bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New insight into decoupling carbon emissions from economic growth: Do financialization, human capital, and energy security risk matter?
Authors: Iorember Paul Terhemba , Gbaka Solomon , Işık Abdurrahman , Nwani Chinazaekpere , Abbas Jaffar
Published: December 2023

Against the backdrop of persistent climate change and deteriorating environmental pressure, this study integrates financialization, human capital, and energy security risks to provide new insight into decoupling carbon emissions from economic growth. The study employs annual panel data on the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) countries for the period of 1990–2019. The research employs the C‐S ARDL approach and the Tapio decoupling index to assess the decoupling status of the BRICS countries. In addition, this study applies the recently developed Juodis, Karavias, and Sarafidis Granger noncausality test for robustness. The findings offer compelling evidence of an inverted U‐shaped curve, aligning with the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis. Consequently, the results confirm the decoupling of carbon emissions in the BRICS nations. Furthermore, the Tapio decoupling elasticity index confirms different carbon decoupling statuses among the BRICS. The results show expansive negative decoupling for Brazil, weak decoupling for India and China, and strong decoupling for Russia and South Africa. In terms of policy, achieving strong decoupling status in the BRICS requires that financial institutions' lending and investing strategies align with environmental objectives. In addition, human capital development policies such as increased spending on education should be vigorously pursued to empower people to lead sustainable development projects.
Characterization of valid auxiliary functions for representations of extreme value distributions and their max‐domains of attraction
Authors: Seifert Miriam Isabel
Published: December 2023

In this paper we study two important representations for extreme value distributions and their max‐domains of attraction (MDA), namely von Mises representation (vMR) and variation representation (VR), which are convenient ways to gain limit results. Both VR and vMR are defined via so‐called auxiliary functions . Up to now, however, the set of valid auxiliary functions for vMR has neither been characterized completely nor separated from those for VR. We contribute to the current literature by introducing “universal” auxiliary functions which are valid for both VR and vMR representations for the entire MDA distribution families. Then we identify exactly the sets of valid auxiliary functions for both VR and vMR. Moreover, we propose a method for finding appropriate auxiliary functions with analytically simple structure and provide them for several important distributions.
Team‐based learning in the biblical studies classroom: Utilizing the 4S application task to promote deep learning
Authors: Flanders Denise C.
Published: December 2023

This article provides a brief overview of the instructional strategy known as team‐based learning (TBL). It then focuses specifically on the use of one of its integral components in a biblical studies classroom—namely, the “4S application task.” The 4S application task, which is one of the fundamental pieces of the learning experience in TBL, consists of the problems that small group teams of students need to solve or the decisions the teams need to reach in each class session. The title 4S refers to the fact that the problems must be characterized by the following: significant problem, same problem, specific choice, and simultaneous report. The main aim of this article is to share this engaging and generative pedagogical activity, but to do so effectively by providing some context as to how it is situated within the overarching flow and goals of a TBL approach.
Innovation as erasure: Palestine and the new regional alliances of technology
Authors: Tarvainen Antti , Challand Benoît
Published: December 2023

This article explores the growing connections between the Persian Gulf states and the heavily militarised Israeli innovation ecosystem. The Gulf actors now play an increasing role in support of Israel as a globally expanding ‘Start‐up Nation’, and are involved in transforming Palestinian land into a regional frontier of technology in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israeli‐Gulf cooperation and its impact on Palestinians, however, has not been thoroughly researched. Drawing from fieldwork among Palestinian and Israeli innovation elites, we map these growing connections between Gulf state actors and Israel and analyse how the occupied Palestinian territories are further enmeshed in complex networks of financial capitalist and settler colonial security interests. Theoretically, the paper advances the critique of the contemporary settler colonial frontier, venturing beyond its usual Eurocentric and binary geographies. We conclude that ‘innovation’ is both (a) the terrain of expanding structures of Israeli colonisation and (b) the site of productive ambivalences and novel forms of resistance in an evolving regional and global reality.
On the Study of Interference Scenario on TV Broadcast and Wireless Systems for Emergency Communication Networks in TVWS
Authors: Adebayo Adegboyega , Surajudeen-Bakinde Nazmat Toyin , Afolabi A. Segun , Usman Ayinde Mohammed , Hammed Oyebamiji Lasisi
Published: December 2023

This paper investigated frequency sharing between primary TV systems (channels 32 and 49) and Emergency Communication Networks (ECNs). The networks to be implemented in the Osogbo axis of Osun State function on a secondary geographical basis, creating no harm to the original licensed primary TV viewers. A minimum separation distance of 41 dB was suggested as the protected contour for the UHF spectrum to oversee the protection of primary TV users for the UHF bands under consideration. The effects of changing the secondary systems' transmitting power, transmission frequency, and antenna height on the service coverage distance were also explored. The performance of the UHF band was evaluated when it was utilized for secondary transmission at both low and high transmitting powers, with the performance criterion being percentage coverage distance. This work complies with the International Telecommunication Union-Radio sector (ITU-R) recommendations of 16 dB for signal-to-noise ratio and 41 dB for signal strength. It can also be deduced from the result that when the transmission power of ECN devices is raised from 40 mW to 4 W, Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) is used; it caused a 76.19% reduction in the coverage spacing for TV channels of ECN Network secondary devices. For the White Space Device (WSD) to operate in Temporal mode, the maximum allowable power (4 W) used in spatial mode should be replaced by a 76.19 per cent reduction. Additional sensing margins of 3.76 dB and 4.04 dB for channels 33 and 43 must be added to the FCC threshold limit of -114 dBm criterion for TV white spaces to assure ECN deployment without causing severe interference to TV customers.
Comparison of APF and STATCOM for Current Harmonic Mitigation
Authors: Galadima Abdulrahman Mohammed , Mohamad Idris Rasyidah
Published: December 2023

The application of solid-state electronic devices has recorded a geometric increase in the last decade. Devices such as battery charging systems, inverters, switch mode power supplies and a host of electronic-based devices referred to as non-linear loads distort the source signal (particularly the current). Harmonics distortion imposes a severe impact on the well-being of the power system. They cause excessive device heating, reduced performance efficiency, early insulation failure, decreased dynamic torque in rotating systems, etc. This paper bases a study on Active Power Filter (APF) and Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) for mitigation of these distortive harmonics in a system of 3-phase 11kV/400V, 400kVA feeding a system of non-linear loads. The study is based on the IEEE519 standard limits for current harmonics measured at the PCC. Therefore, the system short circuit ratio (SCR) is first determined. Using synchronous reference frame and instantaneous reactive power theories, the APF and STATCOM are respectively designed and run using MATLAB/Simulink software. The result analysis is obtained from the FFT signal processing toolbox of the software, and the device’s performances are evaluated based on the set standard. Results from the FFT spectra showed that the model system contains a considerable number of harmonics before filtering. However, when these devices are connected to the system, all higher-order harmonics have been minimized to the least fractions with respect to the standard, with STATCOM giving a comparatively better performance.
Enhanced FS-PTC: Dynamic Weighting Factors for Optimal Flux and Torque Control
Authors: Alik Rozana , Nik Idris Nik Rumzi , Mohamad Nordin Norjulia
Published: December 2023

Recently, Finite State-Predictive Torque Control (FS-PTC) of induction motors has gained significant interest in high-performance motor drive applications. The effectiveness of FS-PTC relies on the successful minimization of a cost function achieved by selecting an appropriate voltage vector. Typically, the cost function for FS-PTC is composed of errors between the predicted and reference values of torque and flux; hence a weighting factor, \mathbit{\lambda}, is normally employed to establish different priorities between torque and flux. However, determining the optimal is a complex undertaking, since an incorrect or suboptimal choice can needlessly compromise torque or flux responses. This paper introduces an online tuning approach for the weighting factor, based on the dynamic change of flux error. Instead of using a fixed value, the weighting factor is dynamically adjusted using a simple P or PI controller. The proposed method's performance is evaluated in this paper, considering various configurations of the controller's settings. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed technique enhances the overall torque and flux ripples across a broad range of operating speeds, surpassing the performance of the fixed value weighting factor technique.
Proposed Electrical System Design of Streetlights at Megadike Access Road
Authors: Bartolo Lester James , Manalo Danilo , Rivera Mhar Deniel , Turla Jerald , Turla John Mark , Tangcuangco Alma , Canlas Errol
Published: December 2023

Due to the absence of streetlights, it is unsafe for drivers to travel during the night in the current state of Mega Dike. The lack of streetlights causes low visibility for drivers, which is one of the major factors that causes road crashes. Thus, this study aims to propose an electrical system design of streetlights at the Mega Dike Access Road. In order to plan an electrical system design, the proponents would take in consideration the following parameters; Illumination formula for pole spacing; voltage drop calculation; economic analysis; and simulation of the system. The results will be presented in tabulated form for the respective parameters. The study examines five (5) different cases, taking into account different lamp wattages, voltage drop considerations, and cost analysis. The study would abide with the standards set by the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) and Department of Energy (DOE). The goal of the proposed streetlights is to provide additional security for drivers on the Mega Dike Access Road by improving visibility and reducing the risk of road crashes caused by low visibility. Generally, the significance of streetlights is needed in Mega Dike Access Road in order to address the issue of low visibility for drivers and improve overall road safety in the area.
On Ramanujan's lost notebook and new tenth‐order like identities for second‐, sixth‐, and eighth‐order mock theta functions
Authors: Mortenson Eric T.
Published: December 2023

Ramanujan's lost notebook contains many mock theta functions and mock theta function identities not mentioned in his last letter to Hardy. For example, we find the four tenth‐order mock theta functions and their six identities. The six identities themselves are of a spectacular nature and were first proved by Choi. We also find eight sixth‐order mock theta functions in the lost notebook, but among their many identities there is only a single relationship like those of the tenth‐orders. Using Appell function properties of Hickerson and Mortenson, we discover and prove three new identities for the sixth‐order mock theta functions that are in the spirit of the six tenth‐order identities. We also include an additional nineteen tenth‐order like identities for various combinations of second‐, sixth‐, and eighth‐order mock theta functions.
Analysis of copper metal with a K-Alpha instrument from Thermo Scientific by XPS at 60 and 200 eV pass energy
Authors: Dean Annika M. , Jafari Samira , Linford Matthew R.
Published: December 2023

Copper metal was analyzed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) using a K-Alpha instrument from Thermo Scientific that employed an Al K-alpha x-ray source (1486.6 eV). The sample was the copper standard on the instrument sample stage that was sputtered with Ar+ to remove its oxide layer and hydrocarbon contamination. Shown in this work are the survey spectrum and high-resolution Cu 2p, Cu L3M45M45, Cu 3s, Cu 3p, O 1s, C 1s, and Ar 2p narrow scans. Narrow and survey scans were collected at 60 and 200 eV pass energy, respectively.
Traveling wave thermoacoustic refrigeration with variable phase-coordinated boundary conditions
Authors: Callanan Jesse , Adlakha Revant , Mousa Mohamed , Nouh Mostafa
Published: December 2023

Thermoacoustic refrigerators exploit the thermodynamic interaction between oscillating gas particles and a porous solid to generate a temperature gradient that provides a cooling effect. In this work, we present a resonator with dual enclosed driver end-caps and show that the temperature gradient across a ceramic thermoacoustic element placed in the cavity could be controlled by modifying the phase difference of the drivers, thus enabling precise control of the refrigeration capability via the temperature difference. Through deltaec simulation results, the response of the temperature gradient to various dynamic boundary conditions that alter the time-phasing and wave dynamics in the resonator are demonstrated. An experimental apparatus is constructed with two moving-coil speakers and a ceramic stack, which is shown to exhibit a temperature gradient along its length, based on the traveling-wave-like nature of the acoustic wave excited by the speakers. By adjusting the relative phase lag between the two speakers, the temperature gradient across the stack is made to increase, decrease, or flip sign. Finally, a desired temperature difference that changes in time is achieved. The results presented in this work represent a key conceptual advancement of thermoacoustic-based temperature control devices that can better serve in extreme environments and precision applications.
Generation of Radiation on Forbidden Transitions in the Laboratory Acoustic Plasma
Authors: Abrahamyan A. S. , Mkrtchyan A. H. , Chilingaryan R. Yu.
Published: December 2023

Experimentally, under laboratory conditions in the nitrogen acoustic plasma in the region of the forbidden lines at 654.81 and 658.36 nm, a spectral emission line of high intensity was obtained (up to 17 stronger than the neighboring lines of the first positive system of nitrogen). The results were obtained both in pure low-pressure nitrogen acoustic plasma (several hundreds of Pa) and various mixtures containing nitrogen, including the CO2 : N2 : He = 1 : 1 : 8 mixture. The results obtained are explained by the acoustic plasma state of the discharge and an analog of Rahman scattering, which remove some of the quantum mechanical prohibitions. The possible influence of the Coriolis force is also considered.
Successful implementation of a quality improvement bundle to reduce opioid overprescribing following total hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Law Vivian , Cohen Daniel , Chan Bokman , Singh Shawna , Jones Caroline , Papachristos Angelo , Logan Elizabeth , Yoon Samuel , Rubio-Reyes Priscilla , Terpstra Kristen , Ward Sarah
Published: December 2023

Background

Opioid overprescribing is commonplace after total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Preliminary data demonstrated that approximately 32% of the opioids prescribed at discharge from our hospital following THA and TKA remain unused. This is a concern given that unused prescribed opioids are available for diversion and may result in misuse and abuse.

Methods

Pre-intervention data were collected between 1 November 2018 and 10 December 2018. An intervention bundle was then introduced, including education of patients and providers, a standardised pain management algorithm and an autopopulated discharge prescription. The aim of this quality improvement initiative was to reduce the amount of opioid (average oral morphine equivalents (OME)) dispensed (based on the discharge prescription provided) following THA and TKA at our institution by 15% by 1 April 2019.

Design

Using an interrupted time series design, the outcome measure was the amount of opioid (OME) dispensed from the discharge prescription provided. Process measures included the percentage of autopopulated discharge prescriptions, the percentage of patients receiving education at discharge and the percentage of nurses and residents receiving standardised education. Balancing measures included patient satisfaction with postoperative pain management, and the percentage of patients filling the second half of the part-fill or requiring a subsequent opioid prescription.

Results

With 600 patients identified, mean OME dispensed at discharge was reduced by 26.3% (from 522.2 to 384.9 mg) after our interventions started. Utilisation of autopopulated part-fill prescriptions was 95.8%. There was no change in patient satisfaction nor in the proportion of patients requiring an additional opioid prescription post-intervention. Only 39% of patients filled the second half of the part-fill prescription post-intervention.

Conclusions

Mean OME dispensed at discharge per patient was reduced with no change in patient satisfaction after introduction of the intervention bundle.
Effectiveness of pharmacogenomics on the response and remission of treatment-resistant depression: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Cheng Yu , Liu Hongmei , Yuan Ruixue , Yuan Kai , Yu Shunying
Published: December 2023

Background

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) is a promising tool to realise tailored drug therapy for depression.

Aims

To investigate the treatment efficacy of PGx for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) compared with treatment as usual.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science and PsycINFO to identify relevant studies published from inception to 15 April 2023. Two-arm randomised controlled trials (RCTs) exploring the efficacy of PGx-guided versus unguided treatment for TRD were included. The risk of bias in the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. The overall quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Results

Seven RCTs (n=3003) comparing PGx-guided (n=1492) and unguided (n=1511) groups were identified and analysed. PGx-guided treatment was superior to treatment as usual in response (relative risk (RR)=1.31; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.15 to 1.49; p<0.001) and remission (RR=1.40; 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.80; p=0.009) improvements. Effect sizes for acceptability (RR=0.90; 95% CI: 0.80 to 1.02; p=0.100) and side effect burden (RR=0.58; 95% CI: 0.29 to 1.15; p=0.120) between the two groups were not statistically different. The overall quality of evidence was rated from ‘very low’ (25%) to ‘low’ (75%) based on the GRADE criteria.

Conclusions

PGx-guided treatment has shown a small overall effect in improving the response and remission rates for patients with TRD. However, these results should be interpreted cautiously because of the few included studies and the low quality of evidence. Further high-quality clinical trials are warranted to confirm the findings.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022340182.
Sociodemographic and socioeconomic disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Belgium: a nationwide record linkage study
Authors: Cavillot Lisa , van Loenhout Joris A F , Devleesschauwer Brecht , Wyndham-Thomas Chloé , Van Oyen Herman , Ghattas Jinane , Blot Koen , Van den Borre Laura , Billuart Matthieu , Speybroeck Niko , De Pauw Robby , Stouten Veerle , Catteau Lucy , Hubin Pierre
Published: December 2023

Background

Recent studies have identified important social inequalities in SARS-CoV-2 infections and related COVID-19 outcomes in the Belgian population. The aim of our study was to investigate the sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics associated with the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine in Belgium.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the uptake of a first COVID-19 vaccine dose among 5 342 110 adults (≥18 years) in Belgium on 31 August 2021. We integrated data from four national data sources: the Belgian vaccine register (vaccination status), COVID-19 Healthdata (laboratory test results), DEMOBEL (sociodemographic/socioeconomic data) and the Common Base Register for HealthCare Actors (individuals licensed to practice a healthcare profession in Belgium). We used multivariable logistic regression analysis for identifying characteristics associated with not having obtained a first COVID-19 vaccine dose in Belgium and for each of its three regions (Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia).

Results

During the study period, 10% (536 716/5 342 110) of the Belgian adult population included in our study sample was not vaccinated with a first COVID-19 vaccine dose. A lower COVID-19 vaccine uptake was found among young individuals, men, migrants, single parents, one-person households and disadvantaged socioeconomic groups (with lower levels of income and education, unemployed). Overall, the sociodemographic and socioeconomic disparities were comparable for all regions.

Conclusions

The identification of sociodemographic and socioeconomic disparities in COVID-19 vaccination uptake is critical to develop strategies guaranteeing a more equitable vaccination coverage of the Belgian adult population.
Conceptual anatomy of the female genitalia using text mining and implications for patient care
Authors: Thong Carmen , Doyle Alexis
Published: December 2023

This article analyses the conceptual histories of words associated with female genital parts to explore how they may affect the lived experience of people with these parts and the quality of gynaecological care they receive. Specifically, we examine the implications of using the word ‘vagina’ to replace the word ‘vulva’, or indeed to indicate the entire female genitalia. This article does so through an analysis of existing scholarly work and through text mining methods such as word frequencies, most distinctive word collocates and word-embeddings drawn from literary and women’s magazine corpora. We find that words indicating specific female genital parts are very infrequently mentioned in our corpora, which shows that there is a troubling lack of exposure and education in our socio-cultural context when it comes to the female genital anatomy. When they are mentioned, their usage reflects historical and patriarchal associations that have been primarily attached to the word ‘vagina’. When it comes to the ‘vagina’ and ‘vulva’, the penis is the most prevalent association by far; whereas the most commonly occurring female genital parts are parts to do with reproduction—reinforcing a long-standing and disproportionate emphasis on the female genitalia’s reproductive function. Our research also reveals a concerning emphasis on non-evidence-based female hygiene products, thus perpetuating the damaging stereotype of the dirty vagina. These findings may explain many negative patient outcomes such as stigma attached to seeking out timely gynaecological care, lack of informed medical consent and non-evidence-based practices exacerbated by problematic cultural depictions of the female genitalia. They can also explain the neglect of female sexual agency, pleasure and well-being. Understanding historical and contemporary usages of words for the female genitalia has important implications for the quality of patient care today and is a critical component of gender and reproductive justice.
“I think we can do without [tobacco]”: support for policies to end the tobacco epidemic among California adolescents
Authors: Chaffee Benjamin W , Donaldson Candice D , Couch Elizabeth T , Andersen-Rodgers Elizabeth , Guerra Claudia , Cheng Nancy F , Ameli Niloufar , Stupplebeen David , Farooq Omara , Wilkinson Monica , Gansky Stuart , Zhang Xueying , Hoeft Kristin
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The tobacco endgame, policies aiming to end the commercial tobacco epidemic, requires sustained public support, including among youth. We assessed endgame support among California (USA) adolescents, including their reasons and associated participant and policy-specific factors.

Methods

Teens, Nicotine and Tobacco Project online surveys (n=4827) and focus groups were conducted in 2021 and 2022 among California residents aged 12–17 years. Cross-sectional survey participants were asked their agreement level with eight policy statements related to tobacco and/or cannabis sales restrictions, use in public places and use in multiunit housing. Ordered logistic regression modelled level of agreement according to respondent characteristics, behaviours and statement content. Qualitative data were collected through focus groups (n=51 participants), which were analysed to provide insight into support for different policies.

Results

Most survey participants agreed or strongly agreed with tobacco product sales restrictions (72%–75%, depending on the policy), bans on use in public spaces (76%–82%) and smoke-free (79%) and vape-free (74%) apartment buildings. Support was stronger among younger, female, Asian and tobacco non-using participants and for policies directed at ‘tobacco’ (vs ‘vapes’ or cannabis), at flavoured tobacco (compared with all tobacco), and when statements featured ‘should end’ (vs ‘not allowed’). Focus group participants who were supportive viewed policies as protecting children from harmful products, while those less supportive cited concerns about limiting adults’ freedoms and unintended consequences.

Conclusions

Most participants supported strong tobacco control policies. Public communication that promotes broader endgame benefits besides protecting youth and accelerates industry denormalisation may counter youth concerns and further bolster their support.
Elevated ferritin, mediated by IL-18 is associated with systemic inflammation and mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Authors: Mehta Puja , Samanta Romit J , Wick Katherine , Coll Rebecca C , Mawhinney Thea , McAleavey Patrick G , Boyle Andrew J , Conlon John , Shankar-Hari Manu , Rogers Angela , Calfee Carolyn S , Matthay Michael A , Summers Charlotte , Chambers Rachel Clare , McAuley Daniel Francis , O'Kane Cecilia M
Published: December 2023

Background

Inflammatory subphenotypes have been identified in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Hyperferritinaemia in sepsis is associated with hyperinflammation, worse clinical outcomes, and may predict benefit with immunomodulation. Our aim was to determine if raised ferritin identified a subphenotype in patients with ARDS.

Methods

Baseline plasma ferritin concentrations were measured in patients with ARDS from two randomised controlled trials of simvastatin (Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibition with Simvastatin in Acute Lung Injury to Reduce Pulmonary Dysfunction-2 (HARP-2); discovery cohort, UK) and neuromuscular blockade (ROSE; validation cohort, USA). Results were analysed using a logistic regression model with restricted cubic splines, to determine the ferritin threshold associated with 28-day mortality.

Results

Ferritin was measured in 511 patients from HARP-2 (95% of patients enrolled) and 847 patients (84% of patients enrolled) from ROSE. Ferritin was consistently associated with 28-day mortality in both studies and following a meta-analysis, a log-fold increase in ferritin was associated with an OR 1.71 (95% CI 1.01 to 2.90) for 28-day mortality. Patients with ferritin >1380 ng/mL (HARP-2 28%, ROSE 24%) had a significantly higher 28-day mortality and fewer ventilator-free days in both studies. Mediation analysis, including confounders (acute physiology and chronic health evaluation-II score and ARDS aetiology) demonstrated a statistically significant contribution of interleukin (IL)-18 as an intermediate pathway between ferritin and mortality.

Conclusions

Ferritin is a clinically useful biomarker in ARDS and is associated with worse patient outcomes. These results provide support for prospective interventional trials of immunomodulatory agents targeting IL-18 in this hyperferritinaemic subgroup of patients with ARDS.
Bernstein spectral method for quasinormal modes and other eigenvalue problems
Authors: Fortuna Sean , Vega Ian
Published: December 2023

Spectral methods are now common in the solution of ordinary differential eigenvalue problems in a wide variety of fields, such as in the computation of black hole quasinormal modes. Most of these spectral codes are based on standard Chebyshev, Fourier, or some other orthogonal basis functions. In this work we highlight the usefulness of a relatively unknown set of non-orthogonal basis functions, known as Bernstein polynomials, and their advantages for handling boundary conditions in ordinary differential eigenvalue problems. We also report on a new user-friendly package, called , that implements Berstein-polynomial-based pseudospectral routines for eigenvalue problems. We demonstrate the functionalities of the package by applying it to a number of model problems in quantum mechanics and to the problem of computing scalar and gravitational quasinormal modes in a Schwarzschild background. We validate our code against some known results and achieve excellent agreement. Compared to continued-fraction or series methods, global approximation methods are particularly well-suited for computing purely imaginary modes such as the algebraically special modes for Schwarzschild gravitational perturbations.
Physical therapy exercises for improving intermittent exotropia control post-strabismus surgery: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Wahid Amany R. Abdel , Taher Sameh G. , Mohamed Ayah Mohmoud , Atef Doaa
Published: December 2023

Background: Exotropia control is deteriorated by post-strabismus surgery in many cases. Improving this control is considered as an important factor for success of the strabismus surgery like ocular motor alignment.

Objective: To determine the therapeutic effect of postoperative eye exercises on exodeviation eye control after the strabismus surgery.

Methods: Forty patients suffering from intermittent exotropia after strabismus surgery were randomly divided into experimental group and control groups. Both groups received the usual medical care, while the experimental group received different types of eye exercises using physiotherapy modalities in 24 sessions over three months (two sessions a week). The measurement of exotropia control for near target and far target using the office-based scale was done before and after the treatment.

Results: There was a significant improvement in near eye control post-treatment ([Formula: see text]) in the experimental group compared with control group ([Formula: see text]) as the mean difference was −3.20 and 95% CI of the difference between them was −3.645–−2.755 with [Formula: see text]. Also, far eye control improved post-treatment in the experimental group ([Formula: see text]) compared with control group ([Formula: see text]) with mean difference of −3.250 and 95% CI of the difference between them was −3.727–−2.773 with [Formula: see text].

Conclusions: For patients with intermittent exotropia who had undergone strabismus surgery, the addition of physiotherapy exercises for the eye provided significant improvements in exotropia control for near target and far target.
Threshold dynamics of a reaction-advection-diffusion waterborne disease model with seasonality and human behavior change
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Xiaotong , Fan Xiaoting
Published: December 2023

To investigate the effects of environmental pollution and human behavior change on waterborne diseases, we propose a reaction-advection-diffusion waterborne disease model with a general boundary condition, which incorporates human hosts and reservoir aquatic of pathogen. We identify the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] and discuss its asymptotic properties. We prove its threshold role: if [Formula: see text], the disease-free periodic solution is globally attractive; if [Formula: see text], the model system is uniformly persistent; if [Formula: see text], the disease-free steady state is globally asymptotically stable without the advection term, in which the proof is quite challenging due to human behavior change.
Traveling waves of modified Leslie–Gower predator–prey systems
Authors: Li Hongliang , Zhao Min , Yuan Rong
Published: December 2023

This paper focuses on the spreading phenomena within modified Leslie–Gower reaction–diffusion predator–prey systems. Our main objective is to investigate the existence of two distinct types of traveling waves. Specifically, with the aid of the upper and lower solution methods, we establish the existence of traveling waves connecting the prey-present state and the coexistence state or the prey-present state and the prey-free state by constructing different and appropriate Lyapunov functions. Moreover, for traveling wave connecting the prey-present state and the prey-free state, more information about the monotonicity of the wave profile can be obtained by analyzing its asymptotic behavior at negative infinity. Finally, our results are applied to modified Leslie–Gower system with Holling-II type functional response or Lotka–Volterra type functional response, and a novel Lyapunov function is constructed for the latter, which further enhances our results. Meanwhile, some numerical simulations are carried out to support our results.
Dynamical behavior of a stochastic COVID-19 model with two Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes and saturated incidence rates
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Li Zhiming
Published: December 2023

According to the transmission characteristics of COVID-19, this paper proposes a stochastic SAIRS epidemic model with two mean reversion Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes and saturated incidence rates. We first prove the existence and uniqueness of the global solution in the stochastic model. Using several suitable Lyapunov methods, we then derive the extinction and persistence of COVID-19 under certain conditions. Further, stationary distribution and ergodic properties are obtained. Moreover, we obtain the probability density function of the stochastic model around the equilibrium. Numerical simulations illustrate our theoretical results and the effect of essential parameters. Finally, we apply the model to investigate the latest outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic in Guangzhou city, China.
Some qualitative analyses on a vegetation-water model with cross-diffusion and internal competition
Authors: Guo Gaihui , Niu Anna , Cao Qian , Yang Lixin
Published: December 2023

This paper is concerned with a vegetation-water model with cross-diffusion and intra-plant competitive feedback under Neumann boundary conditions. First, we found that the equilibrium with small vegetation density is always unstable, and if the cross-diffusion coefficient is suitably large, the equilibrium with relatively large vegetation density loses its stability, and Turing instability occurs. A priori estimates of positive steady-state solutions are also established by the maximum principle of elliptic equations. Moreover, some qualitative analyses on the steady-state bifurcations for both simple and double eigenvalues are conducted in detail. Space decomposition and the implicit function theorem are used for double eigenvalues. In particular, the global continuation is obtained, and the result shows that there is at least one non-constant positive steady-state solution when cross-diffusion is large. Finally, numerical simulations are provided to prove and supplement theoretic research results, and some vegetation patterns with the increase of the soil water diffusion feedback intensity are formed, where the transition appears: gap [Formula: see text] stripe [Formula: see text] spot.
A Simple Application of a Trigonometric Inequality to the Relativistic Doppler Effect
Authors: Benedetto Elmo , D’Errico Luca , Feoli Antonio , Iannella Antonella Lucia
Published: December 2023

In recent years, the special theory of relativity (SR) has been included in high school curricula in almost all countries. In addition to the classic demonstrations of the relativity of time and lengths, another interesting relativistic phenomenon that is shown, is the transverse Doppler effect. Obviously it is not possible to rigorously prove, at the high school level, the final relation but, from it, we have analyzed some physical consequences using trigonometry. In this paper, which has a didactic aim, we summarize one of our lessons held during some of the in-depth lectures on relativity that we often organize for high school students in our area.
Some Interesting Facts About Planck’s Law of Blackbody Radiation
Authors: Gupta Anuradha , Jain Deepak
Published: December 2023

Introductory textbooks of Modern and Thermal Physics discuss the Planck radiation law as a backbone of the blackbody radiation spectrum. This law is used to explain the intensity of blackbody radiation as a function of either frequency or wavelength at a given temperature. In the introductory coursework, the Planck’s formula is also used to study other blackbody radiation laws such as Stefans–Boltzmann law, Wien’s Displacement law, Rayleigh–Jeans Law and Wien’s Distribution law. In this work, we highlight some interesting facts related to the total energy density, photon number density and average energy of photon of blackbody radiation. The main objective of this work is to focus on the lesser known features associated with physics of blackbody radiation. We believe that these simple analytic calculations may give very useful and interesting information about the Planck radiation law to the undergraduate students.
Does vaping increase the likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 infection? Paradoxically yes and no
Authors: Phandthong Rattapol , Wong Man , Song Ann , Martinez Teresa , Talbot Prue
Published: December 2023

Data on the relationship between electronic cigarettes (ECs) and SARS-CoV-2 infection are limited and contradictory. We investigated the impact of EC aerosols and their ingredients on SARS-CoV-2 infection of human bronchial epithelial cells. Our data show that specific ingredients in EC aerosols impact the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Propylene glycol (PG)/vegetable glycerin (VG) alone or PG/VG plus nicotine enhanced infection through different mechanisms, whereas benzoic acid in JUUL aerosols mitigated the increased infection caused by these ingredients.
A Postquantum Linkable Ring Signature Scheme from Coding Theory
Authors: Liu Xindong , Wang Li-Ping
Published: December 2023

Linkable ring signatures (LRSs) are ring signatures with the extended property that a verifier can detect whether two messages were signed by the same ring member. LRSs play an important role in many application scenarios such as cryptocurrency and confidential transactions. The first code-based LRS scheme was put forward in 2018. However, this scheme was pointed out to be insecure. In this paper, we put forward a code-based LRS scheme by constructing a new Stern-like interactive protocol and prove that it meets the security requirements of LRSs. We also give the specific parameters and the performance on the platform of our scheme.
Stigma towards Chronically Ill Patients among Healthcare Workers Caring for COVID-19 Patients during the Outbreak in Jordan
Authors: Abuhammad Sawsan , Alzoubi Karem H. , Al-Azzam Sayer , Alshogran Osama , Mehrass Amat-Alkhaleq , Bany Amer Zahra’a , Suliman Maram , Ikhrewish Rawan , Abu Alrub Sarah
Published: December 2023

Objectives. This study aims to examine the stigma among HCWs towards chronically ill patients and to determine the predictors of stigma among HCWs for these patients. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted among HCWs in Jordan. The HCWs included in the study were all above the age of 18 years and were involved with the care of COVID-19 patients. An anonymous online survey was disseminated to participants and included questions about demographic and work characteristics. Stigma was assessed based on a modified stigma-related questionnaire for COVID-19 patients. Results. A total of 686 surveys were collected and analyzed. The prevalence of stigma among HCWs towards chronic patients was 20%. Years of experience (B = −0.157 and P=0.017) and number of children for HCWs (B = 0.149 and P=0.016) are considered predictors for stigma towards chronic ill patients. As the years of experience increase, the stigma level decreases. Also, HCWs with more children show more stigma towards chronic illness patients. Moreover, there are no differences between HCWs from different specialties in stigma towards chronically ill patients. Conclusion and Implication. The findings of this study show some type of stigma towards patients with chronic disease by HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, the present study may highlight the needs to develop an intervention that minimizes stigmatization and provides psychosocial support to HCWs.
Clinical Implications of the Lung Ultrasound Score in Patients after Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Authors: Zhang Yi-Ling , Yang Zhou , Cao Jie , Bai Yu-Long , Fang Chun-Yun , Wang Wei
Published: December 2023

Background. Lung ultrasound score (LUS) is a clinical index used to measure lung injury, but its clinical value in patients after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) remains relatively unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical value of LUS in patients after CPR. Methods. This retrospective study included a total of 34 patients older than 18 years with a nontraumatic cause of in-hospital cardiac arrest, who received standard resuscitation and achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). All patients underwent bedside lung ultrasound examination within half an hour once ROSC was achieved, and LUSs were calculated. The study included patient death as the endpoint event. Results. Compared with the group with lower LUSs, the patients with higher LUSs had a lower oxygenation index, longer duration of CPR, and lower 72 h survival rate. The initial LUS had good clinical value in predicting the secondary outcomes of CPR (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.353, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.018–1.797, and P = 0.037) and 72 h survival rate of patients who underwent CPR (aOR: 1.145, 95% CI: 1.014–1.294, and P = 0.029). Conclusions. LUS was shown to be helpful and had a prognostic value in patients after CPR.
Short-Term Benefit from Core Stabilization Exercises in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Sun Peng , Liu Dagang , Cheng Ruidong , Zhang Jie , Zhao Kun , Ye Xiangming , Lai Junmei , Wen Wanshun
Published: December 2023

Background. Idiopathic scoliosis may affect adolescents’ physical development. This systematic review and meta-analysis determined the effectiveness of core stabilization exercises in improving clinical symptoms of idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents. Methods. We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase for randomized controlled studies investigating core stabilization exercise and idiopathic scoliosis. Two investigators independently extracted data based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the quality of the selected literature and we performed a meta-analysis to assess the clinical utility of core stabilization exercise for the improvement of patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 statistic. Results. This systematic review and meta-analysis included 9 studies. Three of the studies revealed that core stabilization exercise improved Cobb’s angle (SMD: −1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): (−1.41, −0.72), and P < 0.001) in adolescents’ idiopathic scoliosis, but the subgroup analysis showed no significant difference in Cobb’s angle in the thoracic and lumbar segments (SMD: −0.25, 95% CI: (−0.55, 0.04), and P=0.89). In the angle of trunk rotation subgroup analyses (SMD: 0.35, 95% CI: (−0.01, 0.72), and P=0.33), there was no significant difference before and after core stabilization exercise treatment. Conclusions. The results showed a very short-term effect of core stabilization exercise on patients with idiopathic scoliosis. However, this study contains a relatively short period of research and more long-term research is needed in the future to support this conclusion.
Comparison of Ticagrelor and Clopidogrel in Elective Coronary Stenting: A Double Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Mehdizadeh Parizi Mohammadjavad , Golchin Vafa Reza , Ahmadi Amin , Heydarzade Reza , Sadeghi Mehrdad , Khademolhossseini Amin , Amiri Farhang , Khoshnood Mansorkhani Soroush , Tavan Ali , Hosseini Nazanin , Montaseri Mohammad , Hosseini Seyed Ali , Kojuri Javad
Published: December 2023

Background. Dual antiplatelet therapy with a P2Y12 inhibitor (e.g., clopidogrel and ticagrelor) and aspirin is recommended for at least one year after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to prevent further myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis as the major adverse effects of PCI. Methods. This randomized clinical trial was conducted from October 2022 to March 2023. Patients who had undergone elective PCI were included in the study. Patients were randomized into two different groups. One group took ASA 80 mg and clopidogrel 75 mg once daily, while the other took ASA 80 mg once daily and ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily. After six months of close follow-up, patients were asked to score their dyspnea on a 10-point Likert scale. They were also asked about dyspnea on exertion, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND), bleeding, and the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Results. 223 patients were allocated to the clopidogrel group and 214 to the ticagrelor group. In the ticagrelor group, 95 patients (44.3%) reported dyspnea at rest, compared with only 44 patients (19.7%) in the clopidogrel group (P < 0.001). MACEs occurred in 7 patients (2.8%) in the ticagrelor group, compared with 16 (7.6%) in the clopidogrel group (P = 0.031). Eight patients (3.8%) reported bleeding with ticagrelor, as did seven (3.2%) with clopidogrel (P = 0.799). Conclusions. New-onset dyspnea was recorded more frequently with ticagrelor than clopidogrel, yet fewer MACEs occurred with ticagrelor (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT05858918).