bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A temperature-induced metabolic shift in the emerging human pathogen
Photorhabdus asymbiotica
Authors: Carter Elena Lucy , Waterfield Nicholas R. , Constantinidou Chrystala , Alam Mohammad Tauqeer
Published: October 2024

Photorhabdus
is a bacterial genus containing both insect and emerging human pathogens. Most insect-restricted species display temperature restriction, unable to grow above 34°C, while
Photorhabdus asymbiotica
can grow at 37°C to infect mammalian hosts and cause Photorhabdosis. Metabolic adaptations have been proposed to facilitate the survival of this pathogen at higher temperatures, yet the biological mechanisms underlying these are poorly understood. We have reconstructed an extensively manually curated genome-scale metabolic model of
P. asymbiotica
(iEC1073, BioModels ID MODEL2309110001), validated through
in silico
gene knockout and nutrient utilization experiments with an excellent agreement between experimental data and model predictions. Integration of iEC1073 with transcriptomics data obtained for
P. asymbiotica
at temperatures of 28°C and 37°C allowed the development of temperature-specific reconstructions representing metabolic adaptations the pathogen undergoes when shifting to a higher temperature in a mammalian compared to insect host. Analysis of these temperature-specific reconstructions reveals that nucleotide metabolism is enriched with predicted upregulated and downregulated reactions. iEC1073 could be used as a powerful tool to study the metabolism of
P. asymbiotica,
in different genetic or environmental conditions.

IMPORTANCE

Photorhabdus
bacterial species contain both human and insect pathogens, and most of these species cannot grow in higher temperatures. However,
Photorhabdus asymbiotica
, which infects both humans and insects, can grow in higher temperatures and undergoes metabolic adaptations at a temperature of 37°C compared to that of insect body temperature. Therefore, it is important to examine how this bacterial species can metabolically adapt to survive in higher temperatures. In this work, using a mathematical model, we have examined the metabolic shift that takes place when the bacteria switch from growth conditions in 28°C to 37°C. We show that
P. asymbiotica
potentially experiences predicted temperature-induced metabolic adaptations at 37°C predominantly clustered within the nucleotide metabolism pathway.
Subtle echocardiogram findings requiring further investigation: restrictive cardiomyopathy in a rare genetic condition
Authors: Kreinbrook Judah Andrew , Izzo Laura , Atkins Christopher , Das Samrat
Published: October 2024

Mulibrey nanism (MN) is a extremely rare genetic condition first described in 1973, with around 150 cases reported worldwide. MN is characterised by growth delay and multiorgan manifestations, the most fatal being a combination restrictive-constrictive, perimyocardial heart disease that results in diastolic heart failure. We present a male toddler with MN who presented with recurrent episodes of hypoxia, feeding intolerance, and generalised swelling (anasarca) in the setting of subtle echocardiographic findings. A multidisciplinary and systematic diagnostic approach was used to determine the underlying aetiology. Invasive cardiac testing via right heart catheterisation revealed the final diagnosis of restrictive cardiomyopathy. Transplant decision-making was limited due to hepatic involvement. This case highlights the limitations of echocardiography in diagnosing restrictive cardiomyopathy, which has a preserved ejection fraction, as well the need for multidisciplinary involvement and a family-centred approach in treating patients with this rare condition.
Climate change and human health in Alpine environments: an interdisciplinary impact chain approach understanding today's risks to address tomorrow's challenges
Authors: Roveri Giulia , Crespi Alice , Eisendle Frederik , Rauch Simon , Corradini Philipp , Steger Stefan , Zebisch Marc , Strapazzon Giacomo
Published: October 2024

The European Alps, home to a blend of permanent residents and millions of annual tourists, are found to be particularly sensitive to climate change. This article employs the impact chain concept to explore the interplay between climate change and health in Alpine areas, offering an interdisciplinary assessment of current and future health consequences and potential adaptation strategies.

Rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns and increasing extreme weather events have profound implications for the Alpine regions. Temperatures have risen significantly over the past century, with projections indicating further increases and more frequent heatwaves. These trends increase the risk of heat-related health issues especially for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, frail individuals, children and recreationists. Furthermore, changing precipitation patterns, glacier retreat and permafrost melting adversely impact slope stability increasing the risk of gravity-driven natural hazards like landslides, avalanches and rockfalls. This poses direct threats, elevates the risk of multi-casualty incidents and strains search and rescue teams.

The environmental changes also impact Alpine flora and fauna, altering the distribution and transmission of vector-borne diseases. Such events directly impact healthcare administration and management programmes, which are already challenged by surges in tourism and ensuring access to care.

In conclusion, Alpine regions must proactively address these climate change-related health risks through an interdisciplinary approach, considering both preventive and responsive adaptation strategies, which we describe in this article.
Challenges and opportunities for strengthening palliative care services in primary healthcare facilities: perspectives of health facilities in-charges in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Sirili Nathanael , Yoram Furahini , Mkusa Veronica , Malichewe Christina V , Kiwango George , Lyamai Juda Thadeus John , Nyongole Obadia Venance
Published: October 2024

Background

With the rise of non-communicable diseases in Tanzania, palliative care (PC) is increasingly needed to improve the quality of life for these patients through pain and symptom management and providing psychological care, social and spiritual support. Despite a larger portion of the population having access to healthcare services at primary healthcare (PHC) facilities in Tanzania, PC services are limited and less organised at this level. This study explored the challenges facing the provision of PC and the opportunities for strengthening PC services at PHC facilities in Tanzania.

Methods

We adopted an exploratory qualitative case study to conduct in-depth interviews with 15 health facilities in charge from 15 purposefully selected PHC facilities in Dar es Salaam City, Tanzania, in August 2023. We analysed the gathered information using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Two categories emerged from the analysis of the gathered information. These are (1) challenges facing the provision of PC services at PHC facilities and (2) opportunities for strengthening PC services at PHC facilities. The challenges are grouped as provider-level, facility-level and patient-level challenges. The opportunities are organised into three subcategories. These are the increasing demand for PC services, the availability of multiple supporting systems and a functional referral system.

Conclusion

This study underscores the challenges and opportunities for providing PC services at PHC facilities. These findings call for a collaborative effort from health system players to strengthen the available PC services. The efforts should include expanding the coverage of PC services at the PHC facilities and healthcare providers’ training. Expansion of PC services should include introducing them in places where they are unavailable and improving them where they are not available. PC training should consider preservice training in the health training institutions’ curricula and continued medical education to the existing staff. Furthermore, we recommend community health education to raise awareness of PC services.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of low-dose antihypertensive combinations in patients with hypertension: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Xiexiong , Liu Tao , He Yu-Nan , Fang Weilun , Li Xiaogang , Jiang Weihong
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Hypertension, a prevalent cardiovascular disease globally, poses significant health risks and economic burden. Evolving treatment targets necessitate more intensive strategies, such as low-dose triple or quadruple drug combinations. However, a systematic comparison of different low-dose antihypertensive combinations is still lacking. The aim of the present study is to systematically and comprehensively evaluate the blood pressure-lowering effect and the associated safety of diverse low-dose polypharmacy combinations in patients with hypertension.

Methods and analysis

In this systematic review and network meta-analysis, randomised controlled trials comparing diverse low-dose polypharmacy combinations with placebo or active treatments in patients with hypertension will be eligible for inclusion. The primary outcomes are a reduction in systolic/diastolic blood pressure, the rate of target blood pressure, adverse effects, serious adverse effects and all-cause dropout after treatment. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Chinese Science Citation Database, Wanfang Medical Network, VIP Database and clinical trial registries will be systematically searched for relevant studies published from inception date to 18 January 2024. No language restrictions will be applied during the search process. Two independent reviewers will identify eligible trials and extract the data. Traditional pairwise meta-analysis will be conducted to analyse direct comparisons. A frequentist approach will be used to analyse the primary outcome for network comparisons, and cumulative rank probabilities will present the treatment hierarchy of all endpoints. Sensitivity analysis will be conducted using a Bayesian framework under a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses will be conducted according to sample size, quality of study and sponsorship, if the data allow. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0 will be used to assess the quality of the included studies. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system will be used to assess the strength of evidence.

Ethics and dissemination

Since this study relies solely on published literature, no ethics approval is necessary. The results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42024503239.
Association between sleep quality and uncertainty stress among healthcare professionals in hospitals in China: a nationwide cross-sectional survey
Authors: Pan Jianjiang , Cai Xixuan , Chen Liying , Wu Lihong , Xia Jingjing , Lu Jingjing
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Sleep quality is a critical concern among healthcare professionals, yet the role of uncertainty stress has been inadequately explored. This study aims to explore the associations between sleep quality and uncertainty stress among healthcare professionals working in Chinese hospitals.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Data were collected via a cross-sectional survey administered to healthcare professionals across three Chinese provinces from 29 September 2022 to 18 January 2023.

Participants

A total of 1902 participants contributed valid responses for analysis.

Primary outcome measure

Sleep quality.

Results

Out of 1902 respondents, 26.4% reported uncertainty stress and 50.5% experienced insomnia. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that higher uncertainty stress significantly predicted poor sleep quality (OR=3.89; 95% CI 3.06, 4.95; p<0.001) while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Furthermore, linear regression analysis confirmed the similar relationship between uncertainty stress and sleep quality (β=3.10; 95% CI 2.67, 3.52; p<0.001).

Conclusions

The study highlights a significant association between uncertainty stress and impaired sleep quality among Chinese healthcare professionals. These findings suggest the necessity for targeted strategies to mitigate uncertainty stress, which may potentially promote better sleep and overall well-being in healthcare settings.
Innovative management strategies for addressing paediatric medical staff shortages in underdeveloped cities in developing countries
Authors: Yan Xingxue , Yu Jinshi , Zhang Peng , Zhang Jinrui , Luo Shuying , Yu Yingying
Published: October 2024

Background

Paediatric professional scarcity and uneven distribution is acute in underdeveloped regions, exacerbated by COVID-19’s workload surge and burnout, highlighting the need for strengthened prevention and response measures.

Aim

Propose an effective talent management model to address the challenge of paediatric medical personnel shortage and lack of management experience in Underdeveloped cities of developing countries.

Methods

A crisis management plan has been implemented in a paediatric hospital in Henan, China, with a talent framework to ensure a skilled, stable workforce.

Results

An advanced talent management system is vital to address paediatric talent scarcity. Leveraging the national Children’s Regional Medical Center, fostering international cooperation, sharing knowledge and harnessing regional policies are key to effective paediatric talent management through leveraging, promotion, and driving initiatives.

Conclusions

Efficient talent management methods have a significant positive impact on addressing the paediatric talent crisis, enabling departments and institutions to effectively manage medical talent through scientific strategies, ultimately contributing to the alleviation of medical resource deficiencies.
Effect of shear-induced consolidation on the behaviour of a loose silt tailings
Authors: Vulpe Cristina , Fourie Andy
Published: October 2024

Tailings within a tailings storage facility (TSF) are subjected to monotonic loading and consolidation following tailings depositions into the impoundment and perimeter embankment raises. The aim of the current study was to identify how monotonic loading followed by consolidation influences the behaviour of a loose silt tailings deposit. The study quantified the effect of magnitude and duration of an applied monotonic load on the evolving undrained shear strength using triaxial testing. It also showed that peak undrained shear strengths are reached under lower shear-induced excess pore pressures and axial strains than inferred from standard triaxial testing. While the study showed how tailings benefitted from gains in peak undrained shear strength, it also highlighted some potential negative implications for timely detection of precursors to failure of TSFs by means of conventional monitoring.
Assessing species at risk legislation across Canadian provinces and territories
Authors: Gordon Susan C.C. , Duchesne Adam G. , Dusevic Michael R. , Galán-Acedo Carmen , Haddaway Lucas , Meister Sarah , Olive Andrea , Warren Marlena , Vincent Jaimie G. , Cooke Steven J. , Bennett Joseph R.
Published: October 2024

Canada’s provinces and territories govern species at risk across most of Canada, with the federal Species at Risk Act generally covering only aquatic species, migratory birds, and species living on federal land. More than a decade after a 2012 report by the environmental law charity Ecojustice on species at risk protection in Canada, we use the same criteria to evaluate the current state of provincial and territorial species at risk legislation, and we provide updates on changes in each jurisdiction since 2012. These criteria are as follows: whether at-risk species are being identified, whether these species are being protected, whether their habitat is being protected, and whether species recovery plans are being created and implemented. We find that there is considerable variation across jurisdictions, with shortcomings that result in inadequate protections for at-risk species, as well as strong components that should be adopted by all jurisdictions. We recommend seven key areas for improvement: dedicated and harmonized legislation, limited discretionary power, increased embrace of scientific and Indigenous knowledge, appropriate timelines for actions, reasonable exemptions to protections, habitat protection across land ownership types, and transparency throughout the process. We urge policymakers to address current shortcomings as they work toward meeting Canada’s biodiversity conservation commitments.
D-Brane effective Lagrangian in spacetimes with boundaries
Authors: Baradaran-Hosseini Ali , Garousi Mohammad R.
Published: October 2024

In this study, we explore the transformation of $$D_p$$

D
p

-branes to $$D_{p-1}$$

D

p
-
1

-branes under T-duality when the D-brane is embedded in a spacetime with a boundary. Our goal is to derive the higher-derivative corrections to the Dirac–Born–Infeld (DBI) Lagrangian for both the bulk and boundary terms. For the bulk terms, we calculate the $$\alpha '$$

α
′

corrections for the massless open string fields, up to the 8th order in the dimensionless Maxwell field strength. We demonstrate that the bulk Lagrangian can satisfy the T-duality constraint without residual total derivative terms in the base space. This determines the most general independent couplings of the massless open string fields in the bulk Lagrangian, encompassing 145 coupling constants, up to three parameters. Two of these parameters are physical and are determined by disk-level S-matrix elements, while the third is unphysical and can be eliminated by field redefinitions and integration by parts. The final result for the bulk Lagrangian consists of 49 couplings. For the boundary terms, the application of T-duality symmetry to massless open and closed string fields enables us to extend the DBI Lagrangian to include the boundary unit normal vector field $$n_\mu $$

n
μ

and its first derivative.
Topportunities at the LHC: rare top decays with light singlets
Authors: Bahl Henning , Koren Seth , Wang Lian-Tao
Published: October 2024

The discovery of the top quark, the most massive elementary particle yet known, has given us a distinct window into investigating the physics of the Standard Model and beyond. With a plethora of top quarks to be produced in the high luminosity era of the LHC, the exploration of its rare decays holds great promise in revealing potential new physics phenomena. We consider higher-dimensional operators contributing to flavour-changing-neutral-current top decays in the SMEFT and its extension by a light singlet species of spin 0, 1/2, or 1, and exhibit that the HL-LHC (and other future colliders) may observe many exotic top decays in a variety of channels. Light singlets which primarily talk to the SM through such a top interaction may also lead to distinctive long-lived particle signals. Searching for such long-lived particles in top-quark decays has the additional advantage that the SM decay of the other top quark in the same event provides a natural trigger.
Phase space properties of cosmological models in f(Q, T) gravity
Authors: Rathore Shivangi , Singh S. Surendra , Muhammad Shah , Zotos Euaggelos E.
Published: October 2024

The Weyl type f(Q, T) gravity is the modification of f(Q) gravity and f(Q, T) theories, where non-metricity is denoted by Q and T is the trace of the energy–momentum tensor. Together with a geometric explanation for dark energy, the theory can provide an exact interpretation of the transformation of the late-time Universe and the observable data. In this study, we present an accelerated cosmic model of the Universe in f(Q, T) gravity. We consider the model of f(Q, T) gravity as, $$f(Q,T) = -Q+\phi (Q,T)$$

f
(
Q
,
T
)
=
-
Q
+
ϕ
(
Q
,
T
)

. We examine the energy condition for the model of f(Q, T) gravity and find out that our model satisfies the null and strong energy conditions at the same time, it violates the weak and dominant energy conditions. After that, we perform the phase-space study of our cosmological model with and without interaction independently. In case of the absence of interaction, we get six critical points out of which three critical points are stable critical points while the rest three critical points are saddle. When we perform the stability analysis in the presence of interaction, we get three critical points out of which one critical point is stable while the rest two are saddle points. The phase-plot analysis also shows the cosmological models in f(Q, T) gravity.
Non-linear matter power spectrum modeling in interacting dark energy cosmologies
Authors: Silva Emanuelly , Zúñiga-Bolaño Ubaldo , Nunes Rafael C. , Di Valentino Eleonora
Published: October 2024

Understanding the behavior of the matter power spectrum on non-linear scales beyond the $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM model is crucial for accurately predicting the large-scale structure (LSS) of the Universe in non-standard cosmologies. In this work, we present an analysis of the non-linear matter power spectrum within the framework of interacting dark energy-dark matter cosmologies (IDE). We employ N-body simulations and theoretical models to investigate the impact of IDE on these non-linear scales. Beginning with N-body simulations characterized by a fixed parameter space delineated by prior observational research, we adeptly fit the simulated spectra with a simple parametric function, achieving accuracy within 5%. Subsequently, we refine a modified halo model tailored to the IDE cosmology, exhibiting exceptional precision in fitting the simulations down to scales of approximately 1 h/Mpc. To assess the model’s robustness, we conduct a forecast analysis for the Euclid survey, employing our refined model. We find that the coupling parameter $$\xi $$
ξ
will be constrained to $$\sigma (\xi ) = 0.0110$$

σ
(
ξ
)
=
0.0110

. This marks a significant improvement by an order of magnitude compared to any other current observational tests documented in the literature. These primary findings pave the way for a novel preliminary approach, enabling the utilization of IDE models for observational constraints concerning LSS data on non-linear scales.
Pattern Dynamics of a Predator–Prey Model Driven by Higher-Order Interactions
Authors: Liang Qianqian , Shen Jianwei
Published: October 2024

We have developed a predator–prey model driven by higher-order interactions to investigate their potential in stabilizing ecological community dynamics and promoting species coexistence. Initially, the stability of the equilibrium is analyzed under diffusion-free conditions, and its local bifurcation behavior is systematically examined. In alignment with real ecological scenarios, higher-order interactions are modeled as random simplicial complexes. Moreover, a network dynamics approach is employed to study the pattern dynamics induced by higher-order interactions. Perturbation analysis is conducted to identify parametric conditions that lead to Turing instability. The results indicate that higher-order interactions play a pivotal role in this process, whereas first-order interactions alone are insufficient to induce Turing instability. Specifically, higher-order interactions contribute to a transition from regions of high abundance to regions of low abundance. In addition, the mean-field approximation offers critical insights into the mechanism by which higher-order interactions induce Turing instabilities, primarily by increasing the nodes’ degrees within the network. Meanwhile, the findings underscore that higher-order interactions play a pivotal role in enhancing the stability of ecological community dynamics through the facilitation of pattern formation. This highlights the crucial importance of higher-order interactions in sustaining ecosystem diversity and stability.
NOVEL OPTICAL SOLITON SOLUTIONS OF THE FRACTIONAL PERTURBED SCHRÖDINGER EQUATION IN OPTICAL FIBER
Authors: WANG KANG-LE , WEI CHUN-FU
Published: October 2024

This work is dedicated to investigating the fractional perturbed Schrödinger equation with M-truncated derivative, which appears in the fields of plasma physics and optical fiber communication. A variety of new optical soliton solutions and periodic solutions are obtained by adopting two excellent mathematical schemes, namely, the fractional unified method and the extended fractional ([Formula: see text]-expansion method. The dynamic characteristics of these new optical soliton solutions are described by providing corresponding 2D and 3D graphs.
The monazite record of (ultra)high-temperature metamorphism in southern Madagascar: Gondwana terrane correlations and structural trapping of hot middle crust
Authors: Holder Robert M. , Horton Forrest , Swindle Carl , Rakotondrazafy Amos Fety Michel
Published: October 2024

Ancient orogens eroded to midcrustal levels provide insight into strain accommodation, metamorphism and melting in Himalaya-type continent–continent collisions. This study focuses on the Neoproterozoic–Cambrian Eastern Africa–Kuunga orogen exposed in Madagascar, where uncertainty about the terrane correlations, and therefore structural framework, of the orogen persists. We present a comprehensive dataset of monazite petrochronology and thermobarometry across the southern Madagascar basement to quantify the regional and temporal variability of metamorphism. We argue that the ultrahigh-temperature Anosyen domain and associated Androyen domain have a shared geological history, recording two successive tectonic events at 630–600 and 580–500 Ma. Other Madagascar domains record primarily the former (Vohibory domain to the west) or latter (all other domains to the NE) event.

From this inference, we discuss terrane correlations with Africa and India, then present a structural framework for the orogen in which the Anosyen–Androyen domain was structurally confined in a central, lithosphere-scale transpressional shear system between divergent, diachronous thrust belts. By limiting exhumation, extrusion and collapse, the structural trapping of the Androyen–Anosyen domain facilitated longer-lasting, higher-
T
metamorphism than associated rocks in the adjacent nappe systems. Such structural trapping may be an important control on high-
T
metamorphism in the cores of Himalaya-type orogens in general.
CTRNet++: Dual-Path Learning with Local-Global Context Modeling for Scene Text Removal
Authors: Liu Chongyu , Peng Dezhi , Liu Yuliang , Jin Lianwen
Published: October 2024

Recent advances in scene text removal have attracted growing research interest due to its applications on privacy protection, document restoration, and text editing. While deep learning and generative adversarial network have shown significant progress, existing methods often struggle to generate consistent and plausible textures when erasing texts on complex backgrounds. To address this challenge, we propose a Contextual-guided Text Removal Network (CTRNet). CTRNet utilizes Low-level/High-level Contextual Guidance blocks (LCG, HCG) to explore both low-level structure and high-level discriminative context features from existing data to guide the text erasure and background restoration process. We further extend CTRNet to CTRNet++ by incorporate an auto-encoder architecture as a novel and effective HCG block, which serves as an additional image-inpainting branch, providing more accurate texture and context clues with the assistance of a large volume of natural images. Then we introduce a Context Embedding and Content Feature Modeling (CECFM) block that combines depth-wise CNN and Transformer layers to capture local features and establish long-term relationships among pixels globally. In addition, an efficient Progressive Feature Fusion Module (PFFM) is proposed to fully utilize multi-scale features from different branches. Experiments on benchmark datasets, SCUT-EnsText and SCUT-Syn, demonstrate that CTRNet++ significantly outperforms existing state-of-the-art methods and exhibits a stronger ability for complex background reconstruction. The code is available at
https://github.com/lcy0604/CTRNet-plus
.
Planar or Spatial: Exploring Design Aspects and Challenges for Presentations in Virtual Reality with No-coding Interface
Authors: Wu Liwei , Zhang Yilin , Leung Justin , Gao Jingyi , Li April , Zhao Jian
Published: October 2024

The proliferation of virtual reality (VR) has led to its increasing adoption as an immersive medium for delivering presentations, distinct from other VR experiences like games and 360-degree videos by sharing information in richly interactive environments. However, creating engaging VR presentations remains a challenging and time-consuming task for users, hindering the full realization of VR presentation's capabilities. This research aims to explore the potential of VR presentation, analyze users' opinions, and investigate these via providing a user-friendly no-coding authoring tool. Through an examination of popular presentation software and interviews with seven professionals, we identified five design aspects and four design challenges for VR presentations. Based on the findings, we developed VRStory, a prototype for presentation authoring without coding to explore the design aspects and strategies for addressing the challenges. VRStory offers a variety of predefined and customizable VR elements, as well as modules for layout design, navigation control, and asset generation. A user study was then conducted with 12 participants to investigate their opinions and authoring experience with VRStory. Our results demonstrated that, while acknowledging the advantages of immersive and spatial features in VR, users often have a consistent mental model for traditional 2D presentations and may still prefer planar and static formats in VR for better accessibility and efficient communication. We finally shared our learned design considerations for future development of VR presentation tools, emphasizing the importance of balancing of promoting immersive features and ensuring accessibility.
Comparison of Unencumbered Interaction Technique for Head-Mounted Displays
Authors: Faleel Shariff AM , Sodhi Rajveer , Irani Pourang
Published: October 2024

Head Mounted Displays (HMDs) are gaining more public attention. With the advancement of tracking technologies, they are incorporating unencumbered interaction techniques to address the need for user-friendly and efficient interaction techniques for day-to-day activities. While there is a good understanding of the different interaction techniques individually, very little research has been done to compare them directly. This would be vital to understanding their strengths and weaknesses in different contexts and building better synergies among them. This paper uses a target selection task to compare the performance and user preferences for four interaction techniques: gaze-pinch, ray pointer, hand-proximate user interface, and direct mid-air interactions. Results indicate that the gaze-pinch interaction technique required significantly more time to complete the task than the others, whose time to complete was similar. However, in terms of preferences and errors, the interaction techniques mostly performed similar.
0.2-mm-Step Verification of the Dual Gaussian Distribution Model with Large Sample Size for Predicting Tap Success Rates
Authors: Yamanaka Shota , Usuba Hiroki
Published: October 2024

The Dual Gaussian Distribution Model can be utilized for predicting the success rates of tapping targets. However, previous studies have shown that the prediction error increases to as much as 10 points, where "points" represent the percentage difference between the observed and predicted values of the tap success rate, particularly for a small target width W such as 2 mm. We hypothesize that this could be due to the experimental designs with sparse W levels performed by few participants, rather than the model itself. Our experiment involving horizontal and vertical bar targets with W = 2-8 mm (step: 0.2 mm) performed by more than 180 participants showed that the maximum prediction errors were relatively small: 2.769 and 3.185 points, respectively. Furthermore, the correlation between W and the prediction error was statistically small (Pearson's |r| < 0.2), and W was not a significant contributor to changing prediction errors (p>0.05). As these results do not support the concerns that the Dual Gaussian Distribution Model has an issue when used with small targets, the development of applications and refined models is encouraged to continue.
Cyber Threat Intelligence meets the Analytic Tradecraft
Authors: Bjurling Björn , Raza Shahid
Published: October 2024

The volumes and sophistication of cyber threats in today’s cyber threat landscape have risen to levels where automated quantitative tools for Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) have become an indispensable part in the cyber defense arsenals. The AI and cyber security research communities are producing novel automated tools for CTI that quickly find their ways into commercial products. However, the quality of such automated intelligence products is being questioned by the intelligence community. Cyber security operators are forced to complement the automated tools with costly and time-consuming human intelligence analysis in order to improve the quality of the end product. For improving the quality, it has been suggested that researchers should incorporate methods from traditional intelligence analysis into the quantitative algorithms. This article presents a novel approach to cyber intelligence analysis called AMBARGO, which takes the inherent ambiguity of evidence into account in the analysis, using the Choquet integral, in formalizing the re-evaluation of evidence and hypotheses made by human analysts. The development of AMBARGO revolves around a cyber attribution use case, one of the hardest problems in CTI. The results of our evaluating experiments show that the robustness of AMBARGO outperforms state-of-the-art quantitative approaches to CTI in the presence of ambiguous evidence and potentially deceptive threat actor tactics. AMBARGO has thus the potential to fill a gap in the CTI state-of-the-art, which currently handles ambiguity poorly. The findings are also confirmed in a large-scale realistic experimental setting based on data from an APT campaign obtained from the MITRE ATT&CK Framework.
ALOHA-FP2I: Efficient Algorithms and Hardware for Multi-Mode Rounding of Floating Point to Integer
Authors: Rathor Mahendra
Published: October 2024

Modern technology is relying on hardware accelerators to achieve enhanced performance of computing systems. In the modern computing paradigm, floating point representation of numbers has gained popularity owing to its wide dynamic range. Rounding of floating point numbers to integer is used in modern processor architectures e.g., ARM and Intel's architecture (IA) as well as in specific applications such as multimedia. However, the academic literature lacks discussion on hardware designs for rounding binary floating point numbers to integer in different rounding modes. This article presents novel efficient algorithms and hardware architecture designs for rounding binary floating point numbers to the integer for the following rounding modes: round towards zero, round up (towards positive infinity), round down (towards negative infinity), round to the nearest integer, and round to nearest even. The article also proposes an integrated multi-mode rounding (IMR) algorithm and hardware design which can be configured to a specific rounding mode among the above-mentioned five modes. This article proposes a mantissa bit of rounding (MBR) to determine the condition of rounding for the various modes. The MBR is identified on the basis of the dynamic range and precision features of floating point representation. To the best of our knowledge, we present the individual as well as an integrated hardware design for the various rounding modes for the first time in the literature. The proposed designs have been implemented on an FPGA platform to analyze the design metrics such as area, delay, and power. The results imply that the proposed designs are suitable to aid the intended hardware accelerators as they are efficient in terms of the design parameters. Moreover, this article presents the integration of the proposed rounding hardware design with the compression processor and evaluates the integration overhead which is found to be nominal (<1%).
Efficient Deep Learning Infrastructures for Embedded Computing Systems: A Comprehensive Survey and Future Envision
Authors: Luo Xiangzhong , Liu Di , Kong Hao , Huai Shuo , Chen Hui , Xiong Guochu , Liu Weichen
Published: October 2024

Deep neural networks (DNNs) have recently achieved impressive success across a wide range of real-world vision and language processing tasks, spanning from image classification to many other downstream vision tasks, such as object detection, tracking, and segmentation. However, previous well-established DNNs, despite being able to maintain superior accuracy, have also been evolving to be deeper and wider and thus inevitably necessitate prohibitive computational resources for both training and inference. This trend further enlarges the computational gap between computation-intensive DNNs and resource-constrained embedded computing systems, making it challenging to deploy powerful DNNs in real-world embedded computing systems towards ubiquitous embedded intelligence. To alleviate this computational gap and enable ubiquitous embedded intelligence, we focus in this survey on discussing recent efficient deep learning infrastructures for embedded computing systems, spanning
from training to inference
,
from manual to automated
,
from convolutional neural networks to transformers
,
from transformers to vision transformers
,
from vision models to large language models
,
from software to hardware
, and
from algorithms to applications
. Specifically, we discuss recent efficient deep learning infrastructures for embedded computing systems from the lens of (1) efficient manual network design for embedded computing systems, (2) efficient automated network design for embedded computing systems, (3) efficient network compression for embedded computing systems, (4) efficient on-device learning for embedded computing systems, (5) efficient large language models for embedded computing systems, (6) efficient deep learning software and hardware for embedded computing systems, and (7) efficient intelligent applications for embedded computing systems. We also envision promising future directions and trends, which have the potential to deliver more ubiquitous embedded intelligence. We believe this survey has its merits and can shed light on future research, which can largely help researchers to quickly and smoothly get started in this emerging field.
Pediatric Intravascular Catheters: Primer for Radiology Residents
Authors: Aboughalia Hassan , Haroyan Harutyun , Hoffman Suma B. , Yadav Bhupender , Vellody Ranjith , Shet Narendra S.
Published: October 2024

Knowledge of the radiographic appearances of normally positioned and malpositioned pediatric intravascular catheters, including central lines, neonatal vascular catheters, and cardiac support devices, allows rapid and accurate assessment of line positioning and identification of complications.
Sex differences in the adrenal circadian clock: a role for BMAL1 in the regulation of urinary aldosterone excretion and renal electrolyte balance in mice
Authors: Costello Hannah M. , Eikenberry Sophia A. , Cheng Kit-Yan , Broderick Bryanna , Joshi Advay S. , Scott Gianna R. , McKee Annalisse , Mendez Victor M. , Douma Lauren G. , Crislip G. Ryan , Gumz Michelle L.
Published: October 2024

Our findings highlight the importance of sex as well as time-of-day in understanding the role of the circadian clock in the regulation of homeostasis. Time-of-day is a key biological variable that is often ignored in research, particularly in preclinical rodent studies. Our findings demonstrate important differences in several measures at 6 AM compared with 6 PM. Consideration of time-of-day is critical for the translation of findings in nocturnal rodent physiology to diurnal human physiology.
Precariousness Represents an Independent Risk Factor for Depression in Children With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Elenga Narcisse , Lony Janaine , Mafemamissindu Joddy , Thomas Boizan Noelis , Osei Lindsay , Nacher Mathieu
Published: October 2024

Importance: While the prevalence and impact of depression have been widely described in sickle cell disease, its relationship with precariousness has never been studied.

Objective: This study aimed to describe the prevalence of depression and its relationship with clinical and demographic factors including social precariousness in children with sickle cell disease in French Guiana.

Methods: We included children aged 12–18 years with sickle cell disease from the Sickle Cell Reference Center in French Guiana. A simple depression questionnaire “Child depression inventory 2” was proposed and completed by a clinical examination and consultation by a psychologist. Using the known assessment of health inequalities and poverty in health screening centres (EPICES) score, we developed a composite precariousness score that uses five items (each item is scored from 0 to 2). According to the chosen items, precariousness was defined as a score ≥5.

Results: The prevalence of depression was 42.5% [95% CI: 31.5–54]. The median age was 15 years [95% CI: 13–17]. The age distribution peaked at 14 years in patients with depression. There were 76% of precarious patients in the depressed group and 18% in the control group (p  < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, genotype SC (OR = 7.66, [1.17; 50.13], p = 0.0338) and precariousness (OR = 15.68, [4.73; 51.94], p  < 0.0001) were associated with higher rates of depression. Baseline hemoglobin levels (OR = 0.48, [0.27; 0.88], p = 0.0173) were also associated with lower rates of depression.

Conclusions and Relevance: Despite free healthcare, precariousness is an independent risk factor for depression.
Jump Risk Contagion Under Regime Switching: An Empirical Analysis Based on the CSI 300 Index and the Hang Seng Index
Authors: Duan Hongjun , Wang Hui , Wang Yifeng
Published: October 2024

The jump in the value of the stock may result in a corresponding escalation of risk associated with the stock market. When a jump occurs in any particular market, such a risk can spread to other markets. This paper examines realized volatility and risk contagion of the jump between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong market utilizing realized volatility and three realized jump separation methods. Correspondingly, the Markov regime‐switching approach is employed to exhibit the contagion effect of the jump risk in two economic states. This study employs the Shanghai–Shenzhen 300 Index and the Hang Seng Index as empirical research subjects. The results show that the Hong Kong market has a higher frequency of jumps compared to the mainland market. The MedRV method is found to be effective in identifying more jumps, while the mainland market displays a unidirectional contagion effect on Hong Kong. Under such circumstances, the risk associated with a continental market jump exhibits an unevenly contagious effect on the Hong Kong market. In conclusion, China needs to enhance its financial market risk management in order to avert the spread of escalating risk across markets.
The Association Between Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index and Readmission Within Six Months in Elderly Heart Failure Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Dong Guoxia , Li Zhihua
Published: October 2024

Background: The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) is a valuable tool that may predict the prognosis of elderly patients with heart failure (HF). Malnutrition and low GNRI scores have been associated with a higher risk of hospitalization and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the association between GNRI and 6‐month readmission for HF in elderly Chinese patients.

Materials and Methods: The study utilized data from hospitalized HF patients by combining electronic medical records from the PhysioNet restricted health data database with external outcome data. In our study, we used the GNRI as the independent variable and assessed its association with the risk of readmission within 6 months. The main analytical methods were multivariable Cox regression, stratified analysis with interaction, threshold effect analysis, and Kaplan–Meier survival curves.

Results: This study involved 767 elderly HF patients, 61.3% of whom had malnutrition. In the threshold analysis, HF patients’ 6‐month readmission risk was significantly reduced with increasing GNRI, with a hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.99 (0.97.1). Malnutrition group was associated with a higher risk of readmission within 6 months for HF patients in analyses that were controlled for confounding factors, with HRs and their 95% CI of 1.17 (0.99, 1.38), 1.18 (1, 1.4), and 1.44 (1.08,1.93), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that GNRI levels had a consistent impact on outcome events, unaffected by covariates.

Conclusions: GNRI was negatively correlated with the outcome event of readmission within 6 months in elderly HF patients. Malnutrition group showed a higher risk of readmission within 6 months.
Response Surface Methodology Optimization for Extraction of Antioxidants From Moringa Stenopetala Leaf, Study of Its Phytochemical Screening, and DPPH Antioxidant Assay
Authors: Duraisamy Ramesh , Oycha Odro Asha , Hirpaye Belete Yilma
Published: October 2024

Moringa stenopetala is a medicinal tree that originated in Africa and Asia. It has been used as a traditional medicine over centuries to treat diseases. Recent studies have shown that Moringa stenopetala is a rich source of antioxidants and other phytochemicals. This study investigated the extraction, phytochemical screening, and DPPH antioxidant assay of Moringa stenopetala leaf (MSL) extract. The study optimizes the process conditions to extract phytochemicals from the MSL. Using Design‐Expert software, the experiments were designed and optimized the extract from MSL using the response surface methodology approach. The best optimal parameters for extracting MSL extract were established as the concentration of ethanol: 50%, time: 48 h, and pH 6.5, which resulted in the highest responses: the MSL extract yield (67.95%) and the total phenol content (4.47 mg GAE/mL) with a higher desirability value of 1.0000. The crude extract was then subjected to phytochemical screening to identify the presence of various secondary metabolites. The DPPH antioxidant assay was used to estimate the antioxidant activity of MSL extract. Phytochemical screening results proved that MSL extract contains flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and tannins. DPPH antioxidant assay showed that the 0.15 mg/L of MSL crude extract had a robust antioxidant activity with a maximum percent inhibition of 85.08 ± 0.49. Thus, the results of this study suggested that MSL extract is a better source of antioxidants to use as natural preservatives in food and pharmaceutical industries.