bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-term outcomes of totally robotic versus robotic-assisted distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Ye Shan-Ping , Wu Can , Zou Rui-Xiang , Liu Dong-Ning , Yu Hong-Xin , Duan Jin-Yuan , Li Tai-Yuan
Published: September 2024

Background

Totally robotic distal gastrectomy (TRDG) is being used more and more in gastric cancer (GC) patients. The study aims to evaluate the short-term efficacy of TRDG and robotic-assisted distal gastrectomy (RADG) in the treatment of GC.

Methods

We retrospectively collected the clinical data of patients who underwent TRDG or RADG, of which 60 patients were included in the study: 30 cases of totally robotic and 30 cases of robotic-assisted. The short-term efficacy of the two groups was compared.

Results

There was no significant difference in the clinicopathological data between the two groups. Compared to RADG, TRDG had less intraoperative blood loss(P = 0.019), less postoperative abdominal drainage(P = 0.031), shorter time of exhaust( P = 0.001) and liquid diet(P = 0.001), shorter length of incision(P<0.01), shorter postoperative hospital stays(P = 0.033), lower postoperative C-reactive protein(CRP)(P = 0.024) and lower postoperative Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) scores(P = 0.048). However, no significant statistical differences were found in terms of total operation time(P = 0.108), number of lymph nodes retrieved(P = 0.307), time for anastomosis(P = 0.450), proximal resection margin(P = 0.210), distal resection margin(P = 0.202), postoperative complication(P = 0.506), total hospital cost(P = 0.286) and postoperative white blood cell(WBC)(P = 0.113).

Conclusions

In terms of security and technology, TRDG could serve as a better treatment method for GC.
Postoperative bleeding complications in breast conserving surgery and the role of antithrombotic medications: retrospective analysis of 4712 operations
Authors: Tamminen Anselm , Aaltonen Riitta I. , Ristola Marko T.
Published: September 2024

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the risk and timing of postoperative bleeding complications following breast-conserving surgery (BCS), with or without axillary surgery, especially in relation to perioperative management of antithrombotic medications.

Methods

Data from all patients who underwent BCS for breast cancer between 2010 and 2022 at a single university hospital were collected. Medical records were reviewed for reoperations, unplanned admissions, and patient characteristics.

Results

In total, 4712 breast-conserving surgeries and 3631 axillary surgeries were performed on 3838 patients. The risk of any bleeding complication was 1.1% (40/3571) in breast-conserving surgery, 0.3% (9/2847) in sentinel lymph node biopsy, and 0.5% (4/779) in axillary lymph node dissection. Upon arrival for treatment, 645 (17%) patients were taking antithrombotic medications. The risk of bleeding complications was not elevated in patients whose medication was discontinued at least a day before the surgery (OR 0.84, p = 0.76); but it was almost four-fold (OR 3.61, p = 0.026) in patients whose antithrombotic medication was continued. However, the absolute risk for bleeding complication was low in these patients as well (2.0%, 15/751). The majority of bleeding complications (85%, 47/55) occurred within 24 h after the surgery.

Conclusion

The risk for bleeding complications was elevated, but still low, after BCS with or without axillary surgery, when antithrombotic medications were continued through the surgical period. Discontinuing antithrombotic medications is not obligatory in these patients.
Cerebral physiologic insult burden in acute traumatic neural injury: a Canadian High Resolution-TBI (CAHR-TBI) descriptive analysis
Authors: Stein Kevin Y. , Gomez Alwyn , Griesdale Donald , Sekhon Mypinder , Bernard Francis , Gallagher Clare , Thelin Eric P. , Raj Rahul , Aries Marcel , Froese Logan , Kramer Andreas , Zeiler Frederick A.
Published: September 2024

Background

Over the recent decades, continuous multi-modal monitoring of cerebral physiology has gained increasing interest for its potential to help minimize secondary brain injury following moderate-to-severe acute traumatic neural injury (also termed traumatic brain injury; TBI). Despite this heightened interest, there has yet to be a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of derangements in multimodal cerebral physiology on global cerebral physiologic insult burden. In this study, we offer a multi-center descriptive analysis of the associations between deranged cerebral physiology and cerebral physiologic insult burden.

Methods

Using data from the Canadian High-Resolution TBI (CAHR-TBI) Research Collaborative, a total of 369 complete patient datasets were acquired for the purposes of this study. For various cerebral physiologic metrics, patients were trichotomized into low, intermediate, and high cohorts based on mean values. Jonckheere–Terpstra testing was then used to assess for directional relationships between these cerebral physiologic metrics and various measures of cerebral physiologic insult burden. Contour plots were then created to illustrate the impact of preserved vs impaired cerebrovascular reactivity on these relationships.

Results

It was found that elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) was associated with more time spent with cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) < 60 mmHg and more time with impaired cerebrovascular reactivity. Low CPP was associated with more time spent with ICP > 20 or 22 mmHg and more time spent with impaired cerebrovascular reactivity. Elevated cerebrovascular reactivity indices were associated with more time spent with CPP < 60 mmHg as well as ICP > 20 or 22 mmHg. Low brain tissue oxygenation (PbtO2) only demonstrated a significant association with more time spent with CPP < 60 mmHg. Low regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) failed to produce a statistically significant association with any particular measure of cerebral physiologic insult burden.

Conclusions

Mean ICP, CPP and, cerebrovascular reactivity values demonstrate statistically significant associations with global cerebral physiologic insult burden; however, it is uncertain whether measures of oxygen delivery provide any significant insight into such insult burden.
Anti-Toxoplasma gondii effects of XYP1-derived peptides and regulatory mechanisms of XYP1
Authors: Li Jing , Wu Kaijuan , Liu Xiaohua , Yang Dongqian , Xie Jing , Wang Yixiao , Liu Kang , Wang Zheng , Liu Wei , Jiang Liping
Published: September 2024

Background

Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii , poses serious health issues for humans and animals. Individuals with impaired immune systems are more susceptible to severe toxoplasmosis. Pregnant women infected by T. gondii can face the possibility of birth defects and miscarriages. While pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine are commonly used drugs in clinical practice, concerns over their side effects and resistance are on the rise. A spider peptide XYP1 isolated from Lycosa coelestis had potent anti-T. gondii effects, but it had a high synthesis cost and strong cytotoxicity.

Methods

This study intended to modify XYP1 for producing derived peptides via amino acid truncation and substitution. The anti-T. gondii effect was evaluated by trypan blue staining assay and killing experiment of RH strain tachyzoites. The CCK8 and hemolysis assays were used to compare their safeties. The morphological changes of T. gondii were observed by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. In addition, the mechanism of XYP1 against T. gondii through RNA-sequencing was further explored.

Results

In vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that XYP1-18 and XYP1-18-1 had excellent anti-T. gondii activity with lower cytotoxicity and hemolysis activity than XYP1. XYP1, XYP1-18, and XYP1-18-1 were able to disrupt the surface membrane integrity of T. gondii tachyzoites, forming pores and causing the disruption of organelles. Furthermore, RNA-sequencing analysis indicated that XYP1 could stimulate the host immune response to effectively eliminate T. gondii and lessen the host’s inflammatory reaction.

Conclusions

XYP1-18 had lower cytotoxicity and hemolysis activity than XYP1, as well as significantly extending the survival time of the mice. XYP1 played a role in host inflammation and immune responses, revealing its potential mechanism. Our research provided valuable insights into the development and application of peptide-based drugs, offering novel strategies and directions for treating toxoplasmosis.

Graphical Abstract
A Bayesian model to analyse the association of comorbidities with biosimilar treatment retention in a non-medical switch scenario in patients with inflammatory rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases
Authors: Redeker Imke , Moustakis Stefan , Tsiami Styliani , Baraliakos Xenofon , Kiefer David , Andreica Ioana , Buehring Björn , Braun Jürgen , Kiltz Uta
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To analyse clinical outcomes of a non-medical switch from originator adalimumab (ADA) to its ABP501 biosimilar (ABP) over 6 months in patients with inflammatory rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases (RMD) in relation to comorbidity as a risk factor for therapy discontinuation.

Methods

RMD patients switching from originator ADA to ABP were identified from a large routine database from October 2018 onwards. Documented clinical data at the time of non-medical switching (baseline), and at 3 and 6 months were collected. Comorbidities were represented by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) at baseline and patients were categorized based on CCI > 0. Differences in the ABP retention rate over 6 months between patients with CCI = 0 and patients with CCI > 0 were analysed using Bayesian exponential regression.

Results

A total of 111 patients with axial spondyloarthritis (n = 68), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 23) and psoriatic arthritis (n = 15), were identified, 74.8% of whom had continued treatment with ABP after 6 months, while a smaller proportion had either switched to another ADA biosimilar (10.8%), switched back to originator ADA (7.2%), switched to a different biologic (3.6%), or dropped out (3.6%). At baseline, a CCI > 0 was found in 38% of patients. Cardiovascular comorbidities (40%) were most prevalent followed by diseases of the skin (33%), the gastrointestinal tract (20%) and the eye (20%). ABP treatment was continued after 6 months in 74% of patients with CCI = 0 and in 76% with CCI > 0. Bayesian analysis showed only a small difference (months) in the APB continuation rate between groups (estimate 0.0012, 95% credible interval (CrI) -0.0337 to 0.0361). Adjusting for age, sex, and disease subtype revealed somewhat shorter retention rates for patients with CCI > 0, but the distribution of the difference included 0 (estimate -0.0689, 95% CrI -0.2246 to 0.0234).

Conclusion

In a non-medical switch scenario of RMD patients, there was no evidence for a considerable difference in ABP retention rates over 6 months between comorbidity groups.
Immune response caused by M1 macrophages elicits atrial fibrillation-like phenotypes in coculture model with isogenic hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Hutschalik Thomas , Özgül Ozan , Casini Marilù , Szabó Brigitta , Peyronnet Rémi , Bártulos Óscar , Argenziano Mariana , Schotten Ulrich , Matsa Elena
Published: September 2024

Background

Atrial fibrillation has an estimated prevalence of 1.5–2%, making it the most common cardiac arrhythmia. The processes that cause and sustain the disease are still not completely understood. An association between atrial fibrillation and systemic, as well as local, inflammatory processes has been reported. However, the exact mechanisms underlying this association have not been established. While it is understood that inflammatory macrophages can influence cardiac electrophysiology, a direct, causative relationship to atrial fibrillation has not been described. This study investigated the pro-arrhythmic effects of activated M1 macrophages on human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived atrial cardiomyocytes, to propose a mechanistic link between inflammation and atrial fibrillation.

Methods

Two hiPSC lines from healthy individuals were differentiated to atrial cardiomyocytes and M1 macrophages and integrated in an isogenic, pacing-free, atrial fibrillation-like coculture model. Electrophysiology characteristics of cocultures were analysed for beat rate irregularity, electrogram amplitude and conduction velocity using multi electrode arrays. Cocultures were additionally treated using glucocorticoids to suppress M1 inflammation. Bulk RNA sequencing was performed on coculture-isolated atrial cardiomyocytes and compared to meta-analyses of atrial fibrillation patient transcriptomes.

Results

Multi electrode array recordings revealed M1 to cause irregular beating and reduced electrogram amplitude. Conduction analysis further showed significantly lowered conduction homogeneity in M1 cocultures. Transcriptome sequencing revealed reduced expression of key cardiac genes such as SCN5A, KCNA5, ATP1A1, and GJA5 in the atrial cardiomyocytes. Meta-analysis of atrial fibrillation patient transcriptomes showed high correlation to the in vitro model. Treatment of the coculture with glucocorticoids showed reversal of phenotypes, including reduced beat irregularity, improved conduction, and reversed RNA expression profiles.

Conclusions

This study establishes a causal relationship between M1 activation and the development of subsequent atrial arrhythmia, documented as irregularity in spontaneous electrical activation in atrial cardiomyocytes cocultured with activated macrophages. Further, beat rate irregularity could be alleviated using glucocorticoids. Overall, these results point at macrophage-mediated inflammation as a potential AF induction mechanism and offer new targets for therapeutic development. The findings strongly support the relevance of the proposed hiPSC-derived coculture model and present it as a first of its kind disease model.
Effects of observing own/others hand movement in different perspectives on mu rhythm suppression: an EEG study
Authors: Shin Nakyeong , Ikeda Yuki , Motomura Yuki , Higuchi Shigekazu
Published: September 2024

Background

Previous studies have reported that the sense of “self” is associated with specific brain regions and neural network activities. In addition, the mirror system, which functions when executing or observing an action, might contribute to differentiating the self from others and form the basis of the sense of self as a fundamental physical representation. This study investigated whether differences in mu suppression, an indicator of mirror system activity, reflect cognitions related to self-other discrimination.

Methods

The participants were 30 of healthy college students. The participants observed short video clips of hand movements performed by themselves or actors from two perspectives (i.e., first-person and third-person). The electroencephalogram (EEG) mu rhythm (8–13 Hz) was measured during video observation as an index of mirror neuron system activity. EEG activity related to self-detection was analyzed using participants’ hand movements as self-relevant stimuli.

Results

The results showed that mu suppression in the 8–13-Hz range exhibited perspective-dependent responses to self/other stimuli. There was a significant self-oriented mu suppression response in the first-person perspective. However, the study found no significant response orientation in the third-person perspective. The results suggest that mirror system activity may involve self-other discrimination differently depending on the perspective.

Conclusions

In summary, this study examined the mirror system’s activity for self and others using the EEG’s mu suppression. As a result, it was suggested that differences in self and others or perspectives may influence mu suppression.
Preprocedural cardiac computed tomography versus transesophageal echocardiography for planning left atrial appendage occlusion procedures
Authors: Soh Bing Wei Thaddeus , Gracias Carlos Sebastian , Sim Wee Han , Killip Michael , Waters Max , Millar Kevin P. , O’Brien Julie M. , Kiernan Thomas J. , Arnous Samer
Published: September 2024

The heterogeneous anatomy of the left atrial appendage (LAA) necessitates preprocedural imaging essential for planning of percutaneous LAA occlusion (LAAO) procedures. While transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) remains the gold standard, cardiac computed tomography (CT) is becoming increasingly popular. To address the lack of consensus on the optimal imaging modality, we compared the outcomes of preprocedural TOE versus CT for LAAO procedure planning. A retrospective single-center cohort study of all LAAO procedures was performed to compare the outcomes of patients receiving preprocedural TOE versus those receiving CT. The primary outcome was procedural success and rate of major adverse events. The secondary outcomes were total procedure time, rate of device size change, and maximum landing zone diameter. A total of 64 patients was included. Of these, 25 (39.1%) underwent TOE and 39 (60.9%) underwent CT. There was no significant difference in the procedural success rate (96.0% vs. 100%, P = 0.39) or major adverse event rate (4.0% vs. 5.1%, P > 0.99) between TOE and CT patients. Compared with TOE, CT was associated with significantly shorter median procedure time (103 min vs. 124 min, P = 0.02) and a lower rate of device size change (7.7% vs. 28.0%, P = 0.04). Compared to CT, TOE was associated with a significantly smaller mean maximum landing zone diameter (20.8 mm vs. 25.8 mm, P < 0.01) and a higher rate of device upsizing (24.0% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.01). No significant difference in detected residual leak rates was found between TOE and CT (50.0% vs. 52.2%, P > 0.99). Planning of LAAO procedures with CT is associated with a shorter total procedure time and a lower rate of device size change and is less likely to underestimate the maximum landing zone diameter.
Risk Stratification in Older Intensively Treated Patients With AML
Authors: Versluis Jurjen , Metzner Marlen , Wang Ariel , Gradowska Patrycja , Thomas Abin , Jakobsen Niels Asger , Kennedy Alison , Moore Rachel , Boertjes Emma , Vonk Christian M. , Kavelaars Francois G. , Rijken Melissa , Gilkes Amanda , Schwab Claire , Beverloo H. Berna , Manz Markus , Visser Otto , Van Elssen Catharina H.M.J. , de Weerdt Okke , Tick Lidwine W. , Biemond Bart J. , Vekemans Marie-Christiane , Freeman Sylvie D. , Harrison Christine J. , Cook Jonathan A. , Dennis Mike , Knapper Steven , Thomas Ian , Craddock Charles , Ossenkoppele Gert J. , Löwenberg Bob , Russell Nigel , Valk Peter J.M. , Vyas Paresh
Published: September 2024

PURPOSE

AML is a genetically heterogeneous disease, particularly in older patients. In patients older than 60 years, survival rates are variable after the most important curative approach, intensive chemotherapy followed by allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Thus, there is an urgent need in clinical practice for a prognostic model to identify older patients with AML who benefit from curative treatment.

METHODS

We studied 1,910 intensively treated patients older than 60 years with AML and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (HR-MDS) from two cohorts (NCRI-AML18 and HOVON-SAKK). The median patient age was 67 years. Using a random survival forest, clinical, molecular, and cytogenetic variables were evaluated in an AML development cohort (n = 1,204) for association with overall survival (OS). Relative weights of selected variables determined the prognostic model, which was validated in AML (n = 491) and HR-MDS cohorts (n = 215).

RESULTS

The complete cohort had a high frequency of poor-risk features, including 2022 European LeukemiaNet adverse-risk (57.3%), mutated
TP53
(14.4%), and myelodysplasia-related genetic features (65.1%). Nine variables were used to construct four groups with highly distinct 4-year OS in the (1) AML development, (2) AML validation, and (3) HR-MDS test cohorts ([1] favorable: 54% ± 4%, intermediate: 38% ± 2%, poor: 21% ± 2%, very poor: 4% ± 1%; [2] 54% ± 9%, 43% ± 4%, 27% ± 4%, 4% ± 3%; and [3] 54% ± 10%, 33% ± 6%, 14% ± 5%, 0% ± 3%, respectively). This new AML60+ classification improves current prognostic classifications. Importantly, patients within the AML60+ intermediate- and very poor-risk group significantly benefited from allo-HCT, whereas the poor-risk patients showed an indication, albeit nonsignificant, for improved outcome after allo-HCT.

CONCLUSION

The new AML60+ classification provides prognostic information for intensively treated patients 60 years and older with AML and HR-MDS and identifies patients who benefit from intensive chemotherapy and allo-HCT.
Personalized Therapy Selection by Integration of Molecular Cancer Classification by the 92-Gene Assay and Tumor Profiling in Patients With Cancer of Unknown Primary
Authors: Fuentes Bayne Harry E. , Kasi Pashtoon M. , Ma Li , Hart Lowell L. , Wong Jenna , Spigel David R. , Schnabel Catherine A. , Reeves James A. , Halfdanarson Thorvardur R. , Treuner Kai , Greco F. Anthony
Published: September 2024

PURPOSE

Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is a syndrome comprising metastatic cancers without a clinically identified primary site. Although patients with CUP have an unfavorable prognosis, treatment with site-specific therapies guided by clinical features, standard pathology, and molecular assays can improve overall survival. The 92-gene assay (CancerTYPE ID) is a gene expression–based classifier that helps identify the tissue of origin for metastatic cancers with unknown or uncertain diagnoses. This study reports the frequency of selected molecular aberrations of oncogenes, including KRAS, IDH1/2, BRCA1/2, and BRAF, in patients with CUP in the MOSAIC database to highlight potential treatment options.

METHODS

MOSAIC is a database of patients with CUP submitted for CancerTYPE ID testing and NeoTYPE biomarker testing. Tumor biopsy samples were analyzed by CancerTYPE ID for tumor type identification and further tested for molecular aberrations of oncogenes, including KRAS, IDH1/2, BRCA1/2, and BRAF.

RESULTS

CancerTYPE ID identified a specific tumor type in 92.5% (2,929 of 3,168) of CUP cases in the MOSAIC database. The most commonly identified histological type was adenocarcinoma (75.4%), with pancreaticobiliary being the most common molecularly diagnosed cancer (24.9%). Aberrations in KRAS, IDH1/2, BRCA, and BRAF genes were identified in 18.8% (n = 597) of biopsies. A cancer-specific US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved or investigational targeted therapy was potentially available for 24.6% (n = 147) of these patients.

CONCLUSION

This retrospective analysis supports incorporating CancerTYPE ID into the evaluation for patients with CUP to help determine the tissue of origin and identify actionable genetic alterations. This approach may allow more patients with CUP to benefit from site-specific FDA-approved targeted therapies or enrollment into clinical trials.
Scaling properties of particle density fluctuations at LHC energies
Authors: Singh Arpit , Kumar Ashwini , Chandra Anuj , Singh Sweta , Ahmad Shakeel , Singh B. K.
Published: September 2024

The availability of high-multiplicity events at LHC energies provides a unique opportunity to examine the nature of phase-transition (PT) in heavy-ion collisions. Within the framework of HYDJET++ model, a systematic study of particle density fluctuations in narrow phase-space bins in Pb-Pb collisions at

and 5.02 TeV energies is performed using the method of scaled factorial moments (SFM). The findings reveal the presence of intermittency in the 2-dimensional (2D) phase space distribution of charged particles at the LHC energies. The anomalous fractal dimensions, d

q
, are observed to increase with the order of the moments q, suggesting the multifractal nature of the charged particle production. The parameter λ

q
is found to exhibit a monotonically decreasing trend with the order of the moments but with no clear minima in λ

q
values. Furthermore, the value of the critical exponent is estimated and compared with those predicted by other models reported at RHIC and LHC energies. The value of the critical exponent, ν, obtained in the present study, shows significant departure from the value ∼1.304, as expected for the Ginzberg-Landau (GL) type second-order PT but exhibits a good level of agreement with the results obtained by other models at LHC energies.
Çatışma Gerçekliğinde İslam’ın Barışçıl Çözüm Yaklaşımının Parametreleri
Authors: Okumuş Ejder
Published: September 2024

Toplumun, toplumsal ilişkilerin, farklı toplum ve devletler arasındaki ilişkilerin barışçıl olması normal şartlarda her insanın istediği bir durumdur ancak dünya tarihine baktığımızda sürekli bir barış ortamı da görülmemektedir. Gerginlik, çatışma ve savaşlar hem tarihte hem günümüzde barışın karşısında daha güçlü konumda olmuştur. İnsanlar; uyumu, barışı, huzur içinde bir arada yaşamayı bozacak durumlar ortaya çıktığında da uyum ve barış ortamına dönmek için çeşitli çabalara girişmişlerdir. İnsanların uyuma, bir arada yaşamaya ve barışa yönelimleri söz konusu olduğunda da din, ilk akla gelen olgulardan biridir. Dinlerin hedefi insanların mutluluğunu, barış içinde birlikte yaşamalarını sağlayacak bir sistemi oluşturmaktır. Bununla beraber dinin barışçıl pratikleri hep dinin hedeflediği gibi olmamaktadır. Dinin tam tersi durumlarla anıldığı görüşler de söz konusudur. Her iki durum bağlamında gündeme gelen dinlerden biri İslam’dır. İşte bu makalede İslam’ın barışla ilgili boyutlarının ana veçheleri bilimsel ölçütler içinde sosyolojik ve siyaset bilimsel bir perspektifle ele alınmaktadır. Çalışmada anlayıcı yaklaşımla olguyu anlamak, anlamlandırmak ve İslam’ın barış boyutunun doğru anlaşılmasına katkıda bulunmak amaçlanmaktadır. Bu amaçla makale İslam’ın, çatışma ve savaş gerçekliği karşısında barışı merkeze koyarak insan ilişkilerine yaklaşan bir din olarak ele alınmasını mümkün kılan hatta gerektiren teorik ve pratik donanımlara sahip bulunduğunu ortaya koyma çabasındadır.
The Socio-Political Attitudes of the Youth in Turkey
Authors: Bozkurt Veysel , Arıboğan Deniz Ülke , Demir Nihal , Arıboğan Ahmet
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this paper was to examine the differences in the attitudes of the Turkish youth regarding political interest, religious commitment, social conformity, autonomy, support for national technologies, and trust in media and public institutions based on demographic factors including age, gender, education, social class, and marital status. The data were collected through a public opinion survey administered to 812 young people in Turkey, aged 15-29 years. A quota-random sampling method was used in the survey. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) resulted in the identification of 7 factors; patriotism, autonomy from family, trust in government/institutions, political interest, religious commitment, social conformity, and trust in the media. The data indicated a strong patriotic attitude among young people regarding domestic/national technologies. However, trust in the government/institutions and media was at a low level. Young people were seen to have a positive attitude towards social conformity and religious commitment, and more than half of the young people supported the pursuit of autonomy from family. The data indicated that young people have an emotional attachment to their country, but wish to move abroad, particularly due to a lack of trust in institutions and the pursuit of a better life.
Contribution to the research of innovative techniques of fuzzy logic for studying structural elements and structures
Authors: Γκουντάκου Φανή
Published: September 2024

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή πραγματοποιεί εκτεταμένη εξέταση των εφαρμογών της ασαφούς λογικής στο πεδίο της μοντελοποίησης προβλημάτων, στον τομέα του Πολιτικού Μηχανικού. Επιδίδεται ειδικότερα στην ανάλυση της Κλασικής και Ασαφούς Γραμμικής Παλινδρόμησης ως μαθηματικών μεθόδων μοντελοποίησης, παρουσιάζοντας λεπτομερώς τη μεθοδολογία τους και τη διαδικασία εφαρμογής τους. Επιπλέον αναλύονται συγκεκριμένα παραδείγματα εφαρμογής αυτών των μεθόδων σε προβλήματα μηχανικού, χρησιμοποιώντας πειραματικά δεδομένα από επιστημονικές δημοσιεύσεις, προσδίδοντας έμφαση στην αποτελεσματικότητα αυτών των μοντέλων. Ακόμη, παρουσιάζεται το θεωρητικό υπόβαθρο των ασαφών συνεπαγωγών, ενώ επιβεβαιώνεται η σημαντική τους συμβολή σε συνδυασμό με την Ασαφή Γραμμική Παλινδρόμηση μέσω αρκετών παραδειγμάτων. Τα εν λόγω παραδείγματα χρησιμοποιούνται για να αξιολογηθεί η συσχέτιση μεταξύ παραμέτρων και να επισημανθεί ότι η Ασαφής Γραμμική Παλινδρόμηση μπορεί να χρησιμοποιηθεί όχι μόνο ως μέθοδος πρόβλεψης, αλλά και ως ακριβές εργαλείο μοντελοποίησης στη διαδικασία προσεγγιστικού συλλογισμού.
Word and Dictionary in Communication
Authors: Goncharova Lyubov
Published: September 2024

The words of the editor-in-chief indicate the key scientific aspects of the publications in the current issue and note the relevance of research into communicative practices carried out in various spheres of human activity.
Teodoryk Wielki a widowiska cyrkowe w świetle wybranych fragmentów Variae Kasjodora. Przyczynek do badań
Authors: Kmiecik Przemysław
Published: September 2024

Despite the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD, the socio-economic life in Italy remained much the same. After the Ostrogoths’ conquest of the Italian peninsula in 493 AD, many elements of the Roman culture survived, and one of the most significant aspects of this was the organisation of circus spectacles. The aim of this article is to present the political strategy and personal attitude of the new ruler of Italy, Theodoric the Great, towards circus spectacles in the light of selected documents from Cassiodorus’ Variae. The article briefly discusses the socio-political situation in Ostrogothic Italy under Theodoric the Great (493-526). It then presents a profile of Cassiodorus and the collection of documents he created, titled Variae. An analysis of the attitude of the Ostrogothic monarch towards circus spectacles follows this. It is considered in two aspects: political and personal. In the first case, the importance of this form of entertainment in late imperial times and at the beginning of the Middle Ages is described. This is followed by an analysis of Theodoric the Great’s cultural policy and the monarch’s approach to circus spectacles in this context. In the second case, the ruler’s personal reflections are analysed, and it can be concluded that, as a monarch, Theodoric the Great supported the organisation of circus spectacles. This was due to his desire to become more like the Roman emperors and to add splendour to his rule. There is a noteworthy contradiction between the public pronouncements and regulations of Theodoric the Great and his private views on the matter – he criticised chariot racing for, among other things, the social unrest it caused. Although he could not share the Roman public’s enthusiasm for spectacles, he could understand the political advantage of being a ruler who provided his subjects with traditional Roman entertainment.
Code and Data Repository for Distributionally Robust Optimization under Decision-Dependent Ambiguity Set with Applications to Machine Scheduling and Humanitarian Logistics
Authors: Noyan Nilay , Rudolf Gábor , Lejeune Miguel
Published: September 2024

The data in this repository is an archive of the data that were used in the research reported on in the paper Distributionally Robust Optimization under Decision-Dependent Ambiguity Set with Applications to Machine Scheduling and Humanitarian Logistics by N. Noyan and G. Rudolf and M.A. Lejeune.
Code and Data Repository for Variable Bound Tightening and Valid Constraints for Multiperiod Blending
Authors: Chen Yifu , Maravelias Christos T.
Published: September 2024

This archive is distributed in association with the INFORMS Journal on Computing under the CC BY License. Supporting material for paper titled: "Variable Bound Tightening and Valid Constraints for Multiperiod Blending" by Yifu Chen and Christos Maravelias.
Teamwork and communication
Authors: Wyatt Dan
Published: September 2024

After spending a great deal of time working within patient transport, Dan Wyatt reflects on the invaluable healthcare leadership qualities of teamwork and communication
Improved RF Fingerprint-based Identity Verification in the Presence of an SEI Mimicking Adversary
Authors: Reising Donald R. , Tyler Joshua H. , Fadul Mohamed K. M. , Hilling Matthew R. , Loveless T. Daniel
Published: September 2024

Specific Emitter Identification (SEI) is advantageous for its ability to passively identify emitters by exploiting distinct, unique, and organic features unintentionally imparted upon every signal during formation and transmission. These features are attributed to the slight variations and imperfections in the Radio Frequency (RF) front end; thus, SEI is being proposed as a physical layer security technique. Most SEI work assumes the targeted emitter is a passive source with immutable and difficult-to-mimic signal features. However, Software-Defined Radio (SDR) proliferation and Deep Learning (DL) advancements require a reassessment of these assumptions because DL can learn SEI features directly from an emitter’s signals, and SDR enables signal manipulation. This paper investigates a strong adversary that uses SDR and DL to mimic an authorized emitter’s signal features to circumvent SEI-based identity verification. The investigation considers three SEI mimicry approaches, two different SDR platforms, the application of matched filtering before SEI feature extraction, and selecting the most informative portions of the signals’ time-frequency representation using entropy. The results show that “off-the-shelf” DL achieves effective SEI mimicry. Additionally, SDR constraints impact SEI mimicry effectiveness and suggest an adversary’s minimum requirements. Our results show matched filtering results in the identity of all authorized emitters being correctly verified at a rate of 90% or higher, the rejection of all other authorized emitters–whose IDs are not being verified–at a rate of 97% or higher, and rejection of forty-five out of forty-eight SEI mimicry attacks. Based on the results presented herein, future SEI research must consider adversaries capable of mimicking another emitter’s SEI features or manipulating their own.
Network Security Behavior Anomaly Detection Based on Improved Empirical Mode Decomposition
Authors: Li Xiaowu
Published: September 2024

The current network behavior features have high latitude and complex components, making it difficult for existing temporal analysis techniques to perform temporal analysis and anomaly detection. To this end, a multi-scale decomposition module based on improved empirical mode decomposition is proposed and combined with generalized likelihood theory to construct a time series analysis model. The dataset decomposition experiment showed that the improved empirical mode decomposition proposed in the study had certain advantages in the decomposition performance of the three datasets, but it was difficult to judge the difference between normal time series and time series data with anomalies only from the perspective of periodicity. The validation experiment of anomaly detection in the time series analysis model showed that applying data augmentation effectively improved the detection performance of the time series analysis model. Compared with other methods, the proposed time series analysis model had an increase in true class rate of 1.23%–5.13%, and a decrease in false positive class rate of 19.05%–4.00%. Feature selection effectively improved the anomaly detection ability of temporal analysis technology, and the true class rate of temporal analysis technology based on feature selection increased by 1.27%–8.96%. Ranking temporal data according to feature importance for anomaly detection effectively increased the effectiveness of anomaly detection. The True Positive Rate (TPR) value of anomaly detection for temporal data with the highest feature importance was as high as 0.93. The results indicate that improved empirical mode decomposition can effectively meet the temporal data decomposition of high latitude network behavior characteristics, and the proposed temporal analysis model has better applicability and efficiency in temporal data anomaly detection. The temporal analysis model based on improved empirical mode has a more accurate recognition rate and lower false alarm rate in dealing with temporal data anomaly detection in different network environments, and has certain practical value in the field of network security behavior anomaly detection.
A Secure and Efficient Optimized Image Encryption Using Block Compressive Sensing and Logistic Map Method
Authors: Abed Qutaiba Kadhim , Al-Jawher Waleed Ameen Mahmoud
Published: September 2024

Recently, multimedia has developed and become very important for transferring images securely through public networks. This paper uses the COOT optimization algorithm with compressive sensing (CS) for image encryption. A good method was proposed for encryption using compressive sensing with COOT optimization and chaos to encrypt images and obtain optimal encryption with the least correlation between pixels. This method will strengthen the encryption against various types of attacks. The natural image was sparsed using discreet wavelet transform (DWT) and the FAN transform. The image is divided into several blocks, and CS is applied to each block. The best measurement matrix was obtained using a COOT-optimized algorithm. All blocks are masked to get the compressed image, and the pixels are quantified. Next, the COOT optimization is used to Shuffle the image pixels to achieve the minimum correlation between the pixels. Then, a logistic map will be used to uniform the image pixel values by diffusion to get the final encrypted image. Chen’s chaotic and logistic map initial values are obtained from the input image after its division into four parts by taking a value from each part. The evaluation results obtained for this algorithm showed that it performs highly compared to other conventional methods. The average PSNR for the reconstructed images was 35.244, the average NPCR and UACI were 90.53 and 29.54, respectively, and the average correlation was (D = 0.0018, V = 0.0031, H = 0.0039). The results proved that the method is strong enough and very efficient to withstand attacks.
A Rare Case of Phosphaturic Mesenchymal Tumor Distal Femur in a Young Female
Authors:   Department of orthopaedic surgery, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India., Mammu Sharafuddeen , Ravikumar V ,   Department of orthopaedic surgery, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India., Chacko V H Nidhin ,   Department of orthopaedic surgery, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India., Sabique M P ,   Department of orthopaedic surgery, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India., Uwais P ,   Department of orthopaedic surgery, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India., Hussain K Nejil ,   Department of orthopaedic surgery, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India.
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors (PMTs) are rare bone neoplasms with diverse clinical presentations, often posing diagnostic challenges. Case Report: We describe the case of a 37-year-old female schoolteacher with a PMT localized in the distal femur. Diagnostic indicators included hypophosphatemia, hyperphosphaturia, elevated fibroblast growth factor-23 levels, and clinical symptoms of osteomalacia. Surgical management involved tumor resection and limb salvage surgery with a megaprosthesis. The post-operative period was uneventful, leading to a stable discharge. On follow-up, the patient showed no signs of recurrence, regained full ambulation, remained pain-free, and resumed teaching comfortably. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering PMT in patients with unusual clinical symptoms, accompanied by hypophosphatemia, hyperphosphaturia, and osteomalacia, and demonstrates successful surgical management, leading to a favorable outcome. Keywords: Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor, osteomalacia, hypophosphatemia, hyperphosphaturia, fibroblast growth factor 23.
Can We Flourish Amid Our Losses? Transformative Openings in Old Age
Authors: Churchill Larry R.
Published: September 2024

abstract: This essay is an exploration of the transformative possibilities open to us through aging. Transformative openings are described using psychologist Abraham Maslow's notion of "peak-experiences," which are both normal and common for humans. Popular cultural stereotypes of aging are examined and discarded. The experiences of loss, especially diminishments of mobility, dexterity, and mental acuity, are characteristic of aging. It is argued that these losses present novel transformative openings, especially when death and aging are viewed in dialectical relationship.
Rapid multispectral image identification of coal and gangue based on super-resolution reconstruction
Authors: Wang Qingya , Wu Zhenyun , Shao Haijun , Qin Yaozu , Yu Fen , Tao Liangliang
Published: September 2024

Accurate coal and gangue separation is crucial for efficient coal utilization. Multispectral imaging (MSI) offers a promising approach but often suffers from limited resolution, hindering accurate identification. This study proposes, a novel method, to our knowledge, combining super-resolution (SR) reconstruction and machine learning to enhance coal and gangue identification in MSI. A spectral attention mechanism and an enhanced multi-scale residual network with GAN (SAM-EMSR-GAN) were developed and evaluated alongside four established SR methods: SRCNN, VDSR, ESRGAN, and DRMSFFN. MSI images of 300 coal and 300 gangue samples were reconstructed, using each method to compare their performance. SAM-EMSR-GAN achieved superior reconstruction, attaining the highest structural similarity index (SSIM) of 0.906 and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of 32.97 at 4× magnification. The study further investigated the combination of the SR method with seven widely used classification models: CatBoost, random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), least squares support vector machines (LSSVMs), eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), ResNet50, and ResNet101. CatBoost consistently delivered the highest classification accuracy across all SR methods, reaching 97.32% accuracy at 959.37 nm when paired with SAM-EMSR-GAN. Independent validation using a separate dataset confirmed the robustness of this approach, achieving a 92.49% accuracy. These findings demonstrate the potential of combining SAM-EMSR-GAN and CatBoost for accurate and efficient coal and gangue identification, paving the way for intelligent and automated coal sorting technologies.
1.07  µm laser ablation behavior of polycarbosilane based reflective/ablative composite coatings on the surface of graphite
Authors: Yu Leyangyang , Zhao Fangxia , Zhang Zhenzhong , Cai Jia , Niu Yaran , Zheng Xuebin
Published: September 2024

For the development of protective coatings for kilowatt-level lasers on the surface of carbon based materials, this paper proposes the idea of recombining polycarbosilane (PCS) based reflective/ablative coatings on the surface of SiC/ZrC-SiC (ZS) anti-ablative coatings based on the characteristics of high reflectivity and the consumption of part laser energy in the process of PCS pyrolysis. ZS anti-ablation coatings, and SiC/ZrC−SiC/PCS−TiO2 (ZPT) and SiC/ZrC−SiC/PCS−Y2O3 (ZPY) anti-ablation-reflection/ablation coatings were prepared on the surface of graphite by the slurry method combined with a vacuum plasma spray (VPS) technique. Laser ablation behavior of the three coatings on a 1.07 µm YAG laser was systematically studied. The results show that under different laser power densities ablation for 2 s, the ZPT and ZPY coatings have better laser protection effects compared to the ZS coating. The laser protection performance order of the three coatings is ZPY > ZPT > ZS at 1121W/cm2 laser power density. The ZPY coating can provide about 3 s of protection, while ZPT and ZS coatings can only provide about 1 s against the initial oxidation of graphite substrate in air. This is due to the high reflectivity as well as the partial consumption of laser energy due to PCS pyrolysis of ZPT and ZPY coatings. Additionally, the TiO2, TiC, and Ti3O5 phases generated during the ablation process of the ZPT coating and the Y2SiO5, SiC, and SiO2 phases generated during the ablation process of the ZPY coating can continuously protect the underlying coating. The high thermal conductivity and low thermal expansion coefficient of Y2O3 in the ZPY coating are beneficial for alleviating the thermal stress of the coating. At the same time, the Y2SiO5 phase generated by the Y2O3 addition phase during the PCS pyrolysis process is more effective in inhibiting the volume expansion during the PCS pyrolysis process compared to TiO2. This work is expected to provide reference for the design of new, to the best of our knowledge, laser resistant composite coatings.
Compact and low-crosstalk multimode waveguide crossing utilizing subwavelength holey metamaterial waveguides
Authors: Ni Bin , Luo Chenyang , Xu Hao , Dai Yunxin , Qian Ying , Shen Yuchen , Wu Shengbao , Xiong Jichuan
Published: September 2024

To further increase the transmission capacity of on-chip optical communication systems, hybrid division multiplexing technology has emerged as a crucial alternative solution, in which multimode waveguide crossings are highly desired. In this paper, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a compact multimode (i.e., three different modes) waveguide crossing that employs subwavelength holey metamaterial waveguides (SHMWs). The used SHMW, formed by inserting subwavelength periodic holes into a multimode interference (MMI) coupler, deservedly exhibits synergetic advantages of the two kinds of structures, enabling an attractive three-mode (e.g., TE0, TM0, and TM1) waveguide crossing with flexible design, small size, and good performance. Simulation results show that the realized device has a low insertion loss (< 0.74 dB), low reflection loss (<−13.1 dB), and low crosstalk (<−31.6 dB) at a central wavelength of 1550 nm for all the modes with a compact footprint of 27.4 µm × 27.4 µm. The experimental results prove that insertion losses are as low as 0.72 dB, 0.27 dB, and 0.90 dB for TE0, TM0, and TM1 mode, respectively, with the corresponding crosstalk below −38 dB at 1550 nm. The proposed device can be widely applied in photonic integrated circuits to construct photonic systems with the abilities of mode control and multiplexing.
Physical model and analysis of spectral beam combining system with dual-grating external cavity
Authors: Li Danni , Wu Zhen , Liu Ling , Feng Mingxia , Jia Kai , Feng Peng , Zhong Zheqiang
Published: September 2024

Spectral beam combining (SBC) has the potential to further increase the power irrespective of the limited power of single laser, and to maintain the near-diffraction-limited beam quality. However, the total power, the beam quality, and the spectra of SBC are significantly affected by the crosstalk effect attributed to the “smile” effect. Although crosstalk mitigation methods have been proposed, with the increasing laser number in dense spectral beam combining, the crosstalk caused by the spectral dispersion of single laser may hinder the further improvement of SBC. Fortunately, SBC with a dual-grating external cavity has shown the potential to narrow the linewidth of the laser array. However, its physical model has not been previously reported, restricting the comprehensive understanding of the system. Here, we present the physical model of SBC with the dual-grating external cavity. Using this physical model, the mitigation of spectral dispersion in single laser by the dual-grating configuration is investigated in depth. The influence of grating parameters on the combined beam, including its spectra and beam quality, is also analyzed. Furthermore, the alignment of the dual-grating, significantly affecting the beam quality and spectra of the combined beam, can be used for system optimization. We hope this model can provide valuable insights and guidance to the spectral dispersion management in SBC.