bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Saving babies and families from preventable harm: a review of the current state of fetoplacental monitoring and emerging opportunities
Authors: Ranaei-Zamani Niccole , David Anna L. , Siassakos Dimitrios , Dadhwal Vatsla , Melbourne Andrew , Aughwane Rosalind , Russell-Buckland Joshua , Tachtsidis Ilias , Hillman Sara , Mitra Subhabrata 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNeonatal outcomes have improved over the last decade following significant thrust in this area, but stillbirth, preterm birth and neonatal brain injury remain acute global problems with long-lasting parental and family psychological trauma. In 2020, 1 in every 225 pregnancies in UK ended in stillbirth, with 2 million stillbirths reported worldwide. Over 40% of all stillbirths occur during labor—a loss that could be avoided with improved fetal monitoring and timely access to emergency obstetric care when required. Nearly one-fourth of global neonatal mortality relates to intrapartum-related events. Currently, available monitoring tools rely on surrogate markers such as serial fetal size measurement, doppler assessment of fetoplacental perfusion, fetal heart rate variability, fetal movements and maternal circulating placental proteins to identify the vulnerable fetus. Continuous cardiotocography (CTG) is the current standard of monitoring for fetal assessment in labor, but a Cochrane review indicated that it failed to significantly reduce poor outcomes in newborn infants, and resulted in an increase in the number of Caesarean sections. There is an urgent need for the development of a monitoring platform to directly measure acute or chronic changes related to fetoplacental compromise which can be operated with ease both in the hospital and remotely in the home environment in high-risk pregnancies. In recent years, there has been some promising development to identify compromised fetuses using advanced technologies and artificial intelligence-based approaches. We present here the current state of fetoplacental monitoring, focussing primarily on antepartum monitoring and discuss a possible way forward using digital biomarkers in this area to protect babies and mothers in future.
Neuromorphic computing with spintronics
Authors: Marrows Christopher H. , Barker Joseph , Moore Thomas A. , Moorsom Timothy 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSpintronics and magnetic materials exhibit many physical phenomena that are promising for implementing neuromorphic computing natively in hardware. Here, we review the current state-of-the-art, focusing on the areas of spintronic synapses, neurons, and neural networks. Many current implementations are based on the paradigm of reservoir computing, where the details of the network do not need to be known but where significant post-processing is needed. Benchmarks are given where possible. We discuss the scientific and technological advances needed to bring about spintronic neuromorphic computing that could be useful to an end-user in the medium term.
Disturbance‐observer‐based fault‐tolerant control of robotic manipulator: A fixed‐time adaptive approach
Authors: Anjum Zeeshan , Sun Zhe , Chen Bo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe concurrent existence of model uncertainties, external disturbances, and actuator faults in a nonlinear system such as a robotic manipulator can significantly affect the trajectory tracking performance of these systems. Therefore this study is devoted to proposing a control approach based on fixed‐time control theory to improve the trajectory tracking performance of the robotic manipulator in the presence of lumped disturbance, including uncertainties, external disturbances, and actuator faults. The control approach in this paper is designed based on the integration of a fixed‐time adaptive sliding mode observer and a fixed‐time non‐singular fast terminal sliding mode control design strategy. Firstly, a new fixed‐time adaptive sliding mode observer is designed based on fixed‐time theory and adaptive control theory to estimate the lumped disturbance present in the system. Then, using the information from the disturbance observer, the fixed‐time non‐singular fast terminal sliding mode control is devised based on a non‐singular fixed‐time sliding surface and a fixed‐time reaching approach. Furthermore, in the sense of the Lyapunov theorem, through rigorous analysis, it is demonstrated that the tracking errors of the closed‐loop system converge to a small neighbourhood within a fixed time, regardless of the information about the initial conditions of the states of the system. Finally, extensive comparative simulations are performed using the PUMA560 robot to manifest the feasibility and validity of the proposed control strategy in terms of trajectory tracking accuracy and fast convergence in the presence of uncertainties, disturbances, and actuator faults.
Optimal allocation of distributed generation in meshed power networks: A metaheuristic approach
Authors: Khan Muhammad Saad , Waheed Danial , Shahzad Sulman , Afzal Suhail , Killic Heybet 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper introduces a novel metaheuristic technique, a COOT‐based algorithm, to determine the optimal Distributed Generation (DG) allocation within a loop‐configured network. This method significantly narrows the optimization gap by leveraging a COOT‐based algorithm, ensuring accelerated convergence and resultant global optima. The core incentive for employing this technique is to substantially mitigate power loss, curtail voltage deviation, and bolster system stability in a loop distribution network. To attain optimal outcomes, the elaborated COOT and improved grey wolf optimization improved grey wolf optimization (IGWO) algorithms were executed on IEEE bus‐33 and 69 mesh distribution networks (MDNs) under varying power factors. The derived mathematical results effectively underscore accomplishing the stipulated objectives: a marked reduction in voltage deviation and power loss coupled with an augmentation in system stability. Notably, at unity, incorporating DGs resulted in a paramount reduction in power loss, attaining a decrease of 78% and 85% for bus‐33 and 69 MDNs, respectively. Moreover, an impressive decrease in power loss by 94% and 98% was observed at the optimal power factor for both MDNs. A comparative evaluation of the results accentuates that the proposed COOT and IGWO algorithms eclipse other documented research in performance, showcasing superior efficiency on a techno‐economic basis.
3D-Kartierung der DMEK-Abhebungsfläche aus OCT-Scans des
vorderen Augensegmentes mit klinischen Anwendungen
Authors: Kladny Anne-Marie S. , Glatz Andreas , Böhringer Daniel , Zander Daniel Bernhard , Lieberum Judith-Lisa , Reinhard Thomas , Wacker Katrin 
Published: April 2024

ZusammenfassungDie häufigste Komplikation nach Descemet-Membran-Endothel-Keratoplastik (DMEK)
ist die Transplantatabhebung. Ausmaß und Vergleich der Abhebung sind mittels
Spaltlampenmikroskopie jedoch nur eingeschränkt beurteilbar. Eine präzise
Quantifizierung und Möglichkeit zur longitudinalen Beurteilung bietet eine
3-D-Höhenkarte mittels Segmentierung und Zusammenführung der VAA-OCT-Aufnahmen
durch ein neuronales Netzwerk. Ziel dieses Artikels ist es, einen Überblick über
die neu etablierte 3-D-Kartierung der DMEK-Abhebungsfläche und ihre bisherigen
Anwendungsgebiete zu geben. Die 3-D-Kartierung konnte bereits genutzt werden, um
den Verlauf der natürlichen Transplantatanlage, den Einfluss möglicher
Risikofaktoren wie der postoperativen Lagerung oder den Langzeiteffekt der
Transplantatabhebung zu beurteilen. Die Deep-Learning-basierte Abhebungskarte
zeichnet sich durch ihre Genauigkeit, die standardisierte Bestimmung von
Abhebungsfläche und -volumen auch bei größeren Datensätzen, und die intuitive,
schnelle und verlässliche Auswertbarkeit aus.
Modified Minimally Invasive Bunnell Suture Surgery with Channel-assisted Minimally Invasive Reconstruction Device for Treating Achilles Tendon Rupture
Authors: Li Chao , Li Fu-chun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to improve the process of microincision and endoscopic
surgery for the treatment of Achilles tendon (AT) rupture using the modified
minimally invasive Bunnell suture (MIBS) technique.From December 2019 to December 2021, 20 patients with AT rupture who visited the
First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (Harbin, China) underwent
MIBS surgery.A total of 20 patients were included, of whom 18 (90.0%) were male and 2 (10.0%)
were female. The mean age of the patients was 37.75 ± 9.94 years. In terms of the
site of the AT, two (10.0%) had surgery on their left AT. The mean duration of
surgery was 23.00 ± 2.47 minutes, and the mean bleeding volume was 5.00 ± 1.12 mL.
All 20 patients (100%) showed complete incisional healing (stage I healing) and
normal functional recovery (3–6 months postoperatively). There were no cases of
abnormal functional recovery or postoperative recurrence within the 3–6 month
follow-up period. The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) significantly
improved post-surgery (83.6 ± 5.59) compared to pretreatment (0.3 ± 0.92,
p < 0.0001), indicating successful patient recovery.After the modified MIBS surgical process, the operation steps were simplified, the
surgical difficulty was reduced, and the surgical trauma was alleviated, resulting
in good postoperative recovery and patient satisfaction with the outcome. Therefore,
the MIBS surgery has high promotability.
Effects of Air Pollution and Meteorological Conditions on DED: Associated Manifestations and Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Zhou Hui-Zhong , Liu Xiufen , Zhou Dandan , Shao Fei , Li Qian , Li Dan , He Tianlong , Ren Yu , Lu Cheng-Wei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study aims to explore the associations and the underlying mechanism among dry eye disease (DED), air pollution, and meteorological conditions. DED is positively correlated with air pollutants (i.e., PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, CO, and SO2) and meteorological conditions (i.e., high altitude and wind speed), while negatively associated with relative humidity. Both low and high air temperatures effect DED. Atmospheric pollutants affect DED mainly through necroptosis or autophagy, inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress. Meteorological factors affect DED not only by their own affects but also by dispersing the concentration of air pollutants, and then reducing the negative exposure. In summary, this review may expand the understanding of the effects of air pollution and meteorological factors on DED and emphasize the importance of air environmental protection.
Monitoring Bar Velocity to Quantify Fatigue in Resistance
Training
Authors: Moura Raony Espíndola , Bezerra da Silva Rodrigo Fabio , Gomes Lucas Morais de Souza , Ramos da Silva José Leonardo , Henrique Rafael dos Santos , Sousa Filipe Antônio de Barros , Fonseca Fabiano de Souza 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe analyzed the effects of load magnitude and bar velocity variables on
sensitivity to fatigue. Seventeen resistance-trained men (age=25.7±4.9 years;
height=177.0±7.2 cm; body mass=77.7±12.3 kg; back-squat 1RM=145.0±33.9 kg;
1RM/body mass=1.86) participated in the study. Pre- and post-exercise changes in
the mean propulsive velocity (MPV) and peak velocity (PV) in the back-squat at
different intensities were compared with variations in the countermovement jump
(CMJ). CMJ height decreased significantly from pre- to post-exercise (∆%=−7.5 to
−10.4; p<0.01; ES=0.37 to 0.60). Bar velocity (MPV and PV) decreased across
all loads (∆%=−4.0 to −12.5; p<0.01; ES=0.32 to 0.66). The decrease in
performance was similar between the CMJ, MPV (40% and 80% 1RM; p=1.00), and PV
(80% 1RM; p=1.00). The magnitude of reduction in CMJ performance was greater
than MPV (60% 1RM; p=0.05) and PV (40% and 60% 1RM; p<0.01) at the
post-exercise moment. Low systematic bias and acceptable levels of agreement
were only found between CMJ and MPV at 40% and 80% 1RM (bias=0.35 to 1.59;
ICC=0.51 to 0.71; CV=5.1% to 8.5%). These findings suggest that the back-squat
at 40% or 80% 1RM using MPV provides optimal sensitivity to monitor fatigue
through changes in bar velocity.
Heterogenization of [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2 on Ordered Mesoporous Silica Materials for Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Lebeau Bénédicte , Cormier Morgan , Goddard Jean-Philippe , Sebbat Malik , Lazar Anish , Laurent Claire , Despas Christelle , Vilà Neus , Walcarius Alain , McClenaghan Nathan , Oheix Emmanuel 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHerein, the preparation and characterization of three Ru-based heterogeneous photocatalysts supported on ordered mesoporous silica materials are reported. The photocatalytic activity of these catalysts was evaluated through oxidation, reduction, cycloaddition, and carboxylation reactions and their efficiencies are comparable to the parent [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2 under homogeneous conditions. These photocatalysts are efficiently recovered even after five reaction cycles offering new opportunities in sustainable chemistry.
Periodontal Health and Microbiological Characteristics of Siwak (Chewing Stick) and Toothbrush Users: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yasmin Winarni , Vaithilingam Rathna Devi , Halib Nadia , Mohamad Hanafiah Rohazila , Ramli Haslinda 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objective Siwak is a chewing stick used to clean the teeth and oral structures. Many studies have been conducted to assess the potential use of siwak in dentistry and concluded that it can be an alternative to a toothbrush in reducing plaque and gingivitis. However, some observations have reported more periodontal attachment loss and gingival recession among siwak users. This study aimed to compare the periodontal health and oral microbial characteristics between siwak and toothbrush users.
Materials and Methods This was a cross-sectional study, and participants were recruited from the public who attended community engagement programs. They were assigned to two groups based on whether they used siwak or a toothbrush. Participants who consented were examined for periodontal health. Supragingival and subgingival plaque samples were collected for bacterial identification and quantification.
Statistical Analysis The SPSS package version 21.0 was used for data entry. Data normality was statistically tested using Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk tests, while data comparison used either t-test or Mann–Whitney U test.
Results A total of 36 participants were included in this study. The findings revealed that the plaque scores, bleeding scores, and periodontal pocket depths between siwak and toothbrush users were comparable (p > 0.05). Both groups had no evidence of gingival recession. Most participants had bacteria with characteristics of Streptococcus spp., which were present in 12 toothbrush users and 6 siwak users.
Conclusions The periodontal health status of siwak users was comparable to that of toothbrush users. Despite this, siwak users had fewer types of bacteria than toothbrush users, suggesting that siwak may serve as an alternative device to conventional toothbrushes for oral hygiene when properly used.
Difficulties and Disparities in Colorectal Cancer End-of-Life Care: A Patient's Story
Authors: Ranson Stacy , Noreika Danielle , Rivet Emily B. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPatients with advanced colorectal cancer nearing the end of life require a multidisciplinary approach to address the unique challenges they face. Using a case vignette, we outline the various stages of a patient's journey with advanced rectal cancer and the common obstacles to their care as they interface with the medical system. We highlight how Black persons might be vulnerable to differences in screening, treatment, procedural interventions, end-of-life care, and health care decision-making. The article also addresses how health inequities and barriers relating to concordant treatment goals can impact the relationship between patient and surgeon. This vignette illustrates the importance of ensuring a team approach to treatment and the value of early involvement of palliative medicine for patients with advanced colorectal cancer.
Frailty-based mortality models and reserving for longevity risk
Authors: Carannante Maria , D’amato Valeria , Haberman Steven , Menzietti Massimiliano 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFor the life insurance industry and pension schemes, mortality projections are critical for accurately managing exposure to longevity risk in terms of both premium setting and reserving. Frailty has been identified as an important latent factor underpinning the evolution of mortality rates. It represents the comorbidities that drive the deterioration of the human body’s physiological capacity. In this paper, we propose a stochastic mortality model that incorporates the trend in frailty, and we analyse the gap between the actuarial evaluations of premiums and technical provisions calculated under frailty-based and traditional stochastic mortality models. We observe that the frailty-based model leads to higher levels of uncertainty in estimates and projections (compared to a traditional stochastic mortality model), which is attributed to the explicit modelling of the comorbidities. This leads to proposing a potentially important policy-oriented recommendation: the incorporation of frailty in mortality modelling would allow for the profiling of mortality according to the portfolio in force for the insurer (or pension scheme), thereby mitigating the problem of adverse selection.
Emotions and positive anti-communism during the early Cold War: the case of the Bilderberg Group
Authors: Gijswijt Thomas W. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn the early 1950s, the Bilderberg Group became one of the first high-level informal transatlantic elite networks of the cold war. This article examines how the discussions at the Bilderberg Meetings were affected by the emotional nature of anti-communism on both sides of the Atlantic. On the one hand, ‘negative’ emotions resulting from the fear of communist infiltration and aggression could lead to the strengthening of transatlantic bonds. On the other hand, differences in political responses to communism could also lead to emotionally charged disagreements, as the first Bilderberg Conference in 1954 showed. As a result, the transatlantic discourse about anti-communism shifted towards the search for a strategy of positive anti-communism. The most important expression of this shift was the project of European integration.
Three-phase equilibria of hydrates from computer simulation. III. Effect of dispersive interactions in the methane and carbon dioxide hydrates
Authors: Algaba J. , Blazquez S. , Míguez J. M. , Conde M. M. , Blas F. J. 
Published: April 2024

In this work, the effect of the range of dispersive interactions in determining the three-phase coexistence line of the CO2 and CH4 hydrates has been studied. In particular, the temperature (T3) at which solid hydrate, water, and liquid CO2/gas CH4 coexist has been determined through molecular dynamics simulations using different cutoff values (from 0.9 to 1.6 nm) for dispersive interactions. The T3 of both hydrates has been determined using the direct coexistence simulation technique. Following this method, the three phases in equilibrium are put together in the same simulation box, the pressure is fixed, and simulations are performed at different temperatures T. If the hydrate melts, then T &gt; T3. Conversely, if the hydrate grows, then T &lt; T3. The effect of the cutoff distance on the dissociation temperature has been analyzed at three different pressures for CO2 hydrate: 100, 400, and 1000 bar. Then, we have changed the guest and studied the effect of the cutoff distance on the dissociation temperature of the CH4 hydrate at 400 bar. Moreover, the effect of long-range corrections for dispersive interactions has been analyzed by running simulations with homo- and inhomogeneous corrections and a cutoff value of 0.9 nm. The results obtained in this work highlight that the cutoff distance for the dispersive interactions affects the stability conditions of these hydrates. This effect is enhanced when the pressure is decreased, displacing the T3 about 2–4 K depending on the system and the pressure.
First-principles study of superconducting transition temperature of niobium and vanadium as a function of pressure
Authors: Oli Himal , Acharya Bibek , Adhikari Narayan Prasad 
Published: April 2024

Ultra-high pressure has recently led to the observation of high Tc superconductors. The exploration of superconducting properties under high pressure conditions offers valuable insights into the fundamental mechanisms governing superconductivity and opens avenues for the synthesis of novel materials with enhanced superconducting properties. In this study, the superconducting transition temperature, Tc, for niobium and vanadium has been investigated to maximum pressures of 250.0 and 70.0 GPa, respectively. Density functional theory and density functional perturbation theory were used to undertake first-principles computations to investigate the variations of superconducting properties under pressure. For both the metals niobium (Nb) and vanadium (V), we observed that the density of states at the Fermi level decreased, while the overall phonon frequency generally increased with pressure. For Nb, we find that the electron–phonon coupling constant (λ) and the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) decrease steadily with pressure; however, for V, we find that λ and Tc decrease smoothly up to 26.0 GPa, and then gradually increase to 70.0 GPa pressure. The observed phonon spectrum nature for both Nb and V is in good agreement with the neutron scattering approach’s output.
Garnet-based solid state batteries benefitting from an ionic/electronic mixed conductive interface constructed by lithiation of porous FeS2
Authors: Zeng Yuhan , Zhang Yang , Hu Jiulin , Li Chilin 
Published: April 2024

Garnet-based solid-state lithium metal batteries are considered as the potential candidates for the next-generation energy storage systems due to their high energy density, wide operating temperature, and high safety. However, the poor wettability of the lithium metal anode/garnet interface, the large interface resistance, and the risk of lithium dendrites growing and even penetrating electrolytes during cycling limit the practical application of garnet-based solid-state lithium metal batteries. In this work, a porous network FeS2 with an amorphized structure is prepared by using the solvothermal method and used as the Li/garnet interface modification layer. The porous FeS2 can be in situ converted into a Li2S/Fe mixed conductive layer by the thermal lithiation of molten metallic lithium. This mixed conductive layer can significantly reduce the interface resistance, ensure the close contact between Li and garnet, and inhibit the growth of lithium dendrites. The interface resistance of the modified Li/FeS2-LLZTO (LLZTO is Li6.5La3Zr1.5Ta0.5O12) interface at 60 °C is as small as 15.20 Ω cm2. The ionic conductivity of fully lithiated FeS2 is estimated to be 1.58 × 10−6 S cm−1 at room temperature. The Li/FeS2-LLZTO/Li symmetrical cell can cycle stably for more than 400 h at a high current density of 400 μA cm−2, with the voltage polarization of only about 25 mV, and can withstand a larger current density of 600 μA cm−2 without the polarization exceeding 50 mV. These results demonstrate the feasibility of in situ lithiation of porous iron sulfide into a mixed ion/electron conductive layer as a solid-state garnet interface modification strategy and provide the new interface method for the development of high-performance solid-state lithium metal batteries.