bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protocol for a cluster randomised trial of a goal-oriented care approach for multimorbidity patients supported by a digital platform
Authors: Gil Conde Margarida , Peyroteo Mariana , Maria Ana , Maia Mélanie Raimundo , Gregório João , Paulo Marilia Silva , Alves Marta , Papoila Ana Luísa , Lapão Luís Velez , Heleno Bruno
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Health information systems represent an opportunity to improve the care provided to people with multimorbidity. There is a pressing need to assess their impact on clinical outcomes to validate this intervention. Our study will determine whether using a digital platform (Multimorbidity Management Health Information System, METHIS) to manage multimorbidity improves health-related quality of life (HR-QoL).

Methods and analysis

A superiority, cluster randomised trial will be conducted at primary healthcare practices (1:1 allocation ratio). All public practices in the Lisbon and Tagus Valley (LVT) Region, Portugal, not involved in a previous pilot trial, will be eligible. At the participant level, eligible patients will be people with complex multimorbidity, aged 50 years or older, with access to an internet connection and a communication technology device. Participants who cannot sign/read/write and who do not have access to an email account will not be included in the study. The intervention combines a training programme and a customised information system (METHIS). Both are designed to help clinicians adopt a goal-oriented care model approach and to encourage patients and carers to play a more active role in autonomous healthcare. The primary outcome is HR-QoL, measured at 12 months with the physical component scale of the 12-item Short Form questionnaire (SF-12). Secondary outcomes will also be measured at 12 months and include mental health (mental component Scale SF-12, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). We will also assess serious adverse events during the trial, including hospitalisation and emergency services. Finally, at 18 months, we will ask the general practitioners for any potentially missed diagnoses.

Ethics and dissemination

The Research and Ethics Committee (LVT Region) approved the trial protocol. Clinicians and patients will sign an informed consent. A data management officer will handle all data, and the publication of several scientific papers and presentations at relevant conferences/workshops is envisaged.

Trial registration number

NCT05593835.
From symptom onset to treatment initiation: protocol for a narrative study exploring the journey of older adults with tuberculosis in the English Midlands, UK
Authors: Kidy Farah , McCarthy Noel , Seers Kate
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Time from symptom onset to treatment initiation in tuberculosis (TB) remains stubbornly prolonged despite reductions in disease incidence. Delays may contribute to increased morbidity, mortality, onward spread of disease and poor patient experiences. Most delays occur prior to hospital referral. The average primary care healthcare provider in England is unlikely to see TB on a regular basis. Little is known about primary care diagnostic and referral challenges.

Adults aged 65 years or older are more likely to experience delays. However, little is known about their journey from symptom onset to treatment initiation.

Methods and analysis

We will carry out a narrative study including adults aged 65 years or older, living in the English Midlands and receiving treatment for active TB. Twelve English and 12 Urdu or Punjabi speakers will be recruited from TB clinics and interviewed. Their primary care records will be accessed, and the primary care story and secondary care letters will be extracted. Each of the data sources will be analysed using dialogical narrative analysis. Data will be triangulated within participants and across the data set.

Ethics and dissemination

This study received approval from the Health Research Authority and the Research Ethics Committee in April 2022. Risk management and equity considerations have been made a priority. Findings will be disseminated through publication in open access peer-reviewed journals, presentations to policy makers, primary healthcare and secondary healthcare professionals, and through public facing materials developed in conjunction with patients, members of the pubic, TB services and charities.
Tight perioperative blood pressure management to reduce complications: a randomised feasibility trial
Authors: Li Kai , Hu Zhouting , Li Wangyu , Shah Karan , Sessler Daniel
Published: November 2023

Objective

Evaluate the feasibility of a trial of perioperative hypotension and serious complications.

Design

A patient and assessor-blinded randomised feasibility trial.

Setting

We included patients in a tertiary university hospital.

Participants

We enrolled 80 adults scheduled for major non-cardiac surgery.

Interventions

In patients randomised to tight blood pressure control, intraoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP) was targeted to ≥85 mm Hg maintained with norepinephrine infusion, and restarting chronic antihypertensive medications was delayed until the third postoperative day. In the reference group, intraoperative blood pressure was managed per routine and antihypertensive medications were restarted immediately after surgery.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Our first co-primary outcome was the fraction of time when intraoperative MAP was >85 mm Hg, intraoperative area (time integral) of MAP >85 mm Hg and MAP <65 mm Hg. The second co-primary outcome was time until antihypertensive medications were restarted after surgery. Secondary outcomes were time-weighted average intraoperative MAP, cumulative minimum MAP for 10 min, average postoperative systolic blood pressure (SBP) and mean of the lowest three postoperative SBPs.

Results

Forty patients in each group were analysed. The median for intraoperative area of MAP >85 mm Hg was 1303 (772–2419) mm Hg*min in routine blood pressure (BP) cases and 2425 (1926–3545) mm Hg*min in tight BP control. The area for intraoperative MAP <65 mm Hg was 7 (0–40) mm Hg*min with routine BP management, and 0 (0–0) mm Hg*min with tight BP control. The fraction of time with MAP >85 mm Hg was 0.52 (0.25) and 0.87 (0.15). Antihypertensive medications were restarted 2 (1–3) days later in tight BP control cases. However, postoperative SBPs were similar.

Conclusions

Tight BP management markedly increased intraoperative MAP and reduced the amount of hypotension. In contrast, delaying chronic antihypertensive medications had little effect on postoperative SBP. The full trial appears feasible and remains necessary but should not include postoperative antihypertensive management.

Trial registration

NCT04789733.
Critical quality appraisal and algorithm development of clinical practice guidelines for management of poststroke sensory loss: a systematic review
Authors: Li Xiao , Xing Xingmin , Yao Nannan
Published: November 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the methodological quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) associated with the management of poststroke sensory loss and develop an algorithm for health professionals.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review for relevant CPGs published between 2017 and 2022 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Checklist. Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument was used to assess methodological quality. Recommendations for managing poststroke sensory loss from high and average-quality CPGs were summarised and developed into an algorithm.

Results

First, 1458 records were identified from the database searches and other sources. Finally, four CPGs were included: three were rated as high quality and one as average quality. Twenty-two recommendations were summarised from these CPGs and used to develop a draft algorithm. Then, we revised the draft algorithm developed by the authors based on expert feedback to form the final version.

Conclusions

The four CPGs included in this study had good quality. Based on these CPGs, we developed an algorithm to facilitate health professionals’ adherence to CPGs and contribute to evidence-based medicine. In the future, more high-quality CPGs are required to give further scientific and convincing evidence to manage poststroke sensory loss.
Hospital variations in failure to rescue after abdominal surgery: a nationwide, retrospective observational study
Authors: Augestad Knut Magne , Skyrud Katrine Damgaard , Lindahl Anne Karin , Helgeland Jon
Published: November 2023

Objectives

This study aims to determine hospital variation and intensive care unit characteristics associated with failure to rescue after abdominal surgery in Norway.

Design

A nationwide retrospective observational study.

Setting

All 52 hospitals in Norway performing elective and acute abdominal surgery.

Participants

All 598 736 patients undergoing emergency and elective abdominal surgery from 2011 to 2021.

Primary outcome measure

Primary outcome was failure to rescue within 30 days (FTR30), defined as in-hospital or out-of-hospital death within 30 days of a surgical patient who developed at least one complication within 30 days of the surgery (FTR30). Other outcome variables were surgical complications and hospital FTR30 variation. Statistical analysis was conducted separately for general surgery and abdominal surgery.

Results

The 30-day postoperative complication rate was 30.7 (183 560 of 598 736 surgeries). Of general surgical complications (n=25 775), circulatory collapse (n=6127, 23%), cardiac arrhythmia (n=5646, 21%) and surgical infections (n=4334, 16 %) were most common and 1507 (5.8 %) patients were reoperated within 30 days. One thousand seven hundred and forty patients had FTR30 (6.7 %). The severity of complications was strongly associated with FTR30. In multivariate analysis of general surgery, adjusted for patient characteristics, only the year of surgery was associated with FTR30, with an estimated linear trend of −0.31 percentage units per year (95% CI (−0.48 to –0.15)). The driving distance from local hospitals to the nearest referral intensive care unit was not associated with FTR30. Over the last decade, FTR30 rates have varied significantly among similar hospitals.

Conclusions

Hospital factors cannot explain Norwegian hospitals’ significant FTR variance when adjusting for patient characteristics. The national FTR30 measure has dropped around 30% without a corresponding fall in surgical complications. No association was seen between rural hospital location and FTR30. Policy-makers must address microsystem issues causing high FTR30 in hospitals.
Treatment of schizotypal disorder: a protocol for a systematic review of the evidence and recommendations for clinical practice
Authors: Gundersen Kristina Ballestad , Rasmussen Andreas Rosén , Sandström Katharina Oravsky , Albert Nikolai , Polari Andrea , Ebdrup Bjørn H , Nelson Barnaby , Glenthøj Louise Birkedal
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Schizotypal disorder is associated with a high level of disability at an individual level and high societal costs. However, clinical recommendations for the treatment of schizotypal disorder are scarce and based on limited evidence. This review aims to synthesise the current evidence on treatment for schizotypal disorder making recommendations for clinical practice.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A systematic literature search will be performed in PsychArticles, Embase, Medline and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Additionally, we will search for relevant articles manually. Inclusion criteria are published studies including individuals diagnosed with schizotypal personality disorder according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria, or schizotypal disorder according to International Classification of Diseases (ICD) criteria. We will include interventional studies comprising any pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment trials for patients with schizotypal disorder, and all relevant outcome measures will be reported. Risk of bias will be assessed by Cochrane risk-of-bias tools. Data will be synthesised using narrative or thematic analysis and, if suitable, through meta-analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

No original data will be collected as part of this study and ethics approval is, therefore, not applicable. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and presented at international scientific meetings. We will aim at submitting the final paper for publication within 4 months of completion of analyses. Furthermore, this systematic review will inform clinicians and researchers on the current state of evidence on treatment for schizotypal disorder. Findings may guide proposals for further research and potentially guide recommendations for clinical practice using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022375001.
Supporting autonomy in young people with gender dysphoria: psychotherapy is not conversion therapy
Authors: D'Angelo Roberto
Published: November 2023

Opinion is divided about the certainty of the evidence base for gender-affirming medical interventions in youth. Proponents claim that these treatments are well supported, while critics claim the poor-quality evidence base warrants extreme caution. Psychotherapy is one of the only available alternatives to the gender-affirming approach. Discussion of the treatment of gender dysphoria in young people is generally framed in terms of two binary approaches: affirmation or conversion. Psychotherapy/exploratory therapy offers a treatment option that lies outside this binary, although it is mistakenly conflated with conversion therapies. Psychotherapy does not impose restrictive gender stereotypes, as is sometimes claimed, but critically examines them. It empowers young people to develop creative solutions to their difficulties and promotes agency and autonomy. Importantly, an exploratory psychotherapeutic process can help to clarify whether gender dysphoria is a carrier for other psychological or social problems that may not be immediately apparent. Psychotherapy can therefore make a significant contribution to the optimal, ethical care of gender-dysphoric young people by ensuring that patients make appropriate, informed decisions about medical interventions which carry risks of harm and have a contested evidence base.
Trust criteria for artificial intelligence in health: normative and epistemic considerations
Authors: Kostick-Quenet Kristin , Lang Benjamin H , Smith Jared , Hurley Meghan , Blumenthal-Barby Jennifer
Published: November 2023

Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) in healthcare raise pressing questions about how much users should trust AI/ML systems, particularly for high stakes clinical decision-making. Ensuring that user trust is properly calibrated to a tool’s computational capacities and limitations has both practical and ethical implications, given that overtrust or undertrust can influence over-reliance or under-reliance on algorithmic tools, with significant implications for patient safety and health outcomes. It is, thus, important to better understand how variability in trust criteria across stakeholders, settings, tools and use cases may influence approaches to using AI/ML tools in real settings. As part of a 5-year, multi-institutional Agency for Health Care Research and Quality-funded study, we identify trust criteria for a survival prediction algorithm intended to support clinical decision-making for left ventricular assist device therapy, using semistructured interviews (n=40) with patients and physicians, analysed via thematic analysis. Findings suggest that physicians and patients share similar empirical considerations for trust, which were primarilyepistemicin nature, focused on accuracy and validity of AI/ML estimates. Trust evaluations considered the nature, integrity and relevance of training data rather than the computational nature of algorithms themselves, suggesting a need to distinguish ‘source’ from ‘functional’ explainability. To a lesser extent, trust criteria were also relational (endorsement from others) and sometimes based on personal beliefs and experience. We discuss implications for promoting appropriate and responsible trust calibration for clinical decision-making use AI/ML.
Human equality and the impermissibility of abortion: a response to Bozzo
Authors: Miller Calum
Published: November 2023

I have recently offered a defence of human equality, and consequently an argument against abortion. This has been objected to by Bozzo, on the grounds that my account of human equality is unclear and could be grounded in utilitarian or Kantian ethics, that my account struggles to ground the permissibility of therapeutic abortions, and that my proposed foundation for human equality itself is parasitic on a scalar property which generates the same difficulties I am attempting to solve. I provide an account of human equality which cannot easily be grounded in utilitarianism or Kantianism, offer a variety of defences of therapeutic abortion consistent with treating the mother and child equally, and show that even if the value of humanness is ultimately grounded in a scalar quality, my argument succeeds.
HeterozygousCOL17A1variants are a frequent cause of amelogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Hany Ummey , Watson Christopher M , Liu Lu , Smith Claire E L , Harfoush Asmaa , Poulter James A , Nikolopoulos Georgios , Balmer Richard , Brown Catriona J , Patel Anesha , Simmonds Jenny , Charlton Ruth , Acosta de Camargo María Gabriela , Rodd Helen D , Jafri Hussain , Antanaviciute Agne , Moffat Michelle , Al-Jawad Maisoon , Inglehearn Chris F , Mighell Alan J
Published: November 2023

Background

Collagen XVII is most typically associated with human disease when biallelicCOL17A1variants (>230) cause junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB), a rare, genetically heterogeneous, mucocutaneous blistering disease with amelogenesis imperfecta (AI), a developmental enamel defect. Despite recognition that heterozygous carriers in JEB families can have AI, and that heterozygousCOL17A1variants also cause dominant corneal epithelial recurrent erosion dystrophy (ERED), the importance of heterozygousCOL17A1variants causing dominant non-syndromic AI is not widely recognised.

Methods

Probands from an AI cohort were screened by single molecule molecular inversion probes or targeted hybridisation capture (both a custom panel and whole exome sequencing) forCOL17A1variants. Patient phenotypes were assessed by clinical examination and analyses of affected teeth.

Results

Nineteen unrelated probands with isolated AI (no co-segregating features) had 17 heterozygous, potentially pathogenicCOL17A1variants, including missense, premature termination codons, frameshift and splice site variants in both the endo-domains and the ecto-domains of the protein. The AI phenotype was consistent with enamel of near normal thickness and variable focal hypoplasia with surface irregularities including pitting.

Conclusion

These results indicate thatCOL17A1variants are a frequent cause of dominantly inherited non-syndromic AI. Comparison of variants implicated in AI and JEB identifies similarities in type and distribution, with five identified in both conditions, one of which may also cause ERED. Increased availability of genetic testing means that more individuals will receive reports of heterozygousCOL17A1variants. We propose that patients with isolated AI or ERED, due toCOL17A1variants, should be considered as potential carriers for JEB and counselled accordingly, reflecting the importance of multidisciplinary care.
Update of the UMD-VHL database: classification of 164 challenging variants based on genotype–phenotype correlation among 605 entries
Authors: Mougel Gregory , Mohamed Amira , Burnichon Nelly , Giraud Sophie , Pigny Pascal , Bressac-de Paillerets Brigitte , Mirebeau-Prunier Delphine , Buffet Alexandre , Savagner Frédérique , Romanet Pauline , Arlot Yannick , Gardie Betty , Gimenez-Roqueplo Anne-Paule , Beroud Christophe , Richard Stephane , Barlier Anne
Published: November 2023

Background

The von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is a hereditary tumour syndrome caused by germline mutations inVHLtumour suppressor gene. The identification ofVHLvariants requires accurate classification which has an impact on patient management and genetic counselling.

Methods

The TENGEN (French oncogenetics network of neuroendocrine tumors) and PREDIR (French National Cancer Institute network for Inherited predispositions to kidney cancer) networks have collectedVHLgenetic variants and clinical characteristics of all VHL-suspected patients analysed from 2003 to 2021 by one of the nine laboratories performingVHLgenetic testing in France. Identified variants were registered in a locus-specific database, the Universal Mutation Database-VHL database (http://www.umd.be/VHL/).

Results

Here we report the expert classification of 164 variants, including all missense variants (n=124), all difficult interpretation variants (n=40) and their associated phenotypes. After initial American College of Medical Genetics classification, first-round classification was performed by the VHL expert group followed by a second round for discordant and ambiguous cases. Overall, the VHL experts modified the classification of 87 variants including 30 variants of uncertain significance that were as (likely)pathogenic variants for 19, and as likely benign for 11.

Conclusion

Consequently, this work has allowed the diagnosis and influenced the genetic counselling of 45 VHL-suspected families and can benefit to the worldwide VHL community, through this review.
Rethinking leadership approaches for community-wide opioid crisis intervention: harnessing positive inquiry to unearth front-line insight
Authors: Huber Thomas Patrick
Published: November 2023

Background/Aim

The opioid crisis presents a complex and widespread health challenge for communities, necessitating a deeper exploration beyond simple solutions. To address this crisis, it is crucial to identify and disseminate best practices. In this study, we focused on positive deviance narratives from Columbus, Ohio, a community deeply affected by the opioid crisis.

Methods

Employing an appreciative inquiry framework, we conducted purposive sampling to interview 47 frontline professionals and individuals grappling with opioid use disorder (OUD).

Results

Our research revealed several key insights, highlighting successful themes through positive narratives. First, perceiving OUD as a chronic disease emerged as a critical perspective, acknowledging the long-term nature of the condition and the need for sustained care. Second, re-humanising and de-stigmatising opioid users played a vital role in facilitating their recovery and reintegration into society. Embracing inclusive care delivery was another important aspect, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds receive equitable access to effective treatment. Moreover, re-energising professionals to combat burnout proved essential, emphasising the importance of supporting and motivating healthcare providers in their efforts. Finally, fostering cross-institutional relationship building and collaboration emerged as a significant factor, as it encouraged a coordinated approach to addressing the crisis. Designing adaptive organisational structures also played a crucial role, enabling healthcare institutions to respond effectively to evolving challenges.

Conclusions

Using a positive deviance approach to a challenging public health crisis like OUD can help us discover new and innovative care management approaches for community wide interventions.
Survival analysis from the INCREASE study in PH-ILD: evaluating the impact of treatment crossover on overall mortality
Authors: Nathan Steven D , Johri Shilpa , Joly Joanna M , King Christopher S , Raina Amresh , McEvoy Colleen A , Lee Dasom , Shen Eric , Smith Peter , Deng Chunqin , Waxman Aaron B
Published: November 2023

Objective

A post-hoc analysis of the INCREASE trial and its open-label extension (OLE) was performed to evaluate whether inhaled treprostinil has a long-term survival benefit in patients with pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD).

Methods

Two different models of survival were employed; the inverse probability of censoring weighting (IPCW) and the rank-preserving structural failure time (RPSFT) models both allow construction of a pseudo-placebo group, thereby allowing for long-term survival evaluation of patients with PH-ILD receiving inhaled treprostinil. Time-varying stabilised weights were calculated by fitting Cox proportional hazards models based on the baseline and time-varying prognostic factors to generate weighted Cox regression models with associated adjusted HRs.

Results

In the INCREASE trial, there were 10 and 12 deaths in the inhaled treprostinil and placebo arms, respectively, during the 16-week randomised trial. During the OLE, all patients received inhaled treprostinil and there were 29 and 33 deaths in the prior inhaled treprostinil arm and prior placebo arm, respectively. With a conventional analysis, the HR for death was 0.71 (95% CI 0.46 to 1.10; p=0.1227). Both models demonstrated significant reductions in death associated with inhaled treprostinil treatment with HRs of 0.62 (95% CI 0.39 to 0.99; p=0.0483) and 0.26 (95% CI 0.07 to 0.98; p=0.0473) for the IPCW and RPSFT methods, respectively.

Conclusion

Two independent modelling techniques that have been employed in the oncology literature both suggest a long-term survival benefit associated with inhaled treprostinil treatment in patients with PH-ILD.
Role of circadian clock system in the mitochondrial trans-sulfuration pathway and tissue remodeling
Authors: Tyagi Suresh C. , Pushpakumar Sathnur , Sen Utpal , Akinterinwa Oluwaseun E. , Zheng Yuting , Mokshagundam Sri Prakash L. , Kalra Dinesh K. , Singh Mahavir
Published: November 2023

Previous studies from our laboratory revealed that the gaseous molecule hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a metabolic product of epigenetics, involves trans-sulfuration pathway for ensuring metabolism and clearance of homocysteine (Hcy) from body, thereby mitigating the skeletal muscle’s pathological remodeling. Although the master circadian clock regulator that is known as brain and muscle aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator like protein 1 (i.e., BMAL 1) is associated with S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) and Hcy metabolism but how trans-sulfuration pathway is influenced by the circadian clock remains unexplored. We hypothesize that alterations in the functioning of circadian clock during sleep and wake cycle affect skeletal muscle’s biology. To test this hypothesis, we measured serum matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activities using gelatin gels for analyzing the MMP-2 and MMP-9. Further, employing casein gels, we also studied MMP-13 that is known to be influenced by the growth arrest and DNA damage-45 (GADD45) protein during sleep and wake cycle. The wild type and cystathionine β synthase-deficient (CBS−/+) mice strains were treated with H2S and subjected to measurement of trans-sulfuration factors from skeletal muscle tissues. The results suggested highly robust activation of MMPs in the wake mice versus sleep mice, which appears somewhat akin to the “1-carbon metabolic dysregulation”, which takes place during remodeling of extracellular matrix during muscular dystrophy. Interestingly, the levels of trans-sulfuration factors such as CBS, cystathionine γ lyase (CSE), methyl tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT), and Hcy-protein bound paraoxonase 1 (PON1) were attenuated in CBS−/+ mice. However, treatment with H2S mitigated the attenuation of the trans-sulfuration pathway. In addition, levels of mitochondrial peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1-α (PGC 1-α) and mitofusin-2 (MFN-2) were significantly improved by H2S intervention. Our findings suggest participation of the circadian clock in trans-sulfuration pathway that affects skeletal muscle remodeling and mitochondrial regeneration.
A review of the assessment techniques used for population monitoring at different life stages of sturgeons
Authors: Haxton Tim , Gessner Jörn , Friedrich Thomas
Published: November 2023

Sturgeons are a unique group of species that were historically widespread across the northern hemisphere. According to the latest IUCN Red list assessment, more than 80% of the species globally are threatened with extinction, making it essential to identify the life stages at which they are suffering from impacts the most, while at the same time to compare among river systems and populations based on standardized assessment techniques. All sturgeon have similar but not identical, life-history strategies. Therefore, monitoring techniques developed for one sturgeon species would be applicable to most other species. Monitoring can be conducted at each life stage. However, while each life stage will provide different information about the population, not all will necessarily help to assess population trend or status. Life stages that are highly variable prove to be less quantifiable even after expending very high effort. Collectively, these assessments could be very informative on population status, limitations, and trends. However, monitoring at each stage is time-consuming and expensive. Clearly defined objectives are therefore required when embarking on an assessment program. The objective of this study was to review the assessment techniques used for the different life stages including eggs, drifting larvae, age-0, juveniles, subadults, and adults to provide a common basis for population assessments that can be standardized to some extent and thus facilitate comparisons between the results obtained. For this purpose, this review presented the most common assessment techniques for each life stage, assessed the pros and cons of assessing each life stage, and examined if the methodology was qualitative or quantitative to assist in establishing long-term monitoring initiatives.
Review of climate change and drinking water supply systems: employee perspectives and potential tools for adaptation
Authors: Compaoré S. M. Cynthia , Delpla Ianis , Behmel Sonja , Rodriguez Manuel
Published: November 2023

Climate change (CC) causes extreme meteorological events such as floods, droughts, water scarcity, heat waves, wildfires, and extreme cold. CC may also damage public infrastructures such as drinking water systems (DWSs) and reduce water quality from source to tap. The objective of this review paper is to provide a critical analysis of (1) the impact of CC on the three components of the DWSs: source, treatment, and distribution; (2) the perspectives of DWS employees on CC impacts and adaptation solutions for maintaining water quality; and (3) decision support systems (DSSs) that could be used by DWS employees for CC adaptation. A bibliographic research was conducted using international databases and search engines. The search for scientific articles resulted in the selection of 5234 articles, 78 of which were analyzed in more detail for the elaboration of this scoping review. This review shows that the impacts of CC on water quality are significant, but DWS employees are not enthusiastic about developing adaption measures. This review also shows that DSSs can help DWS employees facilitate the CC adaptation process for the protection of source water, improve water treatment plant operations, and enhance routine management of water quality in the distribution system. Further research is needed to identify strategies that might increase the awareness of and interest in climate change impacts, adaptation, and the use of DSSs among DWS employees.
On some new black hole, wormhole and naked singularity solutions in the free Dirac–Born–Infeld theory
Authors: Gregoris Daniele
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we present some new static and spherically symmetric solutions of the Einstein equation in which the matter sector is accounted for by a free Dirac–Born–Infeld field. Our novel spacetimes can describe either a black hole, a wormhole, or a naked singularity depending on certain boundary conditions. By tracking the dynamical gravitational collapse, we enlighten the importance of the isotropy of the pressure for having an horizon as a result, as required by the Cosmic Censorship Conjecture. Our new spacetime solutions, the amount of exotic matter, its “complexity”, and the equation of state along the tangential direction are analytical and written in closed forms. We identify a taming of the breaking of the null energy condition, customary for wormhole spacetimes in General Relativity, along both the radial and tangential direction. We assess the astrophysical applicability and perform a comparative analysis between our solutions and other literature ones, by identifying an ISO-like density profile of the matter field, which provides a flattening of the rotation curves, by discussing the motion of test particles, and the shadow properties. In our model, those effects are interpreted as a manifestation of a topological defect, and since they can observationally mimic the signatures of other spacetimes, a study of the perturbations is performed within the quasi-normal modes formalism. Having identified the Reissner–Nordström-like quasi-resonance, our paper is intended also to provide some insights on which combinations of background and perturbation properties should be observed, for claiming the nature of astrophysical compact objects.
Investigating shadow images and rings of the charged Horndeski black hole illuminated by various thin accretions
Authors: Gao Xiao-Jun , Sui Tao-Tao , Zeng Xiao-Xiong , An Yu-Sen , Hu Ya-Peng
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we investigate the shadows and rings of the charged Horndeski black hole illuminated by accretion flow that is both geometrically and optically thin. We consider two types of accretion models: spherical and thin-disk accretion flow. We find that in both types of models, the size of the charged Horndeski black hole shadow decreases with the increase of the charge, and it decreases more slowly for the Reissner–Nordström (RN) black hole. In the spherical accretion flow model, we find that the increase of the charge of Horndeski black hole brightens the light ring around it, and it brightens more significantly in comparison with RN black hole. Due to the Doppler effect, the charged Horndeski black holes with accretion flow of radial motion have darker shadows than those with the static accretion flow, but the size of the shadow is not affected by accretion flow motion. In the thin disk-shaped accretion flow model, we find that the brightness of the light ring around the charged Horndeski black hole is dominated by the direct emission from the accretion flow, and the contribution from lensed rings is relatively small, and that from the photon rings is negligible. We also find that the ring brightness decreases as the charge of Horndeski black hole increases, and the decrease is more significant than that in the RN black hole case. Moreover, the radiation position of the accretion flow can affect the shadow size and the ring brightness of the charged Horndeski black hole.
Directed propaganda in the majority-rule model
Authors: Forgerini Fabricio L. , Crokidakis Nuno , Carvalho Márcio A. V.
Published: November 2023

Advertisement and propaganda have changed continuously in the past decades, mainly due to the people’s interactions at online platforms and social networks, and operate nowadays reaching a highly specific online audience instead targeting the masses. The impacts of this new media effect, oriented directly for a specific audience, are investigated on this study, in which we focus on the opinion evolution of agents in the majority-rule model, considering the presence of directed propaganda. We introduce p as the probability of a “positive” external propaganda and q as the probability to the agents follow the external propaganda. Our results show that the usual majority-rule model stationary state is reached, with a full consensus, only for two cases, namely when the external propaganda is absent or when the media favors only one of the two opinions. However, even for a small influence of external propaganda, the final state is reached with a majority opinion dominating the population. For the case in which the propaganda influence is strong enough among the agents, we show that the consensus cannot be reached at all, and we observe the polarization of opinions. In addition, we show through analytical and numerical results that the system undergoes an order–disorder phase transition that occurs at [Formula: see text] for the case [Formula: see text].
Falsifiable analog model predictions of W mass in CDF II and ATLAS
Authors: Pfeifer R. N. C.
Published: November 2023

The CDF II measurement of [Formula: see text] boson mass is at significant ([Formula: see text]) tension with the Standard Model, and moderate ([Formula: see text]) tension with recent results from ATLAS. Any attempt to interpret this as a signature of new physics requires high-precision, robust, falsifiable predictions. The Classical Analogue to the Standard Model In pseudo-Riemannian space–time (CASMIR) is an analogue model predicting [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] boson masses of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. During baryon collisions satisfying [Formula: see text], CASMIR predicts a color-mediated enhancement of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] boson masses, becoming [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. The unenhanced masses are consistent with ATLAS data collected at [Formula: see text], and the enhanced masses are consistent with CDF II data collected at [Formula: see text]. According to CASMIR, operation of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at center-of-mass energies small compared with [Formula: see text] but large enough for [Formula: see text] boson formation should permit ATLAS to replicate the result from CDF II.
Scalar–tensor representation to f(R,T)-brane with Gauss–Bonnet gravity
Authors: Lobão A. S. , Rosa João Luís , Bazeia D.
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we generalize the analysis of the [Formula: see text]-brane via the inclusion of a term proportional to the Gauss–Bonnet invariant. We consider an action of the form [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the trace of the stress–energy tensor, [Formula: see text] is the Ricci scalar, and [Formula: see text] is a real parameter that controls the contribution of the Gauss–Bonnet invariant [Formula: see text]. We introduce the first-order formalism to obtain solutions for the source field of the brane in the special case where [Formula: see text] and illustrate its procedure with an application to the sine-Gordon model. We also investigate the general case of the [Formula: see text]-brane via the use of the scalar–tensor formalism, where we also use the first-order formalism to obtain solutions. Finally, we investigate the linear stability of the brane under tensor perturbations of the the modified Einstein’s field equations. Our results indicate that the Gauss–Bonnet term may induce qualitatively different behaviors of the quantities on the brane, provided that its contribution is large enough.
A Defects Classification Algorithm for the Hybrid OBT–IDDQ Fault Diagnosis Technique in Analog CMOS Integrated Circuits
Authors: Mirkovic Dejan D. , Mirkovic Milena J. Stanojlovic , Milic Miljana L. J. , Petrovic Vladimir Z.
Published: November 2023

In this paper, a robust fault detection methodology for complex analog CMOS integrated filters is presented. It is based on combining the two types of testing methodologies, Oscillation-Based Testing (OBT) and IDDQ testing, i.e., measuring of the power-supply current ([Formula: see text]). The proposed methodology is applied to the Bi-quad Sallen–Key band-pass (BP) filter cell with relatively complex, two-stage, class-AB-output, operational amplifier (opamp) topology. The filter is custom designed targeting the 180-nm CMOS technology. Hundreds of time-domain simulations and analyses of the circuit output signal are performed in order to obtain the fault dictionary. The presented results show that the proposed hybrid OBT–IDDQ methodology is significantly more efficient in the defects coverage than any of the particular test methodologies alone. Subsequently, the specific algorithm for the defects classification is proposed. Based on the classification, certain degree of diagnosis of the individual defect, or a group of defects, can be achieved.
Optimal Proof-Testing Strategies for Safety-Related Systems Based on Continuous Time Markov Chain
Authors: Inoue Shinji , Fujiwara Takaji , Yamada Shigeru
Published: November 2023

Maintenance activities for safety-related systems are generally required to ensure that the systems are working as intended. Regarding the maintenance activities, proof-testing is known as scheduled inspections and maintenance activities for detecting dangerous undetected faults which cannot be detected by diagnostic testing systems installed in the safety-related systems. However, the proof-testing needs a lot of cost and provokes decreasing of the availability for the whole system because the whole system is needed to shut down for proofing that the whole system is working as intended. We discuss analytical methodologies for obtaining optimal proof-testing interval with harmful risk and proof-testing cost by describing the behavior of the safety-related system based on a continuous-time Markov chain. Further, an analytical optimal policy for obtaining economic proof-testing interval is proposed in this paper.
Investigation into Vibration Excitation and Mode Selection of Thin Rectangular Plates with Multiple Bolts and Stand-Off Supports
Authors: Ji Ming , Tai Kuo-Hsuan , Wu Yi-Chuang
Published: November 2023

The flexural vibrations of a thin rectangular plate with multiple rigid-point supports were examined theoretically, numerically, and experimentally. The analytical resonant frequencies and mode shapes obtained via the superposition method were compared with the finite element method (FEM) solutions. Experimental measurements were obtained using an amplitude-fluctuation electronic speckle pattern interferometer (AF-ESPI). The investigations considered two boundary conditions: (1) a completely free rectangular plate with one bolt and stand-off support at the center and (2) a rectangular plate with five bolts and stand-off supports along the short edge. In both cases, the plate was actuated using four macro-fiber composites (MFCs). The vibration characteristics of the plate varied significantly with the number and position of the rigid-point supports and the configuration of the MFC driving voltage. An analytical solution is proposed for frequency selection and mode control through the strategic placement of the rigid-point supports. The proposed solution provides a simple and efficient approach for controlling the vibration mode of the plate in various applications, such as vibration suppression, energy harvesting, and structural health monitoring.
Involutory permutation automorphisms of binary linear codes
Authors: Altunbulak Aksu Fatma , Hafezieh Roghayeh , Tuvay İpek
Published: November 2023

We investigate the properties of binary linear codes of even length whose permutation automorphism group is a cyclic group generated by an involution. Up to dimension or co-dimension [Formula: see text], we show that there is no quasi-group code whose permutation automorphism group is isomorphic to [Formula: see text]. By generalizing the method we use to prove this result, we obtain results on the structure of putative extremal self-dual [16, 36, 72] and [20, 48, 96] codes in the presence of an involutory permutation automorphism.
A note on Hall normally embedded subgroups of finite groups
Authors: He Xuanli , Sun Qinhui , Guo Qinghong
Published: November 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite group. A subgroup [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is called Hall normally embedded in [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] is a Hall subgroup of the normal closure [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we fix a subgroup [Formula: see text] of Sylow subgroup [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and study the structure of [Formula: see text] under the assumption that all subgroups [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] are Hall normally embedded in [Formula: see text].
Conservative algebras of 2-dimensional algebras, IV
Authors: Fernández Ouaridi Amir , Kaygorodov Ivan , Martín González Cándido
Published: November 2023

The notion of conservative algebras appeared in a paper by Kantor in 1972. Later, he defined the conservative algebra [Formula: see text] of all algebras (i.e. bilinear maps) on the [Formula: see text]-dimensional vector space. If [Formula: see text], then the algebra [Formula: see text] does not belong to any well-known class of algebras (such as associative, Lie, Jordan, or Leibniz algebras). It looks like [Formula: see text] in the theory of conservative algebras plays a similar role to the role of [Formula: see text] in the theory of Lie algebras. Namely, an arbitrary conservative algebra can be obtained from a universal algebra [Formula: see text] for some [Formula: see text] The present paper is part of a series of papers, which is dedicated to the study of the algebra [Formula: see text] and its principal subalgebras.
Some characterizations of relative sequentially Cohen–Macaulay and relative Cohen–Macaulay modules
Authors: Rahro Zargar Majid
Published: November 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be an [Formula: see text]-module over a Noetherian ring [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] an ideal of [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]. First, over an [Formula: see text]-relative Cohen–Macaulay local ring [Formula: see text], we provide a characterization of the [Formula: see text]-relative sequentially Cohen–Macaulay modules [Formula: see text] in terms of [Formula: see text]-relative Cohen–Macaulayness of the [Formula: see text]-modules [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text]. Next, we prove that [Formula: see text] is finite [Formula: see text]-relative Cohen–Macaulay if and only if [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Finally, we provide another characterization of [Formula: see text]-relative sequentially Cohen–Macaulay modules [Formula: see text] in terms of vanishing of the local homology modules [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text] and for all [Formula: see text].
CONTINUOUSLY CONTROLLABLE ARTIFICIAL DETRUSOR SYSTEM AND ITS CONTROL STRATEGY
Authors: LI YAPENG , LI XIAO
Published: November 2023

In this paper, a new artificial detrusor system is proposed to achieve continuous control over the urination process and realize the normal voiding process of human (NVPH). The system is powered by a wireless power transfer (WPT) module, controlled by a control module and actuated by a shape memory alloy (SMA) spring. The design method of the SMA springs is proposed. Two control strategies are proposed to achieve NVPH. The first strategy is an open-loop control strategy based on the result of finite element analysis (FEM) simulation results and calculation of the derived system governing equations. The second strategy is a closed-loop control strategy based on the collection of feedback data and algorithmic processing. Both strategies are verified by experiments. The results show that the proposed system is feasible and both strategies can achieve NVPH. It can provide reference and guidance for the design of artificial detrusor system and formulation of control strategies.