Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Young People’s, Parents’, and Professionals’ Views on Required Components of Mobile Apps to Support Self-Management of Juvenile Arthritis: Qualitative Study

Background There is growing evidence that supporting self-management of Juvenile Arthritis can benefit both patients and professionals. Young people with Juvenile Arthritis and their healthy peers increasingly use mobile technologies to access information and support in day-to-day life. Therefore, a user-led, rigorously developed and evaluated mobile app could be valuable for facilitating young people’s self-management of Juvenile Arthritis. Objective The objective of this study was to seek the views of young people with Juvenile Arthritis, their parents or carers, and health care professionals (HCPs) as to what should be included in a mobile app to facilitate young people’s self-management of chronic Juvenile Arthritis. Methods A qualitative approach was adopted with a purposeful sample of 9 young people aged 10-18 years with Juvenile Arthritis, 8 parents or carers, and 8 HCPs involved in their care. Data were gathered through semi-structured focus group and individual interviews with young people and their parents or carers and HCPs. Interview discussion was facilitated through demonstration of four existing health apps to explore participants’ views on strengths and limitations of these, barriers and facilitators to mobile app use, preferred designs, functionality, levels of interaction, and data sharing arrangements. Data were analyzed using the framework approach. Results Analysis revealed three interlinked, overarching themes: (1) purpose, (2) components and content, and (3) social support. Despite some differences in emphasis on essential content, general agreement was found between young people with Juvenile Arthritis their parents or carers, and professionals that a mobile app to aid self-management would be useful. Underpinning the themes was a prerequisite that young people are enabled to feel a sense of ownership and control of the app, and that it be an interactive, engaging resource that offers developmentally appropriate information and reminders, as well as enabling them to monitor their symptoms and access social support. Conclusions Findings justify and pave the way for a future feasibility study into the production and preliminary testing of such an app. This would consider issues such as compatibility with existing technologies, costs, age, and cross-gender appeal as well as resource implications.
Status, Challenges and Perspectives of Mainstream Nitritation-Anammox for Wastewater Treatment.

The nitritation-anammox process is an efficient and cost-effective approach for biological nitrogen removal, but its application in treating mainstream wastewater remains a great challenge. Mainstream nitritation-anammox processes could create opportunities for achieving energy self-sufficient or energy-generating wastewater treatment plants. Significant advancements have been achieved via pilot- and full-scale trials to overcome the major obstacles under mainstream conditions, such as repression of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria, limiting the overgrowth of denitrifiers, and effective selection and retention of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and anammox bacteria. This review paper intends to provide a detailed update of research progress on mainstream nitritation-anammox processes, discuss metabolic interactions, and examine major challenges and possible solutions towards the future development of mainstream nitritation-anammox.
Protein-Based Nanoparticle Preparation via Nanoprecipitation Method

Nanoparticles are nowadays largely investigated in the field of drug delivery. Among nanoparticles, protein-based particles are of paramount importance since they are natural, biodegradable, biocompatible, and nontoxic. There are several methods to prepare proteins containing nanoparticles, but only a few studies have been dedicated to the preparation of protein- based nanoparticles. Then, the aim of this work was to report on the preparation of bovine serum albumin (BSA)-based nanoparticles using a well-defined nanoprecipitation process. Special attention has been dedicated to a systematic study in order to understand separately the effect of each operating parameter of the method (such as protein concentration, solvent/non-solvent volume ratio, non-solvent injection rate, ionic strength of the buffer solution, pH, and cross-linking) on the colloidal properties of the obtained nanoparticles. In addition, the mixing processes (batch or drop-wise) were also investigated. Using a well-defined formulation, submicron protein-based nanoparticles have been obtained. All prepared particles have been characterized in terms of size, size distribution, morphology, and electrokinetic properties. In addition, the stability of nanoparticles was investigated using Ultraviolet (UV) scan and electrophoresis, and the optimal conditions for preparing BSA nanoparticles by the nanoprecipitation method were concluded.
Mosquito Behavior Change After Distribution of Bednets Results in Decreased Protection Against Malaria Exposure

Abstract Background. Behavioral resilience in mosquitoes poses a significant challenge to mosquito control. Although behavior changes in anopheline vectors have been reported over the last decade, there are no empirical data to suggest they compromise the efficacy of vector control in reducing malaria transmission. Methods. In this study, we quantified human exposure to both bites and infective bites of a major malaria vector in Papua New Guinea over the course of 4 years surrounding nationwide bednet distribution. We also quantified malaria infection prevalence in the human population during the same time period. Results. We observed a shift in mosquito biting to earlier hours of the evening, before individuals are indoors and protected by bednets, followed by a return to preintervention biting rates. As a result, net users and non–net users experienced higher levels of transmission than before the intervention. The personal protection provided by a bednet decreased over the study period and was lowest in the adult population, who may be an important reservoir for transmission. Malaria prevalence decreased in only 1 of 3 study villages after the distribution. Discussion. This study highlights the necessity of validating and deploying vector control measures targeting outdoor exposure to control and eliminate malaria.
Riemannian Optimization and Approximate Joint Diagonalization for Blind Source Separation

We consider the blind source separation (BSS) problem and the closely related approximate joint diagonalization (AJD) problem of symmetric positive definite (SPD) matrices. These two problems can be reduced to an optimization problem with three key components: the criterion to minimize, the constraint on the solution, and the optimization algorithm to solve it. This paper contains two contributions that allow us to treat these issues independently. We build the first complete Riemannian optimization framework suited for BSS and AJD handling three classical constraints, and allowing to use a large panel of general optimization algorithms on manifolds. We also perform a thorough study of the AJD problem of SPD matrices from an information geometry point of view. We study AJD criteria based on several divergences of the set of SPD matrices, provide three optimization strategies to minimize them, and analyze their properties. Our numerical experiments on simulated and pseudoreal electroencephalographic data show the interest of the Riemannian optimization framework and of the different AJD criteria we consider.
The super‐n‐motifs model: a novel alignment‐free approach for representing and comparing RNA secondary structures

Motivation: Comparing ribonucleic acid (RNA) secondary structures of arbitrary size uncovers structural patterns that can provide a better understanding of RNA functions. However, performing fast and accurate secondary structure comparisons is challenging when we take into account the RNA configuration (i.e. linear or circular), the presence of pseudoknot and G‐quadruplex (G4) motifs and the increasing number of secondary structures generated by high‐throughput probing techniques. To address this challenge, we propose the super‐n‐motifs model based on a latent analysis of enhanced motifs comprising not only basic motifs but also adjacency relations. The super‐n‐motifs model computes a vector representation of secondary structures as linear combinations of these motifs. Results: We demonstrate the accuracy of our model for comparison of secondary structures from linear and circular RNA while also considering pseudoknot and G4 motifs. We show that the super‐n‐motifs representation effectively captures the most important structural features of secondary structures, as compared to other representations such as ordered tree, arc‐annotated and string representations. Finally, we demonstrate the time efficiency of our model, which is alignment free and capable of performing large‐scale comparisons of 10 000 secondary structures with an efficiency up to 4 orders of magnitude faster than existing approaches. Availability and Implementation: The super‐n‐motifs model was implemented in C ++. Source code and Linux binary are freely available at http://jpsglouzon.github. io/supernmotifs/. Contact: Shengrui.Wang@Usherbrooke.ca Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Reducing The Cost of Transport and Increasing Walking Distance After Stroke

Background. Neurorehabilitation efforts have been limited in their ability to restore walking function after stroke. Recent work has demonstrated proof-of-concept for a functional electrical stimulation (FES)–based combination therapy designed to improve poststroke walking by targeting deficits in paretic propulsion. Objectives. To determine the effects on the energy cost of walking (EC) and long-distance walking ability of locomotor training that combines fast walking with FES to the paretic ankle musculature (FastFES). Methods. Fifty participants >6 months poststroke were randomized to 12 weeks of gait training at self-selected speeds (SS), fast speeds (Fast), or FastFES. Participants’ 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance and EC at comfortable (EC-CWS) and fast (EC-Fast) walking speeds were measured pretraining, posttraining, and at a 3-month follow-up. A reduction in EC-CWS, independent of changes in speed, was the primary outcome. Group differences in the number of 6MWT responders and moderation by baseline speed were also evaluated. Results. When compared with SS and Fast, FastFES produced larger reductions in EC (Ps ≤.03). FastFES produced reductions of 24% and 19% in EC-CWS and EC-Fast (Ps <.001), respectively, whereas neither Fast nor SS influenced EC. Between-group 6MWT differences were not observed; however, 73% of FastFES and 68% of Fast participants were responders, in contrast to 35% of SS participants. Conclusions. Combining fast locomotor training with FES is an effective approach to reducing the high EC of persons poststroke. Surprisingly, differences in 6MWT gains were not observed between groups. Closer inspection of the 6MWT and EC relationship and elucidation of how reduced EC may influence walking-related disability is warranted.
Effect of Temperature on Calcium Carbonate Deposition in Situ on Bamboo Fiber and Polymer Interfaces

The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of different reaction temperatures on the mechanical and surface (interface) properties of calcium-carbonate (CaCO 3 )-filled bamboo fibers and polypropylene (PP) composites. With an ionic reaction of sodium carbonate and calcium chloride aqueous solution at various bath temperatures, CaCO 3 particles were successfully deposited in situ on bamboo fibers. Polymer composites were fabricated using treated bamboo fibers as the reinforcement and PP as the matrix. Tensile tests of single fibers and PP composites were performed to determine the mechanical properties at different conditions. Results showed that the treatments improved compatibility between bamboo fibers and PP matrix, and the crystallinity of inorganic materials was affected by the treatment temperature. Compared with the composites reinforced with untreated bamboo fibers, the tensile strength and modulus of composites reinforced with treated fibers increased by 14.58 and 19.66%, respectively.
Guidance of Farming Works to Improve Efficiency Considering Physical Behavior

New farmers need technical guidance to improve working efficiency because they are lacking in experience. Agricultural experts put much effort to provide guidance for beginner farmers. However, continuing to give guidance is difficult because it is a large burden on the experts. This study proposes a system which contributes to transferring a deft motion of experts to improve the working efficiency of beginners in farm works. The system promotes beginners to assess their own farming works without an expert. The beginners can confirm whether their own works are proper works. An experiment has suggested that machine learning can achieve judgement of the properness of farming works using state transition probability of each body part.
Developmental Origins of Rumination in Middle Childhood: The Roles of Early Temperament and Positive Parenting

Rumination, a thinking style characterized by a repetitive inward focus on negative cognitions, has been linked to internalizing disorders, particularly depression. Moreover, research suggests that rumination may be a cognitive vulnerability that predisposes individuals to psychopathology. Surprisingly little is known, however, about the etiology and development of rumination. The present study examined the role of specific components of child temperamental negative emotionality (sadness, fear, anger) and effortful control (inhibition), as well as parenting behaviors during early childhood on the development of rumination in middle childhood. Early childhood (age 3) temperament and parenting behaviors were assessed observationally and rumination was self-reported in middle childhood (age 9) in a large community sample (N = 425; 47.1% female). Two significant interactions emerged. First, temperamental anger interacted with inhibitory control (IC) such that high anger and low IC predicted higher levels of rumination, whereas low anger and low IC predicted lower levels of rumination. Second, IC interacted with parenting such that children with low IC and positive parenting had lower levels of rumination. In contrast, children with high IC reported similar levels of rumination regardless of parenting quality. Overall, these findings highlight the interplay of early IC with temperamental anger and positive parenting in the development of ruminative tendencies in middle childhood.
Parallel operation of two multiple outputs flyback converter with cascaded synchronization control

This paper describes the parallel operation of two different multiple output flyback converter. Control analogy of this converters features master-slave control. Here, two converters are classified into Low Power (LP) and High Power (HP) flyback converters. Based on specifications, flyback topology is chosen differently in two converters. Switching frequency of both converters is 100KHz. UC1846 IC is employed for generating PWM gate pulse to the main switch. Outputs of the two converters are in dc continuous and pulsed form. Pulsed outputs have two different Pulse Repetitive Frequency (PRF) configuration generated through external pulse generator card. Control interconnection of LP and HP card is explained in detail. An external synchronization circuit is provided to synchronize with other modules. Here, inbuilt EMI filter, protection circuits are employed in both converters. The main performances of both converter such as Amplitude, line and load regulation, efficiency, droop, rise and fall time, and compact in size. Both converters are placed in a common mechanical package. LP and HP Circuit is miniaturized using Hybrid Micro Technology (HMC). Simulation and experiment results are demonstrated to validate the design with realized hardware.
Comparing the Efficacy, Mask Leak, Patient Adherence, and Patient Preference of Three Different CPAP Interfaces to Treat Moderate-Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To determine if the type of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask interface influences CPAP treatment efficacy, adherence, side effects, comfort and sleep quality in patients with moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS This took place in a hospital-based tertiary sleep disorders unit. It is a prospective, randomized, crossover trial comparing three CPAP interfaces: nasal mask (NM), nasal mask plus chinstrap (NM-CS) and oronasal mask (ONM) each tried in random order, for 4 weeks. After each 4-week period, patient outcomes were assessed. Participants had a new diagnosis of obstructive sleep apneas. Forty-eight patients with moderate-severe OSA (32 males, mean ± standard deviation apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) 55.6 ± 21.1 events/h, age 54.9 ± 13.1 years, body mass index 35.8 ± 7.2 kg/m2) were randomized. Thirty-five participants completed the full study, with complete data available for 34 patients. RESULTS There was no statistically significant difference in CPAP adherence; however, residual AHI was higher with ONM than NM and NM-CS (residual AHI 7.1 ± 7.7, 4.0 ± 3.1, 4.2 ± 3.7 events/h respectively, main effect P = .001). Patient satisfaction and quality of sleep were higher with the NM and NM-CS than the ONM. Fewer leak and mask fit problems were reported with NM (all chi-square P < .05), which patients preferred over the NM-CS and ONM options (n = 22, 9 and 4 respectively, P = .001). CONCLUSIONS The CPAP adherence did not differ between the three different mask interfaces but the residual AHI was lower with NM than ONM and patients reported greater mask comfort, better sleep, and overall preference for a NM. A nasal mask with or without chinstrap should be the first choice for patients with OSA referred for CPAP treatment. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Registry: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, URL: https://www.anzctr. org.au, title: A comparison of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) interface in the control of leak, patient compliance and patient preference: nasal CPAP mask and chinstrap versus full face mask in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), identifier: ACTRN12609000029291.
Pharmacological Therapies for Hepatorenal Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a serious complication of advanced chronic liver disease. Different pharmacological therapies have variable efficacy. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of various drugs in the treatment of HRS. Study: Randomized controlled trials comparing active drug with placebo or comparing 2 different drugs were included in this analysis. Primary study outcome was reversal of HRS. Secondary outcomes were HRS relapse and patient survival. Subgroup analysis was performed on patients with type 1 HRS. Results: Thirteen randomized controlled trial were eligible for analysis. Terlipressin plus albumin was more efficacious than placebo plus albumin (odds ratio=4.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.72-12.93; P=0.003) or midodrine plus albumin and octreotide (odds ratio=5.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.69-20.85; P=0.005), for HRS reversal. However, no significant difference was noted comparing terlipressin plus albumin versus noradrenaline plus albumin, octreotide plus albumin versus placebo plus albumin or noradrenaline plus albumin versus midodrine plus albumin and octreotide. None of the comparisons showed difference on HRS relapse or patient survival. Subgroup analysis revealed that terlipressin was more effective than placebo for type 1 HRS reversal, but no significant differences were noted between any other comparisons, and none of the comparisons showed difference on HRS relapse or patient survival. Conclusions: Intravenous infusion of terlipressin is the most effective medical therapy for reversing HRS. Intravenous infusion of noradrenaline is an acceptable alternative. Studies are needed as basis for developing pharmacological strategies to reduce relapse of HRS and improve patient survival.
Torsional Piezoelectric Strain in Monocrystalline Paratellurite

Crystals of the 422 symmetry class exhibit interesting piezoelectric behavior, as their piezoelectric tensor has only a single non-zero coefficient, d123 = d14: such unique behavior has the potential to enable novel gyroscopic sensors and high-precision torsional MEMS actuators. Although alpha-phase tellurium dioxide (paratellurite, alpha-TeO2) is one of the few materials belonging to this symmetry class, this material has been primarily studied for its interesting optical properties. Indeed, a large uncertainty in the piezoelectric coefficient of paratellurite exists, with d123 measurements on single crystals ranging from 8.13 pC/N to 14.58 pC/N; this large uncertainty results from the difficulty in using conventional piezoelectric characterization techniques on paratellurite, and impedes adoption of this extraordinary material. The present study characterizes the piezoelectric behavior of this interesting material using two independent techniques, (1) a three dimensional laser Doppler interferometer system, and (2) electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The experimental results are analyzed using numerical simulations for dynamic excitation conditions over a frequency range of 20 Hz to 200 kHz.
Measurement framework for the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes research program

Purpose of review Diverse methodological approaches pose significant challenges to assess environmental exposure effects on child health outcomes. Although transdisciplinary research efforts offer unique opportunities for understanding the complex and multidimensional facets of lifespan health and disease trajectories, a shared measurement strategy is necessary for ensuring cohesion and comprehensibility across disciplines and domains. Recent findings Exposure science often focuses on one life stage, one primary outcome domain and/or one environmental context without regard for understanding the complexity of exposome pathways and outcomes across a developmental continuum. As part of the National Institutes of Health Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes Program, the Person Reported Outcomes Core developed a unifying measurement framework that takes a lifespan development approach to assess physical, mental and social health outcomes within the complex matrix of environmental exposure pathways. Summary The proposed framework offers a shared methodological approach to health outcome assessment, with a particular emphasis on person-reported outcomes. This framework will be instrumental for future large-scale consortia and transdisciplinary team science efforts by providing a common structure, measurement guidance and consistent terminology.
Total Dose Effects on Voltage References in 130-nm CMOS Technology

This paper investigates the impact of total ionizing dose (TID) effects on the performance of CMOS voltage reference circuits. Four circuits were designed using a commercial 130-nm CMOS process and without any radiation-hardening technique. Two of the designed circuits generate the output voltage proportional to the bandgap voltage, while the other two generate the output voltage proportional to the MOS threshold voltage. The measured output voltage variation caused by TID was from 1% to 15% for a total dose of up to 500 krad, depending on the circuit topology. The leakage currents induced by radiation in MOS transistors and diodes were the main cause of output voltage variation.