bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rheumatoid arthritis-associated peripheral ulcerative keratitis outcomes after early immunosuppressive therapy
Authors: Ruiz-Lozano Raul E , Ramos-Davila Eugenia M , Garza-Garza Lucas A , Gutierrez-Juarez Kathia , Hernandez-Camarena Julio C , Rodriguez-Garcia Alejandro
Published: April 2022

Background/aims

To evaluate the role of early immunosuppressive therapy (IMT) in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK).

Methods

Single-centre, retrospective, comparative cohort study. Patients with RA-associated PUK were divided into two groups; those exposed to and those not exposed to early IMT, defined as administrating therapy within the first 4 weeks from the PUK onset. Outcomes included PUK recurrence, control of inflammation and development of ocular complications, including corneal scarring and perforation, cataract formation or progression and permanent visual loss.

Results

A total of 52 eyes from 36 patients were included for analysis; 37 (71.2%) eyes received early IMT and 15 (28.8%) eyes did not. Follow-up time was 41.2+53.3 months (range: 4–236 months). While early IMT was a protective factor (HR 0.345, 95% CI 0.126 to 0.946, p=0.039), late RA diagnosis after PUK onset (HR 4.93, 95% CI 1.75 to 13.85, p=0.002) and retarded (≥2 months) control of inflammation (HR 8.37, 95% CI 1.88 to 37.16, p=0.005) were risk factors for PUK recurrence. Late IMT (OR 7.75, 95% CI 2.00 to 29.99, p=0.003), an unknown diagnosis of RA at first visit (OR 4.14, 95% CI 1.15 to 14.91, p=0.030) and at least one PUK recurrence (OR 6.42, 95% CI 1.71 to 24.07, p=0.006) were risk factors for visual loss. Survival analysis rendered eyes exposed to early IMT a lower risk of PUK recurrence (p=0.039).

Conclusion

Eyes with RA-associated PUK exposed to early IMT were more likely to achieve earlier inflammatory control, fewer recurrences and had better visual outcomes.
An in-depth statistical analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic’s initial spread in the WHO African region
Authors: James Ananthu , Dalal Jyoti , Kousi Timokleia , Vivacqua Daniela , Câmara Daniel Cardoso Portela , Dos Reis Izabel Cristina , Botero Mesa Sara , Ng’ambi Wignston , Ansobi Papy , Bianchi Lucas M , Lee Theresa M , Ogundiran Opeayo , Stoll Beat , Chimbetete Cleophas , Mboussou Franck , Impouma Benido , Hofer Cristina Barroso , Coelho Flávio Codeço , Keiser Olivia , Abbate Jessica Lee
Published: April 2022

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, sub-Saharan African countries experienced comparatively lower rates of SARS-CoV-2 infections and related deaths than in other parts of the world, the reasons for which remain unclear. Yet, there was also considerable variation between countries. Here, we explored potential drivers of this variation among 46 of the 47 WHO African region Member States in a cross-sectional study. We described five indicators of early COVID-19 spread and severity for each country as of 29 November 2020: delay in detection of the first case, length of the early epidemic growth period, cumulative and peak attack rates and crude case fatality ratio (CFR). We tested the influence of 13 pre-pandemic and pandemic response predictor variables on the country-level variation in the spread and severity indicators using multivariate statistics and regression analysis. We found that wealthier African countries, with larger tourism industries and older populations, had higher peak (p<0.001) and cumulative (p<0.001) attack rates, and lower CFRs (p=0.021). More urbanised countries also had higher attack rates (p<0.001 for both indicators). Countries applying more stringent early control policies experienced greater delay in detection of the first case (p<0.001), but the initial propagation of the virus was slower in relatively wealthy, touristic African countries (p=0.023). Careful and early implementation of strict government policies were likely pivotal to delaying the initial phase of the pandemic, but did not have much impact on other indicators of spread and severity. An over-reliance on disruptive containment measures in more resource-limited contexts is neither effective nor sustainable. We thus urge decision-makers to prioritise the reduction of resource-based health disparities, and surveillance and response capacities in particular, to ensure global resilience against future threats to public health and economic stability.
Ripple effects: integrating international medical graduates from refugee backgrounds into the health system in Australia
Authors: Nyanchoga Mercy Moraa , Sackey Donata , Farley Rebecca , Claydon Rachel , Mukandi Bryan
Published: April 2022

The field of ‘refugee health’ is generally understood in terms of the efforts of health professionals from a host country to provide care for humanitarian entrants. This paper attempts to undermine that idea, focusing instead on the service that health workers from refugee background communities are able to render, both to their own communities and to broader society, when barriers to their participation are made more equitable. The point of departure for this Practice paper is the 2019 pilot ‘Observership Program’ that was initiated by Mater Refugee Health in Brisbane, Australia. This was in response to, and in collaboration with, international medical graduates from refugee backgrounds. The two doctors who advocated for the programme had already independently embarked on a series of advocacy initiatives aimed at facilitating health workforce participation for members of their communities. In what follows we: outline the barriers to their medical registration and employment in Queensland, Australia; describe the process of setting up a 9-month clinical observership for two participants; and we reflect on the implications of the programme from a health policy and systems perspective. Ultimately, our contention is that because health systems are complex and adaptive, increased health workforce participation by members of marginalised communities has the potential to change the culture of the health system, making it more adept and responsive. Such, we propose, are the ‘ripple effects’ of addressing the obstacles to health workforce participation by members of refugee background communities.
‘Implementability’ matters: using implementation research steps to guide and support non-communicable disease national planning in low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Jackson-Morris Angela Mary , Mutungi Gerald , Maree Ephantus , Waqanivalu Temo , Marten Robert , Nugent Rachel
Published: April 2022

The ‘implementation gap’ between national plans and successful implementation is a central theme in addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It is a factor that has undermined Sustainable Development Goal 3.4, which aims to achieve a one-third reduction in premature mortality from four major NCDs by 2030. Responding to the potential of implementation research to support low-income and middle-income countries to effectively advance their strategies, we describe ways to make NCD plans more robust by including implementation steps. These steps are (1) choosing some (but not all) effective and cost-effective options; (2) tailoring interventions and their scale-up to national capacity; and (3) making the priorities implementable. We illustrate with examples from several countries.
Emergency nurses’ triage narrative data, their uses and structure: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Picard Christopher Thomas , Kleib Manal , O'Rourke Hannah M , Norris Colleen M , Douma Matthew J
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The first clinical interaction most patients have in the emergency department occurs during triage. An unstructured narrative is generated during triage and is the first source of in-hospital documentation. These narratives capture the patient’s reported reason for the visit and the initial assessment and offer significantly more nuanced descriptions of the patient’s complaints than fixed field data. Previous research demonstrated these data are useful for predicting important clinical outcomes. Previous reviews examined these narratives in combination or isolation with other free-text sources, but used restricted searches and are becoming outdated. Furthermore, there are no reviews focused solely on nurses’ (the primary collectors of these data) narratives.

Methods and analysis

Using the Arksey and O’Malley scoping review framework and PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines, we will perform structured searches of CINAHL, Ovid MEDLINE, ProQuest Central, Ovid Embase and Cochrane Library (via Wiley). Additionally, we will forward citation searches of all included studies. No geographical or study design exclusion criteria will be used. Studies examining disaster triage, published before 1990, and non-English language literature will be excluded. Data will be managed using online management tools; extracted data will be independently confirmed by a separate reviewer using prepiloted extraction forms. Cohen’s kappa will be used to examine inter-rater agreement on pilot and final screening. Quantitative data will be expressed using measures of range and central tendency, counts, proportions and percentages, as appropriate. Qualitative data will be narrative summaries of the authors’ primary findings.

Patient and public involvement

No patients involved.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethics approval is required. Findings will be submitted to peer-reviewed conferences and journals. Results will be disseminated using individual and institutional social media platforms.
Effects of different brisk walking intensities on adherence and cardiorespiratory endurance of cardiac rehabilitation among patients with CHD after PCI: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Piao Jing Jing , Wan Boya , Zhao Haomei , Shang Zhiyang , Yan Lingjun , Hao Zhina , Wang Yonghong , Zhang Yanqing , Gu Yanmei
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a critical treatment for patients with coronary heart disease after percutaneous coronary intervention. Unfortunately, participation and adherence of CR are unexpectedly poor. This study aims to test whether low-intensity or medium-intensity brisk walking is more helpful in improving early attendance, adherence and physical results.

Methods and analysis

This randomised controlled study will compare the effects of low-intensity and medium-intensity brisk walking to improve adherence and cardiopulmonary endurance. Participants will be randomly allocated to low-intensity or medium-intensity groups and will be followed-up for 8 weeks. Primary and secondary outcome data will be collected at baseline and at 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Primary outcomes measure changes in oxygen consumption (VO2) peak value (mL/kg/min), as well as adherence. Secondary outcomes include changes in body mass index, oxygen pulse, maximal metabolic equivalent, breathing reserve, vital capacity, ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s to forced vital capacity, Δoxygen consumption/Δwork rate (ΔVO2/ΔWR), minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production and self-efficacy.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval and informed consent form have been obtained from the Ethics Committee of Hebei General Hospital (approval number: NA-2021–03). The study background and main objective, as well as potential benefits and risks, will be fully explained to the participants and their families. Findings from this study will be published on academic journals in Chinese or in English for widespread dissemination of the results

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2100047568.
Identifying research priorities for road safety in Nepal: a Delphi study
Authors: Pant Puspa Raj , Rana Pranita , Pradhan Kriti , Joshi Sunil Kumar , Mytton Julie
Published: April 2022

Objective

To identify and prioritise the research needed to help Nepali agencies develop an improved road safety system.

Design

Delphi study.

Setting

Nepal.

Participants

Stakeholders from government institutions, academia, engineering, healthcare and civil society were interviewed to identify knowledge gaps and research questions. Participants then completed two rounds of ranking and a workshop.

Results

A total of 93 participants took part in interviews and two rounds of ranking. Participants were grouped with others sharing expertise relating to each of the five WHO ‘pillars’ of road safety: (1) road safety management; (2) safer roads; (3) safer vehicles; (4) safer road users and (5) effective postcrash response. Interviews yielded 1019 research suggestions across the five pillars. Two rounds of ranking within expert groups yielded consensus on the important questions for each pillar. A workshop involving all participants then led to the selection of 6 questions considered the most urgent: (1) How can implementing agencies be made more accountable? (2) How should different types of roads, and roads in different geographical locations, be designed to make them safer for all road users? (3) What vehicle fitness factors lead to road traffic crashes? (4) How can the driver licensing system be improved to ensure safer drivers? (5) What factors lead to public vehicle crashes and how can they be addressed? and (6) What factors affect emergency response services getting to the patient and then getting them to the right hospital in the best possible time?

Conclusions

The application of the Delphi approach is useful to enable participants representing a range of institutions and expertise to contribute to the identification of road safety research priorities. Outcomes from this study provide Nepali researchers with a greater understanding of the necessary focus for future road safety research.
Comparing opioid types in the persistence of opioid use following surgical admission: a study protocol for a retrospective observational linkage study comparing tapentadol and oxycodone in Australia
Authors: Lam Tina , Biggs Nicholas , Xia Ting , Evans John , Stevens Jennifer , da Gama Mike , Lubman Dan I , Nielsen Suzanne
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Each year, an estimated two million Australians commence opioids, with 50 000 developing longer-term (persistent) opioid use. An estimated 3%–10% of opioid-naïve patients prescribed opioids following surgery develop persistent opioid use. This study will compare rates of persistent opioid use between two commonly used postoperative opioids, oxycodone and tapentadol, to understand if initial postoperative opioid type is important in determining longer-term outcomes.

Methods and analysis

A retrospective data linkage study that analyses administrative data from hospital and community pharmacies. Data will be obtained from at least four pharmacies that service large hospitals with comparable supplies of oxycodone and tapentadol. The study will include at least 6000 patients who have been dispensed a supply of oxycodone or tapentadol to take home following their discharge from a surgical ward. The primary outcome measure will be persistent opioid use at 3 months postdischarge for opioid naïve people who receive either immediate release tapentadol or immediate release oxycodone. Hierarchical logistic regression models will be used to predict persistent opioid use, controlling for covariates including comorbidities.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been obtained through the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (29977). We will present project findings in a peer-reviewed journal article, in accordance with the REporting of studies Conducted using Observational Routinely-collected health Data statement.
‘That time of the month’ … for the biggest event of your career! Perception of menstrual cycle on performance of Australian athletes training for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Authors: McNamara Alice , Harris Rachel , Minahan Clare
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study explored the perceived effect of the menstrual cycle (MC) on the performance of Australian female athletes, preparing for the Tokyo Olympic and/or Paralympic Games.

Methods

195 female athletes, nominated by 24 National Sporting Organisations as preparing for the Tokyo Olympic and/or Paralympic Games, completed an online questionnaire (‘MCq perceptions’). The MCq perceptions investigated menstrual symptoms, hormonal contraceptive (HC) use and a preferred competition window within the MC.

Results

Two-thirds (65.6%) athletes reported that their MC affected their performance; in training (65.6%) compared with competition (58.0%).

Aesthetic-sport athletes were most likely to perceive their performance to be affected by their MC (RR=1.40) compared with endurance (RR=0.88) and strength-sport (RR=1.04) athletes. Athletes experiencing three or more symptoms were twice as likely to identify as affected. Athletes who reported pain (RR=1.89) or the use of analgesia (RR=1.45) were more likely to identify as affected by their MC.

A preferred competition window was identified by athletes as ‘just after your period’ (41.5%). For athletes not using HC, this window was identified by 53.7%.

Conclusion

In Australia, elite-female athletes perceive their MC to affect their performance, and many have a preferred performance window. Performance-focused strategies should be created for ‘affected’ athletes, aiming to provide these athletes with education, and where appropriate, control over predictability, timing and symptoms of their MC.
Phase II study of ketogenic diets in relapsing multiple sclerosis: safety, tolerability and potential clinical benefits
Authors: Brenton J Nicholas , Lehner-Gulotta Diana , Woolbright Emma , Banwell Brenda , Bergqvist A G Christina , Chen Shanshan , Coleman Rachael , Conaway Mark , Goldman Myla D
Published: April 2022

Background

Dietary changes impact human physiology and immune function and have potential as therapeutic strategies.

Objective

Assess the tolerability of a ketogenic diet (KD) in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) and define the impact on laboratory and clinical outcome metrics.

Methods

Sixty-five subjects with relapsing MS enrolled into a 6-month prospective, intention-to-treat KD intervention. Adherence was monitored with daily urine ketone testing. At baseline, fatigue, depression and quality of life (QoL) scores were obtained in addition to fasting adipokines and MS-related clinical outcome metrics. Baseline metrics were repeated at 3 and/or 6 months on-diet.

Results

Eighty-three percent of participants adhered to the KD for the study duration. Subjects exhibited significant reductions in fat mass and showed a nearly 50% decline in self-reported fatigue and depression scores. MS QoL physical health (67±16 vs 79±12, p<0.001) and mental health (71±17 vs 82±11, p<0.001) composite scores increased on-diet. Significant improvements were noted in Expanded Disability Status Scale scores (2.3±0.9 vs 1.9±1.1, p<0.001), 6-minute walk (1631±302 vs 1733±330 ft, p<0.001) and Nine-Hole Peg Test (21.5±3.6 vs 20.3±3.7 s, p<0.001). Serum leptin was lower (25.5±15.7 vs 14.0±11.7 ng/mL, p<0.001) and adiponectin was higher (11.4±7.8 vs 13.5±8.4 µg/mL, p=0.002) on the KD.

Conclusion

KDs are safe and tolerable over a 6-month study period and yield improvements in body composition, fatigue, depression, QoL, neurological disability and adipose-related inflammation in persons living with relapsing MS.

Trial registration information

Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under registration numberNCT03718247, posted on 24 October 2018. First patient enrolment date: 1 November 2018. Link:https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03718247?term=NCT03718247&draw=2&rank=1.
Risk factors for severe lower extremity ischemia following venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: an analysis using a nationwide inpatient database
Authors: Honda Akira , Michihata Nobuaki , Iizuka Yoichi , Uda Kazuaki , Morita Kojiro , Mieda Tokue , Takasawa Eiji , Ishiwata Sho , Tajika Tsuyoshi , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo , Chikuda Hirotaka
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is increasingly being used as a life-saving modality in critically ill patients. Despite its necessity, severe lower extremity ischemia associated with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation remains a potentially devastating complication. We aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors for severe lower extremity ischemia requiring fasciotomy or amputation following venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Methods

All patients who received venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during hospitalization were identified in a Japanese national inpatient database from July 1, 2010 to March 31, 2018. The primary outcome was occurrence of severe lower extremity ischemia that required fasciotomy or amputation. We used cause-specific proportional hazard models to examine the associations between potential risk factors and outcomes. We also performed a competing-risk analysis to estimate the cause-specific HR for severe lower extremity ischemia using a multivariable competing-risk Cox proportional hazard model with adjustment for potential risk factors.

Results

A total of 29 231 patients who underwent venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during hospitalization were identified. Of these, 98 patients (0.3%) had lower extremity ischemia requiring fasciotomy or amputation. The young group (≤18 years) had a significantly higher proportion of severe lower extremity ischemia cases than the adult (19–59 years) and elderly (≥60 years) groups (1.4%, 0.5%, and 0.2%, respectively; p<0.001). In a multivariable competing-risk Cox proportional hazards regression model, younger age (HR 3.06; 95% CI 1.33 to 7.02; p<0.008) and consciousness disturbance on admission (HR 2.53; 95% CI 1.60 to 3.99; p<0.001) were significantly associated with higher likelihood of severe lower extremity ischemia.

Conclusion

In this study using a nationwide database, younger age and consciousness disturbance on admission were associated with higher risk of severe lower extremity ischemia following venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Level of evidence

Level Ⅲ—prognostic and epidemiological.
Factors affecting river turbidity in a degrading permafrost environment: the Tasiapik River, Umiujaq (Nunavik)
Authors: Manseau Frédéric , Bhiry Najat , Molson John , Cloutier Danielle
Published: April 2022

This study focuses on spatiotemporal changes in water turbidity in relation to permafrost to document the impact of meteorological conditions and water flow on hydro-sedimentary processes in northern regions. Starting in June of 2019, water turbidity data were collected at six sites along the Tasiapik River (Nunavik). A statistical analysis was completed based on records of water turbidity, precipitation, water flow, and air temperature. Our results show a significant correlation between air temperatures and turbidity, with a correlation of up to r = 0.59. These correlations depend on the location of the site along the river and the time of the study period (June–October 2019). The flow rate was the primary factor that caused variations in the turbidity of the Tasiapik River. Our results showed that following an increase in flow rate, there was an almost simultaneous increase in turbidity due to erosion of the banks. The duration and intensity of precipitation events are also important factors affecting the process of sediment transport. Even though meteorological conditions play an important role in turbidity variation, other characteristics of the site such as the topography and the existence of thermokarst lakes are additional factors that influence the dynamics of sediment transport in the Tasiapik River.
Q-Balls formation and the production of gravitational waves with non-minimal gravitational coupling
Authors: Wang Fei , Wang Rui
Published: April 2022

We propose to introduce non-minimal couplings of Affleck–Dine (AD) field to gravity by adding the coupling of AD field to the Ricci scalar curvature. As the Jordan frame supergravity always predict $$|\Phi |^2 {{\mathcal {R}}}/6$$

|
Φ
|

2

R
/
6

type coupling for scalars with canonical kinetic terms, we propose a way to realize the required $$c_0|\Phi |^2 {{\mathcal {R}}}$$

c
0

|
Φ
|

2

R

-type couplings with generic $$c_0$$

c
0

for canonical complex scalar fields after SUSY breaking. The impacts of such non-minimal gravitational couplings for AD field is shown, especially on the Q-balls formation and the associated gravitational wave (GW) productions. New form of scalar potential for AD field in the Einstein frame is obtained. By numerical simulations, we find that, with non-minimal gravitational coupling to AD field, Q-balls can successfully form even with the choice of non-negative K parameter for $$\xi >0$$

ξ
>
0

. The associated GW productions as well as their dependences on the $$\xi $$
ξ
parameter are also discussed.
NodeSim: node similarity based network embedding for diverse link prediction
Authors: Saxena Akrati , Fletcher George , Pechenizkiy Mykola
Published: April 2022

In real-world complex networks, understanding the dynamics of their evolution has been of great interest to the scientific community. Predicting non-existent but probable links is an essential task of social network analysis as the addition or removal of the links over time leads to the network evolution. In a network, links can be categorized as intra-community links if both end nodes of the link belong to the same community, otherwise inter-community links. The existing link-prediction methods have mainly focused on achieving high accuracy for intra-community link prediction. In this work, we propose a network embedding method, called NodeSim, which captures both similarities between the nodes and the community structure while learning the low-dimensional representation of the network. The embedding is learned using the proposed NodeSim random walk, which efficiently explores the diverse neighborhood while keeping the more similar nodes closer in the context of the node. We verify the efficacy of the proposed embedding method over state-of-the-art methods using diverse link prediction. We propose a machine learning model for link prediction that considers both the nodes’ embedding and their community information to predict the link between two given nodes. Extensive experimental results on several real-world networks demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for both inter and intra-community link prediction.
A𝕋-algebras from fiberwise essentially minimal zero-dimensional dynamical systems
Authors: Herstedt Paul
Published: April 2022

We introduce a type of zero-dimensional dynamical system (a pair consisting of a totally disconnected compact metrizable space along with a homeomorphism of that space), which we call “fiberwise essentially minimal”, that is a class that includes essentially minimal systems and systems in which every orbit is minimal. We prove that the associated crossed product [Formula: see text]-algebra of such a system is an A[Formula: see text]-algebra. Under the additional assumption that the system has no periodic points, we prove that the associated crossed product [Formula: see text]-algebra has real rank zero, which tells us that such [Formula: see text]-algebras are classifiable by [Formula: see text]-theory. The associated crossed product [Formula: see text]-algebras to these nontrivial examples are of particular interest because they are non-simple (unlike in the minimal case).
Cosmology with a new f(R) gravity model in Palatini formalism
Authors: Gogoi Dhruba Jyoti , Goswami Umananda Dev
Published: April 2022

One of the most favorable extensions of General Relativity is the [Formula: see text] gravity. [Formula: see text] gravity in Palatini formalism can be a realistic alternative to the dark energy problem. In this work, we study a recently introduced dark energy [Formula: see text] gravity model along with two other models in cosmological perspectives under the Palatini formalism. First, we study the cosmic expansion history of these models with the help of the important cosmographic parameters, such as the Hubble parameter, luminosity distance, effective equation of state, etc. This study shows that the new model behaves similarly with the other two models as well as with the [Formula: see text]CDM model in some respects in the early or very early phases of the universe. It could predict the present accelerated expansion of the universe somewhat differently from the other models with a peculiar future history of the universe. Within a constrained range of parameters all models show a good agreement with the Union2.1 luminosity distance data. However, the new model shows a quite satisfactory agreement in the whole range of its allowed parameters than that of the other two models. We also obtain cosmological constraints on these models from the observed Hubble data. Further, models have been tested by using [Formula: see text] test and statefinder diagnostics. These diagnostics especially the statefinder diagnostic shows that the evolutionary differences between these models are distinct. The evolutionary trajectories of the new model are completely different from the other two models we have considered.
Internet of Things-Based Risk Warning System for Distribution Grid Operation State
Authors: He Jinding , Cai Baorui , Yan Wenlin , Zhang Bin , Zhang Rongkui
Published: April 2022

The distribution network is the most terminal part of the power system. The safety and stability of its operation directly affect the power supply reliability of the power system. The operation status of the equipment has always been the focus of researchers. Once a problem occurs in the operation of the distribution network, it will have a significant impact on public safety and social development. Therefore, real-time monitoring of the operation status of the distribution network is very important. In order to meet the needs of real-time intelligent detection of the operation status of the distribution network, this paper introduces a risk warning system based on the Internet of Things for the operation status of the distribution network. This paper firstly analyzes the weight of risk indicators to determine the detection indicators of the risk early warning system, and secondly, through the analysis of the risk early warning indicator system of the distribution network operation status and the establishment of the risk early warning evaluation model, to determine the operation status of the distribution network the following risk early warning detection needs, and finally the Internet of Things technology is used in the design of the risk early warning system of the operating state of the distribution network, and then the system is tested. The test shows that the real-time detection data error of the system is less than 5%.
Time-frequency transforms with Poisson kernel modulation
Authors: Zhang Yiqiao , Chen Qiuhui
Published: April 2022

In this paper, a nonlinear modulation [Formula: see text] and a frequency-varying dilation [Formula: see text] both with Poisson kernel are introduced. Two classes of time-frequency atoms [Formula: see text] are designed from a basic atom [Formula: see text] in the Schwartz class [Formula: see text] acted upon by three operators: translation, nonlinear modulation and dilation. Two time-frequency transformations [Formula: see text] are constructed based on the above designed time-frequency atoms, where [Formula: see text] maps [Formula: see text] into [Formula: see text] with Lebesgue measure while [Formula: see text] maps [Formula: see text] into [Formula: see text] with Haar measure. The corresponding inversion formulae are established and the reproducing kernel Hilbert space property of the images of [Formula: see text] is proved. This strategy offers a unified understanding of dilation frequency and Fourier (modulation) frequency.
Two-wavelet theory and two-wavelet localization operators on the q-Dunkl harmonic analysis
Authors: Tyr Othman , Daher Radouan
Published: April 2022

In this paper, using the [Formula: see text]-Dunkl harmonic analysis introduced in Bettaibi and Bettaieb [q-Analog of the Dunkl transform on the real line, Tamsui Oxf. J. Math. Sci. 25(2) (2007) 117–205] and motivated by Wong’s approach [M. W. Wong, Wavelet Transforms and Localization Operators, Vol. 136 (Springer Science & Business Media, Berlin, 2002)], we first define and study the [Formula: see text]-wavelets, the continuous [Formula: see text]-wavelet transforms. Next, we introduce the two-wavelet localization operators, the Schatten–von Neumann properties of these localization operators are established, and for trace class localization operators, the traces and the trace class norm inequalities are presented.
A conceptual geological model for offshore wind sites in former ice stream settings: the Utsira Nord site, North Sea
Authors: Petrie Hannah E. , Eide Christian H. , Haflidason Haflidi , Watton Timothy
Published: April 2022

Conceptual geological models of the shallow subsurface that integrate geological and geotechnical information are important for more strategic data acquisition and engineering at offshore wind sites. Utsira Nord is an offshore wind site in the Norwegian North Sea suitable for floating turbines, with an average water depth of 267 m. It covers a 23 × 43 km
2
area within the Norwegian Channel, a trough formed by repeated ice streaming. The goal of this study is to present a preliminary conceptual geological model for the site that combines an overview of previous knowledge about the ice streaming history of the Norwegian Channel with key observations from bathymetric data, 2D acoustic data and shallow cores. Despite limited data, four units with different geotechnical properties can be defined: (1) exposed glacimarine to marine sediments; (2) buried to exposed subglacial traction till; (3) buried lodgement till; (4) shallowly buried to exposed crystalline bedrock. The model serves as a basis for planning site surveys at Utsira Nord and as a reference for offshore wind sites on other formerly glaciated coasts where ice streaming has been an important land-forming process, such as the northern coastlines of North America and the UK.
A Scenario-Based Study of Doctors and Patients on Video Conferencing Appointments from Home
Authors: Han Dongqi , Heshmat Yasamin , Geiskkovitch Denise Y. , Tan Zixuan , Neustaedter Carman
Published: April 2022

Telemedicine systems that involve the use of video conferencing technologies have been available for more than three decades. Yet, they have primarily been used for specialist appointments or within health care facilities. We are now seeing a shift with the proliferation of commercial technologies, such as smartphone apps that allow people to have appointments with a general practitioner from nearly any location for various reasons. Telemedicine has also seen an uptake due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known about how doctors and patients perceive smartphone-based telemedicine systems, what types of medical ailments are best suited for these systems, what sociotechnical challenges might emerge through their usage, and how systems should be designed to best meet the needs of both doctors and patients. Thus, we applied a scenario-based design method by presenting a set of medical situations to both general practitioners and patients, and conducted contextual interviews with them to investigate their thoughts on video-based appointments for a range of medical situations. Results show that video consultations using smartphone apps could raise challenges in delivering appropriate care and utilization, conducting camera work to assist different types of examinations, supporting doctor–patient relationship creation and maintenance, allowing doctors to maintain control over the appointment, as well as protecting patients’ and doctors’ privacy. This suggests the need to create designs that can support particular workflows, relationship building, safety and privacy protection, and camera work for varying contexts.
Automated Urban Planning for Reimagining City Configuration via Adversarial Learning: Quantification, Generation, and Evaluation
Authors: Wang Dongjie , Fu Yanjie , Liu Kunpeng , Chen Fanglan , Wang Pengyang , Lu Chang-Tien
Published: April 2022

Urban planning refers to the efforts of designing land-use configurations given a region. However, to obtain effective urban plans, urban experts have to spend much time and effort analyzing sophisticated planning constraints based on domain knowledge and personal experiences. To alleviate the heavy burden of them and produce consistent urban plans, we want to ask that can AI accelerate the urban planning process, so that human planners only adjust generated configurations for specific needs? The recent advance of deep generative models provides a possible answer, which inspires us to automate urban planning from an adversarial learning perspective. However, three major challenges arise: (1) how to define a quantitative land-use configuration? (2) how to automate configuration planning? (3) how to evaluate the quality of a generated configuration? In this article, we systematically address the three challenges. Specifically, (1) We define a land-use configuration as a longitude-latitude-channel tensor. (2) We formulate the automated urban planning problem into a task of deep generative learning. The objective is to generate a configuration tensor given the surrounding contexts of a target region. In particular, we first construct spatial graphs using geographic and human mobility data crawled from websites to learn graph representations. We then combine each target area and its surrounding context representations as a tuple, and categorize all tuples into positive (well-planned areas) and negative samples (poorly-planned areas). Next, we develop an adversarial learning framework, in which a generator takes the surrounding context representations as input to generate a land-use configuration, and a discriminator learns to distinguish between positive and negative samples. (3) We provide quantitative evaluation metrics and conduct extensive experiments to demonstrate the effectiveness of our framework.
Gamma Pseudo Random Number Generators
Authors: Luengo Elena Almaraz
Published: April 2022

The generation of random values corresponding to an underlying Gamma distribution is a key capability in many areas of knowledge, such as Probability and Statistics, Signal Processing, or Digital Communication, among others. Throughout history, different algorithms have been developed for the generation of such values and advances in computing have made them increasingly faster and more efficient from a computational point of view. These advances also allow the generation of higher-quality inputs (from the point of view of randomness and uniformity) for these algorithms that are easily tested by different statistical batteries such as NIST, Dieharder, or TestU01 among others. This article describes the existing algorithms for the generation of (independent and identically distributed—i.i.d.) Gamma distribution values as well as the theoretical and mathematical foundations that support their validity.
Software-Based Dialogue Systems: Survey, Taxonomy, and Challenges
Authors: Motger Quim , Franch Xavier , Marco Jordi
Published: April 2022

The use of natural language interfaces in the field of human-computer interaction (HCI) is undergoing intense study through dedicated scientific and industrial research. The latest contributions in the field, including deep learning approaches like recurrent neural networks (RNNs), the potential of context-aware strategies and user-centred design approaches, have brought back the attention of the community to software-based dialogue systems, generally known as conversational agents or chatbots. Nonetheless, and given the novelty of the field, a generic, context-independent overview of the current state of research on conversational agents covering all research perspectives involved is missing. Motivated by this context, this article reports a survey of the current state of research of conversational agents through a systematic literature review of secondary studies. The conducted research is designed to develop an exhaustive perspective through a clear presentation of the aggregated knowledge published by recent literature within a variety of domains, research focuses and contexts. As a result, this research proposes a holistic taxonomy of the different dimensions involved in the conversational agents’ field, which is expected to help researchers and to lay the groundwork for future research in the field of natural language interfaces.
Computing Eigenvalues of Diagonalizable Matrices on a Quantum Computer
Authors: Shao Changpeng
Published: April 2022

Computing eigenvalues of matrices is ubiquitous in numerical linear algebra problems. Currently, fast quantum algorithms for estimating eigenvalues of Hermitian and unitary matrices are known. However, the general case is far from fully understood in the quantum case. Based on a quantum algorithm for solving linear ordinary differential equations, we show how to estimate the eigenvalues of diagonalizable matrices that only have real eigenvalues. The output is a superposition of the eigenpairs, and the overall complexity is polylog in the dimension for sparse matrices. Under an assumption, we extend the algorithm to diagonalizable matrices with complex eigenvalues.
CEDR: A Compiler-integrated, Extensible DSSoC Runtime
Authors: Mack Joshua , Hassan Sahil , Kumbhare Nirmal , Castro Gonzalez Miguel , Akoglu Ali
Published: April 2022

In this work, we present a
C
ompiler-integrated,
E
xtensible
D
omain Specific System on Chip
R
untime (CEDR) ecosystem to facilitate research toward addressing the challenges of architecture, system software, and application development with distinct plug-and-play integration points in a unified compile time and runtime workflow. We demonstrate the utility of CEDR on the Xilinx Zynq MPSoC-ZCU102 for evaluating performance of pre-silicon hardware in the trade space of SoC configuration, scheduling policy and workload complexity based on dynamically arriving workload scenarios composed of real-life signal processing applications scaling to thousands of application instances with Fast Fourier Transform and matrix multiply accelerators. We provide insights into the tradeoffs present in this design space through a number of distinct case studies. CEDR is portable and has been deployed and validated on Odroid-XU3, X86, and Nvidia Jetson Xavier-based SoC platforms. Taken together, CEDR is a capable environment for enabling research in exploring the boundaries of productive application development, resource management heuristic development, and hardware configuration analysis for heterogeneous architectures.
Hydrogen Production and Its Applications to Mobility
Authors: Gonzalez-Garay Andres , Bui Mai , Freire Ordóñez Diego , High Michael , Oxley Adam , Moustafa Nadine , Sáenz Cavazos Paola A. , Patrizio Piera , Sunny Nixon , Mac Dowell Niall , Shah Nilay
Published: April 2022

Hydrogen has been identified as one of the key elements to bolster longer-term climate neutrality and strategic autonomy for several major countries. Multiple road maps emphasize the need to accelerate deployment across its supply chain and utilization. Being one of the major contributors to global CO2emissions, the transportation sector finds in hydrogen an appealing alternative to reach sustainable development through either its direct use in fuel cells or further transformation to sustainable fuels. This review summarizes the latest developments in hydrogen use across the major energy-consuming transportation sectors. Rooted in a systems engineering perspective, we present an analysis of the entire hydrogen supply chain across its economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Providing an outlook on the sector, we discuss the challenges hydrogen faces in penetrating the different transportation markets.
Corporate Culture
Authors: Gorton Gary B. , Grennan Jillian , Zentefis Alexander K.
Published: April 2022

Corporate culture is an omnibus term that includes many elements that are relevant to a firm, like norms, values, knowledge, and customs. Economists have made great progress recently in devising methods of measuring different aspects of corporate culture. These empirical measures of culture have explained mergers and acquisitions, corporate risk-taking, and unethical behaviors observed in corporations, among other topics. We argue that unpacking corporate culture into its components is the right way to research it empirically. Theories of corporate culture are still in development, and we discuss the major contributions thus far. We argue that a theory of the firm and of corporate decision-making that is based on corporate culture is more germane to the practical realities of firms’ inner workings than prevailing theories based on property rights and agency costs. Corporate culture has the potential to set the theoretical paradigm for all corporate finance research.
Perspective—Are Rechargeable Aluminum Batteries with Aqueous Electrolytes Possible?
Authors: Smajic Jasmin , Costa Pedro M. F. J.
Published: April 2022

Aqueous aluminum (Al) batteries are promising as a low cost, high energy density, and safe energy storage solution. However, significant challenges persist in using Al anodes with water-based electrolytes in acidic regimes. Several approaches have been put forward to resolve these obstacles, but there is an ongoing debate on their viability. In this Perspective, we outline the current understanding of the best-performing systems and suggest future research directions.
The regulating pathway of creatine on muscular protein metabolism depends on the energy state
Authors: Sun Mingfa , Jiao Hongchao , Wang Xiaojuan , Li Haifang , Zhou Yunlei , Zhao Jingpeng , Lin Hai
Published: April 2022

Creatine (Cr) is beneficial for increasing muscle mass and preventing muscle atrophy via involving in energy metabolism through the Cr and phosphocreatine (PCr) system. This study aimed to evaluate the supplemental effect of Cr on protein metabolism under normal and starvation conditions. The primary myoblasts were obtained from the breast muscle of chicks. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/P70S6 kinase (P70S6K), ubiquitin-proteasome (UP) pathways, and mitochondrial function of myotubes were evaluated at normal or starvation state and with or without glucose supplementation. Under normal condition, Cr supplementation enhanced protein synthesis rate as well as upregulated the total and phosphorylated P70S6K expressions. Cr had little influence on protein catabolism and mitochondrial function. In a starvation state, however, Cr alleviated myotube atrophy and enhanced protein accretion by inhibiting Atrogin1 and myostatin (MSTN) expression. Furthermore, Cr treatment upregulated the transcriptional coactivators peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) expression and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation under starvation condition. In the presence of glucose, however, the favorable effect of Cr on protein content and myotube diameter did not occur under starvation condition. The present result indicates that at a normal state, Cr stimulated protein synthesis via the mTOR/P70S6K pathway. In a starvation state, Cr mainly takes a favorable effect on protein accumulation via suppression of the UP pathway and mediated mitochondrial function mainly by serving as an energy supplier. The result highlights the potential clinical application for the modulation of muscle mass under different nutritional conditions.
ATRX-dependent SVCT2 mediates macrophage infiltration in the glioblastoma xenograft model
Authors: Shang Jinxing , Wang Yana , Li Zhuangzhuang , Jiang Lijun , Bai Qingling , Zhang Xiaoling , Xiao Guoxin , Zhang Jinguo
Published: April 2022

This study demonstrates that interference of ATRX-dependent SVCT2-mediated chemokine-induced macrophage infiltration could inhibit tumor cell proliferation in the GBM cell line-derived xenograft model. ATRX and SVCT2 are potential treatment targets identified in this study.