bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient perspectives on knowledge gaps in hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Authors: Varadarajan Janani , Edgar Armani , O'Beirne Ronan , Paul Tessy K , Krishnan Jamuna K , Kaner Robert , Safford Monika M , Aronson Kerri
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Responding to prior research findings that lack of knowledge about their disease impacted patients’ quality of life, the objective of this study was to identify and prioritise information gaps about hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) from the perspective of patients living with the disease.

Design

This study used the nominal group technique, a semiquantitative and qualitative method to identify stakeholder priorities.

Setting

Virtual group sessions were conducted in an academic medical centre in the USA.

Participants

21 patients diagnosed with HP participated in this study. Participants were eligible if they spoke English and had access to the internet and were excluded if they had cognitive impairment.

Results

The patient statements were grouped into seven themes that were prioritised by participants in the following order: (1) natural history and prognosis; (2) current treatment options and therapeutic research; (3) epidemiology and aetiology of HP; (4) living well with HP; (5) origin and management of symptoms; (6) identifying and mitigating exposures and (7) methods of educating patients, clinicians and others about HP.

Conclusions

This study provides an understanding of patients’ prioritisation of knowledge gaps in HP to inform targeted educational interventions and provide avenues for future research.
Impact ofHelicobacter pylorion immunotherapy in gastric cancer
Authors: Li Jing , Wu Zenghong , Lin Rong
Published: October 2024

This study reviews the contrasting finding regarding the impact ofHelicobacter pyloriinfection on the efficacy of immunotherapy in gastric cancer (GC). While a large retrospective study reported a positive association betweenH. pyloriinfection and progression-free survival (PFS)/overall survival (OS) in patients with GC undergoing PD-1/PD-L1 therapy, previous studies had given rise to a contrary outcome. Potential explanations of the inconsistency include the divergent immune responses induced by differentH. pyloristatus (current infection, postinfection and negative status) directly, as well as the indirect influence of gut microbiota alterations. Tumor molecular subtypes, particularly Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection status, may also play a role in the discrepancy by altering the profile of immune infiltration. However, data on EBV status are absent in studies showingH. pyloriinfection as an unfavorable factor for GC immunotherapy. Moreover, a combined positive score (CPS) <1 might exert a positive influence, as more patients with CPS<1 enrolled in the study reported a positive association betweenH. pyloriinfection and immunotherapy. The review highlights the need for further research to clarify the complex interplay betweenH. pyloriinfection, immune response, and immunotherapy efficacy in GC, aiming to develop more targeted and personalized treatment strategies.
Digital biomarkers for psoriatic arthritis: a qualitative focus group study on patient-perceived opportunities and barriers
Authors: de Groot Patty , Wagenaar Wendy , Foolen Jasper , Tchetverikov Ilja , Goekoop-Ruiterman Yvonne P.M. , Vis Marijn , Kok Marc R. , Coates Laura C. , Luime Jolanda J.
Published: October 2024

Objectives

The widespread adoption of wearables, for example, smartphones and smartwatches in the daily lives of the general population, allows passive monitoring of physiological and behavioural data in the real world. This qualitative study explores the perspective of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients towards these so-called digital biomarkers (dBMs).

Methods

As part of a Design Thinking approach, six focus groups were conducted involving 27 PsA patients. The semistructured topic guide included disease activity, coping strategies, care needs, and potential advantages and disadvantages of dBMs. Thematic analysis followed an abductive coding method.

Results

PsA daily permeates patients’ lives, both physically and mentally. Participants discussed how their lives are focused on minimising the impact of the disease on their daily routines. Their attempts to gain control over their disease highly depend on trial and error. Flare-ups are related to physiological as well as behavioural micro and macro changes. Understanding these changes could enable the detection of (early) flare. Participants elicited pros and cons of the use of dBMs, discussed their intended use and made practical remarks. This led to three main themes: ‘Perceived dBM opportunities’, ‘Mapping Disease activity’ and ‘Perceived dBM barriers and pitfalls’.

Conclusion

PsA patients are receptive to dBMs for tracking the disease symptoms. Disease activity is regarded multifaceted and thus, dBMs should include a broad range of features to truly reflect the disease activity status. Reducing the time of trial and error in learning to manage the disease is regarded beneficial. Establishing and maintaining the relationship with their attending physicians is a prerequisite, even if remote patient monitoring becomes an alternative for some physical hospital visits.
Study of lepton flavor universality and angular distributions in $$D\rightarrow K^*_{J} (\rightarrow K\pi )\ell \nu _{\ell }$$
Authors: Huang Fei , Xu Ji
Published: October 2024

The decay of the D meson into multibody final states is a complex process that provides valuable insights into the fundamental interactions within the Standard Model of particle physics. This study focuses on the decay cascade $$D^{+}\rightarrow K^{*}_{J} \ell ^{+}\nu \rightarrow K^{\pm }\pi ^{\mp } \ell ^{+}\nu $$

D
+

→

K
J

∗

ℓ
+

ν
→

K
±

π
∓

ℓ
+

ν

where the $$K^*_J$$

K
J
∗

resonance encompasses the $$K^*(892),K^{*}(1410),K^{*}_0(1430)$$

K
∗

(
892
)

,

K

∗

(
1410
)

,

K
0

∗

(
1430
)

states. We employ the helicity amplitude technique to derive the angular distributions for the decay chain, enabling the extraction of one-dimensional and two-dimensional distributions. Utilizing form factors for the $$D\rightarrow K^*$$

D
→

K
∗

transition derived from the quark model, we calculate the differential and integrated partial decay widths, explicitly considering the electron and muon masses. Decay branching fractions are calculated, the ratios of the branching fractions are found to be $$\frac{\mathcal {B}r(D^{+}\rightarrow K^{*}(892)(\rightarrow K ^{-}\pi ^{+}) \, \mu ^{+}\nu _{\mu })}{\mathcal {B}r(D^{+}\rightarrow K^{*}(892)(\rightarrow K ^{-}\pi ^{+}) \, e^{+}\nu _{e})} = 0.975$$

B
r
(

D
+

→

K

∗

(
892
)

(
→

K
-

π
+

)

μ
+

ν
μ

)

B
r
(

D
+

→

K

∗

(
892
)

(
→

K
-

π
+

)

e
+

ν
e

)

=
0.975

, $$\frac{\mathcal {B}r(D^{+}\rightarrow K^{*}(1410)(\rightarrow K ^{-}\pi ^{+}) \, \mu ^{+}\nu _{\mu })}{\mathcal {B}r(D^{+}\rightarrow K^{*}(1410)(\rightarrow K ^{-}\pi ^{+}) \, e^{+}\nu _{e})} = 0.714$$

B
r
(

D
+

→

K

∗

(
1410
)

(
→

K
-

π
+

)

μ
+

ν
μ

)

B
r
(

D
+

→

K

∗

(
1410
)

(
→

K
-

π
+

)

e
+

ν
e

)

=
0.714

and $$\frac{\mathcal {B}r(D^{+}\rightarrow K^{*}_{0}(1430)(\rightarrow K ^{+}\pi ^{-}) \, \mu ^{+}\nu _{\mu })}{\mathcal {B}r(D^{+}\rightarrow K^{*}_{0}(1430)(\rightarrow K ^{+}\pi ^{-}) \, e^{+}\nu _{e})} = 0.774$$

B
r
(

D
+

→

K
0

∗

(
1430
)

(
→

K
+

π
-

)

μ
+

ν
μ

)

B
r
(

D
+

→

K
0

∗

(
1430
)

(
→

K
+

π
-

)

e
+

ν
e

)

=
0.774

. Results in this work will serve a calibration for the study of $$c \rightarrow s $$

c
→
s

in D meson decays in future and provide useful information towards the understanding of the properties of the $$K^{*}$$

K

∗

meson, as well as $$K \pi $$

K
π

system.
Theoretical insights and implications of bouncing cosmology in $$f(\mathcal {R},\textrm{T}^2)$$ theory
Authors: Sharif M. , Gul M. Zeeshan , Hashim I.
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we explore cosmological bouncing solutions to investigate the cosmic evolution in the framework of energy-momentum squared gravity. We consider flat Friedmann–Robertson–Walker spacetime with a perfect matter distribution. We assume two different functional forms of $$f(\mathcal {R},T^2)$$

f
(
R
,

T
2

)

gravity model to examine the impact of this modified framework in the evolution of the universe. Furthermore, we consider a specific scale factor to investigate different cosmological parameters, analyzing the evolutionary behavior of the universe in this gravity. We also perform stability analysis using the perturbation technique. Our findings indicate that the null energy condition violates at the bounce point and equation of state parameter exhibits characteristics of a quintessence era or phantom regimes. These aspects highlight the complex interplay between energy conditions and stability in bouncing cosmological model. We conclude that the $$f(\mathcal {R},T^2)$$

f
(
R
,

T
2

)

theory successfully provides viable alternatives to the standard cosmological scenarios, offering insights into the early universe and the nature of gravity.
Analysing the Factors Impacting the Mindfulness and Wellbeing of Faculty Members of Arts and Science Self-Financing Colleges in Kerala
Authors: Kumar Aiswarya V. , Velmurugan V. P.
Published: October 2024

Teaching in the modern academic environment is more complex, which makes it necessary to examine the challenges Kerala’s self-finance institutions arts and science institutes’ staff members are experiencing. This study investigates workplace stress among academic staff in self-financing arts and science institutes in Kerala. It analyses stress management techniques, including wellbeing initiatives and emotional intelligence training, and identifies the main stressors based on knowledge management (KM). The goal of the study is to improve faculty members’ performance and wellbeing in these institutions by providing information regarding relevant stress-reduction techniques that are specific to KM. The factors causing workplace stress have been measured as (a) demographic factors, (b) institutional factors and (c) psychological factors. Also, the stress management activities for the faculty members were considered a wellbeing programme, emotional intelligence, training and development. Initially, data collection was performed and 156 faculty members worked in arts and science self-financing colleges of the Kerala district. For a survey, in accordance with the proposed hypothesis, a systematic questionnaire has been created and sent to the faculty members who operate in Kerala. Moreover, statistical tests were performed on the gathered data using structural equation modelling (SEM) techniques. This investigation has revealed the characteristics that affect the faculty and staff working for an organisation in terms of workplace stress and excellent fit. The findings reveal that demographic demographics, institutional issues and stress management strategies influence faculty members in Kerala’s arts and self-finance colleges.
Investigating Eulerian Characteristics in Soft Directed Graphs
Authors: Jose Jinta , George Bobin , Thumbakara Rajesh K.
Published: October 2024

The introduction of soft set theory represented a crucial advancement in establishing a thorough mathematical structure for handling uncertain data. Currently, numerous researchers are integrating this theory to address decision-making challenges. Within graph theory, a directed graph consists of vertices linked by directed edges, or arcs. The incorporation of soft set concepts into directed graphs leads to the formation of soft directed graphs. These graphs offer a parameterized perspective on directed graphs. This study delves into the examination of Eulerian properties within soft directed graphs.
Stability of Uncertain Delay Differential Equations via Lyapunov Direct and Fixed Point Methods
Authors: Roomi Vahid , Ahmadi Hamid Reza
Published: October 2024

The aim of this paper is to study the stability of the solutions of some uncertain delay (integro) differential equations under different conditions. In this regard, applying the Lyapunov direct method and fixed point technique, some sufficient conditions will be presented for the stability of a linear scalar uncertain delay differential equation. In some other cases that the conditions make it difficult to define a Lyapunov function, the stability problem will be studied only by fixed point method.
Tariffs, Growth and Non-Tariff Transport Costs
Authors: Johdo Wataru
Published: October 2024

This paper examines the impact of unilateral tariff increases on the world growth rate using a two-country endogenous growth model when firms are internationally mobile, technical knowledge in research and development is an international public good, and iceberg transport costs are not subject to tariffs. In this paper, we find that a unilateral tariff increase in one country raises or lowers the world growth rate, depending on the degree of elasticity of substitution between any two differentiated goods and the share of firms owned by the country that raised tariffs.
Backdoor Attacks in Peer-to-Peer Federated Learning
Authors: Syros Georgios , Yar Gokberk , Boboila Simona , Nita-Rotaru Cristina , Oprea Alina
Published: October 2024

Most machine learning applications rely on centralized learning processes, opening up the risk of exposure of their training datasets. While federated learning (FL) mitigates to some extent these privacy risks, it relies on a trusted aggregation server for training a shared global model. Recently, new distributed learning architectures based on Peer-to-Peer Federated Learning (P2PFL) offer advantages in terms of both privacy and reliability. Still, their resilience to poisoning attacks during training has not been investigated. In this article, we propose new backdoor attacks for P2PFL that leverage structural graph properties to select the malicious nodes, and achieve high attack success, while remaining stealthy. We evaluate our attacks under various realistic conditions, including multiple graph topologies, limited adversarial visibility of the network, and clients with non-IID data. Finally, we show the limitations of existing defenses adapted from FL and design a new defense that successfully mitigates the backdoor attacks, without an impact on model accuracy.
On the Parasitic Surface Adsorption of Pyrrolidinium and Phosphonium-based Ionic Liquids Preventing Accurate Differential Capacitance Measurements
Authors: Fraysse Kilian S. , Huang Lixu , Li Hua , Atkin Rob , Padua Agilio , Armand Michel , Howlett Patrick C. , Forsyth Maria
Published: October 2024

Differential capacitance measurements are known to provide vital information regarding electrical double layer charging as well as interfacial structuring of ionic liquids and ionic liquid-based electrolytes. Several hurdles have prevented these types of measurements from becoming widely used, including the fact that there exists no real consensus as to how the measurement needs to be performed and the results analyzed. To add to the difficulty, some ionic liquids are known to display a hysteresis process, thus inducing measurement variabilities. In this report, we study pyrrolidinium and phosphonium-based ionic liquid electrolytes and show that hysteresis processes indeed exist and that these are mostly the consequence of cationic adsorption on the surface. Atomic force microscopy experiments reveal that pyrrolidinium-based systems display a much denser degree of ionic compaction at the interface, compared to the phosphonium-based systems, a fact that we correlate with the much more intense hysteresis measured in pyrrolidinium-based systems. We further propose a new method for the measurement of differential capacitance and compare it with other methods in use. It is found that the proposed method allows to minimize hysteresis phenomena, thereby leading to better accuracy.
Investigation of Mechanical Stresses in SiC/Porous-Si Heterostructure
Authors: Kidalov V. V. , Revenko A. S. , Duleba D. , Redko R. A. , Assmann M. , Gudimenko A. I. , Johnson R. P.
Published: October 2024

This study presents an investigation into the properties of SiC/por-Si structures obtained by the method of coordinated substitution of atoms (MCSA). Experimentally, it was determined that during the formation of the SiC layer, the ordered mesoporous structure of the silicon substrate is significantly altered. The morphology and structure of the samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, and further characterization of the heterostructure was carried out via glancing angle X-ray diffraction. The mechanical stresses in the SiC/por-Si heterostructure were experimentally determined using both X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Finite element modeling was also used to assess the mechanical stresses in the obtained SiC/por-Si structure with the aim of establishing a correlation between theoretical and experimental data.
Deep phenotyping of pulmonary edema and pulmonary vascular permeability in COVID-19 ARDS
Authors: Schippers Job R. , Atmowihardjo Leila N. , Duijvelaar Erik , Knaap Lars G. , Netea Mihai G. , Meijboom Lilian J. , Bos Lieuwe D. J. , Bogaard Harm Jan , Aman Jurjan
Published: October 2024

This study is unique in that it phenotypes pulmonary edema in COVID-19 ARDS using various clinical parameters and biomarkers. First, there is a noteworthy tipping point in the amount of pulmonary edema at which ventilatory and clinical parameters deteriorate. Second, chest CT gives a good approximation of the amount of pulmonary edema. Finally, pulmonary vascular permeability is strongly reflected by inflammatory plasma proteins.
Enhanced lung endothelial glycolysis is implicated in the development of severe pulmonary hypertension in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Zheng Qiuyu , Cabrera Jody Tori O. , Tsuji-Hosokawa Atsumi , Ramirez Francisco J. , Cai Hua , Yuan Jason X. -J. , Wang Jian , Makino Ayako
Published: October 2024

Increasing evidence shows that diabetes exacerbates the progression of pulmonary hypertension; however, its molecular mechanisms are understudied. In this study, we revealed that augmented glycolysis in diabetic pulmonary endothelial cells is involved in the development of severe PH in diabetes. Inhibition of glycolysis could be a therapeutic strategy for treating pulmonary hypertension in patients with diabetes.
Microstructural Changes, Tensile, and Hardness Behaviour of Welded Ti‐6Al‐4V Plates
Authors: Dewangan Saurabh , Mohite Shlok , Bhadoriya Yash , Agarwal Ayush , Paul Adhir Chandra
Published: October 2024

In this work, Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy was joined by tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding and the plates were undergone through optical microscopy test, elemental study, tensile test, hardness test, and fractographic observation. Plate‐A, with low value of current input, possesses α + β bimodal structure at BM, acicular martensite at HAZ, and Widmanstätten structure with a low amount of martensite at the WZ. Plate‐B, with comparatively higher value of current during welding, possesses similar structure at the BM. The HAZ area was comparatively lesser with significant martensite formation, and the WZ contains considerable formation of Widmanstätten structure. The elemental composition of BM and WZ was established by EDS. The stress‐strain curves for both plates show that plate‐B has almost 3%, 8%, and 7% greater UTS, YS, and elongation, respectively, than plate‐A. The significant formation of Widmanstätten structure has made the WZ of plate‐B more ductile and tough, although the fractography analysis of both the plates has shown macrodimples and flowing sign of metal as indicators of good ductility.
The Explosive Crack Propagation Mechanism of Layered Rock Mass
Authors: Zuo Jinjing , Ma Liwei
Published: October 2024

Layered joints significantly affect the propagation and attenuation of engineering blasting stress waves and have a significant influence on rock breakage. In this study, the explosion crack propagation mechanism of a stratified rock mass with weak or no cementation is analyzed. Multilayer plexiglass plates are employed to simulate a layered rock mass, establishing an experimental model to investigate the vertical interaction between explosive charges and layered rock masses. The extent of ruptures and damage within the charging and sealing sections of the rock mass is analyzed. The explosion cracks at the bottom of the hole are relatively dense, whereas those at the hole opening are relatively sparse. The range of the crushing and fracture zones around the gun hole in the charging section is larger than that in the blocking section. Moreover, as the blocking section approaches the free plane, the crushing zone size decreases. A notable area of rapid damage escalation is identified between the blocking and charging sections, leading to a significant increase in damage intensity. The numerical analysis results indicate that the cumulative explosive energy within the charging section surpasses that of the blocking section, and the rate of energy accumulation is notably higher in the charging region.
Management of Maxillary Incisors With Middle‐Third Root Perforation: A Case Report
Authors: Morocho-Monteros Daysi , Masson-Palacios María José , Parise-Vasco Juan Marcos
Published: October 2024

Root canal perforations are frequent but critical complications in endodontic treatments, which can pose a risk of irreversible damage to the affected tooth. These perforations typically occur during root canal preparation or endodontic post placement, presenting significant therapeutic challenges. The main objective in the management of such complications is to seal the perforation, thus preventing bacterial invasion and tooth loss. This report details the case of a 70‐year‐old patient with a perforation in the palatal wall of the middle root section of tooth #11. The treatment approach involved magnification techniques and the application of a bioactive material known as Biodentine. This case underscores the critical role of accurate radiographic evaluation and the use of biocompatible materials in the management of root perforations. Despite inherent challenges, proper diagnosis and planning, combined with appropriate techniques and materials, can lead to satisfactory results, effectively preserving the structure of the tooth.
An Innovative Single‐Stage Approach of High‐Tension Keloid Excision and Reconstruction Using Acellular Dermal Matrix and Epidermal Skin Grafting
Authors: Wang Wenbo , Zhou Boya , Xia Lingling , Chen Zongan , Liu Wei , Gao Zhen , Wu Xiaoli
Published: October 2024

The treatment of keloids, particularly in high‐tension areas, is challenging due to their extension beyond the original wound boundaries and high recurrence rates, thereby rendering traditional treatments ineffective. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of a novel single‐stage treatment approach that combined acellular dermal matrix (ADM) with keloid‐specific epidermal skin grafting. To further prevent recurrence after neo‐skin formation, the treatment was followed by fractionated laser and radiation therapy (LCR). Seven patients with high‐tension keloids, including one with keloids at two locations, were treated and followed‐up for an average of 15.9 months. The patients showed significant improvements in wound healing and skin appearance, with a marked reduction in the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) (scores from 91.1 ± 5.6 to 23.8 ± 6.1 (p < 0.001)). This approach effectively minimizes tension, reduces the likelihood of keloid recurrence, and serves as a viable alternative to conventional methods that often involve challenges related to donor‐site acquisition. No recurrence was observed during the follow‐up period, indicating a promising innovation in the management of extensive keloids and offering improved healing and esthetic outcomes, particularly in high‐tension areas.
Fifteen Years of Neonatal Therapeutic Hypothermia: Clinical Trends Show Unchanged Post-Rewarming Outcomes despite Reduction in Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Severity
Authors: van Oldenmark Bregje O. , van Steenis Andrea , de Vries Linda S. , Groenendaal Floris , Steggerda Sylke J.
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) affects 1–2 per 1,000 births and is associated with mortality and long-term neurodevelopmental challenges. At present, therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is the only neuroprotective intervention for these infants. This study examines whether HIE severity, clinical management during TH, and post-rewarming outcomes have changed since its introduction 15 years ago. Methods: Neonatal characteristics, HIE severity, management during TH, and post-rewarming MRI of all infants with HIE undergoing TH between 2008 and 2023 were compared across three five-year epochs. Linear regression was used to estimate annual changes over time. Results: In total, 252 infants underwent TH. Median gestational age (39.5 weeks), birth weight (3,376 g), and time to start TH (4.25 h) remained stable over time. Apgar score at 5 min (p = 0.031) and lowest pH <1 h postpartum (p = 0.020) increased over time. Thompson score at 1–3 h decreased across epochs (p = 0.046). There was an increase in percentage with normal-mild aEEG background patterns on admission (p = 0.041) and a decrease in aEEG-confirmed seizures (p < 0.001) and antiseizure medication (p < 0.001). Inotropic support decreased (p = 0.007), and use of invasive mechanical ventilation decreased over the last 5 years. Mortality (28.6%) and post-rewarming composite adverse outcome (i.e., neonatal mortality and/or adverse MRI score) (37.9%) remained unchanged. Number of infants seen at 2-year follow-up increased (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Over the last 15 years, we treated more infants with milder HIE, as indicated by lower Thompson and milder aEEG scores, and the need for invasive cardiorespiratory support declined. However, there were no improvements in composite adverse outcome (mortality and/or adverse MRI score).
Unsung Heroes: An Overview of the Informal Caregivers in the Gulf Cooperation Council – A Scoping Review and Thematic Analysis
Authors: Al Saffer Quds , Hariri Bayan , Alhuseini Mishael , Aljanoubi Haifa , Bah Sulaiman , Al Rais Saja
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Informal caregivers (ICs), usually family or friends providing unpaid care, offer emotional and psychological support and personalized care and help navigate healthcare systems, improving health outcomes. They reduce healthcare costs by decreasing the need for professional care services, which is essential in today’s healthcare systems strained by aging populations and chronic diseases. Even though the challenges faced by ICs are well known, there is surprisingly little research on this topic within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, a region where caregiving is deeply rooted in Islamic cultural practices. This study aimed to map the current state of research on ICs in the GCC. The objectives include identifying key themes in the literature, highlighting gaps, and providing insights that can inform the development of targeted interventions and policies amidst ongoing socioeconomic changes and demographic shifts, specifically the increase in elderly populations, and healthcare reforms. Methods: This study employed a scoping review and thematic analysis following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search of PubMed, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest Psychology databases identified articles 25 published between January 2010 and November 2023. Results: Out of 2,055 articles, only 44 were included, with the majority conducted in Saudi Arabia. They identified four key challenges faced by ICs: high levels of stress and anxiety, limited access to formal support systems, reliance on informal coping mechanisms, and significant socioeconomic impacts. The health services available were underutilized, with a notable gap in support for caregivers. Conclusion: The study underscores the critical challenges faced by ICs in the GCC, particularly in terms of mental health and access to support systems. These findings advocate for the development of targeted interventions and policies to better support this underserved population.
Optimized support vector machine for sentiment analysis of game reviews
Authors: Supriyatna Bryan Leonardo , Putri Farica Perdana
Published: October 2024

The rapid development of games has made game categories diverse, so there are many opinions about games that have been released. Sentiment analysis on game reviews is needed to attract potential players. Sentiment analysis is carried out using the support vector machine (SVM) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms. SVM training was conducted with a linear kernel, the ‘C’ value parameter was 10 resulting in an accuracy value of 97.28%. The SVM algorithm optimized using the PSO method produces an accuracy of 97.61% using the parameters c1 is 0.2, c2 is 0.5 and w is 0.6. Based on these results, sentiment analysis using PSO-based SVM optimization has been successfully carried out with an increase in accuracy of 0.33%. This game review has a sentiment value from neutral to positive so this game can be recommended to other players.
Automated multi-document summarization using extractive-abstractive approaches
Authors: Nasari Maulin , Girsang Abba Suganda
Published: October 2024

This study presents a multi-document text summarizing system that employs a hybrid approach, including both extractive and abstractive methods. The goal of document summarizing is to create a coherent and comprehensive summary that captures the essential information contained in the document. The difficulty in multi-document text summarization lies in the lengthy nature of the input material and the potential for redundant information. This study utilises a combination of methods to address this issue. This study uses the TextRank algorithm as an extractor for each document to condense the input sequence. This extractor is designed to retrieve crucial sentences from each document, which are then aggregated and utilised as input for the abstractor. This study uses bidirectional and auto-regressive transformers (BART) as an abstractor. This abstractor serves to condense the primary sentences in each document into a more cohesive summary. The evaluation of this text summarizing system was conducted using the ROUGE measure. The research yields ROUGE R1 and R2 scores of 41.95 and 14.81, respectively.
Mastering information security through standard implementation
Authors: Ahmedi Basri , Ibrahimi Aferdita
Published: October 2024

This paper aims to enhance information security within an organization, considering the perennial concern for security in organizations utilizing ICT applications. Educational institutions also exhibit deficiencies in the domain of data security. The adoption of international organization for standardization (ISO) 27001-2013 served to pinpoint potential vulnerabilities and non-compliance with safety standards, aiming to minimize associated risks. Through this framework, an assessment of data security within public educational institutions in our country was conducted, focusing on a public university as a case study. Given the sensitive nature of this field, guidance is provided on identifying security-related issues based on ISO 27001 standards and on-ground situations. Surveys were employed, aligning with the required standards, to scan the prevailing situation. Data from surveys at public academic institution were collected and analyzed using the SPSS application. The findings underscore instances where security protocols can prevent or mitigate abuses, consequently enhancing the overall level of data security. Emphasizing education as a pivotal recommendation, this study advocates for educating personnel who handle sensitive data, derived from the application of these standards. This paper accounts for potential risks that could expose organizational weaknesses and thoroughly elucidates the steps and procedures undertaken in this approach, substantiated by illustrated examples.
Ensemble stacking classifier model for prediction of diabetes
Authors: Bhandarkar Mrunalini , Bendre Varsha S. , Bellary Yash Venkatesh , Bhole Anuj Kiran , Bhadange Abhishek Abasaheb
Published: October 2024

Diabetes, being a chronic condition, possesses the capacity to instigate a global healthcare catastrophe. This condition can be managed and potentially cured with prompt diagnosis and treatment. Integrating machine learning technology with medical science enables precise prognosis of an individual’s susceptibility to diabetes. The proposed work presents the ensemble stacking classifier model. This efficient and effective diabetes prediction model predicts a patient’s diabetes risk by combining the output of multiple machine-learning techniques into a single model. The performance parameters of four distinct machine learning classification algorithms K-nearest neighbors (KNN), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and decision tree (DT) are compared in this study with those of the proposed stacked classifier model. The suggested model is developed using ensemble methods, where the previously discussed algorithms are integrated to create the base classifier layer of the stack classifier. The meta-classifier is implemented in the form of the logistic regression (LR) algorithm. Upon evaluating the performance of both the developed model and its algorithms, it is proved that the proposed model attains a testing accuracy of 88.5%, surpassing the accuracy of all baseline classification algorithms. As a result, this work determines that the ensemble stacking classifier model exhibits higher prediction accuracy than the base classifier algorithms. This finding underscores the model’s potential as a viable instrument for predicting diabetes in individuals.
Application of monarch butterfly optimization algorithm for solving optimal power flow
Authors: Jung Chan-Mook , Pagidipala Sravanthi , Salkuti Surender Reddy
Published: October 2024

This paper proposes a highly flexible, robust, and efficient constraint-handling approach for the solution of the optimal power flow (OPF) problem and this solution lies in the ability to solve the power system problem and avoid the mathematical traps. Centralized control of the power system has become inevitable, in the interest of secure, reliable, and economic operation of the system. In this work, OPF is solved by considering the three distinct objectives, generation cost minimization, power loss minimization, and enhancement of voltage stability index. These three objectives are solved separately by considering the evolutionary-based monarch butterfly optimization (MBO) algorithm. This MBO algorithm is validated on the IEEE 30 bus network and the obtained results are compared with differential evolution, particle swarm optimization, genetic algorithm, and Jaya algorithm. The obtained results reveal that among the various optimization algorithms considered in this work, the MBO evolves as the best algorithm for all three case studies.
Explainable artificial intelligence for traffic signal detection using LIME algorithm
Authors: Santhiya P. , Jebadurai Immanuel Johnraja , Leelipushpam Paulraj Getzi Jeba , Kirubakaran S Stewart , Keren L. Rubee , Veemaraj Ebenezer , Sharance J. S. Randlin Paul
Published: October 2024

As technology progresses, so does everything around us, such as televisions, mobile phones, and robots, which grow wiser. Of these technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) is used to aid the computer in making decisions comparable to humans, and this intelligence is supplied to the machine as a model. As AI deals with the concept of Black-Box, the model’s decisions were poorly comprehended by the end users. Explainable AI (XAI) is where humans can understand the judgments and decisions made by the AI. Earlier, the predictions made by the AI were not as easy as we know the data now, and there was some confusion regarding the predictions made by the AI. The intention for the use of XAI is to improve the user interface of products and services by helping them trust the decisions made by AI. The machine learning (ML) model White-box shows us the result that can be understood by the people in that domain, wherein the end users cannot understand the decisions. To further enhance traffic signal detection using XAI, the concept called local interpretable model- agnostic explanation (LIME) algorithm has been taken into consideration and the performance is improved in this paper.
Utilization of the use of technological devices in delivering communication information in the learning process
Authors: Irsyad Irsyad , Anisah Anisah , Ramadhan Iwan , Lumbantoruan Jitu Halomoan
Published: October 2024

The development of increasingly sophisticated technology today brings education to participate in using the features available in today’s media such as the transition from face-to-face learning communication in schools to face-to-face assisted by technology such as laptops, tablets, cellphones and other multimedia. Technology currently provides innovation in the learning process both from home and from school. However, there are still many teachers and students who have not utilized technology such as laptops, tablets, cellphones and other multimedia in the learning process. The purpose of the study was to analyze the benefits and relationships of the four main variables of communication assessment elements with digital devices. The research method used was quantitative with a sample of 148 teachers randomly selected from schools that use technology in the learning process. Data collection techniques with instruments. The instruments used were four indicator instruments, namely technology from laptops, tablets, cellphones and other multimedia. Data analysis techniques with descriptive statistics using SPSS version 26.0 calculated the mean, standard deviation, and correlation test. The results of the study found that the four indicators had high reliability and the four indicators had significant utilization, were mutually positive and had a high relationship with each other. The conclusion is that the four technological devices are good for use in digital communication during the learning process and laptops and tablets are more recommended in this study.
Estrategia didáctica basada en los estilos de aprendizaje para la enseñanza del idioma inglés
Authors: Salamanca Leguizamoón Carolina , Lozano Muñoz Anderson , Naranjo Ariza Yehimy Johanna
Published: October 2024

El objetivo de la investigación consistió en construir una estrategia didáctica que desarrolle las habilidades de escritura y lectura del idioma inglés, mediante el uso de los estilos de aprendizaje propuestos en el modelo Visual, Auditivo y Kinestésico (VAK) de Blander y Grinder. Se planteó un modelo mixto de investigación con un diseño investigación acción educativa y un enfoque cuasi-experimental. En la investigación participaron en 17 estudiantes de octavo grado de una institución de carácter privado del municipio de Socorro, Santander, los instrumentos usados fueron un test de estilos de aprendizaje, entrevista, encuesta, diarios de campo y una prueba diagnóstica y final. Los resultados obtenidos mediante la prueba Wilcoxon indicaron que el uso de la estrategia didáctica en la población estudiantil permitió un aumento significativo en el desarrollo de las habilidades en escritura y lectura en el idioma inglés, especialmente en aquellos estudiantes con estilos kinestésicos. En síntesis, las fases de deconstrucción, reconstrucción y validación de la práctica pedagógica investigativa permiten desarrollar un proceso reflexivo frente a la enseñanza del idioma inglés mediante los estilos de aprendizaje de los estudiantes.
Leveraging Multi-Echo EPI to Enhance BOLD Sensitivity in Task-based Olfactory fMRI
Authors: Zhao Ludwig Sichen , Raithel Clara U. , Tisdall M. Dylan , Detre John A. , Gottfried Jay A.
Published: October 2024

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) using blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) contrast relies on gradient echo echo-planar imaging (GE-EPI) to quantify dynamic susceptibility changes associated with the hemodynamic response to neural activity. However, acquiring BOLD fMRI in human olfactory regions is particularly challenging due to their proximity to the sinuses where large susceptibility gradients induce magnetic field distortions. BOLD fMRI of the human olfactory system is further complicated by respiratory artifacts that are highly correlated with event onsets in olfactory tasks.

Multi-echo EPI (ME-EPI) acquires gradient echo data at multiple echo times (TEs) during a single acquisition and can leverage signal evolution over the multiple echo times to enhance BOLD sensitivity and reduce artifactual signal contributions. In the current study, we developed a ME-EPI acquisition protocol for olfactory task-based fMRI and demonstrated significant improvement in BOLD signal sensitivity over conventional single-echo EPI (1E-EPI). The observed improvement arose from both an increase in BOLD signal changes through a T2*-weighted echo combination and a reduction in non-BOLD artifacts through the application of the Multi-Echo Independent Components Analysis (ME-ICA) denoising method. This study represents one of the first direct comparisons between 1E-EPI and ME-EPI in high-susceptibility regions and provides compelling evidence in favor of using ME-EPI for future task-based fMRI studies.
Locus Coeruleus Is Associated with Higher Openness to Experience and IQ: Implications for the Noradrenergic System for Novelty Seeking in Daily Life
Authors: Plini Emanuele R. G. , Robertson Ian H. , Brosnan Méadhbh B. , Dockree Paul M.
Published: October 2024

Novelty exposure and the upregulation of the noradrenergic (NA) system have been suggested as crucial for developing cognitive reserve and resilience against neurodegeneration. Openness to experience (OE), a personality trait associated with interest in novel experiences, may play a key role in facilitating this process. High-OE individuals tend to be more curious and encounter a wider range of novel stimuli throughout their lifespan. To investigate the relationship between OE and the main core of the NA system, the locus coeruleus (LC), as well as its potential mediation of IQ—a measure of cognitive reserve—MRI structural analyses were conducted on 135 healthy young adults. Compared with other neuromodulators' seeds, such as dorsal and median raphe-5-HT, ventral tegmental area-DA-, and nucleus basalis of Meynert-Ach-, the results indicated that higher LC signal intensity correlated with greater OE and IQ. Furthermore, mediation analyses revealed that only the LC played a mediating role between OE and IQ. These findings shed light on the neurobiology of personality and emphasize the importance of LC-NA system integrity in a novelty-seeking behavior. They provide a psychobiological explanation for how OE expression can contribute to the maintenance of the NA system, enhancing cognitive reserve and resilience against neurodegeneration.
Relevance of Prosodic Focus and Lexical Stress for Discourse Comprehension in Turkish: Evidence from Psychometric and Electrophysiological Data
Authors: Zora Hatice , Kabak Barış , Hagoort Peter
Published: October 2024

Prosody underpins various linguistic domains ranging from semantics and syntax to discourse. For instance, prosodic information in the form of lexical stress modifies meanings and, as such, syntactic contexts of words as in Turkish kaz-má “pickaxe” (noun) versus káz-ma “do not dig” (imperative). Likewise, prosody indicates the focused constituent of an utterance as the noun phrase filling the wh-spot in a dialogue like What did you eat? I ate _____. In the present study, we investigated the relevance of such prosodic variations for discourse comprehension in Turkish. We aimed at answering how lexical stress and prosodic focus mismatches on critical noun phrases—resulting in grammatical anomalies involving both semantics and syntax and discourse-level anomalies, respectively—affect the perceived correctness of an answer to a question in a given context. To that end, 80 native speakers of Turkish, 40 participating in a psychometric experiment and 40 participating in an EEG experiment, were asked to judge the acceptability of prosodic mismatches that occur either separately or concurrently. Psychometric results indicated that lexical stress mismatch led to a lower correctness score than prosodic focus mismatch, and combined mismatch received the lowest score. Consistent with the psychometric data, EEG results revealed an N400 effect to combined mismatch, and this effect was followed by a P600 response to lexical stress mismatch. Conjointly, these results suggest that every source of prosodic information is immediately available and codetermines the interpretation of an utterance; however, semantically and syntactically relevant lexical stress information is assigned more significance by the language comprehension system compared with prosodic focus information.
Electroencephalographic Responses to the Number of Objects in Partially Occluded and Uncovered Scenes
Authors: Baykan Cemre , Schütz Alexander C.
Published: October 2024

Perceptual completion is ubiquitous when estimating properties such as the shape, size, or number of objects in partially occluded scenes. Behavioral experiments showed that the number of hidden objects is underestimated in partially occluded scenes compared with an estimation based on the density of visible objects and the amount of occlusion. It is still unknown at which processing level this (under)estimation of the number of hidden objects occurs. We studied this question using a passive viewing task in which observers viewed a game board that was initially partially occluded and later was uncovered to reveal its hidden parts. We simultaneously measured the electroencephalographic responses to the partially occluded board presentation and its uncovering. We hypothesized that if the underestimation is a result of early sensory processing, it would be observed in the activities of P1 and N1, whereas if it is because of higher level processes such as expectancy, it would be reflected in P3 activities. Our data showed that P1 amplitude increased with numerosity in both occluded and uncovered states, indicating a link between P1 and simple stimulus features. The N1 amplitude was highest when both the initially visible and uncovered areas of the board were completely filled with game pieces, suggesting that the N1 component is sensitive to the overall Gestalt. Finally, we observed that P3 activity was reduced when the density of game pieces in the uncovered parts matched the initially visible parts, implying a relationship between the P3 component and expectation mismatch. Overall, our results suggest that inferences about the number of hidden items are reflected in high-level processing.
Whole-brain modular dynamics at rest predict sensorimotor learning performance
Authors: Standage Dominic I. , Gale Daniel J. , Nashed Joseph Y. , Flanagan J. Randall , Gallivan Jason P.
Published: October 2024

Neural measures that predict cognitive performance are informative about the mechanisms underlying cognitive phenomena, with diagnostic potential for neuropathologies with cognitive symptoms. Among such markers, the modularity (subnetwork composition) of whole-brain functional networks is especially promising due to its longstanding theoretical foundations and recent success in predicting clinical outcomes. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to identify whole-brain modules at rest, calculating metrics of their spatiotemporal dynamics before and after a sensorimotor learning task on which fast learning is widely believed to be supported by a cognitive strategy. We found that participants’ learning performance was predicted by the degree of coordination of modular reconfiguration and the strength of recruitment and integration of networks derived during the task itself. Our findings identify these whole-brain metrics as promising network-based markers of cognition, with relevance to basic neuroscience and the potential for clinical application.