bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Durable and Writable Universal Primitives with Dynamic Joining
Authors: Jayanti Prasad , Jayanti Siddhartha , Jayanti Sucharita
Published: February 2024

We present durable implementations for two well known universal primitives—CAS (compare-and-swap), and its ABA-free counter-part LLSC (load-linked, store-conditional). Our implementations satisfy method-based recoverable linearizability (MRL)and method-based detectability (M-detectability)—novel correctness conditions thatrequire only a simple usage pattern to guarantee resilience to individual process crashes(and system-wide crashes), including in implementations with nesting. Additionally, our implementations are: writable, meaning they support a Write() operation; have constant time complexity per operation; allow for dynamic joining, meaning newly createdprocesses (a.k.a. threads) of arbitrary names can join a protocol and access our implemen-tations; and have adaptive space complexity, meaning the space use scales in the number of processes n that actually use the objects, as opposed to previous protocols whose space complexity depends on N , the maximum number of processes that the protocol is designed for. Our durable Writable-CAS implementation, DuraCAS, requires O(m + n) space to support m objects that get accessed by n processes, improving on the state-of-the-art O(m + N2). By definition, LLSC objects must store “contexts” in addition to object values. Our Writable-LLSC implementation, DuraLL, requires O(m + n + C) space, where C is the number of “contexts” stored across all the objects. While LLSC has an advantage over CAS due to being ABA-free, the object definition seems to require additional space usage. To address this trade-off, we define an External Context (EC) variant of LLSC. Our EC Writable-LLSC implementation is ABA-free and has a space complexity of just O(m + n).
To our knowledge, our algorithms are the first durable CAS algorithms that allow for dynamic joining, and are the first to exhibit adaptive space complexity. To our knowledge, we are the first to implement any type of durable LLSC objects.
An Investigation of the toxicity and mechanisms of Food Additives Based on Network Toxicology and GEO Databases: A Case Study of Aspartame
Authors: Li Bin , Shi Lingyang , Feng Mei , Fan Weichuan , Wang Yukai , He Zhiqi , Liu Tao
Published: February 2024

This study employs network toxicology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations to assess the characteristics and potential molecular mechanisms of aspartame-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Utilizing ChEMBL, STITCH, and SwissTargetPrediction databases, potential target proteins associated with aspartame are identified. HCC-related targets are determined through bioinformatics and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Gene enrichment analysis explores the signaling pathways related to aspartame-induced HCC. Further refinement using the STRING database and Cytoscape software highlights 15 key targets. Molecular docking, conducted using Autodock Vina, assesses the relationships between aspartame and each key target. Molecular dynamics simulations evaluate the binding capabilities of aspartame with core targets obtained through molecular docking. The results indicate that aspartame may induce HCC by modulating apoptosis and proliferation of liver cancer cells, affecting inflammatory signaling pathways, and regulating estrogen metabolism, posing to the occurrence and development of liver toxicity and associated inflammation, thereby leading a risk of hepatocarcinogenesis. This study provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying aspartame-induced HCC. Additionally, our network toxicology approach accelerates the elucidation of toxic pathways for uncharacterized food additives.
Platelet-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of lymph node metastasis in small bowel cancer
Authors: Chen Xihao , Liu Zhiyu , Song Jiawei , Li Jipeng
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to investigate the potential predictive value of preoperative systemic inflammatory indexes in identifying lymph node metastasis among patients diagnosed with small bowel cancer.
METHODS: A retrospective analysis of clinical data was conducted on small bowel cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment at the gastrointestinal surgery department of our hospital between January 2010 and June 2021. Patients were divided into groups based on the presence or absence of lymph node metastasis as confirmed by postoperative pathological results. The study compared the differences in preoperative inflammatory indexes and clinical data between the two groups using single factor analysis and multifactorial Logistic regression analysis. Furthermore, a nomogram model for predicting lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer was constructed using R software and internally validated.
RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 140 small bowel cancer patients. Postoperative pathology confirmed lymph node metastasis in 72 cases. Univariate analysis results indicated associations between preoperative inflammatory indexes and clinical data with lymph node metastasis in small bowel cancer. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that gender, NLR, number of lymph node dissection, and lymphovascular invasion independently influenced lymph node metastasis in small bowel cancer patients. The developed nomogram model demonstrated a C-index of 0.855 (95% CI 0.792-0.917), with a calibrated prediction curve closely resembling the ideal curve.
CONCLUSION: An elevated PLR is an independent risk factor for LNM in patients with small bowel cancer.
The Incidence of Brain Metastases in Breast Cancer according to molecular subtype and stage: a 10-year single institution analysis
Authors: Poletes Christopher , Amanirad Bardia , Santiago Anna T. , Yan Michael , Conrad Tatiana , Jerzak Katarzyna J. , Shultz David B.
Published: February 2024

Background
Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common etiology of brain metastases (BrM). We aimed to examine the incidence of BrM among all BC patients presenting to a large tertiary cancer centre over one decade.
Methods
We included all BC patients presenting consecutively between 2009 and 2019 and cross referenced that cohort to a radiotherapy database, identifying patients treated for BrM at any time following their initial presentation. Cumulative incidences (CI) of BrM diagnoses were calculated using death as a competing risk and compared using the Fine-Gray method. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan Meier method.
Results
We identified 12,995 unique patients. The CI of BrM in patients who initially presented with Stage 0-4 disease was 2.1%, 3.7%, 9.4%, 10.6%, and 28.7%, respectively at 10 years. For 8,951 patients with available molecular subtype data, 6,470 (72%), 961 (11%), 1,023 (11%), and 497 (6%) had hormone-receptor (HR)-positive/ERBB2-, HR-negative/ERBB2-, HR-positive/ERBB2+, and HR-negative/ERBB2+ disease, respectively; the CI of BrM in each was 7.6%, 25.3%, 24.1%, and 26.6%, at 10 years following BC diagnosis, respectively. Median overall survival (OS) following BC diagnosis and BrM diagnosis was 28 years 95% CI [25, 32] and 10 months 95% CI [9, 12], respectively.
Conclusions
From a large, registry-based study, we observed that patients with ERBB2+ and triple negative BC have the highest incidence of BrM. Clinicians should have a low threshold for brain imaging in patients with a history of BC who experience symptoms suggestive of BrM, especially in ERBB2+ and triple negative BC.
Insights into fermentation with lactic acid bacteria on the flavonoids biotransformation of alfalfa silage
Authors: Gao Yu , Zhou Hongzhang , Wan yuan , Yang Fuyu , Ni Kuikui
Published: February 2024

Background
Oxidative stress is currently one of the main threats to animal health, and flavonoids in feed have good antioxidant activity. However, the impact of fermentation on flavonoids and their antioxidant activity in feed is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the effect of lactic acid bacteria inoculation on the biological transformation of flavonoids in alfalfa silage fermentation and its relationship with antioxidant activity.
Results
Compared with the raw materials, silage fermentation can increase the total flavonoid content of alfalfa. The addition of Pediococcus pentosaceus (CP115739.1) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (CP115741.1) can significantly increase the total flavonoid content in alfalfa silage feed (p<0.05). The addition of lactic acid bacteria significantly improved the antioxidant capacity of alfalfa silage feed (p<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between total flavonoids and DPPH (R=0.62, p<0.05), and a highly significant correlation between total flavonoids and FRAP (R=0.70, p<0.01). Compared with natural silage fermentation, the addition of lactic acid bacteria leads to changes in the biological transformation process of flavonoids in alfalfa. Its unique products, 3,7,4 '- trioxyflavonoids, as well as acacetin and taxifolin 7-O-rhamnoside, are significantly positively correlated with antioxidant activity.
Conclusions
Silage fermentation contributes to the transformation of flavonoids, and inoculation with certain lactic acid bacteria can increase the content of flavonoids (including apigenin, luteolin, and other free flavonoids). It is worth noting that after fermentation, the antioxidant capacity of alfalfa is significantly improved, which may be attributed to the biotransformation of flavonoids related to acacetin, 3,7,4 '- trihydroxyflavonoids, and taxifolin 7-O-rhamnoside. This study provides a potential pathway for obtaining value-added silage fermentation products by selecting specific lactic acid bacteria inoculants.
Growth of Laser Damage in Fused Silica and CaF2 Under 263-nm Laser Irradiation
Authors: zhang Qi , Jiang Xiuqing , Liu Dong , Ji Lailin , Tang Shunxing , Guo Yajing , Sun Mingying , Zhu Baoqiang , Lu Xingqiang
Published: February 2024

This study examined the growth of the laser-damage performance in opticalcomponents under the fourth harmonic of Nd:glass laser irradiation (263-nm).The damage-growth threshold of the optical component was relatively low under 263-nm laser irradiation compared to 351-nm irradiation, owing to the higherenergy level of 4ω photons, and depended on the material characteristics. Thepreliminary growth of laser damage in fused silica and CaF2 under 263-nm laserirradiation is reported in this article. The damage growth thresholds of these twomaterials were obtained by continuously irradiating the optical components usinga 263-nm laser with a pulse width of τ = 5 ns. The damage growth threshold offused silica is lower than that of CaF2 because of differences between the mate-rials. The damage characteristics, including the damage morphology and bulkdamage, were analyzed.
A Retrospective Study on Virological Recovery Patterns and Factors Associated with HIV Viral Treatment Using Highly Active Anti-Retro viral Therapy in Public Health Facilities in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Teame Gebrecherkos , Tilahun Mulugeta , Gebreyohannes Gebreselema , Gessese Ataklti , Bisrat Haileselassie , Weldegiorgis Dagnew , Amare Tekele , Assefa Fisseha , Alemseged Girmay , Alemseged Gebreselassie , Kahsay Hayelom
Published: February 2024

Background
Viral load monitoring is crucial for identifying treatment failure in HIV/AIDS patients, as low viremia is essential for public health as HIV cannot spread undetectable. This study aimed to assess the sustained virological recovery rate and potential factors affecting HIV patients in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia, receiving combination treatment.
Methods
HIV patients receiving highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) were the subject of a retrospective investigation. Using a standardized checklist, data was taken from the Tigray Health Bureau database and aligned with data from the Tigray Health Research Institute (THRI). SPSS version 25.0 was used to analyze the data. The correlations between each factor and the categorical outcome variables were evaluated using Pearson's χ2. In order to determine the determinants impacting virological recovery, multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Significant relationship levels were established at p < 0.05.
Results
7689 HIV patients with a mean age of 43 ± 13 years were recruited on HAART with female predominance 64.4% with 95% CI: 58.3–76.3. At enrollment to ART sizable portion of the research participants 43.7% and 38% were in the productive age ranges of 16–30 and 31–45 years old respectively. The overall virological recovery was 90.9% with significant variations among male and female participants 4.24 (2.97–6.03) with (P < 0.001). Predictors for persistent virological recovery were identified based on baseline viral load, baseline CD4 count, current and baseline age, lost to follow-ups, adherence, and WHO clinical presentations.
Conclusion
Male participants showed less recovery, with high baseline CD4 count, long therapy stays, and suppressed viral load being key predictors. Regular assessment of treatment response patterns and drug list combinations is crucial for HIV virological recovery. Early enrollment in HAART, tailored interventions, baseline viral load monitoring, longitudinal studies, and gene sequencing are crucial for virological recovery and identifying genetic factors contributing to treatment resistance.
Effect of bedrock, tree size and time on growth and climate sensitivity of Norway spruce in the High Tatras
Authors: Basnet Saroj , Burger Andreas , Homolová Zuzana , Märker Frederik , Trouillier Mario , Wilmking Martin
Published: February 2024

Tree growth is a multifaceted process influenced by various factors at different spatial and temporal scales, including intrinsic tree traits and environmental conditions. Climate factors have a significant impact on tree growth dynamics, while geological controls can also play a crucial role. However, our understanding of the interplay between these factors concerning tree growth is currently limited. This study focuses on Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.), one of the economically most important coniferous tree species in Europe, to investigate the interplay of growth, climate, and environment at the forest and corresponding treeline sites in the High Tatra Mountains of Slovakia. Specifically, we developed chronologies of tree-ring width (TRW) and late-wood density (MXD) for different tree size classes across two limestone and granitic sites. Growth rates of Norway spruce trees have been increasing in forests since the 1930s and from the 1950s at treelines. Growth rates were consistently higher on limestone bedrock compared to granitic bedrock conditions. Variability of radial growth is primarily driven by spring and summer climate at both geological settings, while slope position (treeline vs. forest) or tree size did not reveal contrasting climate-growth relationships. We observed a decrease in climatic signals over time across all size class chronologies for both TRW and MXD at both sites. TRW displayed a shift in its climate response over time with decreasing sensitivity to SPEI and precipitation. Similarly, MXD's sensitivity to spring and summer temperatures diminished over time, showing a more mixed response to SPEI and precipitation. Therefore, our findings accentuate the potential implications of geological settings, climate, and environmental factors on the absolute growth and growth dynamics of Norway spruce, highlighting the need for further research to fully understand and manage forest ecosystems in mountainous regions.
Local Perceptions of Epidemics in Ethiopia: The Case of the Bayso Community of Gidicho Island, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Fekadu Eshetu
Published: February 2024

The effect of epidemic diseases on the lives of rural communities in Ethiopia was more severe than those in towns and cities, as the majority of such rural communities still have no access to modern health facilities. If not for the effort such rural communities made to maintain infectious diseases via sociocultural knowledge, approaches, and local resources, it may had overwhelming consequences. The study attempts to examine the perception of the Bayso on epidemic diseases, focusing on causes and approaches to control epidemic diseases. The study employed a qualitative research design. Accordingly, ethnographic data was collected by interviews, focus group discussions, and observation using semi-structured questions. The fieldwork was conducted between December 2020 and May 2022. A total of 78 informants; 43 in interviews and 35 in 4 focus group discussions participated in the study. Findings revealed that the laymen Bayso associate sources of disease with supernatural forces, such as Wa’a, (Supreme Being) and spirits (ancestral and evil), whereas the educated linked it to natural factors including environmental and personal hygiene. Accordingly, the laymen Bayso used local mechanisms such as religious rituals and sacrifices, communication bans, isolation of patients, and the use of animal and plant products for the protection, prevention, and heal infected ones, whereas the educated were reliant on modern health services. But, currently, the perception of layman Bayso on health/disease has been changing owing to the expansion of modern health services, the decline of their indigenous belief system, and the introduction of Christianity. In essence, because of the decline of their ritual system, they lost their traditional health system. Therefore, documentation of mechanisms of healing, and plant and animal products that had a substantial role in treating illness will have the utmost role in devising a policy that endorses alternative and complementary use of traditional healing mechanisms with the modern one.
Process parameter optimization for waste polyethylene terephthalate bottle depolymerization using neutral hydrolysis
Authors: KILANKO Oluwapelumi , OLAMIGOKE Olugbenga
Published: February 2024

The global surge in plastic production has led to a concerning accumulation of durable plastic waste in landfills and the environment. To address this issue, the depolymerization of waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) through neutral hydrolysis has been proposed as a chemical recycling solution. Despite its potential environmental benefits, the endothermic nature of this process at high temperatures has raised doubts about its commercial feasibility. In response, this study was conducted to assess optimal conditions for waste PET depolymerization using neutral hydrolysis in a continuous stirred tank reactor with zinc acetate as a catalyst. Process simulation, aimed to manufacture pure terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol from pelletized post-consumer PET bottles, was conducted with Aspen Plus Version 11. Sensitivity analysis explored the impact of factors such as reaction temperature, reaction time, PET flake size, and catalyst to PET ratio on both PET conversion and TPA yield. The study found that PET depolymerization increased with decreasing particle size, longer reaction times, increasing catalyst to PET ratio and reaction temperatures within the range of 200–240 ºC. Optimizing the process through response surface modelling revealed that key parameters for neutral hydrolysis considering a mean particle size of 20 mm were the ratio of water to PET, temperature, pressure, and reaction time with optimal values of 5:1, 225 ºC, 30 bar, and 67.5 min respectively. The model's reliability was confirmed through variance analysis, emphasizing the significance of main and interaction effects in the regression model.
The role of surgical intervention in the treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease.
Authors: Alhamad Lilas , Kubtan Muhammad Assem
Published: February 2024

Aim and background:
The increase of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) to an estimated 200 million patients along with its life-limiting symptoms and the complications of treatment with traditional open surgery; builds a need to advance interventional intravascular procedures treatment. This study aims to accentuate the role of interventional intravascular procedures on PAD patients.
Methods and material:
A Cross-sectional retrospective study. The study was performed on 500 patients who were admitted at Damascus hospital for interventional intravascular procedure, during the period 14-1-2015 to 5-9-2023. A questionnaire was designed to include demographic data, initial clinical presentation, diagnosis, patient history, type of intravascular procedure, medication, duration of hospitalization and patient complications.
Result:
The majority of patient who are 194 patients were in the age group of 60–70 years, representing 39%. The male patients were 402 patients, accounting for 80%. The most common complaint among patients was pain representing 30%. 171 (23%) patients had a superficial femoral artery complaint and were the most frequently subjected arteries to interventional procedures.The largest number of patients, 410 patients, spent only one day in the hospital representing 82%. The most common complication among patients was stent occlusion, with 35 patients (7%). There was a strong statistically significant relationship between the gender of the patient and the procedure involving balloon angioplasty and a significant relationship between the Kissing procedure and patients' age.
Conclusion:
This study shows the importance of interventional procedures in treating peripheral vascular disease compared to conventional surgery. However, interventional intravascular procedure remains the surgical intervention which has its own complications, and studies on the benefit of the interventional procedure are still insufficient.
Comparative Evaluation of Commercial Large Language Models on PromptBench: An English and Chinese Perspective
Authors: Wang Shiyu , Ouyang Qian , Wang Bing
Published: February 2024

This study embarks on an exploration of the performance disparities observed between English and Chinese in large language models (LLMs), motivated by the growing need for multilingual capabilities in artificial intelligence systems. Utilizing a comprehensive methodology that includes quantitative analysis of model outputs and qualitative assessment of language nuances, the research investigates the underlying reasons for these discrepancies. The findings reveal significant variations in the performance of LLMs across the two languages, with a pronounced challenge in accurately processing and generating text in Chinese. This performance gap underscores the limitations of current models in handling the complexities inherent in languages with distinct grammatical structures and cultural contexts. The implications of this research are far-reaching, suggesting a critical need for the development of more robust and inclusive models that can better accommodate linguistic diversity. This entails not only the enrichment of training datasets with a wider array of languages but also the refinement of model architectures to grasp the subtleties of different linguistic systems. Ultimately, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on enhancing the multilingual capabilities of LLMs, aiming to pave the way for more equitable and effective artificial intelligence tools that cater to a global user base.
Generation of a recurrent fractal process using discrete uniform distributions
Authors: Dheskali Endrit
Published: February 2024

Potential connections between fractals and randomness could improve our ability to make predictions. This study uncovers such connections between fractals and recurrent processes generated by uniformly distributed events. The multifractal spectrum of the proposed recurrent process is depicted, and its self-similar structure is revealed. The results remain unaffected by the choice of the discrete random generator, and various options such as pi digits, live roulette spins, or the flip of a fair die can be employed. The implications extend beyond the immediate scope of this research, offering a potential catalyst for advancements in predictive modeling and analysis within various domains. Additionally, new insights regarding complex and random systems are provided.
Comprehensive Swelling Analysis of Alginate Hydrogel
Authors: Toleuova Ellina
Published: February 2024

Utilizing a combination of sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) and sodium hexametaphosphate (HMP) as composite cross-linking agents, alginate hydrogels were prepared through ionic cross-linking. An analysis and discussion were conducted on the influence of crosslinking agent mass ratio, pH, and ionic strength on the swelling properties of alginate hydrogels. The findings reveal that the swelling degree of microspheres prepared with the composite crosslinking agent is reduced by 75.1% and 26.8% compared to using TPP or HMP separately, indicating a significantly enhanced cross-linking efficiency. When the mass ratio of TPP to HMP is set at 4:5 and the cross-linking agent pH is 6, the hydrogels demonstrated the utmost crosslinking and the most compact structure. In a pH 2.0 buffered solution, the swelling degree can reach 500%, and the gel remains intact without any breakage. The hydrogels exhibit notable sensitivity to both ionic strength and pH, displaying increased swelling particularly in acidic conditions.
Large-Margin Saliency-aware Binarized CNN for Monkeypox Virus Image Classification
Authors: Biswas Debojyoti , Tesic Jelena
Published: February 2024

The recent widespread increase of the Mpox (formerly monkeypox) virus infections in the South Asian and African countries has raised concerns among medical professionals regarding the potential emergence of another pandemic in those regions. With the number of available test kits surpassing the count of positive/probable cases, there is a pressing need to develop a robust and lightweight classifier model to alleviate the burden of physical testing kits and expedite the detection process. The existing state-of-the-art primarily focuses on achieving high accuracy in modeling Mpox without considering factors such as modeling suitability, real-time inferencing, and adaptability to resource-constrained CPU-only mobile devices. In this research, we propose a novel lightweight binarized DarkNet53 model, referred to as BinaryDNet53, which is approximately ~ 20X more computationally efficient and ~ 2X more power-efficient than the current state-of-the-art. This model demonstrates smooth detection capabilities when deployed on small hand-held or embedded devices. Our work introduces large-margin feature learning and weighted loss calculation to enhance results, particularly on complex samples. We conduct experiments using the latest MSLD v2.0 dataset, showcasing the superiority of the proposed model over state-of-the-art models based on classification and computational metrics, including Watt power consumption, required memory, and GFLOPS.
Decadal Impacts of Climate Variability on Forest Cover in Northern Himalayas
Authors: Rawail Ali
Published: February 2024

Gilgit-Baltistan is a critical catchment area of Himalayan mountains, situated in the north of Pakistan with 4% of forest area. The study provides an insight to spatiotemporal patterns of vegetation response to climate in Gilgit-Baltistan, using satellite-derived vegetation index and multi-source climate datasets for the years 2010-2019. Two meteorological parameters, temperature and precipitation from WorldClim and ground-based stations were used to make an in-depth analysis of the response of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) dynamics to climate in Gilgit-Baltistan. The results showed a declining trend in forest area in lower hills with highest area calculated in 2010 and lowest in 2019. There is negative correlation between forest area and temperature with significant correlation obtained from WorldClim data. There is positive correlation between forest area and rainfall with a p-value of <0.05. Gilgit-Baltistan is extremely arid. This is due to the rain shadow effect of the Himalayas, but periodically rains associated with the summer monsoons can sometimes result in disastrous flooding as well. The study could be helpful for accurately understanding impacts of climate change on forest growth and be beneficial for effective mountain ecosystem management.
Results of Longitudinal gastrectomy in treating diseases associated with obesity
Authors: Hammadieh Abdul Rahman , Oudeh Mohammad , AlAttar Rouaa
Published: February 2024

Background & Objective:
Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery is one of the modern obesity operations that relies on the principle of size reduction. The doctors’ motivation behind performing this operation was to obtain better results than other operations, taking into account the costs. The goal of this study is to present the doctors’ experience in this operation. The surgical technique used, and the results they obtained while performing this operation to treat obese patients in Syria.
Methods & Material
A prospective study was carried out, following a laparoscopic gastric plication technique and was applied on 84 morbidly obese patients between February 2019 and September 2023. There were 14 men and70 women, with a mean age of 29.7 years (range18–65 years) and a mean body mass index of 39.5kg/m2 (range 32–49 kg/m2) superscripted.
Results
All operations were performed laparoscopically, The average surgical time was 82 minutes (53–175 minutes), and the average hospital stay was 35 hours (30 hours - four days), The average rate of return to usual activity after surgery 7 days (4–25 days), the leading weight loss rates were: 70%, 75%, 80%. 77%, 71%, 78% after: After 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months, respectively, weight gain occurred in 4%, 7%, and 7.9% of patients after: 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. Complications of surgery were: pneumonia, minor bleeding during surgery, vomiting, acute renal failure, pulmonary embolism, leakage, and infection.
Conclusion
Longitudinal sleeve gastrectomy is effective, safe, and acceptable to patients. It is a procedure with a higher rate of major medical problems than others. Its leading weight loss rate is higher than other size reduction operations. The cost of this operation is very high.
Influence of the Enochic tradition on Qumran: reception and adaptation of the Watchers and Giants as a case study
Authors: Hernández Valencia Juan Sebastián
Published: February 2024

The confluence of different Jewish traditions in the Qumran library is evident. The Enochic traditions are not only counted as the oldest influences in Qumran, they also give it a certain theological unity. This is even more true in the case of demonology. Belial’s figure brings together a rich lexicographic heritage in which different traditions are integrated under the characteristics of the Watchers and Giants of the Enochic tradition (1 En 6—8). This study analyzes the theological characterization of the demonological figures found in Qumran to specify the Enochic influence on it.
Symmetric Nash Equilibrium Arrivals to Queuing System
Authors:   Institute of Applied Mathematical Research, Karelian Research Centre of RAS, Chirkova Julia V.
Published: February 2024

We consider a game-theoretic setting for the queuing system models where input process of arrivals is strategic. This paper generalizes a methodology for the symmetric Nash equilibrium exploring in queuing system with loss. We assume that the system admits customer requests at the time interval [0, T]. Each of customers chooses the moment to send his request into the system maximizing his payoff. Several models of certain systems are presented as examples demonstrating a result of the methodology application.
Analysis and Control of Macroeconomic Trends Based on the Leontief Model
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Zhao Guo , Dan Wang ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: February 2024

In the present study, we consolidate the forty-five industrial sectors delineated in the U.S. input-output tables, as disseminated by the OECD, into three overarching sectors: advanced manufacturing, modern services, and a residual category termed ’others.’ We adopt gross fixed capital formation as a proxy for the proportion of net profit allocated to investment, positing that the investment requisite for augmenting output is commensurate with the requisite capital intensity. This framework enables us to forecast the trajectory of total output and GDP, taking into account the interplay of multiple determinants. In addressing the inherent linear control dynamics of the input-output model, we apply classical control theory to regulate the advanced manufacturing sector. By deriving control equations that accommodate multifactorial influences, we substantiate the efficacy of this control mechanism through rigorous numerical analysis. Moreover, we reconceptualize the dynamic input-output system as a game-theoretic model characterized by a saddle-point equilibrium. By leveraging the saddle-point equilibrium strategy, we pioneer an innovative approach to resolving the complexities of dynamic input-output analysis. This methodological innovation not only enhances the precision of our predictions but also contributes a novel perspective to the literature on economic modeling and control theory.
Weighted Graph Vertices Ranking Using Absolute Potentials of Electric Circuit Nodes
Authors:   Institute of Applied Mathematical Research, Karelian Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Khitraya Vitalia A. ,   Petrozavodsk State University
Published: February 2024

A method for ranking the vertices of a graph based on Kirchhoff’s laws for determining the potentials of an electrical network is proposed. The graph is represented as an electrical network, where the edge weights are interpreted as electrical conductivities. Then the current is sequentially supplied to all vertices and each time the ranks of the vertices are determined in accordance with their potentials. It is also proposed to take into account the weights of the graph vertices, which allows you to include additional information in the analysis.
Dependent Retailers’ Demand in Game Theoretic Model of Supply Chain
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Kumacheva Suriya Sh. , Zakharov Victor V. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: February 2024

Supply chain management is one of the intensively developing areas of applied research. One of the main tools for studying the problems of this area is game theory. This study is based on a two-level supply chain model mathematically described using a hierarchical Stackelberg game. The top player in the hierarchy is the manufacturer and the bottom players are two retailers interacting according to the Cournot game scheme. Unlike previous models, this one assumes that their demands are dependent and jointly distributed. Next, the focus shifts to the study of the interaction pattern of retailers when trading substitute goods. A special case of joint distribution of demand is considered.
Cooperative Solutions in Multi-Star Network Games
Authors:   Yan’an University, Tian Lu , Jianpeng Zhang ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: February 2024

A model also known as multi-agent systems, namely the multistar model is considered. In a multi-agent system, a two-level game is played, the first-level is the external game, and the second-level is the internal game. An approach is proposed how to distribute the benefits to players in the first-level game and the second-level game. The characteristic functions are constructed for the multi-star model. Based on the proposed characteristic functions, the combination of the Shapley value and the proportional solution as natural optimal principle to distribute the benefits in the first-level game and in the second-level game is proposed.
Collaborative Working Capital Optimization for Combined Supply Network
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Lukinskii Daniil V. , Zenkevich Nikolay A. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: February 2024

This study introduces an enhanced theoretical model aimed at minimizing the total costs of working capital within Supply Chains by leveraging Reverse Factoring and Inventory Financing. A comprehensive model was then developed for financial costs in supply chains with a combined topology. This model was not only stated but also transformed into a practical tool for professionals. To validate its applicability, the model was implemented in real-world business scenarios. Further, this paper offers guidelines for future deployments of the developed tool.
Cooperative Solutions for Working Capital Cost Management
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Novikov Vladislav , Zyatchin Andrey ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: February 2024

An advancement of the framework for reduction and redistribution of joint working capital costs in financial supply chain networks with combined topology is represented: factoring, reverse factoring, and inventory financing were chosen as the financial supply chain instruments to reduce the cost of joint working capital, a characteristic function is set and Core and Shepley values are chosen as optimality principles, the developed framework is compared with similar methods constructed by other authors, and also tested on the case study of the automotive industry.
Learning of Supply Chain Cost-Revenue Sharing Contract in the Form of Trade-off Mechanism in Pollution Control Problem
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Shimai Su
Published: February 2024

A comprehensive comparison between supply chain cost-revenue sharing contract and trade-off mechanism is considered. Either of the two main members – manufacturer and retailers in the supply chain acts as the bellwether to initiate the green transition program through a cost-revenue sharing contract. While the trade-off mechanism which is applied in the pollution control problem is inspired by the sharing setting behind the contract, i.e., the player transfers part of her profit to another player in trade for her limited responsibility in reducing pollution. However, the power structure is not included in the trade-off mechanism where a third party should be designated to implement the details. The conclusion is given in the end.
Cooperative Differential Games with Pairwise Interactions in Pollution Control Problems
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, He Yang
Published: February 2024

This paper establishes a new class of dynamic games which contain two phenomena often observed in real-life, differential network games and pairwise interactions. It is assumed that the vertices of the network are players, and the edges are connections between them. By cooperation, a particular type of characteristic function is introduced. Then, the cooperative solutions are constructed, proportional solution and the Shapley value. Finally, the results are illustrated by an example.
An ordered multi-objective fuzzy stochastic approach to sustainable water resources management: a case study from Taiyuan City, China
Authors: Wu Wenyu , Zhao Xuehua , Zhang Xueyou , Wu Xixi , Zhao Yuhang , Guo Qiucen , Yao Liushan , Liu Xin
Published: February 2024

The uncertainty of socioeconomic development and climate change poses challenges to the sustainable management of water resources in Taiyuan, China. The study proposes a type-2 fuzzy chance-constrained ordered multi-objective fractional programming (T2FCC-ORMOFP) model to address the allocation of water under uncertainties. The model incorporates type-2 fuzzy programming and chance-constrained programming into an overall framework to handle multiple uncertainties under multi-level and multi-objective conflicts, while using fractional programming to reflect the marginal benefits of the system. It prioritizes the principles of optimal, fair, and stable distribution by the upper-level governing authorities, while considering the social and economic environmental benefits of lower-level decision-making. The optimal water allocation scenarios were obtained under different hydrological guarantee rates, violation levels of water supply constraints, and net economic benefits of type-2 fuzzy numbers for 2030. Additionally, groundwater is replaced by reclaimed water in varying proportions for flexible water supply. The results show that the water demand in Taiyuan cannot be ignored, and the risk of water shortage is more sensitive for the agricultural and industrial sectors. The recycled water substitution strategy can optimize the water supply structure and improve social and economic benefits (9–12%). Also T2FCC-ORMOFP can improve overall efficiency (20%) compared with a single-level model.
La sequía: el mal silencioso de la migración centroamericana en el periodo 1990 a 2019
Authors: Fuerte Celis María del Pilar , Bolaños Guerra Bernardo , Olivera-Villarroel Sazcha Marcelo
Published: February 2024

El objetivo es analizar en el periodo 1990 a 2019 los efectos del clima y la tendencia de los individuos a dejar un territorio al medir el peso que tiene la precipitación o la falta de esta en el Corredor Seco de Centroamérica. Para estudiar este proceso se desarrolló un modelo estocástico de frontera. Se encontró como resultado principal que se tiene una mayor tendencia a migrar cuando se presenta una sequía, entendida como un evento extremo para el ambiente y la sociedad. Esta propensión se evalúa con un sistema que incluye una serie de controles como eventos climáticos extremos como El Niño (ENOS) y huracanes, niveles de violencia, economía y tipo de cambio, que lleva a concluir que la sequía por encima de otro evento climático motiva a la población a migrar. Estos hallazgos permiten contribuir en el planteamiento de políticas de prevención, mitigación y resiliencia para cada evento climático.
Hub Genes Involved in the Progression of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease to Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Baiyi , Wang Xiaoxiao , Wu Nan , Liu Feng , Rao Huiying
Published: February 2024

Background:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common
cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. With an increasing number of patients,
NAFLD has been identified as a risk factor for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). The
precise pathophysiology of NAFLD-related HCC has not been completely understood recently.

Objective:

We analyzed the hub genes related to NAFLD and HCC to predict the risk of
NAFLD progressing to HCC.

Methods:

Two datasets of NAFLD were used to identify differentially expressed genes.
Lasso-Cox regression analysis was performed to determine a gene model to predict the
risk of the progression from NAFLD to HCC. Three validation datasets were analyzed
to evaluate the performance of the gene model, including normal and NAFLD with fibrosis,
NAFLD with fibrosis and NAFLD-related HCC, and normal and NASH-related
HCC.

Results:

Seven genes, including COL1A1, TIPM1, VCAN, FOS, CD79A, CXCL9, and
VWF, were identified as the hub genes, and then a gene model was constructed. By calculating,
the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) for risk prediction
were 0.97, 0.886, and 0.751 in the three validation datasets, respectively. Gene
set enrichment analysis indicated that the MAPK, TGFβ, p53, PPAR, insulin signaling
pathways, and fatty acid metabolism were significantly upregulated in the high-risk
group. GTPase activity and intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway had significant upregulation
in the low-risk group.

Conclusion:

The seven hub genes may predict the risk of NAFLD developing into HCC
by mediating the potential molecular mechanism, which could be used as biomarkers for
predicting the progression, diagnosis, and treatment of NAFLD.
The Mechanism of Astragaloside IV in NOD-like Receptor Family Pyrin
Domain Containing 3 Inflammasome-mediated Pyroptosis after Intracerebral
Hemorrhage
Authors: Wu Honggang , Chen Shu , You Guoliang , Lei Bo , Chen Li , Wu Jiachuan , Zheng Niandong , You Chao
Published: February 2024

Background:

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is one of the most common subtypes of
stroke.

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) on inflammatory
injury after ICH.

Methods:

The ICH model was established by the injection of collagenase and treated with ASIV
(20 mg/kg or 40 mg/kg). The neurological function, water content of the bilateral cerebral
hemisphere and cerebellum, and pathological changes in brain tissue were assessed. The levels
of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-18, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, and IL-10
were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of Kruppel-like factor 2
(KLF2), NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), GSDMD-N, and
cleaved-caspase-1 were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction
and Western blot assay. The binding relationship between KLF2 and NLRP3 was verified by
chromatin-immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase assays. KLF2 inhibition or NLRP3 overexpression
was achieved in mice to observe pathological changes.

Results:

The decreased neurological function, increased water content, severe pathological damage,
and inflammatory response were observed in mice after ICH, with increased levels of
NLRP3/GSDMD-N/cleaved-caspase-1/IL-1β/IL-18 and poorly-expressed KLF2 in brain tissue.
After AS-IV treatment, the neurological dysfunction, high brain water content, inflammatory
response, and pyroptosis were alleviated, while KLF2 expression was increased. KLF2 bonded
to the NLRP3 promoter region and inhibited its transcription. Down-regulation of KLF2 or upregulation
of NLRP3 reversed the effect of AS-IV on inhibiting pyroptosis and reducing inflammatory
injury in mice after ICH.

Conclusion:

AS-IV inhibited NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis by promoting KLF2 expression and
alleviated inflammatory injury in mice after ICH.
Alzheimer's Disease and Suicide: An Integrative Literature Review
Authors: Rodrigues Juliano Flávio Rubatino , Rodrigues Livia Peregrino , de Araújo Filho Gerardo Maria
Published: February 2024

Introduction::

Suicide has been described in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Some
promising medications for treating Alzheimer's disease have had their studies suspended because
they increase the risk of suicide. Understanding the correlations between suicide and Alzheimer's
disease is essential in an aging world.

Method::

A search was carried out on electronic websites (PubMed and Scielo) using the MeSH
Terms “suicide” and “Alzheimer” (1986-2023). Of a total of 115 articles, 26 were included in this
review.

Results::

Depression and the allele ε4 of Apolipoprotein (APOE4) were demonstrated to be the
main risk factors for suicide in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Conclusion::

Adequately delineating which elderly people are vulnerable to suicide is important
so that new treatments for Alzheimer's disease can be successful. This review showed a need for
new studies to investigate the interface between Alzheimer's disease and suicide.