bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification and prediction of pulmonary tuberculosis infection in HIV/AIDS patients based on XGboost algorithm
Authors: Yuan Qing , Tuersun Abudouresuli , You Yi , Huang Chencui , Abudoubari Saimaitikari , Chen Wenbing , Zou Xiaoguang , Nijiati Mayidili
Published: March 2024

Background
Describe the current epidemic situation of HIV/AIDS complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) infection in Kashgar region, analyze the factors affecting HIV/AIDS complicated with PTB infection, and use XGboost model to classify and predict the risk of PTB infection in HIV/AIDS patients, so as to improve the level of protection of residents.
Methods
By collecting the data of HIV/AIDS patients in Kashgar area, the patients were divided into simple HIV/AIDS group and double infection group according to whether they had PTB. The prevalence of patients with double infection was described and the influencing factors of double infection were analyzed. All study subjects were divided into a train set and a test set with a ratio of 8:2. Linear models penalized with the L1 norm was selected as the feature selection method. With XGBoost and logistic regression algorithms, prediction models for the risk of PTB infection in HIV/AIDS patients were constructed. ROC curve, delong test, decision curve and calibration curve were used to evaluate the model effect.
Results
The PTB infection rate among HIV/AIDS patients was 33.6%. Residing in Kashgar, initial CD4 lymphocyte count < 200 cells/mm3, and white blood cell count of 4 ~ 10×10^9/L and > 10×10^9/L were associated with an increased risk of PTB in HIV/AIDS patients, whereas being a worker or farmer and having WHO clinical stage II were protective factors. The logistic regression model achieved an AUC of 0.6962 on the training set and 0.6681 on the test set, while the XGBoost model had an AUC of 0.9027 on the training set and 0.8026 on the test set. The Delong test P-values for the training set and test set were < 0.001 and 0.009, respectively, indicating superior predictive performance of the XGBoost model.
Conclusions
The dual infection rate of HIV/AIDS patients with PTB in Kashgar is high, and timely intervention should be performed for HIV/AIDS patients living in Kashgar with initial CD4 lymphocyte count < 200 cells/mm3, white blood cell count of 4 ~ 10×10^9/L and > 10×10^9/L. Moreover the XGboost model has better predictive efficacy than the logistic regression model, indicating that it can be used to classify and predict PTB infection in HIV/AIDS patients.
Social Media and the Mental Health of Users in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Kituyi Geoffrey Mayoka
Published: March 2024

The study applies social learning theories to understand how users of social media platforms learn new health behaviors that affect their mental health – either negatively or positively. The research hypotheses were; H1: Outcome Expectations have a positive effect on the External Locus of Control of social media users in Sub-Saharan Africa, and H2: External Locus of Control positively affects the mental health of social media users in Sub-Saharan Africa. A cross-sectional study approach was applied with quantitative research methods. Data were collected using questionnaires distributed to a sample of 450 social media users from three African countries including Cameroon, Uganda and Nigeria. Each country had a sample of 150 for the study. Findings revealed a negative significant relationship between Outcome Expectations and External Locus of Control, implying that H1 was not supported. On the other hand, there was a positive significant relationship between External Locus of Control on mental health, implying that H2 was supported. Since Outcome Expectations were found to positively affect External Locus of Control of social media users, it is important for social media platforms to be designed in such a way that they will make its users better and more acceptable people in society. Further, we recommend online community education, sensitization and policing to help educate the careless learners on the dangers of learning bad behaviors that negatively affect their mental health. In terms of policy, governments should enact laws that force social media developers to use local content. Using local content will ensure that only appropriate information is consumed by citizens via social media.
Nonlinear dynamic modeling and dynamic characteristics analysis of a coaxial reverse closed differential herringbone gear transmission system considering floating backlash
Authors: Han Hao , Dong Hao , Zhang Dong-bo , Bi Yue
Published: March 2024

A nonlinear dynamic model of Bending-Torsional-Axial-Pendular (BTAP) has been developed for a Coaxial Reverse Closed Differential Herringbone Gear Transmission System (CRCDHGTS) with consideration of gear floating. This model takes into account factors such as gear floating backlash, tooth surface friction, gyroscopic effect, Time Varying Meshing Stiffness (TVMS), meshing damping, and dynamic meshing parameters. To investigate the impact of gear floating on the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the system, a gear floating model was developed using the concept of gear floating. The calculations included determining gear floating backlash and TVMS with consideration for gear floating. The impact of input speed, initial backlash, gear float value, and system transmission error on the nonlinear dynamic vibration characteristics is analyzed using various diagrams including bifurcation diagram, Maximum Lyapunov Exponent (MLE), time history diagram, frequency diagram, phase diagram, and Poincaré section diagram. The research reveals that gear floating diminish the chaotic motion behavior of the system under different excitation factors, improving the system's global bifurcation characteristics. The developed BTAP coupled nonlinear dynamic model provides more accurate numerical solutions compared to models with fixed meshing parameters, making it more suitable for analyzing the system's dynamic characteristics. Analysis of the gear floating value indicates an optimal range of 0-20μm and 34-43μm for generating periodic motion, with floating values around 10-20μm showing better performance in reducing the negative effects of initial backlash and transmission error.
Characterisation of process-induced defects in polymeric strut-based lattice structures produced by powder bed fusion additive manufacturing process
Authors: Amirian Amirali , Battley Mark , Amirpour Maedeh
Published: March 2024

Additive manufacturing processes can be utilised to fabricate lattice structures with robust mechanical performance and high energy-absorbing capacity, which have garnered significant attention in various sectors, such as aerospace, automobile, and bioengineering industries. Despite the advantages of 3D printing technologies, such as fabricating highly complex workpieces at low costs, additive manufacturing processes can cause defects and imperfections in final products that might degrade the desired mechanical properties. To gain insights into the effects of process-induced defects on the mechanical performance of lattice structures, and to optimise the printing parameters and lattice design for obtaining structures with minimum imperfections, detailed characterisation of manufacturing-induced defects is necessary. This study investigates the characteristics of process-induced defects in a polymeric BCC lattice structure created via the powder bed fusion process. X-ray computed tomography (CT) techniques are used to scan the printed lattice. Then, image processing methods, utilising MATLAB scripts, are developed to extract the characteristics (morphology and distribution) of imperfections. The image processing results reveal that geometry-related defects (i.e. thickness variation and the deviation of strut cross-sectional shape) and internal voids exist in the 3D-printed sample. The distribution patterns of defects indicate that geometric imperfections are more pronounced near the strut junctions. Detailed characterisation of internal voids’ shape, including 3D dimensions, aspect ratio, and orientation, which have been rarely investigated in previous studies, are explored in this research. The morphology of internal voids and the correlation between the size of voids and powder particles suggest that lack of fusion has led to void formation.
Effect of local transplantation of cultured macrophage loaded in mesenchymal stem cell/ macrophage culture supernatants on wound healing in rat
Authors: Mozaffari Nima , Mohammadi Rahim , Delirezh Nowruz , Hobbenaghi Rahim , Mohammadi Vahid
Published: March 2024

Background: Wound healing is an orderly sequence of events restoring the integrity of the damaged tissue and consists of inflammatory, proliferation, and remodeling phases. The objective of the current study was to investigate the effect of local transplantation of cultured macrophage loaded in mesenchymal stem cell/macrophage culture supernatants on wound healing.
Results: Sixty-four healthy adult male Wistar rats were randomized into 4 groups of sixteen animals each: 1) SHAM group. 2) MAC-MSC/SN group: One milliliter application of a mixture comprising mesenchymal stem cell and macrophage culture supernatants in a 1:1 ratio was administered locally to the wound bed. 3) MAC group: Local transplantation of one million macrophage cells cultured in the wound bed. 4) MAC + MAC-MSC/SN group: Local transplantation of cultured macrophage in combination with mesenchymal stem cell/ macrophage culture supernatants in the wound bed. An incisional wound model was used for biomechanical studies, while an excisional wound model was used for biochemical, histopathological, and planimetric assessments. The wound area was significantly reduced in the MAC + MAC-MSC/SN group compared to other groups (P > 0.05). Biomechanical measurements from the MAC + MAC-MSC/SN group were significantly higher compared to other experimental groups (P > 0.05). Biochemical and quantitative histopathological analyses revealed a significant difference between MAC + MAC-MSC/SN and other groups (P > 0.05). MAC + MAC-MSC/SN showed the potential to improve wound healing significantly. This appears to work by angiogenesis stimulation, fibroblast proliferation, inflammation reduction, and granulation tissue formation during the initial stages of the healing process. This accelerated healing leads to earlier wound area reduction and enhanced tensile strength of the damaged area due to the reorganization of granulation tissue and collagen fibers.
Conclusion: Local transplantation of cultured macrophage loaded in mesenchymal stem cell/macrophage culture supernatants had potential advantages in wound healing.
Physics-Based Evolution of Cholesterol-Attracting Transmembrane Helices: Deciphering Cholesterol Attraction in Native Membrane Proteins
Authors: Risselada Herre
Published: March 2024

The existence of linear cholesterol-recognition motifs in alpha-helical transmembrane domains has long been debated. Our study introduces an innovative approach, evolutionary molecular dynamics (Evo-MD), which utilizes a genetic algorithm guided by coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. Through Evo-MD, we successfully determine the thermodynamic optimum for cholesterol attraction within isolated alpha-helical transmembrane domains (TMDs). Our investigation uncovers that cholesterol attraction in membrane proteins features a distinct and well-defined global thermodynamic optimum. This optimum arises from two key structural features: hydrophobic slenderness and hydrophobic mismatch. Additional support for these findings is provided by atomistic simulations and solid-state NMR experiments.

Furthermore, we thoroughly analyze membrane protein databases and conduct live cell assays using analogous short hydrophobic sequences to explore the occurrence and feasibility of these features. Our results reveal surprising deviations from thermodynamic optimality in cholesterol attraction within native proteins. In particular, our analysis challenges the conventional belief that linear motifs such as the CRAC/CARC motif enhance cholesterol binding. Instead, we propose a rationalization that conserved aromatic residues, crucial components of the CRAC/CARC motif, likely promote dimerization by modulating membrane solubility in a cholesterol-dependent manner, rather than enhancing the binding of cholesterol.

In summary, our study resolves the long-standing debate regarding linear cholesterol-recognition motifs and reveals the presence of sub-optimal cholesterol attraction in native alpha-helical transmembrane domains. These findings significantly contribute to our understanding of cholesterol-protein interactions and offer valuable insights into an alternative functional role played by conserved aromatic residues in membrane protein biology
Ten principles for transforming economics in a time of global crises
Authors: Kenter Jasper , Martino Simone , Buckton Sam , Waddock Sandra , Agarwal Bina , Anger-Kraavi Annela , Costanza Robert , Hejnowicz Adam , Jones Peter , Lafayette Jordan , Kabubo-Mariara Jane , Mukherjee Nibedita , Pickett Kate , Riedy Chris , Waddell Steve
Published: March 2024

Transformation of economic systems is widely regarded as an essential strategy to tackle interacting global crises. In response, there are diverse transformative approaches seeking holistic human and planetary wellbeing. However, mainstreaming these ‘new’ economic approaches is hampered by vested interests and intellectual lock-in. They are also diffuse and struggling to develop sufficient discursive power to gain more widespread traction in policy. To bring coherence, we undertake a qualitative content analysis of diverse transformative new economic document sources from science and practice, synthesizing ten ecological, social, political economy and holistic principles cutting across 38 approaches. They include: (1) social-ecological embeddedness and holistic wellbeing; (2) interdisciplinarity and complexity thinking; (3) limits to growth; (4) limited substitutability of natural capital; (5) regenerative design; (6) holistic perspectives of people and values; (7) equity, equality, and justice; (8) relationality and social enfranchisement; (9) participation, deliberation, and cooperation; and (10) post-capitalism and decolonization. We also consider opportunities and barriers for applying these principles in the context of global crises. Future efforts can further consolidate transformative new economics through building discourse coalitions between approaches, synthesizing methodologies and conceptual models, and validating principles more explicitly within Global South contexts.
Effect of different diameter stents on clinical outcomes of TIPS for variceal rebleeding: A multicenter clinical study
Authors: Xia Yifu , Tie Jun , Ge Ruiyin , Wang Guangchuan , Zhuge Yuzheng , Wu Hao , Xue Hui , Xu Jiao , Zhang Feng , Zhao Lianhui , Huang Guangjun , Zhang Mingyan , Li Zhen , Wei Bo , Li Peijie , Wu Wei , Chen Chao , Tang Chengwei , Zhang Chunqing
Published: March 2024

Background
Performing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt with different diameter stents leads to different portal pressure gradients and clinical outcomes. However, which diameter is more beneficial is unclear. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of using 6-, 8-, and 10-mm stents in the prevention of variceal rebleeding among patients with advanced cirrhosis.
Methods
This retrospective study included patients who underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt across six medical centers between January 2010 and June 2020. The primary endpoint was death; secondary endpoints included rebleeding, overt hepatic encephalopathy, and shunt dysfunction. Propensity score matching was performed among stent diameter groups.
Results
Overall, 1,688 patients were included in the study; 6-, 8-, and 10-mm diameter stents were used in 95, 1504, and 89 patients, respectively. As for survival, only the 8-mm group had a lower mortality rate than the 10-mm group (56.3% vs. 59.4%; p = 0.029). The 6-mm group had a higher rebleeding rate than those in the 8- and 10-mm groups (62.5% vs. 38.4% and 22.0%, respectively; both p < 0.001). The 6- and 8-mm groups exhibited lower overt hepatic encephalopathy rates than that in the 10-mm group (36.1% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.029; 42.4% vs. 50.0%, log-rank p = 0.021). The 6- and 8-mm groups exhibited higher shunt dysfunction rates than that in the 10-mm group (45.6% vs. 17.6%, p = 0.005; 32.24% vs. 17.61%, p = 0.024).
Conclusions
Compared with 6- and 10-mm diameters, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt with 8-mm stents is optimal to balance rebleeding prevention and overt hepatic encephalopathy risk reduction for patients with advanced cirrhosis; overall survival was not impacted.
Cooperation dynamics in social dilemmas with individual preference and environmental feedback
Authors: sun chang , Tian Haiyan , Adetowubo Adenike Yeside , zhang gang
Published: March 2024

A certain degree of individual preference and the interference of external environment have an important influence on two-player social dilemmas. In this paper, we propose an evolutionary model with individual preference and environmental feedback. Based on different parameter values, the global dynamics exhibit the state of internal equilibrium, persistent oscillations, the level of the highest cooperation and the richest environment, or the level of the lowest cooperation and the poorest environment. The results obtained are validated by numerical simulations. These results emphasize the importance of individual preference and provide a new perspective for promoting the evolution of cooperation.
Quantitative trait loci sequencing and genetic mapping reveal two main regulatory genes for stem color in wax gourds
Authors: Chen Zhihao , Wang Peng , Bai Wenhui , Deng Yan , Cheng Zhikui , Su Liwen , Nong Lifeng , Liu Ting , Yang Wenrui , Yang Xiping , Liu Zhengguo
Published: March 2024

Background
Owing to its nutritional and health benefits, wax gourd [Benincasa hispida (Thunb) Cogn. (2n = 2x = 24)] is a staple vegetable variety in China, especially southern China [1, 2]. Stem color is an important agronomic trait of wax gourds; however, its regulatory genes have not been identified.
Methods
In this study, 105 inbred lines constructed from two parents (GX-71 and MY-1) were sequenced again, and quantitative trait loci sequencing (QTL-seq) was used to mine the genes that regulate stem color in wax gourds.
Results
Two QTLs related to stem color, qSC5 and qSC12, were identified. QTL localization revealed, for the first time, that the stem color QTL qSC5 and qSC12 are located on Chr05 (11,134,567–16,459,268) and Chr12 (74,618,168–75,712,335), respectively. The explainable phenotypic variation rate and maximum limit of detection(LOD)of qSC5 were 36.9% and 16.9, respectively, while those of qSC12 were 20.9% and 11.2, respectively. Additionally, Bch05G003950 (named BchAPRR2) and Bch12G020400 were identified as candidate genes involved in stem color regulation in wax gourds. Moreover, the chlorophyll content and fluorescence expression levels of BchAPRR2 and Bch12G020400 were significantly higher in green-stemmed wax gourds than those in white-stemmed ones. Therefore, BchAPRR2 and Bch12G020400 were considered the main and secondary regulatory genes for wax gourd stem color, respectively. Finally, InDel markers closely linked to BchAPRR2 were developed to validate the prediction of wax gourd stem color traits in 55 germplasm lines, with an accuracy of 81.8%.
Conclusions
This study identified the main and secondary genes regulating stem color in wax gourds; these findings lay the foundation for exploring the genetic regulation of wax gourd stem color and future research on wax gourd breeding.
Research on Transmission Characteristics and Torsional Vibration Control of Hybrid Transmission Wind Turbines
Authors: Dai Fuquan , Lin Yonggang , Gu Yajing , Liu Hongwei , Cheng Xiqing , Chen Wenting , Sun Yong
Published: March 2024

As wind turbines become larger and move into deeper sea, their operating environment is getting more and more harsh, which puts higher stability requirements of the transmission chain. The mechanical-hydraulic hybrid transmission (MHHT) combines mechanical and hydraulic systems to improve transmission stability. However, the related research is still in the stage of mechanism verification. In this paper, a 19-degree-of-freedom pure torsion model has been established to study the internal characteristics of the MHHT chain. The model contains parallel gearing, planetary gearing and closed hydraulic transmission simultaneously. The correctness of the modelling method was verified by a software model. The frequency characteristics of the hybrid transmission chain were summarized. The first two modes at different motor displacements were classified as "mechanical mode" and "hydraulic mode" based on the mode shapes. A hydraulic damping model was built based on the leakage of the hydraulic system. The influence of the hydraulic system on the MHHT damping characteristics has been discussed in detail with and without considering the mechanical damping. Finally, a damping compensation method by adjusting the hydraulic motor displacement was proposed. The control algorithm was derived by a simplified model and verified by the 19-degree-of-freedom pure torsion model. The simulation results under different working conditions show that this method can effectively reduce the first-mode torsional vibration and improve the life of the drivetrain.
Empowering women economically is more important than personal and socio-cultural empowerment. Analysis of 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Nabimanya Boaz , Mayanja Edison , Kyarikunda Miria , Nkamusiima Dianah , Kagarura Willy Rwamparagi , Kiwuwa-Muyingo Sylvia , Kadengye Damazo T.
Published: March 2024

Background
Empowering women economically may boost household income, economic growth, the adoption of healthcare services, and the elimination of poverty. This means that when women are economically empowered, they are also personally and socio- culturally empowered. Studies have revealed that women economic empowerment is still low, particularly in developing countries like Kenya. This paper explores the determinants of women empowerment among married women in Kenya. Understanding women’s empowerment is necessary to overcoming poverty, achieving economic development and gender equality.
Methods
We analyzed secondary data from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey. For the final analysis, we used a weighted sample of 18,312 currently married women. All frequencies and percentages in the results section are weighted. At the multivariate stage of analysis, the effect of explanatory variables on women empowerment was investigated using multilevel mixed effects logistic regression model. We computed adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Variables with a P-value of less than 0.05 in the multi variable binary logistic regression analysis were considered statistically significant predictors of the outcome variable.
Results
Out of all women who are economically empowered, 80% are empowered in all the three dimensions of empowerment. Out of 18, 312 women, 61% are both personally and social-culturally empowered, 20% are social-culturally and economically empowered, while 19% are personally and economically empowered. This indicates that economic empowerment plays an important role in the formation of personal and social-cultural empowerment.
Conclusions
Generally, women empowerment in our study was low (17.7%). It is highly affected by socio demographic and economic characteristics of women and husbands’ characteristics. This study indicates that educating women, improving their economic status through employment opportunities, empowering women to be head of household will enhance their economic empowerment.
Estimating the State-of-Charge of a Battery Powered by a Weakly Nonlinear Energy Harvester
Authors: Daqaq Mohammed
Published: March 2024

Departing from the traditional approach which focuses on estimating and maximizing the power dissipated in a resistive load, this work presents an approximate analytical treatment for the estimation of the state-of-charge (SoC) of a battery powered by a weakly nonlinear mono-stable energy harvester under different base excitations. In particular, the paper considers excitations that can be approximated using a harmonic function, white, or band-limited noise and provides approximate expressions to estimate the battery's state-of-charge; a quantity that is often neglected in the performance analysis of nonlinear energy harvesters. The approximate analytical solutions, which strike a balance between simplicity and accuracy, are compared to numerical results generated using the Simscape Matlab's toolbox illustrating very good agreement.
Deep Eutectic Solvents Extraction of Polyphenol from the stem of Broccoli :Optimization, Components , and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: wang bingqing , chen peiyun , zhang huien , chen Liqing
Published: March 2024

The stem of broccoli has been reported to contain high levels of polyphenols and other active compounds.To extract polyphenol from broccoli stem more efficiently, a novel procedure of deep eutectic solvent extraction (DESE) was proposed in this paper.The extraction process was optimised by response surface methodology. The optimum extraction parameters to obtain the highest yield of polyphenol 5.10 ± 0.04 mg/g from broccoli stem powder via choline chloride-urea (molar ratio 1:3) were obtained at liquid-solid ratio of 41:1 mL/g, water content of 60%, extraction temperature of 80°C and extraction time of 55 min. The components of the main polyphenol were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS).Compositional analysis shows that the extracted polyphenols are rich, including quercetin, isochlorogenic acid, trans-cinnamic acid and sinapinic acid. Furthermore, in vitro tests proved that the extracted polyphenols obtained in (ChCl-urea) DES possessed excellent antioxidant activity.These results provided an effective and feasible method for the extraction and separation of polyphenols in broccoli stalks, providing some technical support and theoretical basis for the green extraction of broccoli waste stalks.
The impact of body mass index on the progression free survival of CDK 4/6 inhibitors in metastatic breast cancer patients
Authors: Çağlayan Dilek , Koçak Mehmet Zahid , Geredeli Çağlayan , Atcı Muhammed Mustafa , Tatlı Ali Murat , Göksu Sema Sezgin , Eryılmaz Melek Karakurt , Araz Murat , Artaç Mehmet
Published: March 2024

Purpose
Endocrine therapy (ET) plus cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors is a standard therapy for patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive HER-2-negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC). We aimed to investigate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the progression-free survival (PFS) in hormone receptor (HR)-positive MBC patients who received ET plus CDK4/6 inhibitor in second- and later-line therapy.
Methods
Patients with metastatic HR-positive breast cancer receiving CDK 4/6 inhibitors from three institutions were enrolled in the study. A total of 116 patients admitted between January 2019 and December 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were divided into three groups according to BMI level as follows: normal weight (group 1) as 18.5–24.9 kg/m2, overweight (group 2) as 25-29.9 kg/m2, and obese (group 3): ≥ 30 kg/m2. Median duration of follow-up was 10.83 months. Comparisons of PFS and BMI categories were performed with Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test.
Results
The PFS was 9.3 (5.3–13.4) month in normal-weight patients, 11.1 (9.7-12.56) month in obese patients, and could not be reached in overweight patients. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.02). The best response to CDK 4/6 inhibitor treatment in all BMI groups was partial response (group 1: 48.3%, group 2: 69%, and group 3: 46.7%; p = 0.06). Cardiac, hematological and gastrointestinal side effects were similar in all BMI groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
It was shown that while a normal weight had a negative prognostic effect on survival in patients with metastatic breast cancer, the progression-free survival of overweight patients was found to be longer.
Psychotherapy Preferences for Individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Clinically Significant Fatigue: A Large Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Maunick Bernadette , Skvarc David , Naude Colette , Emerson Catherine , Mikocka-Walus Antonina
Published: March 2024

Background
There is limited research on psychotherapeutic intervention preferences for individuals with IBD experiencing fatigue. The current study aimed to examine psychotherapy preferences, comparing ACT, CBT, and MBI, for individuals with IBD experiencing clinically significant fatigue. Predictors of psychotherapy preference, including participant demographic or health-related variables, were also examined.
Methods
An online cross-sectional survey was administered. Frequencies were provided for preferences between ACT vs MBI, and separately for ACT vs CBT. Binomial logistic regressions were used to determine which participant demographic or health-related variables, were predictors of psychotherapy preference.
Results
The final sample consisted of 660 individuals with IBD experiencing clinically significant fatigue. Over two thirds of the sample preferred ACT (68.5%) over MBI (31.5%). Similarly, over two thirds of the sample preferred ACT (68.8%) over CBT (31.2%). Participants who scored higher on the DASS-21 depression subscale were more likely to choose ACT over MBI (OR 1.06, 95% CI [1.01, 1.11], p = 0.02). Conversely, participants who scored higher on the DASS-21 anxiety subscale were less likely to choose ACT over MBI (OR 0.93, 95% CI [0.87,0.99], p = 0.01). There were no significant predictors for preference of ACT over CBT.
Conclusions
Participants psychotherapy preferences, and their predictors, should be considered in designing future trials for IBD.
Impact of Motivation on Student’s Academics Performance: a Case Study of Metharath University (Mru) Students
Authors: Khan Maya , Ewe Lim Chong
Published: March 2024

This research investigates the pivotal relationship between the impact of motivation and the academic performance of Metharath University students within the concept of sustainable education. The objectives are to examine the relationship between motivation and performance and to examine the impact that motivation has on student grades. The quantitative research design involved a cross-sectional survey administered to a stratified random sample of bachelor-degree students across the three faculties at the Pathum Thani campus, Thailand. The data were analyzed using correlation analysis and simple linear regression methods. The Academic Motivation Scale (AMS) was used to measure motivation, while current academic records were used as objective indicators of performance. The findings revealed a robust positive correlation (r = 0.733) and a significant positive relationship in the regression analysis (B = 0.733, p < 0.00), affirming our hypothesis that heightened student motivation can enhance student academic performance. Based on the findings above, a positive relationship exists between motivation and performance, which provides educators, policymakers, and students with empirical evidence supporting improved learning outcomes. Despite these limitations, such as the study’s cross-sectional nature, the insights derived from the study offer a valuable foundation for future research, targeted interventions, and informed decision-making strategies using motivation as a crucial factor in shaping the academic success of university students.
Privacy-Preserving Byzantine-Resilient Swarm Learning for E-healthcare
Authors: Zhu Xudong , Lai Teng
Published: March 2024

Automatic medical diagnosis service based on deep learning has been entered in e-healthcare, bringing great convenience to human life. However, due to privacy regulations, insufficient data sharing among medical centers has led to many severe challenges for automated medical diagnostic services including diagnostic accuracy. To solve the problems, swarm learning, a blockchain-based Federated learning (BCFL), has been proposed. Although avoiding single point of failure attacks and offering incentive mechanism, SL still faces privacy breaches and poisoning attacks. In the paper, we propose a new privacy-preserving byzantine-resilient swarm learning (PBSL) that is resistant to poisoning attacks while protecting data privacy. Specifically, we adopt threshold holomorphic encryption to protect data privacy and provide secure aggregation. And the cosine similarity is used to judge the malicious gradient uploaded by malicious medical centers. Through security analysis, PBSL is able to defend against a variety of known security attacks. Finally, PBSL is implemented by uniting deep learning with the blockchain-based smart contract platform.Experiments based on different datasets show that PBSL algorithm is feasible and efficient.
Deficiency of SPP1 alleviates hyperoxia-induced bronchopulmonary dysplasia in neonatal mice
Authors: Liu Juan , Bao Tianping , Zhou Yajuan , Ma Mengmeng , Tian Zhaofang
Published: March 2024

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common chronic lung disorder characterized by impaired proximal airway and bronchoalveolar development in premature births. SPP1 is involved in lung development and lung injury events, while its role was not explored in BPD. In the current study, the hyperoxiainduced lung injury animal models were generated by exposing neonatal mice to hyperoxia for 7 days after birth, and alveolar myofibroblasts (AMYFs) were treated with hyperoxia to establish the in vitro models of BPD. Based on the scRNA-seq analysis of lungs of mice housed under normoxia or hyperoxia conditions, mouse macrophages and fibroblasts were main different cell clusters between the two groups, and differentially expressed genes in fibroblasts were screened. Further GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that these differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the pathways related to cell proliferation, apoptosis as well as the PI3K-AKT and ERK/MAPK pathways. SPP1 was found up-regulated in the lung tissues of hyperoxia mice. We also demonstrated the up-regulation of SPP1 in the BPD patients as well as hyperoxiainduced lung injury mouse models and cells. SPP1 deficiency was revealed to reduce the hyperoxia-induced apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation and increase the viability of AMYFs. In the hyperoxiainduced lung injury mouse models, SPP1 deficiency was demonstrated to reverse the hyperoxia-induced alveolar growth disruption, oxidative stress and inflammation. Overall, SPP1 exacerbates BPD progression in vitro and in vivo by regulating oxidative stress and inflammatory response via the PI3K-AKT and ERK/MAPK pathways, which might provide novel therapeutic target for BPD therapy.
Effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine on early postoperative quality of recovery in patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for non-functioning pituitary adenoma: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Choi Seungeun , Lim Han Byeol , Shin Kyong Won , Oh Hyongmin , Kim Yong Hwy , Kim Jung Hee , Park Hee-Pyoung
Published: March 2024

Purpose
Intraoperative dexmedetomidine administration attenuates surgical stress response and reduces postoperative pain, which are both essential for enhancing postoperative quality of recovery (QoR). This study aimed to determine whether intraoperative dexmedetomidine could improve early postoperative QoR in patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETS).
Methods
Patients with NFPA who underwent ETS under total intravenous anesthesia using continuous infusion of propofol and remifentanil were randomly assigned to receive either intraoperative dexmedetomidine (dexmedetomidine group, n = 29) or normal saline (control group, n = 32). The QoR-15 questionnaire was used to evaluate the postoperative QoR. The primary outcome measure was the QoR-15 score on postoperative day 1. Perioperative serum cortisol levels, intraoperative serum interleukin-6 levels, and pain scores at 4, 24, and 48 h postoperatively were also evaluated.
Results
The QoR-15 score on postoperative day 1 did not differ between the dexmedetomidine and control groups (94.0 [79.0–112.0] vs. 92.5 [68.3–110.8], P = 0.606). Perioperative serum cortisol levels showed no significant time × group effect (P = 0.578). Intraoperative serum interleukin-6 level did not differ between the two groups (P = 0.974). Pain score was lower in the dexmedetomidine group at 4 h postoperatively (0.0 [0.0–0.0] vs. 1.0 [0.0–3.0], P = 0.003) than the control group.
Conclusion
Dexmedetomidine, as an anesthetic adjuvant, did not improve early postoperative QoR in patients with NFPA during ETS.
Anxiety symptoms and sleep disturbance among Afghan female school students: A survey study
Authors: Neyazi Ahmad , Rahimi Bilal Ahmad , Mohammadi Abdul Qadim , Razaqi Nosaibah , Afzali Habibah , Neyazi Mehrab , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: March 2024

Background: Anxiety is one of the most common psychological disorders among school-aged children and adolescents. The main objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalence of anxiety symptoms and sleep disturbance and their association with academic performance among female school students in Herat, Afghanistan.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was carried out among 737 female students (mean age 11.8 years) in Grades 1 to 6 of public schools in Herat. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale for Youth (DASS-Y) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were to assess anxiety and sleep disturbance. Academic achievement ratings were provided by the participants’ schoolteachers
Results: Based on the DASS-Y and PSQI, 65.5% reported anxiety symptoms while 46.4% reported sleep disturbance. Low academic performance (class grading) had statistically significant correlation with presence of anxiety (r = 0.228) and sleep disturbance or poor-quality sleep (r = 0.161). Multiple logistic regression analysis was run to see which variables predicted anxiety and sleep disturbance. The significant predictors of anxiety symptoms were being aged 13–16 years, having a lower-class performance or grade, having low economic status, and having unemployed parents. The significant predictors of sleep disturbance were being aged 13–16 years, having a lower-class grade, having an uneducated father, having low economic status, and having unemployed parents.
Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of anxiety symptoms and sleep disturbance among female school students in Herat, Afghanistan. Both are associated with poorer school performance. Anxiety and sleep disturbance among Afghan female school students could be improved by changing current government policies and lifting the ban on female education in Afghanistan, campaigns on sleep education, and courses in time management.
The impact of urban stream burial on DOM cycling: new insights from a mesocosm experiment
Authors: Croghan Danny , Khamis Kieran , Bradley Chris , Sadler Jon P. , Loon Anne Van , Ledger Mark E. , Singh Tanu , Hannh David M.
Published: March 2024

Urban landscapes can drastically alter light regimes through stream burial, and also modify water temperature patterns, both of which have profound implications for the degradation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) through photodegradation and biodegradation, respectively. Despite their likely significance, the dynamics of short-term biodegradation and photodegradation in urban environments remain poorly understood, with limited knowledge regarding the potential interplay between warming and stream burial effects. This study used a replicated flume experiment to investigate the effects of shading, warming (+ 4.5–6.6°C), and their interaction on DOM processing. We used optical techniques to characterize DOM quantity and composition, allowing us to assess photodegradation and biodegradation rates in urban stream analogues. Linear mixed effects models revealed that the degradation of the fluorescent DOM pool decreased under shaded conditions, accompanied by an increase in humic-like compounds. Additionally, shaded flumes exhibited a shift towards higher molecular weight organic matter, indicating the importance of photodegradation in DOM processing within urban rivers. Temperature effects on DOM processing rates were found to be relatively minor compared to shading, with no interaction with shading observed. Principal Component Analysis demonstrated clear distinctions between shaded and unshaded treatments. In contrast, no significant differences were observed between warmed and ambient temperature treatments. Our findings suggest that stream burial impedes DOM processing and alters DOM composition in urban headwaters by inhibiting the photodegradation of humic material. The temperature treatments examined had limited impacts on biodegradation over the relatively short timescales of this study. This study provides experimental support for daylighting interventions as a strategy to enhance DOM processing in urban streams and mitigate the flux of labile material to downstream ecosystems.
Mathematical analysis of a 1D-3D coupled problem in cardiac electrophysiology
Authors: Kordoghli Khouloud , Aouadi Saloua Mani , Zemzemi Nejib
Published: March 2024

The objective of this paper is to analyze a coupled problem that describes the propagation of the electric wave in the heart. The problem comprises coupled partial differential equations posed on a three-dimensional domain representing the heart and on a one-dimensional tree representing the Purkinje network. Each system of PDEs is itself coupled to ordinary differential equations that describe the electrical activity at the cellular level. We establish the existence of a unique solution, utilizing a fixed-point approach with a judicious and non-conventional choice of functional spaces and contraction.
2010 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 35Q92, Secondary: 35R30.
Some difficulties in using Abraham--Poincare's form of electromagnetic momentum for stationary systems.
Authors: Onoochin Vladimir
Published: March 2024

In this work, an analysis of the procedure for deriving the well known expression for an electromagnetic momentum is made. It is shown that Abraham--Poincar\'e's form of the electromagnetic momentum does not ensure the conservation of total momentum for stationary systems, such as elementary charges in vacuum.
The examples provided in this analysis illustrate the violations of this law that occur when calculating electromagnetic momentum using the Abraham-Poincare form
Compare Neural Network and Linear Regression when there exist outliers or sensitive data; Advantage and Disadvantages
Authors: Zare Mohammad
Published: March 2024

This paper examines a particular type of neural network architecture characterized by having just one hidden layer. Our motivation stems from the fact that this configuration offers both flexibility and strength in approximating continuous functions. Specifically, we shall contrast its performance against that of linear regression when dealing with the presence of outliers or influence data. To gain further insights into this model's merits and limitations, we delve deeper into analyzing its advantages and disadvantages.
Diversity of Tree Species in Issele- Uku, Delta State Nigeria
Authors: Ikezue Samuel
Published: March 2024

This project delves into the intricate interplay of trees in the ecosystem, serving as keystone organisms with multifaceted ecological significance. Executed in Issele-Uku, Delta State, Nigeria, the study meticulously scrutinizes the biodiversity and floras of trees. Researchers conducted comprehensive on-site surveys, documenting prevalent tree species and quantifying their diameter at breast height. A thorough documentation process yielded 300 trees, representing 19 distinct species from 18 families. Predominant among these were Elaeis guineensis, Cocos nucifera, Terminalia catappa, Areca catechu, and Roystonea regia. Notably, anthropogenic activities, particularly tree felling for infrastructure development, emerged as a looming threat to tree species within the study area. Despite their pivotal environmental roles, these trees face jeopardy, necessitating urgent and sustainable conservation measures for their preservation and the maintenance of ecological integrity. The diameter at breast height spanned from 0 to 3.6 meters, with Areaceae standing out as the most abundant (16.67%) and diverse family in the study area. This research contributes valuable biological insights, advocating for the preservation of tree diversity as a cornerstone for resilient and thriving ecosystems.
Enhancing Generalization in Polynomial Regression Models through Dynamic Regularization Parameter Optimization
Authors: Henchiri Mourad , Wani Sharyar
Published: March 2024

Overfitting, a common issue in polynomial regression, occurs when the model fits noise rather than underlying patterns in the data. To mitigate overfitting and improve generalization, we propose a dynamic approach to select the regularization parameter lambda using k-fold cross-validation. This method ensures that the regularization strength adapts to the characteristics of the data, preventing overfitting while allowing the model to capture underlying patterns effectively. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach through experiments on linear and nonlinear datasets, showing improved generalization performance compared to fixed regularization parameter settings.
Effects of triangular reinforcing on structural behaviour of concrete beams
Authors: Ekolu S. O. , Thomas T. , Lawrence W. , De Freitas L. , Vuuren I. van , Solomon F.
Published: March 2024

An investigation was conducted to evaluate structural performance of rectangular beams that had been reinforced with the triangular cage (TRC) of steel layout or triangular reinforcing. In the experiment, flexural behaviour of TRC beams was compared with that of conventional beams reinforced with the rectangular cage (RRC) of steel layout i.e. rectangular reinforcing. A set of 16 rectangular concrete beams of size 110 x 130 x 2000 mm were cast, comprising eight (8) TRC beams and eight (8) RRC beams. The main variables in the investigation were:- different concrete strengths of 30 and 60 MPa, triangular or rectangular stirrups spaced at 100 mm or 200 mm, along with varied steel areas of the bottom (tension) and top (compression) reinforcements. Experimental results showed that the load carrying capacity values of TRC beams were similar to those of RRC beams. Interestingly, TRC beams consistently gave 14–49% lower deflections, relative to those of their counterpart RRC beams. It was found that the limit state theory accurately predicts the deformation behaviours of TRC beams as it similarly does for RRC beams, but it tends to underestimate the load carrying capacity of the former. Use of TRC steel layout contributed up to 10.5% cost saving.