bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
18F-FDG PET/CT Analysis of Early-Stage Lung Cancer Presenting as Pure Ground-Glass Opacity lung nodules for distinction of invasiveness.
Authors: Dong Chuning , Zhou Lianbo , Guo Honghui , Xuan Yin , Xiang Xin , An Rongchen , Zhang Xinlu , Xiang Hong , Li Xian , Jiang Yang , Ma Xiaowei , Wang Yunhua 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objective: In the past decade, as the increasing application of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) screening, pure ground-glass opacity nodules (pGGNs) are encountered more frequently. However, the clinical strategies for invasive and noninvasive pGGNs are different. Thus, in this study, we aimed to analyze the value and efficacy of the 18F-FDG PET/CT combined with HRCT for identifying the atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH), adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA), and invasive adenocarcinoma.
Methods: The 18F-FDG PET/CT images and pathologic specimens of 90 patients with resected pGGNs at 2nd Xiangya Hospital in China between August 2013 and November 2019 were reviewed. The nodule size, density, metabolic parameters, and radiologic characteristic were assessed from 18F-FDG PET/CT and HRCT datasets. To investigate the invasiveness of the pGGNs lesions, we grouped AAH, AIS and MIA into the non-IAC group and IA into the IAC group. Then a mathematical model for predicting the invasiveness of pGGNs was established and assessed based on multivariate logistics regression.
Results: Of 90 pGGNs, 57 were non-IAC (63.3%, 29 were AAH and AIS, 28 were MIA), and 33 were IAC (36.7%). There is no significant difference between non-IAC and IAC groups in terms of age, sex, smoking history, periphery, bubble, or lobulation (p＞0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the maximum of CT value (CTmax), average standard uptake value (SUVmean), vessel pass, and speculation as independent predictors of invasiveness. The mathematical model we established as y=exp(x)/[1+exp(x)],x=1.445+1.184×length+0.009×mean attenuation+1.582×SUVmax, where e is the natural logarithm. When the cut-off value was set at 0.82, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of our model was 68.9%, 96.6%, and 83.3%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the model was 0.881 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.807 to 0.955), which was higher than the model without 18F-FDG PET/CT parameters (AUC value of the model without 18F-FDG 0.848).
Conclusion: Our study demonstrated a nomogram to accurately discriminate the invasive status of the pGGNs by visual assessment and 18F-FDG PET/CT parameters. The predicting model could assist surgeons to make decisions for the treatment of patients with pGGN.
Musculoskeletal Comorbidities Predict Lung Function and Mortality in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Srid Meenakshi , Bodduluri Sandeep , O'Hare Lanier , Blumhoff Scott , Lara Maria del Pilar Acosta , Andrade Joao A. , Kim Young-Il , Luckhardt Tracy , McDonald MerryLynn , Kulkarni Tejaswini 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disease associated with high mortality. Low muscle mass, frailty and sarcopenia lead to functional impairment that negatively impacts quality of life and survival but are not used in clinical practice. We aimed to determine the association between Fat-free mass index (FFMI) and frailty on lung function and exercise tolerance and survival in patients with IPF.
In this study, 70 patients with IPF underwent assessment of body composition, lung function, six-minute walk distance (6MWD) testing, hand grip strength, quality of life (QoL) assessment by St. George’s Respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) and frailty assessment using the SHARE-FI tool. FFMI was calculated using pectoralis muscle cross-sectional area (PM-CSA) on CT chest images and the lowest quartile defined reduced muscle mass. Sarcopenia was defined as low FFMI and handgrip strength. Regression analyses were conducted to determine predictive value of frailty, low FFMI and sarcopenia on clinical outcomes. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the impact of FFMI and frailty score on survival.
The mean age was 70 years with moderate impairment in lung function (mean ppFVC- 68.5%, ppDLCO- 45.6%). Baseline forced vital capacity (p<0.001), diffusion capacity of lung for carbon monoxide (p=<0.01), 6WMD (p<0.05) were significantly lower in frail patients compared to non-frail patients. Frailty was a significant predictor of FVC, DLCO, 6MWD, SGRQ scores when adjusted for age, gender. Muscle mass and sarcopenia were significant predictors of FVC, DLCO, but not 6MWD or QoL scores. Frailty showed a significant association with increased mortality (HR 2.6, 95% CI- 1.1-6.7) adjusting for age and gender.
These conditions may represent a continuum of musculoskeletal dysfunction and early recognition may present an area for intervention in this cohort. The effect of musculoskeletal comorbidities on patients with other interstitial lung disease is yet to be assessed.
Optimized Inverse Problem of Eddy Current Testing for Flaws Angle Determination
Authors: GUESMI Mohamed , GUESMI Kamel , BENHADDA Nabil 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The flaw propagation angle is a vital factor in the behavioral study of fractures, especially in the case of structures under dynamic or fatigue loading. In this paper, Eddy's current testing has been used with the finite element modeling method to determine the flaw angle for a two-dimensional axisymmetric problem in a gas tube. Moreover, the influence of the flaw angle on the sensor impedance during the scanning process is carried out. On the other hand, the inverse problem is optimized using one of the most recent and effective metaheuristic optimization algorithms called Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO).It allows for defining an optimized relationship between the flaw angle and the sensorimpedance. Simulations are carried out to validate the proposed approach and show its efficiency in accurately determining the flaw angle.
Robust Multipe Imputation with GAM
Authors: Templ Matthias 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Multiple imputation of missing values is a key step in data analytics and a standard process in data mining. Non-linear imputation methods ones comes into play whenever the linear relationship between a response and predictors cannot be linearized. One kind of popular non-linear methods are Generalized Additive Models (GAM) and an extension of GAM, namely GAMLSS, where each parameter of the distribution (e.g., mean, variance, skewness, kurtosis) can be modeled as a function of predictors.
However, non-robust methods such as standard GAM's and GAMLSS's can be swayed by outliers, leading to outlier-driven imputations. This can apply concerning both representative outliers - those true yet unusual values of your population - and non-representative outliers, which are mere measurement errors.
Robust (imputation) methods effectively manage outliers and exhibit remarkable resistance to their influence, providing a more reliable approach to dealing with missing data.
A new robust imputation algorithm is introduced. This innovative solution addresses three significant challenges with robustness. (1) It uses a robust bootstrap to manage model uncertainty when imputing a random sample, (2) it incorporates robust fitting to reinforce accuracy, and (3) it takes into account imputation uncertainty in a resilient manner. Furthermore, any complex model for any variable with missingness can be considered and run through the algorithm.
For the employed real-world datasets and the conducted simulation study, the novel algorithm imputeRobust demonstrates superior performance in comparison to other prevalent methods.
Using the Ordinal Probit regression model to study the addiction of young people to the game (PUBG) and its impact on family cohesion.
Authors: Farag Eyaman Musa Farag 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This research is based on a set of main objectives, which are to identify the most influential factors on family cohesion using the Ordinal Probit regression model and to determine which independent variables positively contribute to the dependent variable. Additionally, the study aims to test hypotheses that suggest that the Ordinal Probit regression model is the most appropriate statistical method for analyzing study data, and that certain variables related to young people addicted to the video game ‘PUBG’ (gender, age, education level, social status, occupation, type device to play, time of entry into the game, number of hours of play, method of play, Motivation for using the game, and places of play) have an impact on family cohesion. The study was conducted with a confidence level of 95% and a sample size of 384 individuals, and its type is simple random sampling. The research found a number of results, including that the Probit model is a suitable method for the data. It also showed that variables (gender, age, social status, favorite device to play, number of hours played, and motive for play) have the most significant impact on family cohesion and are important in interpreting the dependent variable (family cohesion). The highest contribution was found to be from the number of hours of play with 49.75%, followed by age at 12.02%, then the motives for play at 9.94%, followed by social status, gender, and method of play consecutively.
Peritoneal Dialysis Related Peritonitis: Insights From a Long-Term Analysis of an Italian Center
Authors: Nardelli Luca , Scalamogna Antonio , Ponzano Federico , Sikharulidze Anna , Tripodi Federica , Vettoretti Simone , Alfieri Carlo , Castellano Giuseppe 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Peritonitis is a common and severe complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). For comparative analysis standardized definitions as well as measurements and outcomes are crucial. However, most PD-related peritonitis studies have been using heterogenous definitions and variable methods to measure outcomes. The ISPD 2022 guidelines have revised and clarified numerous definitions and proposed new peritonitis categories and outcomes.
Methods
Between 1st January 2009 and 31st May 2023, 267 patients who started PD at our institution were included in the study. All PD-related peritonitis episodes that occurred in our unit during the study period were collected. The new definitions and outcomes of ISPD 2022 recommendations were employed.
Results
The overall peritonitis rate was 0.25 episode/patient year. Patient cumulative probability of remaining peritonitis-free at one year was 84.2%. The medical cure and refractory peritonitis rates were equal to 70.3 and 22.4%, respectively. Culture-negative peritonitis accounted for 25.6% of all specimens. The rates of peritonitis associated death, HD transfer, catheter removal and hospitalization were 6.8%, 18.3%, 18.7% and 64.4%, respectively. Relapsing, repeat, recurrent and enteric peritonitis accounted for 7.8%, 6.8%, 4.1% and 2.7% of all episodes, respectively. Catheter insertion, catheter related and pre-PD peritonitis were 4.2, 2.1 and 0.5%.
Conclusions
The implementation of PD-related peritonitis reports using standardized definitions and outcome measurements is of paramount importance to enhance clinical practice and to allow comparative studies.
Kernel-based Algorithms for Image Classification: A Review
Authors: Liang Xijun , Du Shenyu , Duan Yuqian , Chen Yuelin , Zhu Kaili , Yin Yue , Jian Ling 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The field of kernel learning methods has made significant strides since their inception in the 1990s. These methods involve mapping data from the original input space to a higher-dimensional feature space using an implicitly determined nonlinear mapping through a kernel function. In the feature space, a linear model is constructed, enabling the fusion of statistical information and the geometric structure of data samples.
Kernel methods have demonstrated their effectiveness in various computer vision applications, including remote sensing image analysis, face recognition, and online scene classification. However, traditional kernel methods face challenges in image classification, such as computational complexity and the design of appropriate kernel functions for complex image features. To address these limitations, we explore two approaches: online kernel learning and the integration of deep learning architectures with kernel methods. We present advancements and applications in image classification tasks, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of kernel learning methods and identify future research directions in this domain.
Design of compact HTS bandpass filter operating above 100K by using dual-mode resonators with high selectivity
Authors: Wang Litian , Liu Bingyan , Qian Lirong , Xiong Yang , Li Cuiping , Li Dan , Tian Yahui , Li Honglang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In this manuscript, a miniature HTS bandpass filter (BPF) with multi-transmission zeros (TZs), high selectivity, and great attenuation of stopband is presented. A couple of dual-mode resonator (DMR) is employed to achieve the proposed BPF, which can be characterized by using the classical even-odd mode analysis technique. The presented cascaded DMR can excite four resonant modes which can be individually managed. Plus, a pair of intrinsic transmission zero can be yielded at both the lower and upper edges of the passband which results in sharp shirt performance. As an example, the HTS BPF is designed, fabricated, and tested, in which the center frequency is centred at 3.95 GHz and the 3-dB fractional bandwidth (FBW) is 2.5%. The proposed HTS BPF is implemented by using Tl2Ba2CaCu2O8 (Tl-2212) thin films which are fabricated by two-step processing and the superconducting critical temperatures (Tc) of the HTS films can reach 103K. The design methodology is confirmed since the experimental results are in good agreement with theoretical results, showing desired bandpass characteristics, high selectivity, and the attenuation of lower and upper stopbands above − 50 dB. Further, the circuit size is only 0.4 cm2.
The Optimization Problems of a Quadratic Hermitian Matrix-valued Function with the Constraint of Matrix Equations
Authors: Lan Yawen , Yuan Yongxin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Let Ω={X∈Cn×p| AX=B, XH=K, and AA+B=B, KH+H=K, AK=BH}, and let f(X)=(XC+D)M(XC+D)∗−G be a given quadratic Hermitian matrix-valued function. In this paper, we first establish a series of closed-form formulas for calculating the extremal ranks and inertias of f(X) subject to X∈Ω by applying the generalized inverses of matrices. Further, we present the solvability conditions for X∈Ω to satisfy the matrix equality (XC+D)M(XC+D)∗=G and matrix inequalities (XC+D)M(XC+D)∗> G(≥ G, < G, ≤ G)to hold, respectively. In addition, we provide closed-form solutions to two Löwner partial ordering optimization problems on f(X) subject to X∈Ω.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). Primary 15A03; Secondary 15A09; 15A24; 15A63.
HCEC: An effective Hybrid CNN-Ensemble classifier forHyperspectral Image classification
Authors: Pathak Diganta Kumar , Kalita Sanjib Kumar , Bhattacharya Dhruba Kumar 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This article proposes a hybrid classifier for hyperspectral image(HSI) integrating the merits of two prominent classifiers: convolution neural network(CNN) and ensemble learning method. Both of them have evidence of efficient recognition capability of finding patterns from data. The ensemble model performs recognition using the salient features extracted by CNN. A modified version of Alexnet compatible with HSI datacube has been adopted as the CNN model. Three ensemble methods have been applied for recognition: adaptive boosting(adaboost), random forest(RF), and extreme gradient boosting(XGBoost). Two base learners have been used with adaboost: decision tree and support vector machine(SVM). Experiments have been performed on three benchmark datasets: Indian Pines,University of Pavia and Kennedy Space Centre, which mostly include land cover of agriculture, forest, soil, rural, and urban area. Experimental results establish the superiority of CNN with adaboosthybrid method where SVM is used as the base learner.
Effect of long-term combined use of antipsychotics on ventricular repolarization index
Authors: Liu Qiong , yuan xiaoping , Sheng Chengdong , Cai Weixun , Geng Xuhong , Liu Huanzhong , Song Suqi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objective Antipsychotics can prolong the time of ventricular repolarization. Multiple-drug interactions may increase the risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias.
It is generally recommended to avoid the combination of drugs that prolong ventricular repolarization or drugs that interact with pharmacokinetics, but in the real world,the combination is inevitable. We retrospectively analyzed heart rate, QRS duration, QT, QTc, TpTe, TpTe, TpTe / QRS, TpTe / QT, TpTe / QTc in consecutive patients with schizophrenia, cardiac electrophysiological balance index (iCEB), iCEBc,and compared with QTc interval to evaluate more effective alternative indexes and to explore the safety of long-term combined use of antipsychotics. And the significance of arrhythmia induced or aggravated by the change of ventricular repolarization index.
Methods Patients with schizophrenia who take drugs in combination. 12-lead synchronous ECG examination was collected every 2-4 weeks. The electrocardiogram with the most significant abnormal changes each year was used to measure the duration of the QRS wave and to measure and calculate a series of ventricular repolarization indexes. The types and times of arrhythmias were observed, the types and doses of drugs taken were recorded, and the hematological indexes were monitored and compared with those of the previous year.
Results When the patients were treated with antipsychotics for 5 years, There was no significant difference in gender effect on RR interval. The duration of the QRS wave in males was longer than that in females. TpTe, TpTe/QRS TpTe/QT, TpTe/QTc, iCEB, and iCEBc increased significantly with the prolongation of hospital stay, while TpTe, TpTe/QRS, TpTe/QT, and TpTe/QTc more obvious changes in such indicators appeared in female patients( P < 0.01). The changes in iCEB and iCEBc were more significant in males ( P < 0.01). The incidence of arrhythmia within 5 years was 2.5%, 6.25%, 6.25%,6.25% and 5%, respectively. More than 90% of patients treated with antipsychotics did not have any arrhythmias. No TdP syncope, or other cardiovascular symptoms were found in all patients.
Conclusion Long-term combined use of antipsychotics had no significant effect on ventricular depolarization (QRS duration). iCEB, iCEBc, TpTe, TpTe/QT, TpTe/QTc, and TpTe/QRS prolonged with increasing treatment time.Among them, the gender differences were significant for TpTe, TpTe / QTc, TpTe / QT, iCEB, and iCEBc. The arrhythmic rate was low within the observed 5 years, and the prolongation of the ventricular repolarization index did not significantly increase the incidence of arrhythmia.
Prognostic Value of Metabolic Tumor Volume for Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Definitive Radiotherapy without Chemotherapy: A Modern Experience
Authors: Berkowitz Aviva , III William R. Bodner , Cheng Haiying , Halmos Balazs , Ohri Nitin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose:
Optimal treatment techniques and expected outcomes are largely undefined for patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) who are ineligible for combined modality therapy. We describe outcomes for a modern series of patients treated with radiotherapy alone and explore prognostic factors in this setting.
Methods:
We reviewed patients treated with thoracic radiotherapy alone for stage IIB-IIIC NSCLC (May 2014 - February 2021). Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Clinical characteristics, including molecular markers and metabolic tumor volume (MTV), were tested as predictors of PFS and OS using Cox proportional hazards modeling.
Results:
Forty-five patients met eligibility criteria. Median follow-up duration for living patients was 21.8 months. Twenty-seven patients developed disease progression, and 27 died. Median PFS duration was 6.0 months; median OS was 14.9 months. Eight patients received salvage immunotherapy after progression.
MTV was the only statistically significant predictor of PFS (HR [after log10 transformation] = 2.03, 95% CI 1.04-4.00, p=0.039) and OS (HR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.10-5.31, p=0.028). Median PFS for patients with low MTV was 8.9 months, and 5.0 months for those with high MTV. Median OS for patients with low MTV was 27.2 months, and 8.9 months for those with high MTV.
Conclusion:
Volumetric disease burden may be an important prognostic factor for LA-NSCLC patients treated with definitive radiotherapy without chemotherapy. As many of these patients are eligible for immunotherapy, trials combining radiotherapy and immunotherapy should be explored for this population.
The Impact of Innovativeness in Hospitality Industry Service Operation on Guest Satisfaction in Hurghada City Resorts
Authors: Yousry Fahd Mohamed , Saad Sameh Gamal , Mohamed Fatma Abdelaal 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Service innovation is essential for improving service and increasing guest satisfaction. Aside from the significance of technology and tangible products, innovation increases guest satisfaction by stimulating their five senses perception. To produce Service Innovation, Service-Dominant Logic highlights the role of innovativeness in service delivery in accordance with guest perception. This study aims to explore the impact of innovativeness on guest satisfaction in the case of resort operations as qualitative research. A set of propositions are generated based on relevant works of literature and an approximate of one thousand reviews on the TripAdvisor website. The reviewers were international guests of 20 resorts in Hurghada City. The thematic analysis with deductive approach was employed to determine the key themes of Innovativeness that influence guest satisfaction. The findings suggest a conceptual model about the influences of 1) Innovative Humane Hints, 2) Innovative Mechanic Hints and 3) Innovative Functional Hints on the guest’s Transaction-Specific Satisfaction. The model explains how guests perceive innovativeness through the five senses and their evaluation on the innovativeness of the operations. The study addresses the importance of innovativeness in service operation management to satisfy guest expectation.
The air quality before-and-after COVID-19 in Tunisia: A case study of the month of May between 2018 and 2023
Authors: Arif Abderrazak 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The global coronavirus 2019 pandemic (COVID-19) reduced air pollution despite the economic, social and health disruptions that it caused on a global scale. We aimed to study the sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) variability, which are the main air pollutants. We used the data from the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite to analyze the atmospheric concentrations of these pollutants in three Tunisian regions: the North, the Centre, and the South, before and after the onset of this global pandemic; we compared them with the results from other countries. We examined also the relationship between meteorological variables and these pollutants; the results showed a return to normal levels from May 2022, indicating a decline in COVID-19 cases and deaths worldwide. A multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to identify the meteorological variables that affect these air pollutants.
RETRACTED: An Exami̇nati̇on of the Effects of Technology Use İn Musi̇c Educati̇on and Trai̇ni̇ng on Academi̇c Achi̇evement: a Meta-analysis Study
Authors: Kalkanoglu Burcu 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.