bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A meta‐analysis of the consequences of cognitive training on the cognitive function of aged mild cognitive impairment patients
Authors: Wei Zhihui , Zhao Xinrui , Liu Yang
Published: September 2024

Cognitive training has gained popularity as a means to aid older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a transitional phase between normal ageing and Alzheimer's disease (AD). MCI represents a critical and potentially reversible state that can either improve or progress to full‐blown dementia. This study aims to evaluate the impact of cognitive training on cognitive function in aged patients with MCI. PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases were systematically retrieved from inception until May 2024. We rigorously applied the risk‐of‐bias methodology recommended by the Cochrane Handbook to assess the quality of the included studies. After two rounds of screening and removing duplicates, a total of 2685 articles were initially identified, from which 28 met the inclusion criteria. The meta‐analysis included 28 randomised controlled trials with 1960 participants. In this meta‐analysis, Review Manager 5.4 was used for statistical analysis. Findings revealed that cognitive training significantly improved the global cognitive function in aged MCI patients, as evidenced by the results of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (standard mean difference (SMD) = 3.26; 95% CI, 2.69–3.82; P < 0.00001) and Mini‐Mental State Examination (SMD = 2.27; 95% CI, 1.52–3.01; P < 0.00001). The beneficial effects of cognitive training interventions were consistent regardless of duration, including periods of 2 months or less (SMD = 1.94; 95% CI, 1.25–2.63; P < 0.00001), 2 to 6 months (SMD = 2.53; 95% CI, 1.52–3.53; P < 0.00001), and over 6 months (SMD = 4.12; 95% CI, 0.97–7.27; P = 0.01). The analysis indicates that cognitive training significantly benefits overall cognitive function, delayed memory, orientation, attention, and language skills in aged patients with MCI. Furthermore, cognitive training interventions are effective in enhancing cognitive function, irrespective of their duration.
The Dose–Response Relationship of an Exercise‐Based Injury Prevention Program: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial on Athletics (Track‐and‐Field) Athletes Over a 39‐Week Follow‐Up
Authors: Iatropoulos Spyridon , Dandrieux Pierre‐Eddy , Navarro Laurent , Blanco David , Edouard Pascal
Published: September 2024

Despite exercise‐based injury prevention programs (EIPPs) being widely researched and used, several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have failed to show their protective effect on injury risk. This is potentially due to underappreciating the EIPP dose–response relationship, by not controlling the analysis for the injuries sustained during the early EIPP implementation period, before the EIPP becomes efficacious. To determine the dose–response relationship of EIPP by controlling for the effects of injuries sustained before it became efficacious. We conducted a secondary analysis of an RCT analyzing the EIPP efficacy in athletics over a 39‐week follow‐up on 840 athletes, by including only those with 100% response rate. We controlled the statistical analyses for a range of lengths of early EIPP implementation period by either excluding the athletes with early injuries (i.e., exclusion approach) or adjusting for the early injuries' effects (i.e., inclusion approach). We estimated the EIPP's dose–response relationship by measuring the EIPP's effect at each length of the controlled period. When we considered no early controlled period, the EIPP showed no effect (OR = 0.85 [95% CI: 0.67–1.09]; p = 0.209). However, both exclusion and inclusion approaches showed that the EIPP effect increased significantly after 5–6 weeks of controlled period. This relationship plateaued at 7–12 weeks of controlled period, peaking at 10 weeks with the exclusion approach (OR = 0.28 [95% CI: 0.16–0.48]; p < 0.001), and 7 weeks with the inclusion approach (OR = 0.37 [95% CI: 0.25–0.55]; p < 0.001). Acknowledging the dose–response relationship of EIPPs could help researchers to design and analyze RCTs and practitioners to plan EIPP implementation timely.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03307434
Seven new HLA alleles characterised by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Loginova Maria , Makhova Olga , Paramonov Igor
Published: September 2024

Identification of seven new HLA alleles by next‐generation sequencing.
Characterisation of two novel HLA‐B alleles, B*13:194 and B*15:694 in individuals from Lithuania
Authors: Valatkaite‐Rakstiene Beatrice , Jakubauskas Arturas
Published: September 2024

Two novel Class I HLA‐B alleles HLA‐B*13:194 and HLA‐B*15:694 are described.
The Restoration of Archaeological Sites, Old Perceptions and New Narratives: the case of Sparta
Authors:   Ephorate of Antiquities of Lakonia, Giannakaki Charikleia
Published: September 2024

Sparta stands out as a prominent city-state of ancient Greece, renowned for its significant historical impact. Its legacy is marked not only by its involvement in major historical events but also by the ‘peculiarities’ attributed to the constitution and societal life of the Classical city. Ancient written sources often portrayed Sparta as a militaristic and patriotic model of severity, discipline and austerity, crafting narratives that emphasized these traits. Over time, these narratives have fascinated various audiences and frequently been used for ideological and political purposes. Locally, these historical narratives have affected aspects of the contemporary Spartan society and the expectations of visitors and scholars. Projects for the enhancement of Spartan archaeological sites were systematically implemented rather late, in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. This article discusses this development and explores the ways in which organized and accessible archaeological sites and their narratives can engage diverse audiences. It also considers how such efforts can challenge and revise established narratives, impacting local identity and regional development.
Development and Evaluation of code symm—A Tool to Facilitate Conceptual Design Synthesis of Multistate Mechanical Devices
Authors: Majumder Anubhab , Chakrabarti Amaresh
Published: September 2024

A multistate mechanical device (MSMD) can achieve different functions at different operating states by changing its topological structure and the interaction among its elements. To facilitate conceptual design synthesis of MSMDs, this article reports the development of a prescriptive model based on past empirical studies, implementing it into a web-based software tool, and evaluating its usefulness through design experiments. The objectives include elaborating on an MSMD synthesis task representation scheme, proposing a method for storing and retrieving kinematic building blocks to support initial solution proposals, and introducing modification rules for refining semiworking initial solutions. The prescriptive model guides designers step by step, facilitating the search through a database of building blocks and modification rules. The resulting web-based tool automates this process and allows users to contribute to the database. An MSMD synthesis task example is provided to demonstrate the execution of the prescriptive synthesis process. Finally, an initial evaluation of the tool's usefulness is carried out with the help of design experiments involving external designers. The results obtained from the evaluation study are reported.
The economic impacts of ecosystem disruptions: Costs from substituting biological pest control
Authors: Frank Eyal G.
Published: September 2024

Biodiversity loss is accelerating, yet we know little about how these ecosystem disruptions affect human well-being. Ecologists have documented both the importance of bats as natural predators of insects as well as their population declines after the emergence of a wildlife disease, resulting in a potential decline in biological pest control. In this work, I study how species interactions can extend beyond an ecosystem and affect agriculture and human health. I find that farmers compensated for bat decline by increasing their insecticide use by 31.1%. The compensatory increase in insecticide use by farmers adversely affected health—human infant mortality increased by 7.9% in the counties that experienced bat die-offs. These findings provide empirical validation to previous theoretical predictions about how ecosystem disruptions can have meaningful social costs.
Bacteria can anticipate the seasons: Photoperiodism in cyanobacteria
Authors: Jabbur Maria Luísa , Bratton Benjamin P. , Johnson Carl Hirschie
Published: September 2024

Photoperiodic time measurement is the ability of plants and animals to measure differences in day versus night length (photoperiod) and use that information to anticipate critical seasonal transformations, such as annual temperature cycles. This timekeeping phenomenon triggers adaptive responses in higher organisms, such as gonadal stimulation, flowering, and hibernation. Unexpectedly, we observed this capability in cyanobacteria—unicellular prokaryotes with generation times as short as 5 to 6 hours. Cyanobacteria exposed to short, winter-like days developed enhanced resistance to cold mediated by desaturation of membrane lipids and differential programs of gene transcription, including stress response pathways. As in eukaryotes, this photoperiodic timekeeping required an intact circadian clockwork and developed over multiple cycles of photoperiod. Therefore, photoperiodic timekeeping evolved in much simpler organisms than previously appreciated and enabled genetic responses to stresses that recur seasonally.
Long term exposure to road traffic noise and air pollution and risk of infertility in men and women: nationwide Danish cohort study
Authors: Sørensen Mette , Poulsen Aslak Harbo , Nøhr Bugge , Khan Jibran , Ketzel Matthias , Brandt Jørgen , Raaschou-Nielsen Ole , Jensen Allan
Published: September 2024

Objective

To investigate associations between long term residential exposure to road traffic noise and particulate matter with a diameter <2.5 µm (PM
2.5
) and infertility in men and women.

Design

Nationwide prospective cohort study.

Setting

Denmark.

Participants

526 056 men and 377 850 women aged 30-45 years, with fewer than two children, cohabiting or married, and residing in Denmark between 2000 and 2017.

Main outcome measure

Incident infertility in men and women during follow-up in the Danish National Patient Register.

Results

Infertility was diagnosed in 16 172 men and 22 672 women during a mean follow-up of 4.3 years and 4.2 years, respectively. Mean exposure to PM
2.5
over five years was strongly associated with risk of infertility in men, with hazard ratios of 1.24 (95% confidence interval 1.18 to 1.30) among men aged 30-36.9 years and 1.24 (1.15 to 1.33) among men aged 37-45 years for each interquartile (2.9 µg/m
3
) higher PM
2.5
after adjustment for sociodemographic variables and road traffic noise. PM
2.5
was not associated with infertility in women. Road traffic noise (Lden, most exposed facade of residence) was associated with a higher risk of infertility among women aged 35-45 years, with a hazard ratio of 1.14 (1.10 to 1.18) for each interquartile (10.2 dB) higher five year mean exposure. Noise was not associated with infertility among younger women (30-34.9 years). In men, road traffic noise was associated with higher risk of infertility in the 37-45 age group (1.06, 1.02 to 1.11), but not among those aged 30-36.9 years (0.93, 0.91 to 0.96).

Conclusions

PM
2.5
was associated with a higher risk of an infertility diagnosis in men, whereas road traffic noise was associated with a higher risk of an infertility diagnosis in women older than 35 years, and potentially in men older than 37 years. If these results are confirmed in future studies, higher fertility could be added to the list of health benefits from regulating noise and air pollution.
Evaluation of a digital therapy programme for the treatment of primary arterial hypertension: eXPLORE – study protocol for a fully decentralised randomised controlled feasibility study
Authors: Schlichtiger Jenny , Strüven Anna , Massberg Steffen , von Degenfeld Georges , Leber Alexander , Weyh Paul , Meyer Julia , Brunner Stefan , Stremmel Christopher
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Hypertension is a major cause of premature death worldwide as it is an important risk factor for coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure and stroke. Although an estimated 1.3 billion adults suffer from hypertension, less than half of them are diagnosed correctly and therefore receive sufficient treatment. Furthermore, only one fifth of those treated reach the therapy target of normotension. This significant deficit underlines the need for new therapy concepts to improve long-term health outcomes. Several studies have shown positive effects of digital health programmes in the disease management of ambulatory, long-term hypertension treatment. More research is needed to explore the abilities of digital health programmes as an innovative pathway in ambulatory healthcare.

The eXPLORE study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a clinical trial on the impact of a supplementary digital therapy programme for the treatment of primary arterial hypertension.

Methods and analyses

The eXPLORE study collects data in the setting of a prospective randomised controlled trial to evaluate methodological feasibility for larger-scaled follow-up research. The study compares a digital therapy programme using a smartphone application that is based on functions and algorithms creating tasks and recommendations based on individual health data to standard care for the treatment of primary arterial hypertension. The study period is 180 days, with a 90-day in-life phase followed by a 90-day follow-up phase. Baseline and follow-up data (3 months, 6 months follow-up) of all participants included is collected via questionnaire surveys as well as self-administered blood pressure monitoring. Patient inclusion, initial data acquisition and follow-up were carried out in an innovative remote setting. The study was initiated in November 2022 and is currently ongoing. Study outcome measures are changes in mean blood pressure, health literacy and self-sufficient health behaviour.

Ethics and dissemination

The eXPLORE study is carried out in accordance with all applicable legal regulations. Cost-effectiveness is assured by continuous evaluation and documentation over the course of the study. All health-relevant data from the eXPLORE study will be provided for analyses and publication to the investigators of LMU Hospital. The study was approved by the local ethics committee of LMU Munich (project nr.: 22–0115).

Trial registration

NCT05580068. Protocol Version: 1.5, 28.08.2023.
Experiences and actions of part-time firefighters’ family members: a critical incident study
Authors: Lantz Emelie , Nilsson Bengt , Elmqvist Carina , Fridlund Bengt , Svensson Anders
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences and actions of part-time firefighters’ family members in rural areas in Sweden.

Design

The study had an inductive descriptive design and used the critical incident technique.

Setting

Rural areas, primarily served by a part-time fire station, across Sweden.

Participants

The study included 25 participants (21 females and 4 males) with experiences of being a family member of a part-time firefighter. Family members who themselves served as firefighters were excluded.

Results

Being a part-time firefighter’s family member was described into three main areas of experiences: ‘affecting everyday life’, ‘dealing with uncertainty’ and ‘being in this together’. Actions taken were divided into two main areas: ‘pursuing adaptations’ and ‘alleviating difficulties’.

Conclusions

Family members of part-time firefighters faced increased responsibility at home, managing personal inconvenience and frustration. They offered emotional support for the firefighter, however, expressing a need for guidance on handling firefighters’ emotions and mental health after call-outs. Despite their crucial role, they often felt unrecognised by the fire and rescue service. Nonetheless, they took pride in their firefighter’s contribution to the community and noted positive impacts on the family.
Evaluating the impact of a standardised intervention for announcing decisions of withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining treatments on the stress of relatives in emergency departments (DISCUSS): protocol for a stepped-wedge randomised controlled trial
Authors: Termoz Anne , Subtil Fabien , Drouin Pauline , Marchal Mathilde , Verroul Manon , Langlois Carole , Bravant Estelle , Jacquin Laurent , Clément Bénédicte , Viglino Damien , Roux-Boniface Daniel , Verbois Frédéric , Demarquet Marine , Dubucs Xavier , Douillet Delphine , Tazarourte Karim , Schott-Pethelaz Anne-Marie , Haesebaert Julie , Douplat Marion
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The decisions of withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments are difficult to make in the context of emergency departments (EDs) because most patients are unable to communicate. Relatives are thus asked to participate in the decision‐making process, although they are unprepared to face such situations. We therefore aimed to develop a standardised intervention for announcing decisions of withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments in EDs and assess the efficacy of the intervention on the stress of relatives.

Methods and analysis

The DISCUSS trial is a multicentre stepped-wedge cluster randomised study and will be conducted at nine EDs in France. A standardised intervention based on human simulation will be codesigned with partner families and implemented at three levels: the relatives, the healthcare professionals (HCP) and the EDs. The intervention will be compared with a control based on treatment as usual. A total of 538 families are planned to be included: 269 in the intervention group and 269 in the control group. The primary endpoint will be the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at 90 days. The secondary endpoints will be symptoms of PTSD at 7 and 30 days, diagnosis of PTSD at 90 days and anxiety and depression scores at 7, 30 and 90 days. Satisfaction regarding the training, the assertiveness in communication and real-life stress of HCPs will be measured at 90 days.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the ethics committee Est III from Nancy and the French national data protection authority. All relatives and HCPs will be informed regarding the study objectives and data confidentiality. Written informed consent will be obtained from participants, as required by French law for this study type. The results from this study will be disseminated at conferences and in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

NCT06071078.
Enhanced prediction of atrial fibrillation risk using proteomic markers: a comparative analysis with clinical and polygenic risk scores
Authors: Liu Mengyi , Zhang Yuanyuan , Ye Ziliang , He Panpan , Zhou Chun , Yang Sisi , Zhang Yanjun , Gan Xiaoqin , Qin Xianhui
Published: September 2024

Background

Proteomic biomarkers have shown promise in predicting various cardiovascular conditions, but their utility in assessing the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. This study aimed to develop and validate a protein-based risk score for predicting incident AF and to compare its predictive performance with traditional clinical risk factors and polygenic risk scores in a large cohort from the UK Biobank.

Methods

We analysed data from 36 129 white British individuals without prior AF, assessing 2923 plasma proteins using the Olink Explore 3072 assay. The cohort was divided into a training set (70%) and a test set (30%) to develop and validate a protein risk score for AF. We compared the predictive performance of this score with the HARMS2-AF risk model and a polygenic risk score.

Results

Over an average follow-up of 11.8 years, 2450 incident AF cases were identified. A 47-protein risk score was developed, with N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) being the most significant predictor. In the test set, the protein risk score (per SD increment, HR 1.94; 95% CI 1.83 to 2.05) and NT-proBNP alone (HR 1.80; 95% CI 1.70 to 1.91) demonstrated superior predictive performance (C-statistic: 0.802 and 0.785, respectively) compared with HARMS2-AF and polygenic risk scores (C-statistic: 0.751 and 0.748, respectively).

Conclusions

A protein-based risk score, particularly incorporating NT-proBNP, offers superior predictive value for AF risk over traditional clinical and polygenic risk scores, highlighting the potential for proteomic data in AF risk stratification.
Severe itch from miliaria managed with propantheline: a case report
Authors: Wai Ronald , Sheahen Brodie , Thomas Benjamin
Published: September 2024

Itch is a common symptom faced in palliative care. In this case report, we present a patient in his 80s with a background of prostate and bladder cancer who fell and was subsequently immobile following a resultant vertebral fracture. He experienced persistent and distressing pruritis during his hospital stay. This case highlights the assessment and management of pruritis in a palliative care setting, eventually leading to a diagnosis of miliaria which was successfully treated with Propantheline.
Physical activity and prognosis and factors associated with low physical activity in patients with advanced or recurrent lung cancer: a retrospective, observational study
Authors: Fukushima Takuya , Katsushima Utae , Ogushi Naoya , Hase Kimitaka , Nakano Jiro
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between physical activity and prognosis, and the significant factors associated with physical activity in patients with advanced or recurrent lung cancer.

Methods

This retrospective, observational study enrolled 50 outpatients with lung cancer who received chemotherapy. Patients were evaluated for physical function, physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form), and nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form [MNA-SF]). The relationship between physical activity and prognosis was examined using the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine factors associated with low physical activity. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to calculate the MNA-SF cut-off value for low physical activity.

Results

Low physical activity was significantly associated with survival (HR, 4.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–16.27; p=0.029). The MNA-SF was a significant factor associated with low physical activity (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.98; p=0.038). The MNA-SF cut-off value for low physical activity was 9.5 points.

Conclusions

Low physical activity may be a prognostic factor in lung cancer, with nutritional status associated with low physical activity. Regular assessments using the MNA-SF cut-off and physical activity interventions considering nutrition are needed in clinical practice.
THSR wave function and non-localized clustering
Authors: Horiuchi Hisashi , Blaschke David
Published: September 2024

The main ideas to construct the THSR wave function are given, and the relation to other approaches such as the Brink-type cluster wave function approach is shown. The effect of the Pauli-forbidden states on the inter-cluster potential is described by the orthogonality condition model. The duality of the cluster structure and shell-model structure for nuclei in the ground state and in excited states is discussed. Future work on $$n \alpha $$

n
α

condensate states in more complex nuclei and the formation of cluster structures in excited nuclei is outlined.
MURCA driven bulk viscosity in neutrino trapped baryonic matter
Authors: Sarkar Sreemoyee , Nandi Rana
Published: September 2024

We examine bulk viscosity, taking into account trapped neutrinos in baryonic matter, in the context of binary neutron star mergers. Following the merging event, the binary star can yield a remnant compact object with densities up to 5 nuclear saturation density and temperature up to 50 MeV resulting in the retention of neutrinos. We employ two relativistic mean field models, NL3 and DDME2, to describe the neutrino-trapped baryonic matter. The dissipation coefficient is determined by evaluating the Modified URCA interaction rate in the dense baryonic medium, and accounting for perturbations caused by density oscillations. We observe the resonant behavior of bulk viscosity as it varies with the temperature of the medium. The bulk viscosity peak remains within the temperature range of $$\sim 13$$

∼
13

–50 MeV, depending upon the underlying equation of states and lepton fractions. This temperature range corresponds to the relevant domain of binary neutron star mergers. We also note that in presence of neutrinos in the medium the bulk viscosity peak shifts towards higher temperature and the peak value of bulk viscosity also changes. The time scale of viscous dissipation is dictated by the beta-off-equilibrium susceptibilities derived from the nuclear equation of state. The resulting viscous decay time scale ranges from 32–100 ms, which aligns with the order of magnitude of the post-merger object’s survival time in some specific scenarios.
System-on-a-Chip (SoC) Solutions for IoT-Based Industrial Networks: Current Applications and Future Pathways
Authors: Han Huimin , Hao Tang , Bhatti Mughair , Khan Maqbool
Published: September 2024

The rapid advancement of semiconductor technology has significantly influenced the development and testing of System-on-a-Chip (SoC) solutions, particularly in the domain of Internet of Things (IoT) automation. This paper reviews the current state of key SoC testing technologies globally, addressing the challenges of integration and the strategies employed to reduce test costs and improve chip reliability. Key technical approaches are examined in three areas: system-level verification, high-speed signal testing, and test optimization. The paper also explores the evolving landscape of SoC design, highlighting unresolved issues of testability and design that affect IoT advancements. As devices and machines become increasingly efficient and compact, SoC platforms must meet specific IoT application requirements. The integration of multiple cores on a single SoC platform shows promise for IoT applications, though it poses challenges in inter-core communication efficiency. Heterogeneous Network-on-Chip Simulators address these challenges by enhancing the interconnectivity within multiprocessor systems. This paper highlights critical aspects of IoT systems, such as power consumption, throughput, and latency, and provides insights into the deployment of SoC solutions in IoT, sensor advancements, and methodological innovations. Future directions in SoC testing and design are discussed, aiming to further the capabilities and applications of SoC in IoT automation. The development and testing of SoC technology represent a paradigm shift from traditional computing systems to more efficient and connected IoT devices. By addressing advanced testing technologies and integration challenges, IoT applications are poised for significant innovation, paving the way toward a smarter, more connected future.
Buckling Loads of Variable Stiffness Columns Loaded by Top Load and Linearly and Parabolically Distributed Loading
Authors: Eisenberger Moshe , de Macêdo Wahrhaftig Alexandre
Published: September 2024

This work presents approximate, numerical and exact series solutions for the buckling of variable cross-section columns. The loading on the columns includes tip load, distributed load along the column, and several combinations of these. Solutions are presented for nine combinations of boundary conditions at the two ends of the column. The analysis includes constant cross-section columns with constant distributed load and linearly varying distributed loads. Variable cross-section cases include columns with linear variations of the stiffness, bi-linear variations variation of the stiffness, parabolic variations and bi-parabolic variations variation of the stiffness for columns with rectangular cross-section. The results are compared by the three methods. Many new benchmark results are given for all these cases.
A unified-description of curvature, torsion, and non-metricity of the metric-affine geometry with the Möbius representation
Authors: Tomonari Kyosuke
Published: September 2024

We establish the mathematical fundamentals for a unified description of curvature, torsion, and non-metricity 2-forms in the way extending the so-called Möbius representation of the affine group, which is the method to convert the semi-direct product into the ordinary matrix product, to revive the fertility of gauge theories of gravity. First of all, we illustrate the basic concepts for constructing the metric-affine geometry. Then the curvature and torsion 2-forms are described in a unified manner by using the Cartan connection of the Möbius representation of the affine group. In this unified-description, the curvature and torsion are derived by Cartan’s structure equation with respect to a common connection 1-form. After that, extending the Möbius representation, the dilation and shear 2-forms, or equivalently, the non-metricity 2-form, are introduced in the same unified manner. Based on the unified-description established in this paper, introducing a new group parametrization and applying the Inönü–Wigner group contraction to the full theory, the relationships among symmetries, geometric quantities, and geometries are investigated with respect to the three gauge groups: the metric-affine group and its extension, and an extension of the (anti)-de Sitter group in which the non-metricity exists. Finally, possible applications to theories of gravity are briefly discussed.
Multiplicative elliptic quaternions and generating geometric elliptic rotation matrices
Authors: Ceyhan Hazal , Özdemir Zehra
Published: September 2024

Ellipse motion involving an angle about a vector is referred to as elliptical rotation. The purpose of this work is to define a new class of elliptic quaternions, elliptic inner product, and elliptic vector product, which we refer to as multiplicative elliptic quaternions. Then, utilizing those multiplicative elliptic quaternions, we produce a multiplicative elliptical rotation matrix and provide several applications. In the end, the theorems established were presented along geometric and physical applications suitable for the quaternionic structure with the help of Maple. There were also given examples of various applications.
Dynamics of a discrete Rosenzweig–MacArthur predator–prey model with piecewise-constant arguments
Authors: Wang Cheng , Sun Bin , Zhao Qianqian
Published: September 2024

This paper investigates the dynamics of a new discrete form of the classical continuous Rosenzweig–MacArthur predator–prey model and the biological implications of the dynamics. The discretization method used here is to modify the continuous model to another with piecewise-constant arguments and then to integrate the modified model, which is quite different from the traditional Euler discretization method. First, the existence and local stability of fixed points have been thoroughly discussed. Then, all codimension-1 bifurcations have been studied, including the transcritical bifurcations at the trivial fixed point and the boundary fixed point, and the Neimark–Sacker bifurcation at the unique positive fixed point. Furthermore, it is proved that there are no codimension-2 bifurcations. Finally, the control of the bifurcations is studied. Regarding the biological significance, we have considered the following four aspects: When no harvesting effort is applied to both predators and prey, it is observed that providing more resources to the prey species leads to predator extinction, causing the ecosystem to lose stability. This implies that the paradox of enrichment occurs. When predators are harvested, the system exhibits the hydra effect, i.e. increasing the harvesting effort on predators will lead to an increase in the mean population density of predators. When the prey is harvested, numerical examples indicate that increasing the harvesting effort initially reduces prey density. Upon reaching the bifurcation point, prey density stabilizes while the predator density continues to decline. When both prey and predators are harvested, the biological significance is similar to the previous case. The outcomes of this paper have significant theoretical meaning in the study of population ecology. By MATLAB, the bifurcation diagrams, maximal Lyapunov exponent diagrams, phase portraits and mean population density curves are plotted. Numerical simulations not only show the correctness of the theoretical findings but also reveal many new and interesting dynamics.
Stability and Hopf bifurcation in a resources-based and carrying-capacity-driven diffusion model
Authors: Li Yanqiu
Published: September 2024

The dynamics of a delay system with logistic growth is investigated. Considering the various diffusion strategies, the resources-based and carrying-capacity-driven diffusion is introduced into the model. Under certain conditions, we discuss the existence and expression of the spatial inhomogeneous steady-state solution of the system. For the case without delay, the existence, permanence and stability of the solutions are studied, especially the stability of spatially inhomogeneous steady-state solutions. When the time delay increases, the Hopf bifurcation caused by the delay is explored, and the direction of the bifurcation and the stability of the bifurcating spatially inhomogeneous periodic solution are further studied. The discussion in this paper emphasizes the importance of resources and spatial carrying capacity for species survival. The research results show that species will spread to places with abundant resources and strong spatial carrying capacity, which is conducive to species survival, however, excessive diffusion will lead to population extinction.
Tetravalent s-transitive graphs of order 6p2
Authors: Ghasemi M. , Talebi A. A. , Mehdipoor N.
Published: September 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be a positive integer. A graph is [Formula: see text]-transitive if its automorphism group is transitive on s-arcs but not on [Formula: see text]-arcs. In this paper, we study all tetravalent [Formula: see text]-transitive graphs of order [Formula: see text].
Strong (D)QBF Dependency Schemes via Implication-free Resolution Paths
Authors: Beyersdorff Olaf , Blinkhorn Joshua Lewis , Peitl Tomáš
Published: September 2024

We suggest a general framework to study dependency schemes for dependency quantified Boolean formulas (DQBF). As our main contribution, we exhibit a new
infinite collection
of
implication-free
DQBF dependency schemes that generalise the reflexive resolution path dependency scheme. We establish soundness of all these schemes, implying that they can be used in any DQBF proof system. We further explore the power of QBF and DQBF resolution systems parameterised by implication-free dependency schemes and show that the hierarchical structure naturally present among the dependency schemes translates isomorphically to a hierarchical structure of parameterised proof systems with respect to p-simulation.

As a special case, we demonstrate that our new schemes are exponentially stronger than the reflexive resolution path dependency scheme when used in Q-resolution, thus resulting in the strongest QBF dependency schemes known to date.
Unleashing OpenTitan's Potential: a Silicon-Ready Embedded Secure Element for Root of Trust and Cryptographic Offloading
Authors: Ciani Maicol , Parisi Emanuele , Musa Alberto , Barchi Francesco , Bartolini Andrea , Kulmala Ari , Psiakis Rafail , Garofalo Angelo , Acquaviva Andrea , Davide Rossi
Published: September 2024

The rapid advancement and exploration of open-hardware RISC-V platforms are catalyzing substantial changes across critical sectors, including autonomous vehicles, smart-city infrastructure, and medical devices. Within this technological evolution, OpenTitan emerges as a groundbreaking open-source RISC-V design, renowned for its comprehensive security toolkit and role as a standalone system-on-chip (SoC). OpenTitan encompasses different SoC implementations such as Earl Grey, fully implemented and silicon proven, and Darjeeling, announced but not yet fully implemented. The former targets a stand-alone system-on-chip implementation, the latter oriented towards an integrable implementation. Therefore, the literature currently lacks of a silicon-ready embedded implementation of an open-source Root of Trust, despite the effort put by lowRISC on the Darjeeling implementation of OpenTitan. We address the limitations of existing implementations, focusing on optimizing data transfer latency between memory and cryptographic accelerators to prevent under-utilization and ensure efficient task acceleration. Our contributions include a comprehensive methodology for integrating custom extensions and IPs into the Earl Grey architecture, architectural enhancements for system-level integration, support for varied boot modes, and improved data movement across the platform. These advancements facilitate the deployment of OpenTitan in broader SoCs, even in scenarios lacking specific technology-dependent IPs, providing a deployment-ready research vehicle for the community. We integrated the extended Earl Grey architecture into a reference architecture in 22nm FDX technology node, and then we benchmarked the enhanced architecture’s performance analyzing the latency introduced by the external memory hierarchic levels, presenting significant improvements in cryptographic processing speed, achieving up to 2.7
x
speedup for SHA-256/HMAC and 1.6
x
for AES accelerators, compared to baseline Earl Grey architecture.
Understanding Long Range-Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (LR-FHSS) with Real-World Packet Traces
Authors: Bukhari Jumana , Zhang Zhenghao
Published: September 2024

Long Range-Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (LR-FHSS) is a new physical layer option that has been recently added to the LoRa family with the promise of achieving much higher network capacity than the previous versions of LoRa. In this article, we present our evaluation of LR-FHSS based on real-world packet traces collected with an LR-FHSS device and a receiver we designed and implemented in software. We overcame challenges due to the lack of documentation of LR-FHSS, and our study is the first of its kind that processes signals transmitted by an actual LR-FHSS device with practical issues such as frequency error. Our results show that LR-FHSS meets its expectations in communication range and network capacity. We also propose customized methods for LR-FHSS that improve its performance significantly, allowing our receiver to achieve higher network capacity than those reported earlier.
A workshop to enrich physiological understanding through hands-on learning about mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contact sites
Authors: Vue Zer , Vang Chia , Wanjalla Celestine N. , Marshall Andrea G. , Neikirk Kit , Stephens Dominique , Perales Sulema , Garza-Lopez Edgar , Beasley Heather K. , Kirabo Annet , Doe Yelena Janumyan , Campbell Desmond , Fears Letimicia , Alghanem Ahmad , Scudese Estevão , Owens Beverly , Morton Derrick J. , Williams Clintoria R. , Conley Zachary , Antentor Hinton
Published: September 2024

This manuscript offers a design for a workshop that utilizes blended learning to engage middle school, high school, and undergraduate students while teaching them about mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contact sites.
No effect of aerobic fitness on exercise-induced diaphragm fatigue in females
Authors: Payne Owen T. , Leahy Michael G. , Burr Jamie F. , Road Jeremy D. , McKenzie Donald C. , Sheel A. William
Published: September 2024

We hypothesized that females with a high aerobic capacity would be resistant to exercise-induced diaphragm fatigue relative to healthy but untrained females. We assessed the pressure generated by the diaphragm following exhaustive exercise by stimulating the phrenic nerves. The magnitude and incidence of fatigue were similar between groups. Despite having higher ventilatory demands during exercise highly trained females were resistant to greater diaphragm fatigue. Aerobic fitness is not predictive of exercise-induced diaphragm fatigue in females.
Predicting the Risk of Fundus Lesions in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Nomogram Model
Authors: Xie Huan , Sun Fangfang , Yang Huimin , Li Jin
Published: September 2024

Objectives. This study aimed to use laboratory and clinical data of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients to construct prediction models for fundus complications in SLE. Methods. Routine blood test data and clinical information of 277 SLE patients were collected retrospectively. Based on their fundus examination, they were divided into two groups, with or without fundus lesions, defined as retinopathy and choroidopathy in this study. The data of the two groups were compared, and the prediction model was established using binary logistic regression analysis. Results. There were 85 patients in the fundus lesions’ group and 192 patients in the control group. Between the two groups, age, SLEDAI, serositis, hypertension, diabetes, anticardiolipin antibody (ACA), anti‐Sm antibody, C‐reactive protein (CRP), hemoglobin (Hb), platelet count (PLT), albumin (Alb), serum creatinine(Scr), urea, uric acid(UA), and immunoglobulin G(IgG) were significantly different (p < 0.05). Besides, age, SLEDAI, serositis, hypertension, diabetes, anti‐SSB, CRP, Hb, PLT, FIB, Alb, Scr, urea, UA, GLU, and IgG were significantly correlated with SLE‐related fundus lesions. PLT, fibrinogen (FIB), IgG, and urea were independent risk factors of SLE‐related fundus lesions. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.830 (p < 0.001; 95% CI = 0.762–0.898), and the nomogram was established with great evaluation efficiency demonstrated by the calibration curve and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test. The result of k‐fold cross‐validation also showed high prediction accuracy. Conclusions. We have found the independent risk factors of SLE‐related fundus lesions and developed a model to improve the prediction of fundus lesions in SLE.
Comparative Analysis of Water and Glycerin Emulsification: Particle Size, Stability, Engine Performance, and Emissions in Biodiesel Fuels
Authors: Sidhu Manpreet Singh , Roy Murari Mohon , Elsanusi Osama Ahmed
Published: September 2024

Biodiesel has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional diesel fuel, offering potential reductions in greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions. However, its use in diesel engines results in higher levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx). This study investigates emulsification techniques for reducing NOx emissions from biodiesel combustion. Two techniques, glycerin and water emulsification, are examined. Approximately 10 vol. % of crude glycerin is produced during biodiesel manufacturing as a waste or by‐product. The study attempts on‐site purification of crude glycerin, which is then used as a phase for glycerin‐biodiesel emulsions. These emulsions are compared to water emulsions in terms of emulsion stability, mean particle droplet size, microscopic fuel structure, and fuel properties. In addition, engine performance and emissions are evaluated using a small direct injection (DI) diesel engine, with both water and glycerin emulsion fuels. Results show that both emulsion fuels significantly reduce smoke emissions and further mitigate NOx emissions from biodiesel combustion. With 10% glycerin and water emulsions, smoke emissions were reduced by over 50% compared to pure biodiesel, and NOx emissions decreased by more than 15%. Emulsification techniques in the biodiesel industry could offer a viable solution for reducing both smoke and NOx emissions. Employing glycerin emulsification not only decreases NOx emissions but also transforms crude glycerin into a value‐added resource. Otherwise, disposal of crude glycerin could pose significant challenges for small and remote biodiesel producers due to cost constraints.
Enhancing Cobot Design Through User Experience Goals: An Investigation of Human–Robot Collaboration in Picking Tasks
Authors: Pinto Ana , Duarte Inês , Carvalho Carla , Rocha Luís , Santos Joana
Published: September 2024

The use of collaborative robots in industries is growing rapidly. To ensure the successful implementation of these devices, it is essential to consider the user experience (UX) during their design process. This study is aimed at testing the UX goals that emerge when users interact with a collaborative robot during the programming and collaborating phases. A framework on UX goals will be tested, in the geographical context of Portugal. For that, an experimental setup was introduced in the form of a laboratory case study in which the human–robot collaboration (HRC) was evaluated by the combination of both quantitative (applying the User Experience Questionnaire [UEQ]) and qualitative (semistructured interviews) metrics. The sample was constituted by 19 university students. The quantitative approach showed positive overall ratings for the programming phase UX, with attractiveness having the highest average value (M = 2.21; SD = 0.59) and dependability the lowest (M = 1.64; SD = 0.65). For the collaboration phase, all UX ratings were positive, with attractiveness having the highest average value (M = 2.46; SD = 0.78) and efficiency the lowest (M = 1.93; SD = 0.77). Only perspicuity showed significant differences between the two phases (t(18) = −4.335, p = 0.002). The qualitative approach, at the light of the framework used, showed that efficiency, inspiration, and usability are the most mentioned UX goals emerging from the content analysis. These findings enhance manufacturing workers’ well‐being by improving cobot design in organizations.