bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uniformly high-order bound-preserving OEDG schemes for two-phase flows
Authors: Yan Ruifang , Abgrall Rémi , Wu Kailiang
Published: September 2024

This paper proposes and rigorously analyzes novel high-order bound-preserving oscillation-eliminating discontinuous Galerkin (BP-OEDG) schemes with the Harten–Lax–van Leer (HLL) numerical flux for the Kapila five-equation two-phase flow model. The evolution equation for the volume fraction is formulated as a conservative advection equation with an additional non-conservative source term. Utilizing a technical splitting approach, we design a uniformly high-order discretization for this source term, incorporating an “upwind” discretization of the non-conservative product at cell interfaces based on the HLL wave speeds. This method inherently ensures the symmetry of the volume fractions, which is crucial for establishing the bound-preserving property. The positivity of partial densities and internal energy is rigorously proven using the geometric quasilinearization (GQL) approach, which transforms the nonlinear pressure positivity constraint into equivalent linear constraints. To suppress potential spurious oscillations, we incorporate a scale-invariant and linearity-invariant oscillation elimination (OE) procedure that damps the DG modal coefficients after each Runge–Kutta stage, as proposed in [M. Peng, Z. Sun and K. Wu, OEDG: Oscillation-eliminating discontinuous Galerkin method for hyperbolic conservation laws, Math. Comput. (2024), https://doi.org/10.1090/mcom/3998]. This OE procedure, acting as a post-processing filter based on the jumps of the DG solution at cell interfaces, is easy to implement, maintains the Abgrall equilibrium condition around an isolated material interface, and preserves the high-order accuracy of the DG schemes. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed high-order BP-OEDG schemes are demonstrated through several benchmark numerical experiments.
Modeling Systems with Dependent Catastrophic and Degradation Failures Incorporating Uncertainty
Authors: Khati Amisha , Singh S. B.
Published: September 2024

This research examines the interval-valued availability and cost of a competing-risk system with dependent catastrophic and degradation failures incorporating uncertainty. Uncertainty indicates that the probability of the successful operation of the system is not precisely known. The considered system has three states: normal, degraded, and totally failed. While degradation failures lessen the system’s overall effectiveness and lead it to a degraded state, a catastrophic failure abruptly terminates the system’s operations and results in a totally failed state. The interrelationship between these two failures is illustrated by the fact that each degradation failure elevates the possibility of a catastrophic failure. To identify a failure, sequential inspections are performed on the system. If the system is found to be degraded, a minimal repair is executed. If a catastrophic failure is detected, a corrective repair is performed. By integrating the aforesaid points, a theorem describing the upper and lower limits of the model’s reliability is derived. Furthermore, some theorems defining the bounds of point availability, long-run availability, and the average long-run cost rate are established. A numerical example of an aluminum electrolytic capacitor is taken to demonstrate the results.
Enhancing Software Reliability Growth Modeling: Integrating Fault Severity Assessment with Multiple TEF
Authors: Kushwaha Shivani , Kumar Ajay
Published: September 2024

The size and complexity of software products have expanded significantly, prompting researchers to focus on quality assessment by quantitatively assessing software product’s reliability growth. Several time dependent software reliability growth models (SRGMs) have been produced and are available in this regard. The authors evaluated errors of varied severity, but they believed that low severity faults would be repaired first, followed by high severity faults. Furthermore, the authors assumed in the change point model that the team changed their strategy, i.e., the fault detection rate changed after a particular time but making a plan and executing that strategy takes a long time, and as a result, the industry confronts a delay in software launching. As a result, two fault categories (low and high severity) are considered in this study, and two types of testing effort function (TEF) related to fault detection rate are presented to detect and fix them. Because parameters have such a large impact on model performance, their sensitivity is also investigated.
RESEARCH PROGRESS ON STRENGTHENING PROCESS OF H13 STEEL FOR SHIELD CUTTER RING
Authors: GU YANGUANG , YANG XUEFENG , CHEN MAOLONG , LI KUNJIE , LIU YANSHENG , MA JUNBEI
Published: September 2024

As China continues to advance the modernization process, a large number of infrastructure construction projects need to use shield machines to build tunnels. As a key component of the shield machine/TBM direct contact working environment, the hob is extremely complex and extremely harsh due to the extremely complex and extremely harsh working environment, resulting in hobs. It is very easy to damage when in service. The damage of the hob directly leads to many problems such as project delay and capital consumption. Therefore, improving the mechanical properties of the hob and prolonging the service life is an important engineering problem to be solved urgently. Based on the service performance of disc cutter, this paper analyzes its failure form and wear mechanism, and summarizes the strengthening process and improvement method of the H13 steel disc cutter ring. In this paper, the advantages and disadvantages of previous researchers and optimization methods are reviewed for H13 steel material composition, heat treatment process, surface coating strengthening process, and other processes. Finally, the performance strengthening of hob cutter ring is discussed and prospected, in order to provide a reference for hob strengthening technology path and industrialization realization.
ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SOFT COMPUTING TECHNIQUES IN DETERMINING OPTIMAL WELDING PARAMETERS FOR REDUCED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT IN A COLD METAL TRANSFER WELDING PROCESS — A GREEN WELDING APPROACH
Authors: AHMAD TASLEEM , KUMARI PRATIBHA , KHAN TASMEEM AHMAD , YAHYA ZEINEBOU , ALHODAIB AIYESHAH , PARVEZ MOHD , RAM DHANI , YADAV ASHOK KUMAR , KHAN OSAMA
Published: September 2024

The increasing demand for high-quality welds in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and shipbuilding has led to the need for more efficient welding processes. Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) welding offers several advantages over traditional welding methods. This study investigates the CMT welding process applied to High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) steel plates, focusing on optimizing weld parameters for enhanced joint quality and mechanical performance. The CMT process was selected for its ability to provide low heat input, thereby minimizing thermal distortion, and preserving the mechanical properties of the HSLA material. Key welding parameters, including welding speed (10–30[Formula: see text]mm/s), wire feed rate (2–4[Formula: see text]m/min), heat input (1.8–2.4[Formula: see text]kJ/mm), arc voltage (12–16[Formula: see text]V), and gas flow rate (3–5[Formula: see text]L/min), were systematically varied to assess their impact on weld integrity and strength. Uncertainty analysis is conducted and came out to be 3.25% which lies in an acceptable range. The AHP–TOPSIS analysis was conducted to identify the most important welding process parameters and equipment for achieving high-quality welds in CMT welding of steel. The results showed that welding speed, wire feed rate, and gas flow rate were the most important process parameters for achieving high-quality welds. In the AHP analysis, Tensile Strength achieved the highest priority (39%) while Impact Toughness (22%) followed it. After prioritizing the variables, an inter-relationship between the most favorable inputs with outputs is established using Artificial Intelligence (AI). Prediction analysis is performed to establish the most optimal welding setting among thousands of input sets. The sample with set 1 was found to be the best choice for producing high-quality welds in CMT welding of steel. The optimal parameter values were found to be a welding speed of 25[Formula: see text]mm/s, wire feed rate of 3[Formula: see text]m/min, arc voltage of 12[Formula: see text]V, gas flow rate of 5[Formula: see text]L/min, and heat input of 1.5[Formula: see text]kJ/mm yielding a tensile strength of 460[Formula: see text]MPa, hardness of 42[Formula: see text]HRC, impact toughness of 29 J, radiation of 110[Formula: see text]W/m2, convection of 90[Formula: see text]W/m2, and conduction of 150[Formula: see text]W/m2. This study provides valuable insights into the effective use of CMT for welding HSLA steel, offering practical guidelines for achieving high-quality welds in structural applications.
No cardinal correct inner model elementarily embeds into the universe
Authors: Goldberg Gabriel , Thei Sebastiano
Published: September 2024

An elementary embedding [Formula: see text] between two inner models of [Formula: see text] is cardinal preserving if [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] correctly compute the class of cardinals. We look at the case [Formula: see text] and show that there is no nontrivial cardinal preserving elementary embedding from [Formula: see text] into [Formula: see text], answering a question of Caicedo.
Dynamic Analysis Techniques for Road Bridges Under Large Traffic Flows
Authors: Camara Alfredo , Wang Jie , Goicolea José M.
Published: September 2024

This work focuses on the dynamic analysis of road bridges under large microsimulated traffic flows, contributing an efficient dynamic analysis framework for future fatigue, comfort or driving safety studies in which realistic interactions between vehicles are considered. Different strategies to define the loading vector in the governing dynamic equations are presented for bridges discretized with beam and shell elements. The proposed interpolation techniques for beam-like models include a recursive binary search and a novel vectorized strategy based on shape functions expanded to the entire length of the deck. These are applied to a short simply supported bridge and a very long cable-stayed bridge under traffic flows generated with a cellular automata microsimulation model. The strategies presented here reduce the computational time required in conventional load interpolation algorithms, particularly in long bridges subject to dense traffic flows. Finally, the binary search algorithm is applied to the study of bridge decks discretized with shell elements under microsimulated traffic, demonstrating that high vehicle densities increase the contribution of the transverse vibration of the slab and the potential discomfort of pedestrians.
DAB-LSTMNN: A novel respiratory disease diagnosis deep CNN framework based on attention scheme and BLSTM neural networks
Authors: Dai Zhaoji , Zheng Xianwei , Lin Junqi , Huo Zixuan , You Weijie , Miao Qing
Published: September 2024

Respiratory diseases have a significant impact on modern society, posing considerable public health risks. With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing respiratory issues has become increasingly urgent and important. Recently, artificial intelligence-based methods utilizing the acoustic recordings of suspected patients have shown promise in the diagnosis of various respiratory diseases, enabling localized treatment and containment of their spread. As the existing methods cannot efficiently extract subtle differences between the sound samples, thereby limiting their generalization ability. To improve the diagnosis accuracy, this paper proposes a novel multi-channel, multi-modal deep learning architecture based on the attention mechanism. The proposed framework combines a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) with a bidirectional long short-term memory (BLSTM) network, and also utilizes the attention scheme to extract temporal and spectral features from different modalities of speech data (e.g. coughs, counting sounds and sustained vowel articulation). The proposed method effectively classifies COVID-19 patients, asthma patients and healthy individuals, with a test accuracy of 89.27 ± 0.1%, and an F1 score of 85.42 ± 0.2%. The experimental results validate the feasibility of our method, and also indicate that it is competitive with the existing deep networks.
Symmetric teleparallel gravity with variable deceleration parameter
Authors: Shukla Bhupendra Kumar , Tiwari R. K. , Beesham A. , Sofuoğlu Değer , Mustafa G.
Published: September 2024

In this paper, our investigation focuses on the cosmic history in modified [Formula: see text] gravity, a different theory that describes the gravitational force using a non-metricity scalar. The equations of the theory are solved by assuming a parametric form for the deceleration parameter. The parameters of the model are estimated by using the Cosmic Chronometer dataset. A number of parameters, like the deceleration parameter, whose signature changes with redshift and shows typical behavior in late-time cosmology, are subject of our analysis. We also show the evolution of other parameters, such as the equation of state parameter and energy density. The parametrization approach used here in [Formula: see text] modified gravity provides a better description of the late-time cosmic evolution without dark energy.
Effects of Policy Uncertainty on Firm-Level Productivity
Authors: Cao Melanie , Tut Daniel
Published: September 2024

Does policy uncertainty affect productivity? Policy uncertainty creates delays on decision-making as firms await new information about prices, costs, and other market conditions before committing resources. Such delays can have real consequences on firms’ productivity and corporate decisions. We find that economic policy uncertainty has a negative impact on firm-level productivity. We further show that the negative impact is alleviated by firms’ high cash holdings or prior committed irreversible investments. These findings are robust to various specifications.
Geopolitical Dynamics of the Pak–China Maritime Cooperation: A Blue Economy Perspective
Authors: Javid Irum , Ali Muhammad
Published: September 2024

The maritime domain has emerged as an emblematic arena for geopolitical maneuvering, economic synergy, and strategic competition in the 21st century. As the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has assumed greater resonance, the maritime component of this corridor, often referred to as the “Maritime Silk Road,” holds the potential to reshape and nurtures the economic and geopolitical landscape in the Indian Ocean region. The blue economy encompasses various sectors, including fisheries, shipping, renewable energy, and trade while plays as a catalyst in the economic prosperity and sustainability of coastal nations. This research aims to explore the multifaceted geopolitical implications of the maritime cooperation between Pakistan and China, with a specific focus on its profound impact on the blue economy. This blue web of strategic nexus has potential in the terms of diplomatic, military, and economic ties, while capable of harnessing cultural, technological, and educational exchanges. Gwadar Port, the gateway to the Arabian Sea, has emerged as a pivotal factor in this equation due to its role in fostering regional and international interconnectivity. However, this is also vulnerable to growing security, environmental, and geopolitical rivalries.
Static Screening in a Degenerate Electron Plasma
Authors: Fantoni Riccardo
Published: September 2024

We present a self-contained derivation of the Friedel oscillations in a degenerate ideal electron plasma using a not commonly known theorem on the asymptotic behavior of the Fourier transform of a generalized function presenting some singularities.
Exploring the Role of AI in Learning and Teaching Thermodynamics: A Case Study with ChatGPT
Authors: Oss Stefano
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we briefly describe and assess some specific cases where ChatGPT’s direct application in classical thermodynamics is evident, addressing scenarios of varied complexity with inherent educational interest. These scenarios specifically suggest how the virtual assistant might engage and aid students. Yet, there is a multitude of reported difficulties and critical concerns when addressing tasks that should not be overly complex. It currently seems that ChatGPT, along with similar tools, has not yet solidified its capability to correlate theoretical concepts with practical exercises in thermodynamics, and might, at least in its present form, act more as an educational impediment rather than a facilitator.
Repetitive Patterns Recognition in Textures of Ancient Peruvian Pottery
Authors: Sepulveda Sebastian , Bustos Benjamin , Sipiran Ivan
Published: September 2024

We present a study and comparison of computer vision methods for the task of finding repetitive motifs in ancient Peruvian pottery. Under this context, the main difficulties for solving the task are that the motifs are in most cases highly repetitive, that the motifs corresponding to the same pattern are slightly different due to be hand-drawn, and that the amount of data available for training and testing purposes is scarce. We evaluate and compare several techniques: Template Matching, Segment Anything Model, Mask R-CNN, Faster R-CNN, RetinaNet, and YoloV8-s. We conclude that YoloV8-s and RetinaNet are the most effective techniques for the task, but the effectiveness for zero-shot detection is low for all evaluated techniques.
Utilization of DEM Simulations to Quantify Cell Level Thickness and Volume Changes in Large Format Pouch Cells
Authors: Teel Hunter , Garrick Taylor R. , Koch Brian J. , Fernandez Miguel A. , Srinivasan Srikant , Wang Fengkun , Zeng Yangbing , Shimpalee Sirivatch
Published: September 2024

In this work, a 3D representation of a lithium ion electric vehicle battery cell was created and modeled through the discrete element method (DEM) to capture the porous electrode volume change during cell operation and its effects on electrode strain, porosity changes, and pressure generation for each electrode. This was coupled with a representative volume element approach and the multi species reaction model to quantify the impact of these changes at an electrode level have on the cell level operation. Results on both the electrode level and cell level response were discussed to give insights on how the volume changes contribute to both strain and porosity changes and the potential effects these changes have on the electrochemical response of the generated representative cells. Predictions on the cell level response, particularly for porosity changes which can be difficult to capture experimentally, are essential for the further development of high energy density cells that utilize unique chemistries prone to high levels of volume change such as silicon and silicon oxides. The ability to predict the active material volume change and its nuances will be informative and essential to rapidly develop and design cells for both automotive and grid storage applications.
Molecular Characterization and Antibacterial Potential of Endophytic Fungal Isolates from Selected Mangroves along the Coastline of Kenya
Authors: Wacira Teresia Nyambura , Makonde Huxley Mae , Bosire Carren Moraa , Kibiti Cromwell Mwiti
Published: September 2024

The increasing emergence and re‐emergence of resistant pathogenic microbes causes a health threat to the human population. Scientists have been striving to find novel bioactive compounds and drugs to overcome these obstacles. This study aimed to characterize mangrove endophytic fungi and evaluate their antibacterial activity. Heritiera littoralis, Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Avicennia marina, and Xylocarpus granatum species were collected from Tudor Creek, Mida Creek, and Gazi Bay. A total of 30 fungal isolates were subjected to molecular identification based on analysis of their ITS gene region. The isolates in the inferred phylogenetic trees were affiliated with the genus Aspergillus. Ethyl acetate and butanol crude extracts of 38.2% of the 76 isolated fungal endophytes and eight mycelia samples were screened for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 27853), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 25923) using the disc diffusion method. A. marina and R. mucronata harbored the most fungal endophytes that showed the highest antibacterial activity. Seven fungal broth extracts exhibited higher antibacterial activities against the tested microorganisms than the positive control. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) activity for the isolates demonstrated that the ethyl acetate extract of a root endophytic fungal isolate (RC6) (3.31 ± 0.01) of A. marina is a strong inhibitor since it showed significantly lower MIC activity compared to the positive control (3.84 ± 0.00) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P < 0.05). Therefore, this study confirms that mangrove species harbor fungal isolates that have antibacterial activity and hence could serve as a novel source of antibiotics. It is recommended that the pure compounds from these extracts be isolated for further bioactivity tests and structural elucidation for consideration as lead molecules in drug discovery. In addition, the genes responsible for the enhanced bioactivity in these isolates can be characterized and bioengineered for pharmaceutical application.
In Vitro Anti‐Shigella, Antioxidant Activities, and Oral Acute Toxicity of Organics Extracts from the Root Bark of Detarium microcarpum Guill. and Perr.
Authors: Habibou Hama Hamadou , Abdoulahi Mahamane Idi Issa , Khalid Ikhiri
Published: September 2024

Detarium microcarpum (Fabaceae) is a medicinal plant from the traditional pharmacopeia of Niger used against gastrointestinal disorders and dysentery. This study was designed to assess the in vitro anti‐shigella, antioxidant activities, and oral acute toxicity of extract root barks of Detarium microcarpum. The crude extracts were prepared by maceration using methanol, ethanol, dichloromethane, water‐ethanol (30/70 v/v), and methanol‐dichloromethane (1/1 v/v). The anti‐shigella activity was performed using the microdilution method coupled with the resazurin‐based assay. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the DPPH· (2, 2‐diphényl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl), ABTS 2, 2′‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid), and H2O2 assays. The oral acute toxicity was assessed following the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines. The extracts displayed activity against the Shigella boydii with Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) from 500 to 1000 μg/mL. The methanolic crude extract of D. microcarpum shows good antioxidant activity with the radicals DPPH· and ABTS with inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) at 228 and 191 µg/mL, respectively. The lethal dose 50 (LD50) of extract was up to 2000 mg/kg of body weight, and no signs of toxicity were observed. These findings supported the use of Detarium microcarpum in the traditional treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
Elliptic‐Curve Cryptography Implementation on RISC‐V Processors for Internet of Things Applications
Authors: Preethi Preethi , Ulla Mohammed Mujeer , Yadav G. Praveen Kumar , Roy Kumar Sekhar , Hazarika Ruhul Amin , K. Kuldeep Saxena
Published: September 2024

Elliptic‐curve cryptography (ECC) is a popular technique of public‐key cryptography used for secure communications in Internet of Things (IoT) applications. In this study, the implementation and analyze the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) with NIST‐256 on MicroBlaze processors based on RISC‐V architecture. This implementation aims to enhance secure communication and data exchange between IoT devices and also provides a detailed account of our ECDSA implementation on a RISC‐V processor and evaluates its performance, achieving a reduction of 11.8% in execution time compared to existing techniques. The implementation takes 483 clock cycles and utilizes approximately 4096 bytes of memory. These results demonstrate that ECDSA can be efficiently implemented on RISC‐V processors, making it a promising option for secure communication in IoT applications. Furthermore, the study highlights specific security considerations critical to implementing ECC on RISC‐V processors, ensuring robust and reliable security in IoT environments.
Dietary Intake Pattern and Nutritional Status of Women of Reproductive Age in Slum Areas of Pokhara Metropolitan
Authors: Kandel Babita , Khatri Dhurba , Koirala Arun Kumar , Chhetri Yamuna , Manandhar Alisha
Published: September 2024

Introduction. The pattern of diet intake is associated with food availability and the intake of nutrients from different food groups and is an important component of nutritional status. The dietary habits of individuals are integral to understanding their nutritional wellbeing, making this assessment crucial for public health interventions. The objective of the study was to assess the dietary intake pattern and nutritional status among women of reproductive age in slum areas of Pokhara Metropolitan. Methodology. A cross‐sectional analytical study was conducted to assess the dietary intake pattern and nutritional status among 404 women of reproductive age in the slum area of Pokhara from June 2019 to December 2019. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the wards while a purposive sampling technique was used to collect the samples. 24‐hour recall meal‐based questions and anthropometric measurements were used for collecting data. Data were entered into EpiData and analyzed using SPSS version 16 software for analysis. Frequency and mean, median, chi‐square test, and logistic regression were performed. Results. The mean (±SD) age (SD) of the participants was 31 (±9.25) years, and most of the participants belonged to the age group 25–35 years. Out of 404 women of reproductive age, 99% of the participants consumed starchy staple foods daily, while 56.7% ate vegetables daily, and nearly half frequently consumed prepackaged foods and soft drinks. Among the total participants, 41.3% were found with a normal BMI, 37.6% were overweight, and only 12.4% were underweight. There was a significant association between underweight and age, women’s occupation, and frequency of food consumption per day. Age, knowledge of nutrition, and frequency of food consumption per day were found to be associated factors with being overweight at a p value <0.05. Conclusion. Age, occupation status, and frequency of food consumption were the key predictors of being underweight, and age, knowledge regarding nutrition, and frequency of meals were the key predictors of being overweight. Developing countries must emphasize the importance of considering these factors in public health interventions and strategies aimed at promoting healthy weight management. More studies are needed.
Why Some People Did Not Want to be Vaccinated against COVID‐19? Analysis of Some Psychological Factors Connected with a Decision about Vaccination
Authors: Badura-Brzoza Karina , Główczyński Patryk , Dębski Paweł , Brzoza Zenon
Published: September 2024

Objective. The aim of the study was to assess some psychological factors that may be related to the attitude towards vaccination against COVID‐19. Methods. The study involved 419 responders, including 317 people aged 36.10 ± 13.41 years who received vaccination against COVID‐19 and 102 people aged 38.16 ± 12.33 years who decided not to be vaccinated. The study was conducted online in January‐June 2022 in the Polish population. The following methods were used for the study: the generic conspiracist beliefs scale (GCBS), the perceived stress scale (PSS‐10), and the state‐trait anxiety inventory (STAI‐X2). Results. In the conspiracy beliefs questionnaire, an average score of 34.41 ± 12.95 points was obtained in the vaccinated group and in the unvaccinated group 48.67 ± 13.62 points. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). In the PSS‐10 questionnaire, the vaccinated respondents obtained an average score of 19.55 ± 6.75 points, and in the unvaccinated group, the mean score was 18.44 ± 7 points. When comparing the two groups, no statistically significant differences were found. In the vaccinated group, the mean score was 46.96 ± 7.69 points in the state anxiety questionnaire (X2), and 45.85 ± 8.18 points in the unvaccinated group. There were no statistically significant differences between the study groups. Significant positive correlations were found in the results obtained in the conspiracy thinking scale (GCBS), the PSS‐10 stress scale, and the anxiety scale as a personality trait (STAI‐X2) in both study groups. Conclusions. People presenting conspiracy thinking may be more likely to show antivaccine attitudes compared to people not showing a tendency to this kind of thinking. Conspiracy thinking may not only be associated with a high level of anxiety as a personality trait but also with the level of experienced stress. In the group of unvaccinated people, stress was a significant predictor of conspiratorial thinking. In the group of vaccinated people, anxiety turned out to be a significant predictor of conspiracy thinking. Due to the presence of antivaccine groups, the task of the medical personnel is to educate the public. Moreover, extensive information campaigns are needed to promote vaccination safety in an accessible and understandable language.
Complexity Analysis on the Supply Chain of Brand Enterprise Countermeasures against Imitation Threats
Authors: Kadeer Abudureheman , Zhao Mingyu , Li Mengzhe
Published: September 2024

This paper studies the complexity of the decision system when a brand enterprise introduces new products and makes dynamic quality decisions to cope with imitation threats caused by a counterfeit enterprise. Using game theory, nonlinear system theory, and numerical simulation, the complexity characteristics of this system and consumer utility are further discussed; moreover, delay feedback control is used to restrain chaos. The conclusions are as follows: (1) The stable scope of the brand enterprise price adjustment enlarges with the increase of the adjustment parameters of new product quality and imitation price. (2) The attraction domain of the initial decisions of the counterfeit enterprise decreases when the brand enterprise makes dynamic decisions on new product quality; a higher new product quality adjustment parameter can reduce the imitation ability of the counterfeit enterprise. (3) With the growth of the degree of substitution between new products and existing products, the quality of new products is improved, the output of existing products is reduced, and the counterfeit enterprise withdraws from the market if the degree of substitution between existing products and imitations is high. (4) The dynamic system can suppress chaos and restore stability by using the delay feedback control method. Results are of great importance for managers to make reasonable decisions when dealing with imitation threats.
Table 2 from Phase I Study of Simlukafusp Alfa (FAP-IL2v) with or without Atezolizumab in Japanese Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Koyama Takafumi , Yonemori Kan , Shimizu Toshio , Sato Jun , Kondo Shunsuke , Sudo Kazuki , Yoshida Tatsuya , Katsuya Yuki , Imaizumi Tatsuki , Enomoto Masashi , Seki Ryoko , Yamamoto Noboru
Published: September 2024

Summary of AEs
Supplementary Table 1 from Phase I Study of Simlukafusp Alfa (FAP-IL2v) with or without Atezolizumab in Japanese Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Koyama Takafumi , Yonemori Kan , Shimizu Toshio , Sato Jun , Kondo Shunsuke , Sudo Kazuki , Yoshida Tatsuya , Katsuya Yuki , Imaizumi Tatsuki , Enomoto Masashi , Seki Ryoko , Yamamoto Noboru
Published: September 2024

Table S1 shows the adverse events that could be considered dose-limiting toxicities.
Figure 2 from Phase I Study of Simlukafusp Alfa (FAP-IL2v) with or without Atezolizumab in Japanese Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Koyama Takafumi , Yonemori Kan , Shimizu Toshio , Sato Jun , Kondo Shunsuke , Sudo Kazuki , Yoshida Tatsuya , Katsuya Yuki , Imaizumi Tatsuki , Enomoto Masashi , Seki Ryoko , Yamamoto Noboru
Published: September 2024

Mean changes in serum simlukafusp alfa concentrations after administration of (A) simlukafusp alfa 10 mg (n = 3), (B) simlukafusp alfa 15/20 mg (n = 5), or (C) simlukafusp alfa 10 mg + atezolizumab (n = 3) and (D) mean changes in serum atezolizumab concentrations after administration of simlukafusp alfa 10 mg + atezolizumab (n = 3). Error bars represent SD.
SREBP-Dependent Regulation of Lipid Homeostasis Is Required for Progression and Growth of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ishida Chiaki T. , Myers Stephanie L. , Kubota Casie S. , Shao Wei , McGuire Meredith R. , Liu Chune , Ewachiw Theodore E. , Mukhopadhyay Debaditya , Ke Suqi , Wang Hao , Rasheed Zeshaan A. , Anders Robert A. , Espenshade Peter J.
Published: September 2024

Solid tumors undergo metabolic reprogramming when growth outstrips local nutrient supply. Lipids such as cholesterol and fatty acids are required for continued tumor cell proliferation, and oncogenic mutations stimulate de novo lipogenesis to support tumor growth. Sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) transcription factors control lipid homeostasis by activating genes required for lipid synthesis and uptake. SREBPs have been implicated in the progression of brain, breast, colon, liver, and prostate cancers. However, the role of the SREBP pathway and its central regulator SREBP cleavage activating protein (SCAP) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has not been studied in detail. Here, we demonstrated that pancreas-specific knockout of Scap has no effect on mouse pancreas development or function, allowing for examination of the role of Scap in the murine KPC model of PDAC. Notably, heterozygous loss of Scap prolonged survival in KPC mice, and homozygous loss of Scap impaired PDAC tumor progression. Using xenograft models, we showed that SCAP is required for human PDAC tumor growth. Mechanistically, chemical or genetic inhibition of the SREBP pathway prevented PDAC cell growth under low-serum conditions because of a lack of lipid supply. Highlighting its clinical importance, the SREBP pathway is broadly required across cancer cell lines, target genes are upregulated in human PDAC tumors, and increased expression of SREBP targets is associated with poor survival in patients with PDAC. Collectively, these results demonstrate that SCAP and SREBP pathway activity are required for PDAC cell and tumor growth, identifying SCAP as a potential therapeutic target for PDAC.

Significance:

Our findings demonstrate that SREBP pathway activation is a critical part of the metabolic reprogramming that occurs in PDAC development and progression. Therefore, targeting the SREBP pathway has significant therapeutic potential.
Lower Plasma Levels of Selective VGF (Non-Acronymic) Peptides in Bipolar Disorder: Comparative Analysis Reveals Distinct Patterns across Mood Disorders and Healthy Controls
Authors: Cocco Cristina , Noli Barbara , Manconi Barbara , Contini Cristina , Manca Elias , Pisanu Claudia , Meloni Anna , Manchia Mirko , Paribello Pasquale , Chillotti Caterina , Ardau Raffaella , Severino Giovanni , Squassina Alessio
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Discriminating bipolar disorder (BD) from major depressive disorder (MDD) remains a challenging clinical task. Identifying specific peripheral biosignatures that can differentiate between BD and MDD would significantly increase diagnostic accuracy. Dysregulated neuroplasticity is implicated in BD and MDD, and psychotropic medications restore specific disrupted processes by increasing neurotrophic signalling. The nerve growth factor inducible vgf gene (non-acronymic) encodes a precursor protein named proVGF, which undergoes proteolytic processing to produce several VGF peptides, some of which were suggested to be implicated in mood disorders and have antidepressant effects. Since the presence of VGF peptides in humans has been exclusively investigated in brain and cerebrospinal fluid, we aimed to identify which VGF peptides are present in the plasma and to investigate whether their levels could differentiate BD from MDD as well as responders from non-responders to pharmacological interventions. Methods: VGF peptides were investigated in plasma from patients diagnosed with MDD (n = 37) or BD (n = 40 under lithium plus n = 29 never exposed to lithium), as well as healthy controls (HC; n = 36). Results: Three VGF peptides (TLQP-11, AQEE-14, and NAPP-19) were identified using spectrometry analysis of plasma from HC. These peptides were then measured in the entire sample using ELISA, which showed significantly lower levels of AQEE and NAPP in BD than in HC and MDD (p = 5.0 × 10−5, p = 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that lower plasma levels of NAPP and AQEE are specifically associated with BD, thus possibly representing a diagnostic biomarker in mood disorders.
Poststroke Cognitive Impairment and the Risk of Recurrent Stroke and Mortality: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Dowling N. Maritza , Johnson Skylar , Nadareishvili Zurab
Published: September 2024

Background

Poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) occurs in about 60% of patients with stroke in the first year after stroke. However, the question regarding risks of recurrent stroke and mortality in patients with PSCI remains controversial. The goal of this study was to conduct a meta‐analysis of published literature to estimate the risks of stroke recurrence and mortality associated with PSCI.

Methods and Results

Electronic databases were screened for eligible studies published from 1990 to 2023. The primary end points of this study were recurrent stroke and mortality. Pooled estimates were calculated as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% CIs. Meta‐regression analyses evaluated moderating effects of PSCI severity, study design, and study period on recurrent stroke and mortality. Pooled data from 27 studies comprised 39 412 patients with ischemic stroke. Nine studies evaluated the association between PSCI and risk of stroke recurrence that showed the hazard of recurrent stroke risk was significantly higher in patients with PSCI compared with those without it (HR, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.29–1.94];
I
2
=52.2%). Eighteen studies examined the impact of PSCI on mortality risk. The pooled hazard of mortality was significantly higher in the group with PSCI relative to the non‐PSCI group (HR, 2.07 [95% CI, 1.65 –2.59];
I
2
=89.3%). Meta‐regressions showed that the average effect of PSCI on mortality risk differed across study period and study design.

Conclusions

Based on this meta‐analysis PSCI was statistically significantly associated with increased risks of recurrent stroke and all‐cause mortality. Poststroke neurocognitive assessment may identify patients at a higher risk who may require more aggressive interventions for secondary prevention.
Variable Force Modality in English Infinitival Relatives: A Matter of Degree
Authors: Grano Thomas
Published: September 2024

English infinitival relative clauses exhibit variable force deontic modality, with the restriction that whereas a weak necessity (should-like) reading is always available, a possibility (can/could-like) reading is available only under weak quantifiers. I propose: weak necessity modals have a degree semantics, whereby combination with a silent positive morpheme yields weak necessity; existential closure of the degree variable yields possibility; and existential closure is available only under weak quantifiers because only they are interpreted within VP. The account supports the view that modality is scalar, that deontic possibility and (weak) necessity occupy the same scale, and that existential closure is structurally constrained.
More Than Roger's Wife: Mary Williams and the Founding of Providence
Authors: Carrington-Farmer Charlotte
Published: September 2024

The traditional narrative centers Roger Williams as a lone “hero" in the founding of Providence, but none of it would have been possible without his wife, Mary Williams. For years at a time, Mary was the head of the Williams family, and she played a central role in colony affairs.
2. Studying political resentment
Authors: Verhaegen Soetkin , De Mulder August , Randour François
Published: September 2024

Political resentment is a theoretically and methodologically challenging concept to study. It requires the observation of complex emotions, moral judgement and the over-time persistence of this sentiment, both in specific groups and in entire populations. To reach this goal, the RepResent project relied on large scale population-based surveys and focus groups. This chapter discusses the rationale, strengths and weaknesses of the different methodological choices and operationalisations which emerged from the research project. In doing so, the contribution helps the reader to make sense of the different approaches used in the book to study political resentment. More specifically, the chapter first examines the quantitative methods used to study resentment (i.e., waves of surveys, types of questions and rationale). Second, the chapter discusses the use of qualitative methods aimed at understanding resentment (i.e., waves of focus groups, types of questions and rationale). Third, the chapter presents how qualitative and quantitative methods have cross-fertilized to integrate insights from focus group research in the development of a new survey question. We conclude with an assessment of the different approaches in light of the theoretical and methodological challenges associated with the study of political resentment.
3. Who feels resentful?
Authors: Feitosa Fernando , Baudewyns Pierre , Pilet Jean-Benoit , Talukder David
Published: September 2024

This chapter investigates the segments of the population that harbor feelings of resentment. Utilizing data from the 2021 RepResent cross-sectional survey, we explore the distribution of resentment across five dimensions: gender, age, education, vote choice, and region of residence. The findings indicate significant variations in resentment levels among different age groups, but in an unexpected direction. Specifically, resentment is highest among the middle-aged population rather than younger individuals. Additionally, there are remarkable differences across vote choices, with protest voters exhibiting higher levels of resentment compared to other voters. However, no substantial differences are observed when considering gender, educational levels, or regions of residence. These results highlight that individuals who are marginalized within the political landscape do not necessarily experience a sense of exclusion. Moreover, they reveal that protest voters experience a profound sense of exclusion from the political system.
Flexible masculinities: Negotiating gender, sexuality, and ethnicity in global Asia
Authors: Jung Minwoo
Published: September 2024

How do individuals navigate various forms of hegemonic masculinity as they traverse different geographic and cultural boundaries? This article introduces the concept of flexible masculinities to examine the increasing cultural demand and individual practice of flexibility in gendered interactions in a globalized world. Taking a transnational approach, this article contextualizes flexible masculinities under the advanced regime of flexible accumulation, where ordinary individuals must navigate varied culturally specific gender and sexuality regimes due to changing conditions of transnational mobility, communication, and interactions. Drawing on multi-sited and embodied ethnography from global queer Asia, this article explores the flexible negotiation of masculinities in multiple geographic and cultural contexts amid global and regional social changes. The concept of flexible masculinities highlights how distinct configurations of masculinity arise in different geographies, prompted by shifts in global capitalism, social movements, and cultural flows, and how transnational subjects mobilize flexible embodiments of their gender, sexuality, and ethnicity to achieve a sense of respectability, belonging, and desirability. By doing so, this article advances a transnational, intersectional, and queer intervention to our understandings of masculinities.
Primary school segregation in the context of free primary school choice – More than just a reflection of residential segregation?
Authors: Wettlaufer Andreas , Farwick Andreas
Published: September 2024

A city’s primary school segregation is closely related to its residential segregation. However, in education systems that allow primary school choice, parental behaviour often boosts school segregation beyond the segregation determined by the families’ place of residence. Taking up previous research, the paper starts by addressing the extent to which parental choice impacts school segregation in a large German city in North Rhine-Westphalia, a German federal state where primary school choice was introduced several years ago. It goes on to analyse which school characteristics are of importance for parents not wishing their children to attend the nearest school, thus boosting school segregation. In doing so, data is used that allows the precise determination of the extent to which children do not attend their nearest school and under which conditions. It becomes clear that, in addition to residential patterns, parental school choice is a significant driver of the uneven distribution of pupils, with the decisions of middle- and upper-middle-class parents particularly contributing to the socio-economic segregation of schoolchildren. A look at various forms of ethnic and religious segregation reveals ambivalent results, inter alia a high level of segregation of Muslim children.
Standardizing practice patterns for venous insufficiency ultrasound
Authors: Kelly Donna , Scovell Sherry
Published: September 2024

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the variability in practice patterns associated with the performance of duplex ultrasound (DUS) for venous insufficiency.

Methods

Sonographers participated in a survey regarding patient positioning and method of augmentation as well as the availability of ergonomic equipment for DUS.

Results

DUS was performed in RT position by 41% of sonographers versus standing position in 40%. In 18% of laboratories, if the RT position did not demonstrate reflux, the study was repeated in the standing position. An automated cuff inflation device was used as the primary method of augmentation in only 22% of practices.

Conclusions

There is a lack of standardization for the performance parameters of patient position and method of augmentation in VDU, which may lead to variation in the results between sonographers and institutions.
Influence of Reading or Writing Activities Shared with Others on Older Adults: Results From a Scoping Study
Authors: Levasseur Mélanie , Dezutter Olivier , Nguyen T. H. Trang , Babin Julie , Bier Nathalie , Biron Marie Lee
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to provide integrated knowledge on the influence of shared reading or writing activities, that is, recreational occupations involving dynamic relationships based on personal development, on adults aged 55 and older. Using a scoping study framework, six databases were searched with 25 relevant keywords for papers, theses, and scientific reports published in 2001–2023. Based on the Human Development Model–Disability Creation Process, the content analysis of 20 documents showed that shared reading or writing activities mostly benefited aging adults’ behavioral capabilities like positive affect, their intellectual capacities, such as developing new perspectives on life, their interpersonal relationships, and social support. Negative instances, such as frustration, were often mentioned at the beginning of the activities but decreased over time. These results suggest the importance of shared reading or writing activities for healthy aging and the necessity to better support these activities for more inclusive and caring aging societies.