bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital and Smart Assembly of Laser Target Designation Based on Digital Twin
Authors: Gu Ye , Wu Weiwei , Huang Lanxin , Zhang Chunfeng , Wei Xiaoyu
Published: January 2025

To solve the problems of low production efficiency and poor quality consistency in the assembly of laser target designation (ALTD), a digital and smart assembly method of laser target designation based on digital twin was proposed. Through real-time data collection of automatic assembly machines and digital test instruments, we can dynamically optimize the assembly process and debugging parameters, and control the output quality of each process. We can simulate in virtual space by physical data and control physical space by virtual entity to achieve virtual-reality integration digital and smart assembly. In this paper, we expound the digital and smart assembly of laser rod components to show that the digital twin of ALTD can realize the resource optimization, process optimization, quality control, cost reduction and efficiency improvement in the assembly workshop.
Design and Implementation of a Modular Underwater Brush-Clearing Robot and Its Observation Module
Authors: Li Jintian , He Yanjin , Tao Wenmei
Published: January 2025

This paper focuses on designing a modular unmanned underwater ROV for efficiently scrubbing marine vehicles. The modular ROV can carry various tool modules for targeted brushing, while an observation robot assesses the effectiveness of commands using image sonar. By incorporating intelligent driving and fouling target recognition, the ROV adapts to diverse environments, enabling multi-purpose use.
Lightweight Design for Interval Finite Element Structure with Improved Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Pei Chunyan , Zhang Yingshuang
Published: January 2025

The interval finite element model is used to design an uncertain structure. Using interval extension, the interval element stiffness matrix of the structure is recorded as median matrix plus increment one of the element. They are assembled as an interval global stiffness matrix. Then the interval displacement vectors can be derived from the structural equation to obtain the interval constraints. Improved grey wolf optimization algorithm is applied to the interval finite element structure for optimal design. The strategy is adopted to determine the individual position, which makes the convergence factor show nonlinear fluctuation, thus speeding up convergence of the program. The optimal result of an interval space finite element truss proves the feasibility of the method.
Optimum Design of Lifting Mechanism for Disinfection Cabinet Bowl and Basket Based on Multi Body Dynamics
Authors: Qin Si , Wang Jihui
Published: January 2025

At present, there is a lower position of the lower bowl basket in the household disinfection cabinet on the market, which requires long-term bending or squatting when picking up and placing utensils, which may cause discomfort in the user's waist in the long term. To solve this problem, this article designs a lifting mechanism for the disinfection cabinet bowl and basket. Through this structure, the lower bowl basket can be raised to a certain height and pulled out, making it easier for items to be placed and taken out. Based on the principle of multi body dynamics, ADAMS software is used to simulate and analyze the dynamics of the bowl basket lifting mechanism. The results indicate that the improved bowl basket lifting mechanism can achieve a labor-saving effect during the lifting process, and also verify the feasibility of the mechanism design.
Biomechanical Analysis of Forward Driving Posture Based on Human Musculoskeletal Model
Authors: Wang Shanlin , Wang Kun , Wang Tianhui , Zhang Jianjun
Published: January 2025

Lower back pain in drivers of specialized vehicles may be related to excessive lumbar spine loading. The purpose of this study was to investigate human lumbar spine loads and lumbar muscle forces in a forward-flexed driving position in a specialty vehicle to better understand lower back pain and improve the design of automotive seats. The results of the study showed that the driver's lumbar load and lumbar muscle strength tended to increase and then decrease with the increase of the forward flexion angle at different forward flexion angles, and the lumbar spine load and lumbar muscle strength reached the peak value when the forward flexion angle was5°. The results of the study provide a theoretical basis for the correlation between lower back pain and sitting posture and help prevent low back pain in drivers.
A model for elastic half space under a visco-elastic layer in generalized thermoelasticity
Authors: Khader S. E. , Marrouf A. A. , Khedr M.
Published: January 2025

We consider a model of two layers for two cases. In the first case, a viscoelastic upper layer over an elastic half-space. In the second case, an elastic upper layer over a viscoelastic half-space. The upper layer’s surface is taken to be traction-free and is subjected to a constant thermal shock. This model is solved in the context of the generalized thermoelasticity theory with one relaxation time. Laplace transform techniques are used. The inverse Laplace transforms are obtained using a numerical method based on the Fourier expansion technique. Numerical results are computed and represented graphically for the temperature, displacement, and stress distributions. This work may be useful in the design of materials used in thermal insulation, vibration reduction, and applications in microelectronics.
Can Local Optimality Be Used for Efficient Data Reduction?
Authors: Komusiewicz Christian , Morawietz Nils
Published: January 2025

An independent set S in a graph G is k-swap-optimal if there is no independent set 

$$S'$$

S
′

such that 

$$\varvec{|S'|>|S|}$$

|

S
′

|
>
|
S
|

and 

$$\varvec{|(S'\setminus S)\cup (S\setminus S')|\le k}$$

|

(

S
′

\
S
)

∪

(
S
\

S
′

)

|
≤
k

. Motivated by applications in data reduction, we study whether we can determine efficiently if a given vertex v is contained in some k-swap-optimal independent set or in all k-swap-optimal independent sets. We show that these problems are NP-hard for constant values of k even on graphs with constant maximum degree. Moreover, we show that the problems are 

$$\varvec{\Sigma ^{\text {P}}_{2}}$$

Σ
2
P

-hard when k is not constant, even on graphs of constant maximum degree. We obtain similar hardness results for determining whether an edge is contained in a k-swap optimal max cut. Finally, we consider a certain type of edge-swap neighborhood for the Longest Path problem. We show that for a given edge we can decide in

$$\varvec{f(\Delta +k)\cdot n^{\mathcal {O}(1)}}$$

f

(
Δ
+
k
)

·

n

O
(
1
)

 time whether it is in some k-optimal path.
Prognostic 18F-flotufolastat PET parameters for outcome assessment of 177Lu-labeled PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Karimzadeh Amir , Hansen Kimberley , Hasa Ergela , Haller Bernhard , Heck Matthias M. , Tauber Robert , D`Alessandria Calogero , Weber Wolfgang A. , Eiber Matthias , Rauscher Isabel
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This retrospective analysis evaluates baseline 18F-flotufolastat positron emission tomography (PET) parameters as prognostic parameters for treatment response and outcome in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) undergoing treatment with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T.

Methods

A total of 188 mCRPC patients with baseline 18F-flotufolastat PET scans were included. Tumor lesions were semiautomatically delineated, with imaging parameters including volume-based and standardized uptake value (SUV)-based metrics. Outcome measures included prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response, PSA-progression-free survival (PSA-PFS), and overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses assessed the impact of baseline imaging and pretherapeutic clinical parameters on outcome. Event time distributions were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method, and groups were compared with log-rank tests.

Results

Significant prognostic parameters for PSA response and PSA-PFS included log-transformed whole-body SUVmax (odds ratio (OR), 3.26, 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.01–5.55 and hazard ratio (HR), 0.51, 95% CI, 0.4–0.66; both p < 0.001) and prior chemotherapy (OR 0.3, 95% CI, 0.12–0.72 and HR 1.64, 95% CI, 1.07–2.58; p = 0.008 and p = 0.028, respectively). For OS, significant prognosticators were the following log-transformed parameters: number of lesions (HR 1.38, 95% CI, 1.24–1.53; p < 0.001), TTV (HR 1.27, 95% CI, 1.18–1.37; p < 0.001), and ITLV (HR 1.24, 95% CI, 1.16–1.33; p < 0.001), with log-transformed TTV (HR 1.15, 95% CI, 1.04–1.27; p = 0.008) remaining significant in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

At baseline, SUV-based 18F-flotufolastat PET metrics (e.g., whole-body SUVmax) serve as significant positive prognosticators for short-term outcomes (PSA response and PSA-PFS). In contrast, volume-based metrics (e.g., TTV) are significant negative prognosticators for long-term outcome (OS), in mCRPC patients treated with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T.
Towards shock absorbing hyperelastic metamaterial design (II): A prospective multiscale buckling-lattice computational model
Authors: Cante J. , Nuñez-Labielle A. , Huespe A. E. , Oliver J.
Published: January 2025

As a continuation of a previous work of the authors, on Computational Design of Shock-absorbing Metamaterials (Part I) (NunezLabielle et al. in Comput Methods Appl Mech Eng 393:114732, 2022), this work explores the potential of computational multiscale methods, in combination with massive buckling-lattice structures at the metamaterial core (meso/micro scale), to render a suitable framework for designing such a shock-absorbing metamaterials focusing on industrial applications. In this context, a prospective computational setting is considered under the hypothesis that, for a sufficiently complex microlattice topology, some localized regions might buckle within the lattice-structure core and propagate through it, giving rise to different loading-unloading paths, in such a way that hysteretic-like structural behaviours would take place, thus arising dissipative behaviours, even if the base material at the buckling micro-lattice behaves in a hyperelastic (thus intrinsically non-dissipative) manner. Using the standard Hill-Mandel homogenization principle, and assuming that the necessary separation of scales holds, the homogenized body, now living in a classical solid-mechanics setting, displays a homogenized non-convex behaviour which, in agreement with the conclusions of Part (I) of the work, exhibits extrinsic dissipation and, thus, could be potentially used (at reduced computational cost) for shock absorbing metamaterials analysis and design purposes. A tentative industrial application, to a sneaker’s insole design, has been then considered as a work’s target for evaluation of the room offered by the explored setting in the context of shock-absorbing metamaterial design. Finally, remarks on the scope and limitations of the work, and its significance for further advances in the field are emphasized.
Deep learning at the service of metaheuristics for solving numerical optimization problems
Authors: Oyelade Olaide N. , Ezugwu Absalom E. , Saha Apu K. , Thieu Nguyen V. , Gandomi Amir H.
Published: January 2025

Integrating deep learning methods into metaheuristic algorithms has gained attention for addressing design-related issues and enhancing performance. The primary objective is to improve solution quality and convergence speed within solution search spaces. This study investigates the use of deep learning methods as a generative model to learn historical content, including global best and worst solutions, solution sequences, function evaluation patterns, solution space characteristics, population modification trajectories, and movement between local and global search processes. An LSTM-based architecture is trained on dynamic optimization data collected during the metaheuristic optimization process. The trained model generates an initial solution space and is integrated into the optimization algorithms to intelligently monitor the search process during exploration and exploitation phases. The proposed deep learning-based methods are evaluated on 55 benchmark functions of varying complexities, including CEC 2017 and compared with 13 biology-based, evolution-based, and swarm-based metaheuristic algorithms. Experimental results demonstrate that all the deep learning-based optimization algorithms achieve high-quality solutions, faster convergence rates, and significant performance improvements. These findings highlight the critical role of deep learning in addressing design issues, enhancing solution quality, trajectory, and performance speed in metaheuristic algorithms.
Discovering ship maneuvering models from data
Authors: Hasan Agus
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we introduce a methodology to discover ship maneuvering models from data, leveraging Wide-Array of Nonlinear Dynamics Approximation (WyNDA) framework. WyNDA operates by utilizing basis functions and estimation algorithms to discern the ship maneuvering behaviors. Specifically, we employ a discrete-time exponential forgetting factor observer to accurately estimate both the structures and parameters inherent in the maneuvering models. Through extensive numerical simulations, we demonstrate the efficacy of our proposed approach in solving system identification and data-driven discovery problems within this domain. Moreover, we assess the robustness of our method with respect to noise levels and system excitation. This research contributes to advancing data-driven discovery of ship maneuvering dynamics and provides a practical tool for applications requiring accurate modeling.
The learning curve for the Shouldice Repair: a pilot analysis of post-training specialized surgeons at the Shouldice Hospital
Authors: Paasch Christoph , Hunger Richard , Szasz Peter , Yilbas Ayse , Netto Fernando A. C. Spencer , Mantke Rene , Mainprize Marguerite
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate operative time and postoperative complications of 4 post-training specialized surgeons.

Methods

This was a pilot retrospective chart review to determine the learning curve of a Shouldice primary inguinal hernia repair (Shouldice Repair) of 4 post-training specialized surgeons, at the Shouldice Hospital. The first 300 Shouldice Repairs (early learning block) were compared to their 900-1,000 repairs as the primary operating surgeon (late learning block). Data was collected from the hospital’s database. The learning curve was examined using cumulative sum analysis (CUSUM).

Results

During the early learning block cases, the surgeons had a mean operating time of 59.2 ± 11.2 min. The late learning block cases had significantly reduced operative time (53.4 ± 10.5 min, p = 0.001). According to the CUSUM analysis all four surgeons had a plateau after 78 to 88 operations in terms of operative time. A nonsignificant reduction in the rate of reported recurrences (n = 16 vs. n = 0) and surgical site occurrences (haematoma, seroma, infection; n = 27 vs. n = 2) was found between the early and late learning block cases.

Conclusion

The operating time plateaued after 78–88 Shouldice Repairs for the 4 surgeons trained and working at the Shouldice Hospital. A nonsignificant trend towards fewer complications were noted among late learning block cases.
Structured hernia surgery training program for general practitioners in Rwanda - feasibility and evaluation
Authors: Lorenz Ralph , Hubert Lea , Paasch Christoph , Conze Joachim , Oppong Chris , Akoh Jacob A. , Sedgwick David M. , Nsabimana Venuste , Mantke René
Published: January 2025

Background

Hernias are among the most common surgical conditions worldwide, with significant prevalence in Africa. However, according to recent WHO statistics, Africa faces a critical shortage of trained surgeons. Structured surgical training programs are also scarce. Since 2016, Surgeons for Africa in collaboration with Operation Hernia have developed structured training course on hernia surgery specifically for surgeons in Rwanda. Due to the severe shortage of surgeons, a new initiative was launched in 2023 to train general practitioners (GPs) to support the country’s surgical care needs. This study aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of these training programs for general practitioners.

Methodology

Six standardized questionnaires were used to evaluate the structured training program before, during, and after the one-and-a-half-week courses conducted in Rwanda. Both trainees and trainers completed the relevant evaluations. The results were anonymized, ummarized using descriptive statistics, and statistically analysed. Trainers also assessed the surgical competence of each participant at the end of the course.

Results

Between 2023 and 2024, 47 general practitioners received hernia surgery training in several Rwandan hospitals. The course significantly improved both the theoretical knowledge and practical surgical skills of the participants. Of the 47 GPs, 22 were able to independently perform simple inguinal hernia surgeries after the training. Three were able to perform complex inguinal hernia repairs independently. 12 participants required minimal supervision, while 22 required full supervision.

Conclusion

This study confirms the feasibility and effectiveness of a standardized hernia surgery training program for general practitioners in Rwanda. The results demonstrate the rogramme’s potential to address the surgical care gap by enabling GPs to perform basic hernia surgeries.
The efficiency of single-session photobiomodulation on healing of periapical bone lesions using CBCT: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hamdy Ismail Hend , Obeid Maram Farouk , ElSaid Hassanein Ehab
Published: January 2025

As photobiomodulation is growing in the dental field the aim of this prospective, two-arm clinical trial was to assess the radiographic changes for chronic periapical bone lesions related to mandibular molars after primary root canal therapy with or without applying Diode laser on soft tissue. The samples were randomly divided into a Laser group and a mock laser (ML) group. Preoperative CBCT images were compared 12 months later with postoperative CBCT to gauge the changes in the volume of the bony lesion by two observers. The kappa coefficient was calculated to assess the intra-observer agreement. Data were presented as median, mean, and standard deviation (SD) values. For parametric data (age), a Student’s t-test was used. Qualitative data (Gender) was presented as frequencies and percentages and then analyzed by Chi-square test. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare CBCT measurements pre- and post-treatment. The significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05. The collected data in this study showed that there was no statistically significant difference between median volumes of the periapical lesion in the Laser and ML groups (P-value = 0.564, Effect size = 0.237) and (P-value = 0.452, Effect size = 0.310), respectively while, there was a statistically significant decrease in the volume of periapical lesion post-treatment within each group (P-value < 0.001). The size of the periapical bony lesion decreased significantly after conventional endodontic treatment whether Laser was applied or not. The study protocol was enrolled as NCT04311905 at www.clinicaltrials.gov database on (17/03/2020) after the approval of the Ethics Committee, Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University (FDASURecID091703).
Unveiling educators’ readiness to teach through Digital Media (DM): The case of South Africa
Authors: Muyambi Godfrey Chitsauko , Ramorola Mmankoko Ziphorah
Published: January 2025

South African schools are increasingly integrating digital technology into their curricula to enhance educational outcomes. This study aims to evaluate educators' readiness to teach using digital media (DM) and the effectiveness of the e-learning policy in addressing disparities across schools. The hypothesis is that disparities in access to digital resources, training, and policy implementation hinder equitable integration of DM in teaching. Eleven secondary schools in Tshwane North District, Gauteng Province, were purposively selected. Data from 180 educators were collected using structured questionnaires designed around the Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework and the ICT Competency for Teachers framework (ICT-CFT version 3). The findings revealed significant discrepancies in educators' access to digital resources, technical skills, and knowledge of e-learning policies. Many educators lacked digital subject-specific knowledge, hindering effective technology integration. Schools in underprivileged areas faced acute shortages of digital resources, limited upskilling opportunities, severe time constraints, and reluctance from educators to adopt digital technology. The study establishes a direct relationship between the successful use of DM in teaching and the availability of resources, training, and educators' competence. It underscores the urgent need for equitable funding, access to digital tools, and targeted professional development for educators. Furthermore, the research advocates for stakeholder collaboration—including parents, learners, government, businesses, and NGOs—to promote DM integration. It proposes developing a tailored digital framework and a Digital Readiness Index to help schools measure progress in embedding digital resources into teaching practices.
Multimorbidity and Depressive Symptoms and their Association with Self-Reported Health and Life Satisfaction Among Adults Aged ≥ 50 Years in Mexico
Authors: García Pérez Alvaro , Villanueva Gutiérrez Teresa
Published: January 2025

Identify the association between multimorbidity and depressive symptoms (DS) with self-reported health (SRH) and life satisfaction in a national sample of Mexican ≥ 50 years older adults. Data are drawn from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS), a cross-sectional study conducted in 2018 involving 14,230 older adults aged 50 years and older living in urban and rural areas of Mexico. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies depression scale (CES-D) and life satisfaction using the Life Satisfaction Scale (LSS), examined both as a categorical and continuous variable. Logistic and Poisson regression analyses were used to assess the association adjusting for confounders. The prevalence of multimorbidity was 25.8%. Age (≥ 65 years) was significantly associated with increased odds of fair/poor SRH [OR = 1.17 (95% CI 1.09–1.27)]. Older adults with multimorbidity and high DS were more likely to present fair/poor SRH [OR = 7.83 (95% CI 6.48–9.45)]. Older adults with multimorbidity and high DS were 37% [RR = 1.37 (95% CI 1.35–1.40)] more likely to present low life satisfaction than those that did not present multimorbidity. Multimorbidity and high DS were found to be associated with fair/poor SRH and low life satisfaction. The early identification of factors related to multimorbidity, DS, and low life satisfaction are important in order to reduce possible complications and improve quality of life.
Why Do Applicants (Dis)Like Selection Methods? The Role of Stimulus and Response Format for Need Satisfaction
Authors: Schröder Valerie S. , Kleinmann Martin , Heimann Anna Luca , Ingold Pia V.
Published: January 2025

In today’s employment market, it is important to use selection instruments that resonate positively with applicants. To advance the theoretical understanding of why applicants react differently to different selection instruments, this study examines how the satisfaction of basic psychological needs influences applicant reactions, specifically perceived interpersonal warmth and opportunity to perform. Using a 2 × 2 between-subjects design, this study systematically manipulated two method factors, namely, the stimulus format (written vs. interactive) and the response format (open-ended vs. close-ended) of selection instruments that were designed to measure the same personality traits. Drawing on self-determination theory, this study proposes and tests the satisfaction of the needs for relatedness, autonomy, and competence as a mechanism to explain the relationships between specific method factors and applicant reactions. Regarding the stimulus format, results indicated no effect on need satisfaction, but a positive effect of an interactive stimulus format on interpersonal warmth, when combined with an open-ended response format. Regarding the response format, results indicated that an open-ended response format increased perceptions of opportunity to perform, mediated by greater satisfaction of the need for autonomy. Practical implications for the design of selection instruments are presented.
On Tractable Convex Relaxations of Standard Quadratic Optimization Problems under Sparsity Constraints
Authors: Bomze Immanuel , Peng Bo , Qiu Yuzhou , Yıldırım E. Alper
Published: January 2025

Standard quadratic optimization problems (StQPs) provide a versatile modelling tool in various applications. In this paper, we consider StQPs with a hard sparsity constraint, referred to as sparse StQPs. We focus on various tractable convex relaxations of sparse StQPs arising from a mixed-binary quadratic formulation, namely, the linear optimization relaxation given by the reformulation–linearization technique, the Shor relaxation, and the relaxation resulting from their combination. We establish several structural properties of these relaxations in relation to the corresponding relaxations of StQPs without any sparsity constraints, and pay particular attention to the rank-one feasible solutions retained by these relaxations. We then utilize these relations to establish several results about the quality of the lower bounds arising from different relaxations. We also present several conditions that ensure the exactness of each relaxation.
99mTc-radiolabeling study of 2-amino-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropyl-1,1-bisphosphonic acid as a potential bone imaging agent
Authors: Hamouda Walid , Abdel-Motaleb Mohamed , El-Tawoosy Mahmoud , Sanad Mahmoud , Rizk Sameh , El-Hashash Maher
Published: January 2025

2-Amino-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropyl-1,1-bisphosphonic acid (TyrBP), a nitrogenated bisphosphonate (NBP), has been synthesized in a one-pot two-step process involving the phosphonation of L-tyrosine with phosphorus reagents (PCl3 and H3PO3) followed by hydrolysis. TyrBP was characterized using IR, NMR, and mass spectroscopy, and underwent a 99mTc-radiolabeling study to produce a potential bone imaging agent using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent for 99mTc eluted from the 99Mo/99mTc generator. Optimization of the radiolabeling conditions was performed to achieve a high radiochemical yield.
Citizen science reveals socio-economic influences on solitary bee abundance across multiple scales in a Global South city
Authors: Reynolds Chevonne , Henry Dominic A. W. , Kalyan Brishan , Pencharz Paris , Shilubane Natasha
Published: January 2025

Context

Urban ecosystems exhibit complex biodiversity patterns influenced by both socio-economic and ecological factors. While the role of ecological factors is widely recognised, the relationships between socio-economic and ecological factors, particularly across various spatial scales and considering both landscape composition and configuration, remains underexplored. This limits our understanding of urban environments as interconnected socio-ecological systems.

Objectives

We examine the influence of socio-economic and ecological landscape factors on solitary bee abundance, aiming to elucidate the complex socio-ecological dynamics shaping urban biodiversity across multiple scales.

Methods

Data on solitary bee abundance were gathered through a citizen science campaign, supported by 347 participants from Johannesburg, South Africa. We explored the correlations and interactions between solitary bee abundance, socio-economic status (i.e. annual household income) and landscape composition and configuration (i.e. urban green cover and NDVI, and urban vegetation patch density and cohesion), assessing these relationships at 300 m, 2000 m, and 5000 m scales.

Results

Annual household income was significantly positively correlated with solitary bee abundance across all spatial scales examined, likely due to increased investment in gardens with diverse floral resources in affluent areas. In contrast, our ecological factors, including both landscape composition and configuration metrics, exhibited negligible effects on solitary bee abundance across all spatial scales.

Conclusions

The strong positive relationship between annual household income and bee abundance across scales highlights potential disparities in access to biodiversity and ecosystem services within Johannesburg. Our results indicate the presence of environmental injustice in this African city and reflect the need for integrating socio-economic factors into landscape ecology. Policies on urban greening that consider both socio-economic and ecological factors are essential for equitable, sustainable urban ecosystems.
Generation of artificial facial drug abuse images using deep de-identified anonymous dataset augmentation through genetics algorithm (3DG-GA)
Authors: Zein Hazem , Laurent Lou , Fournier Régis , Nait-Ali Amine
Published: January 2025

In biomedical research and artificial intelligence, access to large, well-balanced, and representative datasets is crucial for developing trustworthy applications that can be used in real-world scenarios. However, obtaining such datasets can be challenging, as they are often restricted to hospitals and specialized facilities. To address this issue, the study proposes to generate highly realistic synthetic faces exhibiting drug abuse traits through augmentation. The proposed method, called ”3DG-GA”, Deep De-identified anonymous Dataset Generation, uses a Genetic Algorithm as a strategy for synthetic face generation. The algorithm includes GAN-based artificial face generation, forgery detection, and face recognition. Initially, a dataset of 120 images of actual facial drug abuse is used. By preserving the drug traits, the 3DG-GA provides a dataset containing 3000 synthetic facial drug abuse images. The dataset will be open to the scientific community, allowing others to reproduce our results and benefit from the generated datasets while avoiding legal or ethical restrictions. Additionally, we validated the dataset by training a CNN model on the synthetic images and validating it on previously unseen real images. The model achieved an accuracy of 97.2% on the unseen real images, demonstrating the high quality and applicability of the synthetic data.
The Multimorbidity Questionnaire (MMQ1): English translation and validation of a Danish patient reported outcome measure for quality of life in people with multiple long-term conditions in a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Sweeney Kieran , Bissenbakker Kristine , Siersma Volkert , Jønsson Alexandra , Donaghy Eddie , Henderson David , Mercer Stewart W. , Brodersen John Brandt
Published: January 2025

Purpose

MMQ1 is a Danish-language patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) for quality of life (QOL) in people with multiple long-term conditions (MLTC). It measures needs-based QOL across six scales: Physical ability, Concerns and worries, Limitations in daily life, Social life, Personal finances and Self-image. There is currently no such measure available in English. This study aimed to translate and validate MMQ1 for use in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Translation used a two-panel method (expert panel: n = 5; and lay panel: n = 6). Content validity was assessed via cognitive interviews (n = 6). A postal survey of 2,753 patients with MLTC recruited through eight GP practices in Scotland included EQ-5D-5L and ICE-CAP as comparator measures alongside MMQ1. Classical test theory psychometric analysis of survey responses followed the International Society for Quality of Life Research minimum reporting standards.

Results

Translation resulted in an English-language MMQ1 with good face validity. Cognitive interviews established good content validity. 597 survey responses were received (response rate 22%). Good internal consistency reliability and concurrent validity were demonstrated. Confirmatory factor analysis showed acceptable fit to the six-scales of MMQ1. Five of the six scales also demonstrated good discriminative ability for detecting clinically meaningful differences in QOL. However, inter-item and inter-scale correlations suggested item redundancy and scale overlap.

Conclusion

The English-language MMQ1 demonstrated adequate psychometric properties using classical test theory. Further validation using Rasch analysis is planned, and may help optimise and abbreviate the measure. This PROM has the potential to improve the measurement of QOL in MLTC research, including trials.
Which topics are best represented by science maps? An analysis of clustering effectiveness for citation and text similarity networks
Authors: Bascur Juan Pablo , Verberne Suzan , van Eck Nees Jan , Waltman Ludo
Published: January 2025

A science map of topics is a visualization that shows topics identified algorithmically based on the bibliographic metadata of scientific publications. In practice not all topics are well represented in a science map. We analyzed how effectively different topics are represented in science maps created by clustering biomedical publications. To achieve this, we investigated which topic categories, obtained from MeSH terms, are better represented in science maps based on citation or text similarity networks. To evaluate the clustering effectiveness of topics, we determined the extent to which documents belonging to the same topic are grouped together in the same cluster. We found that the best and worst represented topic categories are the same for citation and text similarity networks. The best represented topic categories are diseases, psychology, anatomy, organisms and the techniques and equipment used for diagnostics and therapy, while the worst represented topic categories are natural science fields, geographical entities, information sciences and health care and occupations. Furthermore, for the diseases and organisms topic categories and for science maps with smaller clusters, we found that topics tend to be better represented in citation similarity networks than in text similarity networks.
A Comparative Study of the Modal Response of Additively and Subtractively Manufactured Thin Plates After Thermal Loading
Authors: Weihrauch M. , Lambert P. , Lambros J. , Sutcliffe C. J. , Patterson E. A.
Published: January 2025

Background

Additively-manufactured parts contain residual stresses induced by manufacturing. These residual stresses can be relaxed or redistributed by thermal loading. The presence of internal stress influences the dynamic response of parts, and this is of particular interest in thin plates subject to thermoacoustic loading in hypersonic vehicles and fusion reactors.

Objective

To measure the changes in shape and modal frequencies caused by thermal loading of geometrically-reinforced thin plates that were additively manufactured in Inconel 625.

Methods

Plates were additively-manufactured in landscape and portrait orientations using laser powder bed fusion. The plates were heated to a nominal temperature of 820 ̊C, which was expected to alleviate the residual stress from the build process. Pre- and post-heating, their modal frequencies were found experimentally and pulsed-laser stereo (3D) digital image correlation was used to evaluate their modal shapes. The resultant modal frequencies and shapes were compared with those from a subtractively-manufactured plate.

Results

It was found that the heat cycle changed the shape of the plates relative to their as-manufactured state in addition to changing their natural frequencies and modal shapes.

Conclusions

The change in shape induced by heating caused shifts in the natural frequencies and changes in the corresponding modal shapes. The results show quantitatively for the first time the important role that residual stresses can play in the dynamic response of geometrically-reinforced thin plates manufactured by additive and subtractive processes.
Are Dietary Patterns Relevant for Reducing the Risk of Fractures and Sarcopenia?
Authors: Welch Ailsa A. , Scott Jamie , Cameron Donnie , Yates Max
Published: January 2025

Purpose of Review

This review aims to summarise recent evidence on the effects of dietary patterns on the risk of bone fractures and sarcopenia.

Recent Findings

Several dietary patterns have been investigated in relation to musculoskeletal health, including Mediterranean Dietary Patterns (MDP), Dietary Inflammatory Indices, vegetarian and vegan diets. Adherence to ‘healthier’ dietary patterns appears to be protective against fractures and sarcopenia, with the strongest protective associations found between the MDP and fractures. Individuals following vegan or vegetarian eating patterns need to be aware of calcium and vitamin D requirements to maintain musculoskeletal health.

Although more healthy dietary patterns may be protective for musculoskeletal health the current evidence base is limited by variation in the construction of dietary pattern scores and reported outcome measures. Future research should fully report scoring methods, intakes of dietary components across scoring groups or categories, and consider outcome measures that allow for better comparison between studies.
Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Mental Health Literacy questionnaire (MHLq-E)
Authors: González-Sanguino Clara , Rodríguez-Medina Jairo , Ayuso-Lanchares Alba , Valdivieso-León y Lorena
Published: January 2025

The mental health of adolescents is a topic of increasing importance in our society. Knowing the mental health literacy of this population may provide key information to improve prevention and intervention policies. This research analyses the psychometric properties of the MHLq-E Spanish version, a self-administered self-report questionnaire on mental health literacy, specific to the adolescent population. A descriptive cross-sectional study including a representative sample of Spanish adolescents aged 12–16 years (N = 1000) was conducted. Results reveal a four-factor structure: help-seeking; stigma; knowledge of causes; knowledge of symptomatology. The selected four-factor solution accounts for 35% of the shared variance. High internal consistency, item reliability and good measures of validity were found. The global reliability of the questionnaire was α = 0.92 and ωt = 0.94. The reliability of the dimensions ranged from α = 0.79, ωt = 0.79 for Stigma to α = 0.87, ωt = 0.87 for Help. Factor loads were significant and above 0.4 suggesting appropriate convergent validity, and evidence of discriminant validity was also adequate. Although it differs from the original instrument, the analysis is consistent with other research and highlights the multiple dimensions of mental health literacy. The MHLq-E is the first instrument available in Spanish to assess mental health literacy in adolescents in Spain.
Chebyshev Petrov–Galerkin method for nonlinear time-fractional integro-differential equations with a mildly singular kernel
Authors: Youssri Y. H. , Atta A. G.
Published: January 2025

In this paper, a new approach to time-fractional partial integro-differential equations with weakly singular kernels (
TFPIDE
) is presented. The suggested method produces a spectral semi-analytic solution by using shifted first-kind Chebyshev polynomials (
SCP1K
) as basis functions. To satisfy homogeneous beginning and boundary requirements, a suitable collection of basis functions should be chosen. The unknown expansion coefficients are then found using the Petrov–Galerkin technique. Interestingly, we obtain precise equations for each of the related matrices’ elements. These matrices follow a clear pattern that facilitates the inversion procedure and allows the algebraic problem generated by the Petrov–Galerkin technique to be solved. The work contributes to a better knowledge of the dependability of the approach by thoroughly examining convergence and error analysis. Numerical examples demonstrate the applicability, accuracy, and efficiency of the suggested technique, supplemented by comparisons with previous research. The outcomes demonstrate how well this method works for solving time fractional partial integro-differential equations, highlighting its importance as a useful contribution to the body of knowledge in the area.
Moving from past selves shaped by adversity to hoped-for possible selves: experiences of young people in flexible learning options
Authors: te Riele Kitty , Stewart Sarah
Published: January 2025

Flexible learning options (FLOs) that provide access to secondary education for marginalised students tend to sit on the margins of education systems, resulting in pressure to account for their outcomes. This paper employs a conceptual framework based on possible selves theory applied to interview data with students and staff from eight Australian FLOs. Students’ past selves were strongly shaped by adversity in their social environments and in their prior school experiences. Based on these past selves, students’ imagined possible selves included feared possible selves, which were considered to be likely outcomes if the FLO had not existed. In contrast, FLOs helped students to develop positive present selves as well as imagine, and work towards, hoped-for possible selves, especially in terms of education and employment. Tracing the trajectory from past to present and future possible selves provides a fruitful alternative lens for assessing outcomes from FLOs.
A motion planning method for a car based on environmental feature-adaptive polynomial fitting and intelligent obstacle avoidance strategies
Authors: Xu Yunqian
Published: January 2025

This paper proposes an improved method for car motion planning aimed at addressing the limitations of traditional path planning and obstacle avoidance algorithms in complex environments. The study utilizes Bi-RRT* and polynomial fitting for path planning, incorporating an environment-adaptive polynomial fitting technique based on obstacle density to enhance path precision in areas with high obstacle density. In the local planning phase, intelligent switching of the car’s obstacle avoidance strategies is implemented, allowing the car to use reverse motion or lateral avoidance in high-density regions to prevent stalling. Furthermore, problem decomposition and approximation methods are applied to large-scale quadratic programming (QP) problems in path tracking, improving the efficiency of the MPC algorithm. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method significantly enhances the car’s motion performance and stability in complex environments.
Brain Boost
Authors: Sahakian Barbara J. , Langley Christelle
Published: January 2025

Your mental health is as important as your physical health and, in times of stress, it's vital to have enhanced cognition and reserves of resilience. This book is packed with practical tips, based on scientific evidence, that will teach you how to implement lifestyle strategies that will improve your brain health, cognition, and overall wellbeing. Covering the benefits of exercise, diet, sleep, social interactions, kindness, mindfulness, and learning, you will discover how adopting habits to improve these areas of your life at an early age will lead to a longer, healthier life. Embracing these simple strategies to prioritise your brain health and wellbeing is essential for a fulfilling life, with lifestyle choices playing a significant role in promoting resilience, creativity, and overall quality of life across all ages. For anyone seeking to lead a fulfilling life through happiness, health, and personal growth, this is the book for you.
Delving into discrepancies, a single-center experience with Accelerate Pheno for gram-negative bacteremia, a rapid phenotypic susceptibility testing method
Authors: Freeman Weiss Zoe , Zelenkov Dimitar , Englert Jon , Campion Maureen
Published: January 2025

Objective:

Discrepancies or inaccuracies between testing methods can create confusion or lead to clinical harm if antibiotics are inappropriately chosen. We report our clinical experience using the Accelerate Pheno™ followed by routine automated susceptibilities by the Vitek®2 for positive blood cultures with gram-negative rods.

Design:

This was a retrospective review of positive gram-negative blood cultures, including comparison of susceptibility testing results and impact on clinical care.

Setting:

Academic teaching hospital.

Patients (participants):

All patients admitted to the hospital with gram-negative bacteremia from January 2020 to December 2022.

Methods:

Microbiology was reviewed for discrepancies as defined by very major errors (VMEs), major errors (MEs), and minor errors (mEs). Clinical charts were reviewed for antibiotic therapy.

Results:

Positive blood cultures with gram-negative rods were included (n = 262). Between these two methods, overall essential agreement was 93.7% (2162/2304) and categorical agreement 93.5% (2159/2306). There were 147 discrepancies noted, including 6 VMEs, 25 MEs, and 116 mEs accounting for 96 patients. Antibiotic choice was changed in 8 patients due to perceived suboptimal empiric therapy based on the rapid susceptibility results.

Conclusions:

The Accelerate Pheno tended to over-call resistance compared to the Vitek®2. Few patients (8) received the incorrect antibiotic based on the Pheno result. Stewardship programs may choose to optimize their rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing reporting to help minimize confusion and guide appropriate antibiotic selection.
Roads to Rome: how visions of elitism and pluralism shake up the goal repertoire of electoral competition
Authors: Angelucci Davide , De Sio Lorenzo , Di Cocco Jessica , Weber Till
Published: January 2025

Electoral competition is typically organized around an evolving set of policy issues. Recent Italian politics suggests a revival of two classic dimensions concerning the mode of interaction that defines the very goals of a polity: elitism (whether goals should be defined from the top down or from the bottom up) and pluralism (whether a polity should only accept widely shared common goals or whether multiple, alternative goals may legitimately compete). While these concerns possibly became less relevant in the heydays of the party government model, recent literatures on populism, technocracy, and process preferences reflect renewed interest. We introduce a two-dimensional elitism–pluralism scheme that explicates the spatial arrangement of top-down and bottom-up visions of party government vis-à-vis models of populism and technocracy. To demonstrate the relevance of the two dimensions for party preference, we turn to the case of the 2022 Italian election, which followed a sequence of a populist, a mixed populist-mainstream and a technocratic government. Voter positions from specialized batteries of the Italian National Election Study are contrasted with party positions from an original expert survey. Findings indicate that preferences on elitism and pluralism complement standard dimensions of issue voting. An explorative analysis of comparative data suggests that many countries across Europe have the potential for similar developments. Electoral competition increasingly reflects concerns about its own principles.