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Fixed-Point Results of Generalized (ϕ,Ψ)-Contractive Mappings in Partially Ordered Controlled Metric Spaces with an Application to a System of Integral Equations
(2024-06-20) Akram, Mohammad; Alshaikey, Salha; Ishtiaq, Umar; Farhan, Muhammad; Argyros, Ioannis K.; Regmi, Samundra
In this manuscript, we prove numerous results concerning fixed points, common fixed points, coincidence points, coupled coincidence points, and coupled common fixed points for (ϕ,Ψ)-contractive mappings in the framework of partially ordered controlled metric spaces. Our findings introduce a novel perspective on this mathematical context, and we illustrate the uniqueness of our findings through various explanatory examples. Also, we apply the main result to find the existence and uniqueness of the solution of the system of integral equations as an application.
Data and Energy Impacts of Intelligent Transportation—A Review
(2024-06-17) Rajashekara, Kaushik; Koppera, Sharon
The deployment of intelligent transportation is still in its early stages and there are many challenges that need to be addressed before it can be widely adopted. Autonomous vehicles are a class of intelligent transportation that is rapidly developing, and they are being deployed in selected cities. A combination of advanced sensors, machine learning algorithms, and artificial intelligence are being used in these vehicles to perceive their environment, navigate, and make the right decisions. These vehicles leverage extensive data sourced from various sensors and computers integrated into the vehicle. Hence, massive computational power is required to process the information from various built-in sensors in milliseconds to make the right decision. The power required by the sensors and the use of additional computational power increases the energy consumption, and, hence, could reduce the range of the autonomous electric vehicle relative to a standard electric car and lead to additional emissions. A number of review papers have highlighted the environmental benefits of autonomous vehicles, focusing on aspects like optimized driving, improved route selection, fewer stops, and platooning. However, these reviews often overlook the significant energy demands of the hardware systems—such as sensors, computers, and cameras—necessary for full autonomy, which can decrease the driving range of electric autonomous vehicles. Additionally, previous studies have not thoroughly examined the data processing requirements in these vehicles. This paper provides a more detailed review of the volume of data and energy usage by various sensors and computers integral to autonomous features in electric vehicles. It also discusses the effects of these factors on vehicle range and emissions. Furthermore, the paper explores advanced technologies currently being developed by various industries to enhance processing speeds and reduce energy consumption in autonomous vehicles.
Concept Mapping STI/HIV Prevention and Condom Use among Young African American Adults
(2024-06-14) Carmack, Chakema; Nganga, Sarah; Ahmed, Eisha; Coleman, Taylor
Theory-based HIV prevention programs have resulted in increased condom use, which remains the best method for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among sexually active heterosexual individuals. Particularly, the integrative model of behavior prediction theorizes that attitudes, norms, self-efficacy, and socioenvironmental factors influence intention and behavior and has been useful in understanding STI risk among adolescents. However, more research is needed regarding young African American adults. Given the increased freedom and decision-making independence afforded to young adults compared to adolescents, it is important to consider the STI/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention messages that would resonate with them, particularly regarding condom use. The present study sought to explore how attitudes, subjective norms, self-efficacies, and socioenvironmental factors may influence condom use and STI/HIV prevention, as conceptualized by the participants. We conducted a group-based concept map, a systems-thinking mixed methodology that resulted in a geospatial map reflecting the conceptualizations of the participants. Self-identified young heterosexual African American adults (N = 43) aged 20–26 engaged in an interactive concept mapping procedure in order to “map out” their overarching concepts about STI/HIV risk and condom use. Seven overall conceptual domains emerged: self-efficacy for partner communication, condom use self-efficacy, social media/sociocultural influences, condom use/STI knowledge, condom use cons, condom use pros, and subjective and social norms about condom use. We presented the concept map and discussed the conceptual interpretations and the relationships among the overarching concepts. We also discussed how the social environment, including the social media environment, was conceptualized regarding STI/HIV risk and prevention among young African American adults. Concept mapping can be viewed as a way to determine worthwhile messages for intervention development. The findings may provide information for prevention programs aimed at reducing the incidence of STIs among young adult heterosexual persons within African American communities.
Social Determinants of Health and Other Predictors in Initiation of Treatment with CDK4/6 Inhibitors for HR+/HER2− Metastatic Breast Cancer
(2024-06-07) Goyal, Ravi K.; Candrilli, Sean D.; Abughosh, Susan; Chen, Hua; Holmes, Holly M.; Johnson, Michael L.
In hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR+/HER2−) metastatic breast cancer (MBC), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6is) have replaced endocrine therapy alone as the standard of care; however, several barriers to treatment initiation still exist. We assessed social determinants of health (SDOH) and other factors associated with the initiation of CDK4/6i for HR+/HER2− MBC in the Medicare population. Using a retrospective cohort design, patients aged ≥65 years and diagnosed during 2015–2017 were selected from the SEER-Medicare database. Time from MBC diagnosis to first CDK4/6i initiation was the study outcome. The effect of SDOH measures and other predictors on the outcome was assessed using the multivariable Fine and Gray hazard modeling. Of 752 eligible women, 352 (46.8%) initiated CDK4/6i after MBC diagnosis (median time to initiation: 27.9 months). In adjusted analysis, SDOH factors significantly associated with CDK4/6i initiation included high versus low median household income (HHI) (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.03–2.81) and the percentage of population with high versus low Medicare-only coverage (HR = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.04–2.27). In summary, older Medicare patients with HR+/HER2− MBC residing in areas with high median HHI and a high proportion of Medicare-only coverage had higher rates of initiating CDK4/6i, suggesting inequitable access to these novel, effective treatments and a need for policy intervention.
Gratitude Predicts Meaning in Life in Family Caregivers of Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease
(2024-05-30) McGee, Jocelyn Shealy; Polson, Edward C.; Myers, Dennis R.; McClellan, Angela M.; Ke, Weiming; Zhao, Holly Carlson; Meraz, Rebecca
Gratitude is a well-known and researched internal positive psychological resource. Empirical data, however, on the association between gratitude, meaning in life, and burden in family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease is scant. The aims of this study were to (1) investigate the relationships among these variables in a sample of family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s; and (2) determine if gratitude mediates the effects of perceived burden on meaning in life in this population. One-hundred and twenty-six adult family caregivers, most of whom were an intimate partner or adult child of a person with Alzheimer’s, completed the Gratitude Questionnaire-Six Item, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, the Zarit Burden Inventory, and other relevant measures. A series of OLS regression models, guided by the caregiver stress process model, were conducted. These analyses demonstrated that gratitude was a predictor of the presence of meaning in life among the caregivers in this study even when other key variables were considered. Furthermore, analyses revealed that gratitude fully mediated the effects of caregiver burden on the presence of meaning in life in this sample. Thus, clinicians should consider gratitude as an important internal resource for cultivating meaning in life in this population, especially when caregiver burden is present. Gratitude-bolstering clinical interventions should be further developed and tested as both stand-alone and complimentary additions to empirically supported psychoeducational approaches for supporting health and well-being in this population.