Stable Mean Research Articles

Foliations of asymptotically flat manifolds by stable constant mean curvature spheres

Foliations of asymptotically flat manifolds by stable constant mean curvature spheres

Cardiovascular diseases risk assessment: the Italian Health Examination Survey 2023 - CUORE Project

Abstract Background The reduction of NCDs premature mortality is pursued by the WHO; risk conditions targets are recommended as well as population-level monitoring of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The Italian Ministry of Health (MoH) has strengthened prevention/health promotion and supported periodic CVD risk assessment through national health examination surveys (HESs), funded by the MoH-CCM and conducted within the CUORE Project. Methods In 2023 a new HES started including the 10-year fatal and non-fatal CVD risk assessment based on knowledge of sex, age, smoking habit, measured systolic blood pressure and fasting total and HDL serum cholesterol, and presence of diabetes (on measured fasting serum glycemia and/or treatment) and anti-hypertensive therapy. Up to now, data from random samples of residents in 7 Regions (of 20 regions) distributed in North, Centre and South of Italy, aged 35-69 years, without previous CVD, are available (585 men, 617 women). Determinations were assayed by a central lab. CUORE Project functions developed on and for the Italian adults were used. Results Mean values of the CVD risk assessment resulted 6.9% (95% CI: 6.3-7.4) in men and 2.3% (2.1-2.5) in women. For men aged 35-44 years risk was 1.6% (1.5-1.8), for 45-54 years 3.8% (3.5-4.2), for 55-64 years 10.0% (9.0-10.9), for 65-69 years 17.6% (16.4-18.9); for women was 0.5% (0.4-0.6), 1.0% (0.9-1.1), 3.3% (2.9-3.7) and 6.0% (5.5-6.6) respectively. Prevalence of CVD risk less than 5% was 57% (49-64) in men and 88% (84-93) in women, of 10-15% risk were 22% (15-28) of men and 9% (5-14) of women, of 15-20% risk were 5% (1.6-8.0) of men and 0% of women, of over 20% risk were 2% (0-3.6) of men and 0% of women. Conclusions Compared to 2008, these data showed stable mean levels of CVD risk both in men and women at any age-classes and stable prevalence of CVD risk classes. CVD risk perception represents a challenge in primary prevention especially for young age groups and women. Key messages • In the Italian general population, CVD risk assessment remained stable compared to 15 years ago. • CVD risk perception represents a challenge in primary prevention.

Association between vitamin D levels with IL-6 and IL-10 in umbilical cord blood of infants

A worldwide issue, vitamin D deficiency affects pregnant mothers and babies everywhere, including Indonesia. It involves the adaptive immune system by controlling the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and the balance between humoral (Th2) and cell-mediated (Th1) immunity. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between vitamin D and the cytokines IL-6 and IL-10 in infants. It also examined the relationship between ferritin and IL-6/IL-10 in newborns. The study collected 114 umbilical cord blood samples from term-born mothers without clinical symptoms. IL-6 and IL-10 were among the cytokine profiles measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). SPSS was used for statistical analysis, and an in-silico investigation was carried out to examine the molecular relationships between vitamin D and IL-6/IL-10. Using the 20 ng/mL as the cut-off for vitamin D insufficiency suggested the insignificant association of vitamin D with IL-6 (p=0.42), IL-10 (p=0.76), and ferritin (p=0.47). When the umbilical cord vitamin D level was categorized into four quartiles, the association with the highest statistical significance (quartile 4 versus quartile 2) was observed for IL-6 (p<0.001), IL-10 (p<0.001), and ferritin (p<0.001). However, the linear regression did not suggest the significant correlations of vitamin D with IL-6 (p=0.40) and IL-10 (p=0.45). A significant correlation based on the linear regression was found between ferritin and IL-10 (p=0.03). Molecular docking studies demonstrated binding affinities of -8.04 kcal/mol for IL-6-vitamin D and -8.53 kcal/mol for IL-10-vitamin D complexes, with stable root mean square deviation throughout the simulations. This study contributes valuable insights into the clinical and computational analysis of the relationship of vitamin D with IL-6 or IL-10.

Comparison of a Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation Method and the Banff Patella Instability Instrument 2.0 for Patients With Patellofemoral Instability.

The concept of Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) has been introduced for several clinical entities; however, a validated SANE focusing on patients with patellofemoral instability has not been described. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expressiveness of SANE questions (SQs) for the assessment of patients experiencing patellofemoral instability. It was hypothesized that the complexity of patellofemoral instability cannot be demonstrated by a single question. Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Between October 2022 and March 2023, 120 consecutive patients (male/female, 50/70; mean age, 23.9 ± 8.0 years; mean body mass index, 25.3 ± 5.1 kg/m2) with patellofemoral instability were assessed with the Banff Patella Instability Instrument 2.0 (BPII 2.0). Patients were randomized into 3 groups (40 patients each) and asked to answer 1 of 3 SQs: "How do you rate your knee joint if a completely stable kneecap means 100%?" (SQ 1), "How do you rate your knee joint if complete satisfaction means 100%?" (SQ 2), and "How do you rate your knee joint if complete normal function means 100%?" (SQ 3). Means ± standard deviations were compared using 1-way analysis of variance, the correlation between BPII 2.0 and each SQ was assessed by Pearson correlation, and Bland-Altmann analysis was performed to investigate biases of each SQ in comparison with BPII 2.0. The mean BPII 2.0 score was 40.5 ± 16.8 points, and the mean results of SQ 1, SQ 2, and SQ 3 were 44.2% ± 26.0%, 42.6% ± 25.4%, and 44.2% ± 18.9%, respectively, without significant differences between the groups (all P > .05). The correlations between BPII 2.0 and SQ 1, SQ 2, and SQ 3 were high (r = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.86; P < .0001), low (r = 0.35; 95% CI, -0.05 to 0.6; P = .02), and low (r = 0.31; 95% CI, -0.002 to 0.56; P = .051), respectively. Bland-Altman analysis between BPII 2.0 and SQ 1, SQ 2, and SQ 3 revealed biases of -0.12 (SD, 17.1), -1.45 (SD, 24.4), and -8.0 (SD, 19.4), respectively. The SQ "How do you rate your knee joint if a completely stable kneecap means 100%?" demonstrated concurrent validity with the BPII 2.0 and may serve as a helpful tool to quickly assess patients with recurrent patellofemoral instability in a preoperative setting.

Using cerebral regional oxygen saturation and amplitude-integrated electroencephalography in neonates on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: preliminary experience from a single center

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the application value in neurological outcome of cerebral regional oxygen saturation (CrSO2) and amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) monitoring during neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) courses.Methods We retrospectively analyzed 18 neonates receiving veno-arterial ECMO (V-A ECMO) support at our hospital from July 2021 to December 2022. Continuous monitoring of CrSO2 and brain electrical activity was conducted using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and aEEG throughout the ECMO treatment. We collected and analyzed related clinical data.ResultsAmong the 11 survivors, 5 were categorized as the normal group (N group) and 6 as the abnormal group (AN group) based on post-ECMO brain MRI outcomes. The N group exhibited shorter time percentage of significant CrSO2 reduction (> 25% from baseline or absolute value < 40%), better fractional tissue oxygen extraction (FTOE) rates, and more stable mean percentage changes in CrSO2 compared to the AN group. Neonates in the N group predominantly showed mildly abnormal aEEG readings, with one patient displaying disrupted sleep-wake cycles. This particular patient also had more significant CrSO2 reduction and poorer FTOE compared to others in the N group. Additionally, the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) scores indicated hypoevolutism in this patient before discharge, while others in the N group had normal TIMP scores. In the AN group, 4 exhibited moderate and 2 severe aEEG abnormalities; 5 had hypoevolutism TIMP scores, and 1 with moderate aEEG abnormalities maintained a normal TIMP score, exhibiting lesser CrSO2 reduction and improved FTOE.ConclusionCrSO2 and aEEG monitoring show potential as routine assessments for neurological outcomes during neonatal ECMO. In our cohort, a tendency was observed where neonates with greater reductions in CrSO2 and more severe aEEG abnormalities experienced poorer neurological outcomes.

Analysis of C-reactive protein omics-measures associates methylation risk score with sleep health and related health outcomes.

DNA methylation (DNAm) predictors of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) offer a stable and accurate means of assessing chronic inflammation, bypassing the CRP protein fluctuations secondary to acute illness. Poor sleep health is associated with elevated inflammation (including elevated blood CRP levels) which may explain associations of sleep insufficiency with metabolic, cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Our study aims to characterize the relationships among sleep health phenotypes and CRP markers -blood, genetic, and epigenetic indicators-within the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). In HCHS/SOL, methylation risk scores (MRS)-CRP and polygenetic risk score (PRS)-CRP were constructed separately as weighted sums of methylation beta values or allele counts, respectively, for each individual. Sleep health phenotypes were measured using self-reported questionnaires and objective measurements. Survey-weighted linear regression established the association between the multiple sleep phenotypes (obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), sleep duration, insomnia and excessive sleepiness symptom), cognitive assessments, diabetes and hypertension with CRP markers while adjusting for age, sex, BMI, study center, and the first five principal components of genetic ancestry in HCHS/SOL. We included 2221 HCHS/SOL participants (age range 37-76 yrs, 65.7% female) in the analysis. Both the MRS-CRP (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.32-0.42, p = 3.3 × 10-38) and the PRS-CRP (95% CI: 0.15-0.25, p = 1 × 10-14) were associated with blood CRP level. Moreover, MRS-CRP was associated with sleep health phenotypes (OSA, long sleep duration) and related conditions (diabetes and hypertension), while PRS-CRP markers were not associated with these traits. Circulating CRP level was associated with sleep duration and diabetes. Associations between OSA traits and metabolic comorbidities weakened after adjusting for MRS-CRP, most strongly for diabetes, and least for hypertension. MRS-CRP is a promising estimate for systemic and chronic inflammation as reflected by circulating CRP levels, which either mediates or serves as a common cause of the association between sleep phenotypes and related comorbidities, especially in the presence of diabetes.

Experiences and Outcomes of the Society of Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgeons Fellowship Training: Growth in Fellowships Mirrors the Evolution of the Discipline

ObjectiveTo describe experiences and outcomes of the Society of Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgeons (GURS) fellowship match. In 2012, GURS developed a centralized fellowship match which has grown from 13 to 30 programs. MethodsGURS match statistics and case logs were reviewed from 2013-2024. Additionally, a 37 question survey evaluating satisfaction, procedural competency, fellowship experience, and employment opportunities were sent to graduates. Linear regression was performed to examine trends over time. ResultsOver the study period, program match success remained stable (94.7%;p=0.50) while applicant success (63.3%) increased over time (p=0.04). North American and female applicants experienced higher match success (72.8% and 73.6%) compared to their international (35.5%;p<0.0001) and male counterparts (60.0%;p=0.02). On case log analysis, mean surgical volumes per year increased in urethral reconstruction (mean=88.1;p=0.02), male sexual health (n=32.7;p=0.03), genital reconstruction (mean=16.4;p<0.01) and abdominal reconstruction (mean=24.5;p=0.03). Male incontinence surgeries remained stable (mean=30.5;p=0.21) while female reconstruction declined (mean=23.2;p=0.01). With a survey response rate of 54.5% (97/178), training satisfaction was 95.9% which did not differ by gender (p=0.54) or year of training (p=0.22). 97.9% felt competent to enter unsupervised reconstructive practice, 94.8% reported an understanding of the relevant literature and 96.9% were satisfied with their job as a reconstructive urologist. 49.5% identified a different case mix in practice compared to fellowship, most commonly related to abdominal (44.9%) or genital reconstruction (16.3%). ConclusionGURS fellowships have grown organically over the last decade and mirror the growth and evolution of the discipline with sustained high-levels of graduate satisfaction, surgical experience, competence, scholarly inquiry and employment.

Tracking Forest Disturbance in Northeast China’s Cold-Temperate Forests Using a Temporal Sequence of Landsat Data

Cold-temperate forests (CTFs) are not only an important source of wood but also provide significant carbon storage in China. However, under the increasing pressure of human activities and climate change, CTFs are experiencing severe disturbances, such as logging, fires, and pest infestations, leading to evident degradation trends. Though these disturbances impact both regional and global carbon budgets and their assessments, the disturbance patterns in CTFs in northern China remain poorly understood. In this paper, the Genhe forest area, which is a typical CTF region located in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Northeast China (with an area of about 2.001 × 104 km2), was selected as the study area. Based on Landsat historical archived data on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, we used the continuous change detection and classification (CCDC) algorithm and considered seasonal features to detect forest disturbances over nearly 30 years. First, we created six inter-annual time series seasonal vegetation index datasets to map forest coverage using the maximum between-class variance algorithm (OTSU). Second, we used the CCDC algorithm to extract disturbance information. Finally, by using the ECMWF climate reanalysis dataset, MODIS C6, the snow phenology dataset, and forestry department records, we evaluated how disturbances relate to climate and human activities. The results showed that the disturbance map generated using summer (June–August) imagery and the enhanced vegetation index (EVI) had the highest overall accuracy (88%). Forests have been disturbed to the extent of 12.65% (2137.31 km2) over the last 30 years, and the disturbed area generally showed a trend toward reduction, especially after commercial logging activities were banned in 2015. However, there was an unusual increase in the number of disturbed areas in 2002 and 2003 due to large fires. The monitoring of potential widespread forest disturbance due to extreme drought and fire events in the context of climate change should be strengthened in the future, and preventive and salvage measures should be taken in a timely manner. Our results demonstrate that CTF disturbance can be robustly mapped by using the CCDC algorithm based on Landsat time series seasonal imagery in areas with complex meteorological conditions and spatial heterogeneity, which is essential for understanding forest change processes.

Motion Artifact Correction for OCT Microvascular Images Based on Image Feature Matching.

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), a functional extension of optical coherence tomography (OCT), is widely employed for high-resolution imaging of microvascular networks. However, due to the relatively low scan rate of OCT, the artifacts caused by the involuntary bulk motion of tissues severely impact the visualization of microvascular networks. This study proposes a fast motion correction method based on image feature matching for OCT microvascular images. First, the rigid motion-related mismatch between B-scans is compensated through the image feature matching based on the improved oriented FAST and rotated BRIEF algorithm. Then, the axial motion within A-scan lines in each B-scan image is corrected according to the displacement deviation between the detected boundaries achieved by the Scharr operator in a non-rigid transformation manner. Finally, an optimized intensity-based Doppler variance algorithm is developed to enhance the robustness of the OCTA imaging. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.

Evaluating Feature Selection Algorithms for Machine Learning-Based Musical Instrument Identification in Monophonic Recordings

Musical instrument identification (MII) research has been studied as a subfield of the Music Information Retrieval (MIR) field. Conventional MII models are developed based on hierarchical models representing musical instrument families. However, for MII models to be used in the field of music production, they should be developed based on the arrangement-based functions of instruments in musical styles rather than these hierarchical models. This study investigates how the performance of machine learning based classification algorithms for Guitar, Bass guitar and Drum classes changes with different feature selection algorithms, considering a popular music production scenario. To determine the effect of feature statistics on model performance, Minimum Redundancy Maximum Relevance (mRMR), Chi-sqaure (Chi2), ReliefF, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal Wallis feature selection algorithms were used. In the end, the neural network algorithm with wide hyperparameters (WNN) achieved the best classification accuracy (91.4%) when using the first 20 statistics suggested by the mRMR and ReliefF feature selection algorithms.

Eye-Net: A Low-Complexity Distributed Denial of Service Attack-Detection System Based on Multilayer Perceptron

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks disrupt service availability, leading to significant financial setbacks for individuals and businesses. This paper introduces Eye-Net, a deep learning-based system optimized for DDoS attack detection that combines feature selection, balancing methods, Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), and quantization-aware training (QAT) techniques. An Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) algorithm is initially applied to the dataset to identify the most distinctive features. Subsequently, the Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) balances the dataset by augmenting samples for under-represented classes. Two distinct MLP models are developed: one for the binary classification of flow packets as regular or DDoS traffic and another for identifying six specific DDoS attack types. We store MLP model weights at 8-bit precision by incorporating the quantization-aware training technique. This adjustment slashes memory use by a factor of four and reduces computational cost similarly, making Eye-Net suitable for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Both models are rigorously trained and assessed using the CICDDoS2019 dataset. Test results reveal that Eye-Net excels, surpassing contemporary DDoS detection techniques in accuracy, recall, precision, and F1 Score. The multiclass model achieves an impressive accuracy of 96.47% with an error rate of 8.78%, while the binary model showcases an outstanding 99.99% accuracy, maintaining a negligible error rate of 0.02%.

Syphilis testing in blood donors, France, 2007 to 2022.

BackgroundSyphilis in blood donors (BD) has increased in many countries.AimWe aimed to describe trends in syphilis seroposivity in BD in France, to identify risk factors and assess if a non-treponemic test (NTT) could define BD having recovered from syphilis for more than 1 year.MethodsThe analysis covered the period 2007 to 2022 and 45,875,939 donations. Of the 474 BD syphilis-positive in 2022, 429 underwent additional investigations with an NTT. History of syphilis was obtained at the post-donation interview or based on serology results for repeat donors.ResultsUntil 2021, positivity rates remained stable (mean: 1.18/10,000 donations, range: 1.01-1.38). An increased rate was observed in 2022 (1.74/10,000; p = 0.02). Over the whole study period, prevalence was 2.2 times higher in male than in female BD (4.1 times higher in 2022). The proportion of males with an identified risk factor who have sex with men increased from 16.7% in 2007 to 64.9% in 2022. Based on NTT, 79 (18%) of the donors who were seropositive in 2022 were classified as having been infected in the previous year. History of syphilis was available for 30 of them. All had an infection within the previous 3 years. Among seven donors with a syphilis < 12 months before testing, one had an NTT titre ≥ 8, three a titre between 1 and 4, three were negative.ConclusionSyphilis seropositivity increased considerably in BDs in 2022, mostly in males, notably MSM. Available data did not allow appropriate evaluation of the NTT to distinguish recent from past infection.

Human-centred physical neuromorphics with visual brain-computer interfaces

Steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) are widely used for brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) as they provide a stable and efficient means to connect the computer to the brain with a simple flickering light. Previous studies focused on low-density frequency division multiplexing techniques, i.e. typically employing one or two light-modulation frequencies during a single flickering light stimulation. Here we show that it is possible to encode information in SSVEPs excited by high-density frequency division multiplexing, involving hundreds of frequencies. We then demonstrate the ability to transmit entire images from the computer to the brain/EEG read-out in relatively short times. High-density frequency multiplexing also allows to implement a photonic neural network utilizing SSVEPs, that is applied to simple classification tasks and exhibits promising scalability properties by connecting multiple brains in series. Our findings open up new possibilities for the field of neural interfaces, holding potential for various applications, including assistive technologies and cognitive enhancements, to further improve human-machine interactions.

In-silico study unveils potential phytocompounds in Andrographis paniculata against E6 protein of the high-risk HPV-16 subtype for cervical cancer therapy

Despite therapeutic advancements, cervical cancer caused by high-risk subtypes of the human papillomavirus (HPV) remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. This study aimed to discover potential drug candidates from the Asian medicinal plant Andrographis paniculata, demonstrating efficacy against the E6 protein of high-risk HPV-16 subtype through an in-silico computational approach. The 3D structures of 32 compounds (selected from 42) derived from A. paniculata, exhibiting higher binding affinity, were obtained from the PubChem database. These structures underwent subsequent analysis and screening based on criteria including binding energy, molecular docking, drug likeness and toxicity prediction using computational techniques. Considering the spectrometry, pharmacokinetic properties, docking results, drug likeliness, and toxicological effects, five compounds—stigmasterol, 1H-Indole-3-carboxylic acid, 5-methoxy-, methyl ester (AP7), andrographolide, apigenin and wogonin—were selected as the potential inhibitors against the E6 protein of HPV-16. We also performed 200 ns molecular dynamics simulations of the compounds to analyze their stability and interactions as protein–ligand complexes using imiquimod (CID-57469) as a control. Screened compounds showed favorable characteristics, including stable root mean square deviation values, minimal root mean square fluctuations and consistent radius of gyration values. Intermolecular interactions, such as hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts, were sustained throughout the simulations. The compounds displayed potential affinity, as indicated by negative binding free energy values. Overall, findings of this study suggest that the selected compounds have the potential to act as inhibitors against the E6 protein of HPV-16, offering promising prospects for the treatment and management of CC.

Numerical model of the QiTai radio Telescope PAF receiver signal and simulation of interference mitigation

Xinjiang Qitai is constructing a 110-m fully steerable radio telescope (QiTai radio Telescope [QTT]) equipped with a phased array feeds (PAF) receiver, which will install the focal plane operating from 0.7 to 1.8 GHz. In this article, we introduce a PAF receiver model for beamforming, and the numerical model of the internal and external noise for this PAF receiver is provided using electromagnetic field simulation software. The linear constraint minimum variance (LCMV) algorithm is used to simulate the interference mitigation. The interference mitigation rate is from 0.581 to 0.921, and the signal restoration rate is from 0.998 to 1.512 within the error range of an interference arrival angle of 10°. This conclusion can be used in the signal correction of the PAF receiver for interference mitigation.

Embracing Digital Transformation: A Three-Cycle Audit on Improving Intraoperative Tourniquet Documentation Following BOAST (British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma) Guidelines.

Introduction Tourniquets are vital devices in orthopaedic surgery that aid in creating a bloodless field.While they reduce operative time and outcomes, improper use can lead to severe complications. The British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma (BOAST) offers guidelines for safe intraoperative tourniquet usage, emphasising proper application and accurate documentation. With the push for a paperless National Health Service (NHS), orthopaedic units across the UK are transitioning to electronic patient records (EPR). In this audit, we aim to evaluate the impact of electronic patient records (EPR) implementation on tourniquet documentation and subsequent interventions to enhance guideline adherence. Methods This closed-loop audit evaluated 159 emergency trauma cases at a single UK-based district general hospital across three different cycles. The first cycle (n=50) was collected before the trust-wide adoption of an EPR system (EPIC HIVE). Upon collecting the second cycle (n=59), local intraoperative tourniquet usage results compared to BOAST were presented at a departmental audit meeting. A specialised smart phrase template was subsequently shared with the department and the results were re-audited in the third cycle (n=50). Statistical analyses were performed to compare the cycles. Results Following the introduction of the EPR, compliance with documentation standards (fully and partially adhered to) initially declined from 38.0% to 17.0%. Post-intervention, compliance increased to 62.0% (p=0.0005). Individual aspects of documentation revealed notable improvements, including increases in skin assessment pre- and post-tourniquet application (0% to 56% and 0% to 60%, respectively, p<0.0001), isolation method (0% to 60%, p<0.0001), exsanguination method (2% to 24%, p=0.0003), tourniquet pressure (39% to 76%, p=0.0001) and tourniquet time (59% to 94%, p=0.0001). Lower limb tourniquet pressures significantly decreased between audit cycles (mean: 287.06 vs mean: 265.91, p=0.007)while upper limb pressures remained relatively stable (mean: 236.67 vs mean: 236.56, p=0.993). No tourniquet-related complications were reported across all audit cycles. Conclusion While the introduction of new EPR systems may initially present challenges in upholding accurate operative records, the incorporation of specialised electronic templates and active staff engagement has shown to be instrumental in improving tourniquet safety and enhancing care standards.

Application of central composite design (CCD)-response surface methodology (RSM) for optimization of heat transfer in dusty nanofluid flow with velocity slip

Background and Purpose The consequence of thermal radiation is scrutinized on the heat transport of Nano-diamond/silicon oil and silver/silicon oil nanofluids through a stretching endless plate. The single phase (Tiwari and Das) model is employed for nanofluid. The major objective of this study is to optimize the RSM-based Central composite design modeling to optimization of the heat transfer in dusty Oldroyd-B nanofluid across stretching surface. Additionally the velocity slip effect is considered. The dust particle phase is also taken into account. The significance of viscous dissipation, joule heating, inclined magnetic field with convective condition is investigated. Methodology The partial differential equations are developed under consideration, then transform to ODE’s by utilizing similarity tools. The transformed model of ODE’s is tackled numerically via bvp4c MATLAB tool with shooting algorithm. The effect of magnetic parameter, fluid interaction parameter, nanoparticle volume fraction, slip parameter and temperature interaction parameter on velocity field and temperature distribution of fluid phase and dust phase is investigated. Furthermore the Nusselt number on the wall is observed for interactive parameters of mass concentration of dust particles, fluid particles interaction parameter for velocity and unsteady parameters utilizing the face-centered Central Composite design (CCD) of the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Additionally, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) algorithm and 3D plots are utilized to examine the consequence of experimental design parameters via the response. The recommended model significance has been analyzed in conditions of correlation coefficient ( R 2 ), mean square error (MSE), root means square error (RMSE), prediction standard error to acknowledge the most excellent strong. Results The difference between the Predicted R2 of 0.9467 and the Adjusted R2 of 0.9867 is less than 0.2, which is assumed to be a reasonable concurrence. Furthermore results of the current analysis indicate that velocity gradient for nanofluid is diminishes for larger fluid particle interaction parameter for velocity, while the dust phase velocity is improved. The increment in Temperature gradients is observed via increasing values of the nanoparticle fraction and temperature base fluid particle interaction parameter. From the results it is concluded that skin friction coefficient is reduced with larger magnetic parameter for both mono nanofluids. Furthermore the heat transfer rate is increased by increasing the thermal radiation parameter for both mono nanofluids. It is concluded that silver/silicon oil nanofluid play a higher role in heat transportation as compare to Nano-diamond/silicon oil.

Sentimental Grotesque in the Poetry of B. Okudzhava: on the 100th Anniversary of the Writer

The article examines the basic features of B. Okudzhava’s poetics, called sentimental grotesque. It shows that his figurative and lexical structure stems from the opposition of high and low: “man – God”, “household – sacred”, “insect man”. A stable means of creating grotesque images, in addition to the collision of different layers of vocabulary, is the environment of “high” images with household details, the most important of which is worn clothes, often named with the help of diminutives. The poems in which some leitmotivs of Okudzhava’s poetry first appeared are established. The conclusion done,that the sentimental grotesque is a feature of building an image of the world in Okudzhava lyrics of the second half of the 1950s and 1960s.

Decentralized Protocol for Organizing Sustainable Interaction between Subscribers in Networks with High Dynamics of Topology Changes

Emergency services often have to carry out rescue and liquidation operations in the absence of centralized communications. The inability to ensure stable communication between members of the rescue unit significantly reduces the quality of work. Moreover, in modern realities, stable communication means not only voice exchange, which can be provided by shortwave radio transmitters, but also intensive exchange of large volumes of traffic. The use of standard solutions based on standard network equipment (Wi-Fi, satellite communications, etc.) and existing algorithms for ensuring quality of service in the conditions under consideration does not allow quickly ensuring information exchange between heterogeneous subscribers. Moreover, operation in high-Hz bands can be very difficult in the presence of obstacles, which reduces the overall coverage area and the quality of data transmission. We propose a network layer routing protocol designed to organize decentralized communication in an emergency service department, where subscribers have different degrees of mobility and types of transmitted traffic. This protocol includes algorithms for connecting to the network, detecting optimal and alternative communication routes, and transmitting and balancing traffic along the found routes. The original route search algorithm analyzes the performance of communication channels and determines all possible paths for transmitting traffic between subscribers. Using the route evaluation function based on gradient boosting of decision trees, optimal and alternative communication routes are formed, and when transmitting data, traffic balancing is performed based on the received information. An experimental study of the proposed protocol showed an improvement in the speed of deployment and quality of service in scenarios with varying degrees of subscriber mobility.

Associations of Area-Level and Parental Individual-Level Social Deprivation with Glycemic Control over Time among Children with Type 1 Diabetes in France: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Background. Poor glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is associated with greater social deprivation. However, the evidence is inconsistent in terms of the type of social deprivation (individual-level or area-level) and whether glycemic control changes over time. Here, we investigated the impacts of individual-level and area-level social deprivation on the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) trajectory from the time of T1D diagnosis. Materials and Methods. We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of children who were diagnosed with T1D between 2017 and 2020 at Bordeaux University Hospital. Social deprivation was assessed using both parental individual indicator (EPICES score) and ecological indicator (European Deprivation Index (EDI) score). Piecewise linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate the effects of social deprivation on HbA1c trajectory. Results. We included 168 patients. The most-deprived group included 29% and 22% of all patients, as revealed by the respective EPICES and EDI scores. The two indicators were poorly correlated. The short-term decrease in HbA1c level tended to be smaller in the most-deprived patients over the first 4 months after diagnosis than in other patients (slope difference of 2.68% per year compared with the slope among the least-deprived patients, P=0.056). The long-term trajectory was influenced by area-level deprivation (EDI score); the least-deprived patients (quintile 1) exhibited more stable mean HbA1c levels. Conclusions. Social deprivation may partially explain poor glycemic control in some patients; both short-term individual deprivation and long-term area-level deprivation may be involved. Further research is needed to determine how to integrate this information into a therapeutic strategy.