bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dose prediction of CyberKnife Monte Carlo plan for lung cancer patients based on deep learning: robust learning of variable beam configurations
Authors: Miao Yuchao , Li Jiwei , Ge Ruigang , Xie Chuanbin , Liu Yaoying , Zhang Gaolong , Miao Mingchang , Xu Shouping
Published: March 2024

Background
Accurate calculation of lung cancer dose using the Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm in CyberKnife is essential for precise planning. We aim to employ deep learning to directly predict the 3D dose distribution calculated by the MC algorithm, enabling rapid and accurate automatic planning. However, most current methods solely focus on conventional intensity-modulated radiation therapy and assume a consistent beam configuration across all patients. This study seeks to develop a more versatile model incorporating variable beam configurations of CyberKnife and considering the patient's anatomy.
Methods
This study proposed the AB (anatomy and beam) model to compare with the control Mask (only anatomy) model. These models are based on a 3D U-Net network to investigate the impact of CyberKnife beam encoding information on dose prediction. The study collected 86 lung cancer patients who received the built-in MC algorithm plans of CyberKnife using different beam configurations for training/validation (66 cases) and testing (20 cases). We compared the gamma passing rate, dose difference maps, and relevant dose-volume metrics to evaluate the model's performance. In addition, the Dice similarity coefficients (DSCs) was calculated to assess the spatial correspondence of isodose volumes.
Results
The AB model demonstrated superior performance compared to the Mask model, particularly in the trajectory dose of the beam. The DSCs of the AB model was 20–40% higher than that of the Mask model in some dose regions. We achieved approximately 99% for the PTV and generally more than 95% for the organs at risk (OARs) referred to the clinical planning dose in the gamma passing rates (3mm/3%). Relative to the Mask model, the AB model exhibited more than 90% improvement in small voxels (P < 0.001). The AB model matched well with the clinical plan's dose-volume histograms (DVHs) and the average dose error for all organs was 1.65 ± 0.69%.
Conclusions
Our proposed new model signifies a crucial advancement in predicting CyberKnife 3D dose distributions for clinical applications. It enables planners to rapidly and precisely calculate MC doses for lung cancer based on patient-specific beam configurations.
Synergistic flame retardant behavior and mechanism of based on DOPS/triazine-trione groups flame retardants in epoxy resins
Authors: 宦 宣英 , Hou Zeming , Qi Yuzhao , Xu Qiu , Xu Songjiang , Ma Shikai , Bao Dongmei , Zhang Daohai , Zhou Guoyong , Zhang Yupeng , Wen Zhu
Published: March 2024

Epoxy resin (EP), as a widely used polymer material, is inherently flammable. Bestowing it with high-efficiency flame-retardant properties has always been the focus of attention. Herein, Using triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) and 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phospha phenanthrene-10-sulfide (DOPS) as raw materials, a novel bismaleimide flame retardant, tris(3-(9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-0-phosphaphenanthrene-10-sulfide)-propyl)triazine-2,4,6-trione(DOPS-TAIC), was synthesized via a one-step method. Before curing, the structure was characterized using FT-IR, 1H NMR, and 31P NMR. Subsequently, the flame retardant DOPS-TAIC was applied to EP, and a series of testing methods were employed to investigate the effects of DOPS-TAIC on the thermal stability, flame retardancy, and mechanical properties of EP. Furthermore, the flame retardant mechanism of DOPS-TAIC in the gas phase and condensed phase was further explored. The results showed that EP/DOPS-TAIC achieved UL-94 V-0 rating with an LOI value of 31.6% when added at 12.5 wt%. In addition, the total heat release (THR), peak heat release rate (PHRR), and average heat release rate (av-HRR) of EP/DOPS-TAIC-12.5 wt% were significantly reduced by 35.05%, 61.83%, and 51.68%, respectively. The SEM-EDS results indicate that DOPS-TAIC can form a more complete and dense char layer, with a higher phosphorus content in the char layer. Meanwhile, TG-IR and Py-GC/MS demonstrate its radical quenching effect in the gas phase, indicating that DOPS-TAIC possesses both condensed-phase and gas-phase flame-retardant mechanisms. Therefore, this study provides a simple and effective method for developing flame-retardant epoxy resins.
A New Framework for Enhancing VANETs through Layer 2 DLT Architectures with Multi-Party Threshold Key Management and PETs
Authors: Adarbah Haitham Y. , Kiraz Mehmet Sabir , Kardas Suleyman , Al-Bayatti Ali H. , Albayatti Hilal Mohammed Yousif
Published: March 2024

This study provides an architectural framework and a comprehensive examination of how the combination of threshold key management, privacy-enhancing technologies (e.g., homomorphic encryption, secure multi-party computation), and decentralised ledger technologies (DLT) enhances the security and privacy of vehicle ad-hoc networks (VANETs). We also examine the challenges of existing VANET structures, with a particular focus on trust, privacy, and scalability concerns. Our proposed architecture shifts from centralised to decentralised systems, highlighting the advantages of a decentralized ledger framework, specifically in ensuring the robustness, strong availability, integrity, and resilience of data against various cyber security threats. The architecture uses Layer 2s instead of Layer 1s as Layer 2s is much cheaper and faster. Furthermore, we explore how the aforementioned advanced cryptographic mechanisms are utilized in VANETs for improving key management, the distribution of trust, and data privacy, together with privacy-preserving data analysis, aiming to achieve resilient vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication and privacy-preserving data analysis. We conclude by highlighting potential future directions for more secure, efficient, and resilient VANET systems in the era of 5G and beyond.
Germinal Center Dark Zone harbors ATR-dependent determinants of T-cell exclusion that are also identified in aggressive lymphoma
Authors: Tripodo Claudio , Cancila Valeria , Morello Gaia , Bertolazzi Giorgio , Chan Allison Si-Yu , Bastianello Giulia , Paysan Daniel , Jaynes Patrick William , Schiavoni Giovanna , Mattei Fabrizio , Piconese Silvia , Revuelta Maria , Noto Francesco , De Ninno Adele , Cammarata Ilenia , Pagni Fabio , Venkatachalapathy Saradha , Sangaletti Sabina , Napoli Arianna Di , Vacca Davide , Lonardi Silvia , Lorenzi Luisa , Ferreri Andrés J M , Belmonte Beatrice , Varano Gabriele , Colombo Mario Paolo , Bicciato Silvio , Inghirami Giorgio , Cerchietti Leandro , Ponzoni Maurilio , Zappasodi Roberta , Facchetti Fabio , Foiani Marco , Casola Stefano , Jeyasekharan Anand D
Published: March 2024

The germinal center (GC) dark zone (DZ) and light zone (LZ) regions spatially separate expansion and diversification from selection of antigen-specific B-cells to ensure antibody affinity maturation and B cell memory. The DZ and LZ differ significantly in their immune composition despite the lack of a physical barrier, yet the determinants of this polarization are poorly understood. This study provides novel insights into signals controlling asymmetric T-cell distribution between DZ and LZ regions. We identify spatially-resolved DNA damage response and chromatin compaction molecular features that underlie DZ T-cell exclusion. The DZ spatial transcriptional signature linked to T-cell immune evasion clustered aggressive Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphomas (DLBCL) for differential T cell infiltration. We reveal the dependence of the DZ transcriptional core signature on the ATR kinase and dissect its role in restraining inflammatory responses contributing to establishing an immune-repulsive imprint in DLBCL. These insights may guide ATR-focused treatment strategies bolstering immunotherapy in tumors marked by DZ transcriptional and chromatin-associated features.
What matters for the efficiency of Micro Business Tax Collection? Evidence from the Eastern Part of Ethiopia.
Authors: enate Anwar Adem Shikur , Slih Salih Ülev , sis Sisay Redwan Ababiya
Published: March 2024

This study aims to identify factors that influence efficiency of micro Business tax collection in the Easter part of Ethiopia. A ordered logistic regression model was used to analyze the efficiency of micro business tax collection and taxpayer tax knowledge, tax law enforcement, corruption, tax compliance resolution, and fairness of tax through a closed questionnaire by using stratified sampling technique. The study results show that efficiency of micro business tax collection in the eastern part of Ethiopia are influenced by the taxpayer tax knowledge, tax law enforcement, corruption control, and the tax compliance resolution capacity of the tax authorityThe study's findings will provide insights into improving the efficiency of microbusiness tax collection in Ethiopia from the perspective of microbusiness taxpayers. The final results of this study are distinctive because they show how the efficiency of microbusiness tax collection in Ethiopia is affected by how much taxpayers know about taxes, how well tax laws are enforced, how well corruption is controlled, and how well the tax authority can solve problems with tax compliance.
Environmental DNA from ethanol eluent of flowers reveals a widespread diversity in cowpea associated animal communities in Hainan Island
Authors: Chen Qi , Yu Huai-Liang , Lv Jun-Xian , Wang Xing , Li Jin , Wu Ming-Yue , Shi Cai-Hua , Xie Wen , Kong Xiang-Yi , Huang Guo-Hua
Published: March 2024

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.), as an economical crop, is one of the important pillar industries of rural revitalization strategy in China. However, cowpea planting in China is often infested and damaged by many insects during growth, especially in Hainan region with a warm and wet tropical climate. Traditional monitoring methods with technical limitation could only detect a few common significant agricultural pests, how many kinds of species associated with cowpea is unknown. Here, we employed environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to characterize cowpea associated animal community-level diversity among six planting areas in Hainan. In all, 62 species were detected, of which 99.05% was Arthropoda, suggesting that Arthropods are the main groups interacting with cowpea. Moreover, we also detected 28 pests on cowpea, predominantly belonging to Thysanoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera and Hemiptera, of which 20 pests were first reported and need more extra attention. Furthermore, clustering results indicated that there is a certain diversity of cowpea associated animals in different regions of Hainan, but the species composition was similar in the large planting areas due to the indiscriminate use of pesticides, which need further develop scientific pesticide applications to ensure adequate species diversity. This study represents the first molecular approach to investigate the cowpea associated animal communities and provides basic information for further scientific pesticide applications.
Ranking of Cloud Services by applying BWM-TOPSIS, BWM-ARAS, and BWM-COPRAS Hybrid MCDM Methods
Authors: Mishra Anupama , Kumar Rakesh
Published: March 2024

The cloud computing business is a global industry with a multitude of cloud service providers. Customers may utilize the MCDM approach to appraise and analyze cloud service providers (CSPs) according to their requirements. This study presents a proposal for utilizing hybrid Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methodologies. A hybrid Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) technique has been created to evaluate and rank cloud service providers using use-case scenarios. The hybrid approach has two components. Initially, we employ the Best Worst Method (BWM) weighting estimate technique to compute the criterion weights and relative scores of CSPs. Next, we utilize the TOPSIS, ARAS, and COPRAS techniques to evaluate and rank the cloud service provider. We illustrate the effectiveness and capabilities of hybrid approaches for evaluating cloud service providers through a use-case scenario. The proposed methods are compared, and it is found that outcomes are more or less the same, and ranking results of CSPs are almost identical using the different quantity of criteria and CSPs. We compared the recommended methods to commonly used AHP, and results indicate that suggested approach is more efficient than AHP. The suggested method requires fewer pairwise comparisons compared to AHP, which uses a different set of criteria.
Willow Algorithm for Consumption-Investment under Stochastic Volatility Model with Jump Diffusion
Authors: Wang Kunlun , Xu Wei , Ma Junmei , You Pei
Published: March 2024

We mainly focus on the willow algorithm which can be used to solve the optimal dynamic multi-cycle investment and consumption problem under the jump-diffusion stochastic volatility model. First we obtain the moment generating function of the risky asset and then coalescing the Johnson-Curve transformation theory to generate the willow algorithm, which solving the multi-cycle dynamic investment and consumption problem is designed based on the two-dimensional willow framework. Moreover, through comparing our proposed solution with the optimal investment and consumption display solutions under the geometric Brownian motion model, we further discuss the analysis of the willow algorithm sensitivity. The willow algorithm for optimal investment and consumption proposed in this paper is able to extend the willow method which is effective from the field of option pricing to the field of investment portfolio, and it also provides a new idea for numerically solving the multi-period optimal investment and consumption decision.
Effects of Aquatic Exercises on Mental Health, Functional Autonomy and Muscle Efficiency in Elderly With Multimorbidity: a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Silva Vitória Oliveira Silva da , Santos Mauricio Fagundes , Macedo Rafael Alex dos Santos , Giustina Lucas Lacerda Della , Lass Andre Domingos , de Pinho Ricardo Aurino , Hoerpers Neiva Junkes , Martins Karin Gomes , Silveira Paulo Cesar Lock , Silva Luciano Acordi da
Published: March 2024

Background
Aquatic exercises have been used for centuries to prevent and treat various diseases, improving the quality of life in the elderly. The present study investigated the effects of high-intensity interval aquatic exercise (Hydro-HIIT) on mental health parameters, functional autonomy, and muscular efficiency in elderly people with multimorbidity.
Methods
A total of 129 subjects were included in this randomized clinical study and were assigned to G1 (Hydro-HIIT) 1x per week (n = 24) and G2 (Hydro-HIIT) 2x per week (n = 39) for 12 weeks. All tests were performed 48 hours before the program started and 48 hours after its last session.
Results
After intervention, G2 showed reduction in sleepiness (-50%), anxiety (-45%) and depression (-62%), and improved markers in sleeping (+ 49%), standing and sitting autonomy (+ 37%), getting wup e walking (+ 38%), stationary march (+ 17%), arm flexion (+ 45%), leg/arm muscle endurance (+ 18%), and leg strength (+ 19%) (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Hydro-HIIT twice a week improves mental health parameters, functional autonomy, and muscular efficiency in the elderly with multimorbidity.
Exploring Emotion Control and Alexithymia in Autistic Adults: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study
Authors: Costache Mădălina Elena , Gioia Federica , Vanello Nicola , Greco Alberto , Lefebvre François , Capobianco Antonio , Weibel Sébastien , Weiner Luisa
Published: March 2024

Background

Difficulties in controlling emotions – a proxy for emotion dysregulation (ED) - and difficulties in expressing feelings in words - ‘absence of emotion labelling’ - co-exist in autism and contribute to elevated levels of impulsive and suicidal behaviour. To date, studies linking the two phenomena have relied on retrospective self-reported measures, lacking support for generalizability to real-life situations.

Methods

The present study investigated in vivo emotion labelling and its impact on emotion control in 29 autistic adults without intellectual disability (ASC) and 28 neurotypical (NT) individuals of similar age, sex, and educational level. Participants were trained in an Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) to label their emotions, the arousal dimension, and their emotion control via smartphone over a one-week period.

Results

Findings showed that the ASC group experienced more instances of ‘having an emotion that I cannot name’ and, when they were able to label their emotions, they reported higher rates of negative and conflicting (simultaneously positive and negative) emotions. In both groups, the absence of emotion labelling, and intense negative emotions were associated with impaired emotion control. However, the association between lack of emotional awareness - ‘I have no emotion’ - and impaired emotion control was only evident in ASC individuals. This effect persisted after controlling for demographics, co-occurring clinical symptoms or autism severity.

Limitations

Concepts such as ‘emotion control’, referring to the ability to regulate emotions, and ‘I have an emotion that I cannot name’ and ‘I have no emotion’, indicating difficulty or lack of awareness of emotions, have not been previously validated. This study does not address the correspondence between self-report measures and physiological indicators.

Conclusions

Despite previous research suggesting associations between ED and co-occurring psychiatric conditions or autistic traits, our study found that even after controlling for these factors, the only significant predictors of reduced emotion control were the absence of emotion labelling and intense negative emotions. Further research is needed to gain a deeper understanding of this complex relationship.
Study of loss of the active principle capecitabine and cytotoxic activity in preparation intended for administration in liquid form
Authors: Junior Eliezer C. Coelho , Daltoé Renata D. , Madeira Klesia P. , Paula Heberth , Severi Juliana A.
Published: March 2024

Purpose
Despite the advantages for oral administration, some patients may encounter difficulty swallowing the Capecitabine (CAP) tablet, leading to its administration in the form of a solution prepared from crushed and dissolved tablets in water, thus constituting an off-label use. It was analyzed whether, from the dissolution of the tablet in water, there is a loss of the active ingredient and, consequently, a decrease in its cytotoxic effect.
Methods
The quantification of the active ingredient was carried out using Ultra Fast Liquid Chromatography, and the assessment of the cytotoxic effect of the solution was conducted using the MTT assay in breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. Additionally, the activity of the Thymidine phosphorylase enzyme was determined in the same cell lines by measuring the consumption of the substrate thymidine using the supernatant of the cell lysates through spectrophotometry.
Results
There was no significant change in the concentration of the active ingredient CAP in the solution prepared for up to 6 hours. A significant cytotoxic effect was observed after treatment in the cell lines, suggesting preserved cytotoxicity for at least 120 minutes after preparation. The activity of the Thymidine phosphorylase enzyme in the MDA-MB-231 cell line is 26.6% higher compared to the MCF-7 cell line.
Conclusion
It is suggested the safe use of the off-label form of CAP, adding greater treatment possibilities for patients with MBC. It is also suggested that the metabolic pathway for converting CAP to 5-FU may not be solely dependent on hepatic enzymes.
Nature’s solution to degrade long-chain hydrocarbons: A life cycle study of beeswax and plastic eating insect larvae
Authors: Kundungal Harsha , Devipriya Suja P.
Published: March 2024

Recent studies reported biodegradation of polyethylene waste in the gut of beeswax eating insect larvae of Galleria mellonella and Achroia grisella. In this study we examined the lifecycle stages and duration of each stage of three common beeswax eating honey bee pests (Galleria mellonella, Achroia grisella and, Uloma sp.) of Apis cerana indica colonies in laboratory condition. The insect larvae of the three species were provided with beeswax, polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) diet. The weight loss of beeswax, PE and PS feed as a function of time caused by the three insect larvae consumption was measured. Also the effect of beeswax, PE and PS feed on the growth and survivability of the three insect larvae were studied. Beeswax feeding insects G. mellonella, A. grisella, and Uloma sp. completed their lifecycle and the average lifecycle duration was 62 ± 2.1, 49 ± 3.6, 202 ± 3.2 days respectively. The G. mellonella A. grisella, and Uloma sp. larvae eat and digest beeswax, PE and PS. The insect larvae were found to survive on the plastic diets (PE and PS) but a decreased body mass was observed compared to beeswax eating conspecifics. These insect larvae that eat and digest beeswax and plastics could help to eliminate global pollution from recalcitrant plastic wastes.
Huangjing (Polygonatum kingianum Coll. et Hems) and Tiandong (Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr.) Combination relieves glycolipid metabolism disorder via both Glycolipid key Proteins and gut microbiota
Authors: Li Jie , Tao Yating , Xia Jinfeng , Zhou Lianli , Wang Wenbo , Tang Ruidan , Yang Xingxin , Chen Zhen , Zhang Fan , Yu Jie
Published: March 2024

Background
Ancient traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) books and modern studies have suggested that the Huangjing and Tiandong combination (HTC), which consists of Polygonatum kingianum (PK) and Asparagus cochinchinensis (AC) with the mass ratio 10:3, has the effect of regulating glycolipid metabolism disorder. However, its efficacy and mechanism are yet to be elucidated. This research evaluates the effect of HTC on glycolipid metabolism and explores the underlying mechanism.
Methods
GLMD was induced by HFSD diet in rats, and Huangjing and Tiandong combination (HTC) was given orally every day for 12 weeks. Then the body weight, tissue weight, blood sugar, blood lipid and liver lipid levels were measured, and lipogenesis was evaluated by Oil-Red O staining. In addition, the role of potential key signaling pathway was investigated through a network pharmacology-guided ELISA, while the gut microbiota was studied via Metagenome and 16S rDNA sequencing.
Results
Oil red O staining showed that HFSD diet led to a significant accumulation of lipid droplets in the liver. After HTC extract treatment, lipid droplets decreased, and normal morphology of the liver was gradually restored. Besides, the results showed that HTC could improve blood glucose, blood lipids, adipokines and liver lipids. Then, we found that HTC could increase the expression of INSR, IRS1, IRS2, PI3K, Akt, JAK2, and STAT3 in liver, and abdominal white adipose tissue. Subsequently, we reported that HTC exhibited beneficial effects against GLMD via the alternation of the abundance and diversity of gut microbiota.
Conclusion
In a word, the above results demonstrate that HTC is a useful drug/nutrient to relieve GLMD via both Glycolipid key Proteins and gut microbiota.
Recurrence of Rectal Cancer on the Pelvic Sidewall After Lateral Lymph Node Dissection
Authors: Takao Misato , Kawai Kazushige , Nakano Daisuke , dejima Akira , Nakamori Sakiko , Natsume Soichiro , Ise Ichiro , Kato Hiroki , Yamaguchi Tatsuro
Published: March 2024

Purpose
Although lateral lymph node dissection has been performed to prevent lateral pelvic recurrence in locally advanced lower rectal cancer, the incidence of lateral pelvic recurrence after this procedure has not been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes of patients who underwent lateral pelvic lymph node dissection, with a particular focus on recurrence patterns.
Methods
This was a retrospective study conducted at a single high-volume cancer center in Japan. A total of 493 consecutive patients with stage II-III rectal cancer who underwent lateral lymph node dissection between January 2005 and August 2022 were included. The primary outcome measures included patterns of recurrence, overall survival, and relapse-free survival. Patterns of recurrence were categorized as lateral or central pelvic.
Results
Among patients who underwent lateral lymph node dissection, 18.1% had pathologically positive lateral lymph node metastasis. Lateral pelvic recurrence occurred in 5.5% of patients after surgery. Multivariate analysis identified age > 75 years, lateral lymph node metastasis, and adjuvant chemotherapy as independent risk factors for lateral pelvic recurrence. Evaluation of the recurrence rate by dissection area revealed approximately 1% of recurrences in each area after dissection.
Conclusion
We demonstrated the benefits and limitations of lateral lymph node dissection for patients with advanced lower rectal cancer, focusing on the incidence of recurrence in the lateral area after the dissection. Our study emphasizes the clinical importance of lateral lymph node dissection, which is an essential technique that surgeons should acquire, even in this era of chemoradiotherapy.
Australian Senecio macrocarpus and S. squarrosus were suggested as apomictic but are fully sexual: evidence from flow cytometric seed screening analyses
Authors: Mráz Patrik , Ahrens Collin W. , James Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2024

Asexual seed reproduction, apomixis, is a relatively rare reproductive strategy in angiosperms. Its rarity is probably due to evolutionary constraints that require full and synchronous expression of all the steps that modify the ancestral sexual pathway. Therefore, the documentation of any new occurrence of apomixis, especially in taxonomic groups with no previous report, should be based on thorough and solid evidence.
Here we correct the report of apomictic reproduction in two endemic hexaploid species of Senecio from Australia. Based on either excess or deficiency of expected heterozygosity across loci, over-representation of several multilocus genotypes, and segregation analysis assessed using microsatellite markers, it was suggested that apomixis together with selfing could explain the observed patterns of genetic variation in perennial S. macrocarpus and annual S. squarrosus.
We used flow cytometric seed screening analyses to verify the mode of reproduction of several widespread multilocus genotypes that are considered to be apomictic. These analyses revealed that all seed progeny arose by the sexual pathway, as they exhibited a constant 3:2 endosperm to embryo ploidy ratio, typical of double fertilization of a reduced embryo sac by two reduced sperm cells. Therefore, both species reproduce sexually. We suggest that the unusual genetic patterns in both allopolyploids are caused by originally low variation in the parental species, which probably also reproduce by selfing, disomic inheritance and probably also the presence of null alleles. We call for a more careful and critical interpretation of the patterns obtained, taking into account all aspects related to apomictic reproduction.
The Relationship Between Cooking and Food Preparation Skills of Mothers with Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Child's Eating Behaviors and Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Authors: KOÇ Fatma , YILMAZ Hacı Ömer
Published: March 2024

Mothers have an important role in feeding children. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the cooking and food preparation skills of mothers with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and the child's eating behaviors and gastrointestinal symptoms. A significant negative correlation was found between the mothers' total scores on the cooking and food preparation skills and their children's eating behaviors and gastrointestinal symptoms scores. In addition, it was determined that mothers with low scores on the cooking and food preparation skills experienced more eating problems such as food refusal and autism-specific behaviors and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, reflux, diarrhea, indigestion and constipation in their children with autism. It was found that there was a relationship between food preparation and cooking skills of mothers and eating behaviors and gastrointestinal symptoms of their children with autism.
A Personalized Video Recommendation Model Based on Multi-Graph Neural Network and Attention Mechanism
Authors: Joshi Rohan Mehta , Dawson Humphrey St. Clair , Roy Kunal
Published: March 2024

The sheer volume of available data makes it challenging for users to sift through and find the information they truly need. Recommender systems play a pivotal role in addressing this challenge by leveraging users' historical interaction data to gain insights into their interests and preferences. Existing research on video recommendation primarily focuses on several key aspects: data representation, encompassing the feature representation of videos and user models; challenges posed by traditional recommendation methods when applied to video recommendation, such as cold start, sparsity, and overspecialization. The foundation of video recommendation lies in effectively describing and representing both videos and users, ultimately shaping the performance of the recommender system. Addressing these challenges, this paper introduces a recommendation model based on a multi-graph neural network. Leveraging the capabilities of graph neural networks to efficiently mine deep information from graph data, the model transforms input user rating information and item side information into multiple graphs for effective feature extraction. Taking a multimodal semantics approach, the paper proposes a video similarity metric learning method based on semantic information. Given that videos comprise different media types, each with distinct features, an analysis of these features and their representation in a unified manner establishes the groundwork for video recommendations. To enhance the recommendation model, an attention mechanism is introduced, leading to the development of a deep collaborative filtering recommendation model based on attention. Extensive experiments conducted on real datasets validate the effectiveness of the proposed model in providing recommendations.
Uplink Throughput Analysis of an IRS-Assisted 6G Wireless Network
Authors: Mahbub Mobasshir , Shubair Raed M.
Published: March 2024

The fundamental purpose of the study is to expand coverage, i.e., permit better transmission, by implementing IRS beneath micro cellular transmissions via a two-tier 6G framework consisting of one micro cellular layer operating beneath the macro cellular-based layer. As a consequence, the study used simulation-based measuring methodologies to assess and compare the functioning of standard micro-cellular connections to IRS-enhanced micro-cellular networks in terms of throughput of uplink. The study found that implementing IRS significantly enhances coverage, or transmission effectiveness, for 6G services.
Intimate Partner Violence during Index pregnancy and its correlates in Ethiopia, Evidence from Performance, and Monitoring for Action (PMA) 2021 Cohort Two Baseline Survey
Authors: Abrha Solomon , Tariku Fitsum , Ayele Bezawork , Zebene Addisalem , Yinneda Seifu ,   Desalegn Getachew6, Amogne Aynaw , Tadele Niguse , Yihdego Mahari , Seme Assefa , Shiferaw Solomon
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Current intimate partner violence (IPV) in Ethiopia is considerably high. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of IPV among pregnant women during their index pregnancy and identify its correlates using Performance Monitoring for action (PMA) cohort 2 baseline data. Documenting the magnitude of IPV during the index pregnancy and identifying factors affecting it contributes its share for the ministry and other relevant partners in tracking progress towards eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls by 2030.
Methods: This study used PMA cohort 2 baseline data which enrolled and collected data from currently pregnant women. Frequency was computed to describe the study participant’s characteristics, and chi-square statistics was used to assess cell sample size adequacy. Multilevel binary logistics regression was employed to identify correlates of IPV. Results were presented in the form percentages and odds ratio with 95% Confidence Intervals. Candidate variables were selected using p-value of 0.25. Statistical significance was declared at p-value of 0.05.
Results: One in six 16.7% (14.81%, 18.76%) pregnant women reported experiencing at least one form of physical and/or sexual IPV during their index pregnancy. The prevalence of encountering at least one form of sexual violence was 12.53% (10.91%, 14.35%) while 7% (5.5%, 8.3%) of them experienced at least one form physical intimate partner violence during their index pregnancy. After controlling confounders, women perceived risk about contraceptive use, increased parity and family size were the fixed effects found to increase the odds of IPV while being in the third trimester of gestation by enrollment was another fixed effect variable which contributed for the lower odds of experiencing IPV during the index pregnancy.
Conclusions and recommendations: The overall burden of IPV reported was high, with nearly double the percentage of women experiencing sexual violence during the index pregnancy compared to physical IPV. More work needs to be done to achieve zero tolerance against any form of violence among women and girls in general and among pregnant women in particular. Efforts targeted in improving women perception on issue related with their contraceptive use, counseling women on how to prevent IPV during their antenatal care (ANC) visit along with advising the use of inter pregnancy contraception and empowering them to decide on their family fertility desire are hoped to mitigate such considerably high odds of IPV among pregnant women.
How far will you go? From empirical findings to formalization of walking route distances
Authors: Almagor Jonatan , Omer Itzhak , Omer Noam , Birenboim Amit
Published: March 2024

Empirically based theorization of walking range patterns is rather limited, leading researchers and planners to rely on simplistic assumptions as to the typical distance and duration that pedestrians may walk. Using high-resolution GPS data collected from over 11,000 participants in the Tel-Aviv metropolitan area, we provide an empirical estimate for the distribution of walking route distance and duration, while examining potential factors that may affect it. In addition, we develop a general analytical framework that describes walking route patterns. Our results show that the average route distance and duration in Tel-Aviv metropolitan is 630 m and 7.9 min. Factors associated with walking range include socio-demographic characteristics of walkers (age-group, socioeconomic status and number of cars in a household) and city characteristics (longer routes in cities with a larger population and in areas with high density of street intersections). Our main finding is that walking route distance distribution can be best described using the theoretical log-normal distribution and can be characterized using its mean-log and SD-log parameters. The log-normal parameters make an analytical framework that enables the evaluation of differences in walking patterns between places and identification of where interventions are required to promote active travel. We explain why the log-normal distribution is likely to be suitable to other cases worldwide.
Exploring Drivers of Household Energy Choice for Cooking: Evidence from Kenya
Authors: Ahmed Abdiaziz Abdikadir , Ntuli Herbert
Published: March 2024

The availability of clean, efficient and affordable modern cooking fuels is essential for enhancing the socioeconomic well-being of marginalized populations in developing nations. However, many Kenyan households need access to these fuels and rely on traditional cooking methods. This reliance on unclean cooking fuels contributes significantly to indoor air pollution, leading to numerous premature deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. Drawing upon data from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) with a sample size of 42,022 households, this study delved into the factors influencing households' choice of cooking fuel in Kenya. The findings revealed that 22.2% had embraced modern cooking fuels among the surveyed households, 18.2% utilized transitional options, and 59.6% predominantly depended on traditional fuels. These statistics validate the fuel stacking hypothesis. Moreover, the research highlights the importance of gender dynamics, urbanization, household size, education, marital status, and income in shaping preferences across modern, transitional, and traditional fuel categories. Affirming the energy ladder hypothesis, this study underscores that households gravitate towards cleaner energy sources with increasing income levels. These insights have substantial policy implications and advocate tailored strategies aligned with diverse sociodemographic contexts. This study recommends promoting cleaner alternatives through awareness campaigns and facilitating smoother transitions across fuel categories. Key policy considerations encompass gender-sensitive approaches, urban-focused interventions, education-driven solutions, and income-targeted support, which are all pivotal for sustainable fuel adoption.
JEL Codes: D12, 013, Q53
Limit Imposed Loads on SSSS Rectangular Panels Forced to Vibrate Under a Uniformly Distributed Load
Authors: Njoku Fidelis Chidiebere , Ibearugbulem Owuamanam Mathias , Okere Chinenye Elizabeth , Onyemaechi Abigail Amarachi
Published: March 2024

This paper presents the determination of limit imposed loads on ssss rectangular panel that is forced to vibrate under uniformly distributed load. By employing the principles of elasticity, the total potential energy functional of a rectangular plate under forced vibration is obtained. This functional is minimized with respect to the deflection function. The minimization gives the governing equation of the plate. A general deflection function that satisfies the governing equation is obtained after integrating the governing equation. With the general deflection, the boundary conditions of ssss plate are satisfied and a peculiar deflection function for ssss plate is obtained. This deflection function is substituted into the total potential energy functional earlier obtained and the outcome minimized with respect to the coefficient of the deflection to get the formula for the deflection coefficient. The obtained deflection coefficient is substituted into stress formulas and the outcomes rearranged to get formulas for limit imposed loads that satisfied the requirements of allowable deflection and yield stress. Using these formulas limit imposed loads for various aspect ratios, forcing frequency ratio and thicknesses are calculated and presented in tables. From the obtained results it is obvious that square panels are stronger than rectangular panels. It is also obvious that strength of panels reduces as the forced frequency ratio increase from zero to 1. It is also seen that panels whose spans are up to 1m should be designed with thickness less than 8mm.
Enhancing Multi-Robot Formation Control and Navigation Using Virtual Structures and Improved Path Planning Algorithms
Authors: Faishal Md.
Published: March 2024

Formation control is a fundamental aspect in various domains, including autonomous vehicles, aerial vehicles, and robotics, facilitating coordinated movement and collaboration among multiple agents. This paper investigates the effectiveness of the Virtual Structure Approach (VSA) for formation control in robotic navigation, with a specific focus on tasks such as rectangular structure determination and path planning based on an improvised A* algorithm. Experimental validation involving four mobile robots showcases the VSA's precision in orchestrating collaborative robot behavior. By seamlessly integrating VSA with traditional A* algorithmderived paths and collision avoidance mechanisms, the proposed approach enhances both safety and efficiency in trajectory navigation. Moreover, enhancements in the A* algorithm contribute to optimized trajectories, yielding streamlined paths conducive to efficient navigation. The study also delves into the utilization of the Monte Carlo Localization technique coupled with Lidar sensors to accurately map robot surroundings, thereby augmenting perception and environment comprehension. This research contributes valuable insights into the realm of formation control, offering promising avenues for advancing robotic navigation capabilities in diverse real-world applications.
Analysing the Link between Population Diversity, Population Growth, and Income
Authors: Firdaus Irfan Aziz Al , Pradana Cokorda Bagus Ghana Indra , Sugiyanto Catur
Published: March 2024

Amidst shifting demographics across many countries, certain stylized facts related to fertility, population, and income have become less universally applicable. This research addresses a significant gap in literature by providing a comprehensive analysis on the relationship between population diversity, population growth, and income growth that incorporate both time-varying and cross-country components. Our study reveals a positive correlation between population diversity and population growth, suggesting that diversity along with migration contribute to population expansion due to strategic interactions among ethnic groups to compete for influences in society, hence fostering pronatalism policies. However, we found a negative association between population diversity and income growth, indicating potential ethnic conflict, rent-seeking behaviour, and other challenges that hinder policy implementation in highly diverse settings. Our findings underline the complex dynamics between these factors, emphasizing the need for further exploration.
JEL Classification: J1, O1, Z1
Behavior of LSTM and Transformer Deep Learning Models in Flood Simulation Considering South Asian Tropical Climate
Authors: Madhushanka G.W.T.I. , Jayasinghe M.T.R. , Rajapakse R.A.
Published: March 2024

The imperative for a reliable and accurate flood forecasting procedure stem from the hazardous nature of the disaster. In response, researchers are increasingly turning to innovative approaches, particularly machine learning models, which offer enhanced accuracy compared to traditional methods. However, a notable gap exists in the literature concerning studies focused on the South Asian tropical region, which possesses distinct climate characteristics. This study investigates the applicability and behavior of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Transformer models in flood simulation with one day lead time, at the lower reach of Mahaweli catchment in Sri Lanka, which is mostly affected by the Northeast Monsoon. The importance of different input variables in the prediction was also a key focus of this study. Input features for the models included observed rainfall data collected from three nearby rain gauges, as well as historical discharge data from the target river gauge. Results showed that use of past water level data denotes a higher impact on the output compared to the other input features such as rainfall, for both architectures. All models denoted satisfactory performances in simulating daily water levels, especially low stream flows, with Nash Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) values greater than 0.77 while Transformer Encoder model showed a superior performance compared to Encoder Decoder models.
Medical Students' Internet Addiction And Its Impact On Academic Achievement
Authors: Al-Nahar Nour , Mardini Heba
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Addiction is a chronic, recurrent, relapsing disorder characterized by the compulsive pursuit of certain substances or certain behaviors, and the continuation of them despite the harmful consequences resulting from them and the long-term changes that occur in the brain. Excessive computer use meets the criteria for addiction. There are two types of addiction, physical addiction and non-physical addiction, such as Internet addiction.
Methods and Materials
A pivotal cross-sectional study, in which data were collected on a simple, random basis through an electronic questionnaire with three sections that was distributed to medical students at the Syrian Private University. 219 students were accepted into the sample (n = 219).
Results
The results presented that there is a significant correlation between Internet addiction and the percentile in the last academic year (P = .015), and there is a significant correlation between Internet addiction and the presence of previous traumas (P = .016) and the presence of severe family problems (P = .000).
Discussion
The results of our study were consistent with most of the results of previous studies, except that our study did not present any association of Internet addiction with gender, which has been proven to exist in other studies.
Conclusion
As evidenced by this brief study, the field of Internet addiction is advancing rapidly even without formal recognition of it as a separate and distinct behavioral addiction and with continuing disagreement over diagnostic criteria. The debate over whether IAD should be classified as a (behavioral) addiction, an impulse control disorder, or even obsessive-compulsive disorder cannot be satisfactorily resolved. But the symptoms we have observed in clinical practice present a great deal of overlap with symptoms typically associated with (behavioral) addiction.
Legitimação Discursiva de Crimes Corporativos: O que dizem os Relatórios Contábeis
Authors: Silva Marcelo Almeida de Carvalho
Published: March 2024

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a construção da legitimidade que as empresas envolvidas em crimes corporativos contra a vida procuram fazer por meio do discurso contido em seus relatórios contábeis. A abordagem teórica utilziada busca o diálogo com a temática de crimes corporativos e sua reincidência se utilizando do aporte teórico da Teoria da Legitimidade. O artigo procura criticar a legitimação dos crimes corporativos e contestar a neutralidade dos relatórios contábeis. Para isso foi utilizada a Análise Crítica do Discurso, mais especificamente o arcabouço teórico-metodológico de legitimação discursiva. Os resultados mostram que as corporações utilizam estratégias discursivas para legitimar as práticas de crimes corporativos, bem como as ações adotadas após o cometimento dos crimes. Os relatórios contábeis funcionam como instrumentos de legitimação corporativa, já que por meio deles as corporações procuram legitimar suas práticas. Isso pode explicar, ainda que parcialmente, a reincidência de crimes corporativos, além da aceitação dessas práticas e corporações pelo mercado.