Current Patterns Research Articles

Airway Management in Microvascular Reconstruction of the Head and Neck: Current Practice Patterns.

To identify current airway management practice patterns during free tissue transfer (FTT) reconstruction of head and neck defects. A 27-question survey distributed to American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) members. Correlation between surgeon and patient variables with likelihood to perform tracheotomy and tracheotomy technique were evaluated. Our survey yielded 151 respondents. The majority (69.5%) reported performing tracheotomy for "most"/"every" FTT case. There was higher likelihood (p < 0.05) toward tracheotomy for patients with poor preoperative pulmonary status, larger defect size, and reconstruction of glossectomy and oropharyngeal defects. Tracheotomy was less likely (p < 0.05) during reconstruction of maxillary or palatal defects. Surgeons in practice for > 10 years were less likely to perform tracheotomy following reconstruction of hemiglossectomy defects (OR 0.36, p = 0.018, 95% CI 0.18-0.72). This study identified practice patterns of airway management in patients undergoing head and neck FTT reconstruction. There is no current consensus regarding perioperative airway management in these patients.

Социальные факторы формирования лидеров общественного мнения в медиапространстве средствами креативных индустрий

Social media influencers and opinion leaders are an important social phenomenon. As social networks become more important in all spheres of life, the communicative distance between the media producer and the media consumer keeps shrinking, marking a focus shift to content consumption. Creative industries are an important factor in developing social media influencers. This research features the social factors that contribute to the formation and sustainability of social media influencers through creative industries. The authors conducted a content analysis of documentary sources published as textual or visual content on various media platforms, i.e., social networks, video hosting, or blogs, to identify the key topics, images, and representations broadcast by opinion leaders. A secondary analysis of sociological research data and online analytical reviews made it possible to study the influence of opinion leaders on public attitudes and consumer behavior, including by means of creative industries. The data obtained were processed using the SPSS statistical package and data analysis software. The formation of social media influencers proved to be a complex process, where social determinants are even more important than economic, political, or other aspects. The research revealed nine groups of factors in shaping the social media influencers that target young population: technology; popularity; publicity; media coverage; the role of social capital and its monetization; media trends and representations formed by million-follower bloggers; influence on social behavior; personal qualities; risk factors. Social media influencers act through creativity, creative industries, expressive and visual means of musical and plastic arts, etc. They are strategically important stakeholders in business and other social spheres as they shape the current behavioral patterns of young people.

Enhancing the Recognition of Collinear Building Patterns by Shape Cognition Based on Graph Neural Networks

ABSTRACT Building patterns are important components of urban structures and functions, and their accurate recognition is the foundation of urban spatial analysis, cartographic generalization, and other tasks. Current building pattern recognition methods are often based on a shape index that can only characterize shape features from one aspect, resulting in significant errors. In this study, a building pattern recognition method based on a graph neural network is proposed to enhance shape cognition and focus on recognizing collinear patterns. First, a building shape classification model that integrates global shape and graph node structure features was constructed to quantitatively study shape cognition. Subsequently, a collinear pattern recognition (CPR) model was established based on a dual building graph. The shape cognition results were integrated into the model to enhance its recognition ability. The results show that the shape classification model can be used to effectively distinguish different shape categories and support building pattern recognition tasks. Based on the CPR model, false recognitions can be avoided, and recognition results similar to those of visual cognition can be obtained. Compared with the comparative methods, both models have significant advantages in terms of statistical results and implementation.

Flow characteristics in compound channels with skewed and inclined floodplains

ABSTRACT Understanding the flow characteristics of rivers in both their inbank and overbank flow conditions is an important task for engineers. So far, many studies have been carried out in compound channels with prismatic and non-prismatic floodplains. However, we still don’t understand the effect of the floodplain’s side slope on the flow field in compound channels. This paper presents the results of experiments on compound channels with skewed and inclined floodplains (lateral slope of 0.075). Velocity and boundary shear stress were measured at various experimental sections for different relative depths and two skew angles of 3.81º and 11.31º. Using the measured data, the secondary currents pattern, the apparent shear forces at the vertical interface between the main channel and floodplains, and the discharge distribution in the main channel and the floodplains along the flume have been investigated. The results of the experiments were then compared to the experimental data of the skewed compound channel with flat floodplains. The research shows that due to lateral flow and momentum exchange between flume subsections, the flow velocity, bed shear stress, and percentage discharge on the diverging floodplain are greater than those on the converging floodplain with the same cross-sectional geometry.

Avian seed dispersal out of the forests: A view through the lens of Pleistocene landscapes

Abstract Recent evidence supports that, prior to the impact of modern humans, the temperate zone of Europe was not dominated by a closed continuous forest, but consisted of heterogeneous landscapes with grasslands, light woodlands and forests. Until the late Pleistocene, this region held a diverse community of megaherbivores that maintained the open and semi‐open vegetation through grazing and browsing. This new baseline is congruent with the fact that many European woody species are light‐demanding and fail to regenerate in the shaded interiors of temperate forests. Notably, most of these species are dispersed by frugivorous and seed‐caching animals, mostly birds. Nowadays, avian seed dispersers play a key role for the connectivity and expansion of woodland patches in fragmented anthropogenic landscapes. Indeed, avian seed dispersal within and across the deforested matrix is the norm rather than the exception. Here, I reflect on the current patterns of avian seed dispersal in the fragmented anthropogenic landscapes of Europe from a Pleistocene perspective. The aim of this exercise is to discuss linkages between past and present landscapes, seeking an historical understanding of the high spatial complementarity of avian seed dispersal in and out of the forests. Synthesis: I conclude that the spatial patterns of avian seed dispersal in anthropogenic landscapes are congruent with an ecological and evolutionary history with open and semi‐open habitats created and maintained by megaherbivores (ecological memory). By shaping the environmental conditions for millions of years, megaherbivores would have created selective pressures on animals and plants for life in landscape mosaics with forests and open habitats (niche construction). Finally, I discuss differences in landscape patterns today and in the Pleistocene, as well as the generality of these ideas to other biogeographical regions.

Inferring Long-Term and Short-Term Determinants of Genetic Diversity in Honey Bees: Beekeeping Impact and Conservation Strategies.

Bees are vital pollinators in natural and agricultural landscapes around the globe, playing a key role in maintaining flowering plant biodiversity and ensuring food security. Among the honey bee species, the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is particularly significant, not only for its extensive crop pollination services but also for producing economically valuable products such as honey. Here, we analyzed whole-genome sequence data from four Apis species to explore how honey bee evolution has shaped current diversity patterns. Using Approximate Bayesian Computation, we first reconstructed the demographic history of A. mellifera in Europe, finding support for postglacial secondary contacts, therefore predating human-mediated transfers linked to modern beekeeping. However, our analysis of recent demographic changes reveals significant bottlenecks due to beekeeping practices, which have notably affected genetic diversity. Black honey bee populations from conservatories, particularly those on islands, exhibit considerable genetic loss, highlighting the need to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of current conservation strategies. Additionally, we observed a high degree of conservation in the genomic landscapes of nucleotide diversity across the four species, despite a divergence gradient spanning over 15 million years, consistent with a long-term conservation of the recombination landscapes. Taken together, our results provide the most comprehensive assessment of diversity patterns in honey bees to date and offer insights into the optimal management of resources to ensure the long-term persistence of honey bees and their invaluable pollination services.

A Comparative Analysis of Hotspots in Semiotics Theory Research in China and Abroad: A Knowledge Mapping Analysis Based on CiteSpace

Based on literature data with "semiotics theory" as the research topic from the CNKI and WOS databases, this study employs CiteSpace software to conduct a comparative analysis of the relevant research on semiotics theory in China and abroad from 2000 to 2022. The results show that: Domestic and international research on semiotics theory exhibit a multi-centered development trend, gradually forming distinctive and complementary schools of semiotics theory. China's and abroad research focuses differently, with foreign research focusing more on applying semiotics theory in social sciences, educational research, language fields, and biological sciences. In contrast, domestic research tends to focus on introducing and studying foreign semiotics theories, with linguistics being an important research area. Both domestic and international research on semiotics theory have expanded the scope of theoretical research, forming widely applicable categories of semiotics. Hotspots in foreign research include "student";"model"; "future"; "evolution"; "information"; "framework"; "discourse"; and "construction", while hotspots in domestic research include "semiotics", "Peirce", "pragmatism", "Lotman", and "symbols". The development process of domestic and international research on semiotics theory has some differences, with each stage exhibiting different research characteristics. However, both have developed from theoretical to applied research, phenomenon to essence law research, and single-mode to multi-mode research. Domestic researchers should strengthen communication and cooperation with international counterparts, build a research community for semiotics theory, deepen research connotations, and provide more case studies as paradigms; timely summarize the current status and development patterns of domestic research on semiotics theory, and gradually form a Chinese school of semiotics with international influence.

Reducing the Energy Consumption of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography Scanners: Integrating Ecodesign and Sustainable Operations.

This review aims to provide valuable insights into how energy consumption in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scanners can be effectively monitored, managed, and reduced, thereby contributing to more sustainable medical imaging practices. Demand for advanced imaging technologies such as MRI and CT scanners continues to increase, and understanding the resultant impact on greenhouse gas emissions requires a thorough evaluation of their energy consumption. This review examines the energy monitoring and consumption characteristics of MRI and CT scanners, highlighting potential approaches for energy savings. An overview of MRI and CT principles, hardware components, and their associated energy consumption is provided. After addressing the technical aspects, the hardware and software requirements essential for accurate energy metering are detailed. Baseline measurements of energy consumption data are then provided as a foundation to understand current usage patterns and identify areas for improvement. Ongoing efforts to reduce energy consumption are categorized into 3 main strategies: operations, scanner design enhancements, and active scanning techniques, including accelerated MRI protocols. Ultimately, we emphasize that achieving sustainability in medical imaging requires collaboration across disciplines. By incorporating eco-friendly design in new imaging equipment, we can reduce the environmental impact, promote sustainability, and set a health care industry standard for a healthier planet.

Tide-river interaction in the Pechora Delta as revealed by new measurements and numerical modeling

The Pechora is the greatest river of the European Russian Arctic, flowing into the Barents Sea. Its estuarine area includes a vast delta, represented by extensive lowlands that are dissected by the complicated network of arms and branches. Despite the Pechora Delta is considered to be microtidal, tides with a range of 0.5–1 m during the low water period have a significant impact on the nature of currents in the main branches and the distribution of runoff among them during the tidal cycle. Tidal sea level fluctuations as well as storm surges determine the reversing pattern of currents over a significant extent of the delta branches. The modern field equipment combined with 2D hydrodynamic modeling has allowed to understand the contemporary flow features and evaluate their possible alterations under climate changes. The climate impact under considered scenarios is more pronounced during the low flow period, and this can lead to the propagation of tidal currents and an increase in water levels in the city of Naryan-Mar (100 km upstream from the mouth). From a flood risk perspective, sea level rise can be offset by a reduction in flood runoff.

Optimal Charging Current Protocol with Multi-Stage Constant Current Using Dandelion Optimizer for Time-Domain Modeled Lithium-Ion Batteries

This study utilized a multi-stage constant current (MSCC) charge protocol to identify the optimal current pattern (OCP) for effectively charging lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) using a Dandelion optimizer (DO). A Thevenin equivalent circuit model (ECM) was implemented to simulate an actual LiB with the ECM parameters estimated from the offline time response data obtained through a hybrid pulse power characterization (HPPC) test. For the first time, DO was applied to metaheuristic optimization algorithms (MOAs) to determine the OCP within the MSCC protocol. A composite objective function that incorporates both charging time and charging temperature was constructed to facilitate the use of DO in obtaining the OCP. To verify the performance of the proposed method, various algorithms, including the constant current-constant voltage (CC-CV) technique, formula method (FM), particle swarm optimization (PSO), war strategy optimization (WSO), jellyfish search algorithm (JSA), grey wolf optimization (GWO), beluga whale optimization (BWO), levy flight distribution algorithm (LFDA), and African gorilla troops optimizer (AGTO), were introduced. Based on the OCP extracted from the simulations using these MOAs for the specified ECM model, a charging experiment was conducted on the Panasonic NCR18650PF LiB to evaluate the charging performance in terms of charging time, temperature, and efficiency. The results demonstrate that the proposed DO technique offers superior charging performance compared to other charging methods.

Australian dermatologists' prescribing behaviours for female androgenetic alopecia

AbstractFemale androgenetic alopecia (FAGA) affects approximately half of women during their lifetime and can have significant psychological impact. Despite its prevalence, treatment options have traditionally been limited. In this study, we examined the current prescribing patterns of Australian dermatologists for FAGA (n = 54), including the use of spironolactone, systemic minoxidil, topical minoxidil and combination treatments.

Current Practice Patterns in the Management of Bell's Palsy Among Physiotherapists of Sargodha, Pakistan

Objectives: We intend to find out current practice patterns in managing Bell’s palsy among the physiotherapists of Sargodha, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to August 2022. Data were obtained from 50 physiotherapists working in various clinical settings of Sargodha with more than 2 years of clinical experience. They were selected using convenient sampling. A self-designed questionnaire was used to gather all necessary information regarding the physical therapy practice patterns of Bell’s palsy. The obtained data were analyzed by using SPSS software, version 20. Results: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) was the preferred (42%) neurodevelopmental technique used in current practice patterns to manage Bell’s palsy. The most used therapeutic exercises by the physiotherapists were facial expression coordination exercises (66%). Also, 44% of physiotherapists used electrical muscle stimulation as the preferred electrotherapeutic modality in their current practice. Soft tissue release (54%) was the most preferred manual therapy technique in Bell’s palsy patients. The combination of electrical muscle stimulation, facial exercises, and biofeedback was the most used (54%) among physiotherapists. Discussion: Current practice for Bell’s palsy treatment includes PNF techniques, facial expression coordination exercises, soft tissue release, and electrical muscle stimulation by most physiotherapists in Sargodha. The most preferred combination was facial exercises, electrical stimulation, and biofeedback.

What factors influence consumer attitudes towards alternative proteins?

Achieving the sustainability of protein is central to creating a sustainable food system. Current meat consumption patterns require a paradigm shift, as the status quo is unsustainable. However, at present, consumer participation in this shift is limited necessitating a change in consumer behaviour. This review seeks to understand consumer willingness to consume alternative proteins (cultured meat, edible insects, plant and fermentation-based proteins) and the factors influencing their decisions, considering variations across protein categories and cultural backgrounds. Understanding these factors is vital for designing interventions that effectively enhance acceptance levels. Consumer behaviour is complex, influenced by a spectrum of personal and societal factors, which must be interpreted within the specific context of the target society or demographic segment.

Design and Characterisation of an EIT Voltage Conditioning Module

Abstract Electrical Impedance Tomography is used to image the cross-sectional conductivity of an object. It is clinically used for high-frame-rate imaging of lung ventilation. Most current systems use very limited current injection waveforms and patterns. We have developed a flexible system for researching alternatives. This paper covers our voltage conditioning module’s design and characterisation. The device was shown to work up to the desired 10 MHz. The responses were uniform with minor gain mismatch between all channels after manufacturing variations. The low-frequency (&lt;1 MHz) crosstalk is on the order -55 dB, and the worst cases around 8 MHz are around -35 dB.

Perceptions and Prevalence of Anxiolytic Medication Usage for Performance Enhancement Among Musicians.

While anecdotal reports of the use of performance-enhancing medications to curb anxiety in performing artists abound, there has been no research to date assessing the prevalence of usage and attitudes towards use amongst the artists themselves. The objective of this study was to evaluate the perceptions, acquisition, and use of potentially performance-enhancing medications (benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, and cannabinoids) in the performing artist community to clarify the use of these medications to improve patient counseling and patient safety. Cross-sectional survey. Anonymous survey administered through an online platform (REDCap). None. Musicians who are members of or perform in member groups of the American Federation of Musicians, National Association of Schools of Music, Regional Orchestra Players Association, and the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians. Prevalence of medication usage, subject perceptions of usage, and subject acquisition of medications. A total of 311 subjects participated in the study. The mean age was 45.6 years, 52% male and 47% female. Forty percent are full-time ensemble musicians, with most being orchestral musicians in a stand-alone orchestra. Fifty-seven percent of subjects take beta-blockers when auditioning for a job, 51% take beta-blockers for performances, and 19% for solo situations. Fewer musicians take benzodiazepines and cannabis products to help with anxiety. Thirty-two percent, 22%, and 17% felt beta-blockers, benzodiazepines, and cannabis were performance-enhancing respectively, but less than 10% felt use was unethical. The results of this study demonstrate current use patterns of beta-blockers, benzodiazepines, and cannabis-containing products in the musician population. Beta-blockers appear to be well tolerated and most frequently used for performance anxiety.

Design and Characterisation of an EIT Current Supply Module

Abstract Electrical Impedance Tomography is used to image the cross-sectional conductivity of an object. It is clinically used for high-frame-rate imaging of lung ventilation. Most current systems use very limited current injection wave-forms and patterns. We have developed a flexible system for researching alternatives. This paper covers our current supply module's design and characterisation. We tested the input filtering, Bandwidth, and parasitic capacitance. The imput fitering functioned similarly to the simulation of the design. However, the bandwich was limited to approximately 1 MHz instead of the desired 10 MHz due to excessive parasitic capacitance. We proposed points to redesign that should reduce the capacitance by a factor of 10 and correspondingly increase dandwidth tenfold to 10 MHz.

The Analysis and the Impact of Surface Temperature Anomalies on the Health of Residents in the River Niger Basin Development Authority Area, West Africa.

This study investigates the impact of surface temperature anomalies on the health of residents within the River Niger Basin Development Authority (RIBDA) enclave, which covers Nigeria, Niger, and Mali in West Africa, with a focus on the regional implications for public health. Historical climate data from 1985 to 2014, sourced from the Climatic Research Unit Time-Series, Version 3.22 (CRU TS 3.22), was analyzed to comprehend past climate patterns and establish a baseline for future comparisons. Predictions for future climate conditions (2015-2044) were derived by adjusting the CRU data using temperature projections from the Community Climate System Model 4 under the Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 scenario. To assess the potential impacts of these climate changes, particularly during the boreal summer season of July-August-September (JAS), the study utilized the Hydrology, Entomology, and Malaria Transmission Simulator (HYDREMATS). Findings indicate that surface temperature can intricately influence disease transmission, with varied effects on parameters such as Ro, EIR, prevalence, and immunity index. Observations revealed fluctuations in temperature anomalies over the years, with negative anomalies in 1991-1995 and positive anomalies in subsequent years. Although precise predictions for 2016-2044 are challenging based solely on data trends from 1985 to 2015, continued temperature rises could potentially lead to increased disease prevalence and decreased immunity index. Moreover, the analysis identified a notable temporal increase in mean annual temperature and mean annual maximum temperature from 1999 to 2020, suggesting a faster warming trend in maximum temperatures compared to minimum temperatures. This increase in temperature variability may alter the onset and cessation dates of the rainy season, affecting water availability, accessibility, and consumption, consequently fostering conditions conducive to health-related diseases. By incorporating predicted long-term temperature changes due to greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining current inter-annual climate patterns, this approach allows researchers to anticipate potential future health implications in the studied regions.

Novelle approach to simulating spinal cord stimulation during tSCS using CT images and FEM

Abstract Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) offers non-invasive relief for chronic pain and improves motor function in spinal cord injured (SCI) patients. However, its mechanisms are not currently fully understood, and patientspecific factors, such as Body mass index (BMI) and age, complicate treatments. This paper aims to understand tSCS better by developing a novel Finite Element Model (FEM) of the human body using CT scans. Three subjects (sex, male, female, male. Age: 26, 27, 64. BMI: 38.9, 24.1, 28.4) underwent a CT scan, performed on a Cannon Aquilion Prime (Slice thickness [mm]: 0.8, Voxel size [mm3]: 0.564, 0.328, 0.527), which imaged the trunk of the body, from top of the abdomen to the bottom of the pelvis. The images were then used in Materialize Mimics Research 21.0 to create 3D images of individual organs, skin, fat, muscles, skeleton, and spinal cord. After pre-processing in Autodesk Meshmixer, the models were converted into solid CAD objects in Ansys SpaceClaim R2021 and combined into a single abdominal model. Ansys Maxwell R2021 was then used for simulations. Five different two-electrode configurations were tested in the prototype phase with a simplified model setup. The positive electrodes were placed over the (Thoracic) T10, T12, (Lumbar) L2 and L4 vertebrae sequentially, with the negative electrode over (Sacral) S2. The simulations took on average 47.4 hours. A marked decline in electrical current penetration depth was observed as the electrodes were placed closer together which was consistent with known current distribution patterns. A preliminary validation test was also performed using a lamb’s thigh. Two electrodes were placed a known distance apart and a stimulation was given, needle electrodes were then inserted in a grid-like pattern to obtain voltage values. The setup was recreated and simulated in Ansys Maxwell. The resulting average percent difference was 44.93 ± 33.3 % (5Vpp Square wave) and 35.02 ± 23.38 % (5V DC). In both instances, the highest difference was at the edges of the electrodes and the lowest difference in the midpoint between electrodes. Later versions of FEM models incorporated more organs and had improved on previous mesh generation flaws, but encountered new mesh generation errors which could not be rectified before the conclusion of the master’s project. Despite complications, this project has provided a pipeline for creating similar models and shown their usability. Future work will involve overcoming the current mesh generation errors, reducing calculation time, and performing a thorough validation test.

Three-Dimensional Hydrodynamic Modelling to Estimate Sediment Rate in Lamong Bay

Abstract Lamong Bay Terminal, part of Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya, functions as a container terminal. The port in the Surabaya area causes high ship traffic activity in the waters of Lamong Bay and sediment may be carried away from rivers heading towards the sea. The sedimentation process in waters can cause problems because it can cause shallowing of the waters, so it is necessary to maintain and monitor the depth of shipping lanes to maintain the safety of sea traffic. Therefore, understanding the hydrodynamics of seawater and sediment movement in the water region is necessary for successful dredging operations and assessing the impact of silt on port areas. In this research, the approach used to determine current patterns and sediment distribution was through the application of a numerical model with three– dimensional baroclinic hydrodynamic equations. The numerical modeling study in this research uses tidal data, sediment samples, salinity, and temperature to determine current patterns and the rate of sediment distribution. This process is carried out periodically and continuously as part of the evaluation of Lamong Bay Terminal. The results can serve as a reference for dredging planning to maintain the depth of the waters at the Lamong Bay Terminal. In this study, the highest current velocity was obtained at the time of spring tide reaching 0.9 ms−1 and at the neap tide of 0.4 ms−1. The sediment distribution pattern in the waters of Lamong Bay affected the existence of the pier and the morphological conditions of the seabed. The largest siltation or sedimentation that has occurred at Lamong Bay Port is 0.055 m/month near the jetty, thus depth monitoring is needed in this area, regularly. This study supports SDG 9 by advancing resilient infrastructure solutions to manage the sedimentation process in waters.

Development of a GPS-GPRS tracked surface drifter for monitoring of surface currents in tidally dominated estuaries

The Vembanad estuary is one of the largest estuarine systems in India, heavily influenced by monsoonal variations and coastal dynamics. As industrial development and navigation activities increase in the region, understanding the estuary's circulation patterns, predominantly driven by tidal currents, has become crucial. This is essential for assessing the dispersal of industrial waste, sediment transport and ensuring safe and efficient navigation for meeting any disaster preparedness. However, collecting precise circulation data near shorelines remains difficult with traditional field deploying current meters and satellite altimeters due to different logistic challenges and land-sea interactions respectively. Additionally, advanced instruments such as Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) are not well-suited for shallow water environments. To address this challenge, an indigenously developed surface drifter, based on the Lagrangian technique, has been designed and tested for real-time monitoring of circulation and tidal currents in the estuary. The drifter is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) module and a GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) module, allowing for real-time tracking. By analyzing GPS data collected at regular intervals, current patterns in the estuarine region can be effectively studied. A comparison between current flow patterns measured by the surface drifter and an in situ current meter demonstrated a strong correlation, validating the drifter’s accuracy in capturing estuarine circulation data which signifies the utility of such devices for remotely monitoring.