bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simple electronic circuit demonstrating Hopf bifurcation for an advanced undergraduate laboratory
Authors: Deo Ishan , Khare Krishnacharya
Published: November 2022

A nonlinear electronic circuit comprising of three nodes with a feedback loop is analyzed. The system has two stable states, a uniform state and a sinusoidal oscillating state, and it transitions from one to another by means of a Hopf bifurcation. The stability of this system is analyzed with nonlinear equations derived from a repressilator-like transistor circuit. The apparatus is simple and inexpensive, and the experiment demonstrates aspects of nonlinear dynamical systems in an advanced undergraduate laboratory setting.
For the Love of Strength: Experiences of Female Strength and Conditioning Coaches
Authors: Figueroa Yvette L. , Roper Emily A.
Published: November 2022

Women’s involvement in sport has been replete with challenges at all levels. In a similar vein, women in strength and conditioning (S&C) encounter workplace challenges at all levels. Given the lack of representation of women in S&C, it is important to delve into the potential contributing factors. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of women’s experiences in S&C. A total of 19 female S&C coaches at the collegiate level participated in our study. Participants were interviewed individually by both investigators via Zoom video calls using a semistructured interview guide. An overwhelming interest in participation among female S&C coaches allowed for interviews to be performed past the stage of saturation. Career experience among participants ranged from 4 to 26 years (M = 12.87 years). Results uncovered five central themes: (a) entrance into the S&C field and navigating a male-dominated culture, (b) appearance and presentation, (c) pressure to hire women, (d) support community and mentorship, and (e) family. Despite the perceived barriers described by these women, all participants stressed the love and passion each has for their career. The implications of this study are vital for administrators and athletic directors to advocate for greater representation of women in S&C and associated leadership positions.
Draft Genome Sequences of Four Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains (M080_2017, M106_2017, M181_2017, and M191_2017), Isolated from a Malaysian Teaching Hospital
Authors: Ang Mia Yang , Binti Mohamad Farook Nurul Amirah , Kamarudin Norhidayah , Lam Su Datt , Di Gregorio Sabrina , Tengku Jamaluddin Tengku Zetty Maztura , Nathan Sheila , Abdul Samat Muttaqillah Najihan , Argimón Silvia , Neoh Hui-min
Published: November 2022

Draft genome sequences were obtained for four methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) strains isolated from various wards of the Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2017. Using different bioinformatics tools, we annotated the draft genomes and identified multiple antimicrobial resistance genes.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lactococcus garvieae MS210922A, Isolated from Farmed Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili) in Japan
Authors: Akmal Muhammad , Yoshida Terutoyo , Nishiki Issei
Published: November 2022

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of a potentially new serotype,
Lactococcus garvieae
strain MS210922A, isolated from greater amberjack. It is nonreactive to serotype I or II antisera. The complete genome comprises 2,007,159 bp, including 1,929 coding, 16 rRNA, and 58 tRNA genes, with 38.9% G+C content.
AcaFinder: Genome Mining for Anti-CRISPR-Associated Genes
Authors: Yang Bowen , Zheng Jinfang , Yin Yanbin
Published: November 2022

At least four bioinformatics programs have been published for genome mining of Acrs since 2020. In contrast, no bioinformatics tools are available for automated Aca discovery.
Lactobacillus salivarius Promotion of Intestinal Stem Cell Activity in Hens Is Associated with Succinate-Induced Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism
Authors: Zhou Zhou , Yu Lingzi , Cao Jiajia , Yu Jiaming , Lin Zhibo , Hong Yi , Jiang Sibo , Chen Cong , Mi Yuling , Zhang Caiqiao , Li Jian
Published: November 2022

In our previous study,
Lactobacillus salivarius
and
Lactobacillus agilis
were demonstrated to regulate intestinal stem cell activity in hens, but their active ingredients and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. In this study,
L. salivarius
supernatant was shown to directly promote intestinal stem cell activity.
Spreading of
cfr
-Carrying Plasmids among Staphylococci from Humans and Animals
Authors: Gao Yuan , Wang Zheng , Fu Jiani , Cai Jiachang , Ma Tengfei , Xie Ning , Fan Run , Zhai Weishuai , Feßler Andrea T. , Sun Chengtao , Wu Congming , Schwarz Stefan , Zhang Rong , Wang Yang
Published: November 2022

The therapeutic efficacy of the oxazolidinone antimicrobial linezolid is reduced by the emergence and dissemination of the multidrug resistance gene
cfr
. The
cfr
-carrying plasmid pLRSA417 was first identified in a clinical methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
isolate, but its presence in staphylococci of human and animal origin has not been reported previously.
Supplemental Material: Ancient deep ocean as a harbor of biotic innovation revealed by Carboniferous ophiuroid microfossils
Authors: Thuy Ben , al. et
Published: November 2022

Nexus file used to run the Bayesian inference analysis, and resulting phylogenetic tree. 
Changing patterns in reporting and sharing of review data in systematic reviews with meta-analysis of the effects of interventions: cross sectional meta-research study
Authors: Nguyen Phi-Yen , Kanukula Raju , McKenzie Joanne E , Alqaidoom Zainab , Brennan Sue E , Haddaway Neal R , Hamilton Daniel G , Karunananthan Sathya , McDonald Steve , Moher David , Nakagawa Shinichi , Nunan David , Tugwell Peter , Welch Vivian A , Page Matthew J
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To examine changes in completeness of reporting and frequency of sharing data, analytical code, and other review materials in systematic reviews over time; and factors associated with these changes.

Design

Cross sectional meta-research study.

Population

Random sample of 300 systematic reviews with meta-analysis of aggregate data on the effects of a health, social, behavioural, or educational intervention. Reviews were indexed in PubMed, Science Citation Index, Social Sciences Citation Index, Scopus, and Education Collection in November 2020.

Main outcome measures

The extent of complete reporting and the frequency of sharing review materials in the systematic reviews indexed in 2020 were compared with 110 systematic reviews indexed in February 2014. Associations between completeness of reporting and various factors (eg, self-reported use of reporting guidelines, journal policies on data sharing) were examined by calculating risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Several items were reported suboptimally among 300 systematic reviews from 2020, such as a registration record for the review (n=113; 38%), a full search strategy for at least one database (n=214; 71%), methods used to assess risk of bias (n=185; 62%), methods used to prepare data for meta-analysis (n=101; 34%), and source of funding for the review (n=215; 72%). Only a few items not already reported at a high frequency in 2014 were reported more frequently in 2020. No evidence indicated that reviews using a reporting guideline were more completely reported than reviews not using a guideline. Reviews published in 2020 in journals that mandated either data sharing or inclusion of data availability statements were more likely to share their review materials (eg, data, code files) than reviews in journals without such mandates (16/87 (18%)
v
4/213 (2%)).

Conclusion

Incomplete reporting of several recommended items for systematic reviews persists, even in reviews that claim to have followed a reporting guideline. Journal policies on data sharing might encourage sharing of review materials.
Conducting umbrella reviews
Authors: Belbasis Lazaros , Bellou Vanesa , Ioannidis John P A
Published: November 2022

In this article, Lazaros Belbasis and colleagues explain the rationale for umbrella reviews and the key steps involved in conducting an umbrella review, using a working example.
Study protocol for a randomised placebo controlled trial of platelet-rich plasma injection to prevent post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Momoi Yasumasa , Saita Yoshitomo , Nagao Masashi , Kobayashi Yohei , Nakajima Ryosuke , Uchino Sayuri , Wakayama Takanori , Nishio Hirofumi , Fukusato Shin , Wakana Suguru , Tomura Jun , Kobayashi Keiji , Yoshida Keiichi , Kaneko Haruka , Kubota Mitsuaki , Ishijima Muneaki
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The elevated cytokine levels in patients suffering from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture may lead to acute post-traumatic arthritis (APTA) and post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Due to its chondrogenerative and anti-inflammatory effect, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is expected to show a positive outcome in APTA and PTOA. The proposed trial aims to quantitatively measure the efficacy of PRP injection in arresting post-traumatic cartilage degeneration among patients after ACL reconstruction.

Methods and analysis

This will be a single-blind, randomised, prospective, controlled clinical trial designed following the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines. After ACL reconstruction, 80 patients will be randomised to receive either leucocyte-poor PRP injection after joint aspiration or a placebo control group receiving only joint aspiration. Participants (age 20–49 years) will be those who have undergone ACL reconstruction within the past 2 weeks with a body mass index<35 and Kellgren Lawrence osteoarthritis grade<2. The primary outcome will include MRI-T2 values of knee cartilage at 6 months. The secondary outcomes will include pain assessment by Visual Analogue Scale, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, blood and urine test, physical findings, measurements for muscle strength and joint stability.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by The Independent Ethics Committee for Clinical Trials of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of State-of-the-Art Medicine. Results of the trial and each of the outcomes will be shared via conferences and publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

jRCTb030200391.
Identifying the sectors involved in the European public health emergency preparedness and response: a systematic review
Authors: Kengne Kamga L S , Voordouw A C G , de Vries M C , Belfroid E , Koopmans M , Timen A
Published: November 2022

Objectives

A systematic review was conducted with the aims of identifying sectors mentioned in the public health emergency preparedness and response (PHEPR) literature and mapping the involvement of those sectors in the seven PHEPR cycle domains.

Setting

A detailed search strategy was conducted in Embase and Scopus, covering the period between 1 January 2005 and 1 January 2020.

Methods

Published articles focusing on preparedness for and/or response to public health emergencies of multiple origins on the European continent were included. The frequency with which predetermined sectors were mentioned when describing collaboration during the preparedness and response cycle was determined.

Results

The results show that description of the involvement of sectors in PHEPR in general and collaboration during PHEPR is predominantly confined to a limited number of sectors, namely ‘Governmental institutions’, ‘Human health industry’, ‘Experts’ and ‘Civil Society’. Description is also limited to only three domains of the PHEPR cycle, namely ‘Risk and crisis management’, ‘Pre-event preparations and governance’ and ‘Surveillance’.

Conclusions

Optimal preparedness and response require predefined collaboration with a broader scope of partners than currently seems to be the case based on this literature review. We recommend considering these outcomes when planning multisectoral collaboration during preparedness and response, as well as the need to further operationalise the term ‘multisectoral collaboration’ during PHEPRs.

PROSPERO registration number

PROSPERO with registration number 176 331.
Heterogeneity of Zika virus exposure and outcome ascertainment across cohorts of pregnant women, their infants and their children: a metadata survey
Authors: Carabali Mabel , Maxwell Lauren , Levis Brooke , Shreedhar Priya
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To support the Zika virus (ZIKV) Individual Participant Data (IPD) Consortium’s efforts to harmonise and analyse IPD from ZIKV-related prospective cohort studies and surveillance-based studies of pregnant women and their infants and children; we developed and disseminated a metadata survey among ZIKV-IPD Meta-Analysis (MA) study participants to identify and provide a comprehensive overview of study-level heterogeneity in exposure, outcome and covariate ascertainment and definitions.

Setting

Cohort and surveillance studies that measured ZIKV infection during pregnancy or at birth and measured fetal, infant, or child outcomes were identified through a systematic search and consultations with ZIKV researchers and Ministries of Health from 20 countries or territories.

Participants

Fifty-four cohort or active surveillance studies shared deidentified data for the IPD-MA and completed the metadata survey, representing 33 061 women (11 020 with ZIKV) and 18 281 children.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Study-level heterogeneity in exposure, outcome and covariate ascertainment and definitions.

Results

Median study sample size was 268 (IQR=100, 698). Inclusion criteria, follow-up procedures and exposure and outcome ascertainment were highly heterogenous, differing meaningfully across regions and multisite studies. Enrolment duration and follow-up for children after birth varied before and after the declaration of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and according to the type of funding received.

Conclusion

This work highlights the logistic and statistical challenges that must be addressed to account for the multiple sources of within-study and between-study heterogeneity when conducting IPD-MAs of data collected in the research response to emergent pathogens like ZIKV.
Factors associated with small-for-gestational-age births among preterm babies born <2000 g: a multifacility cross-sectional study in Ethiopia
Authors: Debere Mesfin K , Haile Mariam Damen , Ali Ahmed , Mekasha Amha , Chan Grace J
Published: November 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA); compare variations in multiple risk factors, and identify factors associated with SGA births among preterm babies born <2000 g.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

The study was conducted at five public hospitals in Oromia Regional State and Addis Ababa City Administration, Ethiopia.

Participants

531 singleton preterm babies born <2000 g from March 2017 to February 2019.

Outcome measures

Birth size-for-gestational-age was an outcome variable. Birth size-for-gestational-age centiles were produced using Intergrowth-21st data. Newborn birth size-for-gestational-age below the 10th percentile were classified as SGA; those>10th to 90th percentiles were classified as AGA; those >90th percentiles, as large-for-gestational-age, according to sex. SGA and AGA prevalence were determined. Babies were compared for variations in multiple risk factors.

Results

Among 531 babies included, the sex distribution was: 55.44% males and 44.56% females. The prevalences of SGA and AGA were 46.14% and 53.86%, respectively. The percentage of SGA was slightly greater among males (47.62%) than females (44.30%), but not statistically significant The prevalence of SGA was significantly varied between pre-eclamptic mothers (32.42%, 95% CI 22.36% to 43.22%) and non-pre-eclamptic mothers (57.94%, 95% CI 53.21% to 62.54%). Mothers who had a history of stillbirth (adjusted OR (AOR) 2.96 95% CI 1.04 to 8.54), pre-eclamptic mothers (AOR 3.36, 95% CI 1.95 to 5.79) and being born extremely low birth weight (AOR 10.48, 95% CI 2.24 to 49.02) were risk factors significantly associated with SGA in this population.

Conclusion

Prevalence of SGA was very high in these population in the study area. Maternal pre-eclampsia substantially increases the risk of SGA. Hence, given the negative consequences of SGA, maternal and newborn health frameworks must look for and use evidence on gestational age and birth weight to assess the newborn’s risks and direct care.
Association between grass, tree and weed pollen and asthma health outcomes in Adelaide, South Australia: a time series regression analysis
Authors: Nitschke Monika , Dear Keith Brian Gordon , Venugopal Kamalesh , Lyne Katrina Margaret Rose , Jersmann Hubertus Paul Anton , Simon David Leslie , Spurrier Nicola
Published: November 2022

Objectives

We aim to establish daily risk estimates of the relationships between grass, tree and weed pollen and asthma health outcomes.

Design

Time series regression analysis of exposure and health outcomes using interaction by month to determine risk estimates all year round.

Setting

Metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia.

Participants

Health outcomes for asthma are based on 15 years of hospital admissions, 13 years emergency presentations and ambulance callouts. In adults (≥18 years), there were 10 381 hospitalisations, 26 098 emergency department (ED) presentations and 11 799 ambulance callouts and in children (0–17 years), 22 114, 39 813 and 3774, respectively.

Outcome measures

The cumulative effect of 7 day lags was calculated as the sum of the coefficients and reported as incidence rate ratio (IRR) related to an increase in 10 grains of pollen/m3.

Results

In relation to grass pollen, children and adults were disparate in their timing of health effects. Asthma outcomes in children were positively related to grass pollen in May, and for adults in October. Positive associations with weed pollen in children was seen from February to May across all health outcomes. For adults, weed pollen-related health outcomes were restricted to February. Adults were not affected by tree pollen, while children’s asthma morbidity was associated with tree pollen in August and September. In children, IRRs ranged from 1.14 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.21) for ED presentations for tree pollen in August to 1.98 (95% CI 1.06 to 3.72) for weed pollen in February. In adults, IRRs ranged from 1.28 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.62) for weed pollen in February to 1.31 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.57) for grass pollen in October.

Conclusion

Monthly risk assessment indicated that most pollen-related asthma health outcomes in children occur in the colder part of the year, while adults are affected in the warm season. The findings indicate a need for year-round pollen monitoring and related health campaigns to provide effective public health prevention.
Blindness in infants presenting with advanced and untreated ROP: a single-centre study in Pakistan
Authors: Moin Muhammad , Mian Lubna Siddiq , Gilbert Clare , Irfan Abdullah , Mian Umar K
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTPurpose

To describe the ocular features and characteristics of young children presenting with advanced, untreated retinopathy of prematurity and to determine appropriate screening guidelines for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in Pakistan.

Material and methods

A retrospective case series of young children with stage5A or 5B or cicatricial changes (4B or 4A ROP) was undertaken in the Department of Ophthalmology, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from August 2017 to July 2019. Information was obtained from interviewing parents and from neonatal care discharge summaries, if available. An assessment of visual function and a dilated fundus examination were performed.

Results

51 children presented at mean age of 9.7 (1.5–36) months. Their mean gestational age (GA) was 28.84 (26–38) weeks, and mean birth weight (BW) was 1229 (800–2100) g. Four children (7.8%) had a GA of >31 weeks plus a BW of >1501 g. 40 (76.4%) children were blind and 11 (23.6%) had impaired vision. Sixty-five eyes (63.7%) had stage 5B; 13 (12.7%) eyes had stage 5A; 18 (17.6%) had falciform macular folds (4B ROP) and 6 eyes (5.9%) had macular dragging (4A ROP). 39 (76.5%) children had bilateral stage 5A/5B. Half (47%) of the children lived outside the capital city of Lahore, and 15 came from small cities (population <1 million).

Conclusion

The third epidemic of blindness due to ROP has arrived in Pakistan, and premature babies are going blind even in smaller cities. Initial screening guidelines of a GA of ≤35 weeks and BW of ≤2000 g seem reasonable. There is an urgent need to improve the quality of neonatal care and to increase the coverage of ROP screening and treatment services across the country.
Lived experiences of patients undergoing treatment for traumatic knee injury using integrated psychological training (MOTIFS) in the context of care-as-usual training: a phenomenological interview study
Authors: Cederström Niklas , Ageberg Eva , Granér Simon
Published: November 2022

The objective was to increase understanding of how knee-injured people make sense of using the Motor Imagery to Facilitate Sensorimotor Re-Learning (MOTIFS) training intervention. This model integrates structured psychological skills training into existing care-as-usual (CaU) rehabilitation protocols. To better understand patients’ lived experiences of MOTIFS, it was necessary to understand those of CaU training. Interviews were conducted with five people undergoing knee-injury rehabilitation according to the MOTIFS model, as well as seven receiving treatment according to CaU. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to explore patients’ lived experiences. Results indicate that patients in the MOTIFS group perceive individualised meaning and sport relevance in their rehabilitation training. Imagery is perceived to be a concrete strategy that can be difficult, but encourages a biopsychosocial interaction to improve confidence, motivation, enjoyment and sport-relevant context, thereby aiding in physically and psychologically preparing patients for return to activity. CaU training is discussed in terms of physical factors, though patients identify psychological factors as important, perceiving a lack of focus on this, resulting in inadequate psychological readiness to return to activity. In conclusion, the MOTIFS model is perceived as focusing more on psychological factors in rehabilitation, helping to develop coping strategies and physically and psychologically prepare for return to activity. Patients in the CaU group perceive rehabilitation training as restoring strength and function, but lack structured psychological strategies to aid in return to activity preparation. This study is part of the MOTIFS randomised controlled trial (clinicaltrials.gov registration:NCT03473821).
Tenecteplase versus alteplase before mechanical thrombectomy: experience from a US healthcare system undergoing a system-wide transition of primary thrombolytic
Authors: Hendrix Philipp , Collins Malie K , Griessenauer Christoph J , Goren Oded , Melamed Itay , Weiner Gregory M , Dalal Shamsher S , Kole Matthew J , Noto Anthony , Schirmer Clemens M
Published: November 2022

Background

Tenecteplase (TNK) is a genetically modified variant of alteplase (TPA) and has been established as a non-inferior alternative to TPA in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Whether TNK exerts distinct benefits in large vessel occlusion (LVO) AIS is still being investigated.

Objective

To describe our first-year experience after a healthcare system-wide transition from TPA to TNK as the primary thrombolytic.

Methods

Patients with AIS who received intravenous thrombolytics between January 2020 and August 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients with LVO considered for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) were included in this analysis. Spontaneous recanalization (SR) after TNK/TPA was a composite variable of reperfusion >50% of the target vessel territory on cerebral angiography or rapid, significant neurological recovery averting MT. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to compare SR rates between TNK and TPA.

Results

A total of 148 patients were identified; 51/148 (34.5%) received TNK and 97/148 (65.5%) TPA. The middle cerebral arteries M1 (60.8%) and M2 (29.7%) were the most frequent occlusion sites. Baseline demographics were comparable between TNK and TPA groups. Spontaneous recanalization was significantly more frequently observed in the TNK than in the TPA groups (unmatched: 23.5% vs 10.3%, P=0.032). PSM substantiated the observed SR rates (20% vs 10%). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, 90-day mortality, and functional outcomes were similar.

Conclusions

The preliminary experience from a real-world setting demonstrates the effectiveness and safety of TNK before MT. The higher spontaneous recanalization rates with TNK are striking. Additional studies are required to investigate whether TNK is superior to TPA in LVO AIS.
Comprehensive nationwide incidence and prevalence trends of atrial fibrillation in Finland
Authors: Lehto Mika , Haukka Jari , Aro Aapo , Halminen Olli , Putaala Jukka , Linna Miika , Mustonen Pirjo , Kinnunen Janne , Kouki Elis , Niiranen Jussi , Luojus Alex , Tiili Paula , Itäinen-Strömberg Saga , Hartikainen Juha , Airaksinen Juhani K E
Published: November 2022

Objective

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a worldwide healthcare challenge owing to population ageing. In this study, we assessed the current trends in the incidence and prevalence of AF for the first time in an unselected, nationwide population.

Methods

In the Finnish Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation study, we gathered comprehensive data including all primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare visits and drug reimbursement from national healthcare registers to identify all patients with incident AF between 2004 and 2018 in Finland. Incident AF was defined as new-onset AF occurring after 2007. Time trends for the incidence and prevalence of AF were calculated and stratified by sex and age.

Results

A total of 411 387 patients with AF diagnosis were documented in Finland during 2004–2018. In 2018, the incidence and prevalence of AF in the total Finnish population were 469/100 000 and 4.1%, respectively. The incidence of new-onset AF in the adult population (≥20 years) increased from 471/100 000 in 2007 to 604/100 000 in 2018, but the age-adjusted incidence remained stable. The prevalence of AF increased in the adult population from 2.5% to 5.2%, and was higher in men than in women (5.9% vs 4.6%, p<0.001). The incidence and prevalence of AF increased with age and were 3194/100 000 and 23.4% in patients older than 75 years.

Conclusions

Based on comprehensive nationwide data including primary care, we observed an increasing incidence and prevalence of AF over time. This increase was strongly age-dependent with the age-standardised incidence remaining stable during 2007–2018.

Trial registration number

NCT04645537.
Two particles interacting via a contact interaction on $$S^2$$
Authors: Schuh Dominic , Luu Thomas
Published: November 2022

We consider two particles interacting via a contact interaction that are constrained to a sphere, or $$S^2$$

S
2

. We determine their spectrum to arbitrary precision and for arbitrary angular momentum. We show how the non-inertial frame leads to non-trivial solutions for different angular momenta. Our results represent an extension of the finite-volume Lüscher formulas but now to a non-trivial geometry. We apply our results to predict the spectrum of select two-nucleon halo nuclei and compare with experimental results.
Correlating the Community Structure of Constraint Satisfaction Problems with Search Time
Authors: Medema Michel , Lazovik Alexander
Published: November 2022

A constraint satisfaction problem (CSP) is, in its most general form, an NP-complete problem. One of the several classes of tractable problems that exist contains all the problems with a restricted structure of the constraint scopes. This paper studies community structure, a particular type of restricted structure underpinning a class of tractable SAT problems with potentially similar relevance to CSPs. Using the modularity, it explores the community structure of a wide variety of problems with both academic and industrial relevance. Its impact on the search times of several general solvers, as well as one that uses tree-decomposition, is also analysed to determine whether constraint solvers exploit this type of structure. Nearly all CSP instances have a strong community structure, and those belonging to the same class have comparable modularity values. For the general solvers, strong correlations between the community structure and the search times are not apparent. A more definite correlation exists between the modularity and the search times of the tree-decomposition, suggesting that it might, in part, be able to take advantage of the community structure. However, combined with the relatively strong correlation between the modularity and the tree-width, it could also indicate a similarity between these two measures.
Deep Learning with Game Theory Assisted Vertical Handover Optimization in a Heterogeneous Network
Authors: Kayikci Safak , Unnisa Nazeer , Das Anupam , Kanna S. K. Rajesh , Murthy Mantripragada Yaswanth Bhanu , Preetha N. S. Ninu , Brammya G.
Published: November 2022

Problem: In next-generation networks, users can optimize or tune their preferences with a seamless transfer of diverse access methodologies for maximizing the Quality of Service (QoS) and cost savings. In these heterogeneous wireless environments, users are prepared with several multimode wireless devices for maximizing media services through several access networks. Such networks may vary regarding energy usage, available bandwidth, technology, coverage range, monetary cost, etc. In recent days, vertical handover has attained higher performance owing to the improvements in mobility models through adopting the Fourth Generation (4G) technologies. On the other hand, these improvements are restricted to some cases, so, it does not offer support for generic mobility. Consequently, diverse strategies were implemented by considering these mobility models. However, it suffers from improper network selection, late and too-early handovers, repeated handovers, high packet loss, etc.

Aim: This paper tackles the problem of vertical handover problem in the heterogeneous network using deep learning with game theory.

Methods: The proposed model develops a non-cooperative game approach, in which all base stations compete selfishly to transmit at higher power. The overall performance in terms of throughput, handover, energy consumption, and load balancing is attained by optimizing the transmission power by the game theory. For performing this model, the required data like path loss, SINR, data rate, load, etc are generated by the deep learning called Recurrent Neural Network (RNN).

Results: From the simulation findings, the handoff probability of the recommended RNN+Game Theory is correspondingly secured at 6.9%, 22.6%, and 8.2% superior to TOPSIS, ABC-PSO, and game theory when taking the time like 5 secs for user velocity as 30 km/h.

Conclusion: Results show that the proposed game theoretical approach with deep learning provides a throughput enhancement while reducing the power consumption, in addition, to minimizing the unnecessary handover and balancing the load between base stations.
Revisiting Contextual Toxicity Detection in Conversations
Authors: Anuchitanukul Atijit , Ive Julia , Specia Lucia
Published: November 2022

Understanding toxicity in user conversations is undoubtedly an important problem. Addressing “covert” or implicit cases of toxicity is particularly hard and requires context. Very few previous studies have analysed the influence of conversational context in human perception or in automated detection models. We dive deeper into both these directions. We start by analysing existing contextual datasets and find that toxicity labelling by humans is in general influenced by the conversational structure, polarity, and topic of the context. We then propose to bring these findings into computational detection models by introducing and evaluating (a) neural architectures for contextual toxicity detection that are aware of the conversational structure, and (b) data augmentation strategies that can help model contextual toxicity detection. Our results show the encouraging potential of neural architectures that are aware of the conversation structure. We also demonstrate that such models can benefit from synthetic data, especially in the social media domain.
Revisiting Online Data Markets in 2022
Authors: Kennedy Javen , Subramaniam Pranav , Galhotra Sainyam , Castro Fernandez Raul
Published: November 2022

Well-functioning data markets match sellers with buyers to allocate data effectively. Although most of today's data markets fall short of this ideal, there is a renewed interest in online data marketplaces that may fulfill the promise of data markets. In this paper, we survey participants of some of the most common data marketplaces to understand the platforms' upsides and downsides. We find that buyers and sellers spend the majority of their time and effort in price negotiations. Although the markets work as an effective storefront that lets buyers find useful data fast, the high transaction costs required to negotiate price and circumvent the information asymmetry that exists between buyers and sellers indicates that today's marketplaces are still far from offering an effective solution to data trading. We draw on the results of the interviews to present potential opportunities for improvement and future research.
Query Optimizer as a Service
Authors: Jindal Alekh , Leeka Jyoti
Published: November 2022

Query optimization is a critical technology that is common across all modern data processing systems. However, it is traditionally implemented in silos and is deeply embedded in different systems. Furthermore, over the years, query optimizers have become less understood and rarely touched pieces of code that are brittle to changes and very expensive to maintain, thus slowing down the pace of innovation. In this paper, we argue that it is time to think of query optimizer as a service in modern cloud architectures. Such a design can help build a common set of well-maintained optimizations that are externalized from the query engines and that could be learned and improved using the large workloads present in modern clouds. We present, Oasis, a reference architecture for query optimizer as a service and describe our success in deploying the early version of it in Cosmos. Finally, we discuss the risks and responsibilities involved with Oasis to ensure it is a win-win for everyone.
VLDB Scalable Data Science Category
Authors: Kumar Arun , Halevy Alon , Tatbul Nesime
Published: November 2022

As part of the International Conference on Very Large Data Bases (VLDB) 2021 / Proceedings of the VLDB Endowment Volume 14, a new Research Track category named Scalable Data Science (SDS) was launched [2, 6]. The goal of SDS is to attract cutting-edge and impactful real-world work in the scalable data science arena to enhance the impact and visibility of the VLDB community on data science practice, spur new technical connections, and inspire new follow-on research. The inaugural year proved to be successful, with numerous interesting papers from a wide cross section of both industry and academia, spanning several data science topics, and originating from several countries around the world.

In this report, we reflect on the inaugural year of SDS with some statistics on both submissions and accepted papers, SDS invited talks, and our observations, lessons, and tips as inaugural Associate Editors for SDS. We hope this article is helpful to future authors, reviewers, and organizers of SDS, as well as other interested members of the wider database / data management community and beyond.
Statistical Machine Learning for Quantitative Finance
Authors: Ludkovski M.
Published: November 2022

We survey the active interface of statistical learning methods and quantitative finance models. Our focus is on the use of statistical surrogates, also known as functional approximators, for learning input–output relationships relevant for financial tasks. Given the disparate terminology used among statisticians and financial mathematicians, we begin by reviewing the main ingredients of surrogate construction and the motivating financial tasks. We then summarize the major surrogate types, including (deep) neural networks, Gaussian processes, gradient boosting machines, smoothing splines, and Chebyshev polynomials. The second half of the article dives deeper into the major applications of statistical learning in finance, covering ( a) parametric option pricing, ( b) learning the implied/local volatility surface, ( c) learning option sensitivities, ( d) American option pricing, and ( e) model calibration. We also briefly detail statistical learning for stochastic control and reinforcement learning, two areas of research exploding in popularity in quantitative finance.
Solving Ontology Metamatching Problem through Improved Multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Huang Yikun , Zhuang Yucheng , Xue Xingsi
Published: November 2022

In recent years, knowledge representation in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) domain is able to help people understand the semantics of data and improve the interoperability between diverse knowledge-based applications. Semantic Web (SW), as one of the methods of knowledge representation, is the new generation of World Wide Web (WWW), which integrates AI with web techniques and dedicates to implementing the automatic cooperations among different intelligent applications. Ontology, as an information exchange model that defines concepts and formally describes the relationships between two concepts, is the core technique of SW, implementing semantic information sharing and data interoperability in the Internet of Things (IoT) domain. However, the heterogeneity issue hampers the communications among different ontologies and stops the cooperations among ontology-based intelligent applications. To solve this problem, it is vital to establish semantic relationships between heterogeneous ontologies, which is the so-called ontology matching. Ontology metamatching problem is commonly a complex optimization problem with many local optima. To this end, the ontology metamatching problem is defined as a multiobjective optimization model in this work, and a multiobjective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) with diversity enhancing (DE) (MOPSO-DE) strategy is proposed to better trade off the convergence and diversity of the population. The well-known benchmark of the Ontology Alignment Evaluation Initiative (OAEI) is used in the experiment to test MOPSO-DE’s performance. Experimental results prove that MOPSO-DE can obtain the high-quality alignment and reduce the MOPSO’s memory consumption.
Fish Meal Replacement by Mixed Plant Protein in the Diets for Juvenile Yellow Catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco: Effects on Growth Performance and Health Status
Authors: Han Ya-Kang , Xu Yi-Chuang , Luo Zhi , Zhao Tao , Zheng Hua , Tan Xiao-Ying
Published: November 2022

Increasing dietary replacement levels of fish meal by alternative plant proteins are of value for aquaculture. Here, a 10-week feeding experiment was undertaken to explore the effects of fish meal replacement by mixed plant protein (at a 2 : 3 ratio of cottonseed meal to rapeseed meal) on growth performance, oxidative and inflammatory responses, and mTOR pathway of yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. Yellow catfish (

2.38
±
0.1
 
g

,

mean
±
SEM

) were randomly divided into 15 indoors fiberglass tanks, 30 fish each tank, and fed five isonitrogenous (44% crude protein) and isolipidic (9% crude fat) diets with fish meal replaced by mixed plant protein at 0% (the control), 10% (RM10), 20% (RM20), 30% (RM30), and 40% (RM40), respectively. Among five groups, fish fed the control, and RM10 diets tended to have higher growth performance, higher protein content, and lower lipid content in livers. Dietary mixed plant protein substitute increased hepatic free gossypol content and damaged liver histology and reduced the serum total essential amino acids, total nonessential amino acids, and total amino acid contents. Yellow catfish fed the control, and RM10 diets tended to have higher antioxidant capacity. Dietary mixed plant protein replacement tended to promote proinflammatory responses and inhibited mTOR pathway. Based on the second regression analysis of SGR against mixed plant protein substitutes, the optimal replacement level of fish meal by mixed plant protein was 8.7%.
Prediction of Transverse Reinforcement of RC Columns Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Xiao Congzhen , Qiao Baojuan , Li Jianhui , Yang Zhiyong , Ding Jiannan
Published: November 2022

Transverse reinforcement of reinforced concrete (RC) columns contributes greatly to the ductility deformation capacity of RC structures. The existing models to predict the amount of transverse reinforcement required are all empirical models with low accuracy and large dispersion and have not considered the real ductility demand of individual components. This paper proposes a ductility design method of RC structure based on component drift ratio demand obtained from nonlinear structural dynamic analysis. To establish the best transverse reinforcement ratio prediction model for RC columns, based on an experimental database consisting of 498 columns, 12 machine learning (ML) models are trained. To solve the over‐fitting problem caused by the current situation of “few samples and big errors” of the experimental database, feature engineering aiming at dimension reduction is systematically carried out through an iterative process. Through comprehensive performance evaluation on the testing set, an XGBoost model is selected. To interpret the “black box” ML model, the SHAP method and partial dependence plots are used to analyse the correlation between the input parameters and the transverse reinforcement ratio. The interpretation results are consistent with mechanical laws and engineering experience, which prove the reliability of the selected ML model. Compared with two existing empirical models, the proposed XGBoost model shows higher accuracy and smaller deviation. After safety probability analysis, the trained XGBoost model is transformed into C code and integrated into seismic design software for productive practice. An open‐source data‐driven model to predict the transverse reinforcement ratio required for RC columns is provided worldwide, with the flexibility to account for additional experimental results.
Intra‐Articular Laser Therapy May Be a Feasible Option in Treating Knee Osteoarthritis in Elderly Patients
Authors: Chen Jean-Lon , Hsu Chih-Chin , Chen Wesley C. C. , Peng Yu-Ning , Chen Carl P. C. , Suputtitada Areerat
Published: November 2022

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common problem in elderly patients. They are often troubled with altered knee function, such as pain and weakness. However, not all these patients are able to receive autologous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) injections as they may be taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications. Their physical condition may not allow them to receive total knee replacement surgery as well. Long‐term oral intake of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs may be detrimental to the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, it is crucial to discover new treatment options that can alleviate painful knee symptoms in elderly knee OA patients. In this study, 19 elderly patients diagnosed with moderate degree of knee OA as well as suprapatellar bursitis were recruited. They received low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) to their affected knees. Under ultrasound guidance, flexible fiber optic wire was inserted intra‐articularly into the knee joint. Red laser followed by infrared irradiation was performed once every 2 weeks for a total of 3 times. The Lequesne index for knee OA and the volume of suprapatellar synovial fluid (SF) were measured. SF proteomic analyses were also performed up to a period of 6 months. The results revealed that after 3 LLLT, the Lequesne index significantly decreased, signifying improvement in the knee joint functional status. The volume of suprapatellar SF and SF proteins associated with inflammation also decreased significantly in the SF. These findings lasted up to a period of at least 3 months. Therefore, LLLT may be considered as a feasible option in treating elderly patients with knee OA who are not suitable for surgical interventions or intra‐articular PRP injections.
The Influence of Surgical Mask on Heart Rate, Muscle Saturation of Oxygen, and Hemoglobin during Whole‐Body Vibration Exercise
Authors: Apolo-Arenas Mª. Dolores , Tomas-Carus Pablo , Galan-Lopez Pablo , Escribano Jorge Navarro , Carvalho Beatriz , Caña-Pino Alejandro , Parraca Jose Alberto
Published: November 2022

Background. Whole‐body vibration (WBV) is a safe and effective exercise system that affects muscle oxygen through several physiological processes, although its effects on different protocols are still unclear. Unfortunately, the COVID‐19 pandemic has generated various health problems and controversy or confusion on its possible adverse consequences and impact on performance when wearing a mask during the practice of physical exercise. Aim. To analyze the acute effects of WBV exercise in muscle oxygen variables during different intervention phases with or without a surgical mask and compare protocols that differ in the order of vibration frequencies. Methods. Forty‐seven healthy students participated in WBV training. They were randomly assigned to use or not use a mask between the three intervention groups: group A (8, 12.6, and 20 Hz), group B (12.6, 20, and 8 Hz), and group C (20, 8, and 12.6 Hz). Besides the 3 WBV moments, the intervention had a baseline moment, two rest time and a recovery moment. During the whole intervention, the heart rate (HR), muscle oxygen saturation (SatO2), oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb), and deoxyhemoglobin (HHb) were registered. Results. There were no significant differences between the mask use and not use groups. Significant differences were found between the variables during the seven intervention moments and between intervention groups (A, B, or C). Conclusion. HR, SatO2, and Hb were not influenced by the use of a surgical mask, but they reacted differently through the different moments and were sensitive to vibration frequencies and respective order.
A Modified Hydrolysis Method of Decolorizing Reactive-Dyed Polycotton Waste Fabric and Extraction of Terephthalic Acid: A Perspective to Reduce Textile Solid Waste
Authors: Nahar S. S. , Rahaman M. S. , Samadder R. , Shagor F. R. , Chadni R. K. , Rahaman M. S. , Khan Mubarak A.
Published: November 2022

To manage the polycotton textile-waste fabric (PCWF), a modified alkaline hydrolysis method is used for decolorization and separation of polyester as terephthalic acid (TPA). The effects of optimum conditions on TPA yield (%) have been determined to be

97.66
±
1.94
%

. Dye degradations and K/S values are measured by UV-visible spectrophotometer. K/S value of PCWF is 37.06 and separated cotton fabric (SCF) is 0.035, respectively. The chemical functionalities and crystallinity of PCWF, SCF, and TPA are determined by using FTIR and XRD. FTIR peak values are 1684 cm-1, 1574 cm-1, 1512 cm-1, 1280 cm-1, and 1425 cm-1 that prove transformation of polyester to TPA. XRD peaks confirm polyester conversion to TPA, and the values are 17.4, 25.13, 28.12, 29.09, and 38.7. TGA, SEM, and EDX data showed the thermal stability, morphology, and elemental composition of TPA.