bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peristaltic transport of Prandtl hybrid nanofluid (MWCNTs-SWCNTs/engine oil) in non-uniform ducts: Exploring electro-osmosis and Joule heating effects through Keller box simulations
Authors: Iqbal Zafar , Ahmad Imtiaz , Ullah Khan Sami
Published: October 2024

The peristaltic flow with applications of electro-osmotic phenomenon finds novel applications in microfluidic devices, biotechnology, environmental engineering, micro-reactor, and various medical devices. Owing to such motivations in mind, the objective of this analysis is to present the applications of electro-osmotic phenomenon in transport of Prandtl hybrid nanofluid due to non-uniform duct. The characteristics of hybrid nanofluid have been justified by using the single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) as well as multiple-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) uniformly decomposed to engine oil base liquid. The novel aspects of viscous dissipation and Joule heating effects are attributed. The thermal problem is further influenced by electro-osmotic force. The electric field effects are attributed with the help of Poisson–Boltzmann and Nernst–Planck expressions. The simplification of electric field expressions is done via Debye–Heckle linearization. The problem is modeled under certain constraints of creeping transport and lubrication theory. The novel numerical treatment is performed with the help of Keller Box method. Physical visualization of results is performed for assisting as well as opposing electro-kinetic pumping constraints. It is claimed that the velocity profile increases in the central line of duct with variation of electro-osmotic coefficient. The heat transfer reduces due to potential ratio parameter electro-osmotic constant. Furthermore, the enhancement of Prandtl fluid parameter leads to decrement of axial pressure.
On bifurcation analysis and numerical investigation of alcohol consumption dynamics
Authors: Ramzan Sehrish , Zanib Syeda Alishwa , Shah Muzamil Abbas , Abbas Nadeem , Shatanawi Wasfi
Published: October 2024

This research article investigates the dynamics of alcohol consumption and the impact of addiction treatment using the continuous mathematical model [Formula: see text]. The study is significant as it incorporates the Atangana–Baleanu Caputo fractional derivatives, offering a novel approach to establishing the existence and uniqueness of solutions within this context. Our model formulation captures various stages of alcohol consumption and treatment, providing a comprehensive framework for analysis.

We employ the next-generation matrix approach to explore the disease-free and endemic equilibria to calculate the basic reproduction number, [Formula: see text]. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to identify the parameters that most significantly influence [Formula: see text], which helps in understanding the dynamics of alcohol use and the effectiveness of intervention strategies. The local and global stability of both the alcohol-free and alcohol-present equilibria are rigorously examined to provide insights into potential long-term outcomes of alcohol consumption in the presence of treatment facilities.

Furthermore, we utilize Lagrange interpolation polynomial in a numerical framework implemented in Python to perform detailed simulations and validate our theoretical results. This numerical analysis helps visualize the model's predictions and understand the temporal evolution of alcohol consumption within the population.
Simulation of Watershed Streamflow with Quantification of the Process Behind Anthropogenic Water Consumption
Authors: Chen Moyu , Li Yancang , Lei Xiaohui
Published: October 2024

It is of great importance to evaluate and identify human water withdrawal and water use activities’ impact, which could help carry out better regional water resources management regulation. Human water withdrawal and water use data sets significantly improve the simulation performance of hydrological models by quantifying their effect on runoff. To demonstrate this, the point source data set is used to make grid data with a resolution of 1[Formula: see text]km and using the Wetspa-WR model (The Wetspa extension model including human water withdrawal module and reservoir storage module) with the expanded water extraction and use module and the water conservation project regulation and storage module. We applied the model in the upper reaches of the Yongding River in the Zhangjiakou area (ZJKYDR). The flexibility of the new model improves the characterization of uncertainty in simulated catchment streamflow and can be used for impact decomposition. The results showed the following: (1) The simulation efficiency of Wetspa-WR is higher, e.g., the relative error (RB) for the rating period decreased from 65.3% to [Formula: see text] and the RB for the validation period decreased from 58.6% to [Formula: see text]. (2) During 2017–2020, the effects of climate change, interval water extraction and use, reservoir regulation, and water storage on flow were [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], respectively. (3) When excluding the differences in water extraction and reservoir storage across the subwatershed, the watershed outlet flow increased by 8%.
A Survey on Team Errors in Digital Control Rooms of Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Wen Jing , Wang Ye , He Jiayuan , Tan Haibo , Li Pengcheng
Published: October 2024

To identify the shortcomings in current research on team errors and to outline future research directions aimed at enhancing safety management in the nuclear field, a review on team errors of key employees at nuclear power plants (NPPs) is compiled. The introduction of digital control systems in NPPs has fostered new human issues. To date, resources have focused on individual errors; however, the event investigations reveal that team errors significantly contribute to poor performance and accidents. The importance of team errors cannot be ignored, and incorporating team error control into safety systems is necessary for efficiently functioning NPPs. This study reviews fundamental aspects of team errors in digital control rooms of NPPs, covering three main foci: concept and classification of team errors, identification and classification of team error performance influencing factors (PIFs), and mechanisms of team errors. The main contributions of this review include the findings that (1) team interaction is not adequately captured in the definition of team errors; (2) the identification of team error patterns lacks an in-depth exploration of cognitive mechanisms, and the classification of team errors lacks uniform standards and objective methods; (3) 21 key PIFs leading to team errors have been identified, but the correlations between error patterns and PIFs have not been explored in depth; (4) lacking reliable systematic methods or models for analyzing team error mechanisms, especially in dealing with team dynamics and psychological error mechanisms. This research contributes to a more comprehensive, systematic understanding of team errors in NPPs, providing theoretical references for subsequent team error prevention and control strategy development.
An Ultra-Low Power, Low Voltage, Low Line Sensitivity, High PSRR, Voltage Reference for IoT Applications
Authors: Duggal Komal , Pandey Rishikesh , Niranjan Vandana
Published: October 2024

This paper proposes an all MOSFET transistor-based voltage reference with ultra-low power consumption and high PSRR for Internet of Things applications. The reference voltage is computed using the gate source voltages of the five NMOS transistors, excluding the use of any transistors with high threshold voltages. To provide a steady clamping voltage for the current source, a supply voltage stability circuit with a current source is added which enhances the proposed voltage reference line sensitivity and PSRR. It has been designed and simulated in 0.18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m CMOS technology to simulate the proposed voltage reference where all MOSFETs function in the subthreshold region with a 0.5[Formula: see text]V minimum supply voltage. The proposed voltage reference produces a reference voltage of 129.7[Formula: see text]mV with a supply voltage range of 0.5–3[Formula: see text]V. Based on simulation results, the proposed voltage reference has an active area of 0.001[Formula: see text]mm2, requires 11.2[Formula: see text]pW of power and has a line sensitivity of 0.021%/V. For a temperature range of [Formula: see text]40∘C to [Formula: see text]C, the circuit achieves a temperature coefficient of 38.2[Formula: see text]ppm/∘C. The power supply rejection ratio of the proposed voltage reference is [Formula: see text]101.5[Formula: see text]dB at 10[Formula: see text]Hz and [Formula: see text]90[Formula: see text]dB at 100[Formula: see text]Hz. The output noise at 100[Formula: see text]Hz and 1[Formula: see text]kHz is 4.68[Formula: see text]and 4.22[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]V/[Formula: see text]Hz, respectively.
Dynamical and Phase Analyses on Chaos Control of Discrete Predator–Prey Systems of Mixed Holling Types with Density-Dependent Birth Rates
Authors: Madian A. M. , Elettreby M. F. , El-sheikh M. M. A. , El-Gaber A. A.
Published: October 2024

This paper discusses the effect of density-dependent birth rate in a discrete predator–prey system with mixed functional responses of Holling types I and III. We use the Beverton–Holt function to modify the birth rate parameter of the prey species. The steady states and their stability are established. The criteria for flip bifurcation (FB) and Neimark–Sacker bifurcation (NSB) are proposed analytically using the center manifold theorem and normal bifurcation theory. Using the state feedback control method, it is shown that chaotic orbit can be stabilized at an unstable steady-state. This study deduces that the density of predator species is negatively affected by the density-dependent birth rate of prey species. Moreover, density-dependent birth rate can increase the possibility of extinction in prey species, which means that this birth rate may cause Allee effect. Some numerical simulations are given to verify these analytical results.
Chaotic Video Encryption Based on DNA Coding, Confusion, and Diffusion
Authors: Zhi Li-Xun , Du Yuan , Zhao Xi-Jue , Chen Tao , Cao Ke-Yin , Jiang Dong
Published: October 2024

Drawing inspiration from the paradigm of engineering projects, this paper presents a novel real-time chaotic video encryption scheme based on multithreaded parallel computing and multiround confusion–diffusion architecture. It utilizes a contractor thread to retrieve and assign frames to worker threads, which operate concurrently to perform DNA coding, confusion, and diffusion operations on their designated frames for encryption, with the resulting frames processed by a dealer thread. To evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm, it is implemented on a workstation equipped with an Intel Xeon Gold 6226[Formula: see text]2.9[Formula: see text]GHz CPU and 64[Formula: see text]GB of memory. The statistical and security analyses demonstrate that the proposed strategy exhibits exceptional statistical properties and provides robust resistance against various attacks. The encryption speed evaluations show that the deployed cryptosystem achieves delay-free [Formula: see text] 24[Formula: see text]FPS video encryption, with an average encryption time of 34.69[Formula: see text]ms, despite the execution of four rounds of DNA coding, five rounds of confusion, and three rounds of diffusion operations on each frame. In comparison to existing real-time chaotic video encryption schemes based on parallel computing, our method attains superior versatility and heightened security by processing each frame with an independent worker thread and incorporating DNA coding technology.
Track vertexing for trigger applications
Authors: Dima Maria , Dima Mihai-Tiberiu , Mihailescu Madalina
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we present a novel vertexing algorithm for determining the point of primary interaction, based on the linear extrapolation of tracks in the vicinity of the beamline. The algorithm considers tracks as infinitely elongated ellipsoids, thereby reducing the track vertexing problem to a vertex-to-points proximity problem. We have implemented the concept in C++ with the aid of our previously reported NXV4 package three for vectors and matrices, which gives very good CPU performance.
Nonperturbative suppression of chiral effects in hot QGP for Λ∕Λ̄-hyperons spin polarization in heavy-ion collisions
Authors: Abramchuk Ruslan A.
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we review the calculation of suppression of Chiral Separational and Chiral Vortical Effects for strange quarks (which allegedly yield spin polarization of [Formula: see text]-hyperons in peripheral Heavy-Ion Collisions) by the nonperturbative interactions in hot deconfined QCD with the Field Correlator Method. The parameter range in the temperature-baryon density plane is expected to cover LHC-ALICE and RHIC-STAR data.
Liouville domains from Okounkov bodies
Authors: Castronovo Marco
Published: October 2024

Given a strictly concave rational PL function [Formula: see text] on a complete [Formula: see text]-dimensional fan [Formula: see text], we construct an exact symplectic structure of finite volume on [Formula: see text] and a family of functions [Formula: see text] called polyhedral Hamiltonians. We prove that for each [Formula: see text] the one-periodic orbits of [Formula: see text] come in families corresponding to finitely many primitive lattice points of [Formula: see text] and determine their topology. When [Formula: see text] is negative on the rays of [Formula: see text], we show that the level sets of polyhedral Hamiltonians are hypersurfaces of contact type. As a byproduct, this construction provides a dynamical model for the singularities of toric varieties obtained as degenerations of Fano manifolds in any dimension via Okounkov bodies.
Generalization of Arnold’s J+-invariant for pairs of immersions
Authors: Häußler Hanna
Published: October 2024

This paper introduces the [Formula: see text]-invariant for oriented pairs of generic immersions. This invariant behaves like Arnold’s [Formula: see text]-invariant for generic immersions as it is invariant when going through inverse tangencies and triple points, but changes when traversing direct tangencies. It has several useful properties, for example, its independence of the [Formula: see text]-invariants of the single immersions forming the pair. Also, it is invariant under simultaneous orientation change. Therefore, one can define two [Formula: see text]-invariants for each pair depending on its orientation, those two invariants are not independent from each other. Furthermore, the invariant is extended to the [Formula: see text]-invariant for links of [Formula: see text] oriented immersions.
Cartan calculus for C∞-ringed spaces
Authors: Lerman Eugene
Published: October 2024

In an earlier paper [E. Lerman, Differential forms on [Formula: see text]-ringed spaces, J. Geom. Phys. (2023) 105062, https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2212.11163 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomphys.2023.105062 ], we constructed a complex of differential forms on a local [Formula: see text]-ringed space. In this paper, we define a sheaf of vector fields (“the tangent sheaf”) on a local [Formula: see text]-ringed space, define contractions of vector fields and forms, Lie derivatives of forms with respect to vector fields, and show that the standard equations of Cartan calculus hold for vector fields and differential forms on local [Formula: see text]-ringed spaces.
A polynomial-time exact algorithm for the connected k-facility location problem on trees
Authors: Ding Wei , Chen Guangting , Zhou Yu , Qiu Ke
Published: October 2024

This paper studies the Connected [Formula: see text]-Facility Location Problem (Con[Formula: see text]FLP) on trees. Let [Formula: see text] be an undirected tree, where [Formula: see text] is the [Formula: see text]-vertices set and [Formula: see text] is the [Formula: see text]-edges set. A facility set [Formula: see text] and a client set [Formula: see text] are given. Each client [Formula: see text] has one weight [Formula: see text] denoting the demand amount of [Formula: see text], and each facility [Formula: see text] has a weight [Formula: see text] denoting the opening cost at [Formula: see text], and each edge [Formula: see text], for [Formula: see text], is associated with a weight [Formula: see text] denoting the connection cost of it. When some facilities [Formula: see text] are opened, the overall cost involved in Con[Formula: see text]FLP includes three parts: the cost of opening facilities [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] times the cost of Steiner tree interconnecting all the opened facilities where [Formula: see text] is a fixed parameter, and the total connection cost of assigning each client to the closest facility in [Formula: see text]. The goal of Con[Formula: see text]FLP is to open at most [Formula: see text] facilities to minimize the overall cost, for a given input parameter [Formula: see text]. This paper focuses on the case of Con[Formula: see text]FLP on trees where [Formula: see text], and as a result presents a polynomial-time exact dynamic programming algorithm and a computational experiment to illustrate it. Furthermore, a simple way is shown to adapt the algorithm to the general case of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Finally, we apply the algorithm to a Con[Formula: see text]FLP instance in a regional tree-like water transportation network.
Corona products and rooted products of soft graphs
Authors: Jose Jinta , George Bobin , Thumbakara Rajesh K.
Published: October 2024

Soft set theory is a broad mathematical method for handling uncertain data. Numerous scholars are now using soft set theory to address problems related to decision-making. The concept of soft graphs provides a parameterized point of view for graphs. In graph theory, graph products are binary operations on graphs with various combinatorial purposes. We can define product operations of soft graphs in a manner similar to how graph products are defined. In this paper, we introduce the corona product, the restricted corona product, the rooted product, and the restricted rooted product of soft graphs. We prove that these products of soft graphs are again soft graphs. We also derive methods for computing their vertex count, edge count, and the sum of part degrees.
Remarks on the distribution of the sum of k quadratic residues (non-residues) modulo a prime
Authors: Bishnoi Monika , Kumar Pankaj
Published: October 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be an odd prime, [Formula: see text] be the set of quadratic residues modulo [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] be the set of quadratic non-residues modulo [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we observe that the problem of finding the number of solutions of [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is equivalent to the problem of counting the multiplicity (see Definition 1) of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], or zero in the set of sums of [Formula: see text] quadratic residues, which are not necessarily distinct, depending on whether [Formula: see text] is a quadratic residue, a non-residue, or zero, respectively. Thus, we count the multiplicity of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], or zero in the set of sums of [Formula: see text] quadratic residues using a graphical approach. In addition, we compute the number of times the sum of [Formula: see text] squares and [Formula: see text] non-squares over [Formula: see text] yields a square, non-square, or zero. Furthermore, we obtain an explicit formula for the sum of [Formula: see text] distinct quadratic residues (non-residues) modulo [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text]. The results obtained in this study are useful in the factorization of the polynomial [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a quadratic residue modulo [Formula: see text], and are also helpful in developing time-efficient computer programs.
Connected subgraphs, matching, and partitions
Authors: Biha Mohamed Didi , Kerivin Hervé L. M.
Published: October 2024

Given an undirected graph [Formula: see text] and a real edge-weight vector, the connected subgraph problem consists of finding a maximum-weight subset of edges which induces a connected subgraph of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we establish a link between the complexity of the connected subgraph problem and the matching number. We study the separation problem associated with the so-called matching-partition inequalities, which were introduced by Didi Biha, Kerivin and Ng [Polyhedral study of the connected subgraph problem, Discr. Math. 338 (2015) 80–92] for the connected subgraph polytope.
On Explicit Optimal Strategies for Two Pursuit-evasion Problems under Distance Condition in Frame of Differential Games
Authors: Feng Zinxin , Xue Wenchao , Qi Hongsheng , Cheng Long
Published: October 2024

This paper studies two pursuit-evasion problems under distance conditions in frame of differential game. In particular, a zero-sum differential game with the objective of distance and a nonzero-sum differential game with objective of both distance and azimuth adjustment are presented. The two players in the games are described by a nonlinear dynamics model subject to both speed and acceleration constraints in the two-dimensional plane. Instead of numerical solutions, the explicit equilibrium solutions of these two differential games are given under the condition that the distance between two players is larger than a certain value. Finally, the simulation results of these two differential games under typical cases demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.
Prompting Considered Harmful
Authors: Morris Meredith Ringel
Published: October 2024

As systems graduate from labs to the open world, moving beyond prompting is central to ensuring that AI is useful, usable, and safe for end users as well as experts such as AI developers and researchers.
Cold Start Latency in Serverless Computing: A Systematic Review, Taxonomy, and Future Directions
Authors: Golec Muhammed , Walia Guneet Kaur , Kumar Mohit , Cuadrado Felix , Gill Sukhpal Singh , Uhlig Steve
Published: October 2024

Recently, academics and the corporate sector have paid attention to serverless computing, which enables dynamic scalability and an economic model. In serverless computing, users only pay for the time they actually use resources, enabling zero scaling to optimise cost and resource utilisation. However, this approach also introduces the serverless cold start problem. Researchers have developed various solutions to address the cold start problem, yet it remains an unresolved research area. In this article, we propose a systematic literature review on cold start latency in serverless computing. Furthermore, we create a detailed taxonomy of approaches to cold start latency, which we use to investigate existing techniques for reducing the cold start time and frequency. We have classified the current studies on cold start latency into several categories such as caching and application-level optimisation-based solutions, as well as Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning-based solutions. Moreover, we have analyzed the impact of cold start latency on quality of service, explored current cold start latency mitigation methods, datasets, and implementation platforms, and classified them into categories based on their common characteristics and features. Finally, we outline the open challenges and highlight the possible future directions.
A Human–Security Robot Interaction Literature Review
Authors: Ye Xin , Robert Lionel P.
Published: October 2024

As advances in robotics continue, security robots are increasingly integrated into public and private security, enhancing protection in locations such as streets, parks, and shopping malls. To be effective, security robots must interact with civilians and security personnel, underscoring the need to enhance our knowledge of their interactions with humans. To investigate this issue, the authors systematically reviewed 47 studies on human interaction with security robots, covering 2003 to 2023. Papers in this domain have significantly increased over the last 7 years. The article provides three contributions. First, it comprehensively summarizes existing literature on human interaction with security robots. Second, it employs the Human–Robot Integrative Framework (HRIF) to categorize this literature into three main thrusts: human, robot, and context. The framework is leveraged to derive insights into the methodologies, tasks, predictors, and outcomes studied. Last, the article synthesizes and discusses the findings from the reviewed literature, identifying avenues for future research in this domain.
PROTECTS: Progressive Rtl Obfuscation with ThrEshold Control Technique during architectural Synthesis
Authors: Sharma Sonam , Roy Dipanjan , Pawar Digambar
Published: October 2024

Due to the supply chain globalization of the semiconductor industry, securing heterogeneous System-on-Chip (SoC) is becoming necessary. A malicious alteration, inserting Hardware Trojan, infringement, or counterfeiting of design via Reverse Engineering (RE) is the primary reason. As RE allows attackers to uncover proprietary algorithms, design specifications, and other intellectual property, exploiting the design becomes easier. This has a havoc impact on the manufacturer’s revenue as well as erodes consumer trust in the authenticity of the devices. This enforces a robust framework from the topmost design abstraction level to protect against RE attacks. This article proposed a robust, architectural synthesis-driven dual-phase functional obfuscation framework for securing Register Transfer Level design. In this framework, obfuscation is achieved for both the datapath (DP) and control unit (CU) of design. Further, the robustness of obfuscated design is tested against sophisticated DP and CU level attacks. Moreover, to protect the design from brute force attack, a Consecutive Design Mis-Authentication Prevention Mechanism (CDMAP) is proposed. The proposed framework is validated using six standard Hardware Accelerator (HA) benchmarks and evaluated based on design overhead and robustness for different key sizes. A significant improvement is achieved in terms of security (∼1800 times) and (∼5.2 times) and strength of obfuscation (∼1.87 × 10
56
times) and (∼5.94 × 10
33
times) at a lower design cost of around (∼20.4%) and (∼10.4%) compared to two closely related approaches.
Reconsidering Crime and Technology: What Is This Thing We Call Cybercrime?
Authors: Lusthaus Jonathan
Published: October 2024

Cybercrime is not a solely technical subject but one that involves human offenders who are susceptible to social scientific study. Yet, despite calls for cybercrime research to be mainstreamed, the topic remains a niche area within legal studies and the social sciences. Drawing on the most significant findings over recent years, this review aims to make the subject more accessible to a wide range of scholars by softening some of the perceived boundaries between conceptions of cybercrime and conventional crime. It examines these key themes in the literature: definitions and categories of cybercrime, cybercrime marketplaces, the governance of cybercrime, the importance of “place” within the world of cybercrime, cybercriminal networks, a discussion of what is new or old about cybercrime, and how we should define the concept going forward. The empirical literature on these themes suggests a simple definition is most appropriate: Cybercrime is crime that uses digital technology in a significant way.
Direct Synthesis of Ti-Al Compound Powders by Electrolysis in Molten LiCl-KCl
Authors: Wang Shuhan , Lu Xin , Takeda Osamu , Zhu Hongmin
Published: October 2024

The deposition potential difference between Ti and Al is only 70 mV. The deposition reaction of Ti-Al compound happens at the potentials slightly higher than that of metallic Ti and Al. Through galvanostatic electrolysis of mixture solution of Al and Ti ions, all kinds of titanium aluminides can be directly synthesized. The composition of the product compound can be selected through adjusting the combination of Ti and Al ions in the electrolyte.
Faster bladder filling in rats reduces detrusor overactivity but worsens (i.e., decreases) bladder compliance
Authors: He Wei , Slavik Nick , Braun Jacob , Samadifam Farshad , Hokanson James A.
Published: October 2024

Little is known about the effects of different bladder filling rates on cystometric results. Various sources have suggested that faster filling is “provocative” to the bladder. However, in this study we varied bladder filling rates in anesthetized rats and observed less detrusor overactivity with faster filling, not more. We explain this discrepancy as a miscommunication about what being provocative means, where faster filling leads to worse bladder compliance (as we observed), not more detrusor overactivity.
Differences in cardiorespiratory fitness by gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment before and after testosterone in transgender adolescents
Authors: Nokoff Natalie J. , Nemkov Travis , Bothwell Samantha , Cree Melanie G. , Fuller Kelly N. Z. , Keller Amy C. , Kelsey Megan M. , Nadeau Kristen J. , Moreau Kerrie L.
Published: October 2024

This study demonstrates differences in exercise capacity and mitochondrial respiration at baseline based on whether or not individuals had feminizing puberty blocked. Individuals who had puberty blocked had greater improvements in cardiopulmonary exercise testing parameters after 12 mo of testosterone than those who went through feminizing puberty.
Depression Can Affect Anyone: Report on Three Waves of National Representative Survey in Poland Measured With PHQ‐8
Authors: Toczyski Piotr , Feliksiak Michał
Published: October 2024

We conducted three surveys on representative random samples of adult Polish residents drawn from the citizens’ register. They were conducted in June 2022 (N = 1050), October 2022 (N = 1041), and February 2023 (N = 982). Interviews were conducted using a mixed‐mode technique (CAPI, CATI, and CAWI). Our key findings are that at least mild symptoms of depression are exhibited by a quarter of adults surveyed (25.8%), including a tenth (9.4%) with moderate or more severe symptoms. Translated to the population, that is more than 7.5 million Poles with at least mild symptoms and more than 2.7 million with more severe symptoms, respectively. The scale of depression symptoms is characterized by a certain seasonality. Fewer people experience them in spring than in autumn and winter. The most significant risk factors include, first of all, a poor economic situation, the presence of other health problems, and young age. There is also a higher risk for women and residents of large cities.
Evaluation of Random and Aligned Polycaprolactone Nanofibrous Electrospun Scaffold for Human Periodontal Ligament Engineering in Biohybrid Titanium Implants
Authors: Safi Ihab N. , Hussein Basima Mohammed Ali , Al-Khafaji Aseel Mohammed , Fatalla Abdalbseet A. , Al-Shammari Ahmed M.
Published: October 2024

Background: Stem cells are introduced to regenerate some living tissue to restore function and longevity. The study aims to isolate in vitro human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) and investigate their proliferation rate on plasma‐treated aligned and random polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibrous scaffolds made via an electrospinning technique to attempt periodontal‐like tissue in dental implants.

Materials and Methods: hPDLSCs were isolated from extracted human premolars and cultured on plasma‐treated or untreated PCL‐aligned and random scaffolds to enhance adhesion of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells as well as interaction and proliferation. Cell morphology, adhesion, and proliferation rate were evaluated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and the methyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The wettability of PCL scaffolds was tested using a goniometer.

Results: The hydrophilicity of plasma‐treated scaffolds was significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) in both aligned and random nanofibers compared to the nontreated nanofibrous scaffold. Cells arranged in different directions on the random nanofiber scaffold, while for aligned scaffold nanofibers, the cells were arranged in a pattern that followed the direction of the aligned electrospun nanofibres. The rate of hPDLSC proliferation on an aligned PCL nanofiber scaffold was significantly higher than on a random PCL nanofibrous scaffold with a continuous, well‐arranged monolayer of cells, as shown in FESEM.

Conclusion: The aligned PCL nanofiber scaffold is superior to random PCL when used as an artificial scaffold for hPDLSC regeneration in PDL tissue engineering applications.
Increased Red Cell Superoxide Dismutase Activity Is Associated with Cancer Risk: A Hidaka Cohort Study
Authors: Tanaka Shin-ichiro , Fujioka Yoshio , Tsujino Takeshi , Ishida Tatsuro , Hirata Ken-ichi
Published: October 2024

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalyzes the highly reactive superoxide anion to form hydrogen peroxide, which facilitates cell proliferation and death. We investigated whether red cell SOD (R-SOD) activity is associated with an increased risk of cancer in a Japanese general population. We prospectively analyzed data from 1,921 participants (800 men and 1,121 women; age, 58.7 ± 14.7 years) in a Hidaka cohort study. After a median follow-up period of 10.9 years, 160 participants had developed cancer. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate quartile-specific HRs and 95% confidential intervals (CI) for cancer risk. After adjustment for potential cancer risk factors including age, sex, current smoking habit, alcohol use, physical activities, body mass index, plasma immunoreactive insulin, and non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, we found a significant association between R-SOD activity and an increased risk of cancer (HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.03–2.52; P = 0.037). In analyses conducted separately by sex, a significant association was found in men (HR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.35–4.59; P = 0.003) but not women (HR, 1.46; 95% CI, 0.70–3.05; P = 0.320). After excluding participants who developed cancer within 5 years of the baseline survey, the association was more evident in men (HR, 4.64; 95% CI, 1.88–11.45; P = 0.001). We found no association with cancer risk in women (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.39–2.65; P = 0.983). Increased R-SOD activities were associated with an increased risk of cancer, particularly in men in this population.

Significance:

Our study is the first to show that increased R-SOD activity is associated with a significantly higher cancer risk in men but not in women. Antioxidative enzymes such as SOD are essential for maintaining cellular redox balance. Their roles in cancer development and prevention are yet to be fully elucidated.
Study of Rates and Factors Associated to Psychosomatic Syndromes Assessed Using the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research across Different Clinical Settings
Authors: Xu Wei , Jiang Wenhao , Ding Rongjing , Tao Hong , Wang Yanyong , Tang Yanping , Liang Dongfeng , Wang Yuping , Wang Mingwei , Chen Bingwei , Kong Youyong , Liu Lei , Yue Yingying , Tan Liangliang , Yu Lu , Cosci Fiammetta , Yuan Yonggui ,   on behalf of the DCPRs Working Group
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research (DCPR) serve as an instrument for identifying and classifying specific psychosomatic syndromes that are not adequately encompassed in standard nosography. The present study aimed at measuring the prevalence of DCPR syndromes in different clinical settings and exploring factors associated to such diagnoses. Methods: A cross-sectional and nationwide study recruited 6,647 patients in different clinical settings: 306 were diagnosed with fibromyalgia (FM), 333 with irritable bowel syndrome, 1,109 with migraine, 2,550 with coronary heart disease (CHD), and 2,349 with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Participants underwent DCPR diagnostic interview and were assessed for depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale), and subjective well-being (World Health Organization-5 Well-Being Index). The PsychoSocial Index was used to evaluate global well-being, stress, and abnormal illness behavior. The prevalence of DCPR diagnoses was calculated, and factors associated to such diagnoses were analyzed by logistic regression. Results: Alexithymia (64.47%), irritable mood (20.55%), and demoralization (15.60%) were the most prevalent psychosomatic syndromes, with demoralization being most common in FM (49.02%). The factors associated to DCPR diagnoses encompassed high anxiety or abnormal illness behavior, and poor well-being. Notably, stress was found to be associated specifically to FM and T2D, with OR of 1.24 (95% CI: 1.06–1.46) and 1.26 (95% CI: 1.18–1.36), respectively. Conclusion: DCPR is a clinically helpful complementary assessment tool in need of being widely implemented in clinical settings in order to have a comprehensive picture of the patients.
Probability of Lymph Node Metastases in Patients Undergoing Adequate Lymphadenectomy during Surgery for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: A Retrospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Sposito Carlo , Cucchetti Alessandro , Ratti Francesca , Alaimo Laura , Ardito Francesco , Di Sandro Stefano , Serenari Matteo , Berardi Giammauro , Maspero Marianna , Ettorre Giuseppe Maria , Cescon Matteo , Di Benedetto Fabrizio , Giuliante Felice , Ruzzenente Andrea , Ercolani Giorgio , Aldrighetti Luca , Mazzaferro Vincenzo
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Nodal metastases (lymph node metastasis [LNM]) are one of the major determinants of prognosis following surgery for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Previous studies investigating the correlation between clinical-radiological features and the probability of LNM include patients undergoing inadequate nodal sampling. Aim of this study was to develop a model to predict the risk of LNM in patients undergoing adequate lymphadenectomy using preoperative clinical and radiological features. Methods: Patients undergoing radical surgery for ICC with adequate lymphadenectomy at seven Italian Centers between 2000 and 2023 were collected and divided into a derivation and a validation cohort. Logistic regression and dominance analysis were applied in the derivation cohort to identify variables associated with LNM at pathology. The final coefficients were derived from the model having the highest c-statistic in the derivation cohort with the lowest number of variables included (parsimony). The model was then tested in the external validation cohort, and the linear predictor was divided into quartiles to generate four risk categories. Results: A total of 693 patients were identified. Preoperative CA 19-9, clinically suspicious lymph nodes at radiology, patients’ age, and tumor burden score were significantly associated with LNM. These factors were included in a model (https://aicep.website/calculators/) showing a c-statistic of 0.723 (95% CI: 0.680, 0.766) and 0.771 (95% CI: 0.699, 0.842) in the derivation and validation cohort, respectively. A progressive increase of pathological lymph node positivity across risk groups was observed (29.9% in low-risk, 45.1% in intermediate-low risk, 51.5% in intermediate-high risk, and 87.3% in high-risk patients; p = 0.001). Conclusions: A novel model that combines preoperative CA 19-9, clinically suspicious lymph nodes at radiology, patients’ age, and tumor burden score was developed to predict the risk of LNM before surgery. The model exhibited high accuracy and has the potential to assist clinicians in the management of patients who are candidate to surgery.
Clinical Characteristics of Sarcopenia in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systemic Scoping Review
Authors: Ye Tingdan , Mi Ke , Zhu Lin , Li Jonathan , Pan Calvin Q.
Published: October 2024

Introduction: This systematic scoping review aimed to synthesize existing research findings on the clinical manifestations in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and sarcopenia. Methods: Adhering to scoping review guidelines, we comprehensively searched five databases for literature on sarcopenia’s clinical manifestations in NAFLD patients from December 2013 to December 2023, meticulously compiling and synthesizing the findings. Results: A total of 312 articles were identified, with 9 studies included in the final review. Of these, 90% were cross-sectional investigations, with 70% from Asian cohorts. Comparative analysis between patients solely afflicted with NAFLD and those additionally experiencing sarcopenia revealed discernible trends. Individuals with both conditions tended to be older, have a higher body mass index, and show a higher prevalence among females, underscoring the influence of unhealthy lifestyles and obesity. Furthermore, comorbidities like metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and diabetes have been implicated in sarcopenia manifestation among NAFLD patients. Nonetheless, the lack of standardized diagnostic criteria and patterns poses an ongoing clinical challenge for this subgroup. Conclusions: Our review highlights distinct clinical characteristics evident in NAFLD patients with sarcopenia. However, comprehensive investigations remain scarce, impeding accurate early detection and intervention. Future research should prioritize bridging these gaps and fostering enhanced clinical management strategies.
Mastery Learning Guided by Artificial Intelligence Is Superior to Directed Self-Regulated Learning in Flexible Bronchoscopy Training: An RCT
Authors: Cold Kristoffer Mazanti , Wei Wei , Agbontaen Kaladerhan , Singh Suveer , Konge Lars
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Simulation-based training has proven effective for learning flexible bronchoscopy. However, no studies have tested the efficacy of training toward established proficiency criteria, i.e., mastery learning (ML). We wish to test the effectiveness of ML compared to directed self-regulated learning (DSRL) on novice bronchoscopists’ end-of-training performance. Methods: In a standardized simulated setting, novices without prior bronchoscopy experience were trained using an artificial intelligence (AI) guidance system that automatically recognizes the bronchial segments. They were randomized into two groups: the ML group and the DSRL group. The ML group was trained until they completed two procedures meeting the proficiency targets: 18 inspected segments, 18 structured progressions, <120-s procedure time. The DSRL group was trained until they no longer perceived any additional benefits from training. Both groups then did a finalizing test, without the AI guidance enabled. Results: A total of 24 participants completed the study, with 12 in each group. Both groups had a high mean number of inspected segments (ML = 17.2 segments, DSRL = 17.3 segments, p = 0.85) and structured progressions (ML = 15.5 progressions, DSRL = 14.8 progressions, p = 0.58), but the ML group performed the test procedure significantly faster (ML = 107 s, DSRL = 180 s, p < 0.001). The ML did not spend significantly longer time training (ML = 114 min, DSRL = 109 min, p = 0.84). Conclusions: ML is a very efficient training form allowing novice trainees to learn how to perform a thorough, systematic, and quick flexible bronchoscopy. ML does not require longer time spent training compared to DSRL, and we therefore recommend training of future bronchoscopists by this method.
Performance analysis of solar electric scooters with different charger controllers
Authors: Asrori Asrori , Susilo Sugeng Hadi , Adiwidodo Satworo , Faizal Elka , Martawati Mira Esculenta , Hartono Moh.
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the impact of solar charge controller (SCC) type on battery charging in solar-powered electric scooters (e-scooters). The research compared maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and pulse width modulation (PWM) controllers by monitoring average output power, current, and voltage every 10 minutes. Results showed that under stationary conditions, MPPT controllers delivered higher efficiency, generating 5.87 W of power compared to PWM's 5.05 W. This advantage persisted even during scooter operation, with MPPT controllers producing 4.91 W versus PWM's 4.31 W. Overall, the findings demonstrate that MPPT SCCs offer a more efficient solution for charging e-scooter batteries.
A brief on artificial intelligence in medicine
Authors: Ounasser Nabila , Rhanoui Maryem , Mikram Mounia , El Asri Bouchra
Published: October 2024

This review explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine. It discusses the benefits of AI, its core technologies, integration processes, and diverse applications. AI enhances diagnostics, personalizes treatments, and optimizes healthcare operations. Machine learning and deep learning are key AI technologies, while explainable AI ensures transparency. The review emphasizes the integration journey and highlights AI applications, from image diagnosis to telemedicine. Ethical concerns, data privacy, regulations, and algorithmic bias are challenges. The future promises continued innovation, global health equity, and responsible AI application in medicine.
Hybrid load forecasting considering energy efficiency and renewable energy using neural network
Authors: Aizam Adriana Haziqah Mohd , Dahlan Nofri Yenita , Asman Saidatul Habsah , Yusoff Siti Hajar
Published: October 2024

In recent years, the relationship between a country's gross domestic product (GDP) and its electricity consumption has changed significantly due to increased energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RE) adoption. This decoupling disrupts conventional load forecasting models, affecting utility companies. This study has developed an innovative solution using an artificial neural network (ANN) Hybrid method for load forecasting, resulting in a remarkably accurate model with 99.68% precision. Applying this model to Malaysia's electricity consumption from 2020 to 2040 reveals a significant 13% reduction when accounting for EE and RE trends. This method aids risk management, contingency planning, and decision-making by accurately reflecting changing energy usage dynamics influenced by EE and RE sources.
Evaluating telemedicine diabetes mellitus: a mobile health app for type-2 diabetes
Authors: Karim Muhammad Zakwan Abdul , Thamrin Norashikin M. , Shauri Ruhizan Liza Ahmad , Jailani Rozita , Manaf Mohd Haidzir Abd , Mustapa Nurul Amirah
Published: October 2024

Telemedicine diabetes mellitus (Tele-DM) mobile health (mHealth) tool functionality, usefulness, and user feedback were examined in this study. Data from nine distinct users of type-2 diabetes (T2D) patients, healthcare professionals (HCPs), and administrators was analyzed to determine functionality. Data retrieval times increased with database user data amount, according to the study. A 3-month program with five T2D patients reduced weight (0.98 kg) and Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (0.34%). This shows that Tele-DM helps manage diabetes, but more participants are needed to confirm. Nine Tele-DM customers were satisfied with the app's reception, according to 14 online questionnaires. Overall, Tele-DM simplifies diabetic self-management in a novel way. This study shows its potential to transform diabetes management and address major healthcare issues.