bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment Patterns in Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Retrospective Observational Health Claims Data Study
Authors: Horneff Gerd , Borchert Julia , Diesing Joanna , Klaus Pascal , Heinrich Ria , Dally Heike , Hagemann Christine , Kock Simon , Schönfelder Tonio
Published: June 2024

(1) Background: Achieving inactive disease decreases long-term joint damage in patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (polyJIA). The aim of our study was to describe average time to treatment and medication changes over time. (2) Methods: Incident polyJIA patients were retrospectively identified in the InGef and WIG2 longitudinal health claims databases. Drug escalation level changes were evaluated longitudinally and cross-sectionally across three years, as follows: no treatment, glucocorticoids (GCs) and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). (3) Results: On average, newly diagnosed polyJIA patients received their first csDMARD prescription after 128 days and their first bDMARD prescription after 327 days. More patients were treated with csDMARDs than with bDMARDs at diagnosis; however, 24% and 12% (InGef and WIG2 databases, respectively) had no JIA treatment. After three years, 45% and 31% were not taking any treatments, while 18% and 36% were prescribed bDMARDs. Among patients initiating bDMARDs, most continued treatment for three years, with some switching to csDMARDs or discontinuing treatment. Patients treated only with csDMARDs took them longer, compared to those additionally taking other DMARDs. Patients treated with bDMARDs took them about twice as long as the csDMARDs they took prior. (4) Conclusion: A substantial number of patients with polyJIA are not treated as intensively as guidelines recommend.
Crosstalk between Inflammation and Atherosclerosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Is There a Common Basis?
Authors: Sircana Marta Chiara , Erre Gian Luca , Castagna Floriana , Manetti Roberto
Published: June 2024

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors, although present in lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, do not explain such a high burden of early cardiovascular disease in the context of these systemic connective tissue diseases. Over the past few years, our understanding of the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis has changed from it being a lipid-centric to an inflammation-centric process. In this review, we examine the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, the two most common systemic connective tissue diseases, and consider them as emblematic models of the effect of chronic inflammation on the human body. We explore the roles of the inflammasome, cells of the innate and acquired immune system, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, chemokines and soluble pro-inflammatory cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, and the roles of certain autoantigens and autoantibodies, such as oxidized low-density lipoprotein and beta2-glycoprotein, which may play a pathogenetic role in atherosclerosis progression.
Switching to an Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant after Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Therapy for Diabetic Macular Edema: A Review
Authors: Vitiello Livio , Salerno Giulio , Coppola Alessia , De Pascale Ilaria , Abbinante Giulia , Gagliardi Vincenzo , Lixi Filippo , Pellegrino Alfonso , Giannaccare Giuseppe
Published: June 2024

Among working-age people, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema are currently considered the main causes of blindness. Nowadays, intravitreal injections are widely acknowledged as a significant milestone in ophthalmology, especially for the treatment of several retinal diseases, including diabetic macular edema. In particular, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents are typically the first line of treatment; however, monthly injections are required, at least, during the loading dosage. Notably, an intravitreal 0.7 mg dexamethasone (DEX) implant (Ozurdex®, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, IL, USA) is considered a legitimate substitute treatment for diabetic eyes that have not responded to anti-VEGF treatment. In fact, clinical trials and real-life studies have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of an intravitreal DEX implant in treating such conditions over a period of three to six months. For this reason, wisely selecting diabetic patients might be crucial to decreasing the load of injections in clinics and hospitals. The purpose of this review is to analyze the available scientific literature to highlight the benefits, efficacy, and clinical criteria for choosing whether to switch from intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy to an intravitreal DEX implant in diabetic macular edema.
Use of Periodic Mesoporous Organosilica–Benzene Adsorbent for CO2 Capture to Reduce the Greenhouse Effect
Authors: Cantador-Fernandez David , Esquivel Dolores , Jiménez José Ramón , Fernández-Rodríguez José María
Published: June 2024

The CO2 adsorption of a phenylene-bridged ordered mesoporous organosilica (PMO–benzene) was analyzed. The maximum capture capacity was 638.2 mg·g−1 (0 °C and 34 atm). Approximately 0.43 g would be enough to reduce the amount of atmospheric CO2 in 1 m3 to pre-industrial levels. The CO2 adsorption data were analyzed using several isotherm models, including Langmuir, Freundlich, Sips, Toth, Dubinin–Radushkevich, and Temkin models. This study confirmed the capability of this material for use in reversible CO2 capture with a minimal loss of capacity (around 1%) after 10 capture cycles. Various techniques were employed to characterize this material. The findings from this study can help mitigate the greenhouse effect caused by CO2.
Hexakis[p-(hydroxymethyl)phenoxy]cyclotriphosphazene as an Environmentally Friendly Modifier for Polyurethane Powder Coatings with Increased Thermal Stability and Corrosion Resistance
Authors: Pilch-Pitera Barbara , Czachor-Jadacka Dominika , Byczyński Łukasz , Dutkiewicz Michał , Januszewski Rafał , Kowalczyk Krzysztof , Nowak Wojciech J. , Pojnar Katarzyna
Published: June 2024

Protection against fire and the corrosion of metals is necessary to ensure human safety. Most of the fire and corrosion inhibitors do not meet the ecological requirements. Therefore, effective and ecological methods of protecting metals are currently a challenge for researchers. In this work, the influence of hexakis(4-(hydroxymethyl)phenoxy)cyclotriphosphazene (HHPCP) on the characteristics of powder coatings was examined. The coatings’ properties were investigated by measuring the roughness, hardness, adhesion to the steel surface, cupping, gloss, scratch resistance, and water contact angle. The thermal stability was studied by furnace test and TGA analysis. The corrosion resistance test was carried out in a 3.5% NaCl solution. The distribution of phosphazene-derived segments in the coating was examined by GD-EOS analysis. Modified coatings show better corrosion and thermal resistance and can be used for the protection of the steel surface. Their better corrosion resistance is due to the electroactive properties of the phosphazene ring and its higher concentration at the coating surface, confirmed by GD-EOS analysis. The increase in thermal resistance is due to the effect of the formation of phosphoric metaphosphoric and polyphosphoric acids during the decomposition of HHCPC, which remain in the condensed char phase and play a crucial role in surface protection.
Preparation and Performance Study of Rapid Repair Epoxy Concrete for Bridge Deck Pavement
Authors: Sun Linhao , Hao Xinling , He Jilei , Cai Yingchun , Guo Pan , Ma Qingwen
Published: June 2024

With the rapid development of bridge construction, the service life of bridges and traffic volume continue to increase, leading to the gradual appearance of diseases such as potholes and cracks in bridge deck pavements under repeated external loads. These issues severely impact the safety and service life of bridges. The repair of bridge deck potholes and cracks is crucial for ensuring the integrity and safety of bridge structures. Rapid repair materials designed for this purpose play a critical role in effectively and efficiently addressing these issues. In order to address the issues of pavement diseases, this study focuses on the rapid repair of epoxy concrete for bridge deck pavements and its performance is studied using experimental methods. Firstly, carbon black, rubber powder, and other materials were used to improve the elastic modulus and aging resistance of the epoxy concrete. Secondly, the addition of solid asphalt particles provided thermal sensitivity to the repair material. Finally, various properties of the rapid repair epoxy concrete for bridge deck pavements were tested through experiments including compressive strength testing, elastic modulus measurement, thermal sensitivity testing, and anti-UV aging testing. The experimental results show that adding carbon black and rubber powder reduces the elastic modulus of epoxy concrete by 25% compared to normal epoxy concrete, while increasing its aging resistance by 1.8%. The inclusion of solid asphalt particles provided thermal sensitivity to the repair material, contributing to better stress coordination between the repair material and the original pavement material under different temperature conditions. The epoxy concrete has early strength, toughness, and anti-aging properties, making it suitable for rapid repair of bridge deck pavement.
In Situ Study of Precipitates’ Effect on Grain Deformation Behavior and Mechanical Properties of S31254 Super Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Ma Jinyao , Tan Huanyu , Dong Nan , Gao Jiemin , Wang Puli , Wang Zhihua , Han Peide
Published: June 2024

Grain boundary (GB) precipitation-induced cracking is a significant issue for S31254 super austenitic stainless steel during hot working. Investigating the deformation behavior based on precipitate morphology and distribution is essential. In this study, continuous smaller and intermittent larger precipitates were obtained through heat treatments at 950 °C and 1050 °C. The microstructure evolution and mechanical properties influenced by precipitates were experimentally investigated using an in situ tensile stage inside a scanning electron microscope (SEM) combined with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The results showed that continuous precipitates at 950 °C had a stronger pinning effect on the GB, making grain rotation difficult and promoting slip deformation in the plastic interval. Continuous precipitates caused severe stress concentration near GB and reduced coordinated deformation ability. Additionally, the crack propagation path changed from transcrystalline to intercrystalline. Furthermore, internal precipitates were a crucial factor affecting the initial crack nucleation position. Interconnected precipitates led to an intergranular fracture tendency and severe deterioration of the material’s plasticity, as observed in fracture morphology.
Review Study on Mechanical Properties of Cellular Materials
Authors: Iqbal Safdar , Kamiński Marcin
Published: June 2024

Cellular materials are fundamental elements in civil engineering, known for their porous nature and lightweight composition. However, the complexity of its microstructure and the mechanisms that control its behavior presents ongoing challenges. This comprehensive review aims to confront these uncertainties head-on, delving into the multifaceted field of cellular materials. It highlights the key role played by numerical and mathematical analysis in revealing the mysterious elasticity of these structures. Furthermore, the review covers a range of topics, from the simulation of manufacturing processes to the complex relationships between microstructure and mechanical properties. This review provides a panoramic view of the field by traversing various numerical and mathematical analysis methods. Furthermore, it reveals cutting-edge theoretical frameworks that promise to redefine our understanding of cellular solids. By providing these contemporary insights, this study not only points the way for future research but also illuminates pathways to practical applications in civil and materials engineering.
Synthesis and Electron Transporting Properties of Diblock Copolymers Consisting of Polyfluorene and Polystyrene
Authors: Cheng Jin , Jiang Ruoyu , Shan Yuhua , Sun Hong , Kanehashi Shinji , Ogino Kenji
Published: June 2024

Poly(9,9-di-n-octylfluorene) (PFO) is a promising material for polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) due to its advantageous properties. To enhance its electron transporting capabilities, diblock polymers were synthesized by attaching polystyrene (PSt) chains of varying lengths to one end of the PFO molecule. In a comparative study with PFO homopolymer, the diblock polymers maintained similar thermal properties, absorption spectra, and photoluminescent stability, while exhibiting slightly deeper lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) levels and higher crystallinity. Notably, diblock polymers with shorter polystyrene blocks demonstrated higher electron mobility than the PFO homopolymer and diblock polymers with excessively long polystyrene blocks. These findings suggest that the optimal chain length of the polystyrene block is crucial for maximizing electron mobility, thus offering valuable insights for designing high-performance PLED materials.
Experimental Parametric Investigation of Nanosecond Laser-Induced Surface Graphitization of Nano-Crystalline Diamond
Authors: Yuan Huixin , Zhao Liang , Zhang Junjie
Published: June 2024

While nano-crystalline diamond (NCD) is a promising engineering composite material for its unique mechanical properties, achieving the ultrahigh surface quality of NCD-based components through conventional grinding and polishing is challenging due to its exceptional hardness and brittleness. In the present work, we experimentally investigate the nanosecond laser ablation-induced graphitization characteristics of NCD, which provides a critical pretreatment method of NCD for realizing its superlative surface finish. Specifically, systematic experimental investigations of the nanosecond pulsed laser ablation of NCD are carried out, in which the characteristics of graphitization are qualitatively characterized by the Raman spectroscopy detection of the ablated area of the microhole and microgroove. Subsequently, the influence of laser processing parameters on the degree and morphological characteristics of graphitization is evaluated based on experimental data and related interpretation, from which optimized parameters for maximizing the graphitization of NCD are then identified. The findings reported in the current work provide guidance for promoting the machinability of NCD via laser irradiation-induced surface modification.
Carbonation Resistance of Ternary Portland Cements Made with Silica Fume and Limestone
Authors: Sanjuán Miguel Ángel , Menéndez Esperanza , Recino Hairon
Published: June 2024

Ternary blended cements, made with silica fume and limestone, provide significant benefits such as improved compressive strength, chloride penetration resistance, sulfates attack, etc. Furthermore, they could be considered low-carbon cements, and they contribute to reducing the depletion of natural resources in reference to water usage, fossil fuel consumption, and mining. Limestone (10%, 15%, and 20%) with different fineness and coarse silica fume (3%, 5%, and 7%) was used to produce ternary cements. The average size of coarse silica fume used was 238 μm. For the first time, the carbonation resistance of ternary Portland cements made with silica fume and limestone has been assessed. The carbonation resistance was assessed by natural carbonation testing. The presence of coarse silica fume and limestone in the blended cement led to pore refinement of the cement-based materials by the filling effect and the C-S-H gel formation. Accordingly, the carbonation resistance of these new ternary cements was less poor than expected for blended cements.
The Potential of Spot Size Control in Shaping the Thickness Distribution in Ultrashort Laser Deposition
Authors: Lorusso Antonella , Égerházi László , Szatmári Sándor , Szörényi Tamás
Published: June 2024

The availability of new-generation femtosecond lasers capable of delivering pulses with energies in the hundreds of mJ, or even in the joules range, has called for a revision of the effect of scaling spot size on the material distribution within the plasma plume. Employing a state-of-the-art Szatmári-type hybrid dye-excimer laser system emitting 248 nm pulses with a maximum energy of 20 mJ and duration of 600 fs, copper films were grown in the classical pulsed laser deposition geometry. The exceptionally clean temporal profile of the laser pulses yielded a femtosecond component of 4.18 ± 0.19 mJ, accompanied by a 0.22 ± 0.01 mJ ASE pedestal on the target surface. While varying the spot sizes, the plasma plume consistently exhibited an extremely forward-peaked distribution. Deposition rates, defined as peak thickness per number of pulses, ranged from 0.030 to 0.114 nm/pulse, with a gradual narrowing of the thickness distribution as the spot area increased from 0.085 to 1.01 mm2 while keeping the pulse energy constant. The material distribution on the silicon substrates was characterized using the f(Θ) = AcoskΘ + (1 − A)cospΘ formalism, revealing exponents characterizing the forward-peaked component of the thickness profile of the film material along the axes, ranging from k = 15 up to exceptionally high values exceeding 50, as the spot area increased. Consequently, spot size control and outstanding beam quality ensured that majority of the ablated material was confined to the central region of the plume, indicating the potential of PLD (pulsed laser deposition) for highly efficient localized deposition of exotic materials.
Numerical Simulation of Segregation in Slabs under Different Secondary Cooling Electromagnetic Stirring Modes
Authors: Liu Daiwei , Zhang Guifang , Zeng Jianhua , Xie Xin
Published: June 2024

Secondary cooling electromagnetic stirring (S-EMS) significantly impacts the internal quality of continuous casting slabs. In order to investigate the effects of S-EMS modes on segregation in slabs, a three-dimensional numerical model of the full-scale flow field, solidification, and mass transfer was established. A comparative analysis was conducted between continuous electromagnetic stirring and alternate stirring modes regarding their impacts on steel flow, solidification, and carbon segregation. The results indicated that adopting the alternate stirring mode was more advantageous for achieving uniform flow fields and reducing the disparity in solidification endpoints, thus mitigating carbon segregation. Specifically, the central carbon segregation index under continuous stirring at 320 A was 1.236, with an average of 1.247, while under alternate stirring, the central carbon segregation index decreased to 1.222 with an average of 1.227.
Kinematic Modeling and Performance Analysis of a 5-DoF Robot for Welding Applications
Authors: Karupusamy Selvaraj , Maruthachalam Sundaram , Veerasamy Balaji
Published: June 2024

Robotic manipulators are critical for industrial automation, boosting productivity, quality, and safety in various production applications. Key factors like the payload, speed, accuracy, and reach define robot performance. Optimizing these factors is crucial for future robot applications across diverse fields. While 6-Degrees-of-Freedom (DoF)-articulated robots are popular due to their diverse applications, this research proposes a novel 5-DoF robot design for industrial automation, featuring a combination of three prismatic and two revolute (2R) joints, and analyzes its workspace. The proposed techno-economically efficient design offers control over the robot manipulator to achieve any reachable position and orientation within its workspace, replacing traditional 6-DoF robots. The kinematic model integrates both parallel and serial manipulator principles, combining a Cartesian mechanism with rotational mechanisms. Simulations demonstrate the end effector’s flexibility for tasks like welding, additive manufacturing, and material inspections, achieving the desired position and orientation. The research encompasses the design of linear and rotational actuators, kinematic modeling, Human–Machine Interface (HMI) development, and welding application integration. The developed robot demonstrates a superior performance and user-friendliness in welding. The experimental work validates the design’s optimized joint trajectories, efficient power usage, singularity avoidance, easy access in application areas, and reduced costs due to fewer actuators.
Flexspline Pitch Deviation Rapid Measurement Method Using Offset Point Laser Sensors
Authors: Wang Xiaoyi , Zheng Kunlei , Xiao Longyuan , Zhao Chengxiang , Liu Mingkang , Zhu Dongjie , Yao Tianyang , Shi Zhaoyao
Published: June 2024

Flexsplines in harmonic gear reducers are usually characterized by a large number of teeth, small modulus, and poor stiffness, which makes them difficult to measure using conventional gear measuring centers. In order to efficiently evaluate the quality of flexsplines in harmonic gear reducers, a rapid measurement method for flexspline pitch using offset point laser sensors (PLS) is proposed. This paper investigates the principle of measuring the tooth flank of the flexspline under the offset of the PLS, establishes a model for collecting and analyzing gear surface data, builds an experimental system, calibrates the six pose parameters of the sensor using the geometric features of the flexspline’s outer circular surface, and completes the reconstruction of the left and right gear surfaces of the flexspline based on the measured data. In the experiment, the gear surface obtained by the proposed method is largely consistent with that measured by the video imaging method, and the repeatability of both single pitch deviation and cumulative pitch deviation is within ±3 µm.
Establishment and Analysis of Load Spectrum for Bogie Frame of High-Speed Train at 400 km/h Speed Level
Authors: Tao Guidong , Liu Zhiming , Ji Chengxiang , Yang Guangxue
Published: June 2024

The bogie frame, as one of the most critical load-bearing structures of the Electric Multiple Unit (EMU), is responsible for bearing and transmitting various loads from the car body, wheelsets, and its own installation components. With the increasing operating speed of high-speed EMUs, especially when the design and operational speeds exceed 400 km/h, the applicability of current international standards is uncertain. The load spectrum serves as the foundation for structural reliability design and fatigue evaluation. In this paper, the measured loads of the bogie frame of a CR400AF high-speed train on the Beijing–Shanghai high-speed railway are obtained, and the time-domain characteristic of the measured loads is analyzed under different operating conditions. Then, through the Weibull distribution of three parameters, the Weibull parameters at the 450 km/h speed level are fitted, and the maximum load and cumulative frequency under the speed level are derived. Finally, the load spectrum of the bogie frame at the 450 km/h speed level is established, which provides a more realistic load condition for accurately evaluating the fatigue strength of bogie frames at higher speed levels.
Double-Observer-Based Bumpless Transfer Control of Switched Positive Systems
Authors: Yang Yahao , Huang Zhong , Zhang Pei
Published: June 2024

This paper investigates the bumpless transfer control of linear switched positive systems based on state and disturbance observers. First, state and disturbance observers are designed for linear switched positive systems to estimate the state and the disturbance. By combining the designed state observer, the disturbance observer, and the output, a new controller is constructed for the systems. All gain matrices are described in the form of linear programming. By using co-positive Lyapunov functions, the positivity and stability of the closed-loop system can be ensured. In order to achieve the bumpless transfer property, some additional sufficient conditions are imposed on the control conditions. The novelties of this paper lie in that (i) a novel framework is presented for positive disturbance observer, (ii) double observers are constructed for linear switched positive systems, and (iii) a bumpless transfer controller is proposed in terms of linear programming. Finally, two examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed results.
Kelly Criterion Extension: Advanced Gambling Strategy
Authors: Kim Song-Kyoo (Amang)
Published: June 2024

This article introduces an innovative extension of the Kelly criterion, which has traditionally been used in gambling, sports wagering, and investment contexts. The Kelly criterion extension (KCE) refines the traditional capital growth function to better suit dynamic market conditions. The KCE improves the traditional approach to accommodate the complexities of financial markets, particularly in stock and commodity trading. This innovative method focuses on crafting strategies based on market conditions and player actions rather than direct asset investments, which enhances its practical application by minimizing risks associated with volatile investments. This paper is structured to first outline the foundational concepts of the Kelly criterion, followed by a detailed presentation of the KCE and its advantages in practical scenarios, including a case study on its application to blackjack strategy optimization. The mathematical framework and real-world applicability of the KCE are thoroughly discussed, demonstrating its potential to bridge the gap between theoretical finance and actual trading outcomes.
CSD-YOLO: A Ship Detection Algorithm Based on a Deformable Large Kernel Attention Mechanism
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhang Han , Jiang Dan
Published: June 2024

Ship detection and identification play pivotal roles in ensuring navigation safety and facilitating efficient maritime traffic management. Aiming at ship detection in complex environments, which often faces problems such as the dense occlusion of ship targets, low detection accuracy, and variable environmental conditions, in this paper, we propose a ship detection algorithm CSD-YOLO (Context guided block module, Slim-neck, Deformable large kernel attention-You Only Look Once) based on the deformable large kernel attention (D-LKA) mechanism, which was improved based on YOLOv8 to enhance its performance. This approach integrates several innovations to bolster its performance. Initially, the utilization of the Context Guided Block module (CG block) enhanced the c2f module of the backbone network, thereby augmenting the feature extraction capabilities and enabling a more precise capture of the key image information. Subsequently, the introduction of a novel neck architecture and the incorporation of the slim-neck module facilitated more effective feature fusion, thereby enhancing both the accuracy and efficiency of detection. Furthermore, the algorithm incorporates a D-LKA mechanism to dynamically adjust the convolution kernel shape and size, thereby enhancing the model’s adaptability to varying ship target shapes and sizes. To address data scarcity in complex marine environments, the experiments utilized a fused dataset comprising the SeaShips dataset and a proprietary dataset. The experimental results demonstrate that the CSD-YOLO algorithm outperformed the YOLOv8n algorithm across all model evaluation metrics. Specifically, the precision rate (precision) was 91.5%, the recall rate (recall) was 89.5%, and the mean accuracy (mAP) was 91.5%. Compared to the benchmark algorithm, the Recall was improved by 0.7% and the mAP was improved by 0.4%. These results indicate that the CSD-YOLO algorithm can effectively meet the requirements for ship target recognition and tracking in complex marine environments.
Existence and Hyers–Ulam Stability of Stochastic Delay Systems Governed by the Rosenblatt Process
Authors: AlNemer Ghada , Hosny Mohamed , Udhayakumar Ramalingam , Elshenhab Ahmed M.
Published: June 2024

Under the effect of the Rosenblatt process, time-delay systems of nonlinear stochastic delay differential equations are considered. Utilizing the delayed matrix functions and exact solutions for these systems, the existence and Hyers–Ulam stability results are derived. First, depending on the fixed point theory, the existence and uniqueness of solutions are proven. Next, sufficient criteria for the Hyers–Ulam stability are established. Ultimately, to illustrate the importance of the results, an example is provided.
A Bi-Starlike Class in a Leaf-like Domain Defined through Subordination via q̧-Calculus
Authors: Amourah Ala , Alsoboh Abdullah , Breaz Daniel , El-Deeb Sheza M.
Published: June 2024

Bi-univalent functions associated with the leaf-like domain within the open unit disk are investigated and a new subclass is introduced and studied in the research presented here. This is achieved by applying the subordination principle for analytic functions in conjunction with q-calculus. The class is proved to be not empty. By proving its existence, generalizations can be given to other sets of functions. In addition, coefficient bounds are examined with a particular focus on |α2| and |α3| coefficients, and Fekete–Szegö inequalities are estimated for the functions in this new class. To support the conclusions, previous works are cited for confirmation.
A Dual-Competition-Based Particle Swarm Optimizer for Large-Scale Optimization
Authors: Gao Weijun , Peng Xianjie , Guo Weian , Li Dongyang
Published: June 2024

Large-scale particle swarm optimization (PSO) has long been a hot topic due to the following reasons: Swarm diversity preservation is still challenging for current PSO variants for large-scale optimization problems, resulting in difficulties for PSO in balancing its exploration and exploitation. Furthermore, current PSO variants for large-scale optimization problems often introduce additional operators to improve their ability in diversity preservation, leading to increased algorithm complexity. To address these issues, this paper proposes a dual-competition-based particle update strategy (DCS), which selects the particles to be updated and corresponding exemplars with two rounds of random pairing competitions, which can straightforwardly benefit swarm diversity preservation. Furthermore, DCS confirms the primary and secondary exemplars based on the fitness sorting operation for exploitation and exploration, respectively, leading to a dual-competition-based swarm optimizer. Thanks to the proposed DCS, on the one hand, the proposed algorithm is able to protect more than half of the particles from being updated to benefit diversity preservation at the swarm level. On the other hand, DCS provides an efficient exploration and exploitation exemplar selection mechanism, which is beneficial for balancing exploration and exploitation at the particle update level. Additionally, this paper analyzes the stability conditions and computational complexity of the proposed algorithm. In the experimental section, based on seven state-of-the-art algorithms and a recently proposed large-scale benchmark suite, this paper verifies the competitiveness of the proposed algorithm in large-scale optimization problems.
ARFGCN: Adaptive Receptive Field Graph Convolutional Network for Urban Crowd Flow Prediction
Authors: Dai Genan , Huang Hu , Peng Xiaojiang , Zhang Bowen , Fu Xianghua
Published: June 2024

Urban crowd flow prediction is an important task for transportation systems and public safety. While graph convolutional networks (GCNs) have been widely adopted for this task, existing GCN-based methods still face challenges. Firstly, they employ fixed receptive fields, failing to account for urban region heterogeneity where different functional zones interact distinctly with their surroundings. Secondly, they lack mechanisms to adaptively adjust spatial receptive fields based on temporal dynamics, which limits prediction performance. To address these limitations, we propose an Adaptive Receptive Field Graph Convolutional Network (ARFGCN) for urban crowd flow prediction. ARFGCN allows each region to independently determine its receptive field size, adaptively adjusted and learned in an end-to-end manner during training, enhancing model prediction performance. It comprises a time-aware adaptive receptive field (TARF) gating mechanism, a stacked 3DGCN, and a prediction layer. The TARF aims to leverage gating in neural networks to adapt receptive fields based on temporal dynamics, enabling the predictive network to adapt to urban regional heterogeneity. The TARF can be easily integrated into the stacked 3DGCN, enhancing the prediction. Experimental results demonstrate ARFGCN’s effectiveness compared to other methods.
Novel Numerical Investigations of Some Problems Based on the Darcy–Forchheimer Model and Heat Transfer
Authors: Akyildiz Fahir Talay , Alshammari Fehaid Salem , Tunç Cemil
Published: June 2024

In this study, we introduced a new type of basis function and subsequently a Chebyshev delta shaped collocation method (CDSC). We then use this method to numerically investigate both the natural convective flow and heat transfer of nanofluids in a vertical rectangular duct on the basis of a Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer model and the electroosmosis-modulated Darcy–Forchheimer flow of Casson nanofluid over stretching sheets with Newtonian heating problems. The approximate solution is represented in terms of Chebyshev delta shaped basis functions. Novel error estimates for interpolating polynomials are derived. Computational experiments were carried out to corroborate the theoretical results and to compare the present method with the existing Chebyshev pseudospectral method. To demonstrate our proposed approach, we also compared the numerical solutions with analytic solutions of the Poisson equation. Computer simulations show that the proposed method is computationally cheap, fast, and spectrally accurate and more importantly the obtained approximate solution can easily be used by researchers in this field.
On the Ratio-Type Family of Copulas
Authors: El Ktaibi Farid , Bentoumi Rachid , Mesfioui Mhamed
Published: June 2024

Investigating dependence structures across various fields holds paramount importance. Consequently, the creation of new copula families plays a crucial role in developing more flexible stochastic models that address the limitations of traditional and sometimes impractical assumptions. The present article derives some reasonable conditions for validating a copula of the ratio-type form uv/(1−θf(u)g(v)). It includes numerous examples and discusses the admissible range of parameter θ, showcasing the diversity of copulas generated through this framework, such as Archimedean, non-Archimedean, positive dependent, and negative dependent copulas. The exploration extends to the upper bound of a general family of copulas, uv/(1−θϕ(u,v)), and important properties of the copula are discussed, including singularity, measures of association, tail dependence, and monotonicity. Furthermore, an extensive simulation study is presented, comparing the performance of three different estimators based on maximum likelihood, ρ-inversion, and the moment copula method.
Influence of Dulaglutide on Serum Biomarkers of Atherosclerotic Plaque Instability: An Interventional Analysis of Cytokine Profiles in Diabetic Subjects—A Pilot Study
Authors: Hachuła Marcin , Kosowski Michał , Basiak Marcin , Okopień Bogusław
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives: The rise in global diabetes cases, reaching a staggering 529 million in 2021 from 108 million in 1980, underscores the urgency of addressing its complications, notably macrovascular ones like coronary artery, cerebrovascular, and peripheral artery diseases, which contribute to over 50% of diabetes mortality. Atherosclerosis, linked to hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction, is pivotal in cardiovascular disease development. Cytokines, including pentraxin 3 (PTX3), copeptin, lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), influence atherosclerosis progression and plaque vulnerability. Inhibiting atherosclerosis progression is crucial, especially in diabetic individuals. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), increasingly used for type 2 diabetes, show promise in reducing the cardiovascular risk, sparking interest in their effects on atherogenesis. This study sought to examine the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) on biomarkers that indicate the instability of atherosclerotic plaques. These biomarkers include pentraxin 3 (PTX3), copeptin (CPC), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. Materials and Methods: A total of 34 participants, ranging in age from 41 to 81 years (with an average age of 61), who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (with a median HbA1c level of 8.8%), dyslipidemia, and verified atherosclerosis using B-mode ultrasonography, were included in the study. All subjects were eligible to initiate treatment with a GLP-1 RA—dulaglutide. Results: Significant reductions in anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, fasting glucose levels, and HbA1c levels were observed posttreatment. Moreover, a notable decrease in biochemical markers associated with atherosclerotic plaque instability, particularly PTX3 and MMP-9 (p < 0.001), as well as Lp(a) (p < 0.05), was evident following the GLP-1 RA intervention. Conclusions: These findings underscore the potential of GLP-1 RAs in mitigating atherosclerosis progression and plaque vulnerability, thus enhancing cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Cranial Nerve Palsy and Risk of Kidney Cancer: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Lee Dongyoung , Han Kyungdo , Rhiu Soolienah , Jung Jin-hyung , Park Kyung-Ah , Oh Sei Yeul
Published: June 2024

Background and Objective: Understanding whether cranial nerve palsy (CNP) acts as an independent risk factor for kidney cancer could have important implications for patient care, early detection, and potentially the development of preventive strategies for this type of cancer in individuals with CNP. This study aimed to examine the risk of kidney cancer following the onset of ocular motor CNP and assess whether CNP could be considered an independent risk factor for kidney cancer. Materials and Methods: A population-based cohort study was conducted using data from the National Sample Cohort (NSC) database of Korea’s National Health Insurance Service which was collected from 2010 to 2017. Follow-up was until kidney cancer development, death, or 31 December 2018. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to determine hazard ratios (HRs) for kidney cancer according to CNP status. Participants aged 20 years or more diagnosed with CNP from 2010 to 2017 were included. Exclusions comprised individuals with specific pre-existing conditions, inability to match a control group, and missing data, among others. CNP patients were age–sex matched in a 1:5 ratio with control cases. The primary outcome was incidence of kidney cancer during the follow-up period. Results: This study comprised 118,686 participants: 19,781 in the CNP group, and 98,905 in the control group. Compared to the control group, participants with CNP had a higher risk of kidney cancer (adjusted HR in model 4, 1.599 [95% CI, 1.116–2.29]). After a 3-year lag period, the CNP group had a significantly higher risk (adjusted HR in model 4, 1.987 [95% CI, 1.252–3.154]). Conclusions: Ocular motor CNP may be an independent risk factor for kidney cancer, as indicated by a higher incidence of kidney cancer in CNP patients. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore potential preventive measures for kidney cancer in patients with ocular motor CNP.
Secretory Carcinoma of the Breast with Apocrine Differentiation—A Peculiar Entity
Authors: Evsei Anca , Birceanu-Corobea Adelina-Lucretia , Ghita Mihai , Copca Narcis
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives: Secretory carcinoma of the breast is an uncommon histological subtype of breast cancer. There is little research on this entity and only a few larger studies, which lack consensus. We aim to report a particular apocrine differentiation in this subtype and ponder upon the clinical outcome of this case. Case presentation: We report the case of a 72-year-old female patient who presented to our hospital with a suspicious breast tumor. Core biopsy and mastectomy showed a low-grade breast carcinoma, a secretory subtype with apocrine differentiation. Immunohistochemistry confirmed both the secretory nature and the apocrine nature of the tumor cells. Surgical excision was considered curative and the patient is under long-term surveillance for any recurrences. Conclusions: There is very little research on the clinical behavior of secretory carcinomas with apocrine differentiation. The clinical outcome is unknown and, unfortunately, besides surgery, no other adjuvant treatments have shown efficacy. Further studies on long-term clinical progression are required for this rare entity.
Effect of Treatment of the Cholinergic Precursor Choline Alphoscerate in Mild Cognitive Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Carotenuto Anna , Andreone Vincenzo , Amenta Francesco , Traini Enea
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives: The focus on mild cognitive dysfunction in adults is of great interest, given the risk of worsening and conversion to dementia. Cognitive dysfunctions are characterized by a decrease in the weight and volume of the brain, due to cortical atrophy, with a widening of the grooves and flattening of the convolutions. Brain atrophy that mainly involves the hippocampus is related to the progression of cognitive impairment and the conversion from mild cognitive dysfunction to dementia. Currently, there is no treatment for MCI. Results from a trial on Alzheimer’s disease (ASCOMALVA trial) suggest that a sustained cholinergic challenge can slow the progression of brain atrophy typical of Alzheimer’s disease associated with vascular damage. This study intends to evaluate the efficacy of choline alphoscerate in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and associated vascular damage, in stabilizing and/or slowing brain atrophy typical of adult-onset cognitive dysfunction, and in improving and/or slowing the progression of cognitive and behavioral symptoms associated with MCI. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial will recruit 60 patients that will be evaluated and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive choline alphoscerate (1200 mg/day) or placebo, for 12 months. Analyses will be carried out using SPSS vesion No 26 the Statistician in charge of this study, with the statistical significance level chosen as 0.05. Discussion: This trial may provide evidence about the efficacy of treatment with the cholinergic precursor choline alphoscerate in patients with mild cognitive dysfunction. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals. Registration: EudraCT number: 2020-000576-38
Is There a Relationship between Psychotic Disorders and the Radicalization Process? A Systematic Review
Authors: Catapano Pierluigi , Cipolla Salvatore , De Rosa Corrado , Milano Stefania , Vozza Daniela , Guadagno Davide , Perris Francesco , Sampogna Gaia , Fiorillo Andrea
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives: Radicalization, a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, has been a subject of increasing concern in recent years, particularly due to its potential connection to acts of mass violence and terrorism. This systematic review examines the intricate link between radicalization and psychotic disorders, utilizing various sources such as observational studies, case reports, and series. It aims to highlight the prevalence of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders among radicalized individuals and to define the role of mental health professionals in dealing with this issue, contributing to the development of prevention and treatment strategies. Materials and Methods: The methodology involved an extensive literature search across PubMed, Scopus, and APA PsycINFO up to 1 February 2024, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. The study focused on radicalization and psychotic disorders as defined by DSM-5 criteria, excluding other mental disorders. A population sample of 41 radicalized individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorders was selected, among which schizophrenia was identified as the predominant condition. Results: It was observed that 24% of these individuals passed away soon after committing their crimes, leading the researchers to rely on retrospective data for their diagnoses. The use of diverse assessment tools for psychiatric diagnosis and the lack of a standardized method for diagnosing or assessing involvement in the radicalization process were also noted. Despite limitations like reliance on observational studies and case reports, which result in low evidence quality and varied methodologies, our work provides a valuable contribution to clarifying the relationship between radicalization and psychotic disorders. However, further clinical studies are needed to delve deeper into these aspects. Conclusions: In conclusion, our review points out that individuals with psychotic disorders do not have a higher crime rate than the general population and warns against associating crimes with mental illness due to the stigma it creates. The lack of uniform psychiatric diagnostic tools and radicalization assessment highlights the need for more standardized risk assessment tools and validated scales in psychiatric diagnosis to better understand the relationship between radicalization and psychotic disorders and to develop integrated protocols.
Diagnostic Assessment of Endoscopic Ultrasonography–Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in the Pancreas: A Comparison between Liquid-Based Preparation and Conventional Smear
Authors: Pyo Jung-Soo , Lim Dae Hyun , Min Kyueng-Whan , Kim Nae Yu , Oh Il Hwan , Son Byoung Kwan
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate the cytologic characteristics and diagnostic usefulness of endoscopic ultrasonography–fine needle aspiration cytology (EUS-FNAC) by comparing it with liquid-based preparation (LBP) and conventional smear (CS) in pancreas. Methods: The diagnostic categories (I through VII) were classified according to the World Health Organization Reporting System for Pancreaticobiliary Cytopathology. Ten cytologic features, including nuclear and additional features, were evaluated in 53 cases subjected to EUS-FNAC. Nuclear features comprised irregular nuclear contours, nuclear enlargement, hypochromatic nuclei with parachromatin clearing, and nucleoli. Additional cellular features included isolated atypical cells, mucinous cytoplasm, drunken honeycomb architecture, mitosis, necrotic background, and cellularity. A decision tree analysis was conducted to assess diagnostic efficacy. Results: The diagnostic concordance rate between LBP and CS was 49.1% (26 out of 53 cases). No significant differences in nuclear features were observed between categories III (atypical), VI (suspicious for malignancy), and VII (malignant). The decision tree analysis of LBP indicated that cases with moderate or high cellularity and mitosis could be considered diagnostic for those exhibiting nuclear atypia. Furthermore, in CS, mitosis, isolated atypical cells, and necrotic background exerted a more significant impact on the diagnosis of EUS-FNAC. Conclusions: Significant parameters for interpreting EUS-FNAC may differ between LBP and CS. While nuclear atypia did not influence the diagnosis of categories III, VI, and VII, other cytopathologic features, such as cellularity, mitosis, and necrotic background, may present challenges in diagnosing EUS-FNAC.