bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nomophobia, phubbing and social phobia in Portuguese young adults and adults
Authors: Maia B. R. , Sousa D.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

To our knowledge there is no study exploring the interrelationship between nomophobia, phubbing and social phobia in Portuguese young adults and adults.

Objectives

To explore the nomophobia, phubbing and social phobia levels, the interrelationship between these three constructs, in a sample of Portuguese young adults and adults.

Methods

316 subjects, with a mean age of 25.71 years old (SD = 8.231; range 18 - 59) fulfilled a sociodemographic questionnaire, and the Portuguese validations of the Nomophobia Questionnaire, the Phubbing Scale and the Social Interaction and Performance Anxiety and Avoidance Scale.

Results

All the subjects presented nomophobia (100%, n = 316), with 62% (n = 196) presenting a moderate risk level and 22% (n = 69) an higher risk level. The mean of the ‘total phubbing score’ was of 21.50 (DP = 5.50) and ‘smartphone obsession’ was the phubbing subscale with an higher score (X = 12.81, DP = 3.50). The mean of the total nomophobia was of 80.0 (DP = 22.83) and ‘not being able to communicate’ was the nomophobia subescale with an higher score (X = 24.75, DP = 9.95).Considering social phobia scale, the mean of the ‘anxiety/distress’ subscale was of 95.36 (DP = 25.14) and of the ‘avoidance subscale’ was of 89.56 (DP = 25.53). Almost 22% (n = 69) of the subjects presented ‘social anxiety’ and 24% (n = 76) presented ‘social avoidance’, suggesting probable social phobia cases (higher than the proposed cut-off scores). Positive and significant correlations were found between all the nomophobia and phubbing subscales (ranging from .30** to .61**). Positive and significantly correlations, mostly with low magnitude, were found between nomophobia and social phobia subscales (ranging from .03** to .22**), except for ‘social avoidance’ subescale, which correlation was negative (-.021*). Females presented higher levels of nomophobia (Md = 176.28) and phubbing (Md = 167.22) than males (Md =124.73, U = 7301.500, p <.001;Md = 141.93), U = 9475.500, p= .019, respectively). Total social phobia scores and nomophobia (not being able to access information and giving up convenience subescales) were significantly higher in young adults.

Conclusions

Nomophobia, phubbing and social phobia are significantly intercorrelated. Future longitudinal studies are needed to clarify nomophobia and phubbing etiology. The level of nomophobia (100%) found in this sample is specially worrying.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
QTc prolongation in patients hospitalized in enclosed psychiatric facilities in Corfu
Authors: Argitis P. , Karampas A. , Peyioti M. , Karavia S. , Chaviaras Z.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

An undeniably significant amount of psychotropic medication can evidently affect the corrected QT (QTc) interval, which puts patients’ lives at risk. More specifically, certain anti-psychotic medication can increase the risk of QTc prolongation and by extension the risk of a potentially fatal arrhythmia or sudden cardiac death.

Objectives

Electrocardiograms (ECG) were contacted in one hundred and four (104) chronic patients, with psychosis, through out their hospitalization in several enclosed psychiatric facilities in Corfu. Almost the entirety of the patients along side their anti-psychotic medication were also taking various other medication for their individual pathological issues. We observed any changes that might have occurred on the ECG in comparison with each patient’s medication and it’s potential effect on the QTc.

Methods

The measurements of the QT interval were made manually in lead V5 and the mathematical conversion was contacted using the Hodges correction formula.

Results

At least one ECG (n = 104) was performed. Among them 29,8% (n=31) had ECG abnormalities, including 13,5% (n=13) with a prolonged Qtc (481.2 ± 26,8 ms). Covariates significantly associated with the QTc were gender (+17.2 ms if female, p < 0.0001) and age (+0.4 ms/year, p = 0.0001).

Conclusions

The QTc prolongation that was evident in a notable number of patients, emphasizes the importance of QTc monitoring in patients who are taking anti-psychotic medication. QTc prolongation risk factors should be assessed before the administration or prescription of any anti-psychotic medication.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Persistent Adult-Onset Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Manifesting as Occupational Impairment: Highlighting the Therapeutic Potency of Methylphenidate
Authors: Gopan P. S.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

This case study emphasizes the significance of considering unrecognized adult-onset ADHD, particularly in patients with chronic forgetfulness and occupational inefficiencies refractory to standard treatment options. The case outlined involves a 33-year-old male with enduring cognitive impairments, leading to Extreme Anxiety Disorder with detrimental consequences on his professional progression and personal well-being.

Objectives

This necessitates the need for advanced research initiatives and broader awareness programs to facilitate improved diagnostic accuracy and optimization of therapeutic outcomes. Emphasizing ADHD as a potential cause of such symptomatology in adults and integrating effective treatment options can potentially pave the way to personalized therapeutic protocols.

Methods

The patient was approached via meticulous reconsideration of previous unsuccessful treatment paradigms that primarily included antidepressants and anxiolytics, which yielded cyclical patterns of negligible amelioration, compounded by intermittent emergence of suicidal ideation. Given the limited response, a differential diagnosis of Adult-Onset ADHD was entertained.

Results

The therapeutic intervention involving Methylphenidate administration led to a remarkable enhancement in the patient’s mental health and occupational efficiency. Progress was also evidenced in the patient’s improved confidence and self-esteem, with critical implications for his professional and personal life dynamics.

Conclusions

This case study underscores the transformative potential of precise ADHD management in adults with chronic cognitive impairments. Further research studies involving larger cohorts are warranted to enhance the understanding of adult ADHD, its prevalence, and therapeutic strategies, which could serve as key elements in improving the overall quality of life for these patients.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Androgen Inhibition of Reproductive Neuroendocrine Function in Females and Transgender Males
Authors: Kauffman Alexander S
Published: August 2024

Ovarian function is controlled by pituitary secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which in turn are governed by gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secreted from the brain. A fundamental principle of reproductive axis regulation is negative feedback signaling by gonadal sex steroids back to the brain to fine-tune GnRH and gonadotropin secretion. Endogenous negative feedback effects can be mimicked by exogenous steroid treatments, including androgens, in both sexes. Indeed, a growing number of clinical and animal studies indicate that high levels of exogenous androgens, in the typically male physiological range, can inhibit LH secretion in females, as occurs in males. However, the mechanisms by which male-level androgens inhibit GnRH and LH secretion still remain poorly understood, and this knowledge gap is particularly pronounced in transgender men (individuals designated female at birth but identifying as male). Indeed, many transgender men take long-term gender-affirming hormone therapy that mimics male-level testosterone levels. The impact of such gender-affirming testosterone on the reproductive axis, both at the ovarian and neuroendocrine level, is a long-understudied area that still requires further investigation. Importantly, the few concepts of androgen actions in females mostly come from studies of polycystic ovary syndrome, which does not recapitulate a similar androgen milieu or a pathophysiology of inhibited LH secretion as occurs in testosterone-treated transgender men. This review summarizes clinical evidence indicating that exogenous androgens can impair neuroendocrine reproductive function in both female individuals and transgender men and highlights emerging experimental data supporting this in recently developed transgender rodent models.
Introduction
Authors: Murray Laura Rebecca , Teixeira Esther , Weeks Meg
Published: August 2024

The introduction, coauthored by Laura Murray, Esther Teixeira, and Meg Weeks, connects Gabriela’s life story to the broader historical, sociological, and political context of Brazil from the 1960s through the 2000s. The introduction elucidates the historical milieu in which Gabriela came of age intellectually and politically, inserting her own story within that of Brazil’s military dictatorship, protracted transition to democracy, and neoliberal reforms. The text also provides an account of the major triumphs and setbacks of the Brazilian sex-worker movement, highlighting the contributions of other activists as well as the movement’s connections to actors abroad. In particular, the introduction discusses the movement’s response to the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s and 1990s, the creation of a newspaper for the sex-worker community, and the launch of the clothing brand Daspu. It also considers the movement’s contentious relationship with the federal government, feminists, and the Catholic Church, while also parsing Gabriela’s particular brand of irreverent, provocative, and unorthodox puta feminism.
Bidirectional Link Between Exercise and the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Huang Belle , Zhao Liping , Campbell Sara C.
Published: August 2024

Exercise is well known to exert beneficial changes to the gut microbiota. An emerging area is how the gut microbiota may regulate exercise tolerance. This review will summarize the current evidence on how exercise influences gut microbial communities, with emphasis on how disruptions or depletion of an intact gut microbiota impacts exercise tolerance as well as future directions.
Social distancing between personal belongings during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Guo Wen , Ikeda Ayumi , Takashima Kaito , Masuda Yoshitaka , Ueda Kohei , Ariga Atsunori , Sasaki Kyoshiro , Yamada Yuki
Published: August 2024

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to instructions and suggestions from governments and experts to maintain social (physical) distance between people to prevent aerosol transmission of the virus, which is now becoming the norm. Thus, we examined whether the pandemic extended the distance between personal belongings. Methods: We recruited 68 university students and instructed them to place their belongings on a long table following another participant (i.e., confederate). We measured the physical distance between the two belongings (i.e., the participant’s and the confederate’s). We collected data between June 10, 2022 and January 23, 2023. Pre-pandemic data was from Ariga (2016). Analysis was completed with one-tailed t-tests. Results: Compared with the pre-pandemic results, via one-tailed t-test, the distance between the two belongings during the pandemic was significantly longer. Our results supported the hypothesis that the psychological framework for processing people’s belongings has dramatically changed during this pandemic. Conclusion: This change may have been driven by social distancing practices or an increase in perceived vulnerability to disease. Our results provide new implications for future public spatial design, in other words, not only the distance between people, but also the distance between their belongings.
Physical activity in the treatment-resistant depression and non-remitted depression: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Etxaniz-Oses José , Iriarte-Yoller Nagore , Tous-Espelosin Mikel , Maldonado-Martin Sara
Published: August 2024

Background The objective of this systematic review was to analyze the effects of the physical activity (PA) intervention as an adjuvant strategy to pharmacological treatment in people with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and non-remitted depression (NRD). Methods A search strategy was realized from five databases: PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. Eleven articles attained the inclusion criteria. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database and Oxford’s Evidence Levels were used to classify the quality appraisal. Results The more significant outcome for this analysis was the improvement of depression by PA or exercise in TRD and NRD. According to the FITT (Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type) principle, there was some variability in the PA intervention, and except for one article, they all were classified as excellent in terms of quality description. Conclusions This review highlights the potential of PA intervention as an adjuvant program to improve different traits of TRD and NRD. The remission of depression seems to be higher after PA intervention, showing improvements in quality of life, sleep quality, executive function, and vitality.
Zoom fatigue related to online learning among medical students in Thailand: Prevalence, predictors, and association with depression
Authors: Charoenporn Veevarin , Hanvivattanakul Sirashat , Jongmekwamsuk Kanathip , Lenavat Rinradee , Hanvivattanakul Korravit , Charernboon Thammanard
Published: August 2024

Background Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the learning pattern of medical students shifted from onsite to online. This transition may contribute to what has been called “Zoom fatigue.” This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Zoom fatigue related to online learning, identify associated factors of Zoom fatigue, and explore its correlation with depression among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1st to 6th-year Thai medical students. The online survey was administered using a demographic and health behavior questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Thai version of the Zoom Exhaustion & Fatigue Scale (ZEF-T). Results Among the 386 participating students, 221 (57%) were female, with a mean age of 20.6 years. The prevalence of high Zoom fatigue was 9.6%. In the multivariable regression analysis, a lower academic year and a higher number of online learning sessions were significant predictors of Zoom fatigue (p < 0.001), while regular exercise emerged as a protective factor (p = 0.009). The prevalence of depressive disorder was 61.9%, and a significant correlation was found between having a depressive disorder and experiencing Zoom fatigue (p = 0.004). Conclusion Zoom fatigue among medical students was correlated with depression. Consequently, medical students experiencing Zoom fatigue should undergo further assessment for depression. It is crucial to closely monitor medical students in lower academic years with a high number of online sessions for signs of Zoom fatigue. Additionally, implementing strategies, such as reducing the frequency of online sessions and promoting regular exercise, may help alleviate the symptoms.
Enhancing maternal health service utilization among highly vulnerable pregnant women through a human-centered design process: Study protocol for a quasi-experimental study in Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Kang Bee-Ah , Tamene Habtamu , Lakew Yihunie , Stephens Daryl , Rimal Rajiv
Published: August 2024

Background Disproportionate uptake of and access to maternal and child health services remain significant challenges across and within countries. Differing geographic, economic, environmental, and social factors contribute to varying degrees of vulnerabilities among individuals, which manifest as disparities in maternal and newborn health outcomes. Designing solutions according to need is vital to improve maternal and child health outcomes. In this paper, we describe our study protocol on evaluating the effectiveness of an intervention package developed through a human-centered design (HCD) process in improving maternal health service uptake among vulnerable pregnant women in rural areas of Ethiopia. Methods The study has two distinct phases. For both phases, solutions will be developed leveraging HCD approaches to improve institutional delivery and antenatal care uptake among vulnerable pregnant women. Final solutions will be implemented in collaboration with community health workers and health officers. A community-based, quasi-experimental, mixed-method study design is used to assess differences between intervention and control arms. A panel sample will be enrolled after screening for pregnancy and vulnerability level and surveyed at baseline and midline in Phase 1. In Phase 2, a post-only study will be conducted in the same intervention and control sites. Pregnant women will receive refined solutions for six months, which will be evaluated using end-line assessment. Qualitative interviews will be conducted among vulnerable pregnant women and healthcare providers. Conclusions and Implications Our sequential approach to evaluating initial solutions, which in turn will be used to inform the enhancement of solutions, will provide practical insights into how solutions are accepted among vulnerable women and how they can be better integrated into women’s lives and health systems. Our findings on program effectiveness and implementation research will be disseminated to the Ethiopian Ministry of Health and its partners to inform large-scale implementation at the national level.
Nidificação de vespas sociais (Vespidae) em Coffea arabica L. no sul de Minas Gerais
Authors: Palandi Andressa Negri , Fôlha-Ferreira Eike Daniel , Souza Marcos Magalhães de
Published: August 2024

Sabe-se que as vespas sociais predam diferentes pragas agrícolas, inclusive do cafezal, porém há poucos estudos que se propuseram a inventariar a fauna de vespídeos em áreas de cultivo de Coffea arabica L., bem como poucas informações das espécies que conseguem nidificar na planta do café. Por isso o objetivo deste trabalho foi inventariar a fauna desses insetos que nidificam nesta planta em áreas de cultivo no sul de Minas Gerais. O estudo foi realizado no período de 06 de abril a 02 de junho de 2024 em cinco propriedades nos municípios de Inconfidentes, Borda da Mata e Jacutinga. Foram registradas 14 colônias de sete espécies, além de seis ninhos abandonados. Estas espécies já foram documentadas em áreas de cultivo de café, mas este estudo comprova a nidificação dessas em plantas da espécie, C. arabica. Conclui-se o presente trabalho apontando-se para o fato de não haver ainda um modelo de manejo capaz de conciliar a manutenção das colônias de vespas sociais na planta do café durante as práticas de poda, colheita do fruto e de aplicação de fitossanitários.
On the Value of Information Across Decision Problems
Authors: Abbas Ali , Hazen Gordon
Published: August 2024

The value of information is an important concept in decision analysis that has been quantified as the buying price (BPI) for the information and the expected utility increase (EUI) obtainable by using the information. These two measures rank information sources identically in a scalar-valued decision problem only when the utility function is linear or exponential. In contrast, this paper focuses on the value of information across scalar-valued decision problems sharing the same utility function such as different divisions within an organization exploring various information sources for their decisions using the same organizational utility function. In this context, it still makes sense to ask which sources are more informative. We show that BPI and EUI rank information sources identically in this context only when the utility function is linear. However, if the certainty equivalent increase is used instead of EUI, then identical ranking with BPI across problems is maintained for the broader class of linear or exponential utility functions. We discuss the importance of these results for distributed decision-making settings, where different departments within an organization may calculate the value of information separately. Our results advise against using EUI to measure information value in this context when risk attitude is important.
Prismatic Trust: How Structural and Behavioral Signals in Networks Explain Trust Accumulation
Authors: Soda Giuseppe , Zaheer Aks , Park Michael , McEvily Bill , Subramani Mani
Published: August 2024

The predominant focus of the organizational literature on trust has been on direct interactions between actors. Whereas this emphasis has solidified our understanding of the dyadic foundations of trust, we know relatively little about the mechanisms of trust creation in network contexts. In this paper, we introduce the network mechanism of prismatic trust to explain why some actors are more trusted than others. Specifically, we posit that networks act as prisms that generate signals of trustworthiness based on not only actors’ positions in the social structure, but also their networking behavior. Moreover, we also theorize that the combination of signals from network structure and behavior amplifies trust accumulation in network actors. We test our predictions using data from an online social trading platform with more than 28,000 traders across 38 weeks. We find that traders who occupy positions of higher status in the network and those who express positive sentiments in the content of their communications (networking behaviors), accumulate more trustors. Furthermore, the positive effects of network status and the expression of positive sentiments on trust accumulation are mutually reinforcing. In sum, we contribute to the organizational literature on trust by proposing the role of a prismatic view in explaining how trust accumulates in network actors as a function of their position in social structure, their networking behavior, and a combination of the two.

This paper was accepted by Isabel Fernandez-Mateo, organizations.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.02810 .
Shuffling as a Sales Tactic: An Experimental Study of Selling Product Rankings
Authors: Shi Qichao , Dearden James A. , Lai Ernest K.
Published: August 2024

We investigate the strategic interaction between a product expert and a consumer. The expert publicly commits to a ranking methodology to rank two products with uncertain relative merits; the consumer decides whether to acquire the ranking report to guide her product choice. The expert cares only about selling the report; the consumer derives utility from the product itself and an extra ranking attribute controlled by the expert. Strategic shuffling, in which the expert induces demand for his report by manipulating the uncertainty in product rankings, emerges as an equilibrium phenomenon. When the consumer highly values the top-ranked product, the expert-optimal equilibrium, which features shuffling, diverges from the consumer-optimal equilibrium. Laboratory evidence supports the predictions of the expert-optimal equilibrium. With limited field data because of the proprietary nature of ranking methodologies, our study provides useful alternative evidence on how ranking publishers may adopt methodologies that are not in consumers’ best interests.

This paper was accepted by Yan Chen, behavioral economics and decision analysis.

Funding: This work was supported by the Office of the Vice President and Associate Provost for Research and Graduate Studies at Lehigh University [Faculty Research Grant 606975] and the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Key Project 72033006].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.02088 .
The complex overlap between syncope and falls: helping older people to stay safe and well in the nursing or residential care home
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: August 2024

In this article, Sarah Jane Palmer discusses falls as a result of syncope among the elderly and frail patients in nursing or residential care, and how to prevent and manage this condition.
José Míguez Bonino and the Third-World Challenge to the Ecumenical Movement
Authors: Barreto Raimundo C.
Published: August 2024

precis: This essay examines the role of José Míguez Bonino as a Latin American Protestant observer at both Vatican II and the CELAM Conference in Medellin (1968), as well as his active participation in World Council of Churches and Faith and Order meetings. It explores his impact on the solidification of Latin American ecumenism, particularly through his critical engagement of the "ecumenical establishment" and his emphasis on the "social question" in addressing overlaps and tensions between Christian unity and social justice. It ultimately argues that Bonino contributed to the rise of an ecumenical liberation Christianity and a third-world ecumenical perspective that continues to be significant for ecumenical practice and theology today.
Toward Unity without Any Border
Authors: Pérez Andrés Jaime Valencia
Published: August 2024

precis: The challenge and hope of ecumenism is to seek ways to see the reality of Christians who long for visible unity. Starting from the principle that this visible unity is already expressed in the unity of baptism, we aspire to the greatness of unity in the eucharist, the source of life. From every observable reality, the people of God earnestly seek an encounter with the sibling who suffers, despairs, and feels the desire for God. We believe in a God who wants and encourages the encounter, a God who has the initiative to see the face of humanity. We Christians live in many borderline situations—often at the limit of bloodshed, martyrdom, and suffering—for the simple desire to seek happiness and koinonia. The question would be: What do the rest of Christians do for those of my siblings who live in situations of death—borderline situations?
Mestizaje for Blaxican Theology
Authors: Vega Matthew
Published: August 2024

precis: In this essay, I explore the emergence of mestizaje (mixedness) as a Latin American racial ideology that emerged in the early twentieth century. I begin by exploring the work of Mexican theorist José Vasconcelos and especially his work La Raza Cósmica , which emerged at the end of the Mexican Revolution that foresaw the emergence of a "cosmic race" that would render obsolete African and Indigenous races. From there, I explore Vasconcelos's influence on Mexican-American theologies and especially the doctrine of Christology in the work of Virgilio Elizondo. Finally, I explore the problems and possibilities of mestizaje for people whose Blackness plays an integral part of their mixedness—namely, "Blaxicans."
Plane mirror-optical path coupling noise in telescope off-axis system dimensional stability measurement
Authors: Luo Jian , Fang SiJun , Zhang Rui , Zhao Kai , Li XinYu , Sun QiCheng , Yan Yong
Published: August 2024

The dimensional stability of the off-axis optical system affects its optical
performance significantly and may even lead to its failure. Here, we
report a heterodyne interferometry technology to measure the
telescope’s dimensional stability. In this method, the standard plane
mirror, which reflects the measurement laser, is a critical structural
component. Additionally, it is one of the primary sources of the
noise. The study focuses on the impact of the standard plane mirror’s
positional misalignment instability on optical path noise. A
mathematical model was established to depict the effects of mirror
misalignment instability on the optical path, and experiments were
conducted to decouple the noise. The results of the experiment show
that the standard plane mirror introduces approximately 1nm/Hz1/2 at 10 mHz of optical path
noise into the off-axis system, and the dimensional stability of the
off-axis system is about 6.23nm/Hz1/2 at 10 mHz.
Chromatic focus variation microscopy for surface metrology
Authors: Mustafa Aalim M. , Muhamedsalih Hussam , Tang Dawei , Kumar Prashant , Jiang Jane
Published: August 2024

Optical metrology plays a vital role in a wide range of research and inspection areas in the industry. At present, the market offers a variety of optical metrology instruments, among which the focus variation microscope stands out for its capability of measuring steep surfaces with high slopes. The traditional focus variation (FV) instrument mechanically scans the surface by sweeping the focal plane of the objective lens using linear motion stages and simultaneously capturing images at different scanning positions, forming a stack of images. The mechanical motion stages require regular maintenance and calibration to ensure accuracy over time. Another issue associated with the mechanical scanning methods is their physical size, which creates a limiting factor to compactness for in-situ measurement applications. This work proposes a chromatic focus variation (CFV) method that replaces mechanical scanning with a wavelength scanning mechanism to overcome the above limitations. Unlike traditional focus variation, the CFV system employs a dispersive objective lens (i.e. chromatically aberrated objective lens) to axially shift the focus along the optical axis to provide vertical/depth scanning. This approach brings significant enhancements in measurement speed and reduces the instrument size for on-machine metrology tasks. In this paper, a detailed analysis of the optical performance of the dispersive objective lens is conducted, and then the measurement performance of the proposed CFV system is validated using samples including a step height of 30 µm and a sine wave shape with a peak-to-valley amplitude of 19 µm. The experiment results were compared to those from the state-of-the-art commercial instrument (Alicona G5), which showed a good agreement between the two. Furthermore, a detailed analysis and discussions are provided to investigate the measurement’s accuracy.
Secure key generation encryption scheme based on index parameter updates
Authors: Mao Yaya , Xia Wenchao , Liu Bo , Ren Jianxin , Song Xiuming , Wu Xiangyu , Zhao Lilong , Chen Shuaidong , Guo Zhiruo , Zhong Qing , Ma Yiming , Chen Weiming , Li Ying
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we propose a secure key generation encryption scheme based on index parameter updates. A mutual coupling index parameter database is established at the transmitter and receiver, and different index parameters correspond to different time-varying key. We convert the index parameter into a binary bit stream and put it at the end of the frame header. For the original data, we realize chaotic encryption through the 7-dimensional cellular neural network (7D-CNN) chaotic system after modulation to enhance the security of the data. To ensure that the index parameters do not make mistakes in the transmission process, we have dealt with the times of repetition. The proposed scheme adopts a flexible digital encryption mode, which can encrypt the message with lower delay and higher speed. The experiment successfully demonstrated the transmission of 110.1Gb/s encrypted 16QAM signal in 2 km 7-core optical fiber. We also compare the encrypted signal with the unencrypted signal. The proposed scheme only costs 0.6 dB of receiver sensitivity and brings a huge key space of 101,680. To our best knowledge, the key space reached the world leading level in the same period. The proposed scheme can interoperate with all kinds of optical communication systems currently used, and realize the optical communication transmission scheme with low cost and high security.
High-precision and large-range deflection of light beams with fast steering mirrors
Authors: Mei Tianjin , Huang Ke , Fang Haoran , Fan Qirun , Xiao Haoran , Xu Qirui , Dai Xiaoxiao , Yang Qi , Liu Chen
Published: August 2024

Fast steering mirrors (FSMs) offer a potential alternative for large-range deflection of light beams. However, for a large-stroke FSM, its pointing precision is unacceptably deteriorated due to the actuator non-uniformity, mechanical axis coupling, and the coupling of line-of-sight (LOS) kinematics. This Letter proposes a comprehensive beam-pointing algorithm by decoupling the LOS kinematic model and establishing a two-dimensional correction mapping to compensate for the non-uniformity and mechanical coupling. Moreover, the incident angle is calibrated by a non-contact method to construct the LOS kinematic model accurately. The experimental results proved that the beam-pointing accuracy can achieve a sub-milliradian level within the square field of regard (FOR) of ±25° horizontally and ±14° vertically. A pointing error of 0.87 mrad can be guaranteed within the horizontal range of −30° to 36° and the vertical range of ±24°. Therefore, the proposed method can achieve high-precision beam pointing in a large FOR and contributes to the miniaturization of optical systems.
Secure image communication based on two-layer dynamic feedback encryption and DWT information hiding
Authors: Zhang Jinlong , Wen Heping
Published: August 2024

In response to the vulnerability of image encryption techniques to chosen plaintext attacks, this paper proposes a secure image communication scheme based on two-layer dynamic feedback encryption and discrete wavelet transform (DWT) information hiding. The proposed scheme employs a plaintext correlation and intermediate ciphertext feedback mechanism, and combines chaotic systems, bit-level permutation, bilateral diffusion, and dynamic confusion to ensure the security and confidentiality of transmitted images. Firstly, a dynamically chaotic encryption sequence associated with a secure plaintext hash value is generated and utilized for the first round of bit-level permutation, bilateral diffusion, and dynamic confusion, resulting in an intermediate ciphertext image. Similarly, the characteristic values of the intermediate ciphertext image are used to generate dynamically chaotic encryption sequences associated with them. These sequences are then employed for the second round of bit-level permutation, bilateral diffusion, and dynamic confusion to gain the final ciphertext image. The ciphertext image hidden by DWT also provides efficient encryption, higher level of security and robustness to attacks. This technology offers indiscernible secret data insertion, rendering it challenging for assailants to spot or extract concealed information. By combining the proposed dynamic closed-loop feedback secure image encryption scheme based on the 2D-SLMM chaotic system with DWT-based hiding, a comprehensive and robust image encryption approach can be achieved. According to the results of theoretical research and experimental simulation, our encryption scheme has dynamic encryption effect and reliable security performance. The scheme is highly sensitive to key and plaintext, and can effectively resist various common encryption attacks and maintain good robustness. Therefore, our proposed encryption algorithm is an ideal digital image privacy protection technology, which has a wide range of practical application prospects.
Springback characteristics and influencing laws of four-axis flexible roll bending forming for aluminum alloy
Authors: Chen Peng , Lu Shihong
Published: August 2024

This study aims to solve the problem of springback control of aluminum alloy components in the rolling process, and the method of combining experiment and simulation is adopted. Firstly, a series of aluminum alloy samples are designed, and the four-axis flexible bending machine is used for precision roll bending. Secondly, the three-dimensional (3D) shape change data of the workpiece before and after roll bending is monitored and recorded in real-time by a high-precision 3D scanner. Meanwhile, aiming at different rolling process parameters of each group (including roll bend speed, feed rate, pre-deformation amount, mold curvature radius, and other factors), advanced finite element software is used to carry out detailed simulation and calculations. In addition, the coincidence is compared and analyzed between the actual experiment results and the simulation prediction. The stress-strain distribution and springback evolution of aluminum alloy during roll bending are described accurately. The experimental and simulation results show that the springback rate of aluminum alloy fluctuates in the range of 5% to 15% after four-axis flexible roll bending, and the specific springback value is influenced by various process parameters. For example, under the premise of keeping other conditions unchanged, when the roll bending speed is increased from 30mm/s to 60mm/s, the springback rate shows an upward trend of about 3%. By increasing the feed rate by 20%, an average decrease of about 7% in springback quantity is observed. It can be seen that the increase in roll bending speed can aggravate the springback phenomenon, and the appropriate increase in feed rate can play a certain role in restraining the springback. Further analysis shows that the choice of the mold curvature radius and pre-deformation amount also has a decisive influence on the springback characteristics. There is a nonlinear relationship between the two parameters and the amount of springback. Changing these two parameters in a specific range can effectively regulate the springback effect.
Welfare costs of suboptimal retiree decisions
Authors: Aydilek Harun , Aydilek Asiye
Published: August 2024

We make a novel investigation of welfare costs associated with various suboptimal decisions made by retirees, both analytically and numerically. We utilize a unique framework that incorporates recursive utility with housing, and also encompasses expected utility and recursive utility without housing as special cases. Our findings indicate that under-investment in stocks incurs lower welfare costs compared to an equivalent over-investment. Suboptimal allocations in bond holdings result in higher costs than similar misallocations in stocks. Choosing not to participate in the stock market is less detrimental than avoiding the bond market. Should retirees opt to simplify their decision-making by investing solely in one type of asset, it is less costly for them to invest exclusively in bonds. Overconsumption of housing is less costly than an equivalent underconsumption. Suboptimal consumption imposes the highest welfare cost. Decisions regarding consumption, housing, and savings are found to be more crucial than the choice of how to distribute liquid savings between stocks and bonds. Additionally, recursive utility model better captures retirees’ preference for bonds over stocks than expected utility model. Our results, which are consistent across various parameter settings, provide valuable insights for academics and policymakers aiming to enhance retiree welfare.
Effects of aircraft noise exposure on self-reported health through aircraft noise annoyance: Causal mediation analysis in the DEBATS longitudinal study in France
Authors: KODJI Minon’tsikpo kossi , GIORGIS-ALLEMAND Lise , LAFONT Sylviane , LANOY Émilie , EVRARD Anne-Sophie
Published: August 2024

Background

Previous studies reported an association between transportation noise and self-reported health status (SRHS). They also suggested a mediating role of noise annoyance using conventional statistical methods. These methods are subject to bias in longitudinal studies with time-dependent exposure, mediator and confounding factors. This study aims to investigate the mediating role of aircraft noise annoyance in the effect of aircraft noise on SRHS using a causal inference approach to address time-dependent variables issues.

Methods

We used data from 881 participants in all three visits in the DEBATS longitudinal study conducted around three French airports. Participants over 18 years of age reported their self-perceived health status, aircraft noise annoyance, and noise sensitivity by completing a questionnaire at three visits in 2013, 2015 and 2017. Noise maps were used to estimate aircraft noise levels outside their homes. Marginal structural models with inverse probability weighting were used to estimate the total effect of aircraft noise levels on SRHS and its decomposition into direct and indirect effect through aircraft noise annoyance.

Results

This study showed a deleterious effect of aircraft noise on SRHS. The odds ratio (OR) corresponding to the total effect and comparing the highest aircraft noise category (≥60 dBA) to the reference category (<50 dBA) was significant (ORpoor/fair_SHRS = 1.25 (95%CI: 1.06 to 2.08)). It also showed no direct effect of aircraft noise levels on SRHS, but an indirect effect through annoyance. This indirect effect increased as aircraft noise levels increased, with a statistically significant OR when comparing the highest noise category (≥60 dBA) to the lowest (<50 dBA) (ORpoor/fair_SHRS = 1.16 (95%CI: 1.03 to 1.52)). Nearly 66% of aircraft noise’s effect on SRHS was mediated by aircraft noise annoyance.

Conclusion

This study supports the deleterious causal effect of aircraft noise on SRHS. The results highlight the important mediating role of aircraft noise annoyance in the causal pathway from exposure to aircraft noise to poor/fair SRHS.
The effect of Montreal’s supervised consumption sites on injection-related infections among people who inject drugs: An interrupted time series
Authors: Lim Jihoon , Panagiotoglou Dimitra
Published: August 2024

Background

Between June and November 2017, four supervised consumption sites (SCS) began operating in Montreal, Quebec. Earlier studies on SCS focused on examining their effects on blood-borne viral infections and overdose mortality. Our objective was to examine the effect of Montreal’s SCS on the incidence, health service use and outcomes of injection-related infections (IRI) in people who inject drugs.

Methods

We used Quebec’s provincial administrative health data to identify people who inject drugs in Montreal and calculated the incidence of IRI in this population between December 2014 and December 2019. We conducted a retrospective, population-based interrupted time series to estimate the effect of Montreal’s four SCS on the monthly incidence rates of IRI-related hospitalizations, emergency department (ED) visits, physician visits, and mortality. We also examined the effects of SCS on average length of IRI-related hospitalizations and incidence of hospitalizations involving surgery.

Results

The average age of Montreal’s people who inject drugs was 41.84 years, and 66.41% were male. After the implementation of SCS, there was a positive level change in the incidence of hospitalizations (0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26, 1.68) for IRI. There was also a significant post-intervention decline in hospitalization trends (-0.05; 95% CI: -0.08, -0.02), with modest trend changes in ED visits (-0.02; 95% CI: -0.05, 0.02). However, post-intervention changes in level (0.72; 95% CI: -3.85, 5.29) and trend (0.06; 95% CI: -0.23, 0.34) for physician visits remained limited. SCS had no effect on the average length of hospitalizations, but there was a decreasing post-intervention trend in hospitalizations involving surgery (-0.03; 95% CI: -0.06, 0.00).

Conclusion

Following the opening of the SCS, there was a moderate decline in the rate of hospitalizations to treat IRI, but the impact of the sites on the rate of physician visits remained limited. These findings suggest that SCS may mitigate the incidence of more serious and complicated IRI over time.
Disparities in outcomes of colorectal cancer surgery among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Ng Ayesha P. , Kim Shineui , Chervu Nikhil , Gao Zihan , Mallick Saad , Benharash Peyman , Lee Hanjoo
Published: August 2024

Background

Disparities in colorectal cancer screening have been documented among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). However, surgical outcomes in this population have yet to be studied. The present work aimed to evaluate the association of IDD with outcomes following colorectal cancer resection.

Methods

All adults undergoing resection for colorectal cancer in the 2011–2020 National Inpatient Sample were identified. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were developed to examine the association of IDD with risk factors as well as outcomes including mortality, complications, costs, length of stay (LOS), and non-home discharge. The study is limited by its retrospective nature and did not capture disease staging or time of diagnosis.

Results

Among 722,736 patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection, 2,846 (0.39%) had IDD. Compared to patients without IDD, IDD patients were younger and had a higher burden of comorbidities. IDD status was associated with increased odds of non-elective admission (AOR 1.40 [95% CI 1.14–1.73]) and decreased odds of treatment at high-volume centers (AOR 0.64 [95% CI 0.51–0.81]). Furthermore, IDD patients experienced significantly greater LOS (9 vs 6 days, p<0.001) and hospitalization costs ($23,500 vs $19,800, p<0.001) relative to neurotypical patients. Upon risk adjustment, IDD was significantly associated with 2-fold increased odds of mortality (AOR 2.34 [95% CI 1.48–3.71]), 1.4-fold increase in complications (AOR 1.41 [95% CI 1.15–1.74]), and 6.8-fold increase in non-home discharge (AOR 6.83 [95% CI 5.46–8.56]).

Conclusions

IDD patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection experience increased likelihood of non-elective admission, adverse clinical outcomes, and resource use. Our findings highlight the need for more accessible screening and patient-centered interventions to improve quality of surgical care for this at-risk population.
Association between dietary intake of flavonoid and chronic kidney disease in US adults: Evidence from NHANES 2007-2008, 2009-2010, and 2017-2018
Authors: Liu Peijia , Peng Wujian , Hu Feng , Li Guixia
Published: August 2024

Background

Studies investigating the relationship between flavonoid intake and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are limited. This study investigated the association between daily flavonoid intake and CKD in US adults by using data for 2007–2008, 2009–2010, and 2017–2018 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database.

Methods

This study employed a cross-sectional design and used data from three cycles of the continuous NHANES: 2007–2008, 2009–2010, and 2017–2018. NHANES researchers collected data related to consumption of various food and beverages from participants by employing 24-h dietary recall questionnaires. CKD is defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of < 60 mL/min/1.73m2 or a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio of ≥ 30 mg/g.

Results

The odds ratios (OR) for CKD risk in the second (Q2), third (Q3), and fourth (Q4) quartiles of total flavonoid intake, compared with that in the first (Q1) quartile, were 0.780 (95% CI: 0.600, 1.015), 0.741 (95% CI: 0.573, 0.957), and 0.716 (95% CI: 0.554, 0.925), respectively (with a P value for the trend of 0.040). According to the restricted cubic spline analysis, total flavonoid intake exhibited a non-linear relationship with CKD risk (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that a potential J-shaped relationship was observed between total flavonoid consumption and CKD risk, with an inflection point at 69.58 mg/d. Our study indicates that a moderate intake of flavonoids may confer renal benefits which may offer novel strategies for CKD treatment.