bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a cerebral aneurysm segmentation method to prevent sentinel hemorrhage
Authors: Regaya Yousra , Amira Abbes , Dakua Sarada Prasad 
Published: March 2023

AbstractImage segmentation being the first step is always crucial for brain aneurysm treatment planning; it is also crucial during the procedure. A robust brain aneurysm segmentation has the potential to prevent the blood leakage, also known as sentinel hemorrhage. Here, we present a method combining a multiresolution and a statistical approach in two dimensional domain to segment cerebral aneurysm in which the Contourlet transform (CT) extracts the image features, while the Hidden Markov Random Field with Expectation Maximization (HMRF-EM) segments the image, based on the spatial contextual constraints. The proposed algorithm is tested on Three-Dimensional Rotational Angiography (3DRA) datasets; the average values of segmentation accuracy, DSC, FPR, FNR, specificity, and sensitivity, are found to be 99.72%, 93.52%, 0.07%, 5.23%, 94.77%, and 99.96%, respectively.
Wastewater treatment via sugarcane bagasse pulp
Authors: Elshabrawy S. O. , Elhussieny A. , Taha M. M. , Pal K. , Fahim I. S. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractTextile wastewater effluents yield tons of dyes that, even at low concentrations, are toxic and need to be removed before this water is disposed of in aquatic life. Methylene blue has a low degradation rate and causes severe harm to the environment even at low concentrations. Adsorption is an effective method of getting rid of these dyes. In this study sugarcane bagasse pulp, which is a waste resulting from the sugar extraction process, is examined as an adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue from textile wastewater. Batch experiments are carried out to determine the efficiency of the adsorption of methylene blue onto the sugarcane bagasse pulp surface. Seven different parameters including the adsorbent dose, temperature, initial dye concentration, contact time, pH, and adsorbent particle size are studied to determine their effect on the adsorption process; characterization of the adsorbent is carried out. Artificial neural network is used to determine the optimum conditions that give maximum efficiency. The results of this study showed that bagasse pulp is an effective adsorbent material for methylene blue removal with a maximum adsorption efficiency of 95%.
Graphical abstract
Vaccine effectiveness against severe COVID-19 during the Omicron wave in Germany: results from the COViK study
Authors: Stoliaroff-Pepin Anna , Peine Caroline , Herath Tim , Lachmann Johannes , Hellenbrand Wiebke , Perriat Delphine , Dörre Achim , Nitsche Andreas , Michel Janine , Grossegesse Marica , Hofmann Natalie , Rinner Thomas , Kohl Claudia , Brinkmann Annika , Meyer Tanja , Stern Daniel , Treindl Fridolin , Dorner Brigitte G. , Hein Sascha , Werel Laura , Hildt Eberhard , Gläser Sven , Schühlen Helmut , Isner Caroline , Peric Alexander , Ghouzi Ammar , Reichardt Annette , Janneck Matthias , Lock Guntram , Huster Dominik , Grünewald Thomas , Schaade Lars , Wichmann Ole , Harder Thomas 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose
COViK, a prospective hospital-based multicenter case-control study in Germany, aims to assess the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against severe disease. Here, we report vaccine effectiveness (VE) against COVID-19-caused hospitalization and intensive care treatment during the Omicron wave.

Methods
We analyzed data from 276 cases with COVID-19 and 494 control patients recruited in 13 hospitals from 1 December 2021 to 5 September 2022. We calculated crude and confounder-adjusted VE estimates.

Results
21% of cases (57/276) were not vaccinated, compared to 5% of controls (26/494; p < 0.001). Confounder-adjusted VE against COVID-19-caused hospitalization was 55.4% (95% CI: 12–78%), 81.5% (95% CI: 68–90%) and 95.6% (95%CI: 88–99%) after two, three and four vaccine doses, respectively. VE against hospitalization due to COVID-19 remained stable up to one year after three vaccine doses.

Conclusion
Three vaccine doses remained highly effective in preventing severe disease and this protection was sustained; a fourth dose further increased protection.
Efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection after lung transplantation: a two center cohort study during the omicron era
Authors: Gottlieb Jens , Simon Susanne , Barton Jürgen , Barnikel Michaela , Bachmann Marcus , Klingenberg Merle-Sophie , Veit Tobias , Kneidinger Nikolaus 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Lung transplant (LTx) recipients are at risk for poor outcomes from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of the study was to assess the outcome of patients receiving pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tixagevimab and cilgavimab after LTx.

Methods
All LTx recipients with outpatient visits from February 28th to October 31st, 2022 at two German centers were included. Baseline characteristics were recorded and patients followed until November 30rd, 2022. Infections with SARS-CoV-2, disease severity, and COVID-19-associated death were compared between patients with and without PrEP.

Results
In total, 1438 patients were included in the analysis, and 419 (29%) received PrEP. Patients receiving PrEP were older and earlier after transplantation, had lower glomerular filtration rates, and lower levels of SARS-CoV-2-S antibodies. In total, 535 patients (37%) developed SARS-CoV-2 infection during a follow-up of median of 209 days. Fewer infections occurred in patients with PrEP during the study period (31% vs. 40%, p = 0.004). Breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections after PrEP occurred in 77 patients (19%). In total, 37 infections (8%) were severe or critical. No difference in severity of COVID-19 was observed between patients with and without PrEP. There were 15 COVID-19-associated deaths (n = 1 after PrEP). Compared to matched controls, there was a non-significant difference towards a lower risk for moderate to critical COVID-19 (p 0.184).

Conclusion
The number of SARS-CoV-2 infections was lower in LTx recipients with PrEP. Despite being at higher risk for worse outcome severity of COVID-19 and associated mortality were similar in patients with and without PrEP.
Validity and reliability of Eforto®, a system to (self-)monitor grip strength and muscle fatigability in older persons
Authors: De Dobbeleer Liza , Swart Myrthe Manouk , Geerds Merle Anne Joëlle , Baggen Remco Johan , Jansen Anne-Jet Sophie , Tielemans Rudi , Silva Hugo , Lieten Siddhartha , Barbé Kurt , Peeters Geeske , Vollenbroek-Hutten Miriam Marie Rose , Melis René Johannes Franciscus , Bautmans Ivan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIntroductionWe developed Eforto®, an innovative system for (self-)monitoring of grip strength (GS) and muscle fatigability (Fatigue Resistance (FR = time until GS decreased to 50% of maximum during sustained contraction) and grip work (GW = area under the strength-time curve)). The Eforto® system consists of a rubber bulb that is wirelessly connected to a smartphone-based application, and a telemonitoring platform. The aim was to evaluate the validity and reliability of Eforto® to measure muscle fatigability.MethodsCommunity-dwelling older persons (n = 61), geriatric inpatients (n = 26) and hip fracture patients (n = 25) were evaluated for GS and muscle fatigability. In community dwellers fatigability was tested twice in the clinic (once with Eforto®, once with Martin Vigorimeter (MV), standard analog handgrip system) and for six consecutive days as a self-assessment at home with Eforto®. In hospitalized participants, fatigability was tested twice using Eforto®, once by a researcher and once by a health professional.ResultsCriterion validity was supported by good to excellent correlations between Eforto® and MV for GS (r = 0.95) and muscle fatigability (FRr = 0.81 and GWr = 0.73), and no significant differences in measurements between both systems. Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability for GW were moderate to excellent (intra-class correlation: 0.59–0.94). The standard error of measurement for GW was small for geriatric inpatients and hip fracture patients (224.5 and 386.5 kPa*s) and higher for community-dwellers (661.5 kPa*s).Discussion/conclusionWe established the criterion validity and reliability of Eforto® in older community-dwelling persons and hospitalized patients, supporting the implementation of Eforto® for (self-)monitoring of muscle fatigability.
A simplified pneumatic model for air brake of passenger trains
Authors: Cantone Luciano , Ottati Andrea 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBraking system performance is relevant for both railway safety and network optimization. Most trains employ air brake systems; air brake systems of freight trains mostly cannot achieve a synchronous application of brake forces, which is usually customary for passenger trains. The paper generalizes a previous air brake pneumatic model to passenger trains and describes the needed modifications. Among them, the way the pressure reduces in the brake pipe is generalized. Moreover, this paper reports an analytical bi-dimensional function for calculating the nozzle diameter equivalent to the electro-pneumatic (EP) or the electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brake valve as a function of the wagon length and the time to vent the brake pipe locally. The numerical results of the new model are compared against several experimental tests of high-speed passenger trains of Trenitalia, namely ETR500 and ETR1000. The model is suitable to be integrated into the UIC software TrainDy, aiming to extend its computational field to passenger trains and to simulate the safety of trains during a recovery.
Control of acromegaly in more than 90% of patients after 10 years of pegvisomant therapy: an European referral centre real-life experience
Authors: Pirchio R. , Auriemma R. S. , Montini M. E. , Vergura A. , Pivonello R. , Colao A. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Pegvisomant (PEG) efficaciously controls IGF-I excess in acromegaly and possesses a positive impact on glucose metabolism. Data on very prolonged PEG treatment are still limited, therefore, we investigated the effects of 10-years PEG on disease control, maximal tumour diameter (MTD), and metabolic profile in consecutive patients resistant to somatostatin analogues (SRLs) followed in an European referral centre for acromegaly.

Methods
Since the 2000s, we collected data on anthropometric, hormonal and metabolic parameters, and MTD of patients receiving PEG. In the current study, we included 45 patients (19 men, 26 women, 46.8 ± 11 years) treated for at least 5 years with PEG mono or combined therapy, analyzing data before, after 5- and 10-years PEG.

Results
After10 years, 91% of patients showed full disease control and in 37% a significant decrease in MTD was found. Diabetes prevalence was slightly increased, whereas HbA1c remained stable over the decade. Transaminases remained stable and no case of cutaneous lipohypertrophy was recorded. A different metabolic impact between mono- or combined therapy was found. Patients in monotherapy showed significantly lower fasting glucose (p = 0.01), fasting insulin (p = 0.008), HbA1c (p = 0.007), HOMA-IR (p = 0.001), and significantly higher ISI0 (p = 0.002), whereas patients under combined therapy showed significantly lower total (p = 0.03), and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.007). Acromegaly duration before PEG was inversely related to ΔFG (r = − 0.46, p = 0.03) and ΔFI (r = − 0.54, p = 0.05).

Conclusions
PEG is effective and safe in long term. In patients resistant to SRLs, early beginning of PEG allows a wider gluco-insulinemic improvement.
High levels of LIGHT/TNFSF14 in patients with Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Faienza M. F. , Brunetti G. , Fintini D. , Grugni G. , Wasniewska M. G. , Crinò A. , D’Amato G. , Piacente L. , Oranger A. , Dicarlo M. , Colucci S. , Grano M. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose/methods
Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder displaying different clinical features, including obesity and bone impairment. LIGHT/TNFSF14 is a cytokine produced by immune cells affecting both fat and bone metabolism. The present study aimed to evaluate LIGHT serum levels in 28 children and 52 adult PWS patients compared to age and sex-matched controls, as well as correlations with parameters of bone and fat metabolism.

Results
Median serum LIGHT levels were significantly increased in pediatric PWS with respect to controls [255.82 (284.43) pg/ml vs 168.11 (76.23) pg/ml, p ≤ 0.02] as well as in adult PWS compared to controls [296.85 (895.95) pg/ml vs 134.18 (141.18) pg/ml, p ≤ 0.001]. In pediatric PWS, LIGHT levels were positively correlated with weight-SDS, height-SDS, and glucose levels, and negatively with total 25 (OH) vitamin D, cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Additionally, LIGHT levels were negatively correlated with total BMD and fat mass. In adult PWS, LIGHT levels were positively correlated with weight, HDL cholesterol and PTH, and negatively with glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, phosphorus, 25(OH)Vitamin D as well as with instrumental parameters of bone and fat quality. Consistently, multiple regression analysis showed that LIGHT serum levels in pediatric and adult PWS were predicted by different parameters including 25 (OH) Vitamin D as well as DXA parameters of bone and fat quality.

Conclusions
In PWS children and adults the high levels of LIGHT could represent a marker of the altered bone and fat metabolism.
IgA nephropathy to proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgAκ deposits: a pattern switch
Authors: Li Jin-pu , Du Ya-ting , Guo Chuan , Rao Xiang-rong , Li Shen 
Published: March 2023

AbstractWe report the case of a 31-year-old male who presented with repeated episodes of nephritic-nephrotic syndrome in concomitance with infection. IgA was diagnosed and was initially responsive to treatment with immunosuppressors but further disease flare did not respond to treatment. Based on three consecutive renal biopsies over 8 years, a pattern switch from endocapillary proliferative IgA nephropathy to membranous proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgAκ deposits was observed. Bortezomib-dexamethasone combination therapy finally led to a favorable renal response. This case provides new insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal immunoglobin deposits (PGNMID), highlighting the importance of repeat renal biopsies and routine evaluation of monoclonal immunoglobin deposits in proliferative glomerulonephritis with refractory nephrotic syndrome.
FedTCR: communication-efficient federated learning via taming computing resources
Authors: Li Kaiju , Wang Hao , Zhang Qinghua 
Published: March 2023

AbstractFederated learning (FL) enables clients learning a shared global model from multiple distributed devices while keeping training data locally. Due to the synchronous update mode between server and devices, the straggler problem has become a significant bottleneck for efficient FL. Existing approaches attempt to tackle this issue by using asynchronous-based model aggregation. However, these researches are only from the perspective of changing global model updating manner to mitigate straggler effect. They do not investigate the intrinsic reasons for the generation of the straggler effect, which could not fundamentally solve this problem. Furthermore, asynchronous-based approaches usually ignore those slow-responding but important local updates while frequently aggregating fast-responding ones during the whole training process, which may come with degradation in model accuracy. Thus, we propose FedTCR, a novel Federated learning approach via Taming Computing Resources. FedTCR includes a coarse-grained logical computing cluster construction algorithm (LCC) and a fine-grained intra-cluster collaborative training mechanism (ICT) as part of the FL process. The computing resource heterogeneity among devices and the communication frequency between devices and the server are indirectly tamed during this process, which substantially resolves the straggler problem and significantly improves the communication efficiency for FL. Experimental results show that FedTCR achieves much faster training performance, reducing the communication cost by up to $$8.59\,\times $$

8.59

×

while improving $$13.85\%$$

13.85
%

model accuracy, compared to state-of-the-art FL methods.
Activation of anthracite combustion by copper acetate: mechanism, effect of particle size and introduction method
Authors: Larionov K. B. , Mishakov I. V. , Berezikov N. I. , Gorshkov A. S. , Kaltaev A. Zh. , Slyusarskiy K. V. , Ruban A. S. , Vedyagin A. A. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis paper addressed the effect of copper acetate on the combustion characteristics of anthracite depending on the fractional composition of fuel and additive introduction method. Anthracite was impregnated with 5 wt% of Cu(CH3COO)2 by mechanical mixing and incipient wetness impregnation. Four anthracite samples of different fraction with d < 0.1 mm, d = 0.1–0.5 mm, d = 0.5–1.0 mm, and d = 1.0–2.0 mm were compared. According to EDX mapping, incipient wetness impregnation provides a higher dispersion of the additive and its uniform distribution in the sample. The ignition and combustion characteristics of the modified anthracite samples were studied by thermal analysis and high-speed video recording of the processes in a combustion chamber (at heating medium temperature of 800 °C). It was found that copper acetate increases anthracite reactivity, which was evidenced by decreased onset temperature of combustion (ΔTi) by 35–190 °C and reduced ignition delay time (Δτi) by 2.1–5.4 s. Copper acetate reduces fuel underburning (on average by 70%) in the ash residue of anthracite and decreases the amount of CO and NOx in gas-phase products (on average by 18.5% and 20.8%, respectively). The mechanism for activation of anthracite combustion by copper acetate is proposed.
Understanding Influencing Factors of Travel Mode Choice in Urban-Suburban Travel: A Case Study in Shanghai
Authors: Le Jiankun , Teng Jing 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAfter the rapid expansion of the subway system over the past two decades, some cities are preparing to build more suburban railways. The emergence of suburban railways is bound to change the choice of suburban passenger transportation. This paper studies the factors that affect the choice of travel mode at the construction stage of suburban railways, aiming to design a more rational suburban railway network and urban public transport service system. Taking Shanghai as an example, this study first surveyed revealed preference (RP) and stated preference (SP) among urban-suburban travelers. Then, we used discrete choice models (DCM) and machine learning algorithms to build a travel mode choice model based on data collection and analysis. Furthermore, the importance of each factor was analyzed, and the effects were predicted under several traffic demand management schemes. Finally, this study proposed some strategies for increasing the share of public transport. On the one hand, it is suggested that Shanghai should continue to develop suburban railways and maintain low pricing of public transport services. Considering the construction and operation costs, the government needs to provide certain subsidies to stabilize prices. On the other hand, as passengers are very sensitive to the “last mile” trips in their suburban railway travel, transport planners should strengthen the connection from and to the suburban railway stations by developing services such as shared bikes and shuttle buses. In addition, the results indicated that some traffic demand management measures can also contribute to a larger share of public transport.
Auswirkungen der Digitalisierung auf das Weiterbildungsangebot für gering Qualifizierte. Eine datenbankbasierte Angebotsanalyse für Rheinland-Pfalz
Authors: Lacher Sophie , Rohs Matthias 
Published: March 2023

ZusammenfassungIm Zusammenhang mit der Digitalisierung im Bildungsbereich werden vielfach auch Risiken einer damit verbundenen Ungleichheit diskutiert. In diesem Beitrag werden aus dieser Perspektive die Auswirkungen der Digitalisierung der Weiterbildung für „gering Qualifizierte“ im Bereich der Computer‑/IT-Grundlagen dargestellt. Der Datenzugang erfolgt über bisher in der Angebotsforschung kaum genutzte Weiterbildungsdatenbanken. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass den besonderen Anforderungen der Zielgruppe an digitalisierte Weiterbildungsangebote durch entsprechende Maßnahmen entgegengekommen werden kann, gleichzeitig aber die Heterogenität der Zielgruppe nur unzureichend berücksichtigt wird.
Potential and Challenges of Fused Granular Fabrication in Patternmaking
Authors: Kalle Jalava , Joni Korpi , Alexander Strakh , Juhani Orkas 
Published: March 2023

AbstractEfficient manufacturing of tooling and patterns is an essential part of a good foundry process. Traditional patternmaking methods have been honed to almost perfection during the years. Additive manufacturing has been growing as an industry and presents many new possibilities for the foundry industry. However, many additive manufacturing technologies do not currently provide usable sizes and scales for foundries to properly use. Fused granular fabrication (FGF) in conjunction with finish machining might provide an answer to this issue, with printing volumes and speeds many times of those compared to filament-based fused deposition modeling printing. In this work, some traditional patternmaking materials are compared to a FGF manufactured one based on polylactic acid and cellulose blend, and their characteristics are discussed. 3D scanning of as-printed geometry shows variations inherent to material extrusion methods, while the final machined state shows comparable results to traditional polyurethane model material. The combination of high-volume material extrusion with machining to final dimensions might allow more utilization of additive manufacturing in patternmaking, especially when combined with high-performance polymer materials.
Monotonic crack propagation in a notched polymer matrix composite reinforced with continuous fiber and printed by material extrusion
Authors: Díaz-Rodríguez Jorge Guillermo , Pertúz-Comas Alberto David , González Caleb Josué Ariza , López Daniel David Garcia , Hernández William Pinto 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe study presents the crack mouth opening and propagation of cracks in a composite material printed by material extrusion subjected to monotonic loading. The composite material is made out of a nylon matrix (with embedded short carbon fiber—called Onyx®) and reinforced with continuous Kevlar fibers. Three-point bending tests were performed on notched specimens built according to ASTM-E399. Tests were digitally recorded to extract crack opening displacement (COD) and crack length data through image treatment techniques (using ImageJ), and results were analyzed using linear elastic fracture mechanics parameters through the use of COD. Therefore, the crack mouth opening was established, and fracture toughness was found to be 46 MPa√m. Additionally, microscopy analysis identified fracture zones, crack initiation, transition, and final rupture. The observed failure mechanisms were matrix cracking, fiber pull-out, fiber breakage, and defects such as non-proper fiber-matrix bonding.