Iwona , Jaremków Aleksandra , Martynowicz Helena , Pawlas Krystyna , Mazur Grzegorz , Poręba Rafał , Gać Paweł 
Published: May 2024

AbstractExposure to tobacco smoke (ETS) is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Renalase is a protein that may play a role in the pathogenesis of CVD. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between ETS and serum renalase concentration. A group of 109 patients was recruited for this study (49.7 ± 14.7 years). In accordance with the questionnaire, patients were divided into the following subgroups: subgroup A– declaring themselves active smokers (n = 36), subgroup B– declaring themselves non-smokers and exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (n = 35), subgroup C– declaring themselves non-smokers and not exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (n = 38). The same patients were divided based on cotinine concentration into the following subgroups: subgroup D– active smokers (n = 42), subgroup E– non-smokers exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (n = 66), and subgroup F– non-smokers not exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (n = 1). Serum cotinine concentration and serum renalase concentration were measured using ELISA tests. Serum renalase concentration was statistically significantly higher in subgroup C than in subgroups A and B and in subgroup E and F than in D. There was a negative correlation between serum cotinine concentration and serum renalase concentration (r = −0.41, p < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that higher BMI, higher diastolic blood pressure, coronary artery disease and higher serum cotinine concentration are independent risk factors of lower serum renalase concentration. The questionnaire method of assessing exposure to tobacco smoke was characterized by high sensitivity, but only moderate specificity, especially in terms of assessing environmental exposure to tobacco smoke. In summary, the study showed an independent relationship between exposure to tobacco smoke and lower serum renalase concentration.
GH provocative tests stimulate the growth in children with idiopathic short stature
Authors: Tortora Anna , Marotta Vincenzo , Izzo Giulia , Rocco Domenico , Clemente Gennaro , Vitale Mario 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Context
Growth hormone (GH) deficiency in a child with short stature is diagnosed by GH secretion provocative tests. When the test response is considered adequate, the short stature is considered idiopathic (ISS).

Objective
To determine the effect of GH provocative tests on the growth rate in children with idiopathic short stature.

Design
Children with short stature with a normal response to at least one GH provocative test were enrolled. Height and growth velocity were measured prior to and after stimulus tests during the follow-up.

Methods
Height, mid-parental height, body weight, and body mass index were measured. The height and growth rate were converted to percentiles and Standard Deviation Scores (SDS) using reference ranges standardized by age and sex. GH provocative tests employed arginine or clonidine as secretagogues.

Results
Fourty-six children of both genders were enrolled. In thirty-six children, height was measured at the time of testing and on an average time prior to and after the tests of 210 days and 180 days respectively. After testing the children displayed a 3.4-fold increase in their estimated 90-day growth rate. The median (inter-quartile range, IQR) 90 days growth of children pre-and post-tests were 0.7 (0.2–1.0) cm and 2.4 (1.7–3.1) cm respectively with a mean 3,4-fold increase (p < 0.0001). The median (IQR) 90 days growth of children pre- and post-tests calculated as standard deviation scores (SDS) were −4.0 (−5.4–−2.1) SDS and 0.1 (−1.9–1.4) SDS respectively (p < 0.0001). Ten children with ISS were observed for about 5 months before the GH provocative tests. A small increase in the growth rate was seen only in 2 out of 10 children before testing while it increased in all of them after the tests. The difference in the median growth rate at the first and the second observation was not significant (p = 0.219).

Conclusions
Two sequential somatotropic axis provocative tests increase the growth rate in children with idiopathic short stature. The duration of this effect is yet to be determined.
Geospatial technologies for landslide monitoring: a case study of Sighetu Marmației, Romania
Authors: Kalmar Tiberiu Mihai , Dîrja Marcel , Rădulescu Adrian Traian G. M. , Măran Petru Daniel , Rădulescu Gheorghe M. T. , Nychvyd Mariya , Kalynych Ivan , Rădulescu Virgil Mihai G. M. , Zaharia Gelu , Danku Gelu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractLandslides are a significant geological phenomenon with the potential for catastrophic consequences. There are numerous potential causes of landslides, including both natural and man-made ones. Their growing frequency raises alarm due to the often catastrophic consequences of these events. The monitoring of regions prone to landslides is a multifaceted undertaking that involves the use of several technologies and approaches, such as geospatial technology and modeling. The primary objective of this work is to construct a spatial analysis model for a region in north-western Romania that is susceptible to landslides. A case study was conducted to estimate the susceptibility of landslides in a monitored region located near Sighetu Marmației, Romania. To achieve this objective, a combination of several technologies and approaches were used, such as remote sensing, land surveying, aerial photogrammetry, geographic information systems, and spatial modeling. The research region underwent landslide susceptibility evaluation by processing geo-information data using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and developing a prediction model based on the MaxEnt (Maximum Entropy) approach. The research’s distinctive contribution is integrating geo-information data acquired from the hazardous site utilizing geomatics methods into a novel geo-monitoring system. The research offers valuable insights into the monitoring of landslides, adding to the current body of literature by introducing an expanded paradigm. The study’s theoretical and practical implications might be valuable for professionals, local authorities, emergency response agencies, and other parties involved in mitigating the danger of landslides.
Analyzing Coastal Vulnerability Using Analytic Hierarchy Process and Best–Worst Method: A Case Study of the Marmara Gulf Region
Authors: Arda Tümay , Bayrak Onur Can , Uzar Melis 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Coastal regions, integral to human economic and social frameworks, face increasing threats from disasters and climate change. This situation has made it necessary and a priority to study these areas at an international level. To be able to take precautions, protect, and manage coastal areas, it is essential to identify their coastal vulnerability. In this study, a coastal vulnerability analysis was conducted using best–worst method (BWM) in the Marmara Gulf Region, Türkiye. Moreover, comparison was made with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method in the subject of assessment of coastal vulnerability. According to the vulnerability map obtained with AHP, 17% of the region was determined to have a moderate vulnerability risk, 54% had a high risk, and 29% had a very high risk. On the other hand, the analysis results in BWM calculated the vulnerability percentages as follows: 18% moderate vulnerability, 57% high vulnerability, and 25% very high vulnerability. Visual and statistical comparisons revealed that the BWM method provides more consistent results and involves fewer pairwise comparisons than the AHP method. Thus, it offers ease of use and convenience to decision maker while maintaining relatively same level of weights for criteria. This study aims to lay the foundation for a dynamic system designed to assess coastal vulnerability, emphasizing usability for policymakers in decision-making and flexibility across various scenarios. Particularly, the adoption of the BWM provides notable benefits due to its direct approach and ability to yield more uniform and dependable evaluations, thereby efficiently addressing intricate decision-making challenges.
Homophilie im Kindergarten? Freundschaften im Jahr vor der Einschulung
Authors: Schimmer Julia 
Published: May 2024

ZusammenfassungHomophilie, also die erhöhte Wahrscheinlichkeit, mit ähnlichen Personen Kontakt zu haben, ist empirisch umfassend belegt. Für Kinder im Schulalter liegen vielfach Studien vor, in denen geschlechtsspezifische, ethnische und schichtspezifische Homophilie festgestellt wird. Ob auch Kinder im Vorschulalter bei ihren Freundschaften homophile Vorlieben zeigen, ist hingegen unzureichend erforscht. In der hier vorgestellten Querschnittstudie wird diese Forschungslücke bearbeitet und die Freundschaften von N = 96 Vorschulkindern quantitativ untersucht. Dafür wurden Kinder und Eltern in persönlichen Gesprächen standardisiert zu ihren Freundschaften und Kontakten in der Kita befragt. Die Ergebnisse belegen, dass auch Vorschulkinder in ihrer Kindergartengruppe eher Freundschaften zu Kindern des gleichen Geschlechts pflegen. Gleichzeitig zeigt sich im Kontrast zu den Studien über die Kontakte älterer Kinder, dass weder ein gleicher ethnischer Hintergrund noch eine ähnliche ökonomische oder kulturelle familiale Kapitalausstattung Freundschaften zwischen Vorschulkindern wahrscheinlicher machen.
Globalisierte Bewährungssucher – Digitale Medien als Räume der Inspiration und Präsentation eigener Lebensentwürfe
Authors: Zizek Boris 
Published: May 2024

ZusammenfassungDer Beitrag zeigt, dass das Bewährungsmodell des Authentic Lifestyle Creators and Presenters für Heranwachsende in der globalisierten Moderne hohe Bedeutung gewonnen hat. Um diese Perspektive zu entwickeln, wird, erstens, grundlegend die konstitutionstheoretische Perspektive auf Adoleszente als Bewährungssucher entfaltet. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird dann, zweitens, in einer historischen Skizze aufgezeigt, wie sich die Bewährungsmuster seit Beginn der Moderne in ihren Grundzügen verändert haben und Heranwachsende sukzessive zu globalisierten, Authentizität prüfenden Bewährungssuchern geworden sind. In den digitalen Medien suchen sie einerseits eigenständig und lokal entgrenzt Anregungen für mögliche Lebensentwürfe und präsentieren andererseits dort auch ihre eigenen Bewährungsmodelle, um bestätigende Resonanz zu erhalten.Drittens wird in Kontrastierung mit den Begriffen Star, Celebrity und IT-Girl und am Beispiel von Julia Beautx die Kernfigur der Influencer:in herausgearbeitet, da sich in ihr wesentliche und für Heranwachsende bedeutsame Aspekte einer spätmodernen Form der Lebensgestaltung verkörpern. In einem Perspektivwechsel wird viertens die Architektonik der Profilseiten auf Instagram am Beispiel von Chiarra Ferragni betrachtet, um zu zeigen, dass das soziale Netzwerk die Funktion einer virtuellen Bewährungsmesse erfüllt, indem es die Präsentation individueller Bewährungsportfolios ermöglicht und provoziert.
A Systematic Review of Physical Modelling Techniques, Developments and Applications in Slope Stability Analyses
Authors: Haundi Tiyamike , Okonta Felix 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAn extensive evaluation of published articles suggests a lack of research on a systematic literature review relating to physical modelling techniques, developments and application in slope stability studies. However, there is growing interest in using physical model tests in slope stability investigations. The present study systematically reviews the methodologies and applications of physical modelling in slope stability research. The Scopus database was used to identify relevant studies which employed physical model tests in slope stability investigations. A combination of fifteen keywords was used to identify relevant articles. A PRISMA-P method for conducting a systematic review was adopted. Articles were screened and analysed, and extracted data were re-organised using an Excel sheet. Data relating to research objectives, physical model test techniques, instrumentation, scaling laws, numerical modelling, results, and findings were extracted and analysed. The systematic review highlights gaps requiring further studies, particularly in slope reinforcements using vegetation and strength deterioration of reinforcements performance under repeated loading exposures. It is found that scholars have not fully addressed the influence of loss of water on pore water regimes and its impact on stability when vegetation is applied as reinforcements. It is also found that the development of slope materials for soil slopes in physical model tests relies on the artificial development of such materials with minimal consideration of their long-term behaviour. Although other options, such as bio-cementation and desiccation techniques, which simulate the natural environment of the slopes, are neglected in slope material development, the present study recommends that future studies consider such techniques.
The representation of Aboriginal health and wellbeing values within coastal marine and fisheries policies of the Northern Territory of Australia
Authors: Cubillo Beau , Brimblecombe Julie , Stacey Natasha 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAboriginal Peoples in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia have customary connections to seafood for cultural practices, nourishment, livelihoods, and social connections which have been linked to health and wellbeing outcomes. Global and national entities have called for health and self-determination principles to be considered across all public policies to continue to improve health and wellbeing outcomes. Specifically, there is a growing acknowledgement that the fisheries sector plays a crucial role in enhancing and supporting Indigenous health and wellbeing. However, there is limited understanding of how this can be achieved. This study applies a content analysis of ten NT fisheries policy documents to investigate: (1) the representation of Indigenous values; (2) Indigenous health and wellbeing outcomes and (3) the positioning of self-determination within NT coastal, marine and fishery policies. Findings reveal that policy focus is primarily concerned with the conservation and management of environments and resources, fisheries, management and sustainability, and fisheries-based economic development. The consideration of health and wellbeing outcomes are not explicitly represented, including fisheries as a source of food production. This is concerning considering the contribution of seafood to Indigenous Peoples diets and food security. Despite these limitations, self-determination principles were represented within the policies by recognising Aboriginal aspirations through, for example social, cultural, and environmental outcomes.
Framework for the Generation of 3D Fiber Composite Structures from 2D Observations
Authors: Clarke Kenneth M. , Wertz John , Groeber Michael 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSynthetic generation of realistic materials for testing of process–structure–property (PSP) relationships in computational materials science has gained significant traction over the past two decades. Generation tools continue to lag in some aspects of realism, leading to uncertainty and errors in simulating material response. The experimental collection of information to guide generation of 3D synthetic structures remains costly, time consuming, and challenging. These challenges are compounded by limitations of stereology, which permits estimation of 3D microstructural statistics from 2D observations under restrictive assumptions on constituent morphologies and size distributions and can be difficult to apply to microstructure metrics like constituent orientation distribution and clustering. This work seeks to overcome these challenges by introducing a framework for learning probable 3D microstructure statistics by minimizing the loss determined by matching statistics obtained from 2D observations via synthetic microstructure generation software (e.g. Dream.3D) and stereological principles. This framework is applied to short carbon fiber composite structures printed from an additive manufacturing process, Direct Ink Writing, with the hope that the framework could generalize to other particulate structures as well as allow for simulation and design of materials structure.