bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post‐hoc safety/efficacy analyses from pediatric delgocitinib atopic dermatitis trials
Authors: Fukuie Tatsuki , Toyama Hiroyuki , Tanaka Mai , Ohashi‐Doi Katsuyo , Kabashima Kenji
Published: October 2024

Background

Delgocitinib ointment is usually recommended for use in children at a concentration of 0.25%. However, there are no clear criteria for dosing, except that a 0.5% formulation may also be used, depending on symptom severity. Treatment of atopic dermatitis is based on combinations of topical corticosteroids, tacrolimus ointment, and delgocitinib ointment, but there are no reports on the safety of delgocitinib ointment when used in combination with other drugs.

Methods

This is a post‐hoc analysis of data from two delgocitinib ointment trials with pediatric atopic dermatitis patients. The efficacy and safety of the 0.25% and 0.5% formulations were compared. Efficacy and safety were evaluated after up to 4 and 56 weeks of treatment, respectively. The safety of delgocitinib ointment when used in combination with topical corticosteroids and/or tacrolimus ointment was investigated.

Results

The dose–response relationship was examined according to baseline disease severity. The proportions of subjects with mild disease who achieved cumulative investigator's global assessment of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) were 46.2% (0.25% ointment), 71.4% (0.5% ointment), and 7.7% (vehicle). For subjects with moderate to severe disease, the corresponding proportions were 19.0%, 20.0%, and 0.0%, respectively. No overall differences were seen in the safety profiles of the 0.25% and 0.5% delgocitinib ointment doses, or in the safety profiles of the two doses relating to disease severity or to concomitant use of topical corticosteroids and/or tacrolimus ointment.

Conclusions

These analyses indicate that after up to 4 weeks of treatment, delgocitinib 0.5% ointment may be more effective than the 0.25% dose for mild atopic dermatitis, and that after up to 56 weeks of treatment, delgocitinib is well tolerated in a pediatric trial population when used as prescribed in combination with topical corticosteroids and/or tacrolimus ointment.
The association between methimazole tapering and intractable Graves' disease in children
Authors: Kim Sung Eun , Park Su Jin , Sim Soo Yeun , Kim Seul Ki , Ahn Moon Bae , Kim Shin Hee , Cho Won Kyoung , Cho Kyoung Soon , Jung Min Ho , Suh Byung‐Kyu
Published: October 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to find predictive factors for intractable Graves' disease (GD).

Methods

Ninety‐three GD patients who visited two pediatric endocrinology clinics from March 2009 to August 2019 were involved in this study. Data were collected on the methimazole (MZ) dosages prescribed from their first visits to their fifth visits. The amount of tapered dosage was presented as a “tapering velocity” (dosage difference (mg/m2)/follow‐up interval (months)). The relationship between the tapering velocity and the remission rate of GD was analyzed. Remission of GD was defined as having a total period of MZ treatment less than 5 years with no relapse after MZ withdrawal for at least more than a year.

Results

Of 93 patients diagnosed with GD, 26 patients (28.0%) were classified as the “remission group” and 67 (72.0%) were classified as the “intractable group.” The frequency of goiter was significantly higher in the intractable group (p = 0.031). Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that the tapering velocity change from the first to the fifth visit significantly influenced the risk of intractable GD: odds ratio (OR) = 0.598, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.413–0.865, p = 0.006. An accompanying goiter at the time of diagnosis (OR = 4.706 95% CI 1.315–16.847, p = 0.017) and thyroid stimulation hormone receptor antibody titer (OR = 1.032 95% CI 1.002–1.062, p = 0.034) were also found to be independent factors associated with intractable progress in GD.

Conclusion

Difficulty in tapering the MZ dosage in the first 4 months of treatment was an independent predicting factor for intractable GD.
Adolescent and Young Adult Development in Transplant Recipients
Authors: Braun‐Courville Debra , Holliday Sarah , Desai Neerav
Published: October 2024

Solid organ transplantation (SOT) is the gold standard of therapy for individuals with end‐organ dysfunction. Improved survival outcomes after SOT can help adolescent and young adult (AYA) recipients lead long and healthy life. However, successful SOT during adolescence and young adulthood is often complicated by the innate developmental challenges of this age group. The psychosocial tasks of adolescence include identity development, autonomous decision‐making, establishing social networks, educational and vocational preparation, and navigating romantic relationships. These goals may be amplified or delayed for pediatric SOT recipients. Adolescence is also marked by rapid physical changes in linear growth and the development of secondary sexual characteristics. Yet AYA may experience physical and pubertal delays related to transplantation, as well as exaggerated body image dissatisfaction due to medication side effects. Strict adherence to medication and post‐transplant regimens may interfere with adolescents' desire for normalcy and fitting in with peers. Healthcare providers should be aware that AYA value education and self‐empowerment in transplant care. Transplant success needs to be defined by both medical and psychosocial outcomes, particularly when it relates to the vulnerable AYA population. Fortunately, investment from the patient, family, and care team can aid in transplant recovery and success. This article will identify the developmental challenges faced by AYA undergoing solid organ transplantation as well as strategies to engage positive outcomes.
Incomplete Immunity for Varicella and Measles in Pediatric Organ Transplant Candidates. Real World Experience From an Infectious Diseases Pre‐Transplantation Clinic
Authors: Daniels Heather L. , Foster Charles B. , Liu Wei , Esper Frank , Sabella Camille , Gonzalez Blanca E.
Published: October 2024

Background

Vaccinating pediatric solid organ transplant candidates against measles and varicella is crucial due to the risk of severe disease in immunosuppressed recipients and general avoidance of live virus vaccines post‐transplantation. The world saw a resurgence of measles starting 2012 prompting the American Society of Transplantation in 2015 to release guidelines on recognition, prevention, and post‐exposure prophylaxis of this disease in solid transplant recipients. This study aims to assess the extent of incomplete immunity to these viruses in candidates and the approach to immunity optimization during a period of heightened awareness.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study from 2012 to 2016 at Cleveland Clinic Children's included pediatric solid organ transplant candidates. Data on vaccination history, serology, and demographics were collected. Incomplete immunity was defined by incomplete vaccination or seronegativity.

Results

Among 91 candidates, 54.9% had complete varicella vaccination. Serological varicella immunity among patients tested varied by age: < 7 years, 50.0% positive in patients with complete schedules, none in the incomplete; ≥ 7 years, 50.0% positive in patients with complete schedules, 65.5% in the incomplete. For measles, 69.2% had complete vaccination, with immunity varying by age among those tested: < 7 years, 84.6% positive in patients with complete schedules, 42.9% in the incomplete; ≥ 7 years, 81.0% with complete, 62.5% with incomplete. Only 31.1% of those who qualified for a varicella additional dose and 28% who qualified for an additional measles dose received it, respectively.

Conclusions

Incomplete immunity to varicella and measles was prevalent in pediatric solid organ transplant candidates at our center during the study period. Despite an increase in global measles activity, our efforts to optimize immunity through additional vaccine doses were only partially successful. Future research should focus on addressing strategies and understanding barriers to ensure timely vaccination for this vulnerable population prior to transplant, especially during periods of increased viral activity.
Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Congenital Portosystemic Shunt Presenting With Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia
Authors: Kadohisa Masashi , Okamoto Tatsuya , Iwanaga Kougorou , Yamamoto Miki , Uebayashi Elena Yukie , Ogawa Eri , Okajima Hideaki , Hatano Etsuro
Published: October 2024

Background

A congenital portosystemic shunt (CPSS) is defined as abnormal vascular communications between the portal vein and the systemic vein. Encephalopathy, hepatopulmonary syndrome, and portopulmonary hypertension are manifestations in patients with CPSS. Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia is also one of the manifestations of CPSS. Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia secondary to CPSS is caused by a lack of hepatic first‐pass elimination of insulin, which is secreted from pancreatic beta cells.

Case Presentation

A 7‐month‐old boy had hypergalactosemia detected by newborn mass screening. Enhanced abdominal computed tomography showed the absence of the portal vein trunk and extrahepatic portosystemic communication between the superior mesenteric vein and the inferior vena cava. He had suffered from uncontrollable hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia under protein and lactose restriction. We performed living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) using a left lateral segment graft from his father. The postoperative course was uneventful and the hypoglycemic attacks disappeared.

Conclusion

We believe that uncontrolled hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia secondary to CPSS is an indication of LDLT.
Ultraviolet radiation thin film dosimetry: A review of properties and applications
Authors: Parisi Alfio V. , Downs Nathan J. , Schouten Peter , Igoe Damien P. , Turner Joanna , Amar Abdurazaq , Wainwright Lisa , Dawes Adrian , Butler Harry , Dekeyser Stijn
Published: October 2024

Spectroradiometry, radiometry, and dosimetry are employed for the measurement of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) irradiance and non‐ionizing exposure. Different types of UVR dosimeter have been developed for measuring personal and environmental UVR exposures since film dosimetry was pioneered in the 1970s. An important type of dosimeter is the thin film variant, which contains materials that undergo changes in optical absorbance when exposed to UVR. These changes can be measured at a specific wavelength using a spectrophotometer. Thin film dosimeters allow UVR exposure measurements on humans at various body sites during daily activities, as well as on plants, animals, and any sites of interest when utilized in a field environment. This review examines the properties and applications of five types of thin film UVR dosimeter that have different dynamic exposure limits and spectral responses. Polysulphone, with a spectral response approximating the human erythema action spectrum, was one of the first materials employed in thin film form for the measurement of UVR exposures up to 1 day, and up to 6 days with an extended dynamic range filter. Polyphenylene oxide has been characterized and employed for personal UVR exposure measurements up to approximately four summer days and has also been used for long‐term underwater UVR exposures. Phenothiazine and 8‐methoxypsoralen have been reported as suitable for the measurement of longer wavelength UVA exposures. Finally, polyvinyl chloride with an extended dynamic exposure range of over 3 weeks has been shown to have predominantly a spectral response in the UVB and extending up to 340 nm.
Inflation, Fiscal Policy, and Inequality: The Impact of the Post‐Pandemic Price Surge and Fiscal Measures on European Households
Authors: Amores Antonio F. , Basso Henrique , Bischl Johannes Simeon , De Agostini Paola , De Poli Silvia , Dicarlo Emanuele , Flevotomou Maria , Freier Maximilian , Maier Sofia , García‐Miralles Esteban , Pidkuyko Myroslav , Ricci Mattia , Riscado Sara
Published: October 2024

Following the inflation surge in the aftermath of the pandemic crisis, Euro Area governments adopted a large array of fiscal measures to cushion its impact on households. The inflationary shock and related fiscal measures affected households differently depending on their country, their consumption patterns, and their position in the income distribution. This paper uncovers the aggregate and distributional impact of this inflationary shock, as well as the impact of the government measures aimed at supporting households and containing prices. The analysis is carried out for 2022 and includes Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Greece. Our work confirms that the purchasing power and welfare of low‐income households was more severely affected than that of high‐income households. Fiscal measures contributed significantly to closing this gap, though with country differences. However, most fiscal measures were not particularly targeted at low‐income households, implying a low cost‐effectiveness in protecting the poorest in some countries.
Poverty Imputation in Contexts Without Consumption Data: A Revisit With Further Refinements
Authors: Dang Hai‐Anh H. , Kilic Talip , Abanokova Kseniya , Carletto Calogero
Published: October 2024

Survey‐to‐survey imputation has been increasingly employed to address data gaps for poverty measurement in poorer countries. We refine existing imputation models, using 14 multi‐topic household surveys conducted over the past decade in Ethiopia, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Vietnam. We find that adding household utility expenditures to a basic imputation model with household‐level demographic and employment variables provides accurate estimates, which even fall within one standard error of the true poverty rates in many cases. The proposed imputation method performs better than several commonly used multiple imputation and machine learning techniques. Further adding geospatial variables improves accuracy, as does including additional community‐level predictors (available from data in Vietnam) related to educational achievement, poverty, and asset wealth. Yet, within‐country spatial heterogeneity exists, with certain models performing well for either urban areas or rural areas only. These results offer cost‐saving inputs into future survey design.
Unsupervised Change Detection Methods Applied to Landslide Mapping: Case Study in São Sebastião, Brazil
Authors: Moço Gabriella Almeida , Negri Rogério Galante , Paumpuch Luana Albertani , Ribeiro João Vitor Mariano , Bressane Adriano , Bortolozo Cassiano
Published: October 2024

Landslides represent a growing global geological hazard, further intensified by climate‐induced changes. Remote sensing data, through its capacity for repetitive collection and change detection techniques, that compare and quantify the spatio‐temporal alterations over time, plays a critical role in landslide detection. Considering the February 2023 São Sebastião event and Sentinel‐2 imagery, we assessed diverse unsupervised change detection techniques, encompassing both traditional and recent machine learning‐based approaches. Notably, the Floating References (FR) and Homogeneous Blocks Single‐class Classification (HBSC) methods outperform classic approaches and deliver the most accurate results with F1‐Score and kappa coefficient exceeding 0.96 and 0.92, respectively. These outcomes demonstrate the efficacy of machine learning in automating landslide delineation and underscore the necessity of meticulous data and parameter selection in achieving high‐accuracy automatic landslide mapping. Lastly, this study fills a significant gap in the existing literature by evaluating unsupervised change detection methods for landslide mapping within the Brazilian context.
Least energy solutions for a class of (p1,p2)$(p_{1}, p_{2})$‐Kirchhoff‐type problems in RN$\mathbb {R}^{N}$ with general nonlinearities
Authors: Ambrosio Vincenzo
Published: October 2024

We examine the following ‐Kirchhoff‐type problem:
where , , is the ‐Laplacian operator for , are two continuous Kirchhoff functions that satisfy suitable conditions, and is a general nonlinearity. Using appropriate variational arguments, we prove the existence of a radially symmetric least energy solution.
Molecular permeation through large pore channels: computational approaches and insights
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Harris Andrew L. , Luo Yun Lyna
Published: October 2024

Computational methods such as molecular dynamics (MD) have illuminated how single‐atom ions permeate membrane channels and how selectivity among them is achieved. Much less is understood about molecular permeation through eukaryotic channels that mediate the flux of small molecules (e.g. connexins, pannexins, LRRC8s, CALHMs). Here we describe computational methods that have been profitably employed to explore the movements of molecules through wide pores, revealing mechanistic insights, guiding experiments, and suggesting testable hypotheses. This review illustrates MD techniques such as voltage‐driven flux, potential of mean force, and mean first‐passage‐time calculations, as applied to molecular permeation through wide pores. These techniques have enabled detailed and quantitative modeling of molecular interactions and movement of permeants at the atomic level. We highlight novel contributors to the transit of molecules through these wide pathways. In particular, the flexibility and anisotropic nature of permeant molecules, coupled with the dynamics of pore‐lining residues, lead to bespoke permeation dynamics. As more eukaryotic large‐pore channel structures and functional data become available, these insights and approaches will be important for understanding the physical principles underlying molecular permeation and as guides for experimental design.

image
Experiences of rural poverty in Stratford district, Aotearoa New Zealand: A qualitative study with implications for rural social work
Authors: Pitt Lesley
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION: People experiencing poverty who live in rural communities may have complex needs as rurality exacerbates their issues. Isolation, stigma, transport difficulties and a lack of services contribute to the challenges experienced by people living in rural communities who experience poverty. For social workers, responses need to be creative and flexible to counter the lack of services or people being unable to access services due to distance and/or a lack of transport.
METHODS: I conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 28 participants. Participants self-identified as experiencing poverty and ranged in age from teenagers to over 65s. Transcripts were analysed using applied thematic analysis.
 
FINDINGS: Four themes were identified: stigma, isolation, transportation and access to services. Issues in these areas exacerbated participants’ experience of poverty.
 
CONCLUSION: The findings of the study suggest that there is a significant advocacy role for social workers in rural communities regarding access to services and service development, transportation and challenging stigma to improve the lives of people living in rural communities who experience poverty. Further investigation is suggested to explore specific groups experiencing poverty in rural communities, particularly Māori, and to consider other marginalised identity groups and different geographical areas.
Psychological Profile of Hungarian International-Level Distance Runners
Authors: Kelemen Bence , Tóth Renátó , Benczenleitner Ottó , Tóth László
Published: October 2024

The aim of the present study was to investigate the psychological profile of the 2023 Hungarian National Distance Running Team in terms of personality traits, motivational styles, and competitive anxiety and to explore specific psychosocial factors that characterize the athletes’ mental preparation. The 16 international-level competitors were assessed using validated questionnaires in Hungarian (Big Five Inventory, the revised Sport Motivation Scale, and Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2), and university students competing at professional and semiprofessional levels served as the control group. Results indicated that elite distance runners were primarily intrinsically motivated. Their psychological profile appeared similar to profiles found among athletes in the control group. Significant differences were found in traits, such as openness, conscientiousness, and motivation. Neuroticism was positively associated with athletes’ cognitive and somatic anxiety, with self-confidence providing a protective role. Working with a sports psychologist appeared to have no significant measurable effect on athletes precompetition anxiety. Specific personality traits and motivational structures are essential for elite sporting performance. Further research is needed to better understand and determine the specific components of mental preparation.
Can Manual Lymph Drainage Be Considered as a Passive Recovery Strategy?
Authors: Kiloatar Humeyra , Aydogdu Delibay Aylin , Turutgen Nisa , Karavelioglu Mihri Baris
Published: October 2024

Context: The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of Swedish massage and manual lymph drainage (MLD) on performance parameters related to jumping, walking, and blood lactic acid levels after Nordic hamstring exercises. Design: This study was designed as a controlled crossover study. Methods: The study included 16 young trained men. Participants’ lactic acid levels, gait-related parameters, and jumping performance were assessed. Assessments were performed at baseline, after Nordic hamstring exercises, and after 3 different passive recovery strategies: resting, Swedish massage, and MLD for 3 weeks. Results: As a result of the study, it was observed that lactic acid levels after the MLD and massage intervention were significantly lower in both MLD and massage conditions compared with the control condition (P < .05). There was no within- and between-conditions difference in jumping parameters after the MLD and massage interventions (P > .05). Walking speed in the MLD condition was statistically higher following the intervention compared with both before and after exercise (P < .05). Step time in the massage condition was statistically lower after the intervention compared with after Nordic hamstring exercise (P < .05). Conclusions: Although MLD and massage interventions have positive effects on lactic acid levels and walking and jumping parameters, they are not superior to each other. MLD can be used as a passive recovery technique after exercise.
Rupture direction of paleoearthquakes on the Alpine Fault, New Zealand, as recorded by curved slickenlines
Authors: Barth Nicolas C. , Kearse Jesse R. , Little Timothy A. , Van Dissen Russ J.
Published: October 2024

We observed and further exhumed curved slickenlines on fault planes associated with paleo-surface rupture of the Alpine Fault, New Zealand's ∼30 mm/yr continental transform plate boundary. Dynamic rupture modeling indicates that the geometry of such curvature provides a record of past earthquake rupture directions. We focused our efforts on three sites that span a region known to variably halt or allow passage of past earthquakes (an “earthquake gate”) to contribute rupture direction constraints to the fault's spatiotemporally rich paleoseismic record. At Hokuri Creek and Martyr River, we observed both convex-up and convex-down curved slickenlines on and adjacent to principal slip surfaces, indicating past ruptures from both the northeast and southwest of these locations. At Martyr River, relationships suggest that the most recent event (inferred to correlate to 1717 CE) ruptured from the southwest. Our results demonstrate the utility of curved slickenlines as a valuable new paleoseismological tool for determining past rupture directions, applicable to surface-rupturing faults globally.
Correlating $$B\rightarrow K^{(*)} \nu \bar{\nu }$$ and flavor anomalies in SMEFT
Authors: Chen Feng-Zhi , Wen Qiaoyi , Xu Fanrong
Published: October 2024

The recent measurement of $$\mathcal {B}(B^+\rightarrow K^+\nu \bar{\nu })$$

B
(

B
+

→

K
+

ν

ν

¯

)

by Belle-II reveals a $$2.8~\sigma $$

2.8

σ

deviation from the Standard Model (SM) prediction. Combining this with a prior Belle measurement of $$\mathcal {B}(B^{0}\rightarrow K^{*0}\nu \bar{\nu })$$

B
(

B
0

→

K

∗
0

ν

ν

¯

)

, the upper bound of the ratio $$\mathcal {B}(B^{0}\rightarrow K^{*0}\nu \bar{\nu })/\mathcal {B}(B^+\rightarrow K^+\nu \bar{\nu })$$

B

(

B
0

→

K

∗
0

ν

ν

¯

)

/
B

(

B
+

→

K
+

ν

ν

¯

)

is notably smaller than the SM prediction. In this work, tensions are solved within the framework of Standard Model effective field theory (SMEFT). The flavor-changing-neutral-current (FCNC) and charged-current observables of either down-type ($$b\rightarrow s\nu \bar{\nu }$$

b
→
s
ν

ν

¯

, $$b\rightarrow s\ell ^+\ell ^-$$

b
→
s

ℓ
+

ℓ
-

, and $$b\rightarrow u_i\ell \bar{\nu }$$

b
→

u
i

ℓ

ν

¯

) or up-type ($$u_j\rightarrow u_i\nu \bar{\nu }$$

u
j

→

u
i

ν

ν

¯

, $$u_j\rightarrow u_i\ell ^+\ell ^-$$

u
j

→

u
i

ℓ
+

ℓ
-

, and $$u_j\rightarrow s\ell \bar{\nu }$$

u
j

→
s
ℓ

ν

¯

) processes, described by low-energy effective field theory (LEFT) operators, are interconnected by a minimal set of four SMEFT operators at the electroweak scale. Subsequently, we obtain the latest ranges of Wilson coefficients for these four operators through a global fit that accommodates flavor anomalies such as $$R_{K^{(*)}}$$

R

K

(

∗
)

, $$R_{D^{(*)}}$$

R

D

(

∗
)

, and $$\mathcal {B}(B\rightarrow K^{(*)}\nu \bar{\nu })$$

B
(
B
→

K

(

∗
)

ν

ν

¯

)

. Our findings reveal that predictions for $$\mathcal {B}(B^+\rightarrow \tau ^+\nu _\tau )$$

B
(

B
+

→

τ
+

ν
τ

)

and $$\mathcal {B}(D_s^+\rightarrow \tau ^+\nu _\tau )$$

B
(

D
s
+

→

τ
+

ν
τ

)

align well with measured values from Belle and BESIII, based on the fitted coefficients. The predicted branching fraction for $$B^0\rightarrow K^{*0}\nu \bar{\nu }$$

B
0

→

K

∗
0

ν

ν

¯

is $$(1.42\pm 0.74)\times 10^{-5}$$

(
1.42
±
0.74
)

×

10

-
5

, closely approaching the current experimental upper limit. Anticipation surrounds the rare decay $$B_s\rightarrow \tau ^+ \tau ^-$$

B
s

→

τ
+

τ
-

, expected in the near future with a branching fraction on the order of $$10^{-4}$$

10

-
4

.
On Broadcast Schemes of Knödel Graphs
Authors: Fakharan Mohammadhossein , Harutyunyan Hovhannes A.
Published: October 2024

Knödel graphs on even number of vertices serve as crucial components in constructing various broadcast graphs, particularly those on an odd number of vertices. The efficacy of these constructions heavily relies on the chosen broadcast scheme. Dimensional broadcast schemes are widely employed for broadcasting Knödel graphs. This paper delves into the investigation of standard and reverse dimensional broadcast schemes identifying numerous valid schemes. Specifically, let [Formula: see text] be a Knödel graph of order [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We explore the impact of [Formula: see text] cyclic shifts on both standard and reverse dimensional broadcast schemes of Knödel graphs, where [Formula: see text], with repetition of the second dimension.
Bounded Kukles Systems of Degree Three
Authors: Dias Fabio Scalco , Mello Luis Fernando , Valls Claudia
Published: October 2024

One of the most important tasks in the qualitative theory of differential equations in the plane is the study of global asymptotic stability: an equilibrium point that is globally attractive. It is known that if an equilibrium point of a planar vector field is globally asymptotically stable, then the vector field is bounded. A planar vector field is said to be bounded if the forward orbit of every point enters and remains in a compact set. In this paper, we study cubic Kukles systems that are bounded which is the first step toward the characterization of cubic Kukles systems that are globally asymptotically stable. We emphasize that these systems form a seven-parameter family of polynomial differential systems. We obtain a total of 25 cubic Kukles sub-systems that are bounded and we provide 11 phase portraits of such sub-systems in a neighborhood of infinity.
ACM Risks Forum Quarterly Summary
Authors: Neumann Peter G.
Published: October 2024

This is an annotated summary of the main items contributed to the ACM Risks Forum in the most recent quarter, orgnanized categorically. References (R i j) to the online Risks Forum denote RISKS vol i number j. Cited RISKS items generally identify contributors and sources, together with URLs. Official RISKS archives are available at www.risks.org, with nice html formatting and search engine courtesy of Lindsay Marshall at Newcastle: http://catless.ncl.ac.uk/Risks/i.j.html (also ftp://www.sri.com/risks). CACM Inside Risks: https://www.csl.sri.com/users/neumann/insiderisks.html
7th International Workshop on Software-intensive Business (IWSiB 2024): Software-intensive Business in the Era of Generative Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Melegati Jorge , Petrik Dimitri , Saltan Andrey
Published: October 2024

The 7th International Workshop on Software-intensive Business (IWSiB'24), held on April 16, 2024, in Lisbon, Portugal, as part of the 46th International Conference on Software Engineering (ICSE 2024), brought together diverse research communities to address the pressing challenges faced by software-producing organizations. These challenges, driven by changing demands, evolving technologies, and dynamic environments, require interdisciplinary collaboration across software engineering and business research. The workshop focused on the theme "Software Business in the Era of Generative Artificial Intelligence," highlighting the transformative impact of GenAI and large language models on software businesses. The event featured a keynote by Jan Bosch and showcased 11 accepted papers on a diverse range of topics. Participants engaged in interactive discussions, group activities, and ideation sessions aimed at identifying future challenges and solutions for software-intensive businesses, fostering ongoing community development and cross-disciplinary synergy.
A Hierarchically Discriminative Loss with Group Regularization for Fine-Grained Image Classification
Authors: Chen Hung-Jen , Peng Chu-Jun , Shuai Hong-Han , Cheng Wen-Huang
Published: October 2024

Fine-grained visual classification targets the discrimination of subordinate categories within broader classes, such as avian species, aerial crafts, and notably, in medical diagnostics like breast cancer. In the domain of breast cancer classification, there has been an emergence of numerous fine-grained models leveraging pathological images. Elevating the interpretability of the model’s discriminative processes among these nuanced categories holds promise in enhancing the transparency of AI decision-making. However, the effective utilization of hierarchical label structures within medical data remains a crucial consideration. In this work, we explore how the label hierarchy can be used to better learn subtle feature embeddings. We observe that the semantic relationships between fine-grained categories can help to analyze the misclassified samples. To this end, with the label hierarchy, we introduce two novel losses to cultivate subtle feature representations, coordinate with feature learning, and align with the principles of Explainable AI (XAI). First, we propose hierarchically discriminative loss to enhance the interactions between fine- and coarse-level features, which can help reinforce the discriminability of fine-grained features for reducing false predictions belonging to the out-group relation. Second, we introduce the in-group regularization loss to establish the interactions between the target class and those confusing classes belonging to the in-group relation. Treating another confusing class as a distraction can regularize feature learning of the target class. Thus, it allows the network to discover more discriminative features and reduces in-group false predictions. Five commonly used datasets for fine-grained classification are extensively evaluated. Our experimental results validate the effectiveness of our proposed novel losses when compared to state-of-the-art methods that utilize hierarchical multi-granularity labels.
WiCAM2.0: Imperceptible and Targeted Attack on Deep Learning based WiFi Sensing
Authors: Xu Leiyang , Zheng Xiaolong , Zhang Yucheng , Liu Liang , Ma Huadong
Published: October 2024

With the widespread adoption of deep learning models in wireless sensing, substantial efforts have been made to develop sophisticated models that improve the accuracy and performance of sensing applications. However, the exploration of potential vulnerabilities in deep learning models has been limited, with existing studies primarily focusing on evaluating wireless adversarial performance in communication or sensing alone. Moreover, there is a lack of a comprehensive definition for attack imperceptibility. In this article, we come up with a definition of the wireless attack
imperceptibility
for both communication and sensing. Our objective is to create an adversarial perturbation capable of degrading WiFi sensing performance while preserving WiFi communication integrity. To achieve this, we propose
WiCAM2.0
to reveal the temporal and spatial attention of a deep neural network, capturing the crucial portions of its input. Then, we design a mask to confine adversarial perturbations in the attended parts only, minimizing the impact on WiFi communication. WiCAM2.0 is a general adversarial framework that integrates adversarial methods such as the Fast Gradient Sign Method and Projected Gradient Descent to generate perturbations, capable of initiating both non-targeted and targeted attacks. We carry out experiments on three popular WiFi sensing applications, including human activity recognition, gesture recognition, and user identification. Extensive experiments are conducted on both public datasets and self-collected datasets.
Looking Backward, Looking Forward
Authors: Nordhaus William
Published: October 2024

This essay discusses three themes of my scholarly life from my student days up to today. They involve technological change, environmental accounting, and energy-climate-economic analysis. These themes have common analytical roots in the economic theory of public goods and encounter thorny issues of governance because of the Westphalian roots of international law and practice. Many of the issues, such as devising measures of natural capital and the need for strengthened international institutions, are just as pressing today as they were during my student days in the 1960s. In writing this, the enduring insight is that hindsight is the best foresight.
Quantifying the Temperature Dependence of the Multi-Species, Multi-Reaction Model: Part II. Estimation of Entropy Coefficient for Meso-Carbon Micro-Bead Graphite
Authors: Paul Abigail , Wolfe Kody , Verbrugge Mark W. , Koch Brian J. , Lowe Jeffrey S. , Trembly Jason , Staser John A , Garrick Taylor R.
Published: October 2024

In Part 1 of this paper, the temperature impact on the Multi-Species, Multi Reaction (MSMR) model was studied. This was accomplished by acquiring data from slow rate lithiation and delithiation of a meso-carbon micro-bead (MCMB) graphite. Through this analysis, the temperature impact on the total fraction of available host sites in a particular MSMR gallery (Xj), the impact on the reference potential (

U

j

o

), and the impact on the parameter detailing the deviation from Nernstian behavior (ω
j) was determined. Here, the intercalation material is discussed, compared to traditional methods of acquiring the entropy coefficient, and comparison is made to previous mathematical estimates. Some of the challenges in using temperature dependent constant rate charge and discharge data as compared to the potentiodynamic entropy coefficient calculation method are also discussed, and a recommendation for future applications is proposed.
Microstructure Alteration Analysis of Ni/YSZ Cermet by Comb-shaped Ni Patterned Electrode
Authors: Bisaka Nanako , Sato Takashi , Budiman Riyan Achmad , Yamaguchi Mina , Kawada Tatsuya , Yashiro Keiji
Published: October 2024

Degradation of solid oxide cells can be partially attributed to the microstructural changes in Ni/YSZ fuel electrodes owing to Ni migration. This study aims to evaluate the microstructural evolution of Ni/YSZ fuel electrodes as a function of the oxygen potential along the thickness direction. To this end, comb-shaped Ni-patterned electrodes were designed on the top layer of a YSZ thin film using two different systems: (a) a symmetrical Ni-patterned electrode and (b) an asymmetrical Ni–Pt electrode with a reference electrode. In the symmetrical electrode, one side of the Ni-patterned electrode operated at the fuel cell (FC) mode, exhibiting expansion that led to an increase in triple-phase boundary (TPB) length and a decrease in electrolyte width. Conversely, the Ni-patterned electrodes that operated in electrolysis (EC) mode showed a slight migration away from the electrolyte. Detailed microstructural changes in the EC mode were examined using the asymmetrical electrode, revealing a correlation between water vapor content and Ni morphology. The results suggest two important points: 1. The amount of water vapor adsorbed on the electrode surface causes the decrease of the Ni wettability due to the decrease of oxygen potential; 2. The microstructure change across the electrode length is affected by the distribution of the oxygen potential.
Novel Ag-Doped- Poly (aniline-co-pyrrole)/Titanium-Dioxide Nanocomposite Sensor Material for Ammonia Detection in Spoiled Meat
Authors: Alemu Tadele Ageru , Ayele Delele Worku , Mani Dhakshnamoorthy , Worku Ababay Ketema , Teshager Minbale Admas , Wubieneh Tessera Alemneh , Assegie Addisu Alemayehu , Negedu Solomon Demiss , Ayalew Melese Yalew , Ramamurthy Praveen C , Praveen J. Shahitha
Published: October 2024

Silver-doped poly(aniline-co-pyrrole)/titanium dioxide (Ag-doped PANI-PPy/TiO2) conducting copolymer-based nanocomposite ammonia gas sensor was synthesized through in situ chemical oxidative polymerization by taking different amounts (4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, and 8%) of Ag-TiO2 (1:1 ratio) nanoparticles. Zetasizer; dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, transmit ion electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, UV–vis spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and cyclic voltammetry characterization techniques were used to confirm the real formation of nanocomposites and to evaluate the detection performance of the sensor. The interaction sensitivity of the synthesized nanocomposite sensor with ammonia (NH3) was determined by changing the amounts of nanoparticles. Spectroscopic determination exhibited excellent porosity and a better shift in the absorption bands having band gaps (1.87 eV) for the Ag-doped PANI-PPy/TiO2 nanocomposite sensor than the PANI-PPy copolymer (3.17 eV). Morphological (10 μm) and nanoparticle arrangement studies (20 μm) have shown the uniform allocation of nanoparticles in the copolymer matrix when 6% of Ag-TiO2 (1:1 ratio) was added, while agglomeration occurred when <6% or >6% of Ag-TiO2 was added to the copolymer. A decrease in the amorphous domain of the copolymer with an increase in nanoparticles was observed from the X-ray diffraction and other results.
How Do Health Visitors and Parents Interact in the UK Child Health Clinics around Infant Weight in the Context of Overweight and Obesity: An Interpretative Research Study
Authors: Coates Maggie , Porteous Debbie , Cook Tina
Published: October 2024

Background. In 2020, figures estimated that 39 million preschool children worldwide, experienced overweight or obesity. Global prevalence has almost tripled in the last 40–50 years. The number of preschool children impacted makes it severe enough to be one of the most serious public health challenges for the 21st century, which could be addressed during infancy, for improved short‐ and long‐term health outcomes. Objective. Research in a local Trust providing health visiting services in the northeast of England aimed to describe and interpret the interaction between UK parents and health visitors around infant weight (0–2) in delivering the UK Healthy Child Programme. Methods. The research paradigm was social construction, and interpretative phenomenology enabled the interpretation of experiences of self and everyday situational encounters or participants lived experiences. The research applied theoretical perspectives of hermeneutic phenomenology and symbolic interactionism. Purposive sampling recruited 14 parents and 20 health visitors, and 4 focus groups and 8 semistructured interviews were completed. Data analysis was thematic. Findings. Interaction between health visitors and parents around infant weight was complex. Assumptions were made, and the interaction was open to misinterpretation. This impacted the integrity of the conversation. Managing infant weight was superseded by other public health needs of parents. There was no obvious approach to assessment of infant weight that might be exceeding normal growth centiles, whole family approaches, or risk assessment. Infant weight remained an emotive subject for parents and health visitors, and this governed how it was addressed. Conclusion. While existing research has emphasised that infant weight is a sensitive issue to raise with parents, this research is unique, providing detailed implications for UK health visitors and recommendations for future management of infant weight within the UK Healthy Child Programme. Findings are transferrable to other public health professionals communicating with infants and parents in the management of infant weight.
A Hybrid Prediction Model for Pumping Well System Efficiency Based on Stacking Integration Strategy
Authors: Ma Biao , Dong Shimin
Published: October 2024

The current prediction model for the system efficiency of pumping units primarily relies on a mechanistic approach. However, this approach incorporates numerous unnecessary factors, thereby, increasing the cost associated with predictions. With the improvement of the oil field database, the available information is increasing. Some scholars propose a prediction model based on a single neural network, however, such models face challenges in effectively capturing complex data, resulting in lower prediction accuracy and limited resistance to interference. To solve the above problems, the study proposes a novel stacking integrated learning prediction model, which incorporates fivefold cross‐validation. First, the magnitude of the correlation coefficient was quantified using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Second, the impact and predictive features were normalized. Final, convolutional neural network (CNN), recurrent neural network (RNN), Long Short‐Term Memory network (LSTM), gated recurrent unit (GRU), and transformer are used as the base models, and fully connected neural network (FNN) is used as the metamodel. Each base model was trained by fivefold cross‐validation, and the predicted values of each fold were stacked by rows. Next, the predicted values of each base model are stacked by columns as input variables to the metamodel and metamodel learning is performed, and the stacking integrated learning prediction model based on fivefold crossover validation is established. To validate the accuracy of the model, we selected 5,000 actual well parameters, including 26 impact features and one predictive feature, for comparative analysis. This analysis presents the maximum percentage reduction in mean square error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) of our proposed integrated learning model concerning a single neural network prediction model as 28.26%, 24.40%, and 15.66%, respectively. The maximum percentage improvement in R2 is 17.74%. It shows that our proposed integrated learning prediction model has high prediction accuracy.
Research on Load Bearing and Deformation Behavior of “Pile–Wall” Retaining Structure
Authors: Xu Jiabin , Zhang Bo , Shi Xiuqin , Chen Na , Wei Huanwei , Zheng Xiao , Wang Pengyue
Published: October 2024

The “pile–wall” structure, which considers conventional temporary retaining piles as parts of the underground structure in the normal working stage, has been practiced, but there are insufficient studies on the optimization of the design of the “pile–wall” structure and the influence of various factors on the structural stresses and deformations. In order to analyze the factors affecting the stresses and deformations of the “pile–wall” structure, the numerical simulation of the “pile–wall” structure was carried out with the help of finite element simulation software Plaxis 3D through the excavation of Wuhan Optics Valley Center City Distributed Energy Project. The research of stresses and displacements on the “pile–wall” structural under the influence of different factors were carried out. The results show that the number of pile–wall connection nodes, the pile–wall thickness ratio, and the pile–wall stiffness ratio have influences on the stresses and deformations of the “pile–wall” structure. The number of connection nodes which is 4, the pile–wall thickness ratio which is 1 : 0.3, and the pile–wall stiffness ratio which is 1 : 1 are the most reasonable for the deformation and force of pile–wall structure in the project. The research results have good reference and guiding significance for the actual “pile–wall” excavation engineering structure, and the purpose of energy‐saving and consumption‐reducing construction can be achieved by seeking the reasonable values of the three and optimizing the construction program.
Supplementary Methods from Steroid Ligands, the Forgotten Triggers of Nuclear Receptor Action; Implications for Acquired Resistance to Endocrine Therapy
Authors: Bleach Rachel , Madden Stephen F. , Hawley James , Charmsaz Sara , Selli Cigdem , Sheehan Katherine M. , Young Leonie S. , Sims Andrew H. , Souček Pavel , Hill Arnold D. , McIlroy Marie
Published: October 2024

Supplementary Methods
Supplementary Figure 9 from Identification of a Novel Inflamed Tumor Microenvironment Signature as a Predictive Biomarker of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Immunotherapy in Non–Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Damrauer Jeffrey S. , Roell Kyle R. , Smith Markia A. , Sun Xuezheng , Kirk Erin L. , Hoadley Katherine A. , Benefield Halei C. , Iyer Gopakumar , Solit David B. , Milowsky Matthew I. , Kim William Y. , Nielsen Matthew E. , Wobker Sara E. , Dalbagni Guido , Al-Ahmadie Hikmat A. , Olshan Andrew F. , Bochner Bernard H. , Furberg Helena , Troester Melissa A. , Pietzak Eugene J.
Published: October 2024

Supplemental Figure 9A demonstrates the overlap between "p53-associated" signature from Troester et al. vs. "p53-like" signature from Choi et al; Supplemental Figure 9B shows the "p53-like" signature from Choi et (MDA) by UROMOL Subclasses in MSK and UNC cohorts; and Supplemental Figure 9C shows the "p53-associated" signature from Troester et al. by UROMOL Subclasses in MSK and UNC cohorts.
Supplementary Figure 6 from Identification of a Novel Inflamed Tumor Microenvironment Signature as a Predictive Biomarker of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Immunotherapy in Non–Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Damrauer Jeffrey S. , Roell Kyle R. , Smith Markia A. , Sun Xuezheng , Kirk Erin L. , Hoadley Katherine A. , Benefield Halei C. , Iyer Gopakumar , Solit David B. , Milowsky Matthew I. , Kim William Y. , Nielsen Matthew E. , Wobker Sara E. , Dalbagni Guido , Al-Ahmadie Hikmat A. , Olshan Andrew F. , Bochner Bernard H. , Furberg Helena , Troester Melissa A. , Pietzak Eugene J.
Published: October 2024

Supplemental Figure 6 shows Recurrence Free Survival in the Northwestern HGT1 cohort by immune score stratified by (1) High, Medium, Low; (2) High/Medium vs. Low.
Supplementary Figure 5 from Identification of a Novel Inflamed Tumor Microenvironment Signature as a Predictive Biomarker of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Immunotherapy in Non–Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Damrauer Jeffrey S. , Roell Kyle R. , Smith Markia A. , Sun Xuezheng , Kirk Erin L. , Hoadley Katherine A. , Benefield Halei C. , Iyer Gopakumar , Solit David B. , Milowsky Matthew I. , Kim William Y. , Nielsen Matthew E. , Wobker Sara E. , Dalbagni Guido , Al-Ahmadie Hikmat A. , Olshan Andrew F. , Bochner Bernard H. , Furberg Helena , Troester Melissa A. , Pietzak Eugene J.
Published: October 2024

Supplemental Figure 5 shows immune score signature using the publicly available UROMOL.