bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depression, anxiety, psychological distress and associated factors among students attending Nemelifen Secondary and Preparatory School, Afar regional state, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gebremariam Asamnew Teklewold , Gurara Abenet Menene , Beyen Teresa Kisi
Published: September 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the magnitude of depression, anxiety, psychological distress and associated factors in Nemelifen Secondary and Preparatory School at Awash 7 Kilo, zone 3, Afar, Ethiopia.

Design

An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was implemented.

Setting

This research was conducted in Afar regional state, zone 3, Awash 7 Kilo town.

Participants

A pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to gather information from 392 study participants. For the purpose of identifying risk variables for depression, anxiety and psychological distress, bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were used.

Outcome measures

The primary outcome of the study was magnitude of depression, anxiety and psychological distress and the secondary outcome was factors associated with depression, anxiety and psychological distress.

Results

Overall, 109 study participants showed symptoms of depression (28.91%; 95% CI: 24.3%, 33.2%), 85 had symptoms of anxiety disorder (22.55%; 95% CI: 18.7%, 27.3%) and 168 had symptoms of psychological distress (44.56%; 95% CI: 39.6%, 49.6%). While anxiety was linked to ever drinking alcohol (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.87; 95% CI: 1.13, 7.28) and suicidal ideation (AOR=3.23; 95% CI: 1.80, 5.79), depression was significantly associated with having very good relationships with classmates (AOR=0.22; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.55) and suicidal ideation (AOR=2.26; 95% CI: 1.29, 3.94). The level of education (being in the ninth grade) and suicidal ideation (AOR=2.86; 95% CI: 1.49, 4.86) were also related to psychological distress.

Conclusion

High levels of depression, anxiety and psychological distress were discovered. Very positive relationships with classmates were significantly linked to depression, while ever drinking was linked to anxiety. Likewise, the level of educational was related to psychological distress. All three of the dependent variables were linked to suicidal ideation. Above all, there was a connection among psychological distress, anxiety and depression.
Exploring reasons behind UK doctors leaving the medical profession: a series of qualitative interviews with former UK doctors
Authors: Pathmanathan Arin , Snelling Iain
Published: September 2023

Background

The retention of doctors is an important issue for the National Health Service; yet evidence suggests that the proportion of doctors wanting to leave UK medicine is increasing. Some of these doctors chose to continue their medical careers in other countries, however, some decided to leave the profession entirely.

Objectives

This was the first study to interview a cohort of UK doctors who have left the medical profession to embark on alternative careers. Participants were asked about the reasoning behind their decision to leave medicine.

Design

Qualitative study using one-to-one, semi-structured virtual interviews.

Participants

17 participants, recruited via purposive sampling.

Setting

Zoom interviews with 17 former UK doctors who had left medicine to pursue alternative careers were conducted between February and July 2021.

Findings

Data were analysed using thematic analysis and the theory of work adjustment was applied to findings. The most frequently discussed reasons for leaving were associated with factors preventing participants from providing a desired level of patient care, work-life balance, a lack of support, a lack of control over working lives and the pull of alternative careers. While reasons for leaving varied between participants, all participants reported greater satisfaction in their new careers.

Conclusion

New careers were able to address many of the issues that caused participants to leave UK medicine. Consequently, it is important that some of the key issues raised in this study are addressed to retain more doctors in the UK medical workforce.
Study protocol for virtual leisure investigating the effect of virtual reality-delivered stress reduction, entertainment and distraction on the use of coercion and need-based medication and patient satisfaction at a closed psychiatric intensive care unit - a mixed-methods pilot clinical trial
Authors: Clemmensen Lars , Jørgensen Gry , Gundersen Kristina Ballestad , Smith Lisa Charlotte , Midtgaard Julie , Bouchard Stephane , Thomsen Christina Plambøck , Turgut Louise , Glenthøj Louise Birkedal
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The environment at a psychiatric inpatient ward can lead to emotional distress and behavioural deviations in vulnerable individuals potentially resulting in conflicts, increased use of need-based medication and coercive actions, along with low satisfaction with treatment. To accommodate these challenges, recreational and entertaining interventions are recommended. The tested interventions have, however, shown varying effects and demand a high degree of planning and staff involvement while being difficult to adapt to individual needs. Virtual reality (VR) may help overcome these challenges.

Methods and analysis

The study is a mixed-methods clinical trial with a target sample of 124 patients hospitalised at a closed psychiatric ward in the capital region of Denmark. Outcomes (eg, coercion, need-based medication and perceived stress) for a 12-month period where all patients are offered VR-based recreational experiences during their hospitalisation will be compared with outcomes for a 12-month period where VR is not offered. Feasibility and acceptability will be explored with qualitative interviews supplemented with non-participant observations and focus groups. The study began on 1 January 2023, and we expect to complete data collection by 31 December 2024.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is registered at Danish Data Protection Agency (j.no P-2022-466) and is approved by the Committee on Health Research Ethics of the capital region of Denmark (j.no 22013313). All patients will be required to provide informed consent. Results from this study will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals and congress/consortium presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT05654740.
Who is most at risk of dying if infected with SARS-CoV-2? A mortality risk factor analysis using machine learning of patients with COVID-19 over time: a large population-based cohort study in Mexico
Authors: Liao Lauren D , Hubbard Alan E , Gutierrez Juan Pablo , Juárez-Flores Arturo , Kikkawa Kendall , Gupta Ronit , Yarmolich Yana , de Jesús Ascencio-Montiel Iván , Bertozzi Stefano M
Published: September 2023

Objective

COVID-19 would kill fewer people if health programmes can predict who is at higher risk of mortality because resources can be targeted to protect those people from infection. We predict mortality in a very large population in Mexico with machine learning using demographic variables and pre-existing conditions.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

March 2020 to November 2021 in Mexico, nationally represented.

Participants

1.4 million laboratory-confirmed patients with COVID-19 in Mexico at or over 20 years of age.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Analysis is performed on data from March 2020 to November 2021 and over three phases: (1) from March to October in 2020, (2) from November 2020 to March 2021 and (3) from April to November 2021. We predict mortality using an ensemble machine learning method, super learner, and independently estimate the adjusted mortality relative risk of each pre-existing condition using targeted maximum likelihood estimation.

Results

Super learner fit has a high predictive performance (C-statistic: 0.907), where age is the most predictive factor for mortality. After adjusting for demographic factors, renal disease, hypertension, diabetes and obesity are the most impactful pre-existing conditions. Phase analysis shows that the adjusted mortality risk decreased over time while relative risk increased for each pre-existing condition.

Conclusions

While age is the most important predictor of mortality, younger individuals with hypertension, diabetes and obesity are at comparable mortality risk as individuals who are 20 years older without any of the three conditions. Our model can be continuously updated to identify individuals who should most be protected against infection as the pandemic evolves.
Opportunities to enhance consumer and community engagement training for researchers and healthcare providers: a qualitative study
Authors: Reeder Sandra , Ayton Darshini , Teede Helena J , Skouteris Helen , Simmons Melissa , Jones Angela
Published: September 2023

Objective

To identify key training content for the education of researchers and healthcare providers in consumer and community engagement.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design, underpinned by pragmatism, involved semi-structured interviews and a focus group. We conducted a thematic analysis using a framework approach.

Setting

Community, hospital and university settings in Australia

Participants

This study involved 28 individual interviews with researchers, ethics officers, leaders from consumer organisations and a focus group with six people working in health service settings.

Results

Key findings from our study reveal a wide scope of consumer and community involvement (CCI) training content recommended for researchers and healthcare providers. Four main themes for training content were identified: (1) Embedding consumer and community involvement in research and health improvement projects; (2) Connecting with consumers and the community; (3) Considerations for consumer and community involvement; and (4) Progressing CCI in research and healthcare. Participants emphasised the importance of building foundational relationships with consumers and community, as well as connecting with experts. While how to partner authentically with consumers and the community was another important training topic raised, so too were the administrative considerations involved in CCI partnerships. Furthermore, the identification of training content including reducing duplication of effort, embedding CCI training into the education of healthcare providers and researchers and building an evidence base for CCI, shows the importance participants placed on investing in and advancing the field.

Conclusions

A wide scope of training content is required to support CCI capacity building in researchers and healthcare providers. Key training content is recommended to cover practical, relational, administrative, ethical and logistical aspects of CCI as well as guidance about how to advance CCI practice and its evidence base. Future work needs to focus on how the training content can be successfully implemented, evaluated and updated.
Dietary supplements to reduce symptom severity and duration in people with SARS-CoV-2: a double-blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Seely Dugald , Legacy Mark , Conte Ellen , Keates Caitlyn , Psihogios Athanasios , Ramsay Tim , Fergusson Dean A , Kanji Salmaan , Simmons John-Graydon , Wilson Kumanan
Published: September 2023

Background

COVID-19 has caused morbidity, hospitalisation and mortality worldwide. Despite effective vaccines, there is still a need for effective treatments, especially for people in the community. Dietary supplements have long been used to treat respiratory infections, and preliminary evidence indicates some may be effective in people with COVID-19. We sought to evaluate whether a combination of vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin K2and zinc could improve overall health and decrease symptom burden in outpatients diagnosed with COVID-19.

Methods

Participants were randomised to receive either vitamin C (6 g), vitamin D3(1000 units), vitamin K2(240 μg) and zinc acetate (75 mg) or placebo daily for 21 days and were followed for 12 weeks. An additional loading dose of 50 000 units vitamin D3(or placebo) was given on day one. The primary outcome was participant-reported overall health using the EuroQol Visual Assessment Scale summed over 21 days. Secondary outcomes included health status, symptom severity, symptom duration, delayed return to usual health, frequency of hospitalisation and mortality.

Results

90 patients (46 control, 44 treatment) were randomised. The study was stopped prematurely due to insufficient capacity for recruitment. The mean difference (control–treatment) in cumulative overall health was −37.4 (95% CI −157.2 to 82.3), p=0.53 on a scale of 0–2100. No clinically or statistically significant differences were seen in any secondary outcomes.

Interpretation

In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial of outpatients diagnosed with COVID-19, the dietary supplements vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin K2and zinc acetate showed no clinically or statistically significant effects on the documented measures of health compared with a placebo when given for 21 days. Termination due to feasibility limited our ability to demonstrate the efficacy of these supplements for COVID-19. Further research is needed to determine clinical utility.

Trial registration number

NCT04780061.
Trends and determinants of tobacco use initiation in India: analysis of two rounds of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey
Authors: Verma Madhur , Rana Kirtan , Bhatt Garima , Sharma Nikita , Lal Pranay
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Early initiation of tobacco use can lead to lifelong addiction and increases tobacco-attributable morbidity and mortality. This study assesses trends in tobacco use initiation and factors associated with tobacco use initiation using disaggregated data from two rounds of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey India (GATS; 2009–2010 (GATS 1) and 2016–2017 (GATS 2)).

Design

Secondary analysis of repeated cross-sectional studies.

Settings and participants

The study involved data from 69 296 individuals and 76 069 households in GATS 1 and 74 037 individuals and 77 170 households in GATS 2, two rounds of a nationally representative survey in India.

Outcome measures

Mean age of initiation (as recalled by the participants) of smoked and smokeless tobacco (SLT) use (dependent variable) was compared and analysed across different sociodemographic variables (independent factors). We assessed change in mean age of initiation of tobacco usage on a daily basis between GATS 1 and GATS 2, and investigated the factors associated with early tobacco use initiation in the GATS 2 dataset (reported using adjusted ORs (aORs) with 95% CIs).

Results

The mean age of initiation of smoked tobacco and SLT in GATS 2 was 20.9±8.5 and 22.3±10.6 years, compared with 18.5±9.7 and 19.7±12.0 years in GATS 1. The mean age of initiation increased with age and among those who were better aware of the adverse effects of tobacco. As per GATS 2, males initiated smoked tobacco and SLT use earlier (20.6±7.4 and 21.7±9.1) than females (23.3±14.2 and 23.2±12.6 years). Younger participants (15–24 years) reported earlier initiation of SLT (15.5±4.2 years) compared with others. Binary logistic regression depicted variables associated with early initiation of tobacco. Awareness about the harms caused by tobacco affected the odds of SLT (aOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.3 to 1.7) and dual usage initiation (1.8, 1.6 to 2.0), but not of initiation of smoked tobacco products (1.1, 0.9 to 1.2).

Conclusions

More robust health advocacy campaigns that communicate the harmful effects of tobacco on health could be useful to delay tobacco initiation, along with reducing the ease of access and affordability of tobacco products among vulnerable groups.
Predictors of compliance with higher dose omega-3 fatty acid supplementation during pregnancy and implications for the risk of prematurity: exploratory analysis of the ORIP randomised trial
Authors: Sullivan Thomas R , Yelland Lisa N , Gibson Robert A , Thakkar Sagar K , Huang Fang , Best Karen P , Devaraj Surabhi , Zolezzi Irma Silva , Makrides Maria
Published: September 2023

Background

Intention-to-treat analyses of the Omega‐3 to Reduce the Incidence of Prematurity (ORIP) trial found that omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid supplementation reduces the risk of prematurity in the subgroup of women with a singleton pregnancy and low n-3 status early in pregnancy, but not overall. However, results may have been influenced by less-than-optimal compliance.

Objectives

To identify predictors of compliance with n-3 supplementation and determine treatment effects among compliers.

Design

Exploratory analyses of a multicentre-blinded randomised trial.

Setting

6 tertiary care centres in Australia.

Participants

5328 singleton pregnancies.

Interventions

Daily capsules containing 900 mg n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids or vegetable oil, consumed from before 20 weeks gestation until 34 weeks gestation.

Outcome measures

Early preterm (<34 weeks gestation) and preterm birth (<37 weeks gestation). Women were considered compliant if they reported missing less than a third of their allocated capsules in the previous week during a mid-pregnancy appointment.

Results

Among 2654 singleton pregnancies in the n-3 intervention group, 1727 (65%) were deemed compliant with supplementation. Maternal characteristics associated with compliance included age, years of full-time education, consuming alcohol but not smoking in the 3 months leading up to pregnancy, fewer previous births and taking dietary supplements at enrolment. Based on complier average causal effects, n-3 supplementation reduced the risk of preterm birth in compliers (relative risk=0.76; 95% CI 0.60 to 0.97), but not early preterm birth (relative risk=0.80; 95% CI 0.44 to 1.46). Consistent with intention-to-treat analyses, the lack of an overall effect on early preterm birth in compliers appeared to be due to beneficial effects in women with low n-3 status at enrolment but not women with replete status.

Conclusions

Results in compliers were similar to those from intention-to-treat analyses, suggesting that non-compliance was not a major factor in explaining outcomes from the ORIP trial.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12613001142729.
Study protocol for development and validation of a single tool to assess risks of stroke, diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction and dementia: DemNCD-Risk
Authors: Kootar Scherazad , Huque Md Hamidul , Kiely Kim M , Anderson Craig S , Jorm Louisa , Kivipelto Miia , Lautenschlager Nicola T , Matthews Fiona , Shaw Jonathan E , Whitmer Rachel A , Peters Ruth , Anstey Kaarin J
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Current efforts to reduce dementia focus on prevention and risk reduction by targeting modifiable risk factors. As dementia and cardiometabolic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) share risk factors, a single risk-estimating tool for dementia and multiple NCDs could be cost-effective and facilitate concurrent assessments as compared with a conventional single approach. The aim of this study is to develop and validate a new risk tool that estimates an individual’s risk of developing dementia and other NCDs including diabetes mellitus, stroke and myocardial infarction. Once validated, it could be used by the public and general practitioners.

Methods and analysis

Ten high-quality cohort studies from multiple countries were identified, which met eligibility criteria, including large representative samples, long-term follow-up, data on clinical diagnoses of dementia and NCDs, recognised modifiable risk factors for the four NCDs and mortality data. Pooled harmonised data from the cohorts will be used, with 65% randomly allocated for development of the predictive model and 35% for testing. Predictors include sociodemographic characteristics, general health risk factors and lifestyle/behavioural risk factors. A subdistribution hazard model will assess the risk factors’ contribution to the outcome, adjusting for competing mortality risks. Point-based scoring algorithms will be built using predictor weights, internally validated and the discriminative ability and calibration of the model will be assessed for the outcomes. Sensitivity analyses will include recalculating risk scores using logistic regression.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is provided by the University of New South Wales Human Research Ethics Committee (UNSW HREC; protocol numbers HC200515, HC3413). All data are deidentified and securely stored on servers at Neuroscience Research Australia. Study findings will be presented at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. The tool will be accessible as a public health resource. Knowledge translation and implementation work will explore strategies to apply the tool in clinical practice.
Early findings in a prospective randomised study on three cross-linking treatment protocols: interruption of the iontophoresis treatment protocol
Authors: Gustafsson Ingemar , Ivarsen Anders , Hjortdal Jesper
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To present the outcome of the interrupted iontophoresis-assisted treatment arm in an ongoing randomised clinical trial (NCT04427956).

Methods

A randomised clinical study of corneal cross-linking (CXL) using continuous UV-A irradiation at a rate of 9 mW/cm2and three different types of riboflavin and riboflavin delivery mode: (1) iso-osmolar dextran-based riboflavin (epithelium-off), (2) hypo-osmolar dextran-free riboflavin (epithelium-off) and (3) iontophoresis-assisted delivery of riboflavin (epithelium-on) for the treatment of progressive keratoconus. Inclusion criteria were an increase in the maximum keratometry value (Kmax) of 1.0 dioptre over 12 months or 0.5 dioptre over 6 months. The primary outcome in evaluating treatment efficacy was Kmax. Recently presented stratified detection limits were used post hoc to confirm the enrolment of patients with truly progressive keratoconus and in the assessment of the need for re-CXL.

Results

Thirteen patients had been randomised to iontophoresis-assisted CXL when the treatment arm was interrupted; two patients dropped out. Of the remaining 11 patients, 7 were deemed as having truly progressive disease according to the more recent stratified detection limits. The disease continued to progress in three patients according to the original definition (increase in Kmax≥1 D), necessitating re-CXL with epithelium-off CXL. This progression was confirmed by post hoc analysis using the stratified detection limits for progression.

Conclusions

The iontophoresis-assisted CXL protocol failed to halt further disease progression in 27% of the patients. The failure rate increased to 38% when considering only the patients deemed to have truly progressive disease using the stratified detection limits.
Shorter-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists are associated with increased development of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and its complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a population-level retrospective matched cohort study
Authors: Liu Benjamin Douglas , Udemba Sharon C , Liang Katherine , Tarabichi Yasir , Hill Hannah , Fass Ronnie , Song Gengqing
Published: September 2023

Background

Shorter half-life glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) delay gastric emptying (DGE) more than GLP-1 RAs with longer half-lives. DGE is a known risk factor for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its complications.

Aim

To determine whether short-acting or long-acting GLP-1 RAs are associated with an increased risk of new GERD or GERD-related complications

Design

We used the TriNetX global database to identify adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and generated two cohorts totalling 1 543 351 patients on (1) GLP-1 RA or (2) other second-line diabetes medication. Using propensity-score matching, Kaplan-Meier Analysis and Cox-proportional hazards ratio (HR), we analysed outcomes and separately examined outcomes in patients starting short-acting (≤1 day) and long-acting (≥5 days) GLP-1 RAs.

Results

177 666 patients were in each propensity-matched cohort. GLP-1 RA exposure was associated with an increased risk (HR 1.15; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.22) of erosive reflux disease (ERD). However, this was solely due to short-acting (HR 1.215; 95% CI 1.111 to 1.328), but not long-acting (HR 0.994; 95% CI 0.924 to 1.069) GLP-1 RA exposure. Short-acting GLP-1 RAs were also associated with increased risk of oesophageal stricture (HR 1.284; 95% CI 1.135 to 1.453), Barrett’s without dysplasia (HR 1.372; 95% CI 1.217 to 1.546) and Barrett’s with dysplasia (HR 1.505; 95% CI 1.164 to 1.946) whereas long-acting GLP-1 RAs were not. This association persisted in sensitivity analyses, and when individually examining the short-acting GLP-1 RAs liraglutide, lixisenatide and exenatide.

Conclusion

Starting shorter-acting GLP-1 RAs is associated with increased risks of GERD and its complications.
An ease-off tooth surface redesign for spiral bevel gears considering misalignment under actual working conditions
Authors: Mu Yanming , Xie Fangxia , He Xueming
Published: September 2023

To improve the loaded performance of spiral bevel gears, a novel tooth surface redesign method considering misalignment is proposed based on ease-off. First, the digital features of the contact pattern were extracted, and the equivalent misalignment was obtained by an optimal method according to the minimum deviation of the contact path. Second, a pinion target surface whose performance under misalignment was consistent with the original gear in standard position was built, and a pinion surface with good meshing performance under misalignment was redesigned with equivalent misalignment. Third, the flank modification was carried out to cut down on the loaded transmission error of gear under misalignment. Through simulations, it is found the transmission error and the contact path of redesign gear considering misalignment were the same as original gear in standard position. The loaded transmission error amplitude of original gear under misalignment was 43.91% higher than original gear in standard position, and the loaded transmission error amplitude of redesign gear after optimization under misalignment was 44.73% lower than original gear in standard position and 61.60% lower than original gear under misalignment. The tooth surface stress of redesigned gear after optimization under misalignment was also significantly improved. This proposed redesign method, which considers misalignment on the basis of ease-off, can greatly improve the loaded meshing quality of gear under actual working conditions.
Impact of a newly parametrized deceleration parameter on the accelerating universe and the reconstruction of f(Q) non-metric gravity models
Authors: Naik Devaraja Mallesha , Kavya N. S. , Sudharani L. , Venkatesha V.
Published: September 2023

This article presents a novel parametrization of the deceleration parameter (DP) to investigate the cosmological scenario. The newly proposed parametric form of the DP is both physically plausible and model-independent. Constrained by a combined dataset of 31 cosmic chronometers (CC) data points, 26 non-correlated baryonic acoustic oscillations (BAO) points, and 1701 Pantheon$$+$$
+
data points from supernovae type Ia (SNeIa), we determine the model parameters using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method. The analysis explores the kinematic behavior of the model, including the transition from deceleration to acceleration. The results indicate that the Universe is currently in an accelerated phase. Furthermore, we apply the obtained parameter values to constrain f(Q) gravity models and compare them with observations. This study provides valuable insights into the accelerating Universe and underscores the importance of employing a model-independent approach in cosmological investigations.
Impact of the returning radiation in current tests of the Kerr black hole hypothesis using X-ray reflection spectroscopy
Authors: Riaz Shafqat , Mirzaev Temurbek , Abdikamalov Askar B. , Bambi Cosimo
Published: September 2023

The past 10 years have seen remarkable progress in our capability of analyzing reflection features in the X-ray spectra of accreting black holes. Today X-ray reflection spectroscopy is a mature technique and a powerful tool for studying the accretion process around black holes, measuring black hole spins, and testing Einstein’s theory of General Relativity in the strong field regime. However, current reflection models still rely on a number of simplifications and caution is necessary when we derive very precise measurements. In this paper, we study the impact of the returning radiation on our capability of measuring the properties of black holes using X-ray reflection spectroscopy, and in particular on our capability of testing the Kerr black hole hypothesis. While the returning radiation alters the reflection spectrum of the disk, from the analysis of our simulations we find that models without returning radiation can normally recover well the correct black hole spin parameters and can test the Kerr metric.
Emergent local structures in an ecosystem of social bots and humans on Twitter
Authors: Alrhmoun Abdullah , Kertész János
Published: September 2023

Bots in online social networks can be used for good or bad but their presence is unavoidable and will increase in the future. To investigate how the interaction networks of bots and humans evolve, we created six social bots on Twitter with AI language models and let them carry out standard user operations. Three different strategies were implemented for the bots: a trend-targeting strategy (TTS), a keywords-targeting strategy (KTS) and a user-targeting strategy (UTS). We examined the interaction patterns such as targeting users, spreading messages, propagating relationships, and engagement. We focused on the emergent local structures or motifs and found that the strategies of the social bots had a significant impact on them. Motifs resulting from interactions with bots following TTS or KTS are simple and show significant overlap, while those resulting from interactions with UTS-governed bots lead to more complex motifs. These findings provide insights into human-bot interaction patterns in online social networks, and can be used to develop more effective bots for beneficial tasks and to combat malicious actors.
Generating and Exploiting Automated Reasoning Proof Certificates
Authors: Barbosa Haniel , Barrett Clark , Cook Byron , Dutertre Bruno , Kremer Gereon , Lachnitt Hanna , Niemetz Aina , Nötzli Andres , Ozdemir Alex , Preiner Mathias , Reynolds Andrew , Tinelli Cesare , Zohar Yoni
Published: September 2023

Moving toward a full suite of proof-producing automated reasoning tools with SMT solvers that can produce full, independently checkable proofs for real-world problems.
Beyond the Repository
Authors: Casari Amanda , Ferraioli Julia , Lovato Juniper
Published: September 2023

Best practices for open source ecosystems researchers.
Using Psychology to Bolster Cybersecurity
Authors: Geer David
Published: September 2023

Getting into the minds of attackers to protect the enterprise.
A References Architecture for Human Cyber Physical Systems, Part II: Fundamental Design Principles for Human-CPS Interaction
Authors: Bengler Klaus , Damm Werner , Luedtke Andreas , Jochem Reiger , Austel Benedikt , Biebl Bianca , Fränzle Martin , Hagemann Willem , Held Moritz , Hess David , Ihme Klas , Kacianka Severin , Kerscher Alyssa J. , Forrest Laine , Lehnhoff Sebastian , Pretschner Alexander , Rakow Astrid , Sonntag Daniel , Sztipanovits Janos , Schwammberger Maike , Schweda Mark , Unni Anirudh , Veith Eric
Published: September 2023

As automation increases qualitatively and quantitatively in safety-critical human cyber-physical systems, it is becoming more and more challenging to increase the probability or ensure that human operators still perceive key artifacts and comprehend their roles in the system. In the companion paper, we proposed an abstract reference architecture capable of expressing all classes of system-level interactions in human cyber-physical systems. Here we demonstrate how this reference architecture supports the analysis of levels of communication between agents and helps to identify the potential for misunderstandings and misconceptions. We then develop a metamodel for safe human machine interaction. Therefore, we ask what type of information exchange must be supported on what level so that humans and systems can cooperate as a team, what is the criticality of exchanged information, what are timing requirements for such interactions, and how can we communicate highly critical information in a limited time frame in spite of the many sources of a distorted perception. We highlight shared stumbling blocks and illustrate shared design principles, which rest on established ontologies specific to particular application classes. In order to overcome the partial opacity of internal states of agents, we anticipate a key role of virtual twins of both human and technical cooperation partners for designing a suitable communication.
Checkpointing Strategies to Tolerate Non-Memoryless Failures on HPC Platforms
Authors: Benoit Anne , Perotin Lucas , Robert Yves , Vivien Frédéric
Published: September 2023

This article studies checkpointing strategies for parallel applications subject to failures. The optimal strategy to minimize total execution time, or makespan, is well known when failure IATs obey an Exponential distribution, but it is unknown for non-memoryless failure distributions. We explain why the latter fact is misunderstood in recent literature. We propose a general strategy that maximizes the expected efficiency until the next failure, and we show that this strategy achieves an asymptotically optimal makespan, thereby establishing the first optimality result for arbitrary failure distributions. Through extensive simulations, we show that the new strategy is always at least as good as the Young/Daly strategy for various failure distributions. For distributions with high infant mortality (such as LogNormal with shape parameter
k
=2.51 or Weibull with shape parameter 0.5), the execution time is divided by a factor of 1.9 on average, and up to a factor 4.2 for recently deployed platforms.
Physics-Informed Neural Networks for State of Health Estimation in Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Hofmann Tobias , Hamar Jacob , Rogge Marcel , Zoerr Christoph , Erhard Simon , Philipp Schmidt Jan
Published: September 2023

One of the most challenging tasks of modern battery management systems is the accurate state of health estimation. While physico-chemical models are accurate, they have high computational cost. Neural networks lack physical interpretability but are efficient. Physics-informed neural networks tackle the aforementioned shortcomings by combining the efficiency of neural networks with the accuracy of physico-chemical models. A physics-informed neural network is developed and evaluated against three different datasets: A pseudo-two-dimensional Newman model generates data at various state of health points. This dataset is fused with experimental data from laboratory measurements and vehicle field data to train a neural network in which it exploits correlation from internal modeled states to the measurable state of health. The resulting physics-informed neural network performs best with the synthetic dataset and achieves a root mean squared error below 2% at estimating the state of health. The root mean squared error stays within 3% for laboratory test data, with the lowest error observed for constant current discharge samples. The physics-informed neural network outperforms several other purely data-driven methods and proves its advantage. The inclusion of physico-chemical information from simulation increases accuracy and further enables broader application ranges.
Determination of the Orthotropic Mechanical Elastic Properties of Gas Diffusion Layers for PEMFCs
Authors: Ouerghemmi Marwa , Carral Christophe , Mele Patrice
Published: September 2023

One of the most important components of proton exchange membrane fuel cell is the gas diffusion layer (GDL), due to its position between the catalyst layers, where the electrochemical reactions take place, and the bipolar plates supplying the reactant gases. The GDL must have an optimal mechanical stiffness to ensure the transport of the different gases and the water produced by the fuel cell operation. Measuring the mechanical properties of the different GDLs available in the market require the development of specific methodologies due to their orthotropic behavior. This article aims to assess and create a database for selecting GDLs for specific applications and assisting engineers in fuel cell modeling. This study focuses on developing robust characterization methods to assess the different properties of GDLs in different directions: within the plane, along both the machine and transverse directions, and perpendicular to the plane. These tests allow to determine parameters like in-plane tensile and shear moduli, out-of-plane compression and shear moduli, and in-plane Poisson’s ratios. By examining a wide range of commercial specimens, including different types, area weights, hydrophobic treatments, manufacturing processes, and microporous layers, this study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the orthotropic mechanical properties of GDLs.
Insights into Oxygen Mass Transport Mechanisms in High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells with Microelectrode
Authors: Chen Sifan , Niu Jianchun , Zhang Shuomeng , Ma Zhuang , Zhang Qinghua , Chen Shiyuan , Wu Liang , Zhang Jialin , Wang Miao , Lu Shanfu , He Qinggang
Published: September 2023

The mass transport of oxygen in the cathode catalyst layer of high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) has a great impact on cell performance. However, some bulk average methods are unable to study the permeation properties of oxygen near the triple phase boundary of HT-PEMFCs due to the size mismatch. Here, we develop a microelectrode integrated system to quantitatively study the O2 mass transport behavior at the Pt/binder interface under actual operating temperatures (100 °C–180 °C). The oxygen diffusion coefficients and solubility obtain from potential-step chronoamperometry and a modified Cottrell equation follow the diffusion “ball-cage” model and the dual-mode solubility model. Subsequently, molecular dynamics simulations are used to describe the key structural elements and diffusion behavior of oxygen molecules from the microscopic perspective. These results provide a scientific approach to study the mass transfer process of oxygen at the local environment, endowing with insightful strategies for future improvement and applications of HT-PEMFCs.
Numerical Simulation of a Novel H2/O2 Co-Transport Membrane Reactor for Combined H2O/H2 Removal and Ethylene Production
Authors: Shoukry Yasser M. M. , Huang Kevin , Jin Xinfang
Published: September 2023

To cut CO2 emissions, we propose to directly convert shale gas into value-added products with a new H2/O2 co-transport membrane (HOTM) reactor. A Multiphysics model has been built to simulate the membrane and the catalytic bed with parameters obtained from experimental validation. The model was used to compare C2 yield and CH4 conversion rate between the membrane reactor and the state-of-the-art fixed-bed reactor with the same dimensions and operating conditions. The results indicate that (1) the membrane reactor is more efficient in consuming CH4 for a given amount of fed O2. (2) The C2 selectivity of the membrane reactor is higher due to the gradual addition of O2 into the reactor. (3) The current proposed membrane reactor can have a decent proton molar flux density but most of the proton molar flux will contribute to producing H2O on the feed side under the current operating conditions. The paper for the first-time projects the performance of the membrane reactor for combined H2O/H2 removal and C2 production. It could be used as important guidance for experimentalists to design next generation natural gas conversion reactors.
Review—Post-Chemical Mechanical Planarization Cleaning Technology
Authors: Hazarika Jenasree , Gupta Apeksha , Rajaraman Prasanna Venkatesh
Published: September 2023

Chemical mechanical planarization (CMP), a commonly employed process for attaining local and global planarization in integrated circuits fabrication, leaves contaminants and defects on the surface polished. Due to the miniaturization of devices, new materials/ processes for the fabrication of IC circuits are considered, introducing new post-CMP issues. So, understanding of post-CMP cleaning process is critical to choose an appropriate method for the given material. Thus, in this review paper, the types of contaminants and defects generated during the post-CMP process and the issues related to it are discussed. The different physical and chemical cleaning methods employed in the post-CMP cleaning process to eradicate these defects are elucidated. Especially, the PVA brushing method, which is mainly preferred currently, is elaborated on in detail. The various chemistries, including the newly suggested ones in recent years for cleaning different substrates, are summarized. The post-CMP cleaning methods for various materials such as Cu, Al, W, Co, Ru, InGaAs, Ge, and SiO2 are mainly addressed here. This review also provides the direction of progress for the post-CMP cleaning process in terms of evolution of new techniques and chemistries for the next generation of materials.
Optical and Structural Properties of Europium-Doped Silicon Oxide Fabricated Using Integrated Sputtering and Chemical Vapour Deposition
Authors: Namin Rashin Basiri , Mascher Peter , Chibante Felipe , Khatami Zahra
Published: September 2023

Europium (Eu) doped silicon oxide (SiOx) thin films containing Eu concentrations of 0.2 to 6.4 at% were fabricated using a hybrid deposition system combining a magnetron sputtering gun serving as the doping source with electron cyclotron resonance plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (ECR-PECVD). The influence of annealing conditions on the structural and luminescence properties was thoroughly studied. The optical properties of the films were investigated by performing variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE) and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. The Eu-related emission was found to be highly dependent on the deposition parameters and annealing conditions. Eu2+ and Eu3+ emissions, which are attributed to blue and red light emissions, respectively, were observed. The structural properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses, and the formation of nanoclusters was confirmed. At annealing temperatures of 900 °C and beyond, EuxSiyOz crystals were formed, and Eu ions were optically activated. As the light emissions of these thin films are in the blue and red wavelength range, they are promising candidates to be used as greenhouse covers and transparent solar cells.
The 24-h activity cycle and cardiovascular outcomes: establishing biological plausibility using arterial stiffness as an intermediate outcome
Authors: Stoner Lee , Higgins Simon , Paterson Craig
Published: September 2023

This review proposes a biologically plausible working model for the relationship between the 24-h activity cycle (24-HAC) and cardiovascular disease. The 24-HAC encompasses moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity, sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep. MVPA confers the greatest relative cardioprotective effect, when considering MVPA represents just 2% of the day if physical activity guidelines (30 min/day) are met. While we have well-established guidelines for MVPA, those for the remaining activity behaviors are vague. The vague guidelines are attributable to our limited mechanistic understanding of the independent and additive effects of these behaviors on the cardiovascular system. Our proposed biological model places arterial stiffness, a measure of vascular aging, as the key intermediate outcome. Starting with prolonged exposure to SB or static standing, we propose that the reported transient increases in arterial stiffness are driven by a cascade of negative hemodynamic effects following venous pooling. The subsequent autonomic, metabolic, and hormonal changes further impair vascular function. Vascular dysfunction can be offset by using mechanistic-informed interruption strategies and by engaging in protective behaviors throughout the day. Physical activity, especially MVPA, can confer protection by chronically improving endothelial function and associated protective mechanisms. Conversely, poor sleep, especially in duration and quality, negatively affects hormonal, metabolic, autonomic, and hemodynamic variables that can confound the physiological responses to next-day activity behaviors. Our hope is that the proposed biologically plausible working model will assist in furthering our understanding of the effects of these complex, interrelated activity behaviors on the cardiovascular system.
Noninvasive hemodynamic indices of vascular aging: an in silico assessment
Authors: Hong Jingyuan , Nandi Manasi , Charlton Peter H. , Alastruey Jordi
Published: September 2023

For the first time, 19 noninvasive pulse wave indices for assessing vascular aging were examined together in a single database of nearly 4,000 subjects aged 25–75 yr. The dataset contained precise values of the aortic Young’s modulus and other hemodynamic measures for each subject, which enabled us to test each index’s ability to measure changes in aortic stiffness while accounting for confounding factors and measurement errors. The study provides freely available tools for analyzing these and additional indices.
Application of Deep Learning to the Prediction of Solar Irradiance through Missing Data
Authors: Girimurugan R. , Selvaraju P. , Jeevanandam Prabahar , Vadivukarassi M. , Subhashini S. , Selvam N. , Ahammad S. K. Hasane , Mayakannan S. , Vaithilingam Selvakumar Kuppusamy
Published: September 2023

The task of predicting solar irradiance is critical in the development of renewable energy sources. This research is aimed at predicting the photovoltaic plant’s irradiance or power and serving as a standard for grid stability. In practical situations, missing data can drastically diminish prediction precision. Meanwhile, it is tough to pick an appropriate imputation approach before modeling because of not knowing the distribution of datasets. Furthermore, not all datasets benefit equally from using the same imputation technique. This research suggests utilizing a recurrent neural network (RNN) equipped with an adaptive neural imputation module (ANIM) to estimate direct solar irradiance when some data is missing. Without imputed information, the typical projects’ imminent 4-hour irradiance depends on gaps in antique climatic and irradiation records. The projected model is evaluated on the widely available information by simulating missing data in each input series. The performance model is assessed alternative imputation techniques under a range of missing rates and input parameters. The outcomes prove that the suggested methods perform better than competing strategies when measured by various criteria. Moreover, combine the methodology with the attentive mechanism and invent that it excels in low-light conditions.
Harnessing Dendritic Cells: Next Frontier for Durable Immune Control in Myeloma
Authors: Dhodapkar Madhav V.
Published: September 2023

Immune-based approaches including T-cell redirection have transformed the therapeutic landscape in myeloma. Injection of dendritic cells (DC) led to the induction of immune responses in vaccinated patients with myeloma. These studies pave the way for future combination strategies harnessing DCs to enhance tumor immunity and improve outcomes in myeloma.

See related article by Freeman et al., p. 4575