bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating metabolomic markers in association with overall burden of microvascular complications in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Rotbain Curovic Viktor , Sørland Brede A , Hansen Tine W , Jain Siddhi Y , Sulek Karolina , Mattila Ismo Matias , Frimodt-Moller Marie , Trost Kajetan , Legido-Quigley Cristina , Theilade Simone , Tofte Nete , Winther Signe Abitz , Hansen Christian Stevns , Rossing Peter , Ahluwalia Tarunveer S
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSPN) share common pathophysiology and pose an additive risk of early mortality.

Research design and methods

In adults with type 1 diabetes, 49 metabolites previously associated with either DR or DKD were assessed in relation to presence of DSPN. Metabolites overlapping in significance with presence of all three complications were assessed in relation to microvascular burden severity (additive number of complications—ie, presence of DKD±DR±DSPN) using linear regression models. Subsequently, the same metabolites were assessed with progression to endpoints: soft microvascular events (progression in albuminuria grade, ≥30% estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline, or any progression in DR grade), hard microvascular events (progression to proliferative DR, chronic kidney failure, or ≥40% eGFR decline), and hard microvascular or macrovascular events (hard microvascular events, cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, or arterial interventions), or cardiovascular mortality), using Cox models. All models were adjusted for sex, baseline age, diabetes duration, systolic blood pressure, HbA1c, body mass index, total cholesterol, smoking, and statin treatment.

Results

The full cohort investigated consisted of 487 participants. Mean (SD) follow-up was 4.8 (2.9, 5.7) years. Baseline biothesiometry was available in 202 participants, comprising the cross-sectional cohort. Eight metabolites were significantly associated with presence of DR, DKD, and DSPN, and six with additive microvascular burden severity. In the full cohort longitudinal analysis, higher levels of 3,4-dihydroxybutanoic acid (DHBA), 2,4-DHBA, ribonic acid, glycine, and ribitol were associated with development of events in both crude and adjusted models. Adding 3,4-DHBA, ribonic acid, and glycine to a traditional risk factor model improved the discrimination of hard microvascular events.

Conclusions

While prospective studies directly assessing the predictive ability of these markers are needed, our results strengthen the role of clinical metabolomics in relation to risk assessment of diabetic complications in chronic type 1 diabetes.
Postprogression therapy and confounding for the estimated treatment effect on overall survival in phase III oncology trials
Authors: Sherry Alexander D , Msaouel Pavlos , Lin Timothy A , Abi Jaoude Joseph , Kouzy Ramez , Beck Esther J , Miller Avital M , Passy Adina H , Kupferman Gabrielle S , Koay Eugene J , Fuller Clifton David , Thomas Charles R , McCaw Zachary R , Ludmir Ethan B
Published: April 2024

Objective

Estimations of the treatment effect on overall survival (OS) may be influenced by post-progression therapies (PPTs). It is unclear how often OS analyses account for PPT effects. The purpose of this cross-sectional analysis was to determine the prevalence of OS analyses accounting for PPT effects in phase III oncology trials.

Methods and analysis

We screened two-arm, superiority design, phase III, randomised, oncology trials reporting OS from ClinicalTrials.gov. The primary outcome was the frequency of OS analyses adjusting for PPT confounding. Logistic regressions computed ORs for the association between trial-level covariates and the outcome.

Results

A total of 334 phase III trials enrolling 265 310 patients were included, with publications between 2004 and 2020. PPTs were reported in 47% of trials (157 of 334), and an analysis accounting for PPTs was performed in only 12% of trials (N=41). PPT adjustments were often prespecified (N=23, 56%), and appeared to be more likely in cross-over studies (OR 5.04, 95% CI 2.42 to 10.38) and studies with discordant surrogate-OS findings (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.16 to 4.38). In key subgroup analyses, PPT analyses were infrequent, including 8% of trials among those studying locoregional/first-line therapy and 11% of trials among those powered for OS.

Conclusions

Although time on PPTs is an important component of OS, PPTs are rarely considered in OS analyses, which may introduce confounding on estimates of the treatment effect on OS. PPTs and methods to account for their effects on OS estimates should be considered at the time of trial design and reporting.
Multicomponent processes to identify and prioritise low-value care in hospital settings: a scoping review
Authors: Tyack Zephanie , Carter Hannah , Allen Michelle , Senanayake Sameera , Warhurst Kym , Naicker Sundresan , Abell Bridget , McPhail Steven M
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This scoping review mapped and synthesised original research that identified low-value care in hospital settings as part of multicomponent processes.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

Electronic databases (EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Cochrane CENTRAL) and grey literature were last searched 11 July and 3 June 2022, respectively, with no language or date restrictions.

Eligibility criteria

We included original research targeting the identification and prioritisation of low-value care as part of a multicomponent process in hospital settings.

Data extraction and synthesis

Screening was conducted in duplicate. Data were extracted by one of six authors and checked by another author. A framework synthesis was conducted using seven areas of focus for the review and an overuse framework.

Results

Twenty-seven records were included (21 original studies, 4 abstracts and 2 reviews), originating from high-income countries. Benefit or value (11 records), risk or harm (10 records) were common concepts referred to in records that explicitly defined low-value care (25 records). Evidence of contextualisation including barriers and enablers of low-value care identification processes were identified (25 records). Common components of these processes included initial consensus, consultation, ranking exercise or list development (16 records), and reviews of evidence (16 records). Two records involved engagement of patients and three evaluated the outcomes of multicomponent processes. Five records referenced a theory, model or framework.

Conclusions

Gaps identified included applying systematic efforts to contextualise the identification of low-value care, involving people with lived experience of hospital care and initiatives in resource poor contexts. Insights were obtained regarding the theories, models and frameworks used to guide initiatives and ways in which the concept ‘low-value care’ had been used and reported. A priority for further research is evaluating the effect of initiatives that identify low-value care using contextualisation as part of multicomponent processes.
Social prescribing for people living with dementia (PLWD) and their carers: what works, for whom, under what circumstances and why – protocol for a complex intervention systematic review
Authors: Marshall Jessica , Papavasiliou Evie , Fox Chris , Hawkes Matthew , Irvine Anne , Moniz-Cook Esme , Pick Aimee , Polley Marie J , Reeve Joanne , Robinson Louise , Rook George , Sadler Euan , Wolverson Emma , Walker Sarah , Cross Jane L
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Dementia is a complex medical condition that poses significant challenges to healthcare systems and support services. People living with dementia (PLWD) and their carers experience complex needs often exacerbated by social isolation and challenges in accessing support. Social prescribing (SP) seeks to enable PLWD and their carers to access community and voluntary sector resources to support them address such needs. Existing research, however, does not describe what SP interventions are currently in place in dementia care. Little is known about the needs these interventions are designed to address, the reasons that lead PLWD and their carers to participate in them, their effectiveness and the extent to which they could increase positive health outcomes if adopted and how.

Methods and analysis

A complex intervention systematic review of SP for PLWD and/or their carers will be conducted using an iterative logic model approach. Six electronic (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus and Cochrane/CENTRAL) and two grey literature databases (EThOS and CORE) were searched for publications between 1 January 2003 and June 2023, supplemented by handsearching of reference lists of included studies. Study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment, using Gough’s Weight of Evidence Framework, will be independently performed by two reviewers. A narrative approach will be employed to synthesise and report quantitative and qualitative data. Reporting will be informed by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Complex Interventions extension statement and checklist.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval is required due to this systematic review operating only with secondary sources. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and meetings with key stakeholders including healthcare professionals, patient and carer groups, community organisations (eg, the Social Prescribing Network and the Evidence Collaborative at the National Academy for Social Prescribing), policymakers and funding bodies.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023428625.
Predictors of late initiation of breastfeeding practice in Ethiopia: a multilevel mixed-effects analysis of recent evidence from EDHS 2019
Authors: Haile Ribka Nigatu , Abate Biruk Beletew , Kitaw Tegene Atamenta
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To identify the predictors of late initiation of breastfeeding practice in Ethiopia.

Design

Cross-sectional study design.

Setting

Ethiopia.

Participants

A total of 1982 weighted samples of mothers with children aged under 24 months were included.

Outcome measure

Late initiation of breastfeeding practice.

Results

The prevalence of late breastfeeding initiation practice is 26.4% (95 CI 24.4 to 28.3). Being a young mother (15–24 years) (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =1.66; 95 CI 1.06 to 2.62), no antenatal care (ANC) visit (AOR=1.45; 95 CI 1.04 to 2.02), caesarean section (AOR=4.79; 95 CI 3.19 to 7.21) and home delivery (AOR=1.53; 95 CI 1.14 to 2.06) were found to be the determinants of late initiation of breast feeding.

Conclusion

More than one-fourth of newborn children do not start breast feeding within the WHO-recommended time (first hour). Programmes should focus on promoting the health facility birth and increasing the ANC visits. Further emphasis should be placed on young mothers and those who deliver via caesarean section to improve the timely initiation of breast feeding.
Assessment of the prevalence and associated factors of lower back pain (LBP) among three different professionals in Bangladesh: Findings from a face-to-face survey
Authors: Nasim A S M , Siddique Abu Bakkar , Devnath Nishrita , Zeba Zebunnesa
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of lower back pain (LBP) among farmers, rickshaw pullers and office workers in Bangladesh, while also investigating potential contributors within these occupational groups.

Design

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of LBP, associated factors and management procedures among farmers, rickshaw pullers and office workers in Bangladesh through face-to-face interviews.

Setting

The study was conducted in different parts of the Bogura district in Bangladesh.

Participants

A total of 396 participants were included in the final analysis, all the participants were men and adult in age.

Main outcome measurements

Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire based on previous research. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant associations.

Results

The prevalence of LBP was found to be 42.7% among the participants. Farmers and rickshaw pullers had approximately four-times and three-times higher odds of experiencing LBP compared with office workers. Other significant factors associated with LBP included living in a nuclear family, having a normal body weight, lacking professional training, having a chronic disease, having a family history of LBP and experiencing numbness in the legs or feet. The majority of respondents sought medical attention and took medication for their LBP.

Conclusion

The study underscores occupational differences in LBP prevalence, emphasising the necessity for tailored interventions and occupational health policies. Identifying specific risk factors and management practices in these professions can aid in developing effective prevention strategies and enhancing healthcare services.
Immediate effect of physical activity on the autonomic nervous system in individuals with autism spectrum disorders of different age groups: a randomised trial
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed M , Alawna Motaz , Youssef Ahmed S A , Amin Wafaa Mahmoud , Alajam Ramzi Abdu , Morsy Walaa E , Fayed Esraa , Mohamed Ayman A
Published: April 2024

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most complex neurodevelopmental disorders. It affects almost all human physiological systems. Individuals with ASD often display dysregulation in their autonomic nervous system (ANS), which may elicit differing effects across age groups. Also, studying the ANS missed several important parameters related to ANS. Studying the ANS is crucial in developing adaptive behavioural strategies and maintaining communication abilities and social behaviours. Thus, this study compared the immediate effect of physical activity on the ANS in individuals with ASD in different age groups.

Methods

200 participants (106 males and 94 females) took part in a double-blinded randomised design. All participants were divided into four groups according to their age (4–7, 7–10, 10–13 and 14–18 years old). Participants performed a 60 min treadmill walk. The main outcome measurements were heart rate (HR), saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2), respiratory rate (RR) and end-tidal carbon dioxide (etCO2).

Results

Before the study, there were non-significant differences between groups in their physical characteristics (body mass index, Childhood Autism Rating Scale, physical activity level, both parents’ existence, aerobic capacity and gender) (p>0.05). At baseline measurements, there were non-significant differences between all groups for all outcome measurements (p>0.05). Immediately after physical activity, there was significant difference between group 1 and other groups (p<0.05), while all other differences were non-significant (p>0.05). At the follow-up (after 15 min of rest), group 1 maintained significant differences with the other groups for all outcome measurements (p<0.05), while there were non-significant differences between the other three groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion

This study revealed that the SpO2significantly decreased immediately after the physical activity, while HR, RR and etCO2significantly increased immediately after physical activity in comparison to the baseline measurements. Contrary to other ANS parameters (SpO2, RR and etCO2), HR in early ages (4–7 years old) was higher after physical activity and remained elevated longer than other ages. The early ages (4–7 years old) take more time to return to the normal status of ANS parameters including SpO2, HR, RR and etCO2.

Trial registration number

NCT05725733.
Systematic reanalysis of copy number losses of uncertain clinical significance
Authors: Burghel George J , Ellingford Jamie M , Wright Ronnie , Bradford Lauren , Miller Jake , Watt Christopher , Edgerley Jonathan , Naeem Farah , Banka Siddharth
Published: April 2024

Background

Reanalysis of exome/genome data improves diagnostic yield. However, the value of reanalysis of clinical array comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH) data has never been investigated. Case-by-case reanalysis can be challenging in busy diagnostic laboratories.

Methods and results

We harmonised historical postnatal clinical aCGH results from ~16 000 patients tested via our diagnostic laboratory over ~7 years with current clinical guidance. This led to identification of 37 009 copy number losses (CNLs) including 33 857 benign, 2173 of uncertain significance and 979 pathogenic. We found benign CNLs to be significantly less likely to encompass haploinsufficient genes compared with the pathogenic or CNLs of uncertain significance in our database. Based on this observation, we developed a reanalysis pipeline using up-to-date disease association data and haploinsufficiency scores and shortlisted 207 CNLs of uncertain significance encompassing at least one autosomal dominant disease-gene associated with haploinsufficiency or loss-of-function mechanism. Clinical scientist reviews led to reclassification of 15 CNLs of uncertain significance as pathogenic or likely pathogenic. This was ~0.7% of the starting cohort of 2173 CNLs of uncertain significance and 7.2% of 207 shortlisted CNLs. The reclassified CNLs included first cases of CNV-mediated disease for some genes where all previously described cases involved only point variants. Interestingly, some CNLs could not be reclassified because the phenotypes of patients with CNLs seemed distinct from the known clinical features resulting from point variants, thus raising questions about accepted underlying disease mechanisms.

Conclusions

Reanalysis of clinical aCGH data increases diagnostic yield.
Portals to the past and bridges to the future: exploring the impact of doulas on the birthing experiences of black and Latinx women
Authors: Gregorio Victoria Rose , Mantri Sneha
Published: April 2024

Introduction

In the USA, maternal morbidity and mortality is markedly higher for women of colour than for white women. The presence of a doula has been associated with positive birthing outcomes for white individuals, but the experiences of women of colour remain underexplored. The purpose of this qualitative paper is to understand the attitudes of black and Latinx communities towards doula-supported birthing practices.

Methods

The perspectives of people of colour, both birthing women and doulas, were investigated through popular media sources, including blogs, magazine articles, podcasts and video interviews. Of 108 popular media sources identified in the initial search, 27 included direct accounts from birthing women or doulas and were therefore included in this paper. Thematic analysis was conducted by the grounded theory method.

Results

Emerging themes reveal that doula presence allows for the experience of ancestral power, connection to the granny midwives, cultural translation in medical settings and physical protection of the birthing woman. When labouring with the support of a doula, women report the emotional and physical presence of their ancestors. Similarly, doulas recognise an ancestral presence within the birthing woman, and doulas experience their occupation as carrying on ancestral tradition and feel a strong vocational tie to the granny midwives of the American South. Lastly, doulas mediate communication between birthing women, their families and medical providers by emphasising the need for consent and patient autonomy.

Conclusion

By connecting women of colour to historic and ancient spaces as well as providing comfort and familiarity in the birthing space, doulas grant their clients the self-advocacy and empowerment needed to survive the present. Doulas serve as protectors of women of colour and have become an important piece to bridging society from the current maternal health crisis to a more equitable future.
Interdisciplinary co-teaching as a sustainable model for health humanities pedagogy
Authors: van Beinum Amanda , Sherry Joanis
Published: April 2024

Academics and students from marginalised identities encounter challenges and barriers at all levels of participation in the settler colonial university, in both practices of teaching and learning. While this observation holds true for courses in the health humanities, their unique interdisciplinary position and context creates space for challenging dominant norms in society and in academia. In this paper, we describe our experiences as two black and queer graduate students developing and co-teaching an online interdisciplinary course, ‘Race and Medicine’. The idea for co-teaching originated as a means of ensuring continuity and sustainability in the course (AvB was expecting her first child and contending with the possibility of unplanned preterm birth) and emerged into what we suggest, in line with the transformative pedagogical theory of bell hooks, was a micro-scale transgressive learning community. We argue that our co-teaching partnership facilitated practices of revealing, mitigating and disrupting oppressive structures in the white heteropatriarchal academy, in addition to offering unique learning opportunities for students. The intersections of difference and similarity between our disciplinary, professional and social identities transformed and enhanced the types of conversations and learning activities we held with the class and were a feature of the course which was rated highly in evaluations. We conclude by suggesting co-teaching as a possible model of sustainable pedagogy for the health humanities, one that is especially valuable for racialised graduate students who are developing professional identities as instructors and exploring careers in the health humanities. In addition to facilitating interdisciplinary student learning, co-teaching and the subsequent formation of micro-scale transgressive learning communities challenges the dominant power structures of the academy by making space for teaching and learning in the contexts of solidarity, care and sustainability.
How might the rapid development of artificial intelligence affect the delivery of UK Defence healthcare?
Authors: Patel Nandesh Chandrakant
Published: April 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has developed greatly and is now at the centre of technological advancements. Current and recent military conflicts have highlighted the evolving complexity of warfare with rapid technological change at the heart of it. AI aims to understand and design systems that show signs of intelligence and are able to learn by deriving knowledge from data. There have been multiple AI-related developments in the medical field in areas such as diagnostics, triage, wearable technology and training with direct translations that may benefit UK Defence healthcare. With the increasing use of AI in society and medical practice, it is important to consider whether AI can be trustworthy and has any legal implications, and evaluate its use through an ethical lens. In conclusion, the rapid development of AI presents exciting opportunities for UK Defence to enhance its healthcare delivery. This paper was selected as theBMJ Military Health Essay Prizewinner at the Royal Society of Medicine Colt Foundation Meeting 2023.
Relationship between trauma, psychological distress and help-seeking among corrective service workers
Authors: Collins Daniel A J , Bryant Richard A , Gayed Aimee , Harvey Samuel B , Deady Mark
Published: April 2024

Background

Corrective service workers (CSWs) are at high risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health problems. Prevalence rates and help-seeking behaviours are under-researched within this population.

Aims

To assess rates of PTSD and distress, and identify predictors of intention to seek help, among workers at an Australian corrective service agency.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was used to collect data on staff demographics, employment, PTSD symptoms and current distress. Participants received a tailored feedback report including referral to relevant mental health services (where applicable) and were asked to indicate their likelihood of seeking help. Prevalence data are reported. Binary logistic regression was used to examine relationships between participant characteristics and help-seeking for those with probable PTSD and/or high psychological distress.

Results

Participants (n=1001) were predominantly men (56.8%) with a mean age of 46.72 (SD=11.00). Over half (58.0%) were classified as probable PTSD cases, and one-third (33.0%) were experiencing high psychological distress. Around a third (34.3%) of participants with probable PTSD and/or elevated distress indicated they were likely to seek help. Older age and fewer years of service were associated with increased help-seeking intentions.

Conclusions

CSWs were found to be experiencing probable PTSD at higher rates than reported in previous studies. Relatively few intended to seek help from mental health services, despite being provided with personalised screening and feedback along with access to specialised care. Future research should investigate the potential role of organisational support as a facilitator of help-seeking within this population.
Restricting supply of tobacco products to pharmacies: a scoping review
Authors: Kang Heewon , Steadman Kathryn J , Hoek Janet , Hall Wayne D , Gartner Coral E
Published: April 2024

Objective

We synthesised the published literature on proposals to restrict tobacco supply to pharmacies, covering (1) policy concept/rationale/attempts, (2) policy impact and implementation and (3) policy and research recommendations.

Data sources

We searched eight databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, IPA, ProQuest and OATD) for publications with at least an English-language abstract. We searched reference lists of included publications manually.

Study selection

One author screened all publications, and a second author reviewed a 10% subset. We focused on approaches to restrict the supply of tobacco products to pharmacies, without any restrictions on study design, location, participants or publication date.

Data extraction

Data extraction adhered to the JBI Scoping Review Methodology and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist.

Data synthesis

We included 18 publications. Among the 13 studies conducted in specific geographical contexts, 8 were from Aotearoa/New Zealand. Most publications (n=8) focused on effectiveness domains, indicating potential reductions in retailer density, smoking prevalence, disease burden, cost and increased opportunities for cessation advice. Seven explored policy acceptability among experts, pharmacists and people who smoke. Publications noted that pharmacy-only supply aligns with other programmes involving pharmacists, such as needle exchange programmes, but conflicts with efforts to phase out tobacco sales from the US and Canadian pharmacies.

Conclusions

Progress in tobacco retailing policy (eg, licensing, retailer incentives) and research (eg, assessment of policy equity and durability, application in other geographical contexts) are needed before a pharmacy-only tobacco supply model would be feasible.
Prevalence of micronutrient inadequacy differs by severity of food insecurity among adults living in Canada in 2015
Authors: Hutchinson Joy M. , Tarasuk Valerie
Published: April 2024

Household food insecurity is generally associated with poorer quality diets in Canada, but whether household food insecurity heightens the probability of inadequate micronutrient intakes is unknown. The objective of this research was to investigate how prevalence of micronutrient inadequacy differed by severity of household food insecurity among adults in Canada. Using the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey Nutrition, this study included participants aged 19–64 years who completed up to two 24 h dietary recalls and provided details about household food insecurity ( n = 9486). Children and older adults were not included due to sample size limitations. Usual micronutrient intake distributions were estimated by a four-level measure of food insecurity status using the National Cancer Institute method. Welch’s t tests assessed differences in prevalence of inadequacy for selected micronutrients. Prevalence differed for some micronutrients among those living in marginally and moderately food insecure compared to food-secure households. The greatest differences in prevalence of inadequacy were observed between severely food-insecure and food-secure households: vitamin A (60.0%, SE  = 11.9 vs. 40.6%, SE = 2.7, p < 0.0001), vitamin B6 (42.7%, SE = 9.1 vs. 12.8%, SE = 2.5, p < 0.0001), folate (39.4%, SE = 10.0 vs. 15.9%, SE = 2.2, p < 0.0001), vitamin C (63.3%, SE = 5.2 vs. 29.1%, SE = 2.8, p < 0.0001), calcium (78.6%, SE = 6.4 vs. 58.7%, SE = 1.3, p < 0.0001), magnesium (75.6%, SE = 9.5 vs. 48.7%, SE = 1.2, p < 0.0001), and zinc (34.9%, SE = 10.0 vs. 23.2%, SE = 2.4, p = 0.0009). Apparent underreporting also differed by severity of food insecurity, with increased underreporting observed with worsening food insecurity. The probability of inadequate micronutrient intakes among adults rises sharply with more severe household food insecurity in Canada.
Anisotropic f(Q) gravity model with bulk viscosity
Authors: Koussour M. , Shekh S. H. , Bennai M. , Myrzakulov N.
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the dynamics of a spatially homogeneous and anisotropic LRS Bianchi type-I Universe with viscous fluid in the framework of [Formula: see text] symmetric teleparallel gravity. We assume a linear form for [Formula: see text] and introduce hypotheses regarding the relationship between the expansion and shear scalars, as well as the Hubble parameter and bulk viscous coefficient. The model is constrained using three observational datasets: the Hubble dataset (31 data points), the Pantheon SN dataset (1048 data points), and the BAO dataset (6 data points). The calculated cosmological parameters indicate expected behavior for matter-energy density and bulk viscous pressure, supporting the universe’s accelerating expansion. Diagnostic tests suggest that the model aligns with a [Formula: see text]CDM model in the far future and resides in the quintessence region. These findings are consistent with recent observational data and contribute to our understanding of cosmic evolution within the context of modified gravity and bulk viscosity.
A modified Lorentz force law for point-like charged particles in classical electrodynamics
Authors: Hamilton K. , Tinoco D. Iglesias , Erdélyi B.
Published: April 2024

In classical electrodynamics, the well-known Lorentz force law falls short of providing a satisfactory result for the trajectory of point-like charged particles when considering that particle’s own self-force. While there have been many historical attempts, Gralla, Harte and Wald developed a new model for classical charged particles that is free from pathologies while being consistent with Maxwell’s equations and conserves stress-energy. Expanding upon this approach, we derive a relativistically correct, modified Lorentz force law in vector form, which includes radiation reaction, and spin- and magnetic moment-dependent correction terms, suitable to be included in classical electrodynamics lectures and beam dynamics simulation tools. As by-products we obtain evolution equations for mass, spin angular momentum and the radiated power. We compare the new equations to the classical ones and use the new equations to conduct numerical simulations, showing that the results are free of any nonphysical artifacts, and which might be possible to test in future experiments at particle accelerators. The new equations foster improved insight into beam dynamics.
Representation Learning Based on Vision Transformer
Authors: Ran Ruisheng , Gao Tianyu , Hu Qianwei , Zhang Wenfeng , Peng Shunshun , Fang Bin
Published: April 2024

In recent years, with the rapid development of information technology, the volume of image data has grown exponentially. However, these datasets typically contain a large amount of redundant information. To extract effective features and reduce redundancy from images, a representation learning method based on the Vision Transformer (ViT) has been proposed, and to our best knowledge, Transformer was first applied to zero-shot learning (ZSL). The method adopts a symmetric encoder–decoder structure, where the encoder incorporates Multi-Head Self-Attention (MSA) mechanism of ViT to reduce the dimensionality of image features, eliminate redundant information, and decrease computational burden. Consequently, it effectively extracts features, and the decoder is utilized for reconstructing image data. We evaluated the representation learning capability of the proposed method in various tasks, including data visualization, image reconstruction, face recognition, and ZSL. By comparing with state-of-the-art representation learning methods, the outstanding results obtained validate the effectiveness of this method in the field of representation learning.
Characterization of the Riccati and Abel Polynomial Differential Systems Having Invariant Algebraic Curves
Authors: Giné Jaume , Llibre Jaume
Published: April 2024

The Riccati polynomial differential systems are differential systems of the form [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] are polynomial functions. We characterize all the Riccati polynomial differential systems having an invariant algebraic curve. We show that the coefficients of the first four highest degree terms of the polynomial in the variable [Formula: see text] defining the invariant algebraic curve determine completely the Riccati differential system. A similar result is obtained for any Abel polynomial differential system.
An algorithm to recognize echelon subgroups of a free group
Authors: Ascari Dario
Published: April 2024

We provide an algorithm that, given a finite set of generators for a subgroup H of a finitely generated free group F, determines whether H is echelon or not and, in case of affirmative answer, also computes a basis with respect to which H is in echelon form. This gives an answer to a question of Rosenmann. We also prove, by means of a counterexample, that intersection of two echelon subgroups needs not to be echelon, answering another question of Rosenmann.
DISEASED BILE FLOW UNDER THE EFFECTS OF HEAT TRANSFER AND CHEMICAL REACTIONS
Authors: NOWAR KHALID , HALOUANI BORHEN
Published: April 2024

The movement of bile inside ducts in a diseased state is investigated using a mathematical model that takes into account heat transport and chemical interactions. Bile is considered as a viscous fluid, geometry of ducts is assumed as finite length asymmetric channel and the flow is induced by peristaltic wave along the length of channel walls. Under the presumption of a long wave length and a low Reynolds number, the formulas for axial velocity, pressure gradient, volume flow rate, stream function, pressure increase, shear stress, and heat transfer coefficient are produced. In the end, a plot and discussion are made of how different emergent factors affect the relevant physical quantities.
Asymptotics of the confluent hypergeometric process with a varying external potential in the super-exponential region
Authors: Dai Dan , Yao Luming , Zhai Yu
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we investigate a determinantal point process on the interval [Formula: see text], associated with the confluent hypergeometric kernel. Let [Formula: see text] denote the trace class integral operator acting on [Formula: see text] with the confluent hypergeometric kernel. Our focus is on deriving the asymptotics of the Fredholm determinant [Formula: see text] as [Formula: see text], while simultaneously [Formula: see text] in a super-exponential region. In this regime of double scaling limit, our asymptotic result also gives us asymptotics of the eigenvalues [Formula: see text] of the integral operator [Formula: see text] as [Formula: see text]. Based on the integrable structure of the confluent hypergeometric kernel, we derive our asymptotic results by applying the Deift–Zhou nonlinear steepest descent method to analyze the related Riemann–Hilbert problem.
A Time-Frequency Domain Feature Extraction Approach Enhanced by Computer Vision for Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing Monitoring Using Fourier and Wavelet Transform
Authors: Giulio Mattera , Joseph Polden , Luigi Nele
Published: April 2024

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is a rapidly growing technology that offers several advantages over traditional manufacturing methods, such as high deposition rates and the ability to build large components in a cost-effective manner. However, WAAM is also prone to the generation of defects, so the timely identification of anomalies is important to reduce the waste and get components of high quality. To develop anomaly detection application, the feature extraction process represents a key ingredient which allows machine learning systems to analyze big data. Waveform GMAW welding processes are typically used in WAAM to reduce the heat input supplied to the material and avoid defects such as excessive bending of parts and residual stress. These processes are based on the controlled dip transfer principle, so the waveforms should repeat themselves during deposition. This suggests that the frequency content of the voltage and current welding signals acquired during the process can provide important information about the process state. In this research, an experimental campaign was conducted to collect data for pulsed welding and surface tension transfer (STT) processes during the deposition of mild steel ER70S6, stainless steel 316L, Aluminum 4043, and Inconel 718 alloys. Welding voltage and current signals were acquired during the building processes, and a frequency domain analysis was conducted using the Fast Fourier transform (FFT) and discrete wavelet transform (DWT) with the aim to extract features from signals aiming to better separate the feature space, which means improve anomaly detection performance in detecting defects like arc instability, porosity, geometrical defect due to arc blow and humping. Furthermore, a methodology based on time-frequency analysis enhanced by Gabor filter for texture anomaly detection of scalograms obtained by Morlet Continuous Wavelet Transform is proposed, which showed an improvement of performance in separation between normal and anomalous deposition of several materials under different welding technologies.
Digital Leadership Competency to Enhance Digital Transformation
Authors: Ongena Guido , Morsch Paul , Ravesteijn Pascal
Published: April 2024

The importance of leadership is increasingly recognized in relation to digital transformation. Therefore, middle management and top management must have the competencies required to lead such a transformation. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the digital leader competencies as set out by the European e-competence framework (e-CF) and the digital transformation of organizations. Also, the relationship between digital leadership competency (DLC) and IT capability is examined. An empirical investigation is presented based on a sample of 433 respondents, analyzed using PLS-SEM. The results strongly support our hypotheses. DLC has a strong impact on organizational digital transformation. A post-hoc analysis showed this is predominantly the case for the e-CF competencies of business plan development, architecture design, and innovating while business change management and governance do not seem to affect organizational digital transformation. This is the first empirical study to conceptualize, operationalize and validate the concept of DLC, based on the e-competence framework, and its impact on digital transformation. These findings have significant implications for researchers and practitioners working on the transformation toward a digital organization.
On C̆ech L-fuzzy Rough Proximity Spaces
Authors: Ahmed Reham M. , Ramadan Ahmed A. , Atik Abd El Fattah El
Published: April 2024

The aim of this paper is to study the relationship between the category of C̆ech [Formula: see text]-fuzzy rough proximity spaces and the category of C̆ech [Formula: see text]-fuzzy interior spaces which based on rough set models. In particular, we obtain some interesting adjunctions between the considered categories. Also, we give some examples. Moreover, we introduce [Formula: see text]-fuzzy rough grills and discuss some of their properties.
A Study of n-ary Groupoids Based on Hesitant Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Prince Williams D. R. , Saeid Arsham Borumand
Published: April 2024

Fuzzy set theory plays a vital role in solving many complicated problems dealing with uncertainty. An [Formula: see text]-ary algebraic system as a generalization of algebraic structures that allow for operations involving more than two elements. They provide a natural framework for representing and manipulating complex relationships and interactions among multiple elements, which is essential for solving many real-world problems. Many authors have studied fuzzy set theory over an [Formula: see text]-ary algebraic systems and have provided many fruitful results. Hesitant fuzzy set theory is a further extension of fuzzy set theory, which allows for the representation of uncertainty in decision making where decision makers may have multiple possible choices or may be uncertain about the degree of membership of an element in a given set. No authors have studied, by combining hesitant fuzzy set theory with an [Formula: see text]-ary algebraic systems. This motivates us to study hesitant fuzzy set over an [Formula: see text]-ary algebraic system. In this paper, we have applied hesitant fuzzy set theory in an [Formula: see text]-ary algebraic systems and introduced the notions of hesitant fuzzy subgroupoid. We provide the characterization of hesitant fuzzy [Formula: see text]-ary subgroupoid over an [Formula: see text]-ary groupoids and have studied their related properties. As an application of hesitant fuzzy set over an [Formula: see text]-ary groupoids, we have developed the concept of normal hesitant fuzzy subgroupoids over an [Formula: see text]-ary groupoids and have studied their various properties.
A Sensitive Electrochemical Aptamer Sensor for Clenbuterol Detection Based on Au NPs/Fe3O4–NH2/GN Nanocomposite
Authors: Zhou Ying , Bian Jinai , Tian Min , Wang Tingting , Zhang Guomei , Zhang Yan , Zhang Caihong
Published: April 2024

Chronic ingestion of food containing clenbuterol (CLB) in the human body can cause acute poisoning. Thus, it is essential to develop a sensitive CLB detection way. Here, a novel electrochemical aptamer sensor based on aptamer/gold nanoparticles/amino magnetic ferric oxide/graphene nanosheets (aptamer/Au NPs/Fe3O4–NH2/GN) nanocomposite has been developed. The Fe3O4–NH2 nanoparticles were self-assembled on GN, and then Fe3O4–NH2/GN nanocomposite was coated on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface. Afterward, Au NPs were electrodeposited on Fe3O4–NH2/GN nanocomposite to fix the aptamer by the Au–S bonds. When CLB was added to the solution, the aptamer will specifically recognize CLB, causing current changes. Under the optimized conditions, the sensor shows better electrochemical performance (linear range is [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M, the detection limit is [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M ([Formula: see text])). It has been successfully applied to the detection of CLB in actual samples. The results show that the aptamer sensor has good selectivity, stability and repeatability, which will provide a novel idea for more sensitive and quicker CLB detection.
Minimal wave speed for a predator–prey system with nonlocal dispersal
Authors: Tang Wan-Yue , Yang Fei-Ying , Jiang Bing-Er
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we are concerned with the propagation dynamics of a nonlocal dispersal predator–prey model with one predator and two preys. Accurately, we mainly study the invading phenomenon of an alien predator to the habitat of two aborigine preys, which is depicted by traveling waves connecting the predator-free state to the co-existence state. We characterize the minimal wave speed of this invading process based on an application of Schauder’s fixed point theorem with the help of generalized upper-lower solutions and the Lyapunov argument. Particularly, the discussion of traveling waves with critical wave speed is more involved due to the effect of nonlocal dispersal. Finally, a numerical simulation is given to present the traveling waves and shows the differences between non-local and local dispersals.
Bimetallic Fe/Co nanoalloy embedded in porous carbon as electrochemical sensor for acetaminophen detection
Authors: Zhao Zi-An , Zhang Qing-Yu , Li Yu-Long , Wu Hai-Ying , Luo Yu-Hui , Jia Xue-Meng , Zhang Dong-En
Published: April 2024

Ferro-alloys have been extensively studied in the field of electrochemical sensing due to their abundant earth reserves and excellent performances. In this work, serials of bimetallic Fe/Co nanoalloy@carbon composites (Fe/Co@C) were successfully prepared using Co-doped MIL-101(Fe) as templates and developed as excellent electrochemical sensors for acetaminophen (AP) detection. It was found that the atomic ratio of Fe/Co in the templates can significantly affect the electrochemical activity of the product. Among the prepared composites, Fe/Co@C-G2 (Fe/Co = 2:1) with high conductivity and large specific surface area presents the best electrochemical sensing performance. Under the optimal conditions, Fe/Co@C-G2 has a high sensitivity of 55.2 [Formula: see text]A [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], a wide linear range of 0.29-407.15 [Formula: see text]M, a low LOD of 0.09 [Formula: see text]M, good selectivity, excellent stability, and good repeatability. In addition, Fe/Co@C-G2 can also be used for real sample testing. This work expands the application of Fe/Co@C-based composites in electrochemical sensing.
Centrality measures-based sensitivity analysis and entropy of nonzero component graphs
Authors: Mathew Vrinda Mary , Naduvath Sudev
Published: April 2024

The nonzero component graph of a finite-dimensional vector space over a finite field is a graph whose vertices are the nonzero vectors in the vector space, and any two vertices are adjacent if the corresponding linear combination contains a common basis vector. In this paper, we discuss the centrality measures and entropy of the nonzero component graph and also analyze the sensitivity of the graph using the centrality measures.
Hurwitz series rings satisfying a zero divisor property
Authors: Mosallaei Behrooz , Afrouzmehr Moein , Abshari Danial
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we study zero divisors in the Hurwitz series rings and the Hurwitz polynomial rings over general non-commutative rings. We first construct Armendariz rings that are not Armendariz of the Hurwitz series type and find various properties of (the Hurwitz series) Armendariz rings. We show that for a semiprime Armendariz of the Hurwitz series type (so reduced) ring [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] on annihilator ideals, HR (the Hurwitz series ring with coefficients over [Formula: see text]) has finitely many minimal prime ideals, say [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for some minimal prime ideal [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] are all minimal prime ideals of [Formula: see text]. Additionally, we construct various types of (the Hurwitz series) Armendariz rings and demonstrate that the polynomial ring extension preserves the Armendarizness of the Hurwitz series as the Armendarizness.