bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Self-Efficacy and Technology-Based Teaching Styles in Mathematics Education Among Pre-Service Teachers in UPSI
Authors: Tan Ke Xin , Rajoo Murugan , Shaharudin Shazlyn Milleana , Setambah Mohd Afifi Baharudin , Adenan Nur Hamiza
Published: January 2024

Self-efficacy is defined as a task-specific belief in a person’s potential and ability to master a skill or a task. As the technology is getting sophisticated, teachers are encouraged to apply the technology as teaching aid tool in the class. This research is done to investigate the relationship between the self-efficacy and the technology-based teaching styles of Mathematics pre-service teachers among Sultan Idris University of Education (UPSI) undergraduates. The research design used in this study is correlational study at where 148 AT14 Bachelor of Education (Mathematics) course and AT48 Bachelor of Science (Mathematics) with Education students are the sample. The statistical method used in this study is descriptive statistic which is mean and inferential statistics through Pearson’s correlation were used to study the relationship. The findings show that the level of self-efficacy and practice of technology-based teaching of pre-service teachers is significantly high. The results showed that there was a strong positive significant correlation between the self-efficacy and the technology-based teaching styles of those pre-service teachers (r=0.656, p=0.00, p<0.05). In conclusion, this study unequivocally demonstrates that UPSI’s pre-service teachers are well prepared to train themselves with higher self-esteem and hence applying technology-based teaching style while teaching Mathematics.
Assessing Malaysian Pre-University Students’ Visual Literacy Skills Using Rubric Based On Objective Questions Constructed
Authors: Zuraida R.L. , Mohamed Rosha
Published: January 2024

This paper discusses the mathematical visual literacy skills among pre-university students in Malaysia. Students’ were tested on a set of mathematical visual literacy skills based on Avgerinou’s Visual Literacy Index. Before conducting the main study, researchers designed a proper scoring rubric to guide scoring students’ performance. An analytical scoring rubric was used and its suitability was defined throughout theprocess. It was found that students performed poorly in mathematical visual literacy skills when the set instrument has given was in structure format but showed some improvements when the questions were changed to objective format.
Variance The Estimation Eigen Value of Principal Component Analysis and Nonlinear Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Makkulau  , Tenri Ampa Andi , Yahya Irma , La Ome Lilis , Saidi La Ode
Published: January 2024

Nonlinear Principal Component Analysis (PRINCALS) is an extension of Principal Component Analysis (Linear), which can reduce the variables of mixed scale multivariable data (nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio) simultaneously. This study investigated variance the estimation eigen value of Principal Component Analysis Linear and Nonlinear. The result showed that variance the estimation eigen value of Principal Component Analysis is $ {\rm Var}({\tilde{\hat{\lambda}}}_{S})=\mathbf H_{S}^{\prime}\mathbf V_{S}\mathbf H_{S} $ and variance the estimation eigen value of Nonlinear Principal Component Analysis is $ {\rm Var}({{\hat{\lambda}}}_{R})=\mathbf H_{R}^{\prime}\mathbf V_{R}\mathbf H_{R} $ Variance the estimation eigen value of Nonlinear Principal Component Analysis better (efficient) than variance the estimation eigen value of Principal Component Analysis.
Priestley Chao Estimator in Nonparametric Multivariable Kernel Regression in Estimating The Value of Indonesia’s Balance Trade
Authors: Tenri Ampa Andi , Monica Ica , Makkulau  , Saidi La Ode , Muhtar Norma
Published: January 2024

Several researchers have speculated that the model for the Indonesian Trade Balance Value uses a parametric model, but this model has not provided accurate results in determining the actual Indonesian Trade Balance Value. The estimation used is a parametric approach which assumes the data follows a certain pattern. This can result in big mistakes. We propose a nonparametric approach using Kernel functions for data that does not follow a particular pattern and has outliers. The Kernel function used for multivariables is the Gaussian Kernel function with the Priestley-Chao estimator. Analysis of Indonesia’s Trade Balance Data for 2019-2020 using the available data on Indonesia’s Trade Balance Rate, shows that this model is able to estimate with a very small Mean Square Error (MSE) of 0.98 at optimal bandwidth value are h1 =8.72 and h2 = 0.39. Optimum bandwidth selection uses minimum Generalized Cross Validation (GCV). With this bandwidth value, it gives very good estimation results. This model can be used to predict Indonesia’s Trace Balance Accurately on data that does not have a specific pattern and there are outlier data.
Advancing verification of process mining models with quantitative model checking in stochastic environment
Authors: Mangi Fawad Ali , Su Guoxin , Zhang Minjie
Published: January 2024

The study of business process analysis and optimization has attracted significant scholarly interest in the recent past, due to its integral role in boosting organizational performance. A specific area of focus within this broader research field is Process Mining (PM). Its purpose is to extract knowledge and insights from event logs maintained by information systems, thereby discovering process models and identify process-related issues. The goal of the current study is to examine how Quantitative Model Checking (QMC) approaches might be applied in the context of PM. Model checking is a well-known verification approach that provides thorough analysis and validation of a system’s properties in comparison to a predetermined model. The adoption of QMC is aimed at improving the accuracy, reliability, and comprehensiveness of PM models in stochastic environment. We propose a novel methodology in this research direction, which integrates QMC with PM by formally modelling discovered and replayed process models and applying QMC methods to verify PM models. The potential of QMC to overcome significant drawbacks of the existing methodologies is the main driver for its use in PM. By including probabilistic model verification, it is possible to take into account the uncertainties and stochastic behaviour that are frequently present in systems that are used in real world; while statistical model checking methods utilized where probabilistic methods fails/not suitable, such as, to handle complex models and/or models with large state-spaces.
The effects of coronavirus news on travel and leisure stocks: Evidence from the NARDL model
Authors: Cao Qian , Sun Yadong , Zhang Shan , Zhang Rufei , Gao Ying
Published: January 2024

This study employs the NARDL model to investigate the asymmetric effects of COVID-19 news on the return and volatility of travel and leisure stocks in both the United States and the global context. Our findings reveal distinct longand short-term impacts of COVID-19 news on these stocks, exhibiting asymmetry and lag effects. Various types of news, including panic-inducing reports, entity-related coronavirus news, and misleading information, contribute to adjustments in travel and leisure stock returns over the long term. Notably, panic-inducing news has a more pronounced long-term impact on stock volatility compared to a higher volume of news sources reporting coronavirus-related information in similar situations. We argue that regulatory bodies can influence the stock market by ensuring the accuracy and reliability of news content.
Research on Improving Customer Satisfaction of Hotel Robot Service Based on Web Text Analysis
Authors: Li Ranran , Long Tianye
Published: January 2024

With the gradual development of artificial intelligence, the hotel has fully applied robot services in the daily operation of the hotel. Robot services can help guests quickly self-check-in, room delivery and contactless delivery of takeout, greatly enhancing the customer’s hotel experience. This paper specifically consulted literature to comprehensively understand the relevant knowledge of hotel robot service and customer satisfaction, and then used network text analysis to capture a large number of hotel customer reviews of JI Hotel, and through further data processing and analysis, understood the initial impression of customers on service robots. According to the problems existing in the robot service of the JI Hotel, the reasonable and easy to use customer satisfaction improvement strategies and suggestions are summarized. It is expected to provide reference for future research on hotel robot service.
Polynomial equation in algebraic attack on NTRU-HPS and NTRU-HRSS
Authors: Paradise Fadila , Sugeng Kiki Ariyanti
Published: January 2024

NTRU is a lattice-based public-key cryptosystem designed by Jeffrey Hoffstein, Jill Pipher, and Joseph H. Silverman in 1996. NTRU published on Algorithmic Number Theory Symposium (ANTS) in 1998. The ANTS’98 NTRU became the IEEE standard for public key cryptographic techniques based on hard problems over lattices in 2008. NTRU was later redeveloped by NTRU Inc. since 2018 and became one of the finalists in round 3 of the PQC (Post-Quantum Cryptography) standardization process organized by NIST in 2020. There are two types of NTRU algorithms proposed by NTRU Inc., which are classified based on parameter determination, NTRU-HPS (Hoffstein, Pipher, Silverman) and NTRU-HRSS (Hulsing, Rijnveld, Schanck, Schwabe). Algebraic attacks on ANTS’98 NTRU had previously been carried out in 2009 and 2012. In this paper, algebraic attack is performed on the renewed NTRU submitted to the third round of NIST PQC standardization in 2020. This study aims to obtain system of polynomial equations representing plaintext bits of NTRU-HPS and NTRU-HRSS which can be used to find the private key in the next study. As a result, some polynomial equations with unknown variables were obtained.
Dynamic analysis of a coinfection model of dengue and asymptomatic and symptomatic COVID-19
Authors: Lamis Atikah , Tasman Hengki
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 with Dengue coinfection using a mathematical model. The human population was divided into six compartments, while the mosquito population was divided into two sections. The model considers that COVID-19 infection might be symptomatic or asymptomatic. First, we analyzed the dengue infection model. The basic reproduction number of the COVID-19 infection system and the Dengue infection system are used to forecast illness mitigation and persistence (denoted by ℛ0C and ℛ0D respectively). The qualitative examination of the sub-systems indicated that the disease-free equilibrium (DFE) is locally asymptotically stable provided the corresponding reproduction numbers are less than one. The coinfection model is then analyzed to yield the basic reproduction number, designated by ℛ0. The DFE and stability of the coinfection model are dependent on ℛ0 = max {ℛ0D, ℛ0C}. The numerical simulation of the coinfection model showed the existence of the endemic equilibrium of the coinfection model. Furthermore, we studied the dynamic solutions of the coinfection model by establishing the equilibrium points and evaluated the stability requirements.
Alpha power inverse Weibull distribution: A new lifetime distribution with application to gastric cancer data
Authors: Rasjid Julio Majesty , Nurrohmah Siti , Fithriani Ida
Published: January 2024

Lifetime data analysis has an essential role in various fields of science. In general, lifetime data have a skewed distribution pattern. The Weibull distribution is one of the most frequently used distributions for modeling lifetime data. However, the Weibull distribution is not suitable for modeling data with non-monotonous hazard functions, one of which is an upside-down bathtub shape. According to Sharma et al. (2015), the inverse version of several probability distributions can model the data with an upside-down bathtub shape, one of which is the inverse Weibull distribution. This paper explains the Alpha Power Inverse Weibull (APIW) distribution as a generalization version of the inverse Weibull distribution. This distribution is constructed by using the Alpha Power Transformation method. The modification is done by adding a shape parameter to the inverse Weibull distribution to increase flexibility. The characteristics of APIW distribution discussed include probability density function, distribution function, survival function, hazard function, and the r-th moment. The probability density function of APIW distribution is left-skewed and unimodal. In addition, the hazard function of APIW distribution has an upside-down bathtub shape. The parameters of this distribution are estimated by the maximum likelihood method. Finally, for illustration purposes, the data about the time until gastric cancer patients die are modelled with the inverse Weibull distribution, and the APIW distribution is given. The modeling result shows that the Alpha Power Inverse Weibull distribution is better at modeling the time until gastric cancer patients die data than the inverse Weibull distribution.
“In-silico Design and Development of Novel Hydroxyurea
Lipid Drug Conjugates for Breast Cancer Therapy Targeting
PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway”
Authors: Dharmaraj Saranya , Swaroop Akey Krishna , Esakkimuthukumar Mariappan , Negi Preeya , Jubie Selvaraj
Published: January 2024

Hydroxyurea (HU) has shown promise in breast cancer treatment, but its
hydrophilic nature limits its efficacy. Therefore, conjugating HU with lipids
could increase its liphophilicity and improve its cellular uptake, leading to
increased efficacy and reduced toxicity. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR
pathway is an attractive therapeutic target in cancer not only because it is the
second most frequently altered pathway after p53, but also because it serves as
a convergence point for many stimuli. The aim of this study is to design and
develop novel hydroxyurea lipid drug conjugates for breast cancer therapy
targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway using in-silico and
in-vitro approaches. The conjugates are designed and docked with the
proteins selected for each target like PI3K (PDB ID;2JDO), AKT (PDB ID;3APF),
mTOR (PDB ID;4JST). The conjugates with higher docking scores are taken for ADME
studies and molecular dynamics. Stearic, lauric, palmitic, myristic and
linolenic acids have been used for the conjugation. The conjugates are
synthesized and characterized. The HLB calculation and partition coefficient are
carried out to find the improvement in liphophilicity of the conjugates compared
to hydroxyurea. Finally, the in-vitro cytotoxicity studies are performed
with MCF -7 cell lines and the compound HU-MA (hydroxyurea with myristic acid)
with low IC50 is considered as the compound having good activity with
compound code. These conjugates have been shown to have improved drug solubility
and better cellular uptake compared to free hydroxyurea, which can increase drug
efficacy.
Abstract or concrete? The effects of language style and service context on continuous usage intention for AI voice assistants
Authors: Lan Hai , Tang Xiaofei , Ye Yong , Zhang Huiqin
Published: January 2024

The unprecedented growth in voice assistants (VAs) provided with artificial intelligence (AI) challenges managers aiming to harness various new technologies to enhance the competitiveness of their products. This article thus investigates how VAs can more effectively improve the user experience by focusing on the attributes of service contexts, matching a utilitarian-dominant (hedonic-dominant) context with concrete (abstract) language in VA–human interactions. Through such matching, VA companies can potentially create a beneficial congruity effect, leading to more favorable evaluations. The results of three studies therefore suggest that users prefer VAs with abstract language in a hedonic-dominant service context, but that VAs with concrete language are more competitive in a utilitarian-dominant service context. Furthermore, the perception of processing fluency mediates this effect. Accordingly, these findings provide a better understanding of AI–human interactions and open a straightforward path for managers or technology providers to enhance users’ continuous usage intention.
Identification of the form of self-excited aerodynamic force of bridge deck based on machine learning
Authors: Laima Shujin , Zhang Zeyu , Jin Xiaowei , Li Wenjie , Li Hui
Published: January 2024

This paper introduces an intelligent identification method for self-excited aerodynamic equations. The method is based on advanced sparse recognition technology and equipped with a new sampling strategy designed for weak nonlinear dynamic systems with limit cycle characteristics. Considering the complexity of the experiment condition and the difficult a priori selection of hyperparameters, a method based on information criteria and ensemble learning is proposed to derive the global optimal aerodynamic self-excited model. The proposed method is first validated by simulated data obtained from some well-known equations and then applied to the identification of flutter aerodynamic equations based on wind tunnel experiments. Finally, reasons for the different sparse recognition results under different sizes of candidate function space are discussed from the perspective of matrix linear correlation and numerical calculation.
Rheological properties of water-based amino acid ionic liquids
Authors: Feng Yang , Jabbarzadeh Ahmad
Published: January 2024

The rheological properties and zero-shear viscosity of water-based lubricants (WBLs) containing amino acid ionic liquids (AAILs) were investigated using both equilibrium (EMD) and non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations. We also performed experimental measurements to validate the simulations. The simulations demonstrated that adding AAIL additives to water increased both the shear viscosity and zero-shear viscosity. We added tetrabutylphosphonium (P4444) as a cation and three different amino acids, serine (Ser), lysine (Lys), or phenylalanine (Phe), as anions. We varied the AAIL concentration from 5 to 10 wt. % for tetrabutylphosphonium-serine (P4444-Ser) ionic liquid additives, showing that AAILs increased water viscosity by 68%–125%, depending on concentration. The P4444-Ser WBLs also exhibited a significantly higher first normal stress difference than water, meaning they could support more load in lubrication. The improved rheology persisted over a wide range of shear rates up to ∼1011 s−1. We have extracted full rheological parameters by fitting data into Cross, Carreau–Yasuda, and Eyring models, including zero-shear viscosity and critical shear rates of onset shear thinning. The experimental values of zero-shear viscosity were close to zero-shear viscosity results obtained from fitting NEMD results to these models, demonstrating the high fidelity of the molecular model. We explored the formation of hydration shells around amino acid anions as a marker for low friction behavior. These findings suggest that AAIL WBLs can be potentially low-friction and biodegradable lubricants in tribological applications.
Numerical analysis and experimental study on slurry diffusion characteristics of vortical oscillatory grouting technology considering soil interface
Authors: Tang Lubo , Chen Xiaobin , Zhang Xinxin , Wang Zhongrong , Wang Yeshun , Xie Kang
Published: January 2024

Based on the fluidic jet theory, this study proposes an effective vortical oscillatory grouting technology. The fluid switching mechanism and pressure pulse characteristics are investigated through numerical simulation and experiment. The slurry diffusion performance of oscillatory grouting is compared with that of steady-pressure grouting under various soil parameters and slurry parameters. The effects of soil interface on diffusion behavior are also studied. The results show that the growth and dissipation of the vortex within the tool generate periodic oscillatory fluid, which further produces pressure pulses. During oscillatory grouting, the pressure recovery process inside the fluidic oscillator reduces the pressure of the soil. With the increase in porosity and particle size, the pressure of the soil grouted by oscillatory pressure is noticeably reduced. Despite the lower pressure of the soil, oscillatory grouting demonstrates better diffusion performance, owing to the dynamic flow field and pressure fluctuation. The performance of oscillatory grouting is also influenced by the oscillatory frequency and pressure pulse amplitude. When the soil interfaces are taken into consideration, different fluid domains exhibit complex slurry diffusion patterns. It is observed that the interface that is perpendicular to the grouting direction has a greater influence on grouting behavior. The oscillatory grouting diffusion behavior is more sensitive to the soil interface. This study is expected to improve grouting efficiency and promote the development of new grouting technology.
Fault roughness controls injection-induced seismicity
Authors: Wang Lei , Kwiatek Grzegorz , Renard François , Guérin-Marthe Simon , Rybacki Erik , Bohnhoff Marco , Naumann Michael , Dresen Georg
Published: January 2024

Surface roughness ubiquitously prevails in natural faults across various length scales. Despite extensive studies highlighting the important role of fault geometry in the dynamics of tectonic earthquakes, whether and how fault roughness affects fluid-induced seismicity remains elusive. Here, we investigate the effects of fault geometry and stress heterogeneity on fluid-induced fault slip and associated seismicity characteristics using laboratory experiments and numerical modeling. We perform fluid injection experiments on quartz-rich sandstone samples containing either a smooth or a rough fault. We find that geometrical roughness slows down injection-induced fault slip and reduces macroscopic slip velocities and fault slip-weakening rates. Stress heterogeneity and roughness control hypocenter distribution, frequency–magnitude characteristics, and source mechanisms of injection-induced acoustic emissions (AEs) (analogous to natural seismicity). In contrast to smooth faults where injection-induced AEs are uniformly distributed, slip on rough faults produces spatially localized AEs with pronounced non-double-couple source mechanisms. We demonstrate that these clustered AEs occur around highly stressed asperities where induced local slip rates are higher, accompanied by lower Gutenberg–Richter
b
-values. Our findings suggest that real-time monitoring of induced microseismicity during fluid injection may allow identifying progressive localization of seismic activity and improve forecasting of runaway events.
Tagoi birth names
Authors: Bashir Abeer M. A. , Ali Osman M. O.
Published: January 2024

Among many groups of the Nuba Mountains, personal names
denote birth order, i.e., whether a child is the first, second, third, etc.,
among their siblings. Tagoi, a Niger-Congo language spoken in the
north-eastern Nuba Mountains, shows such a naming system. Tagoi children
receive another name, used in official documents and associated with certain
birth practices. Over time, these non-order-based names have been adapted to
an Islamic/Arabic naming system based on days of the week. Birth-order names
were retained for some time after Islamization and Arabicization, but
factors including urbanization and education have led to the gradual loss of
both types of names. This paper describes the Tagoi naming system in its
sociohistorical context and considers these names from linguistic and
anthropological perspectives.
Catching and classifying fish among the Dwang
Authors: Essegbey James
Published: January 2024

The goal of this chapter is to discuss an endangered
fishing practice, and the naming and uses of fish among the Dwang of the
Bono East Region of Ghana. I discuss a (defunct) communal fish catching process
known as kese /kə́sə́/, in which the poisonous plant
Adenia cissampeloises, also called
kese by the Dwang, was used to kill the fish and
harvest them. I then turn to the Dwang names for six freshwater fish, which
is a classification of sorts. I explore the semantics of the fish names,
especially their classes, such as ka- for singular versus
n- for plural (e.g., káwá/nkáwá),
on the one hand, and ɔ- for singular versus
a- for plural (e.g., ɔtʃwɪrɛ/atʃɪrɛ),
among others. I discuss some medicinal and customary uses of the fish which
have almost disappeared. The chapter is therefore a discussion of endangered
indigenous knowledge of a plant and fish.
Joint Authentication Public Network Cryptographic Key Distribution Protocol Based on Single Exposure Compressive Ghost Imaging
Authors: Yu 俞 Wen-Kai 文凯 , Wang 王 Shuo-Fei 硕飞 , Shang 商 Ke-Qian 克谦
Published: January 2024

In the existing ghost-imaging-based cryptographic key distribution (GCKD) protocols, the cryptographic keys need to be encoded by using many modulated patterns, which undoubtedly incurs long measurement time and huge memory consumption. Given this, based on snapshot compressive ghost imaging, a public network cryptographic key distribution protocol is proposed, where the cryptographic keys and joint authentication information are encrypted into several color block diagrams to guarantee security. It transforms the previous single-pixel sequential multiple measurements into multi-pixel single exposure measurements, significantly reducing sampling time and memory storage. Both simulation and experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of this protocol and its ability to detect illegal attacks. Therefore, it takes GCKD a big step closer to practical applications.
Highly sensitive flexible capacitive pressure sensor with structured elastomeric dielectric layers
Authors: Rawal Gaurav , Ghatak Animangsu
Published: January 2024

Sensitive yet stable, robust yet flexible and accurate yet energy efficient pressure sensors are required for variety of purposes. While a large variety of designs and dielectric materials have been explored for this purpose, there is still need of a flexible pressure sensor that will allow easy scale up and inexpensive fabrication. To this end, we have presented here the design of a flexible capacitive pressure sensor using copper coated paper as flexible electrodes and soft Ecoflex layers decorated with cylindrical micro-pillars as the dielectric. While microscopic construct of the sensor allows its easy manufacturability, softness of the layer imparts sensitivity to it. In contrast to many conventional sensors, this design yields sensitivity as high as ∼5 kPa−1 at pressure <1 kPa and somewhat smaller sensitivity as pressure exceeds 1 kPa. We have varied systematically pillar diameter, skin thickness of dielectric layer and pitch of the pillar array to optimise the design and demonstrate its easy tunability. We have presented a model based on buckling of the pillars to predict the response of the sensor. We have explored also a specific design that minimises the hysteresis.
Shapelet-based orientation and defect identification method for nanostructured surface imaging
Authors: Tino Matthew Peres , Suderman Robert , Abukhdeir Nasser Mohieddin
Published: January 2024

Structure-property relations are of fundamental importance for continued progress in materials research. Determining these relationships for nanomaterials introduces additional challenges, especially when nanostructure is present, either through self-assembly or nano-lithographic processes. Recent advances have been made for quantification of nanostructured surfaces, for which many robust experimental imaging methods exist. One promising approach is based on the use of shapelet functions for image analysis, which may be used as a reduced basis for surface pattern structure resulting from a broad range of phenomena (e.g. self-assembly). These shapelet-based methods enable automated quantification of nanostructured images, guided by the user/researcher, providing pixel-level information of local order without requiring detailed knowledge of order symmetries. In this work, enhancements to the existing shapelet-based response distance method are developed which enable further analysis of local order, including quantification of local orientation and identification of topological defects. The presented shapelet-based methods are applied to a representative set of images of self-assembled surfaces from experimental characterization techniques including scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. These methods are shown to be complementary in implementation and, importantly, provide researchers with a robust and generalized computational approach to comprehensively quantify nanostructure order, including local orientation and boundaries within well-aligned grains.
A novel flexible catheter with integrated magnetic variable stiffness and actuation
Authors: Li Xinling , Wang Haibo , Zuo Siyang
Published: January 2024

Flexible instruments offer significant advantages over traditional rigid instruments in ophthalmic surgery, because they can achieve larger working space and minimize the risk of damage caused by contact with eye tissues. However, it also needs to be rigid to achieve sufficient surgical operation force and stability. In this study, we propose a novel flexible catheter with integrated magnetic variable stiffness and actuation, based on electromagnetic induction heating and phase change alloy. The experimental results show that the catheter can switch from rigid to flexible modes in 11 s, and it takes 10 s to switch from flexible to rigid modes in room temperature. The bending stiffness of the catheter is 930.23°N mm2 in rigid mode and 74.42°N mm2 in flexible mode. In addition, the catheter can limit the axial force below 0.08°N in flexible mode, while withstand a force greater than 1.08°N in rigid mode. The catheter is equipped with a magnetic tip that can safely navigate in flexible mode with maximum bending angle of 106 degrees. The phantom experimental results demonstrated the potential clinical value of the proposed catheter.
Performance improvement of 263 nm AlGaN DUV LDs with different doping concentration and composition graded EBL Techniques
Authors: Rehman Hameed Ur , Rahman Naveed Ur , Haq Inayatul , Wang Fang , Liu Yuhuai
Published: January 2024

As part of this study, we present a study on the act of electrically driven Laser Diode (LD) using trinary Aluminum Gallium Nitride (AlGaN) with optimized doping concentrations. To increase the LD’s output power and capabilities, we focused on utilizing different doping concentrations in the electron-blocking layer (EBL). We conducted the calculations with PICS 3D software; we obtained simulation results indicating that the designed LD structure successfully emitted an ultraviolet (UV) laser class-c at a wavelength of 263.7 nm. By implementing this approach, we anticipate achieving higher optical output power by 6%, enhancing the concentration of electron and hole, and reducing the electron current density (356.1 to 342.8) and threshold voltage (4.516 to 4.5 V), and hole current density increases in AlGaN-based ultraviolet LDs. These promising outcomes can be attributed to the effective conduction band barrier height achieved by the optimized electron-blocking layer (EBL).
Design and simulation of control and sampling circuits for an open-path Fourier transform infrared spectrometer based on a rotating mirror
Authors: Zhu Junfeng , Li Chengrui , Chen Yihai , Du Zhiqiang
Published: January 2024

We designed a laser pulse sampling circuit to achieve equal optical path difference sampling for an open-path Fourier transform infrared (OP-FTIR) spectrometer based on a rotating mirror. The trigger signals for the equal optical path difference sampling were successfully obtained through circuit simulations, and an intelligent control circuit based on a 52 single-chip microcomputer (SCM) was used to accurately determine the sampling starting point and range for the spectrometer. By processing the grating scale signal and the grating reference signal, the sampling starting point and range of the spectrometer were determined precisely. Finally, the sampling trigger signals required to accomplish equal optical path difference sampling of the infrared spectrum were successfully outputted within the defined sampling range.
Highly catalytic reduced graphene oxide decorated Cu2S counter electrode boosting quantum dot–sensitized solar cell performance
Authors: Thanh Tung Ha , Dang Huu Phuc , Dan Ho Kim , Hanh Nguyen Thi My , Van Hieu Le , Van Thang Bui
Published: January 2024

This paper shows the outcomes of making and planning quantum dot solar cells with cathode electrodes made from a nanocomposite of rGO and Cu2S. The hydrothermal method is used to make this stuff into a powder, which is then mixed with polyethylene glycol and polyvinylpyrrolidone to make a paste coating that is then printed onto an FTO substrate that is conductive. Cu2S, rGO, and rGO@Cu2S nanocomposite electrodes, with the initial mass of graphene oxide varying at 8 mg, 12 mg, and 16 mg. The composition and structure of the films were determined using EDX mapping, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and FTIR spectra, confirming that they were successfully fabricated. In addition, the results showed that the surface of the film is very porous, making it suitable for electrode fabrication. The results of measuring the PCE show that the efficiency has been effectively improved. The efficiency of the rGO counter electrodes is increased as compared to the Cu2S counter electrodes. The device has the highest efficiency of 5.665%, VOC = 0.48V, JSC = 22.776 mA cm−2, and FF = 0.518 for the 12 mg-rGO@Cu2S counter electrode. This result shows that the support of the graphene network helps the Cu2S nanoparticles be distributed more evenly when Cu2S material is directly coated on the FTO. Besides, the graphene network also helps to make the electrons transition to the polysulfide more flexible, which is proven through cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results.
A Lagrangian theory for galaxy shape statistics
Authors: Chen Shi-Fan , Kokron Nickolas
Published: January 2024

We formulate the Lagrangian perturbation theory of galaxy intrinsic alignments and compute the resulting auto and cross power spectra of galaxy shapes, densities and matter to 1-loop order. Our model represents a consistent effective-theory description of galaxy shape including the resummation of long-wavelength displacements which damp baryon acoustic oscillations, and includes one linear, three quadratic and two cubic dimensionless bias coefficients at this order, along with counterterms and stochastic contributions whose structure we derive. We compare this Lagrangian model against the three-dimensional helicity spectra of halo shapes measured in N-body simulations by ref. [1] and find excellent agreement on perturbative scales while testing a number of more restrictive bias parametrizations. The calculations presented are immediately relevant to analyses of both cosmic shear surveys and spectroscopic shape measurements, and we make a fast FFTLog-based code spinosaurus publicly available at https://github.com/sfschen/spinosaurus.
Screening for Executive Impairment in Patients with Frontotemporal Dementia: Evidence from the Greek Version of the Frontier Executive Screen
Authors: Konstantinopoulou Eleni , Vilou Irini , Falega Ioanna , Papadopoulou Valentina , Chatzidimitriou Electra , Grigoriadis Nikolaos , Aretouli Eleni , Panagiotis Ioannidis
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to adjust the frontier executive screen (FES) for the Greek population, to develop normative data, and to investigate its ability to discriminate patients diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia from healthy individuals.

Methods

The FES was administered to 142 community-dwelling healthy adults (age: M = 65.9, SD = 8.5; education: M = 10.8, SD = 4.3; sex: 59% female) and 32 patients diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (age: M = 69.3, SD = 8.6; education: M = 11.7, SD = 4.8; sex: 31% female). Correlation and regression analyses were performed to determine the association between the FES scores, demographic, and clinical characteristics. Cronbach’s α coefficient was used to determine internal consistency. Group differences on the FES were examined with independent samples t-test and Mann–Whitney test. Discriminant and ROC analyses were used to determine diagnostic accuracy and to identify the optimal cutoff score for the discrimination between groups.

Results

Regression analyses indicated associations between demographic characteristics and FES scores (age: R2 = .08; education: R2 = .33). Internal consistency was marginally acceptable (α = .69). Patients scored lower than healthy participants on the total FES score (d = 1.91) and its three subscores (verbal fluency: η2 = .60; inhibition: η2 = .52; working memory: d = 0.90). The results indicated high diagnostic accuracy (94%) and the optimal cutoff score was 7 (91% sensitivity, 78% specificity).

Conclusions

The Greek version of the FES is a useful tool for the brief evaluation of executive functions in patients diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
Investigation of the Relationship Between Coping With the Disease and Affecting Cognitive, Physical, and Psychosocial Factors in People with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Sagici Ozge , Ozdogar Asiye Tuba , Aslan Taha , Ozakbas Serkan
Published: January 2024

Objective

To investigate the relationship between coping mechanisms in people with multiple sclerosis (MS, pwMS) and cognitive, physical, and psychosocial factors such as socio-demographic characteristics, disability, personality, stigma, quality of life, depression, and anxiety.

Method

One hundred and two pwMS were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Demographics and clinical characteristics were recorded. Coping with the MS Scale (CMSS), including seven subscales, which are problem-solving, physical assistance, acceptance, avoidance, personal health control, energy conservation, and emotional release, was used to measure coping. Anxiety and depression levels, stigma, neuropsychological symptoms, and personality were measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), EuroQol-5D Quality of Life Scale (EQ-5D), Quality of Life in Neurological Diseases (NeuroQoL) -Stigma Scale, Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire (MSNQ), and Revised Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Abbreviated Form (EKA-GGK), respectively.

Results

There was a weak statistically significant positive correlation between the physical support subscale and age and the disease duration and a strong positive correlation with EDSS (r = .214, p = .035; r = .213, p = .036; r = .582, p ≤ .0001, respectively). There was a moderate negative relationship between the physical support subscale and the EQ-5D mobility, self-care, pain, and health subscales (r = −.434, p = .000; r = −.482, p = .000; r = −.526, p ≤ .001, respectively), a weak negative correlation with anxiety, and a strong negative relationship with usual activities (r = −.379, p ≤ .001; r = −.243, p = .017; r = −.384, p ≤ .001, respectively).

Conclusion

It has been shown that coping with MS can be affected by cognitive, physical, and psychosocial factors.
DeepRegFinder: deep learning-based regulatory elements finder
Authors: Ramakrishnan Aarthi , Wangensteen George , Kim Sarah , Nestler Eric J , Shen Li
Published: January 2024

Enhancers and promoters are important classes of DNA regulatory elements (DREs) that govern gene expression. Identifying them at a genomic scale is a critical task in bioinformatics. The DREs often exhibit unique histone mark binding patterns, which can be captured by high-throughput ChIP-seq experiments. To account for the variations and noises among the binding sites, machine learning models are trained on known enhancer/promoter sites using histone mark ChIP-seq data and predict enhancers/promoters at other genomic regions. To this end, we have developed a highly customizable program named DeepRegFinder, which automates the entire process of data processing, model training, and prediction. We have employed convolutional and recurrent neural networks for model training and prediction. DeepRegFinder further categorizes enhancers and promoters into active and poised states, making it a unique and valuable feature for researchers. Our method demonstrates improved precision and recall in comparison to existing algorithms for enhancer prediction across multiple cell types. Moreover, our pipeline is modular and eliminates the tedious steps involved in preprocessing, making it easier for users to apply on their data quickly.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/shenlab-sinai/DeepRegFinder
Functional connectome hierarchy of thalamus impacts fatigue in acute stroke patients
Authors: Wang Jinjing , Zhang Hanhong , Fang Yirong , Dong Yiran , Chao Xian , Xiao Lulu , Jiang Shiyi , Yin Dawei , Wang Peng , Sun Wen , Liu Xinfeng
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to explore the topographic features of thalamic subregions, functional connectomes and hierarchical organizations between thalamus and cortex in poststroke fatigue patients. We consecutively recruited 121 acute ischemic stroke patients (mean age: 59 years) and 46 healthy controls matched for age, sex, and educational level. The mean age was 59 years (range 19–80) and 38% of acute stroke patients were females. Resting-state functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging were conducted on all participants. The fatigue symptoms were measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale. The thalamic functional subdivisions corresponding to the canonical functional network were defined using the winner-take-all parcellation method. Thalamic functional gradients were derived using the diffusion embedding analysis. The results suggested abnormal functional connectivity of thalamic subregions primarily located in the temporal lobe, posterior cingulate gyrus, parietal lobe, and precuneus. The thalamus showed a gradual increase from the medial to the lateral in all groups, but the right thalamus shifted more laterally in poststroke fatigue patients than in non- poststroke fatigue patients. Poststroke fatigue patients also had higher gradient scores in the somatomotor network and the right medial prefrontal and premotor thalamic regions, but lower values in the right lateral prefrontal thalamus. The findings suggested that poststroke fatigue patients had altered functional connectivity and thalamocortical hierarchical organizations, providing new insights into the neural mechanisms of the thalamus.
Natural trait variation across Saccharomycotina species
Authors: Wang Johnson J -T , Steenwyk Jacob L , Brem Rachel B
Published: January 2024

Among molecular biologists, the group of fungi called Saccharomycotina is famous for its yeasts. These yeasts in turn are famous for what they have in common—genetic, biochemical, and cell-biological characteristics that serve as models for plants and animals. But behind the apparent homogeneity of Saccharomycotina species lie a wealth of differences. In this review, we discuss traits that vary across the Saccharomycotina subphylum. We describe cases of bright pigmentation; a zoo of cell shapes; metabolic specialties; and species with unique rules of gene regulation. We discuss the genetics of this diversity and why it matters, including insights into basic evolutionary principles with relevance across Eukarya.
Genetic risk and likelihood of prostate cancer detection on first biopsy by ancestry
Authors: Lee Kyung Min , Nelson Tyler J , Bryant Alex , Teerlink Craig C , Gulati Roman , Pagadala Meghana S , Tcheandjieu Catherine , Pridgen Kathryn M , DuVall Scott L , Yamoah Kosj , Vassy Jason L , Seibert Tyler M , Hauger Richard L , Rose Brent S , Lynch Julie A
Published: January 2024

Despite differences in prostate cancer risk across ancestry groups, relative performance of prostate cancer genetic risks scores (GRS) for positive biopsy prediction in different ancestry groups is unknown. This cross-sectional retrospective analysis examines the association between a polygenic hazard score (PHS290) and risk of prostate cancer diagnosis upon first biopsy in male veterans using 2-sided tests. Our analysis included 36 717 veterans (10 297 of African ancestry). Unadjusted rates of positive first prostate biopsy increased with higher genetic risk (low risk: 34%, high risk: 58%; P < .001). Among men of African ancestry, higher genetic risk was associated with increased prostate cancer detection on first biopsy (odds ratio = 2.18, 95% confidence interval = 1.93 to 2.47), but the effect was stronger among men of European descent (odds ratio = 3.89, 95% confidence interval = 3.62 to 4.18). These findings suggest that incorporating genetic risk into prediction models could better personalize biopsy decisions, although further study is needed to achieve equitable genetic risk stratification among ancestry groups.
Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 and Cryptococcosis Infection, an Underdiagnosed Association: Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Concha-Velasco Fátima , Seas Carlos , Gotuzzo Eduardo , Bustamante Beatriz
Published: January 2024

Clinical and epidemiological features of 7 human immunodeficiency virus–negative Peruvian patients coinfected with human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and cryptococcosis (2006–2017) were studied. Most cases had meningeal involvement, were male, and originated from Peru's jungle. Patients with cryptococcosis should be tested for HTLV-1 in endemic areas of this retrovirus.
Original Research: A Real ‘Voice’ or ‘Lip Service’? Experiences of Staff Nurses Who Have Served on Staffing Committees
Authors: Bartmess Marissa P. , Myers Carole R. , Thomas Sandra P. , Hardesty Pamela D. , Atchley Kate
Published: January 2024

Background:

Nurse staffing committees offer a means for improving nurse staffing and nursing work environments in hospital settings by giving direct care nurses opportunities to contribute to staffing decision-making. These committees may be mandated by state law, as is the case currently in nine U.S. states, yet little is known about the experiences of staff nurses who have served on them.

Purpose and design:

This qualitative descriptive study was conducted to explore the experiences of direct care nurses who have served on nurse staffing committees, and to better understand how such committees operate.

Methods:

Participants were recruited by sharing information about the study through online nursing organization platforms, hospital nurse leadership, state chapters of national nursing organizations, social media, and nonconfidential nursing email lists. A total of 14 nurses from five U.S. states that have had nurse staffing committee legislation in place for at least three years were interviewed between April and October 2022.

Results:

Four themes were identified from the data—a “well-valued” committee versus one with “locked away” potential: committee value; “who benefits”: staffing committee beneficiaries; “not just the numbers”: defining adequate staffing; and “constantly pushing”: committee members' persistence.

Conclusions:

The results of this study highlight the importance of actualizing staff nurse autonomy within nurse staffing committees—and invite further exploration into how staff nurses' perspectives can be better valued by nursing and nonnursing hospital leadership. Nurse staffing committees generally recommend staffing-related policies and practices that address the needs of patients and nurses, and work to find areas of compromise between nursing and hospital entities. But to be effective, the state laws that govern nurse staffing committees should be enforceable and evaluable, while committee practices should contribute to positive patient, nurse, and organizational outcomes; otherwise, they're just another form of paying lip service to change.