bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Effects of Process Conditions on Thermal–Defect Relationship: A Transfer Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Senanayaka Ayantha , Tian Wenmeng , Falls T. C. , Bian Linkan
Published: March 2023

This study aims to develop an intelligent, rapid porosity prediction methodology for additive manufacturing (AM) processes under varying process conditions by leveraging knowledge transfer from the existing process conditions. Conventional machine learning (ML) algorithms are extensively used in porosity prediction for AM processes. These approaches assume that the underline distribution of the source (training) and target (testing) is the same and that target labels are available for modeling purposes. However, the source and target sometimes follow different distributions in real-world manufacturing environments as the diversity of industrialization processes leads to heterogeneous data collection under different production conditions. This will reduce the ability of decision-making with conventional approaches. Transfer learning (TL) is one of the robust techniques that enables transferring learned knowledge between the target and source to establish a robust relationship while the target has fewer data. Therefore, this paper presents an unsupervised grouping-based transfer learning method to characterize the relationship between an unknown target and sources. The similarities between sources and targets are learned by forming a new mixed domain, which organizes data into identity groups. Then, a group-based learning process is designated to transfer knowledge to make target predictions. The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated by predicting porosity based on thermal images collected from the AM process under different process conditions, i.e., single-source and multi-source transfer to target porosity prediction. The performance comparison demonstrates that the in situ porosity prediction using the proposed method outperformed state-of-art classification models support vector machine (SVM), convolutional neural network (CNN), and different TL methods such as TL with NNs (TLNN), and TL with CNNs (TLCNN).
Face Turning of Single Crystal (111)Ge: Cutting Mechanics and Surface/Subsurface Characteristics
Authors: Zare A. , Tunesi M. , Harriman T. A. , Troutman J. R. , Davies M. A. , Lucca D. A.
Published: March 2023

Single crystal Ge is a semiconductor that has broad applications, especially in manipulation of infrared light. Diamond machining enables the efficient production of surfaces with tolerances required by the optical industry. During machining of anisotropic single crystals, the cutting direction with respect to the in-plane lattice orientation plays a fundamental role in the final quality of the surface and subsurface. In this study, on-axis face turning experiments were performed on an undoped (111)Ge wafer to investigate the effects of crystal anisotropy and feedrate on the surface and subsurface conditions. Atomic force microscopy and scanning white light interferometry were used to characterize the presence of brittle fracture on the machined surfaces and to evaluate the resultant surface roughness. Raman spectroscopy was performed to evaluate the residual stresses and lattice disorder induced by the tool during machining. Nanoindentation with Berkovich and cube corner indenter tips was performed to evaluate elastic modulus, hardness, and fracture toughness of the machined surfaces and to study their variations with feedrate and cutting direction. Post-indentation studies of selected indentations were also performed to characterize the corresponding quasi-plasticity mechanisms. It was found that an increase of feedrate produced a rotation of the resultant force imparted by the tool indicating a shift from indentation-dominant to cutting-dominant behavior. Fracture increased with the feedrate and showed a higher propensity when the cutting direction belonged to the <112¯> family.
A Novel Transformable Leg-Wheel Mechanism
Authors: Wei Zhong , Ping Peng , Luo Yong , Liu Jia , Chen Dapeng , Wang Weixi , Sun Huiyu , Song Aiguo , Song Guangming
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a novel transformable leg-wheel mechanism is proposed. It has three active joints, among which the hip roll joint is directly driven, the hip pitch joint is driven by gear transmission, and the knee joint is driven by synchronous belt transmission. All the actuators are mounted on the body to reduce the weight of the leg-wheel mechanism as possible, so that the motion of the leg-wheel mechanism will be slightly affected by the inertia. The proposed mechanism has two characteristics, the big wheel radius and the reduced actuator. The design and kinematics modeling methods of the leg-wheel mechanism are described. A half-a-heart shape trajectory is proposed to plan the foot motion of the leg-wheel mechanism in the legged locomotion. To make the locomotion mode transition smooth, the transition strategy is designed. Simulation and experimental results verify the feasibility of the proposed leg-wheel mechanism.
Approach for Identifying Cartesian Stiffness of a 5-Degree-of-Freedom Hybrid Robot for Machining
Authors: Yue Wei , Liu Haitao , Li Guangxi , Xu Ke
Published: March 2023

This article presents a systematic approach for identifying the Cartesian stiffness of a 5-degree-of-freedom (DOF) hybrid robot for machining that includes a parallel mechanism and an A/C wrist. The novelty of this approach is that the elasticities of both links and joints in the parallel mechanism are integrated into the compliance (inverse of stiffness) parameters at the limb level. By identifying the compliance parameters at the limb level rather than at the joint/link level, the number of parameters to be identified is significantly reduced and the complexity of the identification problem is decreased. Based on screw theory, the Cartesian stiffness model of this hybrid robot is established first. Then, by reconstructing this stiffness model, a linear regression model suitable for estimating the compliance parameter is derived. In addition, a two-step systematic procedure for parameter estimation is introduced, including the reconstruction of the design matrix and robust ridge estimation. Finally, both computer simulations and experiments are carried out to demonstrate the validity of the proposed approach. The simulation results show that the predictive deviations of the end-effector deflections identified by ridge estimation are less than those estimated by linear least squares, confirming its greater robustness. The experimental results indicate that the developed method has potential in industrial settings.
Longitudinal motion of focused shear wave beams in soft elastic media
Authors: Archer Branch T. , Chao Yu-hsuan , Cormack John M. , Kim Kang , Spratt Kyle S. , Hamilton Mark F.
Published: March 2023

Shear waves are employed in medical ultrasound imaging because they reveal variations in viscoelastic properties of soft tissue. Frequencies below 1 kHz are required due to the substantially higher attenuation and lower propagation speeds than for compressional waves. Shear waves exhibiting particle motion in the direction of propagation, referred to as longitudinal shear waves, can be generated with longitudinal motion of a circular disk on the surface of a soft elastic medium. This approach permits imaging of the longitudinal shear wave with a conventional ultrasound transducer that is coaxial with the source of the shear wave. Presented here is a mathematical model describing the complete wave field generated by displacement at the surface of an isotropic elastic half-space. Numerical simulations are shown for longitudinal, transverse, torsional, and radial source polarizations, with emphasis on focused longitudinal shear waves. Predictions are consistent with measurements of light beams revealing that the longitudinal electric field component produces a smaller focal spot than the transverse field component [Dorn, Quabis, and Leuchs, Phys. Rev. Lett. 91, 233901 (2003)]. Simulations are compared with preliminary measurements of a focused longitudinal shear wave beam generated in a soft tissue phantom by longitudinal motion of a spherically concave piston.
Physical Activity and Screen Viewing Behaviors Among Children Aged 6–9 Years During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Albesher Reem A. , Basuodan Reem M.
Published: March 2023

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many restrictions worldwide, including lockdowns and school closures. This may have prevented children from meeting the recommended physical activity (PA) levels and screen time. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the pandemic on school-age children’s PA and screen time in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study where caregivers of children aged 6–9 years living in Saudi Arabia were recruited through convenience sampling to fill out an online survey between July and August 2020. The survey covered demographic information, PAs, and screen time across 3 periods: pre-COVID-19 pandemic, during the COVID-19 lockdown, and the last 7 days preceding the survey during the pandemic where social distancing applied, but no lockdown. Results: A total of 339 caregivers completed the online survey about their children. The number of active children slightly increased during the lockdown (9.7%) than before COVID-19 and the last days (5.8%); however, the average reported days of PA during the pandemic were fewer than before. The findings indicated that all 3 types of screen time (watch time, screenplay, and device time) were longer during the pandemic (mean [SD]: 9.5 [5.5]) than before the COVID-19 (mean [SD]: 5.8 [5.1]). Conclusion: While the proportion of active children had increased during the lockdown, the COVID-19 pandemic, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted PA days and screen time in school-age children. School-age children in Saudi Arabia were already far from meeting global guidelines even before the pandemic, highlighting this population’s need for healthy lifestyle promotion.
Investigating Middle School Students’ Physical Education Emotions, Emotional Antecedents, Self-Esteem, and Intentions for Physical Activity
Authors: Simonton Kelly L. , Layne Todd E.
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Grounded in Control-Value Theory, this study aimed to investigate the relationships between emotional antecedents (control-value beliefs) and emotions with students' perceived self-esteem and physical activity intention. In addition, the potential differences in antecedents, emotions, and outcomes by gender were explored. Method: Multivariate analysis of variance and multiple hierarchical regressions were used to explore self-reported responses from middle school students (N = 247; 51% male, 49% female). Results: Preliminary analysis showed males reporting higher levels of intrinsic value, enjoyment, and self-esteem, while females reported more boredom and shame in PE. Control beliefs and intrinsic value were maintained as positive significant predictors (p < .05) of self-esteem and physical activity intention. Emotions of boredom and shame were significant predictors above any positive reported emotions for negatively impacting self-esteem and physical activity intention. Discussion/Conclusion: Emotions and their antecedents need consideration for understanding student motivation, particularly for female students who are more vulnerable to negative PE experiences.
Network Analysis Indicates Microbial Assemblage Differences in Life Stages of
Cladophora
Authors: Wang Yuming , Zhou Panpan , Zhou Weicheng , Huang Shun , Peng Chengrong , Li Dunhai , Li Genbao
Published: March 2023

Cladophora
represents a microscopic forest that provides many ecological niches fostering a diverse microbiota, with a complex and intimate relationship between
Cladophora
and bacteria. Many studies have focused on the microbiology of freshwater
Cladophora
, but the composition and succession of microorganisms in different life stages of
Cladophora
, especially in brackish water, have not been explored.
Staphylococcus aureus Infection Induces the Production of the Neutrophil Chemoattractants CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL5, CCL3, and CCL7 by Murine Osteoblasts
Authors: Sipprell Sophie E. , Johnson M. Brittany , Leach Whitney , Suptela Samantha R. , Marriott Ian
Published: March 2023

Staphylococcus aureus
is the principal causative agent of osteomyelitis, a serious bacterial infection of bone that is associated with progressive inflammatory damage. Bone-forming osteoblasts have increasingly been recognized to play an important role in the initiation and progression of detrimental inflammation at sites of infection and have been demonstrated to release an array of inflammatory mediators and factors that promote osteoclastogenesis and leukocyte recruitment following bacterial challenge.
Draft Genome Sequence of Zalerion maritima ATCC 34329, a (Micro)Plastic-Degrading Marine Fungus
Authors: Paço Ana , Gonçalves Micael F. M. , da Costa João P. , Rocha-Santos Teresa A. P. , Alves Artur
Published: March 2023

Zalerion maritima
is a marine fungus that has been studied for the biodegradation of (micro)plastics. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of strain ATCC 34329, which was shown to have a size of 58.4 Mb, a GC content of 44.39%, and 10,802 predicted genes.
Supplemental Material: Steady decline in mean annual air temperatures in the first 30 k.y. after the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary
Authors: O'Connor Lauren K. , al. et
Published: March 2023

Further details on site descriptions, sampling, geochemical analysis, data validation, and the age model. 
Legg-Calve-Perthes’ disease: an opportunity to prevent blindness?
Authors: Wang Aijing , Nixon Thomas , Martin Howard , Richards Allan , McNinch Annie , Alexander Philip , Pujari Rathin , Bale Peter , Shenker Nicholas , Bearcroft Philip , Brown Senjah , Blackwell Adrian , Poulson Arabella , Snead Martin
Published: March 2023

Legg-Calve-Perthes’ disease (LCP) is defined as avascular necrosis of the femoral head in a child and may present to a variety of disciplines from general practice to orthopaedics, paediatrics, rheumatology and more. The Stickler syndromes are a group of disorders of type II, IX and XI collagen associated with hip dysplasia, retinal detachment, deafness and cleft palate. The pathogenesis of LCP disease remains an enigma but there have been a small number of cases reporting variants in the gene encoding the α1 chain of type II collagen (COL2A1). Variants inCOL2A1are known to cause type 1 Stickler syndrome (MIM 108300, 609508), which is a connective tissue disorder with a very high risk of childhood blindness, and it is also associated with dysplastic development of the femoral head. It is unclear whetherCOL2A1variants make a definitive contribution to both disorders, or whether the two are indistinguishable using current clinical diagnostic techniques. In this paper, we compare the two conditions and present a case series of 19 patients with genetically confirmed type 1 Stickler syndrome presenting with a historic diagnosis of LCP. In contrast to isolated LCP, children with type 1 Stickler syndrome have a very high risk of blindness from giant retinal tear detachment, but this is now largely preventable if a timely diagnosis is made. This paper highlights the potential for avoidable blindness in children presenting to clinicians with features suggestive of LCP disease but with underlying Stickler syndrome and proposes a simple scoring system to assist clinicians.
Methaemalbumin: a diagnostic surrogate for methaemoglobinaemia and treatment with red cell exchange in a patient with thalassaemia
Authors: Prus-Czarnecka Zofia , Fuezery Anna , Noga Tom , Lau Vincent Issac
Published: March 2023

A man in his 30s with alpha thalassaemia (four-alpha globin gene deletion) presented with 1 week of shortness of breath and 1 month of general malaise. Pulse oximetry monitoring revealed low peripheral oxygen saturation of approximately 80% despite maximal high-flow nasal cannula oxygen (fractional inspired oxygen 1.0–60 L/min flow). Arterial blood gas samples were chocolate brown in colour, with a low arterial partial pressure of oxygen of 197 mm Hg. This large oxygen saturation gap raised suspicion for methaemoglobinaemia. However, the patient’s co-oximetry results were suppressed by the blood gas analyser and delayed a definitive diagnosis. A methaemalbumin screen was sent instead, which was positive at 65 mg/L (reference interval: <3 mg/L). Treatment with methylene blue was initiated but did not result in complete resolution of cyanosis. This patient had been red cell exchange dependent since childhood for thalassaemia. Therefore, an urgent red cell exchange was initiated overnight, leading to an improvement in symptoms and interpretability of co-oximetry results. This resulted in rapid improvement without residual sequelae or complications. We conclude that a methaemalbumin screen can be used as a surrogate test for prompt confirmation of diagnosis in lieu of co-oximetry in cases of severe methaemoglobinaemia or in cases with underlying haemoglobinopathy. Red cell exchange can allow prompt methaemoglobinaemia reversal, especially if methylene blue is only partially effective.
Family outcome disparities between sexual minority and heterosexual families: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Yun , Huang Haimei , Wang Min , Zhu Jiawen , Tan Sumin , Tian Weiyi , Mo Jinli , Jiang Li , Mo Jieling , Pan Wei , Ning Chuanyi
Published: March 2023

Background

The number of children in sexual minority parent families has increased. This systematic review aims to synthesise the evidence of disparities in family outcomes between sexual minority and heterosexual families and to identify specific social risk factors of poor family outcomes.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, the Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library and APA PsycNet for original studies that compared family outcomes between sexual minority and heterosexual families. Two reviewers independently selected studies and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Narrative synthesis and meta-analysis were conducted to synthesise evidence.

Results

Thirty-four articles were included. The narrative synthesis results revealed several significant findings for children’s gender role behaviour and gender identity/sexual orientation outcomes. Overall, 16 of 34 studies were included in the meta-analyses. The quantitative synthesis results suggested that sexual minority families may perform better in children’s psychological adjustment and parent–child relationship than heterosexual families (standardised mean difference (SMD) −0.13, 95% CI −0.20 to −0.05; SMD 0.13, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.20), but not couple relationship satisfaction (SMD 0.26, 95% CI −0.13 to 0.64), parental mental health (SMD 0.00, 95% CI −0.16 to 0.16), parenting stress (SMD 0.01, 95% CI −0.20 to 0.22) or family functioning (SMD 0.18, 95% CI −0.11 to 0.46).

Conclusion

Most of the family outcomes are similar between sexual minority and heterosexual families, and sexual minority families have even better outcomes in some domains. Relevant social risk factors of poor family outcomes included stigma and discrimination, poor social support and marital status, etc. The next step is to integrate multiple aspects of support and multilevel interventions to reduce the adverse effects on family outcomes with a long-term goal of influencing policy and law making for better services to individuals, families, communities and schools.
Sensitivity of a preanaesthesia screening and triage tool in identifying high-risk patients attending the preanaesthesia assessment clinic in a tertiary referral hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa: a diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Misoi Brian , Mung'ayi Vitalis , Bal Rajpreet , Mohammedali Shamshudin
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The use of preoperative triage questionnaires is an innovative way to mitigate the shortage of anaesthesiologists and to identify and refer high-risk patients early for evaluation. This study evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of one such questionnaire in identifying high-risk patients in a Sub-Saharan population.

Design

Diagnostic accuracy study

Setting

The study was conducted in a preanaesthesia assessment clinic in a tertiary referral hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Participants

The study had a sample size of 128, including all patients above the age of 18 scheduled for elective surgery under any modality of anaesthesia other than local anaesthesia presenting to the preanaesthesia clinic. Patients scheduled for cardiac and major non-cardiac surgery and those non-literate in English were excluded.

Outcome measures

The sensitivity of the preanaesthesia risk assessment tool (PRAT) was the primary outcome measure. Other outcome measures were specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value.

Results

Majority of patients were young and women with a mean age of 36 referred for obstetric and gynaecological procedures. The sensitivity of the PRAT in identifying high-risk patients was at 90.6% with 95% CI (76.9 to 98.2) in this current study while the specificity, negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) were 37.5% with 95% CI (24.0 to 43.7), 92.3% with 95% CI (77.7 to 97.0) and 32.6% with 95% CI (29.6 to 37.3) respectively.

Conclusion

The PRAT has a high sensitivity and may be used as a screening tool in identifying high risk patients to refer to the anaesthesiologist early before surgery. Adjusting the high risk criteria to fit the anaesthesiologists’ assessments may improve the specificity of the tool.
Care seeking for under-five children and vaccine perceptions during the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos State, Nigeria: a qualitative exploratory study
Authors: Bakare Ayobami Adebayo , Olojede Omotayo E , King Carina , Graham Hamish , Uchendu Obioma , Colbourn Tim , Falade Adegoke G , Alvesson Helle Molsted
Published: March 2023

Objective

To explore healthcare seeking practices for children and the context-specific direct and indirect effects of public health interventions during the first two waves of COVID-19 in Lagos State, Nigeria. We also explored decision-making around vaccine acceptance at the start of COVID-19 vaccine roll-out in Nigeria.

Design, setting and participants

A qualitative explorative study involving 19 semistructured interviews with healthcare providers from public and private primary health facilities and 32 interviews with caregivers of under-five children in Lagos from December 2020 to March 2021. Participants were purposively selected from healthcare facilities to include community health workers, nurses and doctors, and interviews were conducted in quiet locations at facilities. A data-driven reflexive thematic analysis according to Braun and Clark was conducted.

Findings

Two themes were developed: appropriating COVID-19 in belief systems, and ambiguity about COVID-19 preventive measures. The interpretation of COVID-19 ranged from fearful to considering it as a ‘scam’ or ‘falsification from the government’. Underlying distrust in government fuelled COVID-19 misperceptions. Care seeking for children under five was affected, as facilities were seen as contagious places for COVID-19. Caregivers resorted to alternative care and self-management of childhood illnesses. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was a major concern among healthcare providers compared with community members at the time of vaccine roll-out in Lagos, Nigeria. Indirect impacts of COVID-19 lockdown included diminished household income, worsening food insecurity, mental health challenges for caregivers and reduced clinic visits for immunisation.

Conclusion

The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos was associated with reductions in care seeking for children, clinic attendance for childhood immunisations and household income. Strengthening health and social support systems with context-specific interventions and correcting misinformation is crucial to building adaptive capacity for response to future pandemics.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12621001071819.
Renin–angiotensin–system inhibitors and the risk of exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a nationwide registry study
Authors: Vilstrup Frida , Heerfordt Christian Kjer , Kamstrup Peter , Hedsund Caroline , Biering-Sørensen Tor , Sørensen Rikke , Kolekar Shailesh , Hilberg Ole , Pedersen Lars , Lund Thomas Kromann , Klausen Tobias Wirenfeldt , Skaarup Kristoffer Grundtvig , Eklöf Josefin , Sivapalan Pradeesh , Jensen Jens-Ulrik Stæhr
Published: March 2023

Objective

The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) has been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) because of the inflammatory properties of the system. Many patients with COPD use RAS-inhibiting (RASi) treatment. The aim was to determine the association between treatment with RASi and the risk of acute exacerbations and mortality in patients with severe COPD.

Methods

Active comparator analysis by propensity-score matching. Data were collected in Danish national registries, containing complete information on health data, prescriptions, hospital admissions and outpatient clinic visits. Patients with COPD (n=38 862) were matched by propensity score on known predictors of the outcome. One group was exposed to RASi treatment (cases) and the other was exposed to bendroflumethiazide as an active comparator in the primary analysis.

Results

The use of RASi was associated with a reduced risk of exacerbations or death in the active comparator analysis at 12 months follow-up (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.95). Similar results were evident in a sensitivity analysis of the propensity-score-matched population (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.94) and in an adjusted Cox proportional hazards model (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.98).

Conclusion

In the current study, we found that the use of RASi treatment was associated with a consistently lower risk of acute exacerbations and death in patients with COPD. Explanations to these findings include real effect, uncontrolled biases, and—less likely—chance findings.
Analysis of PRAME immunocytochemistry in 109 acral malignant melanoma in situ
Authors: Miao Qiu-ju , Zang Jie , Shao Xue-Bao , Sun Jian-fang , Chen Yan-Ping , Chen Hao
Published: March 2023

Aims

Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) recently is a reliable immunohistochemistry (IHC) marker for distinguishing melanoma from other lesions. However, there are few articles focused on PRAME use in acral malignant melanoma, the most common type in Asians. This study investigated PRAME IHC expression in a large series of acral malignant melanoma in situ to add to the body of clinical knowledge.

Methods

PRAME IHC was performed in unequivocal cases of primary acral lentiginous melanoma in situ (ALMIS), subungual melanoma in situ (SMIS) and acral recurrent nevi as the control. PRAME tumour cell percentage positivity and intensity were expressed as categorised in a cumulative score by adding the quartile of positive tumour cells to intensity labelling. The final IHC expression was interpreted as negative (0–1), weak (2–3), moderate (4–5) or strong (6–7).

Results

In 91 ALMIS patients, 32 cases (35.16%) were strong, 37 (40.66%) were moderate and 22 (24.18%) were weak. In 18 SMIS patients, strong positivity of PRAME was observed in 4 (22.22%) cases, moderate in 10 (55.56%) and weak in the remaining 4 (22.22%). No melanoma sample was negative for PRAME. By comparison, only 2 of the 40 acral recurrent nevi cases were positive.

Conclusions

Our study supports the ancillary value of PRAME for diagnosing ALMIS and SMIS with high sensitivity and specificity.
Association between social activity frequency and overall survival in older people: results from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS)
Authors: Wang Ziqiong , Zheng Yi , Ruan Haiyan , Li Liying , Duan Linjia , He Sen
Published: March 2023

Background

This study aimed to explore the impact of social activity frequency on mid- and long-term overall survival in older Chinese people.

Methods

The association between social activity frequency and overall survival was analysed in 28 563 subjects from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) cohorts.

Results

A total of 21 161 (74.1%) subjects died during the follow-up of 132 558.6 person-years. Overall, more frequent social activity was associated with longer overall survival. From baseline to 5 years of follow-up, adjusted time ratios (TRs) for overall survival were 1.42 (95% CI 1.21 to 1.66, p<0.001) in the not monthly but sometimes group, 1.48 (95% CI 1.18 to 1.84, p=0.001) in the not weekly but at least once/month group, 2.10 (95% CI 1.63 to 2.69, p<0.001) in the not daily but at least once/week group, and 1.87 (95% CI 1.44 to 2.42, p<0.001) in the almost everyday group versus never group. From 5 years to the end of follow-up, adjusted TRs for overall survival were 1.05 (95% CI 0.74 to 1.50, p=0.766) in the not monthly but sometimes group, 1.64 (95% CI 1.01 to 2.65, p=0.046) in the not weekly but at least once/month group, 1.23 (95% CI 0.73 to 2.07, p=0.434) in the not daily but at least once/week group, and 3.04 (95% CI 1.69 to 5.47, p<0.001) in the almost everyday group versus the never group. Stratified and sensitivity analysis revealed similar results.

Conclusion

Frequent participation in social activity was significantly associated with prolonged overall survival in older people. However, only participating in social activity almost every day could significantly prolong long-term survival.
Multiple sclerosis mortality in New Zealand: a nationwide prospective study
Authors: Leadbetter Ruth , MacAskill Michael , Myall Daniell J , Taylor Bruce V , Joshi Purwa ,   NZMSPS group, Mason Deborah F
Published: March 2023

Background

Mortality data from Europe and North America show a shorter life expectancy for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). It is not known if a similar mortality risk exists in the southern hemisphere. We analysed the mortality outcomes of a comprehensive New Zealand (NZ) MS cohort, 15 years postrecruitment.

Methods

All participants of the nationwide 2006 NZ MS prevalence study were included and mortality outcomes were compared with life table data from the NZ population using classic survival analyses, standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) and excess death rates (EDRs).

Results

Of 2909 MS participants, 844 (29%) were deceased at the end of the 15-year study period. Median survival age for the MS cohort was 79.4 years (78.5, 80.3), compared with 86.6 years (85.5, 87.7) for the age-matched and sex-matched NZ population. The overall SMR was 1.9 (1.8, 2.1)). Symptom onset between 21 and 30 years corresponded to an SMR of 2.8 and a median survival age 9.8 years lower than the NZ population. Progressive-onset disease was associated with a survival gap of 9 years compared with 5.7 years for relapsing onset. The EDR for those diagnosed in 1997–2006 was 3.2 (2.6, 3.9) compared with 7.8 (5.8, 10.3) for those diagnosed between 1967 and 1976.

Conclusions

New Zealanders with MS have a median survival age 7.2 years lower than the general population and twice the mortality risk. The survival gap was greater for progressive-onset disease and for those with an early age of onset.
Regulating flavours and flavour delivery technologies: an analysis of menthol cigarettes and RYO tobacco in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Gendall Philip , Hoek Janet
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Menthol facilitates smoking initiation among young people, enhances nicotine’s addictiveness and fosters the false belief that menthol products are safer. As a result, several countries have banned use of menthol as a characterising flavour. Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) could disallow menthol-flavoured cigarettes as part of its endgame legislation; however, little is known about the NZ menthol market.

Methods

To examine the NZ menthol market, we analysed tobacco company returns to the Ministry of Health from 2010 to 2021. We calculated the market share of menthol cigarettes as a percentage of total cigarettes released for sale, estimated capsule cigarettes’ market share as a percentage of total cigarette released for sale and menthol released for sale, and calculated menthol roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco released for sale as a percentage of total RYO released.

Results

Menthol brands accounted for a relatively small but nonetheless sizeable proportion of NZ’s tobacco market and in 2021 constituted 13% of NZ’s factory made cigarette market and 7% of the RYO market, representing 161 million cigarettes and 25 tonnes of RYO. The introduction of capsule technologies using menthol flavours corresponded with a rise in menthol sales among factory made cigarettes.

Conclusions

Capsule technologies using menthol flavours work synergistically to enhance the appeal of smoking and appear likely to encourage experimentation among non-smoking young people. Comprehensive policy that regulates menthol flavours and innovations used to deliver flavour sensations will support tobacco endgame goals in NZ and could inform policy in other countries.
Falkner–Skan slip flow of non-Newtonian fluid over a moving and nonlinearly radiated wedge with variable heat source/sink and viscous dissipation
Authors: Raju S. V. Siva Rama , Renuka Devi R. L. V. , Asogwa Kanayo Kenneth , Raju S. Suresh Kumar , Raju C. S. K. , Kathyayani G. , Siva Kumar N.
Published: March 2023

Analyzed in this paper is an investigation of the impacts of the varying source of heat or thermal sink and viscous dissipation on Casson fluid flow from a moving wedge by considering thermal and momentum slips in a mathematical model. Regarding the regulation of concentration fields, we incorporated the Soret and Dufour phenomena. The outcomes are analyzed numerically by using the shooting technique. The governing parametric effects of the flow characteristics are revealed graphically. We also presented the local Sherwood and Nusselt number values for non-Newtonian fluid (Casson fluid) and Newtonian. It is discovered that the thermal and concentration boundary layer is more extensive in Casson fluid while equated with the Newtonian fluid. The thermal and mass transmission in Newtonian fluid is significantly larger than in non-Newtonian fluid. The heat source/sink, Eckert number and Dufour number boost the rate of thermal transport and depreciate the rate of mass transport for both the Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid cases.
Effect of thermal radiation on nonDarcy hydromagnetic convective heat and mass transfer flow of a water–SWCNT’s and MWCNT’s nanofluids in a cylindrical annulus with thermo-diffusion and chemical reaction
Authors: Kiran Kumar T. , Srinivasa Rao P. , Shamshuddin MD.
Published: March 2023

The examined through analysis of the movement of water-based single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanofluids in a coordinate annulated zone under influence of non-uniform heat source/sink. By imposing the appropriate nondimensional variables, the governing partial differential equations are converted into a system of coupled nondimensional partial differential equations. By means of the usage of quadratic polynomials and the Galerkin finite element detail approach, the nonlinear equations have been executed. The expressions representing fluid velocity, temperature and concentration are discussed graphically. While skin friction, heat transfer and mass transfer are revealed in tabular structure. The proposed scheme is shown to have faster convergence than the existing scheme with excellent accuracy. Various parametric values have been analyzed and observed that higher temperatures and concentrations are produced with lower velocities with and bigger velocities with higher radiative heat flux or nanoparticle volume fraction.
A new 2D-ASC chaotic system and its image encryption applications
Authors: Peng Jiajun , Zhu Congxu , Jiang Donghua
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a new 2D Arnold-sin-coupling (2D-ASC) hyperchaotic map is established and a new image encryption algorithm based on bit-level operations and the ASC hyperchaotic system is proposed. The algorithm first decomposes a normal image into bit-level images by rows, incorporates a sequence of bits generated by a chaotic system to the algorithm to increase randomness and security, and then performs a circular shift of the rows and columns of the bit-level image to obtain a confused intermediate image. Finally, the intermediate image is diffused by our constructed S-box according to the size of each pixel value to obtain a stable and robust encrypted image. Moreover, the initial condition of the chaotic mapping used is calculated from the SHA-256 hash value of the original image, enhancing the correlation of the encryption process with the plaintext image. Through simulation experiments, the image encryption scheme is analyzed in terms of key space, histogram, information entropy, robustness and key sensitivity. The theoretical analysis and experimental findings demonstrate that the algorithm has good performance and sufficient level of security. The information entropy of the encrypted image is above 7.9993, the average NPCR is 99.6440 and the average UACI is 33.4996.
Predictive Learning Methods to Price European Options Using Ensemble Model and Multi-asset Data
Authors: Shubham Kumar , Tiwari Vivek , Patel Kuldip Singh
Published: March 2023

Option contracts are financial instruments that serve economic purposes for various institutions and individuals. Option plays a crucial role in developing the financial market due to the high innovation and liquidity associated with it. However, due to option contract’s increased adaptability and responsiveness, its pricing mechanism has become complicated. The conventional parametric models suffer from various computing restrictions and implausible economic and statistical presumptions leading to deviations from real-world dynamics. Thus, data-driven strategies built upon non-parametric models seems compelling. Machine Learning (ML) serves as a powerful tool that can increase efficiency and productivity by automated processes, decreasing human biases and errors caused by psychological or emotional factors. Most of the existing literature involves only neural networks, whereas alternative algorithms remain undiscovered. This study explores the effectiveness of various ML algorithms through different experimentation. The ML algorithms harnessed for the study are Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), XGBoost, Decision Tree Regression, Support Vector Regression, Random Forest Regression, Long short-term memory (LSTM) Network and Gated recurrent unit (GRU) Network. Furthermore, multi-asset training and ensemble modelling are carried out to enhance predictive performance. A comparison is carried out with the seminal Black-Scholes model to highlight the advantages of the ML approach. The models are evaluated for European option contracts. The underlying assets used are NIFTY50 and BANKNIFTY indices from India’s National Stock Exchange (NSE). ML algorithms performed superior to the Black-Scholes model by a significant margin. Additionally, the models are evaluated on data collected following the outbreak of the COVID epidemic to get insight into the effects of abrupt changes in market sentiment.
Homology of relative trisection and its applications
Authors: Tanimoto Hokuto
Published: March 2023

Feller et al. showed the homology and the intersection form of a closed trisected four-manifold are described in terms of trisection diagram. In this paper, it is confirmed that we are able to calculate those of a trisected four-manifold with boundary in a similar way. Moreover, we describe a representative of the second Stiefel–Whitney class by the relative trisection diagram.
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF FRACTIONAL-ORDER EMDEN–FOWLER EQUATIONS USING MODIFIED VARIATIONAL ITERATION METHOD
Authors: ZHANG RI , SHAH NEHAD ALI , EL-ZAHAR ESSAM R. , AKGÜL ALI , CHUNG JAE DONG
Published: March 2023

This work aims at a new semi-analytical method called the variational iteration transform method for investigating fractional-order Emden–Fowler equations. The Shehu transformation and the iterative method are applied to achieve the solution of the given problems. The proposed method has the edge over other techniques as it does not required extra calculations. Some numerical problems are used to test the validity of the suggested method. The solution obtained has demonstrated that the proposed technique has a higher level of accuracy. The proposed method is capable of tackling various nonlinear fractional-order problems due to its simple implementation.
MOBILE EDGE COMPUTING ORIENTED MULTI-AGENT COOPERATIVE ROUTING ALGORITHM: A DRL-BASED APPROACH
Authors: LV JIANHUI , ZHAO SHEN , YI BO , LI QING
Published: March 2023

In the era of 5G/B5G, computing-intensive, delay-sensitive applications such as virtual reality inevitably bring huge amounts of data to the network. In order to meet the real-time requirements of applications, Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) pushes computing resources and data from the centralized cloud to the edge network, providing users with computing offload technology. However, the mismatch between the great computing requirements of computing-intensive tasks and the limited computing power of a single edge server poses a great challenge to computing offload technology. In this paper, a multi-agent cooperation mechanism for MEC and a routing mechanism based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL) are proposed. First of all, a multi-agent cooperation mechanism is proposed to realize the cooperative processing of computing-intensive and delay-sensitive applications, and the task unloading decision-making problem based on multi-agent cooperation is studied. Secondly, the cooperative processing of tasks by multi-agents involves data transmission. Considering the real-time requirements of tasks, this paper proposes an intelligent routing mechanism based on DRL to plan the optimal routing path. Finally, the simulation implementation and performance evaluation of the multi-agent cooperation mechanism and routing mechanism for MEC are carried out. The experimental results show that the intelligent routing mechanism based on DRL and graph neural network is superior to the comparison mechanism in terms of network average delay, throughput and maximum link bandwidth utilization. At the same time, the superiority of graph neural network in model generalization is verified on a new network topology National Science Foundation (NSF) Net. The results of route optimization are applied to the multi-agent cooperation mechanism, and the experimental results show that the mechanism is superior to the comparison scheme in terms of task success rate and average task response delay. The combination of these two mechanisms well solves the problem that it is difficult to deal with computing-intensive and delay-sensitive applications in mobile edge computing because of its limited resources.
DCNNBT: A NOVEL DEEP CONVOLUTION NEURAL NETWORK-BASED BRAIN TUMOR CLASSIFICATION MODEL
Authors: HAQ MOHD ANUL , KHAN ILYAS , AHMED AHSAN , ELDIN SAYED M. , ALSHEHRI ALI , GHAMRY NIVIN A.
Published: March 2023

An early brain tumor diagnosis is crucial for effective and proactive treatment, which improves the patient’s survival rate. In this paper, we propose a novel Deep Convolutional Neural Network for Brain Tumor (DCNNBT), which detects and classifies brain tumors. The key differentiators of this paper are dimension scaling for image resolution, depth of layers, and width of channels with rigorous optimization of the hyperparameters. DCNNBT classifies and detects four types of brain tumors: benign, pituitary, glioma, and meningioma based on axial, coronal, and sagittal–coronal views. The DCNNBT was developed and tested on two public MRI datasets with more than 403,064 images containing four modalities for 872 patients. The performance of DCNNBT was evaluated against six well-established pre-trained deep learning (DL) models, including SE-ResNet-101, SE-ResNet-152, SENet-154, ResNet152V2, EfficientNetB0, and EfficientNetB5, through transfer learning. In the comparison, DCNNBT showed high accuracy of 99.18% for brain tumor classification, significantly higher than the other studies based on the same database.
FRACTAL DIMENSION OF PRODUCT OF CONTINUOUS FUNCTIONS WITH BOX DIMENSION
Authors: LIU PEIZHI , DU YUMENG , LIANG YONGSHUN
Published: March 2023

This paper investigates fractal dimension of product of continuous functions with Box dimension on [Formula: see text]. For two continuous functions with different Box dimensions, the Box dimension of their product has been proved to be the larger one. Furthermore, the Box dimension of product of two continuous functions with the same Box dimension may not exist. Definitions of regular fractal and local fractal functions have been given. Product of a regular fractal function and a local fractal function with the same Box dimension must still be the original Box dimension.
FRACTAL CHARACTERIZATION ON THREE-DIMENSIONAL FRACTUR TORTUOSITY IN COAL BASED ON CT SCANNING
Authors: ZHANG ZHEN , LIU GAOFENG , WANG XIAOMING , WANG MINGSHI , LI BAOLIN , LIU HUAN
Published: March 2023

This paper proposed a method for the fractal characterization of the three-dimensional (3D) fracture tortuosity ([Formula: see text] in coal based on CT scanning experiment. The methodology was deduced in detail, and the values of [Formula: see text] of four coal samples were calculated by the rigorous derivation equation established by Feng and Yu. The values of [Formula: see text] by the proposed method fit the relation of [Formula: see text] versus the fractal dimension for 3D fracture number [Formula: see text], and the relation of [Formula: see text] versus the 3D fracture porosity, indicating the rationality and accuracy of the proposed method on estimation of the [Formula: see text]. The results show that the proposed [Formula: see text] can comprehensively character the fractal characteristics of fractures tortuosity in 3D space. It is worth to further study for establishing an analytical fractal equation for fluid mass transfer in 3D fractures of porous media based on the [Formula: see text].
RECONSTRUCTION OF RANDOM FIBROUS POROUS MATERIAL AND NUMERICAL STUDY ON ITS TRANSPORT PROPERTIES BY FRACTAL MONTE CARLO METHOD
Authors: XU PENG , WANG JIALIANG , XU YAO , QIAO FEN , JIANG ZHOUTING , RAO BINQI , QIU SHUXIA
Published: March 2023

The microstructures and transport properties of fibrous porous material are significant for chemical catalysts, textile engineering, electronic devices, etc. In this paper, a fractal Monte Carlo method (FMCM) is developed to reconstruct the random microstructure of fibrous porous material based on the fractal scaling laws of fiber columns. And, the two-point correlation function of reconstructed fibrous material is calculated, which shows the effectiveness of the FMCM reconstruction. Also, the single-phase fluid flow through the reconstructed random fibrous porous material is simulated by the finite element method. The predicted permeability indicates good agreement with available empirical formulas. It has been found that the effective permeability of fibrous porous material decreases with the increase of fractal dimensions for fiber column. However, the fractal dimension of fiber column width has a greater influence on the effective permeability of fibrous porous material compared with that of fiber column length. The proposed numerical method provides an effective tool to reconstruct the irregular microstructure and understand the complex transport mechanisms of fibrous porous material.