bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Access to and utilisation of antimicrobials among forcibly displaced persons in Uganda, Yemen and Colombia: a pilot cross-sectional survey
Authors: Kamiab Hesari David , Aljadeeah Saleh , Brhlikova Petra , Hyzam Dalia , Komakech Henry , Patiño Rueda Jhon Sebastián , Ocampo Cañas Jovana , Ching Carly , Orubu Samuel , Bernal Acevedo Oscar , Basaleem Huda , Orach Christopher Garimoi , Zaman Muhammad , Prazeres da Costa Clarissa
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Identifying key barriers to accessing quality-assured and affordable antimicrobials among forcibly displaced persons in Uganda, Yemen and Colombia and investigating their (1) utilisation patterns of antibiotics, (2) knowledge about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and (3) perception of the quality of antimicrobials received.

Design

Pilot cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Data were collected from five health facilities in the Kiryandongo refugee settlement (Bweyale, Uganda), three camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Dar Sad district (Aden, Yemen) and a district with a high population of Venezuelan migrants (Kennedy district, Bogotá, Colombia). Data collection took place between February and May 2021. The three countries were selected due to their high number of displaced people in their respective continents.

Participants

South Sudanese refugees in Uganda, IDPs in Yemen and Venezuelan migrants in Colombia.

Outcome measure

The most common barriers to access to quality-assured and affordable antimicrobials.

Results

A total of 136 participants were enrolled in this study. Obtaining antimicrobials through informal pathways, either without a doctor’s prescription or through family and friends, was common in Yemen (27/50, 54.0%) and Colombia (34/50, 68.0%). In Yemen and Uganda, respondents used antibiotics to treat (58/86, 67.4%) and prevent (39/86, 45.3%) a cold. Knowledge of AMR was generally low (24/136, 17.6%). Barriers to access included financial constraints in Colombia and Uganda, prescription requirements in Yemen and Colombia, and non-availability of drugs in Uganda and Yemen.

Conclusion

Our multicentred research identified common barriers to accessing quality antimicrobials among refugees/IDPs/migrants and common use of informal pathways. The results suggest that knowledge gaps about AMR may lead to potential misuse of antimicrobials. Due to the study’s small sample size and use of non-probability sampling, the results should be interpreted with caution, and larger-scale assessments on this topic are needed. Future interventions designed for similar humanitarian settings should consider the interlinked barriers identified.
‘Two sides of the same coin’? A longitudinal analysis evaluating whether financial austerity accelerated NHS privatisation in England 2013-2020
Authors: Goodair Benjamin , Bach-Mortensen Anders Malthe , Reeves Aaron
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To understand the relationship between increasing privatisation of the NHS and austerity cuts to public funding.

Design

Longitudinal analysis.

Setting

170 Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in England between 2013 and 2020.

Intervention

The UK austerity programme, spearheaded by the conservative-led governments of the 2010s, leveraged the 2008 financial crisis to roll-back spending to local government and social security spending. They also restricted the rate of growth in NHS spending—but cuts varied for different areas, often impacting deprived areas hardest.

Main outcome

For-profit outsourcing by NHS commissioners. After the implementation of the 2012 Health and Social Care act commissioners were encouraged and obliged to open contracts to the private sector. The uptake of for-profit outsourcing varied massively. Some CCGs contracted out almost half of their activity, and others almost none.

Results

We calculate the size of austerity across all CCGs. The financial restrictions meant that commissioners had, on average, £21.2 m more debt by 2021 than in 2014 in real terms. We find that there is a null and very small effect of changes to local NHS funding on for-profit outsourcing. A decrease in £100 per capita of NHS funding corresponds in a decrease in 0.441 percentage points (95% CI −0.240 to 1.121) of for-profit expenditure. We also find that local changes to public expenditure on the NHS, local government and social security do not confound the relationship between for-profit outsourcing and treatable mortality rates.

Conclusions

NHS privatisation at the local level does not appear to be a direct response to or result of austerity. That does not mean that it is unproblematic. Rather than being confounded by funding levels, the deteriorating health outcomes associated with privatisation should be considered as a distinct concern to the disastrous health effects of austerity policies.
Reduced noise in the emergency department: the impact on staff well-being and room acoustics
Authors: Hendriks Sofie , Vernooij Claudia M , O'Connor Rory D , Jie Kim E
Published: July 2024

Background and introduction

The ED is often perceived as noisy. Excessive noise has deleterious effects on health and productivity. This study evaluated if a package of noise-reducing interventions altered workload, physical complaints, productivity and room acoustics.

Methods

This was an observational pre-post implementation study. It was performed in our non-academic ED in the Netherlands from July 2021 to April 2022. Our primary objective was to determine if a combination of technical, acoustical and behavioural interventions was associated with improved staff well-being, and the secondary objective was to evaluate if these interventions resulted in better room acoustics. Moreover, the correlation of noise sensitivity with staff well-being and its effect on interventions were evaluated. All ED staff that were sufficiently exposed to the interventions received questionnaires to assess their well-being before and after the interventions. Room acoustics before and after interventions were expressed in reverberation time (seconds) and participant ratings are reflected as the mean of the sum of their Likert scale ratings.

Results

43 participants were included. At baseline, individual noise sensitivity was significantly correlated with physical complaints (r=0.409, p=0.006) and productivity (r=0.399, p=0.008). After the interventions, a reduction in reverberation time was reached in the central ED area (0.49 s, SD 0.06 s vs 0.39 s, SD 0.05; p<0.001). Participants experienced significantly less noise disturbance during work (sum score 7.28 vs 3.19; p<0.001). Productivity and physical complaints improved significantly (sum score 4.81 vs 2.70; p<0.001 and sum score −3.74 vs −8.14; p<0.001, respectively). Participants also showed a perceived change in behaviour (sum score −2.00 vs −4.70; p<0.001). There was no confounding by noise sensitivity nor age.

Conclusion

The package of behavioural, acoustical and technical interventions was associated with increased staff well-being, reflected by decreased perception of noise, increased productivity, decreased physical complaints and observable changes in behaviour. Furthermore, the interventions positively influenced the room acoustics.
Olanzapine postinjection delirium/sedation syndrome after long-acting olanzapine depot injection presenting to the emergency department: practical guidelines for diagnosis and management
Authors: Kochen Sietske A , Hakkers Charlotte S , van Gorp Freek , de Lange Dylan W , Haas Lenneke E M
Published: July 2024

Olanzapine long-acting injection is a commonly used antipsychotic drug formulation in the treatment of schizophrenia. Postinjection delirium/sedation syndrome (PDSS) is a potential side effect of this intramuscular depot, for which patients are often presented at the ED. In this article, we give an overview of the current literature outlining the key aspects of managing this syndrome in a critical care setting, illustrated by a typical fictional clinical case. We discuss several useful and practical aspects of PDSS for emergency physicians and critical care physicians, including pharmacological background, common symptoms, diagnostic criteria and therapeutic options.
Giardia duodenalisin men who have sex with men: a systematic review
Authors: Dubey Vaibhav , Sivachandran Vidhushan , Wahab Natasha , Llewellyn Carrie , Richardson Daniel
Published: July 2024

Objective

Giardia duodenaliscauses enteritis and malabsorption and can be sexually transmissible in men who have sex with men (MSM). The aim of this study was to explore factors associated with MSM withG. duodenalis.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, PubMed, Global Health and Web of Science were searched for manuscripts published up to February 2024. The primary author screened manuscript titles and abstracts; two authors independently reviewed full-text manuscripts for eligibility and risk of bias. We only included manuscripts that included MSM withG. duodenalisand explored at least one risk factor or association. Narrative data were synthesised following the population of a predetermined table.

Results

Twelve manuscripts were included in this review, including cross-sectional studies (n=7), case series (n=3), cohort study (n=1), case-control study (n=1), from the USA (n=8), the UK (n=1), Cuba (n=1), Spain (n=1) and Canada (n=1) published between 1977 and 2024 and included 191 MSM withG. duodenalis. This review highlighted demographic (living with HIV and living with HIV with a CD4 count <400 cells/mL), biological (coinfection withNeisseria gonorrhoeae,Chlamydia trachomatis,Escherichia coli,Entamoeba histolytica, non-pathogenic enteric parasites, intestinal spirochaetosis,Enterobius vermicularis, previousTreponema pallidum,N. gonorrhoeae,Shigellaspp, hepatitis A,E. histolyticaandG. duodenalis) and behavioural (lack of anal douching, oral-anal sex, oral sex, anal sex, group sex, use of sex toys, having more than one sexual partner per week, non-condom use, being part of a sexual network or having a sexual partner withG. duodenalis) factors associated with MSM withG. duodenalis.

Conclusion

This review has highlighted some demographic, behavioural and biological factors associated with MSM withG. duodenalis, which provide insight for public health control strategies and future research.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023477691.
Financial strain, schooling modality and mental health of US adults living with children during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ettman Catherine K , Badillo-Goicoechea Elena , Stuart Elizabeth A
Published: July 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic upended contexts for families; relatively little work has studied the influence of rapidly changing contexts on the mental health of parents. We aimed to assess the relation between financial strain and schooling modality with the mental health of adults living with school-age children across the pandemic.

Methods

Using a large, national sample from the COVID-19 Trends and Impact Surveys (N=1 485 072 responses from November 2020 through June 2022), we used weighted multiple logistic regression with interactions for school semester to estimate changes in the association of frequent feelings of depression and anxiety, respectively, with financial strain and schooling modality, controlling for demographics and state, across time.

Results

In all time periods, financial strain was associated with reporting frequent feelings of depression and anxiety, respectively. The association grew over time (p<0.001) from adjusted OR (aOR) 2.25 (95% CI 2.19, 2.32)/aOR 2.63 (95% CI 2.54, 2.73) in Autumn 2020 to aOR 3.11 (95% CI 3.01, 3.22)/aOR 3.79 (95% CI 3.64, 3.95) in Spring 2022. Living with children in fully online versus in-person schooling was associated with frequent feelings of anxiety and depression symptoms in all time periods, and increased from aOR 1.08 (1.05, 1.11)/aOR 1.06 (1.02, 1.10) in Autumn 2020 to aOR 1.20 (1.10, 1.32)/aOR 1.28 (1.16, 1.42) in Spring 2022.

Conclusion

Associations between financial strain and online-only schooling with poor mental health increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Policies to support parents in the face of external stressors, such as economic instability and school closures, may improve overall population mental health.
Educational inequalities in deaths of despair in 14 OECD countries: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Lübker Christopher , Murtin Fabrice
Published: July 2024

Background

Deaths of despair are a key contributor to stagnating life expectancy in the USA, especially among those without a university-level education, but these findings have not been compared internationally.

Methods

Mortality and person-year population exposure data were collected in 14 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development member countries and stratified by age, sex, educational attainment and cause of death. The sample included 1.4 billion person-year observations from persons aged ≥25 years between 2013 and 2019. Country-specific and sex-specific contributions of deaths of despair to: (a) the life expectancy gap at age 25 and (b) rate differences in age-standardised mortality rates between high and low educational attainment groups were calculated.

Results

Eliminating deaths of despair could reduce the life expectancy gap in the USA by 1.1 years for men and 0.6 years for women was second only to Korea, where it would reduce the gap by 3.4 years for men and 2.2 years for women. In Italy, Spain and Türkiye, eliminating deaths of despair would improve life expectancy gains by less than 0.1 years for women and 0.3 years for men, closing the educational gap by <1%. Findings were robust to controls for differences in population structures.

Conclusions

Deaths of despair are a major determinant of educational inequalities in longevity in Korea and the USA, while having limited impact in Southern European countries, indicating substantial international variation and scope for improvement in high burden high-income countries.
The best option argument and kidney sales: a reply to Albertsen
Authors: Semrau Luke
Published: July 2024

In a recent article, Albertsen both elaboratesthe best option argument for regulated marketsand levels a justice-based objection to kidney sales. In the present article, I show that Albertsen has crucially misunderstood the best option argument. It is not a defence of kidney sales, as Albertsen claims. It is a reply to an objection. The objection, perennial in the debate, opposes kidney sales on the grounds that sellers would be harmed. The best option argument—proving that prohibitions tend to set back the interests of those denied their preferred option—shows this thinking to be confused. If sound, the best option argument dramatically undercuts any attempt to oppose a market citing would-be sellers’ interests.
Effects of popliteal plexus block after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sørensen Johan Kløvgaard , Grevstad Ulrik , Jaeger Pia , Nikolajsen Lone , Runge Charlotte
Published: July 2024

Background and objectives

Motor-sparing peripheral nerve blocks enhance multimodal opioid-sparing strategies after total knee arthroplasty. We hypothesized that adding a popliteal plexus block to a femoral triangle block could reduce 24-hour opioid consumption after total knee arthroplasty, compared with standalone femoral triangle block or adductor canal block.

Methods

This patient- and assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial allocated 165 patients into three equally sized parallel groups, receiving either 1) popliteal plexus block+femoral triangle block, 2) femoral triangle block, or 3) adductor canal block. Intravenous oxycodone was administered via patient-controlled analgesia pumps. The primary outcome was 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes were preoperative maximum voluntary isometric contraction and manual muscle tests of knee and ankle movement assessed before and after the nerve block procedure together with postoperative pain scores, mobilization, and 12-hour opioid consumption.

Results

24-hour postoperative intravenous oxycodone consumption varied significantly between groups (p<0.01), with medians (IQR) of 6 mg (2–12) in the popliteal plexus block+femoral triangle block group, 10 mg (8–16) in the femoral triangle block group, and 12 mg (6–18) in the adductor canal block group. Median consumption in the popliteal plexus block+femoral triangle block group was reduced by −4 mg (95% CI −7.4 to –1.0, p<0.01) and −6 mg (95% CI −8.3 to –1.3, p=0.01) compared with groups of femoral triangle block and adductor canal block, respectively. No differences were found in pain scores, mobilization, or changes in preoperative muscle strength. Post hoc analysis revealed successful 24-hour opioid-free postoperative care among 12 patients with popliteal plexus block+femoral triangle block, as compared with two with femoral triangle block and six with adductor canal block.

Conclusion

Adding a popliteal plexus block to a femoral triangle block resulted in a statistically significant reduction of 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption after total knee arthroplasty. However, no differences were found in pain scores. Popliteal plexus block did not impair the lower leg muscles.
IQOS news media coverage in Israel: a comparison across three subpopulations
Authors: Khayat Amal , Bar-Zeev Yael , Kaufman Yechiel , Berg Carla , Abroms Lorien , Duan Zongshuan , LoParco Cassidy R , Wang Yan , Cui Yuxian , Levine Hagai
Published: July 2024

Background

Philip Morris International’s (PMI) IQOS, a leading heated tobacco product globally, entered the Israeli market in 2016. IQOS and/or electronic cigarette use is higher in Israel’s Arab population (2.8% vs 1.2% of Jews). However, previous research indicated possible targeting of the Ultra-orthodox Jewish population with more IQOS paid ads. This paper examined how IQOS is framed in news media articles directed at three subpopulations in Israel: Arab, Ultra-orthodox Jews and general public.

Methods

Media articles (January–October 2020) were obtained from Ifat media and were coded using abductive coding. Characteristics of articles (photo and article content) targeting each subpopulation were compared using χ2, Fisher’s exact test, one-way analysis of variance and median test, as appropriate.

Results

Of the 63 unique articles identified, 16 targeted Arab, 24 Ultra-orthodox Jews and 23 general public. Arab and Ultra-orthodox Jewish media significantly differed from the general public’s media in their positive framing of PMI (100% Arab and 75% Ultra-orthodox Jews vs 52% general public, p=0.004), and IQOS (100% Arab and 88% Ultra-orthodox Jews vs 61% general public, p=0.006). Arab media differed from others by highlighting IQOS’ retail locations (81% vs 17% Ultra-orthodox Jews and 13% general public), social benefits (88% vs 8% Ultra-orthodox Jews and 17% general public) and reflecting content from PMI’s press release (100% vs 46% Ultra-orthodox Jews and 35% general public; ps <0.001).

Conclusions

IQOS was framed more positively in media targeting minority populations (Arab and Ultra-orthodox Jews), compared with general public. Arabic media in particular emphasised IQOS’ retail accessibility and social benefits. These findings highlight the need for media surveillance and regulation, especially of minority-oriented media.
Platinum complexes with pyridyl derivatives of 1,2,4-triazole
Authors: Abo-Amer Anwar , Boyle Paul D. , Puddephatt Richard J.
Published: July 2024

The chemistry of platinum(II) and platinum(IV) with the ligands 3,4,5-tris(2-pyridyl)-4-H-1,2,4-triazole, L1, and 3,5-di(2-pyridyl)-4-(4-pyridyl)-4-H-1,2,4-triazole, L2, is described. The ligand L1 forms platinum(II) complexes [PtXY(κ2-N, N′-L1)] (X, Y = Cl, Cl; Cl, Me; Me, Me) by chelation while ligand L2 forms either analogous chelate complexes [PtXY(κ2- N, N′-L2)] (X, Y = Cl, Me; Me, Me) or acts as a monodentate ligand in forming trans-[PtCl2(SMe2)(κ1 -N-L2)], in which only the 4-pyridyl group is coordinated. The electron-rich dimethylplatinum(II) complexes undergo oxidative addition reactions with methyl iodide to give [PtIMe3(κ2-N, N′-L1)], or with dichloromethane to give [PtClMe2(CH2Cl)(κ2-N, N′-L1)] or [PtClMe2(CH2Cl)(κ2-N, N′-L2)], each of which is formed as a mixture of three isomers. Structure determinations of several of these complexes are reported.
Nursing behavior of wild polar bears in the Canadian High Arctic
Authors: Stirling Ian , Burns Lynne E. , Regehr Eric V. , Laidre Kristin L. , Spencer Cheryl
Published: July 2024

During 17 spring and summer field seasons between 1973 and 1999, we documented 220 bouts of nursing by dependent polar bear ( Ursus maritimus Phipps, 1774) cubs at Radstock Bay, Nunavut, Canada. The overall mean duration of nursing bouts for cubs-of-the-year (COY) and yearlings (YRLG) litters was 7.1 min (standard deviation (SD) = 3.3, range = 1–23). Mean nursing bout durations of one- and two-cub litters of COY and YRLG in spring and summer seasons ranged from 6.09 to 7.78 min and from 5.00 to 9.18 min, respectively. The overall mean duration of inter-nursing intervals for COY and YRLG litters was 5.7 h (SD = 4.9, range = 0.0–35.0). The mean inter-nursing interval for one-cub litters was 6.4 h (SD = 4.6, range = 0.0–20.2) and for two-cub litters was 5.1 h (SD = 5.1, range = 0.0–35.0). We found no evidence for effects of season or cub age class on nursing behavior. We found weak evidence that two-cub litters nurse slightly longer than one-cub litters, potentially reflecting reduced nursing efficiency due to sibling rivalry. There was neither evidence for diel patterns in nursing behavior nor a detectable relationship between the cessation of nursing and the onset of hunting or sleeping by the adult female.
An analysis of the gaps in the South African DNA barcoding library of ticks of veterinary and public health importance
Authors: Khumalo Nozipho , Chaisi Mamohale , Magoro Rebecca , Mwale Monica
Published: July 2024

Ticks transmit pathogens of veterinary and public health importance. Understanding their diversity is critical as infestations lead to significant economic losses globally. To date, over 90 species across three families have been identified in South Africa. However, the taxonomy of most species has not been resolved due to morphological identification challenges. DNA barcoding through the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD) is therefore a valuable tool for species verifications for biodiversity assessments. This study conducted an analysis of South African tick COI barcodes on BOLD by verifying species on checklists, literature, and other sequence databases. The compiled list represented 97 species, including indigenous (59), endemics (27), introduced (2), invasives (1), and eight that could not be classified. Analyses indicated that 31 species (32%) from 11 genera have verified COI barcodes. These are distributed across all nine provinces with the Eastern Cape having the highest species diversity, followed by Limpopo, with KwaZulu-Natal having the least diversity. Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, and Argas species had multiple barcode index numbers, suggesting cryptic diversity or unresolved taxonomy. We identified 21 species of veterinary or zoonotic importance from the Argasidae and Ixodidae families that should be prioritised for barcoding. Coordinating studies and defining barcoding targets is necessary to ensure that tick checklists are updated to support decision-making for the control of vector-borne diseases and alien invasives.
Neutrino oscillations in matter using the adjugate of the Hamiltonian
Authors: Abdullahi Asli , Parke Stephen J.
Published: July 2024

We revisit neutrino oscillations in constant matter density for a number of different scenarios: three flavors with the standard Wolfenstein matter potential, four flavors with standard matter potential and three flavors with non-standard matter potentials. To calculate the oscillation probabilities for these scenarios one must determine the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the Hamiltonians. We use a method for calculating the eigenvalues that is well known, determination of the zeros of determinant of matrix $$(\lambda I -H)$$

(
λ
I
-
H
)

, where H is the Hamiltonian, I the identity matrix and $$\lambda $$
λ
is a scalar. To calculate the associated eigenvectors we use a method that is little known in the particle physics community, the calculation of the adjugate (transpose of the cofactor matrix) of the same matrix, $$(\lambda I -H)$$

(
λ
I
-
H
)

. This method can be applied to any Hamiltonian, but provides a very simple way to determine the eigenvectors for neutrino oscillation in matter, independent of the complexity of the matter potential. This method can be trivially automated using the Faddeev–LeVerrier algorithm for numerical calculations. For the above scenarios we derive a number of quantities that are invariant of the matter potential, many are new such as the generalization of the Naumov–Harrison–Scott identity for four or more flavors of neutrinos. We also show how these matter potential independent quantities become matter potential dependent when off-diagonal non-standard matter effects are included.
Single charged Higgs pair production in exclusive processes at the LHC
Authors: Duarte Laura , Gonçalves Victor P. , Martins Daniel E. , Melo Téssio B. de
Published: July 2024

The production of a single charged Higgs boson pair by photon–photon interactions in pp collisions at the LHC is investigated in this exploratory study. We focus on the exclusive production, which is characterized by intact protons and two-rapidity gaps in the final state, and assume the type-I two-Higgs-doublet model, which still allows a light charged Higgs. Assuming the leptonic $$H^{\pm }\rightarrow [\tau \nu _{\tau }]$$

H
±

→

[
τ

ν
τ

]

decay mode, we derive predictions for the transverse momentum, rapidity and invariant mass distributions of the $$\tau ^+ \tau ^-$$

τ
+

τ
-

pair for different values of the charged Higgs mass. The contributions of different background processes are also estimated. Our results indicate that the contribution of the exclusive $$H^+ H^-$$

H
+

H
-

production for the $$[\tau ^{+}\nu _{\tau }][\tau ^{-} \nu _{\tau }]$$

[

τ
+

ν
τ

]

[

τ
-

ν
τ

]

final state is non-negligible and can, in principle, be used to searching for a light charged Higgs.
Evaluation of Electrochemical Sensor Using Microfluidic System
Authors: Legassey A. , Fleming A. , Dagostino L. , Bliznakov T. , Gudlavalleti R. , Kondo J. , Papadimitrakopoulos F. , Jain F.
Published: July 2024

This paper presents the characterization and testing of electrochemical sensor using microfluidic system. Various geometric patterns were laser cut into the platinum working electrode of a biosensor. In this work, a microfluidic chamber was designed that allows phosphate buffer solution (PBS) to flow across the sensor, using a peristaltic pump, while varying the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. The amperometric characterization of the electrochemical sensor with 25, 50, 75, and 100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m perforation and 75[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m spacing showed the highest sensitivity. This result was to be expected the purpose of patterning the sensors was to provide a 3-dimensional structure to the planar electrode in order for the enzyme, glucose oxidase, to be immobilized. Future work will include selecting one of the patterns for immobilization of glucose oxidase allowing us to realize a fully functional glucose sensor.
Noise and Parameter Mismatch in a Ring Network for Sensing Extremely Low Electric Fields
Authors: Palacios Antonio , Tamez Jacinto , Amani Mani , In Visarath
Published: July 2024

Over the past years, we have exploited the bistability features that are commonly found in many individual sensors to develop a network-based [ Acebrón et al. ,  2003 ;  Bulsara et al. ,  2004 ;  In et al. ,  2003a ;  In et al. ,  2003b ;  In et al. ,  2005 ;  In et al. ,  2006 ;  In et al. ,  2012 ;  Palacios et al. ,  2005 ] approach to modeling, designing, and fabricating extremely sensitive magnetic- and electric-field sensors capable of resolving field changes as low as 150[Formula: see text]pT and 100[Formula: see text]fAmps, respectively. Higher sensitivity is achieved by exploiting the symmetry of the network to create infinite-period bifurcations that render the ensuing oscillations highly sensitive to symmetry-breaking effects from external signals. In this paper, we study the effects of noise on the response of a network-based electric-field sensor as well as the effects of parameter mismatch, which appear naturally due to material imperfections and noise. The results show that Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) increases sharply near the onset of the infinite-period bifurcation, and they increase further as the coupling strength in the network increases while passing the threshold that leads to oscillatory behavior. Overall, the SNR indicates that the negative effects of highly contaminated signals are well-mitigated by the sensitivity response of the system. In addition, computer simulations show the network-based system to be robust enough to mismatches in system parameters, while the deviations from the nominal parameter values form regions where the oscillations persist. Noise has a smoothing effect over the boundaries of these regions.
USING IFS TO REVEAL BIASES IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF PRIME NUMBERS
Authors: BROTHERS HARLAN J.
Published: July 2024

It was long assumed that the pseudorandom distribution of prime numbers was free of biases. Specifically, while the prime number theorem gives an asymptotic measure of the probability of finding a prime number and Dirichlet’s theorem on arithmetic progressions tells us about the distribution of primes across residue classes, there was no reason to believe that consecutive primes might “know” anything about each other — that they might, for example, tend to avoid ending in the same digit. Here, we show that the Iterated Function System method (IFS) can be a surprisingly useful tool for revealing such unintuitive results and for more generally studying structure in number theory. Our experimental findings from a study in 2013 include fractal patterns that reveal “repulsive” phenomena among primes in a wide range of classes having specific congruence properties. Some of the phenomena shown in our computations and interpretation relate to more recent work by Lemke Oliver and Soundararajan on biases between consecutive primes. Here, we explore and extend those results by demonstrating how IFS points to the precise manner in which such biases behave from a dynamic standpoint. We also show that, surprisingly, composite numbers can exhibit a notably similar bias.
MOTION TARGET MONITORING AND RECOGNITION IN VIDEO SURVEILLANCE USING CLOUD–EDGE–IOT AND MACHINE LEARNING TECHNIQUES
Authors: ALKHALIFA AMAL K. , ZAQAIBEH BELAL , HASSINE SIWAR BEN HAJ , YAHYA ABDULSAMAD EBRAHIM , ALMUKADI WAFA SULAIMAN , SOROUR SHAYMAA , ALZAHRANI YAZEED , MAJDOUBI JIHEN
Published: July 2024

We are aware that autonomous vehicle handles camera and LiDAR data pipelines and uses the sensor pictures to provide an autonomous object identification solution. While current research yields reasonable results, it falls short of offering practical solutions. For example, lane markings and traffic signs may become obscured by accumulation on roads, making it unsafe for a self-driving car to navigate. Moreover, the car’s sensors may be severely hindered by intense rain, snow, fog, or dust storms, which could endanger human safety. So, this research introduced Multi-Sensor Fusion and Segmentation for Deep [Formula: see text]-Network (DQN)-based Multi-Object Tracking in Autonomous Vehicles. Improved Adaptive Extended Kalman Filter (IAEKF) for noise reduction, Normalized Gamma Transformation-based CLAHE (NGT-CLAHE) for contrast enhancement, and Improved Adaptive Weighted Mean Filter (IAWMF) for adaptive thresholding have been used. A novel multi-segmentation using several segmentation methods and degrees dependent on the orientation of images has been used. DenseNet (D Net)-based multi-image fusion provides faster processing speeds and increased efficiency. The grid map-based pathways and lanes are chosen using the Energy Valley Optimizer (EVO) technique. This method easily achieves flexibility, robustness, and scalability by simplifying the complex activities. Furthermore, the YOLOv7 model is used for classification and detection. Metrics like velocity, accuracy rate, success rate, success ratio, and mean-squared error are used to assess the proposed method.
Visco-Hyperelastic Constitutive Modeling for High-Damping Rubber Materials During Combined Quasi-Static Compression–Cyclic Shear Deformation Process
Authors: Chen Bowen , Dai Junwu
Published: July 2024

High-damping rubber materials utilized in high-damping rubber isolation bearings are frequently subjected to multiple deformations during the occurrence of earthquakes. Typically, large combined compression–shear deformations of the material could potentially cause compressive shear damage to rubber bearings. During this process, visco-hyperelastic properties of rubber materials will greatly change, which would significantly impact the seismic performance of rubber bearings. Thus, to give out a deep insight into their variations, it is necessary and urgent to develop a high-performance numerical method to investigate this process. This paper proposed a visco-hyperelastic constitutive modeling approach for high-damping rubber materials based on the experimental assessment of combined quasi-static compression–cyclic shear deformation process. Within the thermodynamic framework, the Clausius–Duhem inequality associated with the intrinsic dissipation of the material was firstly derived in accordance with the Lagrangian formulism. Then, stress–strain relations were obtained upon considering the occurrence of entropy production due to viscous dissipation. In the model, Stumpf–Marczak strain energy density function, which satisfies the Baker–Ericksen (B–E) inequality, was harnessed to describe the hyperelasticity of the material. By introducing higher orders of strain and strain rates and taking their couplings into account, a generalized viscous dissipation potential was proposed to capture nonlinear strain and strain rate-sensitivity effects of the material. To identify constitutive parameters, the deformation gradient was particularized for the combined quasi-static compression–cyclic shear deformation process. And, an inverse identification procedure was carried out at different levels of compression stress. The prediction results revealed that the proposed model exhibits remarkable prediction ability and adaptivity for different rubber materials during this process. Several new insights were highlighted on the variations of visco-hyperelastic characteristics of high-damping rubber materials with respect to the compression stress. The accuracy of the model was further validated by design parameters including initial shear modulus, secant shear modulus and equivalent viscous damping factor. This work could provide a fundamental guideline for the optimization and reliability analysis of high-damping rubber isolation bearings used in the field of seismic engineering.
Multi-level security-based optimal designs for secure game communications
Authors: Jagadeesan D. , Jegan J. , Siva Subramanian S. , Kartheesan L. , Deepa D. , Asha G.
Published: July 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of online gaming, ensuring secure and efficient communication channels has become paramount. As online gaming continues to flourish, so do the challenges of maintaining secure communication channels. The surge in complexity and evolving cyber threats necessitates innovative solutions. The main aim of the research work is to overcome the existing gap by introducing a novel approach that combines the resilience of ResNet architectures with a multi-level security framework to reduce the complexity, increase the security in online gaming, etc. The increasing complexity of game communication systems, coupled with the rising sophistication of cyber threats, poses a significant challenge. Traditional security measures often fall short of providing comprehensive protection, leaving vulnerabilities that malicious actors exploit. This study addresses the complexity and threats associated with game communications by proposing an AES-ResNet-based threat mitigation framework with a multi-level security approach. Our approach leverages ResNet’s deep learning capabilities to discern and mitigate threats effectively. The multi-level security framework involves the integration of encryption, authentication, and anomaly detection at different stages of game communication. The results demonstrate a significant reduction in system complexity and enhanced threat mitigation. The integration of ResNet architectures proves effective in identifying and neutralizing malicious activities, contributing to a more secure game communication environment. Further validation and refinement are ongoing, promising a robust solution for the evolving challenges in online gaming security.
Forty years: Geometric numerical integration of dynamical systems in China
Authors: Huang Jianfei , Liu Na , Tang Yifa , Zhang Ruili , Zhu Aiqing , Zhu Beibei
Published: July 2024

Kang Feng proposed the symplectic geometric algorithms for Hamiltonian systems at Beijing “International Symposium on Differential Geometry and Differential Equations” in August 1984, opening up a new field of research. Over the past 40 years, geometric numerical integration for dynamical systems has been irreplaceably applied in numerous fields, including celestial mechanics, plasma physics, fluid mechanics, biochemistry, meteorological forecasting, seismic exploration, data science and artificial intelligence. This paper mainly summarizes the achievements of geometric numerical integration for dynamical systems in China over the past 40 years.
Hydrothermal alteration and elemental mass balance for the Surda Copper Deposit, Singhbhum Shear Zone, Eastern India: implications for both copper and magnetite–apatite mineralization
Authors: Chowdhury Sangita , Lentz David R. , Pal Dipak C.
Published: July 2024

This paper explores the geological relationships, mineralogical and geochemical characteristics, and quantitative elemental mass balance constraints of the hydrothermal alteration zones within the uraniferous Surda copper deposit in the Singhbhum Shear Zone in eastern India, which is affiliated with an iron oxide–copper–gold system. Five distinct alteration zones are identified: a proximal potassic (biotitization) zone containing magnetite–apatite; a central chloritization zone containing copper, uranium, gold and magnetite; distal silicification (quartz) and albitization zones; and a transitional chlorite–sericitization zone. Evidence suggests these zones originated from mafic precursors linked to a subduction zone. Magnetite mineralization shows both magmatic (

δ

18
O + 2.0 to +4.8‰) and hydrothermal (

δ

18
O + 0.4 to +0.6‰) signatures. Hydrothermal magnetite–apatite formed at temperatures of 440 to 550°C, with continued crystallization at lower temperatures (280 to 360°C) concurrent with copper sulfide and uranium precipitation from an Fe-rich, isotopically heavy fluid (

δ

34
S + 4.55 to +9.66‰). Major elements (Ca, Na, Mg) and some minor and rare earth elements decrease from weakly altered mafic rocks to late alteration zones, reflecting the breakdown of Ca-bearing hornblende, biotite and plagioclase. Potassium decreases from early to late alteration zones due to mineral transformations. Mass-balanced geochemical data align with hydrothermal alteration mineral assemblages, indicating processes such as mineral dissolution, element absorption and sulfide behaviour. Overall, the study highlights the complex hydrothermal alteration processes shaping the Surda copper deposit and provides insights into ore formation mechanisms.
The future of geoenergy – a perspective
Authors: Gluyas J. G. , Fowler N.
Published: July 2024

Energy from Earth resources (geoenergy) in the form of coal, oil and gas has fuelled the global society since the Industrial Revolution began. Amongst the consequences of fuelling society and associated population growth, is climate change, driven by the emission of greenhouse gases liberated through unabated combustion of fossil fuels.

There is much more to Earth energy systems, however, than just coal oil and gas. The Earth contains, in human terms, an unlimited supply of accessible heat and pressure (differences), as well as copious quantities of storage space, non-hydrocarbon gases and valuable solutes. These resources can be targeted to provide sustainable energy sources with low to zero carbon footprints.

This report does not contain any new radical technologies that will deliver energy free from all environmental impacts but it does show that, when considering geoenergy, society needs to look at the whole system, which combines chemical, thermal, potential, kinetic, gravitational and other energy forms that could be used from individual developments to minimize waste, maximize efficiency and reduce unwanted impacts.

We demonstrate that geoenergy will continue to play a key role in decarbonized energy systems for centuries to come.
The application of chemostratigraphy and proximality trends to the Silurian Coralliferous Formation of SW Wales: rhythmical sedimentation during the transgression of a palaeo-shoreline
Authors: Veevers Sarah J. , Ray David C. , Ratcliffe Kenneth T. , Thomas Alan T.
Published: July 2024

The Silurian Coralliferous Formation of Pembrokeshire comprises 94–143 m of shelfal sediments deposited on the southern margin of the Welsh Basin, UK. The succession begins with rudites (Renney Slip Member), which are overlain by interbedded silty mudstone and sandstone (Deadman's Bay Member). Biostratigraphical control is weak between the two principal sections (Renney Slip and Marloes Sands), but high-resolution chemostratigraphy permits 11 subdivisions to be distinguished. Some chemostratigraphical units can be traced between the sections, whereas others are locally absent. The correlation of the chemostratigraphical units has been compared with sea-level cycles identified by a study of the frequency, distribution and characteristics of storm-beds using proximality trend analysis. This suggests a synchroneity of traceable chemostratigraphical units within the Deadman's Bay Member, indicating that deposition began in the Renney Slip Section, and that a greater water depth was achieved there. A holistic assessment shows that the Coralliferous Formation onlaps an unconformity surface with a palaeo-relief of 57 m, over a current distance of 3 km. Further considerations of benthic assemblages, subsidence rates and global sea-level fluctuations support the presence of a late Telychian transgression with glacio-eustasy contributing between 40 and 70 m to that sea-level rise.
Is plate tectonics a post-Archean phenomenon? A petrological perspective
Authors: Brown Michael , Pearce Julian A. , Johnson Tim E.
Published: July 2024

The petrogenesis of contemporary igneous and metamorphic rocks is commonly explained by plate tectonics, but how far back in time does this relationship hold? Here we investigate whether the distinctive petrological features of recent ocean crust, subduction-related magmatism and regional metamorphism can be unambiguously identified in the Archean geological record. From an igneous perspective based on geological relationships and Th–Nb systematics, it is difficult to claim that any Archean ‘ophiolite’ was part of a global plate system rather than deriving from a plume ascending through attenuating lithosphere. Furthermore, the rarity of subduction-related rocks, particularly their plutonic equivalents, which have good preservation potential, is consistent with the concept of local convergence and short-lived subduction. From a metamorphic perspective, the appearance of orogenic eclogites in the Paleoproterozoic, the widespread occurrence of blueschists and ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks since the late Neoproterozoic, and a change from a unimodal to a bimodal distribution of metamorphic
T
/
P
during the Proterozoic, are responses to secular cooling and the evolution of global tectonics since the Archean. Our petrological perspective is that plate tectonics analogous to that on Earth today is probably a post-Archean phenomenon.
Two areoligeracean dinoflagellate cysts from the Carstone Formation (Lower Cretaceous) at Middlegate Quarry, North Lincolnshire, UK
Authors: Dodsworth Paul , Black Roderick D.
Published: July 2024

Five Lower Albian (Lower Cretaceous) areoligeracean dinoflagellate cyst species are present in the Carstone Formation at Middlegate Quarry, North Lincolnshire, UK:
Canninginopsis monile
,
Circulodinium deflandrei
,
Cyclonephelium compactum
,
Cyclonephelium intonsum
and
Cyclonephelium longispinatum
. The taxonomy of
Circulodinium deflandrei
is reviewed with respect to 20 measured Carstone specimens. The taxonomy of
Cyclonephelium longispinatum
is reviewed with respect to 70 measured Carstone specimens and a study of 40 measured specimens from its type material in Site 361, Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 40, offshore southwestern Africa.
Circulodinium deflandrei
and
Cyclonephelium longispinatum
have recently been considered by other workers to be junior synonyms, respectively, of
Circulodinium hirtellum
and
Tenua anaphrissa
. However, following detailed study of their morphologies, the synonymies are formally rejected here. An emended diagnosis is given for
C. longispinatum
. A re-assessment of the stratigraphical ranges of taxa co-occurring with the type material of
C. longispinatum
is consistent with a Late Albian to Early Turonian age range in Site 361.
Federated Learning Survey: A Multi-Level Taxonomy of Aggregation Techniques, Experimental Insights, and Future Frontiers
Authors: Arbaoui Meriem , Brahmia Mohamed-el-Amine , Rahmoun Abdellatif , Zghal Mourad
Published: July 2024

The emerging integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and AI has unlocked numerous opportunities for innovation across diverse industries. However, growing privacy concerns and data isolation issues have inhibited this promising advancement. Unfortunately, traditional centralized Machine Learning (ML) methods have demonstrated their limitations in addressing these hurdles. In response to this ever-evolving landscape, Federated Learning (FL) has surfaced as a cutting-edge ML paradigm, enabling collaborative training across decentralized devices. FL allows users to jointly construct AI models without sharing their local raw data, ensuring data privacy, network scalability, and minimal data transfer. One essential aspect of FL revolves around proficient knowledge aggregation within a heterogeneous environment. Yet, the inherent characteristics of FL have amplified the complexity of its practical implementation compared to centralized ML. This survey delves into three prominent clusters of FL research contributions: personalization, optimization, and robustness. The objective is to provide a well-structured and fine-grained classification scheme related to these research areas through a unique methodology for selecting related work. Unlike other survey papers, we employed a hybrid approach that amalgamates bibliometric analysis and systematic scrutinizing to find the most influential work in the literature. Therefore, we examine challenges and contemporary techniques related to heterogeneity, efficiency, security, and privacy. Another valuable asset of this study is its comprehensive coverage of FL aggregation strategies, encompassing architectural features, synchronization methods, and several federation motivations. To further enrich our investigation, we provide practical insights into evaluating novel FL proposals and conduct experiments to assess and compare aggregation methods under IID and non-IID data distributions. Finally, we present a compelling set of research avenues that call for further exploration to open up a treasure of advancement.