bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship of Mathematical Reasoning to Mathematics Achievement and Academic Excellence
Authors: Alharbi Hamdan , Aldhafiri Sara
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between mathematical reasoning and achievement in mathematics, and extend this to its correlation as a higher cognitive ability with various academic subjects in general, particularly across different levels of academic performance efficiency. The study employed a descriptive correlational approach with a sample of 106 twelfth-grade secondary school students. The sample was divided into three groups based on academic performance efficiency. The study sought to answer the following questions(1)What is the extent and direction of the correlation between mathematical reasoning as a higher cognitive qualitative ability, and achievement in mathematics as educational content? (2)To what extent does the extent and direction of this correlation vary between mathematical reasoning variables and achievement in mathematics across different levels of academic performance in this subject? (3)What is the extent and direction of the correlation between mathematical reasoning and achievement in different academic courses?(4)To what extent do the extent and direction of correlation relationships vary between mathematical reasoning variables and different academic courses across varying levels of academic performance in these courses? Naturally, these questions were addressed by verifying the validity of the following scientific hypotheses:Hypothesis1There is a strong correlation between mathematical reasoning (as a higher cognitive ability) and achievement in mathematics, as presented to fourth-grade secondary school students. Hypothesis2: The correlation between mathematical reasoning and achievement in mathematics varies in strength and weakness across different levels of academic performance efficiency in this subject.Hypothesis3:There is a strong correlation between the variable of mathematical reasoning and various academic subjects in general. However, the correlation is stronger between this ability and scientific subjects compared to subjects with linguistic or humanistic nature.Hypothesis4:The extent of correlation relationships (both strong and weak) between mathematical reasoning and different academic courses varies across different levels of academic achievement efficiency in general. The results of this study revealed the validation of all these hypotheses except for the third hypothesis, which was partially validated.The most significant findings from this study have highlighted a set of important indicators that shed light on the nature of non-cognitive factors behind academic excellence in general and specifically in mathematics, as presented in our context previously.
Experiences of breastfeeding among mothers of preterm infants during their infants’ hospital stays: a qualitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Srichalerm Tippawan , Kamkhoad Donruedee , Phonyiam Ratchanok
Published: September 2024

Objective:

The objective of this review is to synthesize the existing qualitative evidence on the breastfeeding experiences of mothers with hospitalized preterm infants.

Introduction:

Breastfeeding is crucial for the well-being and development of preterm infants born before 37 weeks’ gestation. Mothers of preterm infants often face challenges that make breastfeeding particularly complex. Understanding their breastfeeding experience is important for health care professionals as it enables them to provide appropriate support and assistance. The qualitative evidence synthesis regarding the breastfeeding experiences of mothers with preterm infants in hospital settings is a valuable area of research that has not been documented.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider all qualitative studies that explore the experiences of mothers with preterm infants with breastfeeding and mother’s own milk management for their hospitalized infants. All mothers of preterm infants who provide their own milk to their infants will be considered, regardless of their health and social status.

Methods:

This review will follow the JBI approach for qualitative systematic review. The search strategy aims to find both published and unpublished studies with no date limit. A search of PubMed, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), and Embase (EBSCOhost) will be undertaken to identify articles on the topic. Studies published in English will be considered for inclusion in this review. Two independent reviewers will evaluate the methodological validity of the selected papers before incorporating them into the review. Data synthesis will be conducted using the meta-aggregation approach, and synthesized findings will be assessed using the ConQual approach.

Review registration:

PROSPERO CRD42024501454
Research for the Enhanced Oil Recovery Mechanism of Heavy Oil After Composite Huff and Puff Assisted by Edge-Bottom Water Displacement
Authors: Tao Lei , Wu Mengjun , Zhang Na , Shi Wenyang , Cao Lili , Song Yong , Bai Jiajia , Xu Zhengxiao , Zhu Qingjie
Published: September 2024

In the late stage of exploiting heavy oil reservoirs with edge-bottom water, we are faced with problems such as high crude oil viscosity, channeling of bottom water, and rapid rise in water cut. To clarify the synergistic effect of N2, CO2, N2 foam, and viscosity reducer in water control and oil increase, and solve the problem of edge-bottom water rushing into production wells, one-dimensional sand-pack huff and puff experiments were carried out. First, the N2 foam huff and puff experiment evaluated the effect of N2 foam on controlling bottom water. Then the viscosity reducer-assisted CO2 huff and puff experiment analyzed the synergistic viscosity reduction ability between the two to mobilize the remaining heavy oil. Next, the N2 foam–viscosity reducer–CO2 huff and puff experiment clarified the synergistic effect between the three. Finally, the N2 foam–viscosity reducer–CO2–N2 huff and puff experiment solved the problem of insufficient reservoir energy based on synergistic precipitation and oil increase. Experimental results show that N2 foam–viscosity reducer–CO2–N2 huff and puff is the optimal water control and oil increase solution. This solution can significantly reduce water production and increase oil production. In the one-dimensional sand-pack experiment, this technical solution reduced the water content by 68% and increased the recovery rate by 16.09%. The research results provide a reference for the development of exploitation technology schemes for similar edge-bottom water heavy oil reservoirs after entering high water cut.
Material Homogenization of Human Femur Bone Material Using a New Weighted Approach
Authors: Kabir Mobashar , Pervez Tasneem , Al-Jahwari Farooq K. S. , Al-Kharusi Moosa S. M.
Published: September 2024

The design of efficient and safe biocompatible artificial implants for bone replacement and reconstructions requires a thorough understanding of natural bone material. A new homogenization approach is therefore used to predict effective material properties of the human femur bone. The bone structure is idealized as a functionally graded (FG) composite made of different quantities of a collagen protein matrix reinforced by hydroxyapatite mineral acting as the filler. Two distinct composite models were investigated, one where the mineral reinforcements were assumed to be randomly dispersed inclusions in a matrix of collagen, and a second model wherein the minerals were assumed to be unidirectional fibers. Predicted results for longitudinal and transverse elastic modulus from the models compare very well with range of values from published experimental data. It is also compared to those predicted using classical homogenization models. These material properties are then used to obtain the structural response of a bone plate section under transverse load.
Control of Combustion Phasing Using Accelerometer-Based Non-Intrusive Sensing
Authors: Govind Raju Sathya Aswath , Reisetter Mitchell , Miganakallu Niranjan , Stafford Jacob , Sun Zongxuan , Rothamer David , Kim Kenneth , Kweon Chol-Bum Mike
Published: September 2024

Measuring the combustion phasing of an engine using in-cylinder pressure sensors is well established. However, pressure sensors need to be directly exposed to the in-cylinder environment, requiring changes to the cylinder head. Several methods have been proposed for sensing combustion phasing non-intrusively by mounting an accelerometer on the engine block. This paper presents real-time control of combustion phasing in a compression-ignition engine using non-intrusive accelerometer-based sensing during a dynamic fuel switch. A systematic data-driven control framework capable of handling fuel switching in real-time is used. The control is designed based on the pressure data, and the real-time implementation is performed using the accelerometer signal. Results from combustion phasing tracking experiments performed on a compression-ignition engine are presented.
Machine Learning Algorithm for Predicting Heat Transfer Coefficient and Pressure Drop in Dimpled Ducts
Authors: Shaeri Mohammad Reza , Randriambololona Andoniaina M. , Adhikari Daksh
Published: September 2024

Recent advances in machine learning (ML) techniques have led to a shift in strategy for predicting the hydrothermal performance of thermal management solutions. This study presents the ML-based prediction of hydrothermal performances of water-cooled dimpled ducts using an artificial neural network (ANN). The significance of the present study is to develop the ANN model using a limited number of performance data without any existing relations/correlations between input variables and outputs. Thermal and hydrodynamic performances of the ducts are represented by heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop, respectively. The input dataset for training the ANN model was prepared through a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach. The accuracy of the ANN model was demonstrated as such it predicted heat transfer coefficients and pressure drops of new dimpled ducts within ±17% and ±19% of true values, respectively. The present study provides a practical insight to predict the hydrothermal performance of a thermal management solution subject to limited available datapoints, and without detailed knowledge about the complex thermo-fluid physics behind the operation of the cooling system.
Digital Twin Development of a R134a Plate-Tube Evaporator
Authors: Ispir Ali Can , Speetjens Michel
Published: September 2024

This work proposes a machine-learning framework for developing digital twins of evaporators, crucial components within heat pumps, by training nonlinear regression models with high-fidelity unsteady CFD data. This is applied to a plate-tube type heat evaporator within a single-stage heat pump utilizing R134a refrigerant to recover heat from waste water. The independent variables are chosen as the refrigerant and water inlet velocity and temperature values, and the R134a evaporation pressure under transient conditions. We identify the dynamic heat transfer process in the evaporator with three objective functions i.e., dependent variables: heat transfer coefficients on both the water and refrigerant sides, and dryness fraction at the outlet of the refrigerant flow domain. The Latin hypercube data-sampling method is employed to generate a data space along the selected independent variables. Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes filtered flow equations, coupled with the Volume of Fluid method for modeling phase change in the 3D heat exchanger domain, are solved for each scenario in the data space to generate the training data. Gaussian process regression, trained using 80% of the generated data and validated by the remaining set, is utilized to identify surrogate models for the objective functions at each time interval during operation.
Review of Thermal Cooling of EV Batteries With Heat Pipes
Authors: Dunn Anthony , Shafahi Maryam
Published: September 2024

With the recent explosion of the global electric vehicle (EV) market comes the need for improved battery technology, and specifically battery cooling system performance. Heat pipes play an important role in the thermal management of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, ensuring efficient and reliable cooling to maintain optimal operating temperatures. The primary function of heat pipes in EV battery cooling is to dissipate excess heat generated during the charging and discharging processes. As the battery operates, it experiences fluctuations in temperature, and excessive heat can degrade battery performance and lifespan. Heat pipes can help regulate these temperatures by absorbing and transporting heat away from critical components. By using heat pipes, EV manufacturers can enhance the overall thermal performance of the battery, contributing to increased energy efficiency, extended battery life, improved operating performance and improved safety. In this paper, the application of heat pipe technology to meet the cooling challenges of modern EV battery packs is studied. Heat pipe size, shape, and configuration in EV battery applications is presented. Working fluid choices are highlighted. Configurations of Battery Thermal Management Systems (BTMSs) using heat pipes are presented. The use of nanofluid particles in the working fluid to enhance the heat pipe efficiency is presented.
Pressure Controlled Heat Pipe Based Heat Exchanger for Dynamic Process Heat Extraction Control for Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Hota Sai Kiran , Lutz Andrew , Rokkam Srujan , Tarau Calin
Published: September 2024

Nuclear power plants (NPP) are clean energy sources typically designed for baseload power operations but usually incapable of dynamic operations. One method to improve the NPP flexibility is dynamically extracting process heat. Conventional heat exchangers for heat extraction may be less suitable due to potential for tritium migration into the process stream. This study discusses a novel heat exchanger (HX) based on Pressure Controlled Heat Pipe (PCHPs) that ensures faster responses to varying heat load and mitigates challenges typical to conventional heat exchangers. Thermosiphons were used here as a PCHP. To demonstrate this technology, a prototype PCHP-HX was fabricated with stainless steel 304. The main stream heat from the NPP and the process heat were divided into two shells and connected by a bundle of PCHP tubes. The dynamic response to heat load switching was achieved by introducing Non-Condensable Gas (NCG) into the thermosiphons. Within the given operating conditions, the PCHP-HX demonstrated up to 6.5 kW of heat transfer. When NCG was added, system shutdown, was achieved within 7 minutes. When NCG was evacuated, complete system start-up was achieved within 4 minutes with 100% heat delivery.
Numerical Study on Effect of Aspect Ratio in Natural Convection With Nanofluids in Vertical Channels Asymmetrically Heated
Authors: Buonomo Bernardo , Manca Oronzio , Nardini Sergio , Sarli Gianluca
Published: September 2024

A numerical investigation on two-dimensional steady-state natural convection in a vertical channel asymmetrically heated at uniform heat flux with water and alumina (Al2O3) nanofluids is performed to evaluate the effect of the aspect ratio on thermal and fluid dynamic behaviors. The interest in this problem is related to several technological applications such as nuclear systems, bio-nanofluids and solar systems. Nanoparticles have a diameter of 30 nm and four different values of volumetric concentration (0%, 2%, 4% and 6%). The computational domain is made up of the principal channel and two lateral extended reservoirs at the open sections, which simulate the external ambient. The channel is bounded by two vertical parallel plates, one of them heated with a constant heat flux. The two-dimensional governing equations are numerically solved with finite volume method by means of the ANSYS-Fluent code. Three different values of the aspect ratio of the channel (5, 10 and 20) are considered. Different values of wall heat flux are considered to cover a range of Rayleigh numbers between 7.0 and 106. Results are presented in terms of velocity, temperature, pressure and stream function. Finally, correlations for the prediction of the average Nusselt number along the heated plate are presented.
Small grazing angle reflection and the sound siphon effect over a low velocity layer of sediments
Authors: Zhou Ji-Xun , Qin Jixing , Li Zhenglin , Zhang Xuezhen
Published: September 2024

The low-order normal modes with small grazing angles (SGA) often control long-range sound field characteristics in shallow water. The SGA reflection loss from a half-space low-velocity bottom (LVB) is independent of the sound attenuation, except around the angle of complete transmission; the SGA bottom reflection loss (BRL) from a seafloor with a top low-velocity layer is very insensitive to the LVB attenuation also, except around a few selected frequencies. Thus, the “seafloor velocity-attenuation coupling” problem will be more fatal for LVB geo-acoustic inversions. The dispersion equation of the normal modes in the LVB layer is coincidentally the same as the singularity expression of the SGA reflection coefficient in the water column, resulting in a sound siphon effect that causes the abnormally high SGA BRL and transmission loss in the water at the siphon frequencies. The siphon effect is very sensitive to seafloor acoustic parameters, might offer a physical base for geo-acoustic inversion, and show a dim light in a “gray area” for inverting the LVB sound attenuation at low to mid frequencies. As an example, the acoustic siphon effect and related seafloor geophysical parameters forming it in the Yellow Sea are reported in this paper.
A Holistic Way to Understand the Determinants of Physical Activity in Urban New South Wales, Australia: A Codesigned Systems Mapping Project
Authors: Luo Mengyun , Nguyen Binh , Nau Tracy , Chiu Simon K. , Bauman Adrian , Freebairn Louise , Bellew William , Rychetnik Lucie , Burns David T. , Calleja Elizabeth A. , Corbett Lucy , Kent Jennifer L. , Lubans David R. , Okely Anthony D. , Sherrington Catherine , Tiedemann Anne , Ding Ding
Published: September 2024

Background: To meet the World Health Organization goal of reducing physical inactivity by 15% by 2030, a multisectoral system approach is urgently needed to promote physical activity (PA). We report the process of and findings from a codesigned systems mapping project to present determinants of PA in the context of urban New South Wales, Australia. Methods: A participatory conceptual mapping workshop was held in May 2023 with 19 participants working in education, transportation, urban planning, community, health, and sport and recreation. Initial maps were developed and refined using online feedback from the participants. Interviews were conducted with 10 additional policymakers from relevant sectors to further refine the maps. Results: Two systems maps were cocreated, identifying over 100 variables influencing PA and their interconnections. Five settings emerged from the adults’ map—social and community, policy, built environment and transportation, health care, and workplace—and 4 for the young people’s map—family, school, transportation, and community and environment. The maps share similarities, such as regarding potential drivers within the transportation, community, and built environment sectors; however, the young people’s map has a specific focus on the school setting and the adults’ map on workplace and health care settings. Interviews with policymakers provided further unique insights into understanding and intervening in the PA system. Conclusions: This codesigned participatory systems mapping process, supplemented by stakeholder interviews, provided a unique opportunity to bring together stakeholders across sectors to understand the complexity within the PA system and begin to identify leverage points for tackling physical inactivity in New South Wales.
Metagenomic and genomic sequences from a nitrate-reducing benzene-degrading enrichment culture
Authors: Xiao Johnny Z. , Nesbø Camilla L. , Molenda Olivia , Toth Courtney R. A. , Edwards Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2024

Metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) were recovered from metagenomic assemblies from a nitrate-reducing benzene-degrading enrichment culture. Ten MAGs of high quality or functional interest to benzene degradation are reported, seven of which are single contig genomes.
Characterization of larval gut microbiota of two endoparasitoid wasps associated with their common host,
Plutella xylostella
(Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)
Authors: Hu Na-na , Wang Zi-qi , Zhang Si-jie , Wang Zhi-zhi , Chen Xue-xin
Published: September 2024

Insect gut microbes play important roles in digestion, metabolism, development, and environmental adaptation. Parasitoid wasps are one of the most important biological control agents in pest control, while the gut microbial species compositions and the associated functions have been poorly investigated. Two endoparasitoid wasps,
Cotesia vestalis
and
Diadromus collaris
, parasitize the larval stage and pupal stage of the diamondback moth,
Plutella xylostella
, respectively. Using whole-genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing, we characterized the gut microbial composition, diversity, and potential functional roles associated with the two parasitoid wasp larvae. The results reveal that Proteobacteria and Firmicutes are the dominant phyla in the gut of
C. vestalis
and
D. collaris
larvae, with
Rhizobium
and
Enterococcus
being the dominant genera. The putative microbial functions associated with the two parasitoid wasps might play a virtual role in assisting in consuming the host’s nutritional composition. The enriched CAZymes family genes are primarily involved in the degradation and synthesis of chitin. Despite the richness of microbial species and communities, the microbes species and the microbial community structure exhibit significant similarity between the two parasitoid wasps and between the parasitoid wasp and the host
P. xylostella
. Notably, the prevalence of the genus
Enterococcus
shared among them suggests a possible link of gut microbes between the host and their associated parasitoids. Our study offers insights into the gut microbe-based interactions between the host and parasitoid wasps for the first time, potentially paving the way for the development of an ecologically friendly biocontrol strategy against the pest
P. xylostella
.

IMPORTANCE

Endoparasitoid wasps spend the majority of their lifespan within their host and heavily rely on the host’s nutrition for survival. There is limited understanding regarding the composition and physiological impacts of gut microbial communities in parasitoid wasps, particularly during the larval stage, which is directly linked to the host. Based on a thorough characterization of the gut microbe and comprehensive comparative analysis, we found the microbial species of the larval parasitoid wasp
Cotesia vestalis
and the pupal parasitoid wasp
Diadromus collaris
were similar, sharing 159 genera and 277 species, as were the microbial community structure. Certain of the dominant microbial strains of the two parasitoid wasps were similar to that of their host
Plutella xylostella
larvae, revealing host insect may affect the microbial community of the parasitoid wasps. The putative microbial functions associated with the parasitoid wasp larvae play an important role in dietary consumption.
The aqueous humour dynamics in primary angle closure disease: a computational study
Authors: Fu Lin , Liu Xinyi , Zhang Longqian , Lou Jiangtao , Zheng Xiaobo , Wang Xiaojue , Lin Haishuang , Guo Liang , Wang Kezhao , Wang Yan , Kan Min , Liang Yuanbo
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To create a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of ocular anterior segment for primary angle closure diseases (PACD) and assess the aqueous humour (AH) dynamics in different angle closure ranges (ACRs).

Methods

The ocular anterior segment geometry was obtained from an optical coherence tomography image by SOLIDWORKS. Three different angle opening distance at 750 µm from the scleral spur (AOD750) values were established to mimic three widths of anterior chamber angle. The AH dynamics were modelled using the Navier-Stokes equation. The 3D CFD model of the ocular anterior segment was created in COMSOL Multiphysics. The major outcome was the maximum flow velocity (MFV) and pressure in the ocular anterior segment. An in vitro simulation model was used to validate the computational results of the pressure and ACRs.

Results

The MFV and pressure both showed a non-linear association with ACR in the CFD models of PACD. The MFV and pressure started to elevate when ACR was larger than 180°, and increased dramatically when the ACR was larger than 270°. The in vitro experiment of the pressure changes was consistent with the CFD model. No significant differences of the MFV and pressure among the three AOD750 models.

Conclusions

The association among the ACR, MFV and pressure is an ascending curve in PACD, and ACR of 180° and 270° are two critical turning points. Our results are consistent with clinical phenomenon and may be used to provide better guidances for the clinical management of PACD in different stages.
Enhanced enrichment of rare earth elements during pedogenesis under subtropical climate
Authors: Wu Jian , Gong Zheng , Jin Qian , Zhang Maochao , Huang Chengmin
Published: September 2024

Rare earth elements (REEs) are crucial strategic resources, and weathering-crust rare earth deposits are one of the primary sources. To systematically understand the geochemical behaviour (e.g. enrichment and leaching) of REEs in soils (or weathering crusts) formed from diverse parent rocks under varying climatic conditions, 171 soil profiles (weathering crusts) developed from three main types of parent rocks (granite, basalt and carbonate rock) worldwide were studied. Granite shows the highest concentration of REEs at 264 [interquartile range (IQR): 278] ppm with 171 (IQR: 151) ppm and 11.9 (IQR: 36.4) ppm in basalt and carbonate rock, respectively (median test:
p
 < 0.05). The median REE values within the soil profiles were significantly different (median test:
p
 < 0.05), with the concentration of 318 (IQR: 441) ppm, 267 (IQR: 217) ppm and 207 (IQR: 417) ppm in soils derived from granite, carbonate rock and basalt, respectively. Principal component analysis and linear mixed-effects models revealed that soils developed from granite and basalt inherit the mineral characteristics of their parent rocks, with REE concentrations primarily influenced by the REE content of the parent rock and climate. In contrast, the REE concentrations in soils developed from carbonate rocks are predominantly controlled by climate. Linear mixed-effects models and correlation analysis indicate that the enrichment of REEs (
Q
REE
) shows a trend of initially increasing and then decreasing with rising temperature and precipitation, due to variations in the host clay minerals. The greatest enrichment occurs in the subtropical region (mean annual temperature = 15–23°C; mean annual precipitation = 1000–2000 mm); weathering-crust type REE deposits are primarily found in the subtropics.
Miocene to Quaternary evolution of the northern Danube Basin: a review of geodynamics, depositional systems and stratigraphy
Authors: Šujan Michal , Šarinová Katarína , Hók Jozef , Vlček Tomáš , Ruman Andrej , Jamrich Michal , Kováčová Marianna , Droppa Dávid Miloš , Fordinál Klement , Nagy Alexander , Moravcová Martina , Sztanó Orsolya , Kováč Michal
Published: September 2024

This review aims to present an updated lithostratigraphic framework of the northern Danube Basin in Slovakia, consistent with recent shifts in geochronology and depositional system redefinitions based on sedimentology and seismic stratigraphy. Several transgressive–regressive sequences are distinguished:

The Lower Badenian (Middle Miocene), represented by the Špačince Fm, mainly occurred in peripheral Blatné and Želiezovce sub-basins. The central part of the Danube Basin formed an elevation during this period, coinciding with the onset of intermediate volcanic activity.

The Upper Badenian (Middle Miocene), encompassed within the Pozba Fm, saw the flooding of the central Danube Basin, signifying a change in transport direction. The inception of this cycle is well constrained by recently published multiple
40
Ar/
39
Ar dating to
c.
13.8 Ma.

The Sarmatian deposition (Middle Miocene), characterized by the Vráble Fm, also occurred in newly significantly deepened Komjatice and Rišňovce sub-basins, coinciding with a gradual cessation of calc-alkaline volcanism, observed only at the basin's eastern edge.

The Pannonian (Upper Miocene) deposition includes lacustrine Ivanka, deltaic Beladice and alluvial Volkovce formations, representing interconnected depositional systems prograding towards Lake Pannon.

The subsequent evolution entails a post-rift stage (9.5–6 Ma), primarily marked by the alluvial Volkovce Fm deposition, and basin inversion, with alluvial deposition mostly confined to the basin centre and differentially eroded basin margins (from 6 Ma to the present).
ToMoBrush: Exploring Dental Health Sensing Using a Sonic Toothbrush
Authors: Yuan Kuang , Ibrahim Mohamed , Song Yiwen , Deng Guoxiang , Nerone Robert A. , Vijayan Suvendra , Gadre Akshay , Kumar Swarun
Published: September 2024

Early detection of dental disease is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes. Today, dental X-rays are currently the most accurate gold standard for dental disease detection. Unfortunately, regular X-ray exam is still a privilege for billions of people around the world. In this paper, we ask: "Can we develop a low-cost sensing system that enables dental self-examination in the comfort of one's home?"

This paper presents ToMoBrush, a dental health sensing system that explores using off-the-shelf sonic toothbrushes for dental condition detection. Our solution leverages the fact that a sonic toothbrush produces rich acoustic signals when in contact with teeth, which contain important information about each tooth's status. ToMoBrush extracts tooth resonance signatures from the acoustic signals to characterize the dental condition of each tooth. We further develop a data-driven signal processing pipeline to detect and discriminate different dental conditions. We evaluate ToMoBrush on 19 participants and dental-standard models for detecting common dental problems including caries, calculus, and food impaction, achieving a detection ROC-AUC of 0.90, 0.83, and 0.88 respectively. Interviews with dental experts further validate ToMoBrush's potential in enhancing at-home dental healthcare.
End-Users Know Best: Identifying Undesired Behavior of Alexa Skills Through User Review Analysis
Authors: Aldeen Mohammed , Young Jeffrey , Liao Song , Chang Tsu-Yao , Cheng Long , Cai Haipeng , Luo Xiapu , Hu Hongxin
Published: September 2024

The Amazon Alexa marketplace has grown rapidly in recent years due to third-party developers creating large amounts of content and publishing directly to a skills store. Despite the growth of the Amazon Alexa skills store, there have been several reported security and usability concerns, which may not be identified during the vetting phase. However, user reviews can offer valuable insights into the security & privacy, quality, and usability of the skills. To better understand the effects of these problematic skills on end-users, we introduce ReviewTracker, a tool capable of discerning and classifying semantically negative user reviews to identify likely malicious, policy violating, or malfunctioning behavior on Alexa skills. ReviewTracker employs a pre-trained FastText classifier to identify different undesired skill behaviors. We collected over 700,000 user reviews spanning 6 years with more than 200,000 negative sentiment reviews. ReviewTracker was able to identify 17,820 reviews reporting violations related to Alexa policy requirements across 2,813 skills, and 131,855 reviews highlighting different types of user frustrations associated with 9,294 skills. In addition, we developed a dynamic skill testing framework using ChatGPT to conduct two distinct types of tests on Alexa skills: one using a software-based simulation for interaction to explore the actual behaviors of skills and another through actual voice commands to understand the potential factors causing discrepancies between intended skill functionalities and user experiences. Based on the number of the undesired skill behavior reviews, we tested the top identified problematic skills and detected more than 228 skills violating at least one policy requirement. Our results demonstrate that user reviews could serve as a valuable means to identify undesired skill behaviors.
AI-Vision: A Three-Layer Accessible Image Exploration System for People with Visual Impairments in China
Authors: Zhao Kaixing , Lai Rui , Guo Bin , Liu Le , He Liang , Zhao Yuhang
Published: September 2024

Accessible image exploration systems are able to help people with visual impairments (PVI) to understand image content by providing different types of interactions. With the development of computer vision technologies, image exploration systems are supporting more fine-grained image content processing, including image segmentation, description and object recognition. However, in developing countries like China, it is still rare for PVI to widely rely on such accessible system. To better understand the usage situation of accessible image exploration system in China and improve the image understanding of PVI in China, we developed AI-Vision, an Android based hierarchical accessible image exploration system supporting the generations of image general description, local object description and metadata information. Our 7-day diary study with 10 PVI verified the usability of AI-Vision and also revealed a series of design implications for improving accessible image exploration systems similar to AI-Vision.
Pinning, Sorting, and Categorizing Notifications: A Mixed-methods Usage and Experience Study of Mobile Notification-management Features
Authors: Lin Yong-Han , Su Li-Ting , Chen Uei-Dar , Lee Yi-Chi , Wang Peng-Jui , Chang Yung-Ju
Published: September 2024

As smartphone notifications increase, so does the effort required to handle them effectively. Previous research has proposed various notification management features, but empirical evidence regarding their efficacy remains sparse. In response, we developed a notification management application incorporating features derived from prior studies, including both automatic and manual sorting, categorization, and manual pinning. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, we explored how users interact with these features in their daily routines, with the aim to identify the underlying needs driving their usage. The results indicate that pinning was the most valued feature, serving diverse purposes such as deferring notifications, ensuring quick and constant access to information, preventing accidental deletions, and providing visual reminders. Conversely, manual categorization was underutilized, with participants relying on automated categories for notification access. Moreover, participants expressed a desire for automatic features to process and organize notifications based on topic and personalize them through user input. They also expected automatic sorting to adapt more dynamically to user contexts.
HabitSense: A Privacy-Aware, AI-Enhanced Multimodal Wearable Platform for mHealth Applications
Authors: Fernandes Glenn J. , Zheng Jiayi , Pedram Mahdi , Romano Christopher , Shahabi Farzad , Rothrock Blaine , Cohen Thomas , Zhu Helen , Butani Tanmeet S. , Hester Josiah , Katsaggelos Aggelos K. , Alshurafa Nabil
Published: September 2024

Wearable cameras provide an objective method to visually confirm and automate the detection of health-risk behaviors such as smoking and overeating, which is critical for developing and testing adaptive treatment interventions. Despite the potential of wearable camera systems, adoption is hindered by inadequate clinician input in the design, user privacy concerns, and user burden. To address these barriers, we introduced HabitSense, an open-source1, multi-modal neck-worn platform developed with input from focus groups with clinicians (N=36) and user feedback from in-wild studies involving 105 participants over 35 days. Optimized for monitoring health-risk behaviors, the platform utilizes RGB, thermal, and inertial measurement unit sensors to detect eating and smoking events in real time. In a 7-day study involving 15 participants, HabitSense recorded 768 hours of footage, capturing 420.91 minutes of hand-to-mouth gestures associated with eating and smoking data crucial for training machine learning models, achieving a 92% F1-score in gesture recognition. To address privacy concerns, the platform records only during likely health-risk behavior events using SECURE, a smart activation algorithm. Additionally, HabitSense employs on-device obfuscation algorithms that selectively obfuscate the background during recording, maintaining individual privacy while leaving gestures related to health-risk behaviors unobfuscated. Our implementation of SECURE has resulted in a 48% reduction in storage needs and a 30% increase in battery life. This paper highlights the critical roles of clinician feedback, extensive field testing, and privacy-enhancing algorithms in developing an unobtrusive, lightweight, and reproducible wearable system that is both feasible and acceptable for monitoring health-risk behaviors in real-world settings.
Acceleration of Tensor-Product Operations with Tensor Cores
Authors: Cui Cu
Published: September 2024

In this article, we explore the acceleration of tensor product operations in finite element methods, leveraging the computational power of the NVIDIA A100 GPU Tensor Cores. We provide an accessible overview of the necessary mathematical background and discuss our implementation strategies. Our study focuses on two common programming approaches for NVIDIA Tensor Cores: the C++ Warp Matrix Functions in
nvcuda::wmma
and the inline Parallel Thread Execution (PTX) instructions
mma.sync.aligned
. A significant focus is placed on the adoption of the versatile inline PTX instructions combined with a conflict-free shared memory access pattern, a key to unlocking superior performance. When benchmarked against traditional CUDA Cores, our approach yields a remarkable 2.3-fold increase in double-precision performance, achieving 8 TFLOPS/s—45% of the theoretical maximum. Furthermore, in half-precision computations, numerical experiments demonstrate a fourfold enhancement in solving the Poisson equation using the flexible GMRES (FGMRES) method, preconditioned by a multigrid method in 3D. This is achieved while maintaining the same discretization error as observed in double-precision computations. These results highlight the considerable benefits of using Tensor Cores for finite element operators with tensor products, achieving an optimal balance between computational speed and precision.
Melatonin mitigates matrix stiffness-induced intervertebral disk degeneration by inhibiting reactive oxygen species and melatonin receptors mediated PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Liang Zhi-hui , Song Jia , Shangguan Wen-ji , Zhang Qiu-qi , Shao Jiang , Zhang Yue-hui
Published: September 2024

Melatonin mitigates intervertebral disk degeneration (IVDD) induced by matrix stiffness through reactive oxygen species (ROS) reduction. Matrix stiffness is related to increased nucleus pulposus cell ROS, apoptosis, and degeneration. Melatonin inhibits PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathways via melatonin receptors in a stiff matrix environment. In vivo, melatonin restores disk height and alleviates IVDD progression.
Analysis of the Load‐Bearing Capacity of the Steel‐Shell Concrete Support Structure Formed by the Construction of the Pipe Curtain Freezing Method
Authors: Wei Kai , Dong Bo , Zhang Shuai , Hu Jun
Published: September 2024

The Sanya estuary passage project is the latest and highly technical underground project after the large shield underground construction, which is of great significance to the construction of the Hainan free trade port and underground space construction innovation. In this paper, we use finite element software to analyze the deformation, stress, and surface settlement of the pipe curtain structure during construction under two conditions (original riverbed line and maximum scour riverbed line) in order to provide guidance for the actual project. Numerical simulations show that due to excavation and unloading, the bottom and top of the pipe curtain structure are subject to tensile stress; the bottom rises, the top settles, and converges in the horizontal direction; under the original riverbed line condition, the displacement values of each index are larger; changing the riverbed line does not change the maximum and minimum main stress of the pipe curtain structure significantly, and the stiffness of the pipe curtain structure can meet the maximum water level and the maximum scour in two unfavorable conditions; the pipe curtain structure can meet the structural. The pipe screen structure can meet the structural load‐bearing requirements. Suggestions for the design and construction of the project: strengthen the thickness of the pipe curtain at the side wall position, that is, use larger diameter steel pipes; do a good job of antiseepage and anticracking of the concrete at the corner of the pipe curtain structure and the side wall position during the construction process.
The Role of Acculturation in Self‐Care Behaviours among Chinese Immigrants Living with Cardiovascular Disease: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Zeng Ling , Xu Xiaoyue , Perry Lin
Published: September 2024

Aims. To understand what domains of acculturation are experienced by Chinese immigrants with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Australia and how these domains of acculturation influence their CVD self‐care behaviours. Design. A qualitative descriptive design. Methods. Individual phone interviews were conducted among Chinese immigrants with CVD in Sydney, recruited from Chinese Community associations and social media. Inductive and deductive thematic analysis was employed, guided by the Middle‐Range Theory of Self‐Care of Chronic Illness and the conceptual model of acculturation. Results. Twenty participants, mean age 69.9 years, were interviewed. The domains of acculturation in relation to CVD self‐care behaviours encompassed cultural practices, cultural values, healthcare system navigation, and new living environment. Retaining their Chinese culture and integrating into Australian culture regarding dietary practices, social networks, traditional values and family relationships served as both enablers and barriers of self‐care maintenance through factors such as heart‐healthy diets, physical activity, stress management and medication adherence. Many participants denied encountering difficulties to utilize primary care services, but language barriers deterred them from accessing acute services and heart‐health information from mainstream sources. Some preserved beliefs and practices in Traditional Chinese Medicine may complicate their self‐care maintenance (medication adherence) and self‐care management (responding to acute angina episodes). Conclusion. The influence of acculturation on CVD self‐care behaviours among Chinese immigrants is multifaceted and individualized. Clinicians and community health workers should assess patients’ acculturation experiences to enable culturally sensitive practices. The lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate heart health information in the community should be addressed urgently to mitigate the cardiac health disparity. Collaboration with Chinese community associations offers an opportunity for co‐design and dissemination of information about Australian healthcare systems and heart health education to upskill CVD self‐care practices and mitigate the health inequities experienced by Chinese immigrants.
Neurological Complications following Surgical Treatments of the Lower Molars
Authors: Mancini Antonio , Inchingolo Angelo Michele , Blasio Marco Di , Ruvo Elisabetta de , Noia Angela Di , Ferrante Laura , Vecchio Gaetano Del , Palermo Andrea , Inchingolo Francesco , Inchingolo Alessio Danilo , Dipalma Gianna
Published: September 2024

Aim. The current review aims to explore postoperative neurological complications in third molar extractive surgery. Materials and Methods. The PRISMA protocols were followed when conducting this review. We found a total of 2,250 articles that matched our topic using the Boolean keywords, mandibular nerve complications AND oral surgery, from PubMed (1,083), Scopus (435), and Web of Science (732), with the filters of English language articles, time range January 1, 2003, to September 30, 2023, and human studies. After 762 duplicates were eliminated, there remained 1,488 articles. Eleven final articles were deemed of the highest relevance to our topic by eliminating articles in animals, non‐English language, reviews, meta‐analysis, and off‐topic. A potential risk in the third molar extraction was temporary loss of sensibility often caused by mild compression or irritation of the mandibular nerve. This typically resolves within weeks or months, but in severe cases, recovery might take longer. Permanent loss of sensation can occur, indicating significant nerve damage and lasting effects on touch, temperature, or pain perception. Conclusions. Various treatments exist for nerve damage, including low‐level laser therapy, pain management medications, or physical therapy. While these therapies may improve neurosensory impairment, patients often report a decline in their quality of life.
A Cross‐Sectional Network Analysis Study Applied to the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale‐21 (DASS‐21): A New Factor Revealed
Authors: Alvarenga Marco Antônio Silva , Ali Amira Mohammed , Guilhermino Carollina Souza , de Azevedo Tiago Geraldo , Olímpio Kelly Fernandes , Kersul Camila , da Cunha Glacithane Lins , Alvares-Teodoro Juliana , Ribeiro Pricila Cristina Correa , Mansur-Alves Marcela , Teodoro Maycoln Lêoni Martins , Bandeira Paulo Felipe Ribeiro
Published: September 2024

Background: The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale‐21 (DASS‐21) has been widely studied in different populations as a brief screening tool to assess features of psychological distress. Because of its multidimensionality, this scale is better addressed within a complex system.

Objective: Therefore, this research is aimed at investigating the psychometric properties of the scale using network analysis and other statistical analysis to evidence validity of the scale based on its internal structure, since only two studies using classical methods have previously tested it on Brazilian samples.

Methods: In this cross‐sectional study, an online survey was used to recruit a sample of 4017 (Mage = 31.16; SD = 10.31 years), of whom 70.3% were college students, 69.5% were assigned female at birth, 60.8% declared themselves to be White, and 22.6% reported they lived in the southeastern region of the country. The DASS‐21 was analyzed using uni‐, bi‐, and multivariate analyses, including exploratory graph analysis (EGA) and bootstrap EGA.

Results: EGA and BootEGA generated and confirm a model with four factors, which expressed a better fit than other replications (χ2 (183) = 899.09, Comparative Fit Index [CFI] = 1.00, Tucker–Lewis Index [TLI] = 1.00, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.03, and standardized root mean square residual [SRMR] = 0.03). The new four‐factor model has excellent composite reliability (rho_C range = 0.84–0.90), which indicates a high level of accuracy of the measured factor. It is also invariant across genders and type of activity performed.

Conclusion: The classic structure of the DASS‐21 (three factors) was replicated, but a four‐factor model proved to be the one with the best statistical indices for nonclinical sample, providing new insight into the internal structure of this scale. In addition, there was factorial invariance between the groups compared. Implications for the use of the new structure are discussed.