Response Analysis Research Articles

QuEst: Adversarial Attack Intensity Estimation via Query Response Analysis

Deep learning has dramatically advanced computer vision tasks, including person re-identification (re-ID), substantially improving matching individuals across diverse camera views. However, person re-ID systems remain vulnerable to adversarial attacks that introduce imperceptible perturbations, leading to misidentification and undermining system reliability. This paper addresses the challenge of robust person re-ID in the presence of adversarial examples by estimating attack intensity to enable effective detection and adaptive purification. The proposed approach leverages the observation that adversarial examples in retrieval tasks disrupt the relevance and internal consistency of retrieval results, degrading re-ID accuracy. This approach estimates the attack intensity and dynamically adjusts the purification strength by analyzing the query response data, addressing the limitations of fixed purification methods. This approach also preserves the performance of the model on clean data by avoiding unnecessary manipulation while improving the robustness of the system and its reliability in the presence of adversarial examples. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method effectively detects adversarial examples and estimates the attack intensity through query response analysis. This approach enhances purification performance when integrated with adversarial purification techniques in person re-ID systems.

Dynamic Analysis and Vibration Control of Additively Manufactured Thin-Walled Polylactic Acid Polymer (PLAP) and PLAP Composite Beam Structures: Numerical Investigation and Experimental Validation

This study primarily presents a numerical investigation of the dynamic behavior and vibration control in thin-walled, additively manufactured (AM) beam structures, validated through experimental results. Vibration control in thin-walled structures has gained significant attention recently because vibrations can severely affect structural integrity. Therefore, it is necessary to minimize these vibrations or keep them within acceptable limits to ensure the structure’s integrity. In this study, the AM beam structures were made of polylactic acid polymer (PLAP), short carbon fiber reinforced in PLAP (SCFR|PLAP), and continuous carbon fiber reinforced in PLAP (CCFR|PLAP), with 0°|0° layer orientations. The finite element modeling (FEM) of the AM beam structures integrated with macro fiber composite (MFC) was carried out in Abaqus. The initial four modal frequencies of bending modes (BMs) and their respective modal shapes were acquired through numerical simulation. It is crucial to highlight the numerical findings that reveal discrepancies in the 1st modal frequencies of the beams, ranging up to 1.5% compared to their respective experimental values. For the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th modal frequencies, the discrepancies are within 10%. Subsequently, frequency response analysis (FRA) was carried out to observe the frequency-dependent vibration amplitude spectrum at the initial four BM frequencies. Despite discrepancy in the amplitude values between the numerical and experimental datasets, there was consistency in the overall amplitude behavior as frequency varied. THz spectroscopy was performed to identify voids or misalignment errors in the actual beam models. Finally, vibration amplitude control using MFC (M8507-P2) was examined in each kinematically excited numerical beam structure. After applying a counterforce with the MFC, the controlled vibration amplitudes for the PLAP, SCFR|PLAP, and CCFR|PLAP configurations were approximately ±19 µm, ±16 µm, and ±13 µm, respectively. The trend in the controlled amplitudes observed in the numerical findings was consistent with the experimental results. The numerical findings of the study reveal valuable insights for estimating trends related to vibration control in AM beam structures.

Barriers to Youth Disclosing Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors: A Focus on the Therapeutic Context

Objective Disclosure of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs) can serve as a catalyst to receiving mental health and lifesaving care; yet, many young people do not disclose these experiences to their therapists. In this study we aimed to identify barriers to adolescents disclosing their SITBs to their therapists and to compare these barriers across non-disclosure of suicidal ideation, suicidal behavior, and non-suicidal self-injury. Method Participants (n = 292) all had lived experience of at least one SITB and were an average age of 15.55 years, with the majority identifying as cisgender girls (68.15%). Using inductive content analysis of open-ended responses, six main categories of disclosure barriers were identified. Results These overarching barriers were: Agency Theft, Irrelevance, Therapeutic (Mis)Alliance, Internalized Stigma, Anticipated Stigma, and Lacking Disclosure Self-Efficacy. The majority (85.29%) of subordinate barriers were common across the three SITBs. Conclusions Adolescents may hesitate to disclose their SITBs to their therapists for many reasons; prioritizing the therapeutic relationship and working collaboratively with adolescents could be instrumental in not only fostering disclosure but also an overall more positive therapeutic experience.

Rapid Optimization of Active Disturbance Rejection Controller Parameters for Quadrotor UAVs Using Kriging Surrogate Modeling

The Active Disturbance Rejection Controller (ADRC), celebrated for its superior resistance to interference, presents itself as an exemplary solution for the development of control systems that are designed to accommodate substantial changes in payload weight for quadrotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and to endure robust side winds along with other challenging operational scenarios. Despite the inherent complexity due to the numerous parameters required for the configuration of the ADRC, an innovative method utilizing the Kriging surrogate optimization algorithm has been introduced to automate and expedite the generation of these controller parameters. The development of the ADRC begins with the dynamics model of the quadrotor UAV, followed by the identification of key design parameters. These parameters are then rapidly optimized through the Kriging surrogate optimization algorithm. The controller’s effectiveness is confirmed by implementing the ADRC on Pixhawk flight control hardware, with a comparative analysis of the attitude response under various operating conditions, thereby validating the ADRC’s superior anti-disturbance performance.

American Attitudes Toward Climate Migrants: Findings from a Conjoint Experiment

ABSTRACT The dramatic impacts of climate change presage an inevitable surge in mass migration; however, advanced democracies are ill-equipped for this impending crisis. Moreover, we know very little about how publics evaluate this group of prospective migrants, who are estimated to increase from 100 million to 200 million worldwide within decades. This study investigates American attitudes toward climate-related migrants in a conjoint experiment of more than 1,000 US adults, in which respondents evaluated fictional refugee profiles that varied across multiple attributes. Findings reveal that Americans (1) prefer political refugees over climate-related refugees; and (2) prefer climate-related and economic migrants to a similar extent, and that these preferences are not driven by concerns over climate-related refugees’ integration into American society. Subgroup analyses indicate that younger individuals, those with high climate-change anxiety, and those who previously engaged in climate-related political activities discriminated less against climate-related migrants. Analyses of open-ended responses reveal that climate anxiety is a driver of positive evaluations of climate-related migrants.

Inclusive practice: a study exploring community pharmacists' perspectives, knowledge, and training of Neurodiversity (ND) and the effects on their practice

Abstract Introduction An estimated 1 in 7 people in the UK are neurodivergent, a term encompassing conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other learning differences.1 Neurodivergent individuals have poorer health outcomes, increased risk of premature mortality and reduced access to healthcare.2 The Oliver McGowan case highlighted the need for raising awareness of neurodiversity and mandatory training.2 CPs are uniquely positioned to implement simple adjustments, e.g., adapting communication methods and inclusive pharmacy spaces, consequently reducing health inequalities. CPs’ knowledge, cultural perspectives and current accommodations in their practice for neurodiverse patients must be determined. Aim To explore community pharmacists' perspectives, knowledge and training of neurodiversity and the effects on their practice. Methods A mixed-methods approach was used following ethical approval from Kingston University Ethics Committee. After a pilot study, using random sampling, paper questionnaires comprising 26 mixed-style questions were distributed and collected in person to community pharmacists in East London boroughs within a two-month period. Survey participants were invited for an optional in-person or remote semi-structured interview, conducted using a validated interview guide. The minimum sample size was 129 pharmacists (Raosoft online calculator; 95% confidence interval). Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, using Microsoft Excel alongside thematic analysis for interview responses. Results Response rate was 80% (n=103/129) and 6 pharmacists participated in interviews. 53% (n=55) were Asian, 21% (n=22) Black, and 19% (n=20) White ethnicity. 52% (n=54) identified as male and 47% (n=48) as female. There was a statistically significant correlation between ethnicity and perception of neurodiversity, with conditions taken less seriously in Asian and Black cultures compared to White culture (p<0.001). White participants were statistically more likely to rate their knowledge as good or above in comparison to Asian or Black participants (p=0.01), with 70% (n=14/20) White participants rating their knowledge as good in comparison to 18% (n=4/22) Black and 29% (n=16/55) Asian participants. 100% (n=103/103) and 94% (n=97/103) participants were able to identify autism and ADHD respectively as neurodiverse conditions but only 20% (n=21/103) and 21% (n=22/103) respectively identified dyspraxia and dyscalculia. 94% (n=97/103) stated no changes were made to accommodate neurodiverse patients with only 3% (n=3/103) offering large-print labels or poster formats and 2% (n=2/103) offering quiet areas. Thematic analysis demonstrated the absence of interventions and awareness was commonly due to systemic barriers and lack of specific training. Participants described diverse cultural attitudes and attached stigma to neurodiversity. Discussion/Conclusion There are significant gaps in knowledge about neurodiversity, possibly linked to a lack of formal training opportunities for CPs. Consequently, minimal adjustments are made to accommodate neurodiverse patients. Changes to pharmacy education and training are needed to develop general understanding, with tools that can be incorporated in pharmacies to aid neurodiverse patients and improve health literacy.2 Simple measures such as ‘quiet hours’ or large-text labels can greatly impact a person’s healthcare experience. However, improvements are required in infrastructure and resources within pharmacies, as well as shifts in cultural attitudes to encourage patients to share their status.3 Study limitations included time constraints and a small but diverse geographical area.

Dynamic response analysis of vehicle-bridge coupled systems of low-to-medium-speed maglev long-span bridges

Dynamic response analysis of vehicle-bridge coupled systems of low-to-medium-speed maglev long-span bridges

Risk assessment study on the impact of sitting posture on lumbar vibration injury based on finite element method and neural network

Different driving postures may alter the impact of vibrations on the lumbar spine. This study explores the influence of posture on the lumbar spine by analyzing the risk of intervertebral disc vibration injury. Initially, Python language was utilized to develop code to obtain 48 different postural three-dimensional finite element models of the human-chair system. Subsequently, these models underwent harmonic response analyses at frequencies of 5, 7, and 9 Hz, with the maximum Von Mises stress on the L4–L5 intervertebral disc used to calculate the risk factor. Finally, a neural network model was trained using the frequency and posture angles as input values and the risk factor as the output values, enabling prediction of intervertebral disc risk factors in more precise sitting postures. The findings reveal that the posture of the upper body plays a primary role in influencing the lumbar spine, with the thigh posture having a greater impact when the upper body is closer to a vertical position, while the influence of the lower leg posture is minimal. Across all three frequencies, the optimal angle for the upper body is 109°, 109°, 115°, and for the thighs, it is 90°, 90°, 100°. A higher risk factor is observed when the upper body is angled between 90° and 100°. Conversely, an upper body angle between 110° and 120° is deemed acceptable. Vibration at 9 Hz had the greatest impact on the risk of lumbar injury when the upper body is in or close to a vertical sitting position.

Examining relationship quality bias in couples research: An analysis of responses from cisgender sexual minority men in the United States.

Examining relationship quality bias in couples research: An analysis of responses from cisgender sexual minority men in the United States.

Evolving antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 antigenic shift from XBB to JN.1.

The continuous evolution of SARS-CoV-2, particularly the emergence of BA.2.86/JN.1 lineage replacing XBB, necessitates re-evaluation of vaccine compositions 1-3. Here, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the humoral immune response to XBB and JN.1 human exposure. We demonstrate the antigenic distinctiveness of XBB and JN.1 lineages in SARS-CoV-2-naive individuals, and JN.1 infection elicits superior plasma neutralization against its subvariants. We highlight KP.3's strong immune evasion and receptor binding capability, supporting its foreseeable prevalence. Extensive analysis of the BCR repertoire, isolating ~2000 RBD-specific antibodies with their targeting epitopes characterized by deep mutational scanning (DMS), underscores the superiority of JN.1-elicited memory B cells 4,5. Class 1 IGHV3-53/3-66-derived neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) contribute majorly within wildtype-reactive NAbs against JN.1. However, KP.2 and KP.3 evade a substantial subset, even those induced by JN.1, advocating for booster updates to KP.2/KP.3. JN.1-induced Omicron-specific antibodies also demonstrate high potency across Omicron. Escape hotspots of these NAbs have already been mutated, resulting in higher immune barrier to escape, considering probable recovery of escaped NAbs. Additionally, the prevalence of IGHV3-53/3-66-derived antibodies, and their capability of competing with all Omicron-specific NAbs suggests their inhibitory role on the activation of Omicron-specific naive B cells, potentially explaining the heavy immune imprinting in mRNA-vaccinated individuals 6-8. These findings delineate the evolving antibody response to Omicron antigenic shift from XBB to JN.1, and highlight the importance of developing JN.1-lineage, especially KP.2/KP.3-based vaccine boosters.

Analysis of Multivariable Sensor Responses to Multi-Analyte Gas Samples in the Presence of Interferents and Humidity.

This work presents an adaptive sensor signal-processing approach to enable quantification, using a single gas sensor or a small sensor array, of multianalyte mixtures of aromatic hydrocarbons in the presence of various interferents and humidity for environmental-monitoring applications. Dynamic sensor responses are analyzed by extracting multivariable sensing parameters to provide necessary sensitivity and selectivity. This is achieved by integrating the Levenberg-Marquardt-modified, exponentially weighted, recursive-least-squares-estimation (LM-modified EW-RLSE) algorithm and principal-component analysis (PCA). Achieving measured detection limits as low as 3 μg/L (≤1 ppm by volume) for 6 target analytes, the system exhibits excellent PCA cluster separation for all analytes in the mixtures, with reliable identification and accurate quantification, even in the presence of various interferents. Concentration errors of approximately ±5% are obtained for mixtures containing up to 6 BTEX compounds (including chemical isomers) and up to 4 interferents. Additionally, the study investigates the impact of humidity on the polymer/plasticizer-coated shear-horizontal surface acoustic wave (SH-SAW) sensors, demonstrating accurate concentration estimation in a relative humidity range from dry nitrogen to 65%. This sensing-and-multivariate-signal-processing approach is a promising candidate for reliable environmental monitoring in real-world applications.

Provision of basic swimming and water safety skills in low-resource environments: barriers and facilitators of use of WHO practical guidance

IntroductionWHO guidance supports implementation of drowning prevention interventions. This study aimed to examine barriers and facilitators of use of WHO guidance on basic swimming and water safety skills in low-resource...

Enhancing Tactical Readiness in Law Enforcement: Analysis of psychophysiological response in close quarter engagements

Enhancing Tactical Readiness in Law Enforcement: Analysis of psychophysiological response in close quarter engagements

An Analysis of Vertical Infiltration Responses in Unsaturated Soil Columns from Permafrost Regions

Rainfall infiltration affects permafrost-related slope stability by changing the pore water pressure in soil. In this study, the infiltration responses under rainfall conditions were elucidated. The instantaneous profile method and filter paper method were used to obtain the soil–water characteristic curve (SWCC) and hydraulic conductivity function (HCF). During the rainfall infiltration test, the vertical patters of volumetric moisture contents, total hydraulic head or suction and wetting front were recorded. Advancing displacement and rate of the wetting front, the cumulative infiltration, the instantaneous infiltration rate, and the average infiltration rate were determined to comprehensively assess the rainfall infiltration process, along with SWCC and HCF. Additionally, the effects of dry density and runoff on the one-dimensional vertical infiltration process of soil columns were evaluated. The results showed that the variation curve of wetting front displacement versus time obeys a power function relationship. In addition, the infiltration rate–time relationship curve and the unsaturated permeability curve could be roughly divided into three stages, and the SWCC and HCF calculated by volumetric moisture content are more sensitive to changes in dry density than to changes in runoff or hydraulic head height.

‘They want to get rid of us by all means’: A critical analysis of policy and governance responses and their implications for street traders’ access to urban space in Harare, Zimbabwe

‘<i>They want to get rid of us by all means</i>’: A critical analysis of policy and governance responses and their implications for street traders’ access to urban space in Harare, Zimbabwe

A comprehensive analysis of the defense responses of Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) provides insights into the changes during Serratia marcescens infection

BackgroundOdontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) is a highly damaging agroforestry pest. Serratia marcescens is a broad-spectrum insecticidal pathogen and is highly lethal to O. formosanus. However, little is known about the mechanism between them. To improve the biological control of pests, a more in-depth analysis of the interactions between the pests and the pathogens is essential.ResultsWe used RNA-seq, enzyme activity assays and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) to explore the defense responses of O. formosanus against SM1. RNA-seq results showed that 1,160, 2,531 and 4,536 genes were differentially expressed at 3, 6 and 12 h after SM1 infection, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) results indicated that immune response and energy metabolism were involved in the defense of O. formosanus against SM1. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and ROS synthesis genes were significantly elevated, and the antioxidant system were induced in O. formosanus after SM1 infection. In addition, the cellular immune genes were affected, and the Toll, immune deficiency (Imd), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) and melanization pathways were activated. In vitro, Oftermicin, an antimicrobial peptide, had a significantly inhibitory effect on SM1. Furthermore, the expression levels and enzyme activities of phosphofructokinase (PFK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) in glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycles were increased.ConclusionsOur results clearly demonstrated that O. formosanus defended against SM1 by activating the antioxidant system, innate immunity and energy metabolism. This study would provide useful information for the development of biological controls of O. formosanus.

Figure-Based Approach in Creating ChatGPT-4o-Resistant Multiple-Choice Questions for Introductory Biology Courses: An Instructional Guide

Online assessment is an essential part of online education, and if conducted properly, has been found to effectively gauge student learning. Generally, text-based questions have been the cornerstone of online assessment. Recently, however, the emergence of generative artificial intelligence has added a significant challenge to the integrity of online assessments. In particular, it has been reported that large language models, like ChatGPT-4o, show high performance on text-based questions. In comparison, ChatGPT-4o exhibited significantly reduced performance on figure-based questions in our study. In an effort to counter the recent encroachment of ChatGPT-4o into online assessment, we propose a step-by-step instructional guide for a method in creating figure-based multiple-choice questions that are resistant to ChatGPT-4o. This involves generation of a ChatGPT-4o-resistant figure, writing the question text based on it, and evaluating the final question on ChatGPT-4o. If successfully created, ChatGPT-4o response could be subject to random guessing. Our results showcase four representative examples for introductory biology courses and illustrate a systematic approach to compose questions based on qualitative analysis of ChatGPT-4o responses. In combination with other assessment methods, our method aims to serve as a tool to alleviate the current challenge that educators face for online assessments.

Establishing a Collaborative Genomic Repository for Adult Burn Survivors: A Burn Model System Feasibility Study

In this study, we aimed to integrate a genetic repository with an existing longitudinal national burn database. We set out two primary objectives, namely (1) to develop standard operating procedures for genetic sample collection and storage, DNA isolation, and data integration into an existing multicenter database; and (2) to demonstrate the feasibility of correlating genetic variation to functional outcomes in a pilot study, using the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene. Dubbed the worrier/warrior gene, COMT variants have been associated with varying phenotypes of post-traumatic stress, wellbeing, and resilience. Between August 2018 and July 2020, COMT variants were identified for 111 participants from three sites and correlated with their outcome data. We found no association between COMT variants and functional outcomes, likely due to the inadequate sample size. We also asked all potential participants why they consented to or refused genetic analysis. A thematic analysis of responses revealed altruism and personal interest/enthusiasm in the study as top reasons for consenting. Privacy concerns were the most common reason for refusal. In conclusion, we successfully developed standard operating procedures for genetic sample collection and storage, DNA isolation, and data integration into an existing database, and we demonstrated the feasibility of conducting a multicenter collaborative study using a centralized lab location.

Transcriptomic Analysis of Non-Specific Immune Responses in the Rice Field Eel (Monopterus albus) Infected with Pallisentis (Neosentis) celatus

Parasitic infestations present significant threats to the physiological health and ecological stability of aquatic species, frequently compromising immune defenses and elevating mortality rates. This study was conducted to elucidate the non-specific immune responses induced by Pallisentis (Neosentis) celatus infection in Monopterus albus, with a focus on intestinal histopathology and transcriptome gene expression. A histopathological examination revealed minor alterations in intestinal villi under low-level infection. A transcriptome analysis, performed using Illumina sequencing technology, identified 347 upregulated and 298 downregulated genes involved in critical biological pathways, such as lipid metabolism, immune responses, and the regulation of inflammatory processes. GO and KEGG analyses indicated the upregulation of immune-related pathways, including the RIG-I-like and IL-17 signaling pathways, highlighting a robust intestinal immune response. Conversely, the complement pathway was found to be downregulated, with significant suppression of C9, suggesting that the parasite may engage in immune evasion. Fluorescein-labeled C9 antibody assays confirmed reduced complement C9 levels in the infected tissues. A real-time PCR analysis identified the differential expression of eight genes, including C5, maats1, CFI, and gmnc, which were consistent with the sequencing results. These findings suggest that Pallisentis (Neosentis) celatus infection compromises intestinal health, induces inflammation, and activates non-specific immune responses in Monopterus albus. However, Pallisentis (Neosentis) celatus appears to evade the host immune response by suppressing the activation of complement components, thereby facilitating its reproductive parasitism.

Equivalence Ratio-Driven Flame Response of an Industrial Premixed Burner: Experiments and Modeling

Abstract This paper presents an analysis of the unsteady heat release rate response of premixed flames to equivalence ratio perturbations for an industrial premixed swirl-based burner. During this investigation, perfectly and technically premixed flames were acoustically forced via fuel/air mixture flow and air flow modulations, respectively, at the same operating conditions. From the resulting flame transfer functions (FTFs), measured using the multimicrophone method, the equivalence ratio driven FTF was isolated and extracted by removing the velocity driven component, i.e., the measured FTF from the perfectly premixed flame, from the technically premixed FTF with two novel extraction techniques. The results are compared with FTFs obtained directly in a previous experimental campaign where the fuel flow was acoustically forced, the resulting equivalence ratio fluctuations measured via an infrared absorption technique, and the heat release rate response to the forcing was quantified using chemiluminescence measurements. The results from both measurement approaches agreed well highlighting the validity of the techniques. Further, to understand the governing features of the equivalence ratio driven FTF, a physics-based analytical model following the G-equation approach was developed. The contributions from flame surface area, flame speed, and heat of reaction oscillations were modeled to describe the heat release rate dynamics. A limited number of physical parameters in the analytical model were anchored on one test condition, optimized and restricted to values, which were all physically reasonable, and were subsequently used for model predictions at other operating conditions. The FTF model predictions compared well with experimental data across a range of different operating conditions. Finally, the relative contributions from flame surface area, flame speed, and heat of reaction oscillations on the features of the FTFs were identified and explored.