bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in physical fitness and anthropometrics differ between female and male recruits during the Finnish military service
Authors: Santtila Matti , Pihlainen K , Vaara J , Tokola K , Kyröläinen H
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Military training programmes are often similar for male and female recruits despite sex differences in physical performance that may influence training adaptations during military service. The present study aimed to compare changes in physical fitness and anthropometrics between Finnish female and male recruits during military service.

Methods

A total of 234 690 male and 3549 female recruits participated in fitness tests at the beginning and end of military service between 2005 and 2015. Anthropometric measurements were body mass, height, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Fitness tests consisted 12 min running, standing long jump, and sit-ups and push-ups.

Results

No changes were observed in anthropometrics, while both sexes improved most of the fitness test results. After adjustment for service time, branch, age, initial fitness test results, BMI and WC, improvement in running test performance was 158 m (95% CI 142 to 173, p≤0.001) greater in male than female recruits. Similarly, improvements were larger in male recruits for push-ups (5 reps/min, 95% CI 5 to 6, p≤0.001), sit-ups (2 reps/min, 95% CI 2 to 3, p≤0.001) and standing long jump (12 cm, 95% CI 11 to 13, p≤0.001) when compared with women.

Conclusions

The study revealed sex differences in adaptations to the standardised military training. Both male and female recruits improved their physical fitness, but smaller gains were observed in women using the same training programme. The mechanisms explaining sex differences in adaptations to military training, and whether tailored training programmes are needed specifically for female recruits to reduce sex differences during military service, warrants further studies.
Physical fitness and anthropometrics in Finnish soldiers during their early career: prospective changes during a 3-year follow-up
Authors: Vaara Jani P , Pihlainen K , Rusila J , Ojanen T , Kyröläinen H
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Physical fitness is a fundamental capability required of military personnel, but studies focusing on longitudinal changes in physical fitness and anthropometrics in soldiers are lacking. The aim was to evaluate physical fitness and anthropometrics in soldiers during their early career.

Methods

A 3-year prospective study included 180 male soldiers (baseline age 26±2 years) with measures of a 12 min running test, standing long jump, sit-up and push-up tests, and body mass, height and waist circumference (WC). Baseline data were stratified into tertiles, and the changes within each tertile were analysed using dependent t-tests and analysis of variance.

Results

12 min running test distance decreased on average by 2% (−54 m), sit-up performance 3% (−1.5 repetitions (reps)/min), push-up performance 4% (−1.9 reps/min) and standing long jump performance 1% (−2.1 cm) over the 3-year period (p<0.05). Both aerobic and muscular fitness decreased consistently among the highest baseline tertile (12 min running test: −70 m, sit-ups: −3.2 reps/min, push-ups: −7.5 reps/min, standing long jump: −5.5 cm; p<0.001), whereas both aerobic and muscular fitness levels were maintained and push-up performance was improved (p<0.05) in the lowest baseline tertiles. Body mass increased on average by 4% (+3.4 kg) and WC by 4% (+3.9 cm) (p<0.001), and these increases were observed for all baseline tertiles (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Small decrements in physical fitness and anthropometrics exist during the early career of soldiers. The changes in physical fitness differed according to baseline fitness levels. The results indicate that support for exercise training may be needed even in a soldier’s early career.
Fleshing out the data: when epidemiological researchers engage with patients and carers. Learning lessons from a patient involvement activity
Authors: Morris Melanie , Alencar Yuki , Rachet Bernard , Stephens Richard , Coleman Michel P
Published: September 2020

Patient and public involvement and engagement has become an essential element of health research, ensuring aims and outputs are worthwhile and relevant. However, research involving secondary data analyses does not present immediately obvious ways to involve patients and the public. Innovative approaches to ensure their involvement is meaningful and effective are required.

The Cancer Survival Group cohosted a full-day meeting with the National Cancer Research Institute Consumer Forum—a group of patients and carers. This included the Forum’s ‘Dragons’ Den’: a small-group session in which their members provided insight, advice and ideas on current or planned research in the Cancer Survival Group.

We investigated this activity as an example of effective patient involvement, with the aim of developing broad recommendations to improve epidemiological/quantitative research by involving patients and carers as directly as possible.

In addition to quantitative data captured through evaluation forms completed after the event, we used semistructured interviews of a sample of participants to evaluate the effectiveness of the session and to learn lessons. The interviews were analysed to identify broad or recurrent themes and recommendations.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and some impacts on the research projects were identified. Interviewees commented on overall expectations and experiences, as well as specifics of room layout, timing of the session, composition of groups, effectiveness of the facilitation and content of discussions.

We present a summary of our findings as a guide for other researchers, including recommendations for improvement gleaned from the interviews. The value to researchers of hosting and participating in such activities was clear. We developed recommendations that should help to improve future events for ourselves and for others who wish to conduct similar activities, which in turn may lead to more concrete benefits for research and patients.
Healthcare utilisation and expenditure patterns for cardio-metabolic diseases in South Asian cities: the CARRS Study
Authors: Gupta Priti , Singh Kalpana , Shivashankar Roopa , Singh Kavita , Vamadevan Ajay , Mohan V , Kadir Muhammad Masood , Tandon Nikhil , Narayan K M , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Ali Mohammed K
Published: September 2020

Objective

To estimate average annual expenditures per person, total economic burden and distress health financing associated with the treatment of five cardio-metabolic diseases (CMDs—hypertension, diabetes, heart disease (angina, myocardial infarction and heart failure), stroke and chronic kidney disease) in three metropolitan cities in South Asia.

Design

Cross-sectional surveys.

Setting

We analysed community-based baseline data from the Centre for cArdio-metabolic Risk Reduction in South Asia (CARRS) Study collected in 2010–2011 representing Chennai and New Delhi (India), and Karachi (Pakistan).

Participants

We used data from non-pregnant adults (≥20 years) from the aforementioned cities that responded to a cost-of-illness questionnaire. We estimated health utilisation and expenditures among those reporting taking treatment(s) for the aforementioned CMDs in the last 1 year. We converted all costs to International Dollars (Int$ 2011) and inflated to 2018 values. The annual costs per person were stratified by city, sociodemographic characteristics, contributor of costs and financing methods. The total economic burden of CMDs for each city was projected using age-standardised prevalence and per-person costs of diseases reported in CARRS, applying these to population data from the most recent census. We also calculated distress financing (DF) as having to borrow or sell assets to pay for CMD treatment and identified sociodemographic groups at most risk of DF using multiple regression.

Results

Of 16 287 CARRS participants, 2883 (17.7%) reported receiving treatment for CMDs. The total annual expenditures reported per patient for CMDs ranged from Int$358 to Int$2425. Medications constituted 46% of total direct expenditures and out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures accounted for nearly 80% of financing these health expenditures. Total economic burdens of CMDs were Int$0.42 billion, Int$3.4 billion and Int$1.4 billion in Chennai, New Delhi and Karachi, respectively. Overall, 36.1% experienced DF, and women (OR=4.4), unemployed (OR=10.7) and uninsured (OR=8.1) adults experienced higher odds of DF.

Conclusion

CMDs are associated with large economic burdens in South Asia. Due to most payments coming from OOP expenditures and limited insurance, the odds of DF are high.
Protocol for development, calibration and validation of the Patient-Reported Inventory of Self-Management of Chronic Conditions (PRISM-CC)
Authors: Packer Tanya , Kephart George , Audulv Åsa , Keddy America , Warner Grace , Peacock Kylie , Sampalli Tara
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Assessing and measuring patients’ chronic condition self-management needs are critical to quality health care and to related research. One in three adults around the world live with multiple chronic conditions. While many patient-reported measures of self-management have been developed, none has emerged as the gold standard, and all have one or more of the following limitations: (1) they fail to measure the different domains of self-management important to patients, (2) they lack sufficient specificity to support patient-centred care or identify the specific components of self-management interventions that work and/or (3) they lack suitability for patients with multiple chronic conditions.

Methods and analysis

The Patient-Reported Inventory of Self-Management of Chronic Conditions (PRISM-CC) is being developed to overcome these shortcomings. It will measure respondents’ perceived success (or difficulty) in self-managing seven domains important to patients. The protocol has three phases. Phase 1 is conceptual model development and item generation. Phase 2 is assessment of the relevance and understanding of items by people with chronic conditions. Phase 3 is item analysis, dimensionality assessment, scaling and preliminary validation of the PRISM-CC using an online survey of people with chronic conditions (n~750). The expected completion date is early 2021.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will adhere to the Canadian Tri-Council Policy Statement on Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans. Ethics approval for all phases has been obtained from the Nova Scotia Health Authority Research Ethics Board. Once completed, the PRISM-CC will be made available for research and healthcare at minimal to no cost.
Nature of adverse events with opioids in hospitalised patients: a post-hoc analysis of three patient record review studies
Authors: Schutijser Bernadette Clara Francisca Maria , Jongerden Irene , Klopotowska Joanna Ewa , Moesker Marco , Langelaan Maaike , Wagner Cordula , de Bruijne Martine
Published: September 2020

Objective

Opioids are increasingly prescribed and frequently involved in adverse drug events (ADEs). The underlying nature of opioid-related ADEs (ORADEs) is however understudied. This hampers our understanding of risks related to opioid use during hospitalisation and when designing interventions. Therefore, we provided a description of the nature of ORADEs.

Design

A post-hoc analysis of data collected during three retrospective patient record review studies (in 2008, 2011/2012 and 2015/2016).

Setting

The three record review studies were conducted in 32 Dutch hospitals.

Participants

A total of 10 917 patient records were assessed by trained nurses and physicians.

Outcome measures

Per identified ORADE, we described preventability, type of medication error, attributable factors and type of opioids involved. Moreover, the characteristics of preventable and non-preventable ORADEs were compared to identify risk factors.

Results

Out of 10 917 patient records, 357 ADEs were identified, of which 28 (8%) involved opioids. Eleven ORADEs were assessed as preventable. Of these, 10 were caused by dosing errors and 4 probably contributed to patients’ death. Attributable factors identified were mainly on patient and organisational levels. Morphine and oxycodone were the most frequently involved opioids. The risk for ORADEs was higher in elderly patients.

Conclusions

Only 8% of ADEs identified in our sample were related to opioids. Although the frequency is low, the risk of serious consequences is high. We recommend to use our findings to increase awareness among physicians and nurses. Future interventions should focus on safe dosing of opioids when prescribing and administering, especially in elderly patients.
Topical chlorhexidine 0.2% versus topical natamycin 5% for fungal keratitis in Nepal: rationale and design of a randomised controlled non-inferiority trial
Authors: Hoffman Jeremy John , Yadav Reena , Das Sanyam Sandip , Chaudhary Pankaj , Roshan Abhishek , Singh Sanjay Kumar , Arunga Simon , Matayan Einoti , Macleod David , Weiss Helen Anne , Leck Astrid , Hu Victor , Burton Matthew J
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Fungal infections of the cornea, fungal keratitis (FK), are challenging to treat. Current topical antifungals are not always effective and are often unavailable, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries where most cases occur. Topical natamycin 5% is usually first-line treatment, however, even when treated intensively, infections may progress to perforation of the eye in around a quarter of cases. Alternative antifungal medications are needed to treat this blinding disease.

Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic agent with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Previous pilot studies suggest that topical chlorhexidine 0.2% compares favourably with topical natamycin. Full-scale randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of topical chlorhexidine 0.2% are warranted to answer this question definitively.

Methods and analysis

We will test the hypothesis that topical chlorhexidine 0.2% is non-inferior to topical natamycin 5% in a two-arm, single-masked RCT. Participants are adults with FK presenting to a tertiary ophthalmic hospital in Nepal. Baseline assessment includes history, examination, photography, in vivo confocal microscopy and cornea scrapes for microbiology. Participants will be randomised to alternative topical antifungal treatments (topical chlorhexidine 0.2% and topical natamycin 5%; 1:1 ratio, 2–6 random block size). Patients are reviewed at day 2, day 7 (with reculture), day 14, day 21, month 2 and month 3. The primary outcome is the best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) at 3 months. Primary analysis (intention to treat) will be by linear regression, with treatment arm and baseline BSCVA prespecified covariates. Secondary outcomes include epithelial healing time, scar/infiltrate size, ulcer depth, hypopyon size, perforation and/or therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (corneal transplant), positive reculture rate (day 7) and quality of life (EuroQol-5 dimensions, WHO/PBD-VF20, WHOQOL-BREF).

Ethics and dissemination

The Nepal Health Research Council, the Nepal Department of Drug Administration and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine ethics committee have approved the trial. The results will be presented at local and international meetings and submitted to peer-reviewed journals for publication.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN14332621; pre-results.
Management of sleep apnoea syndrome (SAS) in patients with vasovagal syncope (VVS): a protocol for the VVS-SAS cohort study
Authors: Puel Vincent , Godard Isabelle , Papaioannou Georgios , Gosse Philippe , Pepin Jean Louis , Thoin Fabrice , Deharo Jean Claude , Roche Frederic , Zarqane Naïma , Gagnadoux Frédéric , Suehs Carey Meredith , Molinari Nicolas
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Recurrent vasovagal syncope (VVS) is associated with decreased quality-of-life and frequent use of emergency services. The evidence base for causality, diagnostic procedures and potential VVS treatments is poor. Scattered observations in the literature suggest a link between respiratory disturbances during sleep and VVS. Empirical observations lead us to further hypothesise that the appropriate management of sleep apnoea syndrome (SAS) may help resolve comorbid recurrent VVS in certain patients. We therefore designed this pilot study to provide a framework for the observation of changes in outcomes accompanying the deployment of SAS treatments in patients with VVS.

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre, registry-based study whose primary objective is to evaluate the effect of SAS management on the number of syncope/presyncope episodes in a population suffering from both VVS and SAS. To this effect, syncope rates prior to the treatment of SAS will be compared with those occurring after the initiation of the latter. In addition, yearly assessments will collect data for echocardiography, polysomnography, Holter monitoring, table tilt tests, multiple sleep latency tests, SAS management parameters and questionnaires describing fatigue, depression and quality-of-life. Sixty patients will be included with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. The primary analysis will use comparisons of centrality for paired data to describe the changes in syncope rates before versus after the initiation of SAS management. Longitudinal data will be analysed using mixed models with patients set as a random effect. Subgroup analyses will be performed for SAS-treatment adherence and efficacy.

Ethics and dissemination

The VVS-SAS registry was approved by an ethics committee (Comité pour la Protection des Personnes Ile-de-France VI, Reference number CPP/2-18) in accordance with French law. The princeps publication will present before–after SAS management results and longitudinal analyses.

Trial registration number

NCT04294524. Pre-results.
Impact of preoperative HbA1c on postoperative complications after elective major abdominal surgery: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Wong Joanna Kae Ling , Ke Yuhe , Ong Yi Jing , Li Hui Hua , Abdullah Hairil Rizal
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Diabetes has an increasing worldwide prevalence. It is known to be a predisposing factor for postoperative complications. Preoperative glycaemic control strategies should be pursued as glycaemic control could serve as a modifiable risk factor. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), a marker of 3-month average glycaemic control, has been shown in meta-analyses to predict postoperative complications in cardiothoracic, bariatric and orthopaedic surgery. However, there is no meta-analysis in the major abdominal surgery population, in whom morbidity may be higher due to the nature of the surgery. Understanding the association between HbA1c and postoperative complications could help in preoperative risk prognostication, counselling and glycaemic target selection. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate all evidence on the association between preoperative HbA1c and postoperative complications in elective major abdominal surgery, and to investigate the threshold HbA1c level before postoperative complication rates increase.

Methods and analysis

This review will be performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar and China National Knowledge Infrastructure will be searched for all original studies. Study selection, data extraction, risk of bias and quality assessment will be conducted by two independent reviewers. The primary outcome is the association between preoperative HbA1c and major postoperative complications (Clavien Dindo 3–5), and the secondary outcome is the association between HbA1c and overall postoperative complications. Data management and synthesis will be performed using Microsoft Excel and Stata to derive pool estimates.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethics approval is required as only secondary data will be used. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020167347.
Determining the level of data sharing, and number of publications, from research databases that have been given a favourable opinion by UK research ethics committees
Authors: Trace Samantha , Bracher Mike , Kolstoe Simon E
Published: September 2020

Objective

To determine data sharing and number of publications coming from research databases that have been given a favourable opinion by UK National Health Service (NHS) Research Ethics Committees (RECs).

Design

Cohort study.

Inclusion criteria & setting

All research databases listed on the UK Health Research Authority’s Assessment Review Portal (HARP) that had received a favourable ethics opinion as of January 2018.

Main outcome measures

Publications and data access requests are either listed on HARP or notified through subsequent email correspondence.

Results

Out of 354 eligible databases, 34% had granted access requests and 40% had produced at least one peer-reviewed paper or conference abstract/talk. We could not establish contact with 9% of databases, and 19% reported no access requests or publications. Only 9% of databases were up to date with all annual reports. Email responses from database owners showed a range of attitudes towards data sharing.

Conclusion

Less than half of research databases that have received a favourable opinion from NHS research ethics committees share their data and produce publications. There is also considerable variability in the operation of research databases and understanding of the purpose of research databases. This work was hampered by incomplete records due mainly to researchers not submitting annual reports.
Helicobacter pylori: getting to grips with the guidance
Authors: Wands David I F , El-Omar Emad M , Hansen Richard
Published: September 2020

Helicobacter pyloriis a Gram-negative bacterium that inhabits the mucus layer above the gastric mucosa. While infection rates vary by region, the global prevalence is estimated at 50%. While asymptomatic carriage is common, infection can result in significant morbidity and mortality from complications including peptic ulcer disease, atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer. Paediatric and adult practices diverge due to differences in complication rate, symptomatology, practicalities with investigations and treatment options. Widespread use of standard antibiotic regimens has however resulted in a rapid global increase in antibiotic resistance and treatment failure in all ages. There is urgent need to optimise treatment regimens and maximise first-time eradication rates. This need is reflected in the latest guidelines from the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition for paediatric practice and the Maastricht Guidelines for adult practice. This article aims to provide a practical overview of the investigations and management ofH. pyloriby comparing and contrasting these guidelines.
Host genetics and tumor environment determine the functional impact of neutrophils in mouse tumor models
Authors: van Elsas Marit , Kleinovink Jan Willem , Moerland Matthijs , Feiss Gary , Beyrend Guillaume , Arens Ramon , Mei Hailiang , Nibbering Peter H , Jirka Silvana M , van Hall Thorbald , van der Burg Sjoerd H
Published: September 2020

Background

Neutrophils have been reported to have protumor, antitumor or neutral effects in cancer progression. The underlying causes for this functional variability are not clear.

Methods

We studied the role of neutrophils in six different mouse tumor models by intratumoral injection of antimicrobial peptides or vaccination. Changes in systemic and intratumoral immune cells were analyzed by flow-cytometry and mass-cytometry. The role of neutrophils was studied by antibody-mediated neutrophil depletion. Neutrophils from different mouse strains were compared by RNA sequencing.

Results

The antimicrobial peptide Omiganan reduced the growth of TC-1 tumors in BL/6 mice and CT26 tumors in BALB/c mice. No significant effects were observed in B16F10, MC38 and 4T1 tumors. Growth delay was associated with increased abundance of neutrophils in TC-1 but not CT26 tumors. Systemic neutrophil depletion abrogated Omiganan efficacy in TC-1 but further reduced growth of CT26, indicating that neutrophils were required for the antitumor effect in TC-1 but suppressed tumor control in CT26. Neutrophils were also required for a therapeutic vaccine-induced T-cell mediated control of RMA tumors in BL/6 mice. Clearly, the circulating and intratumoral neutrophils differed in the expression of Ly6G and CD62L, between TC-1 and CT26 and between blood neutrophils of tumor-naïve BL/6 and BALB/c mice. RNA-sequencing revealed that neutrophils from BL/6 mice but not BALB/c mice displayed a robust profile of immune activation, matching their opposing roles in TC-1 and RMA versus CT26.

Conclusions

Neutrophil functionality differs strongly between mouse strains and tumor types, with consequences for tumor progression and therapy.
Non-uniform salt distribution in the root zone alleviates salt damage in wheat
Authors: Li Ximei , Ji Yuan , Guo Weiwei , Han Liping , Zhang Yumei
Published: September 2020

Furrow sowing could significantly decrease salt damage to wheat; however, the molecular mechanism in wheat is not well known. In this study, a split-root system was used to simulate non-uniform root zone salinity. Our hydroponic experiments showed that wheat seedlings under non-uniform salt stress probably use a salt avoidance strategy to ensure growth. RNA sequencing analysis showed that 1648 and 3245 differentially expressed genes were identified in 0/150 and 75/75 salt treatments, respectively, with an intersection of 690 genes. Gene ontology terms representing normal growth were specifically enriched by upregulated genes in the 0/150 treatment and downregulated genes in the 75/75 treatment, and terms representing phytoremediation were specifically enriched by upregulated genes in the 75/75 treatment and downregulated genes in the 0/150 treatment. Differentially expressed genes that are probably associated with salt stress and transcription factors showed significantly higher expression in the 75/75 treatment than in the 0/150 treatment. These findings suggest that a uniform salt treatment causes wheat to initiate a more complex salt tolerance mechanism for salt stress. In addition, the expression of 11 genes annotated as peroxidase was higher in the 0/150 treatment than in the 75/75 treatment, and the enzyme activity showed the same trend, indicating that peroxidase probably played a role in the better performance of wheat plants under non-uniform salt stress. Pot culture experiments showed that wheat plants under non-uniform salt stress produced higher yields than those under uniform stress, further indicating that inducing unequal salt distribution in soil could significantly improve wheat cultivation.
Dry matter content association with time of on-tree maturation, quality at harvest, and changes in quality after controlled atmosphere storage for ‘Royal Gala’ apples
Authors: Toivonen Peter M.A. , Lannard Brenda
Published: September 2020

On-tree maturation was monitored in a commercial ‘Royal Gala’ apple orchard in two separate years (2016 and 2017) and was found to advance more quickly in 2017 as compared with 2016. Dry matter was predicted using a handheld infrared spectrometer and dry matter content (relative to fresh weight) was 18.2% in 2016 and 14.7% in 2017. The lower average dry matter content in 2017 was hypothesized to be associated with accelerated maturation on the tree. Apples were harvested for storage testing, in both years, at a target maturity at which internal ethylene levels had reached approximately 1 μL·L−1, starch clearing index was between 2 and 4 on the Cornell starch chart, and IAD value (measure of relative chlorophyll content in the peel) was approximately 0.5. Consequent, instrumentally measured flesh quality changes were monitored after ultra-low oxygen, controlled atmosphere (CA) storage (0.7 kPa O2 + 1.0 kPa CO2) at 0.5 °C for 3 and 6 mo. The firmness, soluble solids, and titratable acidity were much higher in the apples from the 2016 harvest. While these quality measures declined during 3 and 6 mo of storage, they were consistently higher in the apples from the 2016 season. These results show that when dry matter contents were higher for ‘Royal Gala’ apples from this orchard, harvest maturity was delayed and fruit were much firmer and had higher contents of soluble solids and somewhat higher titratable acidity at harvest and after ultra-low oxygen CA storage for up to 6 mo.
Optimal Consensus Recovery of Multi-agent System Subjected to Agent Failure
Authors: Acharya Deep Shekhar , Mishra Sudhansu Kumar
Published: September 2020

Multi-Agent Systems are susceptible to external disturbances, sensor failures or collapse of communication channel/media. Such failures disconnect the agent network and thereby hamper the consensus of the system. Quick recovery of consensus is vital to continue the normal operation of an agent-based system. However, only limited works in the past have investigated the problem of recovering the consensus of an agent-based system in the event of a failure. This work proposes a novel algorithmic approach to recover the lost consensus, when an agent-based system is subject to the failure of an agent. The main focus of the algorithm is to reconnect the multi-agent network in a way so as to increase the connectivity of the network, post recovery. The proposed algorithm may be applied to both linear and non-linear continuous-time consensus protocols. To verify the efficiency of the proposed algorithm, it has been applied and tested on two multi-agent networks. The results, thus obtained, have been compared with other state-of-the-art recovery algorithms. Finally, it has been established that the proposed algorithm achieves better connectivity and therefore, faster consensus when compared to the other state-of-the-art.
Supporting Resilience in Rural Emergency Preparedness and Response Through Improved Information Access
Authors: Doke Karyn , Yuan Qianli , Gasco-Hernandez Mila , Sutherland-Mitzer Megan , Gil-Garcia J. Ramon , Bogdanov Petko , Zheleva Mariya
Published: September 2020

Recent disasters have highlighted the gap between existing urbancentric resilience models and the needs of rural communities, which are frequently marginalized. Large rural constituencies, encompassing vast and sparsely populated areas, lack broadband connectivity and rely predominantly on volunteer-based emergency workforce. The above are some of the key factors hampering rural first responders? ability to access, act upon and disseminate emergency-related information. This has an adverse effect on both residents and the agencies that serve them, as it limits residents? ability to prepare for emergencies and compromises the safety of first responders. Furthermore, the unique socio-economic structure of rural areas makes them particularly vulnerable to the effects of incipient or unfolding disasters. Hence, rural communities often develop self-reliance capabilities by creating tightknit social structures and taking charge of their own technological progress through community-driven efforts.
PCD Detect: enhancing ciliary features through image averaging and classification
Authors: Shoemark Amelia , Pinto Andreia L. , Patel Mitali P. , Daudvohra Farheen , Hogg Claire , Mitchison Hannah M. , Burgoyne Thomas
Published: September 2020

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an inherited disorder of the motile cilia. Early accurate diagnosis is important to help prevent lung damage in childhood and to preserve lung function. Confirmation of a diagnosis traditionally relied on assessment of ciliary ultrastructure by transmission electron microscopy (TEM); however, >50 known PCD genes have made the identification of biallelic mutations a viable alternative to confirm diagnosis. TEM and genotyping lack sensitivity, and research to improve accuracy of both is required. TEM can be challenging when a subtle or partial ciliary defect is present or affected cilia structures are difficult to identify due to poor contrast. Here, we demonstrate software to enhance TEM ciliary images and reduce background by averaging ciliary features. This includes an option to classify features into groups based on their appearance, to generate multiple averages when a nonhomogeneous abnormality is present. We validated this software on images taken from subjects with well-characterized PCD caused by variants in the outer dynein arm (ODA) heavy chain gene DNAH5. Examining more difficult to diagnose cases, we detected 1) regionally restricted absence of the ODAs away from the ciliary base, in a subject carrying mutations in DNAH9; 2) loss of the typically poorly contrasted inner dynein arms; and 3) sporadic absence of part of the central pair complex in subjects carrying mutations in HYDIN, including one case with an unverified genetic diagnosis. We show that this easy-to-use software can assist in detailing relationships between genotype and ultrastructural phenotype, improving diagnosis of PCD.
Multiple roles of active stiffness in upright balance and multidirectional sway
Authors: Bakshi Avijit , DiZio Paul , Lackner James R.
Published: September 2020

Our previously published engaged leg model shows how stiffness plays complex multicausal roles in balance. In one role, it is crucial to stability, with task contingent influences over balance. In another, it overcomes viscous drag. Task-dependent stiffness alone does not explain stable balance; geometrical, invariant aspects of body biomechanics also matter. Our model is fully applicable to clinical balance pathologies involving asymmetries in movement and balance control.
Numerical Algorithms for Finding Zeros of Nonlinear Equations and Their Dynamical Aspects
Authors: Naseem Amir , Rehman M. A. , Abdeljawad Thabet , Balibrea Francisco
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we developed two new numerical algorithms for finding zeros of nonlinear equations in one dimension and one of them is second derivative free which has been removed using the interpolation technique. We derive these algorithms with the help of Taylor’s series expansion and Golbabai and Javidi’s method. The convergence analysis of these algorithms is discussed. It is established that the newly developed algorithms have sixth order of convergence. Several numerical examples have been solved which prove the better efficiency of these algorithms as compared to other well-known iterative methods of the same kind. Finally, the comparison of polynomiographs generated by other well-known iterative methods with our developed algorithms has been made which reflects their dynamical aspects.
A Common Fixed Point Theorem for Nonlinear Quasi-Contractions on
b
-Metric Spaces with Application in Integral Equations
Authors: Mitrović Zoran D. , Aranđelović Ivan D. , Mišić Vesna , Dinmohammadi Abdollah , Parvaneh Vahid
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we present a common fixed point result for a pair of mappings defined on a b-metric space, which satisfies quasi-contractive inequality with nonlinear comparison functions. An application in solving a class of integral equations will support our results.
Performance Evaluation of Crumb Rubber Asphalt Modified with Silicone‐Based Warm Mix Additives
Authors: Lushinga Nonde , Cao Liping , Dong Zejiao , Yang Chen , Assogba Cyriaque O.
Published: September 2020

This research was conducted to elucidate better understanding of the performance of crumb rubber asphalt modified with silicone‐based warm mix additives. Two different silicone‐based warm mix asphalt (WMA) additives (herein Tego XP and Addibit) were used to prepare crumb rubber modified (CRM) warm mix asphalt binders. The viscosity of these CRM binders was measured at different temperatures and shearing rates. Furthermore, softening point and penetration tests, Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR), Time Sweep (TS), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Frequency sweep (FS), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) tests were also conducted on prepared samples. Based on these robust and rigorous laboratory experiments, it was established that viscosity of CRM binders was reduced by addition of Tego XP and Addibit WMA additives. However, WMA additives had different influence on rheological properties of the binder. CRM binder with Tego XP improved resistance to rutting of the binders but would degrade the fatigue performance. On the contrary, viscoelastic continuum damage (VECD) model results and those of phase angle approach revealed that the binder with Addibit improved resistance to fatigue cracking of the binders but had no adverse effects on high temperature rutting performance. FTIR test results established a presence of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) in CRM binders with Tego XP and Addibit. PDMS is a well‐known hydrophobic organic and inorganic polymer that is water repellent; therefore, binders containing these silicone‐based warm mix additives could be beneficial in resisting moisture damage in asphalt binders and mixtures. Morphology of CRM binders with and without WMA revealed good distribution of the rubber particles in asphalt binder matrix. Further addition of WMA increased surface roughness of the binder, which can be correlated to changes in microstructure properties of the binder. Therefore, the study concluded that addition of Tego XP and Addibit reduces viscosity and improves mechanical properties of the asphalt binder.
The Therapeutic Effect of Electroacupuncture Therapy for Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Yu Bao-Hai , Xing Ying , Zhang Feng
Published: September 2020

Electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation is a supplementary therapy and commonly applied in treatment of ischemic stroke in clinic. Stroke is an important cause of long‐term disability in individuals in both developing and developed countries. In our review, we show the application of EA stimulation for apoplectic pain, limbs spasticity, blood flow interruption, depression, swallowing dysfunction, aphasia, urinary incontinence, cognition and memory impairment, and constipation following stroke in patients and the related mechanisms in animals. The effectiveness of EA involves with acupoints, intensity, intervals, and duration of intervention for treatment of stroke. The combination of EA and common rehabilitation treatment may exert better effect compared with EA alone. In summary, EA might provide a potential treatment strategy for treating apoplectic patients in clinic.
A Multidepth Load-Balance Scheme for Clusters of Congested Cells in Ultradense Cellular Networks
Authors: Lai Wei-Kuang , Yu Ya-Ju , Tsai Pei-Lun , Shen Meng-Han
Published: September 2020

Densely deploying small cells will be a solution to provide explosive data requirements in fifth-generation networks. Because users often cluster together in popular locations of an urban area, congested small cells in the popular sites are also gathered. Traditional load balancing schemes generally only consider neighboring cells when offloading users are not suitable for clusters of overloaded cells. This paper considers groups of overloaded cells in the load balancing problem. The objective is to maximize the quality-of-service satisfaction ratio. To solve the problem, we propose a multidepth offloading algorithm with the consideration of the radio resource allocation. The proposed multidepth offloading algorithm can be applied no matter that congested small cells are gathered or not. Compared with a previous offloading algorithm and a baseline, the simulation results show that our proposed algorithm can increase 16% QoS satisfaction ratio in a real user distribution and 13% QoS satisfaction ratio in a clustered user placement.
An Empirical Study of a Mathematical Model for Influence of Government Tax on the Price Behavior and the Stability of Market Price
Authors: Wang Fenglian , Wu Chia-Huei , Tsai Sang-Bing , Jiang Yi-Zhang
Published: September 2020

The fierce competition among enterprises and disordered market price competition have affected the development of the whole regional economy. Government tax subsidies have always been regarded as the advantages of enterprise development, but the mechanism of the influence of government tax on regional economic development, especially the impact on market price, has not been explored. Based on the Bertrand competition, applying chaos control theory, considering the government revenue rate, the influence of government tax on the price behavior and market price stability is analyzed, and then the numerical simulation is carried out. The research shows that the price adjustment of enterprises is a complicated process and government tax is helpful to the stability of market price. The government tax rate increasing can increase the stable region of price equilibrium and reduce the bifurcation and chaos of the price game system.
Chemistry and Biochemistry of Sulfur Natural Compounds: Key Intermediates of Metabolism and Redox Biology
Authors: Francioso Antonio , Baseggio Conrado Alessia , Mosca Luciana , Fontana Mario
Published: September 2020

Sulfur contributes significantly to nature chemical diversity and thanks to its particular features allows fundamental biological reactions that no other element allows. Sulfur natural compounds are utilized by all living beings and depending on the function are distributed in the different kingdoms. It is no coincidence that marine organisms are one of the most important sources of sulfur natural products since most of the inorganic sulfur is metabolized in ocean environments where this element is abundant. Terrestrial organisms such as plants and microorganisms are also able to incorporate sulfur in organic molecules to produce primary metabolites (e.g., methionine, cysteine) and more complex unique chemical structures with diverse biological roles. Animals are not able to fix inorganic sulfur into biomolecules and are completely dependent on preformed organic sulfurous compounds to satisfy their sulfur needs. However, some higher species such as humans are able to build new sulfur-containing chemical entities starting especially from plants’ organosulfur precursors. Sulfur metabolism in humans is very complicated and plays a central role in redox biochemistry. The chemical properties, the large number of oxidation states, and the versatile reactivity of the oxygen family chalcogens make sulfur ideal for redox biological reactions and electron transfer processes. This review will explore sulfur metabolism related to redox biochemistry and will describe the various classes of sulfur-containing compounds spread all over the natural kingdoms. We will describe the chemistry and the biochemistry of well-known metabolites and also of the unknown and poorly studied sulfur natural products which are still in search for a biological role.
Numerical Simulation of Coupling Thermal and Mechanical Influence on Submerged Nozzle in Solid Rocket Motor
Authors: Gong Jian-Liang , Fan Desong
Published: September 2020

The coupling thermal and mechanical effect on submerged nozzles is important in the design of modern rockets upon thermal loading and aerodynamic pressure. In this paper, a simulation with the subroutine of nonuniform pressure and nonuniform heat transfer coefficient was conducted to study the thermo-structural response of a submerged nozzle at the pressure 6 MPa and stagnation temperature 3200 K. Both the aerodynamic parameters and heat coefficients were obtained through analyzing the flow field. It was found that the thermal loading had an important influence on the stress of throat insert for the solid rocket motor (SRM). The hoop stress increases at first and then decreases with the increase of time for the throat insert. The ground hot firing test of SRM with a submerged nozzle was carried out. The experimental results showed that the structural integrity of the submerged nozzle is very normal during SRM operation. The present method is reasonable, which can be applied to study the thermo-structural response of submerged nozzle for SRM.
Security Enhancement for Energy Harvesting Cognitive Networks with Relay Selection
Authors: Ho-Van Khuong , Do-Dac Thiem
Published: September 2020

Relay selection is proposed in this paper as an efficient solution to secure information transmission of secondary users against eavesdroppers in energy harvesting cognitive networks. The proposed relay selection method selects a secondary relay among available secondary relays, which are capable of harvesting radio frequency energy in signals of the secondary transmitter and correctly restore secondary message, to curtail signal-to-noise ratio at the wire-tapper. In order to evaluate the security performance of the suggested relay selection method, an exact intercept outage probability formula accounting for peak transmit power confinement, Rayleigh fading, and interference power confinement is firstly derived. Monte-Carlo simulations are then generated to corroborate the proposed formula. Numerous results expose that positions of relays, the number of relays, and parameters of the energy harvesting method significantly influence the security performance while the power confinements on secondary transmitters cause the performance saturation.
Electrodeposited Benzothiazole Phthalocyanines for Corrosion Inhibition of Aluminium in Acidic Medium
Authors: Nnaji Nnaemeka , Nwaji Njemuwa , Nyokong Tebello
Published: September 2020

Tetrakis[(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl-thio) phthalocyaninato] gallium(III)chloride (1) and tetrakis[(benzo[d]thiazol-2ylphenoxy) phthalocyaninato] gallium(III)chloride (2) were successfully electrodeposited onto aluminium for corrosion retardation in 1.0 M hydrochloric acid solution. The aim of this study was to compare the corrosion resistance of electrodeposited metallated phthalocyanines. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and polarization confirmed the aluminium corrosion inhibition potentials of complexes 1 and 2. EIS and polarization techniques showed that complex 2 performed better than complex 1, with values from EIS measurements of 82% for 1 and 86% for 2 in 1.0 M hydrochloric acid solution. The importance of electrodeposition in industries and a dearth of research on the use of electrodeposited metallated phthalocyanines necessitated this study, and results show that coatings formed by electrodeposition of 1 and 2 onto aluminium reduced its susceptibility to corrosion attack.