bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time‐Driven Activity‐Based Cost Comparison of Thyroid Lobectomy and Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: Ayoub Noel F. , Balakrishnan Karthik , Orloff Lisa A. , Noel Julia E. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveRadiofrequency ablation (RFA) of benign thyroid nodules has gained traction for its therapeutic effectiveness, thyroid function preservation, and minimally invasive nature. While a growing body of evidence reports positive outcomes from thyroid RFA, financial comparisons between both procedures remain limited. This analysis aims to more accurately measure the direct cost of thyroid RFA in comparison to thyroid lobectomy.Study DesignBottom‐up financial cost analysis.SettingTertiary endocrine head and neck surgery center.MethodsTime‐driven activity‐based costing was utilized to obtain unit‐based cost estimates. The care cycles for thyroid lobectomy and RFA were defined, and process maps were developed comprising all personnel and work in the care cycle. Time estimates were calculated for all personnel involved, and public government data were used to obtain capacity cost rates for each component of the care cycle. Consumable supply and overhead costs were obtained for both procedures, and overall costs were compared.ResultsFor thyroid lobectomy, total personnel costs were $1087.97, consumable supplies were $942.68, and overhead costs $17,199.10. For thyroid nodule RFA performed in an office setting, the total personnel cost calculated was $379.90, consumable supplies $1315.28, and overhead $7031.20. Overall, the total cost for thyroid lobectomy was $19,229.75 compared to $8726.38 for RFA.ConclusionIn‐office thyroid nodule RFA is associated with lower direct costs than thyroid lobectomy, and overhead is the greatest cost driver for both procedures. If clinical and patient‐centered outcomes are comparable, then RFA may provide higher value for appropriately selected patients.
Efficient removal technique of foreign body in the mandible with optimization of 3D simulation
Authors: Hiraga (Kondo) Chiho , Saito Daiki , Yoshida Shigeo , Kawano Takamasa , Yamamoto Masae , Nomura Takeshi 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundForeign bodies may be deposited in the oral cavity either by traumatic injury or iatrogenic damage.Case PresentationWe describe a case of foreign body removal using a three‐dimensional reconstruction (3D) simulation application (ProPlan CMF™) involving a case of a 26‐year‐old male. The broken bur had been accidentally inserted when a lower wisdom tooth was extracted at a general dental office. The removal surgery was performed under preoperative simulation without complications (e.g., excessive bleeding and nerve paralysis).ConclusionThis case illustrates surgical techniques to safely remove foreign bodies in the mandible.
A comparative study on alternative industrial manufacturing routes for bifacial n‐PERT silicon solar cells
Authors: Bektaş Gence , Seyrek Selin , Keçeci Ahmet Emin , Aslan Sercan , Özyahni Vahdet , Canar Hasan Hüseyin , Asav Hasan , Kaplan Yiğit Mert , Turan Raşit 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBifacial n‐PERT solar cells, taking advantage of the superior material quality of n‐type Si wafers and the high bifaciality potential of the design, can be fabricated by the existing industrial manufacturing methods. Here, we compare five alternative process flows to manufacture the bifacial n‐PERT solar cells. The complexities of their fabrication routes vary mainly according to the applied doping methods (either diffusion or ion implantation) and the rear side morphology (either alkaline textured or hardly etched pyramidal surface). We also analyze the performance of the devices fabricated by each process flow. Our results indicate that the solar cells with a B‐diffused emitter and P‐implanted BSF yield higher efficiencies than the others. In addition, the n‐PERT solar cells with hardly etched pyramidal rear surfaces have slightly higher efficiency than those with textured rear surfaces. Moreover, we studied the responses of the n‐PERT solar cells against the degradation and regeneration processes applied to boron‐doped p‐type Si solar cells under dark annealing, light soaking, and illuminated annealing. They are not significantly influenced by light‐induced degradation (LID); however, the fill factor (FF) value of the cell with hardly etched pyramidal rear surfaces is sensitive to the illuminated annealing process.
Fixed‐time velocity‐free coordination control for human‐robot systems without any approximation function
Authors: Zeng Xiangduan , Yang Yana , Li Junpeng 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn this paper, the fixed‐time coordination control problem is addressed for a class of uncertain human‐robot systems without velocity information. Specifically, due to the absence of approximation function, the developed control scheme is more practical. Firstly, a new fixed‐time velocity observer is introduced to estimate unmeasured velocities with the homogeneity theory. Then, the performance of the velocity observer in the presence of parametric uncertainties and non‐parametric uncertainties is analyzed seriously. Furthermore, a novel distributed continuous fixed‐time control (DCFTC) scheme is proposed. Compared with the existing velocity‐free controllers, fixed‐time convergence is achieved both for velocity estimation and trajectory tracking. More than that, distributed control is realized by using graph theoretic notions. Finally, numerical simulation results and experiment results demonstrate the efficacy and superior performance of the proposed velocity estimation method and control algorithms.
Event‐triggered control of Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy systems under deception attacks
Authors: Peixoto Márcia L. C. , Coutinho Pedro H. S. , Bessa Iury , Pessim Paulo S. P. , Palhares Reinaldo M. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis article handles the problem of periodic event‐triggered control co‐design for the stabilization of Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy models subject to stochastic deception attacks whose occurrence follows a given Bernoulli distribution. A novel delay‐dependent condition is presented to simultaneously design the event‐triggering mechanism and the state‐feedback controller to ensure the local mean‐square asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop system. The co‐design condition is derived as linear matrix inequalities by considering Lyapunov–Krasovskii stability arguments. In addition, an optimization procedure is provided to estimate an enlarged set of admissible initial conditions and the corresponding ultimate bound within the validity domain of the fuzzy model. Finally, numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Mn Deposited Co3O4 Hollow Microcages Derived from ZIF‐67 for Efficient CO Low‐temperature Oxidation
Authors: Huang Yingzi , Ye Xue , Gao Xinhua , Guo Lisheng , Wang Yaqiong , Xu Wenlin , Li Jie 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCost‐effective and highly efficient catalyst is a promising way for the removal of CO in automotive exhaust purification. Herein, a series of novel self‐assembled CoMn bimetallic catalysts with hollow microcage structure have been prepared through zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF‐67) assisted method followed by direct pyrolysis in static air. Both the Mn loading and the unique hollow microcage structure play important roles in CO low‐temperature oxidation, and the highest catalytic activity is obtained for CoMn‐2 catalyst, which presents T100 (temperature of 100 % CO conversion) at 80 °C. Through a systematic series of experiments, we further demonstrate that our catalysts’ superior catalytic performance arises from small particle size, high surface active oxygen content and Co3+/(Co2++Co3+) ratio. Such configuration of catalysts will pave the way for new strategies to design noble‐free high‐performance catalysts for CO low‐temperature oxidation.
An Efficient Synthesis of New Pyrazole‐Linked Oxazoles via Sonogashira Coupling Reaction
Authors: Tamardash Leila Kamrani , Bakherad Mohammad , Keivanloo Ali , Notash Behrouz 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAn efficient method is developed for synthesizing new pyrazole‐linked oxazoles through a palladium‐catalyzed Sonogashira coupling reaction. In this method, from the reaction of 5‐chloro‐3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐N‐(prop‐2‐phenyl)‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carboxamide with aryl iodides having nitro group and aryl iodides with electron‐donating groups, pyrazole‐linked oxazole derivatives and 5‐chloro‐3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐N‐(3‐arylprop‐2‐yn‐1‐yl)‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carboxamide derivatives were obtained respectively. The prepared products were characterized using FT‐IR, 1HNMR, and 13CNMR spectroscopies.
Effective Synthesis and Anti‐Mycobacterial Activity of Isoxazole‐Substituted Piperazine Derivatives
Authors: Bi Yongchang , Chen Xiaodong , Xue Yafei , Liu Kejun , Zhang Yumin , Gu Qiang 
Published: May 2023

AbstractA series of piperazine derivatives containing bis‐isoxazole were successfully synthesized by the reaction between piperazine and substituted isoxazole derivatives under the optimal reaction condition. The structures of all products were confirmed by IR, HRMS, 1H and 13C NMR. The antibacterial activities of all products against Mycobacteria smegmatis in vitro were tested using rifampin as a positive control. Two compounds presented wonderful anti‐mycobacterium activity, and their minimum inhibitory concentrations were respectively 2.60±1.11 μmol/mL and 4.35±0.00 μmol/mL, which indicated that they can be regarded as candidates for development of anti‐TB drugs.
Physicochemical Properties and Potential Food Applications of Starches Isolated from Unconventional Seeds: A Review
Authors: Chacon Wilson Daniel Caicedo , Gaviria Yessica Alexandra Rodriguez , de Melo Ana Paula Zapelini , Verruck Silvani , Monteiro Alcilene Rodrigues , Valencia Germán Ayala 
Published: May 2023

AbstractStarch is a natural carbohydrate that is commonly isolated from conventional sources such as corn, cassava, potato, wheat, and rice. However, in recent years new sources of starch have been studied, named as unconventional sources, usually from seeds and legumes, which have comparable properties to traditional starch sources. In recent years, new sources of starch from various seeds have been observed, including durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), loquat (Eriobothrya japonica), lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.), mango (Mangifera indica), tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.), pine, or pinhão (Araucaria angustifolia), etc. On a laboratory scale, the extraction of starch from unconventional sources has generally been carried out with water, however, despite being an old method, good efficiencies have been obtained. In this review, it is shown that starches from unconventional sources have promising physicochemical properties, good digestibility performance, and applicability in the food area.
The promise and limitations of formal privacy
Authors: Williams Aaron R. , Bowen Claire McKay 
Published: May 2023

AbstractDifferential privacy (DP) is in our smart phones, web browsers, social media, and the federal statistics used to allocate billions of dollars. Despite the mathematical concept being only 17 years old, differential privacy has amassed a rapidly growing list of real‐world applications, such as Meta and US Census Bureau data. Why is DP so pervasive? DP is currently the only mathematical framework that provides a finite and quantifiable bound on disclosure risk when releasing information from confidential data. Previous concepts of data privacy and confidentiality required various assumptions about how a bad actor might attack sensitive data. DP is often called formally private because statisticians can mathematically prove the worst‐case scenario privacy loss that could result from releasing information based on the confidential data. Although DP ushered in a new era of data privacy and confidentiality methodologies, many researchers and data practitioners criticize differentially private frameworks. In this paper, we provide readers a critical overview of the current state‐of‐the‐art research on formal privacy methodologies and various relevant perspectives, challenges, and opportunities.This article is categorized under:
Applications of Computational Statistics > Defense and National Security
Targeting the central nervous system: From synthetic nanoparticles to extracellular vesicles—Focus on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Hernando Sara , Santos‐Vizcaíno Edorta , Igartua Manoli , Hernandez Rosa Maria 
Published: May 2023

AbstractNeurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are an accelerating global health problem as life expectancy rises worldwide. Despite their significant burden in public health systems to date, the existing treatments only manage the symptoms without slowing down disease progression. Thus, the ongoing neurodegenerative process remains untreated. Moreover, the stronghold of the brain—the blood–brain barrier (BBB)—prevents drug penetrance and dwindles effective treatments. In the last years, nanotechnology‐based drug delivery systems (DDS) have become a promising approach to target and treat these disorders related to the central nervous system (CNS). PLGA based nanoparticles (NPs) were the first employed DDS for effective drug delivery. However, the poor drug loading capacity and localized immunogenicity prompted the scientific community to move to another DDS such as lipid‐based NPs. Despite the lipid NPs' safety and effectiveness, their off‐target accumulation together with the denominated CARPA (complement activation‐related pseudo allergy) reaction has limited their complete clinical translation. Recently, biological NPs naturally secreted by cells, termed as extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising more complex biocompatible DDS. In addition, EVs act as dual players in NDs treatment, as a “cell free” therapy themselves, as well as new biological NPs with numerous characteristics that qualify them as promising carriers over synthetic DDS. The present review aims to display advantages, drawbacks, current limitations and future prospective of the previously cited synthetic and biological DDS to enter the brain and treat one of 21st century most challenging diseases, NDs.This article is categorized under:
Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease
Supersymmetric indices factorize
Authors: Iliesiu Luca V. , Koloğlu Murat , Turiaci Gustavo J. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The extent to which quantum mechanical features of black holes can be understood from the Euclidean gravity path integral has recently received significant attention. In this paper, we examine this question for the calculation of the supersymmetric index. For concreteness, we focus on the case of charged black holes in asymptotically flat four-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 ungauged supergravity. We show that the gravity path integral with supersymmetric boundary conditions has an infinite family of Kerr-Newman classical saddles with different angular velocities. We argue that fermionic zero-mode fluctuations are present around each of these solutions making their contribution vanish, except for a single saddle that is BPS and gives the expected value of the index. We then turn to non-perturbative corrections involving spacetime wormholes and show that a fermionic zero mode is present in all these geometries, making their contribution vanish once again. This mechanism works for both single- and multi-boundary path integrals. In particular, only disconnected geometries without wormholes contribute to the gravitational path integral which computes the index, and the factorization puzzle that plagues the black hole partition function is resolved for the supersymmetric index. Finally, we classify all other single-centered geometries that yield non-perturbative contributions to the gravitational index of each boundary.
Superradiance and black resonator strings encounter helical black strings
Authors: Dias Óscar J. C. , Ishii Takaaki , Murata Keiju , Santos Jorge E. , Way Benson 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
We construct a cohomogeneity-1 helical black string in six-dimensional Einstein gravity. The helical solution branches from the onset of the gravitational superradiant instability of the equal-spinning Myers-Perry black string. The isometry group of the helical black string is ℝT × U(1)Z × SU(2), where the first two are helical isometries generated by linear combinations of time translation, shifts along the string, and rotation, each of which is individually broken by the superradiant instability. The helical black string is stationary, non-axisymmetric, and has nonzero horizon velocity despite the absence of momentum in the string direction. The entropy of the helical black string is higher than that of the Myers-Perry black string, but lower than cohomogeneity-2 “black resonator strings” (recently found) when the solutions overlap in the microcanonical ensemble. The entropy of the helical black string approaches zero when the horizon velocity along the string reaches its maximum given by the speed of light. Nevertheless, we find no evidence for the existence of regular horizonless solutions in this limit.
Accelerating Image Processing Using Reduced Precision Calculation Convolution Engines
Authors: Pokhrel Narayan , Snäll Sakari , Heimo Olli I. , Sarwar Uruj , Airola Antti , Säntti Tero 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn this paper a method of accelerating image processing using convolution engines with reduced precision calculation is presented. The convolution engines are designed to be used with the Pulpissimo platform with RISC-V System-on-Chip. The aim is to move the calculation to the edge. The proposed linear convolution engines operate on 8-bit data set and the logarithmic convolution engine operates on 4-bit reduced precision data. The data reduction is done by using a logarithmic number space. Diminishing the size of the data to be processed reduces the amount of required memory, requirement for memory bandwidth, required computation, and required hardware area while simultaneously increasing the performance. This performance could benefit modern AI and image processing applications, especially in mobile and other battery-operated devices. The results show that the computation in the linear convolution engine is 91 times faster and computation in the logarithmic convolution engine is 122 times faster than in the RISC-V core with plain RISC-V instructions.
The reinforcement sensitivity theory affects questionnaire (RST-AQ). A validation study of a new scale targeting affects related to anxiety, approach motivation and fear
Authors: Franchina Vittoria , Klackl Johannes , Jonas Eva 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis paper presents the RST-AQ, a 22-item scale to measure the affective states related to the three motivational systems postulated by Reinforcement Sensitivity theory (RST-AQ): the Behavioral approach system (BAS), Behavioral inhibition system (BIS), and the Fight-Flight-Freeze system (FFFS). The three subscales are internally consistent. Results show an overall support for construct validity of our RST-AQ measure. The correlations of the RST-AQ subscales with other measures demonstrate a good convergent and divergent validity with regard to the subscales of BAS and BIS. The RTS-AQ Scale provides researcher with the first instrument to measures the affective states of the RST theory.
Evaluation of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Knowledge Change and Skills Confidence Among Frontline-Line Providers During the Russia-Ukraine War
Authors: Erickson Timothy B. , Harvin Donell , Schmid Alexis , Loevinsohn Gideon , Poriechna Anna , Martyshyn Oleg , Kliukach Kryrylo , Sydlowski Meaghan , Strong Jonathan , Kivlehan Sean M. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Objective:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in knowledge and skill confidence after implementation of a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) training course during the Russia-Ukraine War.

Methods:
Pre/post-test study in the Ukrainian cities of Kyiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, and Odesa. Fifteen CBRNE courses were conducted over a 3-mo period, August to October 2022. Change in knowledge and skills confidence were evaluated with pre/post-course written exams and practical skill assessments that were observed during the training exercises. Changes were analyzed based on nonparametric Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank testing. Pre/post self-efficacy surveys were analyzed with McNemar’s test for paired data. Course evaluations were conducted with standardized questions which assessed instruction quality, teaching relevance, knowledge gained, and post-course skills confidence.

Results:
A total of 523 participants registered and completed 1 of the 15 courses. Overall mean pre-course test score: 57.8% (SD 20.7%); mean post-course test score: 81.4% (SD 11.3%); participants with increasing test scores: 90.7%; mean difference in score (95% confidence interval) 23.6% (21.2%-25.9%), P < 0.0001. Pre/post self-efficacy surveys (4-point Likert scale) noted participants recognized signs and symptoms of a CBRNE incident, and necessary skills to manage CBRNE exposures, P < 0.0001.

Conclusions:
The implementation of this CBRNE course for front-line providers in Ukraine was successful. To our knowledge, it was the first implementation of a field course during the current Russian-Ukraine war. Future research should evaluate knowledge retention and impact of our innovative Train-the-Trainer model. Further iterations should emphasize expanding the quantity of training equipment and practical skill sessions.
Model insights into bed control on retreat of Thwaites Glacier, West Antarctica
Authors: Schwans Emily , Parizek Byron R. , Alley Richard B. , Anandakrishnan Sridhar , Morlighem Mathieu M. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThwaites Glacier (TG) plays an important role in future sea-level rise (SLR) contribution from the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. Recent observations show that TG is losing mass, and its grounding zone is retreating. Previous modeling has produced a wide range of results concerning whether, when, and how rapidly further retreat will occur under continued warming. These differences arise at least in part from ill-constrained processes, including friction from the bed, and future atmosphere and ocean forcing affecting ice-shelf and grounding-zone buttressing. Here, we apply the Ice Sheet and Sea-level System Model (ISSM) with a range of specifications of basal sliding behavior in response to varying ocean forcing. We find that basin-wide bed character strongly affects TG's response to sub-shelf melt by modulating how changes in driving stress are balanced by the bed as the glacier responds to external forcing. Resulting differences in dynamic thinning patterns alter modeled grounding-line retreat across Thwaites' catchment, affecting both modeled rates and magnitudes of SLR contribution from this critical sector of the ice sheet. Bed character introduces large uncertainties in projections of TG under equal external forcing, pointing to this as a crucial constraint needed in predictive models of West Antarctica.